I got to run along the beach in Galveston, TX in April. That was fun! (Can you imagine what a great photo that would have been with a real camera and not a cell phone?!?)The Colfax (half) Marathon was a revelation for me. It was truly a life changing experience. I loved the entire thing. I just enjoyed it. I ran, but not fast. I realized it wasn't about anyone else.
For me, it was only about me. I tried to be an asset to the course, I tried to smile as much as I could (and look like an idiot in most of the pictures of me), I thanked the policemen, etc. It was great.In August, I did my 4th triathlon. I was satisfied with my performance. But I was less than happy with the race. It was my third time to do the tri for the cure, but it left me not wanting to do it again. First, as I got done, I stumbled around looking for food and got told that the food I was about to grab was for "survivors only." I could only find plain bagels and green bananas for the saps who raised money for the 'survivors.' That was awful. But then when I got home and took my clothes off, I was covered with black spots. The next day I was covered in angry red welts where the black spots had been. I got no response when I called the race organizers to see WTF occurred. I did some research and found that a large percentage of the race participants got this thing - if I recall correctly - called 'swimmer's itch' which is a very nice way of saying that parasitic larvae had burrowed into our skin and were causing inflammation, itching and rashes. YUCK. I have not gone swimming once since then!
In October, I did my second half-marathon - which was another glorious experience. It was 37 degrees and pouring rain the entire time, but the race was fun, the course was good. The Denver Marathon Race Director was Dave McGillivray, and I think he might know something about how to put on a good marathon!
I have been without a big goal since October and I really feel it. I need to get back to training. I am still thinking I want to do a whole marathon in 2008. I haven't decided which one. It is going to have to be a race at sea level, with a long time limit.
So, all in all, 2007 was a great year for my body. I appreciate all the help you bloggers have been. Even today, I was beating myself up for the slow 3 mile run I took this morning - and I read others' blogs and everyone seems to be doing the same thing today. It put it into perspective.
I am not in my 20s. I just turned 56. I just thank God that I am physically capable of even thinking about running a marathon! What a miracle!
Thank you all!
11 comments:
Thats right "Sole Sister".
We may be slower but at least we are out there moving and able to.
A Marathon, yes you should!
Yes, you can do a marathon. You can also do a stream of half-marathons. You can simply run. You can shoot for a good time in a 5K.
There are a lot of goals there to be had. Marathons aren't the only goals.
Soooooooo glad you got out for a 3 miler yesterday. That is a strong step, in an of itself!!!
What a great 2007!
But... A marathon - gulp! Just mentioning that word makes me shake with fear!! But then a half mary gave me the same reaction until I did one in October, I was also pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoyed it!
Whatever you decide Mary I'm sure you'll do it really well! Including the marathon, hell you got two halfs done this year so why not!!?? It's easy for me to suggest it, when I have no intentions myself ;o)
Hope you and your family, especially your homecoming son, had a really peaceful and relaxing Christmas and I wish you all well for 2008! :o)
You've had a great year! Congrats on all your accomplishments -- we all look forward to see what you have in store for 2008!
Wow! I didn't know you got the creeping crud from swimming in your tri. Ouch!! Don't let the experience set ya back. I also believe that a marathon is a splendid goal for 2008. Running/walking/crawling 26.2 miles is a wonderful achievement, no matter what your time is. Good luck with making your decisions.
I think you can do whatever you put your mind to.
You had a great year in 2007.
Here's to a FANTASTIC one in 2008!!
Congratulations on a wonderful year!! I didn't know about the swimmer's itch! Uck!!!!!!!
Looking forward to reading about an awesome 2008!!
Happy New Year!
You have done great this year. If you want to do a marathon, you can.
What a year Mary!!! ;D ;D Here's to 2008!! I look forward to seeing what you've got up your sleeve ;-)
You've helped me so much this year, Mary. Knowing there's someone out there almost exactly my age, with marathon aspirations, makes me think that what I once thought impossible could actually be possible. I look forward to another year of inspiration from you.
"So in all 2007 was a great year for my body" I could not agree more :) You did awesome in 2007, I am glad we have met in blogville in 2007.
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