Ache.

I’d like to introduce Ache. Ache and I have known one another for many years. We’ve gone through phases of very close intimacy while others visits were an overnight stay. But I won’t tell you what Ache’s like. I’ll let Ache explain itself to you.

Ache: Thank you. Well my reentrance into Jessica’s life started when I heard her say she could train and run a half marathon in six weeks. Since she had so much work to do in such a short amount of time, I packed my bags and moved in as quickly as possible. I didn’t want to disappoint. I left the set up I had at Robin Bielman’s because she made it so hard on me. Everytime I tried to expand my living quarters in Robin, she would stretch me out. I kept having to fight her. But not Jessica. She lets me go wherever. Especially deep into her gluteal muscles and her hip flexors. I wouldn’t have such freedom if only she’d stretch more. (But don’t tell her I told you that. I’ve got a pretty sweet set up right now). I plan on staying around for as long as possible. At least until the race is over unless she’s more prepared than I think she will be. And in that case, I think I’ll set up shop at Melissa Gibney’s. I heard she’s about to start an exercise program. Mwahaha!!

Even though it might appear that week one went well, which overall it did, I know there is so much more work to do and it’ll only get harder. And longer. So here’s the break down:

M-5 miles
T-5 miles
W-5 miles
T-4.5 miles
F-6.5 miles
S-7 miles

33 of the toughest miles I’ve ever ran. And yes, the thought has crossed my mind that I’m a little crazy and that I should back down. But in this tough physical challenge, I’ve learned that I can do what I never thought I could. As recently as a few months ago, the idea of running a 10K (6.2 miles) seemed impossible. And completely out of my abilities as a runner who’s only ran 5K’s (3.1 miles). It’a amazing how my perspective has changed. A 10K doesn’t seem all that long now.

During this week of running, I’ve become closely acquainted with local area wildlife. Among the numerous birds and active squirrels, I’ve seen six cottontail rabbits, several ducks (1 mother with 8 babies following in line just like the cartoons–it was soooo cute), a rather large turtle moving across the bike path down to the river, and 3 mice. Yep, the rodents kind of freaked me out but luckily they ran AWAY from me as I them.

So heading into week two, I know I have to build up to 8 miles, which at the moment sounds awfully long. But as with running a new long distance for the first time, I know I’ll be glad I did it.

Yep, I’ve decided to run a half-marathon. Why, you might ask? Probably my number one answer would be at the urging of my partner in crime, Robin Bielman. She’s a writer friend who lives in California and already has a half marathon under her belt. But I’ve been running a lot lately and thought, why not? It’s an idea I’ve toyed with for a while since I really enjoy running 5K’s.

I know what you’re thinking. Why not build up to the half marathon by running a few 10K’s? Even though I consistently run five miles now, six weeks isn’t enough time to prepare. And you’re right…but an opportunity like this doesn’t come along everyday. You see, I’ll already be in San Francisco for RWA’s National Conference (which Robin will be at as well). And Sunday morning is the time when there is a mass exodus from the hotel. But that can’t happen this year because of the San Francisco Marathon. The city will be shut down at least until 10 or 11am. So I figured, since I’ll be there, unable to leave, why not join ‘em?

It doesn’t matter that I might have to start my run around 6am in cold temperatures or that I’ll have to leave the same day on a four hour flight back home. A week or two weeks later, depending upon how long it takes for me to walk again, I’ll be glad I did it. Because it’s one of those life experiences I can’t wait to cross off the list.