Thursday, June 30, 2011

Commitment

Yup. I'm going to run a marathon.
That's 26 miles and 385 yards.
But I wont even make it a foot without the help of many people, especially my amazing girlfriend.
As for why, sure "Hey, I'm turning 30!" is one reason, but there are a few that might begin to appear as this process continues. I am looking forward to sharing them with you all. But first, like always, I have to take my first step.

I spent most of today thinking of many different topics for my first post, from recording and evaluating foot fall mechanics using video to favorite running gear... but those will have to wait. I wanted to get one thing onto the page, and that is not inspiration, not goals, not hopes/dreams, but the subject of commitment.

It came to me while teaching today. One of my students, an awkward 10 year old boy, helped me remind myself, and help me teach him something that I had taken for granted.
This young man in my class was having a hard time finding a place to sit, he seemed to want to sit next to a specific girl and didn't know how to casually approach it. We were cleaning up from snack and the best friend of the girl of interest was helping me. She asked him if he would move when we were done cleaning so that they could all play Uno together. He agreed.
Once we were done, he refused to move and I was called to the cluster of tables to mitigate the pre-pubescent squabble. He's a good kid so, I simply explained to him that he said he would do something and needs to follow through with it. It's as simple as that and that is what gentlemen do.
I guess when the words passed my lips my brain slowed down a bit to take in what I had said. And that's what I wanted to write about today.

Commitment doesn't have to be something complicated. It really isn't, and never has been. Its just getting up and doing what you said you would. Whether it was said out loud, signed in a document, or thought in your own mind, just do it.
And so sure, I am going to run a marathon. I am going to train for a marathon. I am running 4 miles tomorrow and 6 on Monday.
Why? That isn't as important. What is important is that I put my shoes on and get out that door. Because I made a commitment to myself to cross that finish line...
Because that is what gentlemen do.

Cheers,
Mihkel

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

And so it begins...

First, a word from Melissa:
I have attempted to keep a running log multiple times. Alas, it has gone the way of learning to crochet, reading the Fairy Queen in its Old English format and taking up home canning. This time around I have decided to come fully into the year 2011 and utilize technology and all its wonders to give it another go along with my ever wonderful partner, Mihkel. And, of course, we had to share it with you!

72 Runs


What it is: In this little corner of the blogosphere (always wanted to use that word) Mihkel and I will write about the 72(ish) runs that make up our marathon training plan. This begins on Monday, July 4th at the Peachtree Road Race and ends on Saturday, November 5th at the Savannah Rock and Roll Marathon. We will include GPS maps, some photos we take along the runs, and any entertaining observations or accomplishments (i.e. Mel has used the bathroom in 18 different McDonald’s locations!). This will likely expand into other parts of our lives since (those of you who are runners know) training for a distance event can BECOME your life. It is also to alleviate my need to discuss running 24/7.

Who we are:
I (Melissa) have been running pretty consistently since around 2006. That year I was deployed with the Navy to Africa and running just seemed the thing to do. After returning to Hawaii a devil in blonde hair and Chacos (Hi, Krystle!) talked me into running a 5K. Three half-marathons and numerous 5Ks later I am ready and excited to take on the marathon.

Mihkel and I began dating about a year ago and he gamely participated and increasingly enjoyed running with me. And then….disaster: “I want to run a marathon by the time I’m 30,” he said one evening. This put me into planning mode and within a few months we were at the starting line of the Publix Georgia Half Marathon.

So now, as a couple and running partners, we are going to tackle our first marathon together and share a lot of it (possibly too much) with y’all.

The Race: Our goal race is the inaugural Savannah Rock and Roll Marathon in Savannah, GA. We don’t have a time goal for the race, only to finish and look damn hot doing it. Here is the website: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/savannah

The Training Plan: Mihkel and I are big believers in the run/walk method. I’ve found it helps a lot mentally. Running 20 miles sounds horrifying but anyone can run 4 minutes. So we alternate 4 minutes of running for every 1 minute of walking. This also makes it easier to hydrate and choke down a GU. We are following the Hal Higdon training program. Here’s the website: Hal Higdon Marathon Training.

Let’s get serious: The goal of the marathon and the road to get there is a bit daunting. A lot of you have been successful in doing this and we would love your advice, tips, support and understanding of the wonders of Body Glide. For those of you that aren’t runners but still love us (Hi Mom!) we will take all the “high-fives” and “get your asses moving” that you have to offer.

Running together has become a major part of our relationship. In turn we have fought, laughed, been brain dead, gawked at Atlanta’s sights, and pushed each other to continue to put one foot in front of the other. We are indescribably excited to start this new challenge together and just as excited to share it with you…even if “you” is only our moms.

Cheers,

Melissa and Mihkel