So It Begins

Hello world, and welcome to my blog.

I started this journal today to track a journey I have just begun.

My starting point: a couch in a Seattle apartment, December 2009.

My goal: a sub-four (under four hours) race time in the Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, July 2010.

I got the idea after flipping through a Runner's World (tm) magazine and noticing that the previous month contained an interview with the (in)famous Sarah Palin. Her PR (personal record) for a marathon is just under four hours -- a respectable time for a woman her age, but I wondered if I, a newbie 20 years younger, could do better.

The biggest local marathon of the year is in July, 7 months away. That's long enough for an experienced runner to prepare for a marathon. It might be a little strenuous for a less-than-experienced runner, and I have been warned of the dangers of overtraining, but I will pace myself carefully and trust my youthful resilience to see me through.

Palin has many advantages over me as a runner. No doubt she can afford many conveniences which make an athlete's life easier: nice new clothes, the latest monitors and gadgets, personal coaching, regular massages, you name it. She also has the advantage of being a veteran runner, and for her it's probably safe to run the trails at night alone, since she lives in a small town and she is so well known. What makes me think I can beat her best time in only 7 months of training?

There are two things I have that she doesn't. First, I have Seattle, which is a much nicer climate for running than Alaska. I may grow a few mushrooms between my toes from the rain, but at least I don't have to worry about frostbite.

Second, I'm a lot younger than she is. A fit 44-year-old is stronger than an untrained 24-year-old. But a fit 24-year-old is probably even better.

Whether or not I can make my first marathon sub-four, I know I will benefit from trying. I will get fitter, look and feel healthier, and hopefully make some new friends. So what, aside from a couple extra pounds, do I have to lose?

Accordingly, off I go. Please feel free to run alongside me. Whether you're fast or not-so-swift, I hope you will have fun.