no worse for wear

went for a little run yesterday on a abandoned railroad trail. Probably covered about 2 miles, half of which I walked, but I surprisingly felt pretty good. After finishing the half-marathon a week ago, I've felt a renewed desire to get out and run, and yesterday was much more enjoyable than previous runs that have felt more like an obligation that underscored my out-of-shape state. I hope I can ride these post-race endorphins long enough to get back in the habit of enjoyable, regular running.

fully finished half

Yay for me! I completed the half-marathon in Salt Lake City yesterday. While I realize my finish time was rather slow by most runners' standards, I'm so happy I crossed the finish line. The muscles are a bit sore today as to be expected, but not as sore as I thought they would be given my complete lack of preparation. The course had a lot of gradual downhill which was very helpful to this overweight, out of shape individual. I ran the first 5 miles of the course non-stop in just under an hour. That alone is a big accomplishment for me since I haven't run even three miles consecutively (as in without any walking mixed in) in like 9 months or longer. And a 12 minute mile pace for those first 5 (I slowed quite a bit later on) is encouraging because 12 minutes was my standard, long run pace when I was 20 pounds lighter. Since I'm wanting to return next year and do the full marathon, I think now (after a little recovery time) is good time to start some actual training.

the good, the bad, and the...

the bad news is that I am in absolutely no condition to run a marathon. I know I could cover the distance walking, but that would take me half a day. Good news is that the marathon people say I can change my registration to the half-marathon. I'm not in shape to run a half-marathon either, but I did complete a 15k trail run 3 weeks ago on a much more difficult course. So while I know I'll be one of the last participants to finish (which is usually the case anyway) and there will be quite a few runners who finish the marathon before I finish the half, at least I know I can finish well before lunch (7am race start) and I'll still be able to walk the next day. And I'm looking forward to the trip.