Training - Week 1 - Off to a bad start

So I was all psyched and ready to start my training for the 1/2 marathon and then evil little cold bugs invaded. This sucks!

I was fine Monday - went to the doctor (Unrelated to the illness I am now experiencing) - came home was was greeted by a wall of illness. This I would not recommend.

So I'm sick and I didn't start my training this week. I hope to be better on Saturday to at least do a 3 mile run, but we shall see.

It also stinks because today is my Birthday - who wants to be sick on their Birthday? Not me!

So I'm sore, achy and tired - but none of it to do with running. Blah.

Chicago 1/2 Marathon

I have decided to run the Chicago Half Marathon. I must be crazy! Actually this has been on of my goals - before I turn 30, run a half marathon.

After I trained for and ran my first 5k (ok a little over - it was a 4 mile run), I caught the bug. I really do enjoy the running. Pushing my body, seeing it change and challenging myself is all part of reaching the goal. I am not concerned with how fast I finish - I just want to complete it.

Tomorrow I start my training, I'm ready. I will use this blog to detail my journey from 0 -13.1 miles.

A lot of people ask me why? Why are you doing this? The honest answer is - I feel better. Running helps me clear my head, gets rid of frustrations, and I just feel fantastic when I'm done. I sleep better at night, look better and the skinny jeans actually fit.

There is also the emotional aspect tied to this. In middle school and high school I was one of the fat kids. I ballooned and had a hard time getting rid of the weight. I will never be a size 0 and after working hard, learing proper nutrition and gaining control I am finally happy with my body. Believe it or not, I've finally embraced the curves - I have hips and I look like a woman - but guess what - I am one! This is about being a healthy woman.

So I'll use this blog to journey the early morning runs, late evenings in the gym - carb cravings and sore body. I'll record what it's like to try to train, work full time, commute and maintain some sort of social life.

I'm not a professional running, I'm the last person to tell someone how to train - but I'm real and this is where I will lay it out. It hurts, it's not easy - but in the end - I'm hoping it's worth it. Hopefully 12 weeks from now, I will be able to post my successful completion of the Chicago Half Marathon.

I DID IT! This is me and some of my wonderful support team - Rafe and Maria!