One Step at a Time

What comes to mind when someone says 13.1 miles? Up until two weeks ago, it meant 2 or 3 hours in Baton Rouge traffic. Now it means the Gulf Coast Half Marathon! After talking to Claudean, Beau's step-mom, (who is also running in it) Beau and I were convinced to start training for this 13.1 mile race held in Mandeville, LA on October 9, 2011. Crazy? Perhaps. Worth it? Definitely. Not only is this a great way to get in shape, but it will (hopefully) provide a sense of personal accomplishment and satisfaction.

Right now, we're in the "fun" stage of training. You know - when you buy the new shoes, watches, shorts, and shirts, but your training runs are only a couple of miles, and you're still really excited about it. Talk to me in a month when we're doing 8, 9, and 12 mile training runs. I'm SURE it'll be a different story. For now, though, it IS quite relaxing. Capital Heights (the street we live on) is so beautiful, and makes for a perfect backdrop for an early morning jog. For the longer training days, Beau and I run the picturesque LSU lakes for our 4 mile course (or 8 or 12). At last, we have the routine down pat, and I'm kind of loving it: Beau wakes up, runs, lets the dogs out to go to the bathroom. Once back inside, they (the dogs) wake me up to walk and feed them. Once this is done, it's my turn to run. Then water plants, shower, and then off to hell work.

In all seriousness, we are very excited to run this half-marathon. It will be a big challenge for the both of us, but it's something that we accomplish together. I'm hoping for one of
those life changing moments at the end; one where you know that you've really accomplished something great.

Per a good suggestion, click here or above on "Gulf Coast Half Marathon" for more information and registration details.