in which I sign up for a marathon and pretend I can run

I’m not exactly sure why I thought this was a good idea, but I’ve decided to sign up for the Color Me Rad 5k in Austin on December 8th, 2012. I’ve never run a marathon before. I’ve flirted with the idea of being a runner, but never really stick with it. I’m not sure if I’m a masochist or I want to feel like I’ve accomplished something that is good for my health and physical self-confidence.

Either way, I’m signed up. And I have 10 weeks to get myself up to a reasonable 5k time.

I’ve decided to track and train using two different runner’s utilities: Strava and Run 5k (formerly Couch to 5k). I’ve used Run 5k in the past to get active, but usually stop because trying to find a good route and a good time of day to run with my ridiculous schedule has kept me from keeping it up regularly. Strava is cool because it tracks your run using GPS and gives you performance stats.

Here is today’s run:

I don’t remember ever running so far on the first day; I seem to remember it being more like 1.2 miles not 2 miles. So I’m mildly impressed with myself. I think the other workouts I’ve been doing daily for the past few weeks have made a difference. I’m sure “real” runners look at the above and think it’s silly. But hey, you have to start somewhere.

I’m hoping that posting the results here will keep my going and motivated. And accountable. Because there are people that read this blog, or at least that’s what the stats seem to imply.

Anyone else out there doing Color Me Rad in Austin? I’m an individual team Team BMO. Go me.