New Year, New Distance

So I’ve officially lost my mind. I signed up for the Tobacco Road Half Marathon in March.

New Year, New Distance

Thirteen point one miles. With a three-year-old who thinks 6 AM is sleeping in and a job that has me on my feet for twelve hours straight.

Marcus found me hunched over my laptop this morning, staring at the training schedule like it was written in hieroglyphics.

The training schedule. I’m already tired just looking at it.

Sixteen weeks of gradually increasing mileage, tempo runs, and something called “fartleks” that made Sophie giggle when she overheard. The plan assumes I have time to stretch properly and eat balanced meals and get eight hours of sleep. The plan has clearly never met a pediatric nurse with a toddler.

But you know what? I’m doing it anyway.

Starting with stretches. Gotta look the part.

Hydration station. Already thinking like a runner.

Maybe it’s the New Year talking, or maybe it’s the realization that I spend so much time taking care of everyone else that I forgot I’m allowed to have goals that are just mine. Sophie thinks it’s “really cool” that Mommy is going to run “super far.” Marcus is already mapping out routes and talking about pace strategies like he’s my personal trainer. He’s sweet.

First training run is tomorrow morning at 6 AM. Wish me luck. Or coffee. Mostly coffee.