I've also recently committed to running in the Austin Marathon, February 18, 2007.
Gad. Never done anything like that before. Thanks to Marathon Rookie, I've gotten a jumpstart on training info. I've been a casual runner for a long time (2-3 miles every few days…just so I can keep my Chuy's and Starbucks habits), but never anything as serious or committed as a formal, organized run. I began my training a couple of weeks ago, and am up to running 3 days per week, 5-6 miles at a time without stopping. As cliche as it sounds, I've realized a few spiritual parallels that Scripture has tried to tell me for years.
1. I've gotta throw off extra weight (that so easily entangles me). It's gonna be much easier to run the race if I lose a few pounds.
2. Nutrition is key. I can't make it on (spiritual) Twinkies. I need real food. In the beginning of my early runs, my body would remind me of last nights' SuperSonic jalapeno cheeseburger and vanilla Dr. Pepper. Bad idea.
3. Run every day.
4. Rest is paramount to success.
5. Pacing yourself is a product of wisdom.
6. Start slow. I'll be running my first 5k (no big deal…a little over 3 miles) next month. The SBTC Pastors Conference is sponsoring an AIDS run, Race Against Time, here in Austin. Early Saturday morning, November 11, I'll strap on my kicks and get my first taste of something organized. Baby steps are good.
7. My goal is to FINISH the race. I'm not concerned about being first. I'm not even preoccupied about being last. I just want to cross the finish line while I'm still conscious.
Anyone wanna join me? 