Why am I doing this? If I could ever answer that question that would explain how I end up doing a lot of things in my life, like eating a repulsive amount of hot dogs from a traveling cart or spending summers playing "where's waldo" with children's swing sets as I sold books door-to-door.
So I really don't have an answer for why I'm setting a new year's goal of running 13 half marathons in 13 months, besides that a few weeks ago, I got this unexplainable, crazy, extreme, excited urge to do it. I found myself craving adventure beyond my cubicle located on Pfingsten Road and it was decided.
Actually, what was decided was 12 half marathons in 12 months. But after sharing the idea with my lousy ex, he came up with a not-so lousy idea: to start and finish at the exact same race a year later. Hence, 13. And it just so happens that there's 13.1 miles in a half marathon so it keeps up with the "13 theme"...and I enjoy a good theme. (So I hope I've cleared the air for anyone that thought I was into superficial numbers and Friday the 13th's peppered with Lindsey Lohan's earth-shaking performance in Freaky Friday).
This blog will document my races throughout the year. I'll share goals, times, random thoughts that ran through my head, descriptions of the courses and basically whatever the hell else I feel like writing about. I'll update it periodically throughout my training and post after each race (assuming I don't have another Nashville marathon incident circa 2010). I should warn you now I'm long-winded. But if you're reading this, you probably already knew that. And if you didn't, you probably don't know me, so you're creepy. (It's fine, I get creepy at times too.) But I honestly don't care since I'm writing this hoping that someone besides my no. 1 fan Mary E will read my random thoughts. (Hi mom). Not to mention I clearly have a big enough ego to name my blog after the idea that the entire country can't function without me. Sorry Obama.
SO, my adventure will start in February, because my non-existent ass hasn't kicked itself into a high enough gear to be ready for a January race. It will start in San Francisco, mainly because San Fran seems pretty tight. And because I hope they play the Full House theme song during the entire race.
About half of the races will be in "cool" places throughout the country and the other will be within the stomping grounds of cows (the good old midwest). Please note that "cool" is defined by a girl raised in Elmhurst, IL so you may not find the places cool at all. Unless you're from Oklahoma. Below is the schedule. It's fairly set in stone, but I do enjoy a good persuasion so if you feel the need to convince me into doing a different race during a particular month, convince away.
1. February 6th: Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon
2. March 20th: ING Georgia Half Marathon (Atlanta)
3. April 10th: GO! St. Louis Half Marathon
4. May 1st: La Crosse Fitness Festival Half Marathon (La Crosse, WI)
5. June: TBD
6. July 17th: ZOOMA Colorado Half Marathon (Colorado Springs)
7. August 20th: 13.1 Marathon Minneapolis
8. September 11th: Chicago Half Marathon
9. October 16th: IMT Des Moines Half Marathon (Des Moines, IA)
10. November 5th: Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon
11. December 4th: Fiesta Bowl Half Marathon (Scottsdale, AZ)
12. January 2011: TBD
13. February 2011: San Fran...again!
I post this schedule with the intention to brainwash you into clearing your schedule the days following the races so you'll read this. Okayy, AND I post it hoping that someone, out there wants to run one or a few of these puppies with me. Okayy, AND I post it hoping that Brooks Running will see that I only sport the best shoes everrr (Brooks Adrenaline) through my journey and give me my dream job at some point. (I'll need it after I realize that a good chunk of my salary is funding this insanity. Very reassuring.) So holla at cha gurllll if you want to run with me.... come cheer me on...or heckle me for actually thinking this is a good idea. But what you might think is asinine, I see as running down a dream. (Thanks, Tom Petty).
I'm actually really excited about this. And if you've ever seen me excited, it's a similar expression to that of a preteen seeing Justin Bieber in concert. It's a new challenge that I'll do because I said I'm going to do it. And I'm stubborn, so I will actually do it.
Welp, training starts tomorrow. I should probably start praying now.
