I hate running. It hurts. My mind works against me.
The farthest I’ve ever run is maybe 3 miles back in college… only because of a girl I was interested in. Once she was done with me, I was done with running.
But runners look so fit, and they always talk about it being pleasurable. I’ve been fairly active most my life, hikiing, backpacking, mountain biking…. but after 14+ years of an office job, I could stand to lose 15-20 pounds.
So I’ve decided to take on my hate as a challenge and run the Arizona Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon on January 15, 2005.
And being Type 1 diabetic for 35 years this October, I decided to sign up with Team Diabetes:
TEAM DIABETES is the marathon-training program of the American Diabetes Association. TEAM-D is for everyone! Whether you are an experienced runner or walker, or a beginner, we will provide the training and support you need to complete a half or full marathon. You can help make a difference in the lives of more than 18 million Americans by raising critically needed funds for research, education and advocacy, while staying fit and accomplishing the goal of a lifetime.
This will serve two purposes- the team training will keep me motivated and supported to stay with a program, and I wil be doing my bit to raise some funds that can go towards research for a cure.
My goals are to (a) finish the 13 mile run; (b) lose 15 pounds while training; and (c) raise $1500 for my fund raising. Stay tuned to this blog for a journey as I prepare for the big run.
I am usiing this blog to journal my training, to let friends and family know what I am up to, and maybe to raise some awareness about diabetes.
And before long, I may change this to read, “I love running”.
Did you know... Walt Kelly, animator and Disney founder was diabetic (from Diabetes Health Magazine)
See more diabetic facts...
November 1st, 2005 at 5:09 pm
Great weblog, Alan!! I (tried) to do a similar concept the first time I was on TEAM-D 2 years ago: http://members.cox.net/colleenaz/marathon/
But I love the look of your site & you have a lot of cool features on it.
NICE JOB! See you at the next training run!
-Colleen
November 1st, 2005 at 6:09 pm
Thanks Colleen,
The heck with a nice looking web site; I just want one of those finish line photos you have!
December 19th, 2005 at 10:50 pm
A man after my own run-hating heart.
After doing this for over a year I still hate it… I just want to finish now.
June 25th, 2006 at 6:55 pm
after seeing the race you ran in last year, i resolved to do the next one. it’s been six months of agony but i am finally getting this weary body back into the shape it was two decades ago.
so it looks like we are heading to the same finish line next january. i hope to follow your preparation and gather some guidance from your experience.
June 25th, 2006 at 8:34 pm
Wow, Kleph, you are out ahead of my in training! Good going, see you in Phoenix!