Getting Started

I'd like to say that this all started 4 days ago, when in reality it has been in the back of my mind for several years.

I thought I had resigned myself to always being overweight, when one day in freshman year of university something just snapped. I started using my parents' treadmill, eating healthy, watching my portions, and actually caring about my appearance. And slowly, the fat began to disappear. Within a year, I had went from a size 14 to buying size 4 board shorts to wear over my first bikini. For the first time in my life, I enjoyed exercising and could actually run without being out of breath; it was wonderful. It was this year that I first noticed the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and decided that I could probably do it. However, other life commitments were always in the way, and the idea of the marathon fell to the back of my mind.

Fast forward seven years.

Though I have mostly managed to keep the weight off, I have noticed that I've slowly been gaining back about 5 pounds a year over the last 3 years. Not enough to cause panic right now, but a dangerous trend. Like many people, I keep meaning to get back into a fitness routine, but haven't had the motivation to stick to it. And then Sunday happened.

Four days ago, I was talking to my boyfriend, James, while skimming the usual Walt Disney World websites. I saw mention of the 2009 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, with the statement that the registration for the half marathon was nearly full. I mentioned it to James, stating that I'd always wanted to do it... and he responded with a joke at Disney's expense. But the more I talked about it, the more I realised that this is the perfect time to do it... and suddenly James surprised me and agreed. I was nearly shaking as I filled out the registration forms and paid the fees. We're really going to do it.

I have no excuses now. I haven't ran in nearly five years, but I need to get myself in shape. There's no way I'm going all the way to WDW just to get picked up by the pacing van. Here's the plan:

March - June: Following Runner's World 8 Week Beginning Runner Training Program to get me from a healthy walking pace, to being able to run at a comfortable pace for 30 minutes. Hopefully.

July - September: Running 4 days a week, working to increase my pace and stamina. Any suggestions?

October - January 10: Half Marathon Training Plan, gradually increasing the number of miles ran each week.

I'll keep you updated on how it goes.