Gear Up Girls

I have been listless, restless, bored and lost ever since I ran that half marathon in October. Oh sure, I'm still working out. But I have no point, no destination, no goals. Until now. As I have been pressuring my friend Shaunda to run the Fox Cities Half Marathon with me in September, it dawned on me. I have been telling you all about my experiences with training for and running a half marathon for over a year now. It's time for you all to share in it with me.

So I got this bright idea to gather up all of my blog readers and Facebook friends and do my best to try to recruit you to participate in the Community First Fox Cities Festival of Races. So many of you have approached me or sent me private messages asking how I got motivated or started. You've shared that you are frustrated with yourself and wanting to get in better shape. Some of you have even told me that you were inspired by me. . . . . . aw shucks.

Now, I want to share it with you. I want you to feel how awesome it is when you take your first step, commit to something big, and reach it. I can't guarantee it will be fun getting there but I can guarantee that when you accomplish your goal, you will see something in yourself that you have never seen before. You will suddenly feel more confident in yourself than you've ever felt, more pride than you can imagine, and YOU will inspire the people in your lives.

Are you thinking about it? What are you afraid of, the distance? You don't have to run the full marathon. You don't even have to run the half. You will have your choice of a 5K (3.1 miles), the half marathon (13.1 miles), or the full marathon (26.2 miles). So now you're afraid of the running? No excuse, you can walk. Even the half marathon. Yes, YOU can walk 13.1 miles. It is a tremendous feeling.

Have I convinced you? I really hope so. I am hoping to put together a big group of women who can do this together. I imagine us training together, sharing tips and short term goals, leaning on each other when it gets tough, and celebrating together in the end. I can see your family at the finish line, cheering you on. And I can see a single tear streaming down your cheek when you realize that you are so much stronger than you ever thought you were before.

Sometime tonight, I will be sending you a Facebook invite to participate in this challenge. If you are brave enough, respond with a yes, and post your goal. 5K, 1/2 marathon, or full marathon. You can change your mind anytime before the official registration, which was May 1 last year, giving you plenty of time to think it over. Over the next 9 months, I will try to motivate you with blogs, emails, and other ideas I have in mind. We will get together as we are able to plan, train, laugh, cry. If I don't send you an invite, it was because I had no idea you would be interested. PLEASE, email me and I will send you one.

Oh my gosh, I am so excited I could scream.