I will be competing in my first running race this Sunday -The Grand Rapids Marathon. I was inspired to get up off the couch by the lure of swimming and biking in triathlons. I grudgingly ran because that is how you reach the finish line. When I considered crossing an Iron-distance triathlon off my life list, I realized that I should probably complete a marathon first. The training is now complete with the marathon only 3 days away.
One of the Grand Rapids Marathon’s claims to fame is their celebrity pace-teams. So instead of running a 4 hour and 30 minute marathon, I can now see if I can beat Oprah’s time of 4:29:20. Although Oprah doesn’t look like she should be that fast, I figure she probably had a personal coach so this is my best case scenario. I would also be happy keeping up with John “The Penguin” Bingham’s time of 4:44:44. And, of course, my A priority goal is always to finish the race (preferably still upright).
My last long run left me unable to walk stairs and even to be able to walk without limping. (Did I mention our house has 4 floors?) At that point I seriously contemplated why people would do this to themselves. Tapering has been going well though. I have had more time off from exercise than I have had since my couch days. When I run I have felt good with the occasional delusions that maybe I could maybe even beat P. Diddy (4:14:54). No worries though. I immediately mentally slapped myself and insisted that I stay with my pacing plan.
The weather on Sunday sounds like it should be perfect running weather. Good luck to everyone running this weekend!
7 Comments
You are going to kill this thing. Congrats to you. I will be there with My Team Triumph so I will be yelling at (for) you as well.
Good luck, Lori. Know you’ll do great. Calling it now…you’re faster than Oprah.
It is cool how Grand Rapids sets up their pace teams, I ran with Pi’s Pacers there last year for the half marathon. You are going to do great, and I look forward to reading all about your experience in your race report. Go get that sub-4:30:00 Lorri!
From personal experience I am here to say yes Lori, you can and you will
My first marathon my goal was the Oprah time and I came in at 4:25:25 and it was awesome! I’m so jealous because there is nothing like that feeling of finishing your first marathon! So good luck, run strong and remember that no matter what your time is, you are lapping everybody sitting on the couch!
Thank you for all of your support! I realize now that I have boxed myself in.
When I feel like slowing down those last few miles I will have extra inspiration to push on. Thanks!
Good luck Lorri!!
You are going to kill it on Sunday! I have you penciled down for finishing between 4:15 and 4:20. Don’t let me down, cause I’m not doing much these days and so I have to live vicariously through your triumphs.