I checked my round of RSS feeds today, and noticed my friend Sarah Tompkins had posted a blog about how we’ve known each other for several years but yet have never met each other. We met through conference calls when we both were Senior Web Producers for FOX. I was in St. Louis, she was in Salt Lake City. I am pretty confident in saying she is my most connected friend (phone, email, text, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Meebo, AIM, Google Talk, Blackberry IM, Netflix friend, etc.) Earlier this year we unofficially declared we would finally meet each other (along with Rob and Lindsey) at the Las Vegas Marathon. And I’m not going to Vegas unless I’m running the marathon. So, I booked the tickets last month, and here I am–the first day of training. No turning back.
Lindsey opened my eyes to the Capital Crescent Trail in Bethesda, Maryland, which is a beautiful mostly-shaded 11-mile trail that used to be the old B&O Railroad <–just like the railroad in Monopoly! It’s close to work and on the same route as home, so it couldn’t be more perfect (other than trying to find a parking spot).
I ran my three miles after work today, and it was tougher than I expected. I’m running a LOT slower than I ever have, but that’s what happens when you let stress take over and you lose track of diet and exercise.
I did lose about 20 pounds on my first marathon back in 2005, but I’m hoping to double that number with the help of a high-protein diet, a gallon of water and strength training after my run.
And as far as Twitter updates, I’m trying to start #lv262 as the Las Vegas Marathon hashtag. Spread it!
Here’s a silly video after the run. Whatever.
Summary:
Location: Capital Crescent Trail, Bethesda, MD
Conditions: Hot, muggy 85°
Goal: 3 miles
Results: 3 miles
Time: 38:50
Pace: 12:36/mile
Total Training Miles to Date: 3
Click here to view my complete training schedule
Thoughts:
Is anyone ever ready for the first run? I’m hoping tomorrow will be better, although I’m adding 2 more miles right away.
What I’ll remember most:
The sweat on my brand new running shirt kept sticking to my back, and it felt like someone was poking me. I kept looking back. It freaked me out!
