I Want You: Calling All First Time Marathoners
The Crazy
Some of us runners are half crazy (two are pictured below).
We have drunk the marathon Kool-Aid. We ran a marathon once and became obsessed with breaking personal records, overcoming endless mind games, re-experiencing “the feeling” you get after crossing the finish line. Or maybe we enjoy sharing portable bathrooms with total strangers.
And we keep racing, for one reason or another. At least until we can’t.
And the Not so Crazy
Then there are those of you who aren’t so crazy, who have “running a marathon” on your bucket list. You want to run a marathon because you want to mark this challenge off the list as one of your grand accomplishments in life.
Expert?
I have finished twelve marathons and hope to complete my 13th this fall in San Francisco in the Nike Women’s Marathon, and I think that qualifies me as an expert on the topic. At the very least, I am an expert at what not to do, from having learned the hard way. And I’ve qualified for Boston – not because I suddenly got faster. But because I got older and haven’t slowed down.
How To’s for Non-elite Marathoners by a Non-elite Marathoner
I feel so passionately about the benefits of running marathons, I am going to write a book about it. Not just the schedule you need to pick, but what you should eat, how to choose the perfect event, how to stay motivated and avoid injuries, and other interesting but oft less-talked-about topics like that.
After all, I started out with a marathon on my bucket list before I came addicted.
I Want You!
I want to feature you in my book and in my blog, as you train for a marathon.
I want to understand why you want to do it. I want to hear about your highs and lows, peaks and valleys, accomplishments and challenges. And most of all, I want to see that photo of you crossing the finish line and hear your description of why that experience felt so great. And possibly changed your life.
Calling all First-time Marathoners
To qualify, you need to be a first time marathoner. And I would like to get a variety of body types and ages and reasons for doing. Maybe some of you want to lose weight and get in shape. And maybe some want to find balance in an otherwise stressful life. Heck, maybe you want to do it before you’re too old to run at all.
Not only will you be prominently featured, but you will also receive complimentary coaching while you are training, from yours truly herself.
And…just think of all the others you’ll inspire in the process.
Email me (melinda at hinsonneely dot com) or comment below, as I’m limiting this offer to five individuals.
Photo courtesy of Samuel Barr Photography via Flickr.
Oh darn! I wish I would have seen this before the cut-off. I am also running my first marathon this November. After transitioning from a vegetarian diet to a vegan lifestyle I have gotten a lot of flack. Many think it is unhealthy and they think they can't do it themselves. I want to show everyone that you can not only survive on a vegan diet, but can THRIVE on one. Choosing compassion over cruelty and training for 26.2. I am just an average vegan girl, running a marathon. =) 
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oh i loved this! i tweeted it for you because i myself am not training for a marathon but i know there are others! have a great weekend
I decided this year that I want to run my first marathon. I have chosen 26.2 with Donna the marathon to finish breast cancer, which will be on Feb. 13, 2011. A family friend passed away from breast cancer this past year, and it was especially hard on my mom. I want to run this marathon for myself (as part of my bucket list) but also for my mom and to honor her friend. I know that when I am feeling tired and just do not want to run, I will be able to remember why I am running this race and just how hard all of those individuals who have battled breast cancer have to be. I feel that will give me the strength I need to keep training.
Good luck on your book! I think it is a wonderful idea. I do hope that you will be posting tips for first time marathoners on your blog, because I could use all the help i can get! My training officially begins in a couple of weeks.
What a wonderful idea Melinda! I’m afraid I won’t be able to give you any thoughts for your book with my arthritic knees and all, but I look forward to reading what others have to say. It takes a driven mind to train for /participate in a marathon.
Very cool! I’m 22, and I’m training for my first marathon in October…the Denver Rock N’ Roll marathon. Not only do I get to do battle against 26.2 mile, I get to do a mile above sea level! Should be a great challenge.
A year ago at this time, I never would have believed that I would ever want to run a marathon. But something inside me changed since then, and I began to revel in all the amazing things my body could accomplish if I really believed in it. I haven’t always had such a positive relationship with my body….A marathon now seems possible, and I know I can do it! I want to run a marathon because I believe it’s such a tangible way of affirming my newfound belief in myself and my abilities.
I just found out about your idea through this through another blogger and I’m excited to say that I have committed to training for my first marathon this year!! I am 22, newly married, a social worker/ freelance writer and have been in the maintenance phase of weight loss for one year. I lost 90 lbs. over a two year period while in college (sophomore/ junior year). I went from a size 22 to a 6. Now, I’m a runner who wants to step up her game!
I want to run a marathon to mark a milestone in my life, both physically and spiritually. I was once teased and taunted and shunned by classmates and verbally abused by an alcoholic stepdad, all because I was “fat” and “worthless.”
My life has changed. I’m a new person. I’m going to run a marathon! (hopefully)
my e-mail is : vivereperisogni@gmail
I would love to help with this.
I am running my first marathon in January in Disneyworld. In January of 2009, I went to Disney with friends while the marathon was going on. A friend and I stood on the sidelines and watched. Watching all of those runners, of all shapes and sizes and all ages was so inspiring. I had tears in my eyes as I watched spectators cheer for strangers and encourage them to keep going. At that moment, I vowed that one day I would come back here and run that race. I immediately went home and trained for a year. I “half” completed my goal by running the Disney half as my first half this January 2010, and want to come full circle and complete my goal by running the full this coming January. I will be 25 years old and I am honestly petrified! I live in a very hot climate so training will be a challenge until November when it cools off. I would love to tone up but mostly I just want to proove I csn do it! In high school I ran track and I ran the 100 meter dash. I considered a 400 long distance, so to a sprinter at heart like me this is the ultimate challenge!
It’s so funny, I was just writing about training for a marathon today! I have been running for over 5 years. I am reaching my 29th birthday (last year of my twenties!) and am looking for a goal.
A little about me: Over the last 10 years I have dropped 70 pounds. I am an actress and while the industry is starting to change, it still embraces thin frames over healthy ones. Well I refuse to join that club. I am a size 8/10 and am so proud of the body I have conditioned over the last decade. Life is a struggle, but if you can remind yourself that you only have one body, you will be miles ahead of many.
I’m thrilled about my new goals and I can’t wait to be a part of such a rewarding new challenge.
Hi!
I just recently discovered your blog and love this offer – and it comes at the perfect time for me, as I’m starting to train for my first marathon next week! I’m running the NYC marathon in November, and as a seasoned runner who has run 4 half marathons, I am excited and terrified to finally be running my first full marathon.
I would love the opportunity to get advice from a seasoned marathoner since I will be training alone and am really nervous.
First time marathoner here, planning to run Eugene 2011, giving myself a good amount of time to train, as I tried to train for one this year and ended up backing down to a 1/2 as I did too much too fast and got injured.
Why am I running one? Because I was that kid in middle school who walked the mile. I was that kid in high school who slowly put on weight, and I was the kid who didn’t just to the freshman 15, I did the freshman/sophomore 40.
I am also the kid who lost over 55lbs, and then started running. I became that crazy in-love-with running person. And I shouted it from the rooftops because I AM A RUNNER. It truly is the one thing I never thought I would become, and running a marathon is something I really never thought I would want to do. Ever. Yet, here I am, training for my third 1/2 marathon, which will be October 10th and then looking forwards to a full. Why? Because I have transformed myself into someone who CAN run a marathon and therefore I feel I owe it to my 13 year old self to do so.
I’m training for my first marathon!! It is sept 25th! And I guess I’ve decided that it is something that is a fantastic way to push myself just that much further! I’ve done 3 half mrathons, a triathlon and a couple of biking events! Running has always beed a struggle for me, so I really want to train and get a really good base for my run!! I’m looking forward to the journey and the finished product, and who knows maybe I too will become addicted!
What a cool idea! I’m training for my first marathon now! I’m running the Akron Road Runners marathon in September. I ran in high school then stopped for about 7 years and recently got back into running because a friend wanted someone to train with for a half she ran in the spring. I found my passion for running that I’d had in high school! I signed up for the full off the high of finishing the half. So far I’ve struggled with finding a training plan that I could feel successful with (I finally found one — 4 weeks into my training). I’ve been so excited about it that I’ve blogged and told friends and family, but I’ve also felt so defeated on some of my shorter runs that I wanted to throw in the towel. Ultimately I’m sticking with it because I told people about this journey. I don’t want to let them down and they have offered many encouraging words to keep me going strong. When I race I’ll be 27 and my goal is to finish!
Melinda – I love this! I am currently in the fourth week of training for my first marathon. My story is posted on my blog…but here’s the short of it:
I was a 24 year old woman with high blood pressure, a genetic predisposition to diabetes, and a weight problem. I was unhappy and going down the wrong road. I promised my doctor that I would change without medication. I found my way to the gym, which led to a 50 lb. weight loss and eventually, to running – my truest passion! I ran my first 5K in October ‘09, 1/2 Marathon in May ‘10, and I’m registered to run the Amica Marathon in Newport in October ‘10. I am over the moon about the whole experience – empowering, transforming, and energizing. I’m loving so many things about the experience and learning so much as I go.
I can’t wait to hear about others who are going on the marathon journey for the first time. I also look forward to tips and tricks from you, the expert! I’d love to be a part of this project.
I plan to train for a marathon to take place in May 2011. I’ve been running track competitively for about 10 years, but I’ve always been a sprinter. I just ran my first half marathon this year, and I’d like to run a full marathon next year. I can’t imagine doubling the distance from the half, but hopefully I can do it! I look forward to reading your tips for first time marathoners on your blog. Good luck with your book!
Running a marathon is definitely on my bucket list, although I don’t know when but I know I will do it. I’m running my first 10K this Saturday and it is just the beginning for me.
I’m not your typical runner though, I’m new to running and I’m still losing weight. I’m at about 279 lbs (65 lbs lost) and at the beginning of learning how to run.
hi there,
I am a 27 year old Canadian girl–and I signed up for my first marathon in November. I ran a 30km race in March and got hooked! I am really nervous as my offical “start” date gets closer for my training plan. I want to run a marathon because it takes so much work–training, planning, eating well, sleeping well…thinking about running a lot. They say that nothing worthwhile comes easy, and running definitely falls into that category. I felt so proud of myself for finishing my 30 km race, I can’t wait to stand at the finish line of my first marathon! I am doing my first triathlon at the beginning of September, so I need to find a way to train effectively for the marathon and the tri—without getting injured. I want to avoid the IT band pain I had last winter.
I’d love to learn from a pro…
thanks!
I am training for my first full marathon on Halloween, Marine Corps. I heard this is a great race and decided it was a good method to push myself and accomplish something! I have done a half and some 5ks but nothing of this magnitude. I am 28 and am in decent shape, although I cant seem to lose weight lately. Running is something that does not come easy to me, and I cant wait to cross the finish and said I did it!
Melinda – I need to put you in touch with my friend Haley. We ran our first marathon together years ago, trained together, the whole bit. She ended up getting delirious, running out into traffic on mile 23 completely unaware of her surroundings. It would be an interesting perspective on what “not to do,” since then she has run other marathons and become much more knowledgeable on the topic as well as the nutrition that should accompany such a feat! I haven’t run a marathon in 5+ years because my knees are in bad shape, but I’m starting to toy with the idea of walking another one. There is something about the joy of crossing the finish line, no matter what your time that is difficult to recreate!
[...] Of possible interest for all you runners out there! My fellow friend blogger, Melinda, is starting her third book. It is going to be a how-to run a first marathon, specifically for non-elite runners, by a non-elite runner. As part of the project, she wants to feature 5-6 first time marathoners in the book and on her blog. As part of the deal, she will also provide free coaching. Are you interested?? Check out details here! [...]
I think this would be great. I need to be held accountable. I begin training for my first marathon next week. I’ve run a couple of 5Ks, and want to run a marathon mostly because I don’t think I can. I used to believe that I could do anything, but have been self-sabotaging myself since 2007. To me, running a marathon will help me lose weight (I need to lose around 60 pounds) and regain my self-confidence.
I found you from Kelly’s blog and had to drop on by. LOVE the idea of your book!!! I wish you were including first-time half marathoners in your book and blog cuz that would be me this September.
Full marathons scare the pants off me though maybe if I continue to read your blog, it’ll feel a wee bit less scary and I’ll take the plunge at some point. It IS on my bucket list afterall. 
I love the idea of this. I have NEVER been a runner. In fact, I was the girl in middle and high school who would walk the mile run test and only run when the teacher was looking/yelling at me to run or I would have to repeat the test. However, over the past few years as I have followed many of the healthy living bloggers, I have wanted more and more to become a runner. I would love to run a marathon someday, but to be honest I don’t know if I can. It seems so daunting and too difficult. Why do I want to run one? Because after almost dying from anorexia, being fully recovered for almost 10 years, and losing my brother to suicide last September, I kind of feel like, If I can get through all of that and be happy and healthy MAYBE I can run a marathon. So, if you would like to help me attempt this…Let’s do it!
I quit smoking on 5/3/2010 after 10 years of ruining my lungs with that terrible habit, and I have since been committed to a healthier lifestyle. I’m running my first marathon this fall, the RnR San Antonio. I am brand new to running – I only ran my first complete mile at the beginning of May! I finished a 10k 3 weeks ago, and I will be running another one next Thursday. I have also signed up for a half marathon in October. I may not be fast, but I’m determined!
Melinda: Please help coach me for my 1st marathon! I’m supposed to be training for the Amica Marathon in Newport, RI on 10/17. Yup…supposed to be training. It’s NOT going well.
I’ve been athletic all of my life. Gymnastics and then cheerleading. I’ve always had scheduled practices to force me to train. But I need help motivating myself to get out there and pound the pavement. Running is an individual’s sport and I am fighting an uphill battle with myself.
In the past year I’ve run 2 half marathons with minimal training. I felt great, but know I could’ve done better if I had guidance. And I KNOW I can’t make it through 26.2 miles without training and support. My boyfriend struggles to motivate himself to even set foot in the gym so I’m not getting any help from him. I need you!
I am currently training for my first marathon which is on November 26. I have dreams to run in the Disney Marathon, but I do not have the resources to make it to Florida for the 2011 marathon.
I am 22 years old, and reside in Baltimore Maryland. I have had an extreme weight loss in the past couple of years, and also have been battling with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (since the age of 15). My medicine is now controlled, and with a change to a healthy lifestyle I have been pain free for almost a year!
I am extremely passionate about running for both mental and physical reasons. Every time I add mileage to my training, beat my 5k time, or simply have a relaxing run, I feel a sense of confidence and liberation.
I would love to be featured!
Thank you!
My name is Erin and I’m training for my first marathon. I decided that the year I turned 30 would be a great time to run my first. Why? Well, I don’t have a heart-string-pulling story or a courageous story of overcoming an illness or even a great weight loss story. I’m just a girl who got tired of the gym. Years ago my mother told me that I should make fitness a part of my every day life or I’d regret it when I got to be her age. I took that advice to heart and became a gym rat. But there’s only so many hours you can spend on the elliptical, you know? I didn’t know I was a runner, but I did know other people who didn’t consider themselves runners who had started doing it. So, I joined a Beginning Womens’ Running Group and trained to run a 5K. After that first race I was hooked. The feeling in the air, the camaraderie, and the sense of accomplishment after you cross the finish line spoke to me. It also helped that running is a great activity for us kind of shy Type A people. Who knew? It also taught me that sometimes things are hard but you have to do them anyway. For someone who has spent her whole life coasting by choosing the easy path this was quite the epiphany.
Now I’ve run all kinds of race distances, but never thought I could do a marathon. Which is exactly why I’ve decided to do it. For once in my life I will not avoid something or quit just because that something is hard. Whine about it? Sure. Quit? No.
Which is why I’ll be at the start line in Chicago on 10/10/10.
This is so awesome. I wish I was where I felt like I could train for my first marathon, but I am not. I have finished a half, but wouldn’t know where to begin for a full. Maybe this would give me some inspiration? When is the deadline?
My first marathon is scheduled to be the Cowtown Marathon on February 27, 2011 in Fort Worth, Texas. I only started running in November 2009 and quickly fell in love with the sport. The original reason I started running was to get in shape. Backstory…I lost 20 lbs for my wedding that was June of 2009 and by November 2009 I gained all of it back. I knew something needed to change and I finally accepted that the change needed to be a lifestyle change not a temporary/quick-fix. Since I started running, I have completed two 5k, one 10k and my first half marathon will be the White Rock Marathon in Dallas, Texas on December 5, 2010 and then the MARATHON. I know my time line is kinda condensed but I wanted to run a marathon in my hometown area and Cowtown is the largest option. Although plans are tentative, my husband and I have talked about trying to get pregnant after the marathon. I kinda see my marathon training as my last huge selfish hurrah and as a bonus, I should be in the best shape of my life when I become pregnant.
Hi! I love your book idea. I signed up for my first marathon in January, which is gong to be a huge deal for me. I’m 23 years old and getting ready to start graduate school, which makes it tough to find a real training regimen. I started running a little over a year ago and lost a significant amount of weight. Last summer, I was diagnosed with epilepsy, which was a huge emotional blow, because my dad died from a seizure when he was 31. I’m trying to run past my diagnosis and find a way to health. In the process, I have fuond that running is a great way to heal the mind and the soul.
I would love to do this….I started running after the birth of my daughter in the fall of 2007 and running a marathon is at the top of my list of things to do. I’ve done four half-marathons so far and my goal is to do a marathon in 2011, whether it be the Disney marathon or another one early in the year. I always thought I was never a runner, never COULD be a runner (I am a “big” girl, though less big than I used to be, thanks to running) – but I’m slowly changing my own perceptions of that fact. I run to challenge myself, I run for my sanity, I run to show a good example for my daughter, but most of all, I run for me – to prove to myself that I really CAN do it. Thanks so much for doing this!
I’m going to try to talk you into considering me for this. I’m training for a fall marathon – my first in almost 20 years. That should be considered as good as a first-timer, shouldn’t it?
I’m 46, living in Ontario, work full-time and have two children (and a husband, who is usually working at night). Finding time to train is a challenge but so is everything this else about the marathon.
Great idea with the book.
Melinda,
My name is Diana… I am a mother of two little girls, and have been married over 8 years now. I just turned 30 this year and I decided it was time to make a change. I just ran my first half-marathon. I didn’t run the whole time, but I did it!!! I think that running has become very mental for me. I need to learn how to overcome the fears and the want and need to give up all the time. I loved the first runner’s high I had…. It was this amazing feeling of achievement, something I have never felt before. I really want to keep going with this…… But I have doubts and fears. I still have some challenges to overcome, to learn how to keep running, and do it for the RIGHT reasons. I want this soo badly, I want so badly to be good at something, and set an example for my girls. My mother wasn’t very active, and I really want to show my girls that an active lifestyle is Important to ME. I want them to be proud of my achievments, I WANT TO PROUD OF MY ACHEIVMENTS!!! Thank you for the opportunity to work with your education and expertise. I look forward to reading your book, and Maybe even helping you with it.
Runner near Seattle…….
Diana M.
What an awesome idea! I’ve never been what you would call a “typical runner…” more so, the highschool athlete who saw running as a punishment for making mistakes. A friend of mine was training for Chicago and she actually got me into running…actually she put me on a treadmill and MADE me run 6 miles (up to this point I had never made it past 4!) … from there it’s kind of a long story but since April I’ve ran 2 halfs and have another one coming up in two weeks. Aside from that, I’ve started my training for my first FULL marathon (YIKES!) which will be in Long Beach Oct 18! I feel a real push to do it, not only to be a positive influence to my kids (ages 7, 4, and 1) but to change the dynamic of our family back to athletic and healthy! It helps a little that I turned 29 this year and I feel like 30 is beating down my door! I look forward to following you and learning what I can! thank you for doing this!!
Erika
I haven’t signed up to the marathon yet, but I am definitely in training. Every time I sign into Map My Run to log my run/walk/jog, the wonderful intelligent advertising has Mickey Mouse’s face smiling at me. It’s my dream to run the Walt Disney World Marathon – the idea of achieving something so brilliant in my “happy place” is just too cool.
I’m 28 years old and live in the UK. Last summer, exactly a year before what will be my wedding day, I was rushed to hospital and had emergency surgery including a tracheotomy, all down to an infection in the site of a wisdom tooth extraction I’d had a few days earlier. I spent the weekend in ICU, despite being told that I may be there for a week, and was back home within a week.
It was then that I began to realise that there is so much more to my body than just its aesthetic value. Its strength and durability had saved me – it had got me through a horrific situation in record time. I have to be grateful and respectful, and nurture that strength. This is what training to run a marathon means to me, and I would love to take part in your study.
I’m 28 and I’m training for my first marathon in November. Also will be running my first two half marathons in October. I’m a surfer, so I’ve always tried to stay in shape but I never ran more than 2 or 3 miles at a time. Then I spectated one of my friends finishing a marathon and was inspired. I decided “Hey I think I can do that!”. So I started running. I also started blogging about my various experiences. I’ve been amazed at what my body can accomplish! My goal is to finish my first marathon around or under the 4 hour mark. I ran my first 5K in April and have been building a good base for when training starts next month. Running makes me feel great and it is now a regular part of my weeks.
Just visiting from over from Jody’s site. I would love to run a marathon one day, just never seems to be the right time. A book would be super helpful!
I am running my first marathon on October 3rd, the Wine Glass Marathon in New York. Why..since I started running 8 years ago, a marathon has always been the impossible dream at the back of my mind. By reading very motivating blogs, I decided this past January to set to it and aim for my first. I have completed 2 halves so far and really love running longer distances. It’s having a goal to reach that keeps me going.
I came across your website from another blogger, loved the idea and had to view more.
I just signed up for my first marathon for the end of October and am starting to get just a little intimidated; especially due to the fact that I have only started running at the beginning of this year. I was never the ‘athletic’ type and in fact, up until this year was a very heavy pack a day smoker. I never intended to become a ‘runner’ or run a marathon, however, after pounding the pavement day after day to kick the smoking habit and incorporating a healthier diet into my lifestyle, I found myself enthralled with the marathon idea.
Over the past few months, I have entered and completed a few small races and while I am just aiming for the ‘finishing’ goal, I am secretly working and hoping for some other more ambitious goals for this marathon. I think that aspect of constant individual goal setting is one of the draws that got me hooked in the first place.
I am now always on the search for tips and techniques from the experts so look forward to reading more from you and your posts. Many thanks!
I’m 22 and am training for the Long Beach marathon in October. My first and only half was in Feb and went surprisingly well (experiencing hip pain) and I finished in 1:50. I am in decent shape and would like to run a marathon in my “year off” from school and also before I turn 23, which is the week after the marathon. Also, I just really love to run. I had done a couple 10k mud runs in the past and started running 7 miles consistently in december, and ran a mere 3 times of 10+ miles before my half in January 2010. My dad used to be a runner and we would run together my senior year of high school until he messed up his knee; for the past 5 years he would try pushing his copies of Runner’s World on me until I finally took them in 2009. For me running is challenging and fun, as well as a way to get away from life. I look forward to reading your book!
I am running my first marathon in February 2011, Austin TX. I am beyond nervous! I have done 2 half marathons and am signed up for a third in November. I work full time, have 2 kids ages 7 and 4, so my life is crazy. I originally started running to lose weight (lost 60 pounds that way!) and now I do it to maintain a healthy lifestyle. My goal for my first marathon? Have a good race…
Hi! I am nearly 44 years old (It’s a matter of days) and have only been running since January. Did my first 5K in May and have my sights set on a marathon. Two years ago, I weighed 315 pounds. Now I weigh 209 pounds and still trying to lose. I spent my life obese and always had a secret dream to run because it symbolized the health I didn’t have. Well, I am getting there and running is helping! I am still amazed and in awe that I am actually doing it.
I don’t know how else to describe my desire to run a marathon other than to say I feel that I’m at some type of a crossroads. I feel that I’m at a point that I’m ready to do something for me as well as prove to myself that I can accomplish a big goal. I’m a 40-year-old wife and mom holding down a full-time job who feels that I’m in a rut. I still don’t feel that I can call myself a runner although it’s been almost 2 years since I first hit the dirt paths on my family’s farm. I’m 40-50 pounds overweight and the occasional breaks I’ve taken from running mean that I still use the run/walk strategy to get the mileage in. I’ve run three 5Ks and completed my first half-marathon this past March after which I stopped running for 3 months because I was so disappointed with my slow, slow time. But the running bug has bitten again and I’m trying to get back into a routine. I haven’t registered yet, but the Tobacco Road Marathon here in NC is March 20, 2011 and I am 95% certain that’s going to be my goal race. It’s on a rail trail so will be more like the surface I’m accustomed to as I run very little on the roads. I would LOVE to be a member of this project. If anyone else can relate to my experiences and emotions and use that as their goal to become a runner … well, who could ask for anything more than that?
I have plans to run the Tiberius Marathon on January 6, 2011. It will be my first marathon – I am 49 years old.
I am a religious jewish woman living in Israel and have been a closet runner for the past 15 years. While modesty has kept me running indoors and on a treadmill my entire career, it wasn’t until this past year when I was able to reconcile the clothing requirements and finally take my first steps outdoors.
It was liberating. It was freedom. I could breathe.
I ran my first half marathon this past March (2:15) achieving the first of my running goals, and now want to tackle the full marathon.
Peroneous tendonitus has kept me sidetracked for the past 12 weeks, but I am finally back to running, albeit slow and mixed with walking. I do hope to be able to start my marathon training the end of August.
I would love to be a part of your book and research, and if not, then just to follow along and share in the journies of others.
Best of luck,
Jenny
Oh darn! I wish I would have seen this before the cut-off. I am also running my first marathon this November. After transitioning from a vegetarian diet to a vegan lifestyle I have gotten a lot of flack. Many think it is unhealthy and they think they can’t do it themselves. I want to show everyone that you can not only survive on a vegan diet, but can THRIVE on one. Choosing compassion over cruelty and training for 26.2. I am just an average vegan girl, running a marathon. =)