I have lost my mind!!!

[lizdotcom99]

So, this weekend I was at my SO's bosses house. She very nicely told me I looked like I had gained a little weight... but yeah, she was right. She made me a deal....If I can finish the Chicago Marathon, she will give me $1000. I do not have to finish it in any certian time. I can finish it at my pace...which if I am lucky will be a 20 minute mile.

2 years ago I attempeted to finish a half and didn't quite make it. I got to nine and died...even though I did make it farther in my training walks.

IF I do this, I will definately walk it...and at a slow pace with hopes of finishing. I think it is time to pull out "The Courage to Start" book again....

Please somebody confirm that I HAVE lost my mind

 

[WDWFAN9]

Liz,

Wow! That would be a huge step (no pun intended). You would have a little less than a year to prepare, so there is time, but still..... How 'bout seeing if she would agree to $500 for the half?? That would be a lot more realistic goal, 26.2 miles is huge....not to be discouraging to you, but to attempt a full ---wow, plus the weather in Chicago in the fall can be pretty ugly.

 

[wtpclc]

Have you been walking lately? If not, I'd see if you could do teh $500 for the half like Pat said adn maybe $500 for the full the next year.

If you have been walking and you start now, then you have not lost your mind. You've just been taking over by aliens!

Either way, it's great to see you back again!!!

 

[princessmomma]

Hi Liz,
Good to hear from you again! I just did Chicago marathon last month and the crowd support is UNBELIEVEABLE!! There are people lined the entire 26 miles and in some areas 4 or 5 people deep.

It is a great marathon, lots to see and it is completely flat.

Good luck with your decision.

Colleen

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

...If I can finish the Chicago Marathon, she will give me $1,000. I do not have to finish it in any certain time. I can finish it at my pace...which if I am lucky will be a 20 minute mile.

…I think it is time to pull out "The Courage to Start" book again.

I think you need to reflect a bit. I think this is a lifestyle change that she is trying to offer motivation for you.

I love her!—for caring enough about you to offer you an incentive that would make you think about being a healthier you.

Given the conditions offered I know you can do this. If you are ready, you will put in the training to get you there no matter what life throws at you—that is the commitment. However, only you can make this commitment. It is a huge commitment. It is a lonely one, but any change in what we are all comfortable with often feels difficult and lonely when we make it happen.

I know you are always there to help everyone. I’m glad you are beginning to think it is time for you to help you.

You won’t be totally alone. Know we are all here to help you along your journey yet it is your journey. We are here for you.

I believe in you, do you?

 

[solotraveler]

Wow, Lily--- What an incredible post!!!

Liz-- If you want it, I totally think you can accomplish this. That said, YOU have to want it. Training for a marathon has to include some kind of internal motivation for doing it. $ 1000 or no, training is a long-term commitment that, I'll be honest, is NOT easy sometimes. You've experienced all this before, so I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir.

I think it could be a wonderful thing-- finishing the journey you started two years ago.

Kevin

 

[keenercam]

Liz -- I am right there with Lily. I have a lot faith in you. I think you are a very strong person. I really appreciate that J. took off the pace pressure -- the miles are huge and I know that you respect them. Only you know if you are ready to make the commitment to train as a Full marathon would require. We are all right here to support you, though, and I know I am so happy to know that your friend cares enough about you to want to motivate you this way.

The next 11 months will pass regardless of whether you are training or not. You have to decide whether you want to be a healthier you by the end of those 11 months. If you make the commitment to train, everything you do will bring you closer to your goal.

Good luck, sweetie! Sending you : and a

 

[Big Vic]

Go for it!

 

[lizdotcom99]

Thank you all for the kind words of encouragement. I am really working toward getting my head in the right place for this. I realize the commitment that needs to be made...and I am leaning toward trying. What do I have to loose...well quite a few pounds, but that has been the case for a good part of my life

I will check back tomorrow after my walk. I am thinking about just getting up in the morning and going for a stroll....a good 40 minute walk to start things up....and I am gonna have to find that darn garmin and my John Bingham books....methinks I need to reread

Thanks again! I will keep you posted

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Good Luck Liz: If you decide to to this, I'll be right there to support you. I went from the couch in January with very little exercise to deciding to run the full at WDW the following January. It's been a long and difficult journey including 2 months of aqua jogging in the pool when I had severe shin splints, but I'm almost there now. As others have said, make sure you are doing this for you. How did your walk go?

 

[monte]

Oh Liz I was soooooooooo happy to see your name....it's been along time my friend. I think it would be good for you to do this, not just for the cash, but for yourself. Grab a friend to participate with you and train together, it makes the training go by easier and alot more fun. I know you can do it Liz if you remain focused on your goal.....a lifestyle change is hard, trust me I have to talk myself into working out all the time. lol.

Good luck with whatever you decide and please continue to check-in w/us....it so nice to see you again!

 

[keenercam]

Good afternoon, sweetie! How was your walk? It is a gorgeous day here and I'd give anything to be outside. I hope the weather there is pretty, too.

 

[lizdotcom99]

The walk was nice...just got back. It was chilly here this morning and I baked 6 differant kinds of cookies. Then I got a call about some turkey that needed to get sprung from the turkey store, so I had to go and get that. Whew! What a moning. Then silly me deicdes to come here and see if there were any replies...well duh! Of course there were... I had to reread my little post and the walk I was going to get in today...and well at that point I HAD to get up and do it.

I found my iPod...with little juice so I charged it as I got a hoodie to wear over my sweatshirt and found my shoes. Yes, I had to "find" them. Bundled up, grabbed the iPod and off I went. The walk through my little neighborhood was nice. I have not yet walked through our new neighborhhod. Then IT stared at me, and me at it...I will call it BAH.....BIG *** HILL. I do not like BAH, and BAH does not like me. I got up and over BAH, winded, but I did it and thought, crap, I am going to have to BAH EVERY single time I go for a walk. Well, I guess I better learn to like BAH. And coming home, BAH isn't so bad. So off into the new bigger neighborhood I went. It was kind of funny. I remember when I was training before, the routes I would take, the sights I would see and got a little reminicient of my old walks. Funny, I remember thinking how I wished the scenery would change....and now it has...and I am thinking how I kind of want the old routes back And there was no BAH in the old days either

I think I eneded up right at about 2 miles as I was gone about 50 minutes...spent a few minutes meeting new neighbors and their doggies. THe ladies seemed very nice, but I really wish they would keep thier dogs in their yards. I would really hate to see one of them get hit.

Anyway, that was my first walk in the new neighborhood. I am hoping the first of many more to come....

Thanks to all of you for your support. I am still undecided as how this is all going to pan out, but I figure these steps aren't going to kill me either.....

Monte, nice to see you! How are things? Thanks for your vote of confindence. I think Greg is going to train at some point for this too. His boss put this deal out for the whole office...and just included me out of the kindness of her heart. This past October, 4 ladies in the office completed the marathon and are now $1000 heavier in the pocket. So Greg NEEDS to get one under his belt as he was one of two that did not participate and is getting a little bit of flack over it So he says he is going for it next year!

Dave thanks for your support. I remember when you were doing the pool stuff for your shin splints. I also read about you telling your wife about the marathon I can't wait to read your trip report when you get back! Oh, and I can't wait to wear my socks

Cam, you are so right about the next 11 months.....I may as well do something productive, huh? Thanks for your encouragement.

Kevin....sometimes the choir needs to hear the sermon Thanks for your vote of confidence.

Lily, WOW! You made me cry!!!!! Thanks for ALWAYS being there for me and knowing what to say whether I want to hear it or not. You are a true friend through and through....and I am SO thankful for you and your support.

Colleen, I am so glad to hear no BAH in the CHicago marathon. I have done the Chicago Distnace Classic and it is such a pretty course...and yes, flat Glad you were able to enjoy the marathon. If ever in this part of town again, let me know. Always nice to meet a new DISer....

Carrie, thanks for letting me know it is just aliens!! I would have never guessed that was the problem One of these days we are going to have to meet up somewhere....hope you are doing well with your training. It has been pretty nice weatherwise here so far!!

Pat, Hey you!!! I wish there was a way to do $500 for the half...but I was told right out...no partial credit for anything. It is all or nothing. I think that is how it needs to be as well. This really does make it a challenge.....a REAL challenge mind you....

Well, I have a huge mess in the kitchen that needs my attention. Lots to do in the next few days.....again, thanks to all of you for your support. Should I decide to do this, I will count on each and every one of you to help me along.

 

[cstraub]

I'm not good at math but I think that boils down to $38 a mile! Sounds good to me!! Go for it!!

 

[WDWFAN9]

Hey Liz!

Great job on getting out and putting in some steps. What a great boss to extend this offer to her employees! Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[keenercam]

Liz --
How is the walking going, sweetie?
Have you brought a furbaby into your home yet? If so, I am sure he or she would love to be your new training companion. :