I don’t know what it is about hitting the double digits while training for my next half marathon but it totally inspires confidence in me.
Probably because 10 miles is *only* a 5k away from 13.1?
Or maybe hitting the double digits on Saturday’s run had nothing at all to do with the double digits and everything to do with how I felt on Saturday:
…like my legs had a mind of their own. There were quite a few times where I looked down to make sure my legs were still underneath me. They felt so speedy!
…like I’m feeling SO ready for another 13.1 in just five weeks. Signing up for another half marathon so close to the last one feels like the best decision ever. This training “cycle” feels much less like training and way more like running…just running. And I dig it.
…like if I can feel *this* good running in the double digits, I wonder what it would feel like to run 15, 18, 20 miles. Or even 26.2. Hmm.
Clearly that number is on my mind and I’m not sure why.
Am I really ready to tackle something that so few in this world will ever experience in this lifetime? (I kinda like the sounds of that…).
Is 2012 the year I’ll conquer 26.2? Am I thinking this way because my birthday is coming up and one year older (the big 3-2, oy) makes me want to prove that I still got it?
Or is it because I can?
I’m not sure. But 26.2 – you’re on the brain.
I have lots more to say on this topic over at my latest runspiration’s blog – “Because I Can” (how aptly named!). Samantha ran her second marathon this weekend and has been such an inspiration to me of late – so go check out my quasi-continuation of this post over at her blog.
She’s thinking she can talk me into all 26.2…what do you think?
Hmmm…
EatDrinkBreatheSweat 
ohhhh! i want to come do a 26.2 with you! can you wait till next spring?? That would be awesome.
Oh *if* we commit to 26.2, we won’t race until at least spring or even fall 2012. Would LOVE to run 26.2 with you!!!
I know exactly what you mean about 10 miles. There is something very monumental about double digits – it makes 26.2 seem very attainable! It’s crazy, I haven’t even finished my first 26.2 in the spring of 2012, but I’m already thinking about which one I want to do in the fall 🙂
I say do it – trust me, you won’t be able to get it out of your mind until you bite the bullet. My 26.2 has been weighing on me like a ton of bricks since the thought first crossed my mind. Oh, and hell’s yeah you’ll run it proud – finishing 26.2 is a proud moment regardless of the time it takes to get there!
I say 26.2 party in Burlington, VT on May 27th, 2012!!!!
That’s the thing – I seriously cannot stop thinking about 26.2 I know part of it is the inspiration I’m feeling of my fellow bloggy friends who are conquering marathons and inspiring me in SUCH a big way. Never a bad thing in my book.
So gotta ask – how did you finally decide to “man up” and commit to 26.2?? Hmm…May 27 is just a few days before my husband’s birthday, how awesome would that be? He said he wanted to run 26.2 by the time he turns 35…and he’d turn 35 just a few days after the race you’re doing. Ahhhh. 😉
Hmmm….perfect timing I say!!!!!
I just had a gut feeling that it was right time in my life to do it. For the first time, I can see myself crossing the finish line. I have the time, I have the patience, and a hubby who is super supportive. This is also the first time that I’m going into training for the “right reasons” and with the “right mindset”. It’s not to lose weight, or because I can eat lots of food, or to fill an emotional void…it’s because I want to round out this physical and emotional journey I’ve been on and really push myself to the next level. I’m finally doing it for me!
The VT City Marathon is AWESOME!!! My sister has done it the past 2 years and has loved it! The scenery is BEAUTIFUL. I thought about traveling somewhere for my first, but I don’t want to deal with a plane. I also want my first race to be mid-sized…the thought of 10,000 plus people when I’m already nervous frightens me.
Proud of you for hitting 10 miles with relative ease, sis! You are doing awesome. I hope to get there again soon too, but no pressure, right? As for 26.2? I still think you are crazy, but if you want to do it, I will support you of course. I just think – for ME – I would end up hating running after 😦
Thank you sis, for being so supportive and proud – you’re the best, you know that?
I do feel a little bit crazy for even considering 26.2, but part of me just has the urge to see what my body can do. Worst case – I do it once and vow never to do it again, but at least I would have experienced something that intrigues me so very much! Oh decisions!!
YAY on double digits AND feeling fantastic. Love it when everything just falls into place and clicks. You are soooo signing up for a full I can already tell 😉
I don’t know friend – I’m itching for it, but at the same time, it scares the pants off me!!
it’s amazing when a 10 mi run becomes “easy” and so comfortable – like it’s no big (even though – it IS!).
i vote YES for 26.2 in 2012 at baystate…… 🙂
I know…it really is amazing when 10 miles doesn’t feel so long or daunting anymore. Crazy to even SAY that!!
hmm…you did say that was a flat and fast course right??
I say DO IT!!!!!!!! It’s seriously a life changing experience. BUT just make sure your hubby is on board b/c it pretty much becomes your life for those 16 weeks. A pretty awesome 16 weeks if you ask me. 🙂
That’s the thing – I kind of just want to experience it once…I know it would be a whirlwind but I have to believe it’d be worth it. As for the hubs – he’s totally on board. He’s had a marathon on his bucket list by the time he turns 35 forever…so that’s partly what’s driving my interest in trekking towards 26.2, too!
So which marathon are you going to do? Can I make a case for Chicago? Flat course, gorgeous city, fun people. DO IT DO IT DO IT.
I love that you’re already assuming that I’m signing up for a marathon, haha. Ahhhh…flat and gorgeous city? I’ve always wanted to see Chicago, hmm! When is that one?
It’s in October! So you have a whole year to prep. And it’s a great way to see the city….I would even volunteer to help you carbo load the night before.
LOL I love it. You crack me up. I’m thinking, I’m thinking…
I know that you WILL run 26.2. You are more than capable of doing it. The physical part is a no-brainer, but the mental part – you got it. I will say this though – 26.2 is a HUGE difference than 13.1. The commitment to training is no joke, but like I said, you have the mindset and are more than capable. So now the question begins…which race? 🙂
Aw friend, coming from you – that is HUGE to hear. You’re like a marathoning QUEEN so if you have confidence that I WILL do it, then maybe I ought to listen to you, hmm?
You are right – 26.2 is WAY different than 13.1…and that’s the part that scares me, is it *so* different that I’d have a hard time adjusting??
I don’t think you’d have a hard time adjusting, but it would just take some serious time management, which I think won’t be a problem for you 🙂
Way to go on double digits! That’s huge! I’m coming off an IT injury, so I can only 7 – 8 miles on my long runs…baby steps. 🙂
Can’t wait to hear about the next phase of training!
Ohh an IT band injury is NOT fun. I had one a few summers ago and it took me a couple of months to heal. Slow and steady return – good luck getting back to running!!
wow, I could never, nor would I want to ever, run/train for a full marathon! But for those like you..I commend you ha!
You are totally ready for 26.2 miles!!! 2012 will be your year I just have a feeling! Nice job on running 10 miles so easily! That is so amazing! 10 miles is not a small distance to accomplish!
It’s super scary Jess – even this weekend I was like “Oh my god, what have I gotten myself into?” but there is nothing like the feeling you get when you cross that finish line.
You have to do it. Even if you never do it again after that. It’s something more people WON’T do in their lifetime. You’re strong, you’re driven, and you’re dedicated. I see you being extremely successful at 26.2.
Ahh hearing this from you, someone who JUST ran a marathon means so much. Just like I said to Naomi, hearing it from someone who has been there makes me feel like I can/should do this. Even if it’s just once, as you said. I can’t shake it from my mind!
You have got to do it!!! YAyy marathons we will help you. You can totally do it. We can run with you. there is no doubt in my mind that you will conquer it head on. Which one are you thinking? I am personally a fan of less hills hahah
I haven’t even gotten as far as which race – or IF there will be one. Right now it’s still a seed of a thought, but you know I’ll keep ya posted. 😉 Thank you for being so excited and supportive!
Something about double digits is SO inspiring. I felt on top of the world when I hit mine. I think you could rock 26.2!!!
It is the best feeling ever – especially when you find yourself feeling really GOOD during all ten miles (‘cept for a minor side cramp or two). Ahh 26.2…am I crazy for considering it, Tina?!?
Only you can talk yourself into 26.2…and it sounds like you’re well on your way 😉
I know – and the more I think it through, the more I really do want this…just a matter of when and how and where! Ahh! 😉
If I pay you…would you record a pep talk CD for me to upload to my iPod? I could really use your energy, Jess. 26.2 ain’t got nothing on you, I’m sure. 🙂
I’d do it free of charge!! Anything for you! 😉
I LOVED my half this weekend, but I still have ZERO interest in 26.2. Probably because I don’t have the time to train for it! I’m all about another half though – I definitely pulled the “we just ran 10, only a 5K left” on Saturday!
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