Tuesday, May 20, 2008

marathon mommies

While running on the treadmill yesterday afternoon, I had a magnificent brainchild (This was moments before I started seeing spots in my vision, indicating I was getting another magnificent migraine. Counting today, because I've been having vision problems all morning, I've had symptoms resembling a migraine 4 times in 8 days. As you can imagine, I'm a little nervous as to why I'm having a string of migraines, or whatever it is, as I'm normally a really healthy person. I'm seeing a chiropractor this afternoon and my eye doctor tomorrow, so I'm hoping to get some answers or a solution to this annoying problem. Back to my brainchild).

I really enjoy running. Running is one of my favorite things to do. It's great exercise, a wonderful stress reliever and a prime opportunity to reflect on life and pray about things. I'm not a natural runner and didn't grow up competing in track or cross country. In fact, I despised running as a child and high schooler, and come track and field day, I'd make any excuse to get out of running in the relay races. I found I had an interest in running while in college and used it primarily as an outlet for an emotionally difficult time in my life. It sort of just stuck with me after that and I've been doing it ever since.

Like I said, I'm not a natural runner and still have to force myself to do it, knowing it's great for my mental and physical well-being. With such a busy plate, I try (try is the keyword) to at least run 3-4 times a week, usually 4 miles each run. I know it's not much, but it's all I really have time for and I still feel I'm working up to it with having a baby 6 months ago.

Since before I was married, I had a goal: To run a marathon. At the time, when I set this goal for myself, I was engaged and planning my wedding, going to school full time and also working a full time job. I was up to running 8-10 miles before I realized, with all the irons in the fire, I didn't have time or energy to meet that goal. Something needed to give, and training for a marathon was the only meaningless thing consuming my time. So I sadly set the goal aside, knowing someday, I'd still like to achieve it.

Over the course of the last 7 years, I've began training only to be disrupted by major life changes - pregnancy and having babies (good disruptions, don't you think?). Which brings me to today. I've achieved the dream of marrying a wonderful man and having three precious children. I love the life we've created for ourselves, but I find it all too easy to set my personal dreams and goals aside, figuring I'll have time for those sort of things later in life. Though my family will always be my main priority, it was that thought that spurred my brainchild.

What if, with proper priority and time management, I could set a goal, a rather BIG goal for myself, and with support from my husband, actually ACHIEVE this goal? I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this. If there was one thing I've wanted to do, one goal I have yet to achieve, it would be running a marathon! I'm not naive in thinking I could go out tomorrow and run a 26 mile race without killing myself. I know that it takes time, commitment and a whole lot of training to be able to accomplish a milestone like that. I would need to start a whole lot smaller than that...

And THAT, my dear fellow mommies, is where YOU come in! It seems, no matter what you do in life, whether it's trying to lose weight or going out for a cup of coffee, it's always easier and much more fun to do it with other people. I want to meet my goal of running a marathon someday, before my children are off to college, and was wondering if YOU would like to join me in this crazy and fun endeavor?!?!? Like I said, I'd start small, training for 5ks and such, and use those smaller milestones to work towards the bigger one.

I'm still in the initial stages of brainstorming ideas about this, but my first thought is this: I want anyone who is a MOM joining me on this adventure. We, as moms, deserve to take our OWN goals and health into consideration, not only those of our families, and accomplish something we never thought physically, mentally or emotionally possible. It doesn't matter where you're at, physically, or if you've ever ran a day in your life. Because like I keep saying, we'll start small.

If you're interested in joining me on this endeavor, please say so by posting a comment below. Once I've an idea of who's interested, I intend to put together and post training schedules, a weekly accountability post, a race schedule (5ks, 10ks, 1/2 marathons, etc), and figure out a monthly Fun Run schedule, where we can meet somewhere and do a longer run together. This plan is not limited to local mommies. I'm extending this invite to mommies around the nation, and you can tweak the plan as necessary to accommodate your current life and living situation. We'll all work and train together, encouraging and holding each other accountable along the way, to meet our ultimate goal: Run a full marathon - hopefully together.

We are the Marathon Mommies. Hear us roar.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey
I am actually gonna run a marathon in 2015! Just kidding.. After watching the fargo marathon this last weekend I left feeling very inspired. I run 3-4 miles 3 times a week and am trying to work my way up. I would love to get on the motivation train! Count me in!

brianna gray said...

This is a great goal, Amanda!! I signed up for Grandma's half-marathon this year and didn't get in (its a lottery) and I was so bummed! I hope lots of mommies sign up to do this with you! You seem like you'd be a great "coach" and organizer. Oh, and 4 miles is a lot! You are doing great!

sarah said...

what a good idea!!
i am TOTALLY in!
we (stacey and i) are in the process of working towards the chicago half that is this fall - with a full marathon a goal for maybe next year.
so i would LOVE to join you!

Kristi said...

You can count me in...from afar!!! :-)

What a super fun plan, Amanda! Accountability and a sense of togetherness is SO helpful with something like this. Ever since you mentioned something on my blog about the idea of meeting and racing together, I have been very keen on it!! :-)

I did run track in high school, only I was a sprinter. Ironically, I always hated the long distance runs!! However, I too found a "love" of more long distance running during an emotionally trying time in my life as well (right after I graduated from high school). And, now I find it SO helpful as well for my emotional and mental well-being...as well as a great time for time to think and pray!!

I have never trained for ANY race before...running has purely been for fun. I am lucky IF I get out three times a week (because life is so busy)...and usually I run about three miles. However, I have always WANTED to run at least to a 1/2 marathon.

We will be in your "neck of the woods" this summer at some point...so, it WOULD be fun to get together!!! What a fun idea this is!! :-)

I look forward to what you are going to set up...don't be too hard on us, OK?? ha ha ha

And, I am not sure I am in good enough shape to "roar" yet. So, here is a "meow" from me!! :-)

Yvette said...

What a fun idea! I like running distances. I am NOT a fast runner. And I get on my treadmill maybe twice a week--sometimes running & sometimes walking. I'd love to be a part of this just to keep me accountable. Then maybe I'll consider entering a race, but a marathon is a bit intimidating to me right now.

Anonymous said...

Okay, I don't want to join the running club. Can we have an elliptical trainer club? Just kidding, but I did want to say that I think it is AMAZING that you run 4 miles at a time 3-4 times a week with all that is on your plate. In fact, I think it is amazing for ANYONE, even someone with tons of free time, to run that much. So, kudos for doing something for yourself, and kudos for what you are already doing.

Jenny said...

I'm with Yvette.

I did a half marathon with Team in Training 2 years ago (I was 13 weeks preg with Isaac, which incidentally won me the fastest fetus award. Thankyouverymuch.)

But I did it with an injury and I'm nervous it would return (IT band issues).

So here's my non-committal, "It would be good for me and I could maybe get talked into it."

Maybe Yvette and I could bring up the rear.

And I don't run at all right now, so on MY schedule that you make for me, Amanda, you start with .5 miles, ok? :)

OK, this is so way long. But in all seriousness, when you start running longer distances, the West River Road along the Mississippi is 2 blocks from my house, and I'll do a water stop (if I'm not with y'all )

Stop. Typing.

Anonymous said...

http://www.craterlakerimruns.com/index.htm I have always wanted to run in this marathon.. i heard that it is breathtaking! Check the website out. I will run it, if not this year for sure next.

WoRds/WoNDer said...

Hi Amanda...it's Conni (Amy's friend). I read about your migraines. Have you considered seeing a headache specialist? I found out red wine triggered my migraines. Cheese & chocolate are a few others...I would definitely see a doc though (that's my expert nursing opinion ;)

Anonymous said...

I'll do a 5K with you, but I don't know about a marathon. MAYBE a half.....

elizabeth said...

hi. i stopped over from sarah's blog. love your idea!

you can count me in from a few states over :)

but i must admit that i'm very jealous of all the mn mommies because in my opinion the twin cities have awesome running paths. lake nokomis, harriet, calhoun & isles, the river trail...i miss you !!

btw, www.runningdivas.com has a really cute "marathon mom" shirt :)

Anonymous said...

What about if you're not a "mommy"??? Maybe I could be a fake "mommy" cause I am one to my cat:) I could try to become a real mommy fast but you'd probably prefer me getting married first??? I would definitely be up for running but don't fit the mommy criteria:( heather ann

Lisa said...

What a great idea. Unfortunately I am not a runner (not yet anyway). I have been walking fast and uphill for a few weeks now :-) I think the accountability thing helps so much. I hope I can somehow be a part or at least watch. I'm trying to get back to pre-baby physical condition and it is hard to find time just to go to the gym.
I hope your head is feeling okay.

MerrandaVK said...

This sounds right up my alley! I had goals of a half marathon before children.... I have done a few 5k and 10ks after college and before having children. I would love to get back into jogging/running again! I'd love to be a part - from afar too. My baby is almost 6 months old and I am ready to get back into shape :) Keep me posted if you put something together. Blessings to you and your beautiful family!
merrandanevan@yahoo.com or www.vanklan.blogspot.com