Every Finisher, A Medal.

It's 8:40pm and I'm hungry again.  Blog instead.

Like yesterday, today went really well.  All healthy food.  Though, I realized tonight I must be going through sugar/fast food detox.  My fuse is short and everything is irritating me.  It sucks, but I need to get through it.  Sounds dramatic, I know, but I'm sure some of you have experienced this.  It'll be worth it.

Now's as good a time as any to talk about why I'm doing this and what my expectations are, I suppose.

So...why?  Well, I guess why now is a better question.  Since last year's Madison Mini Marathon (my first 5k), I've wanted to run the half (see http://haacksfirst5k.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-only-teared-up-little.html).  I was going to run it a month or so ago, but had to bail because I didn't train.  Then, the other day (which I wrote about earlier), I ran that quarter marathon on ZERO training and had a great time.  If I can do that, I'm sure I can run the half with nearly three months worth of training.

Why else?  I need to.  How's that?  Seriously, running brings a discipline and enjoyment to my life that little else does.  I need to plan.  I need to be dedicated.  I need to eat well.  It brings some order and health to my life I would otherwise not have.  Running also makes me feel like I'm a part of something bigger.  A world-wide network of like-minded friends/acquaintances.  I also love accomplishing a goal.  And getting medals.

Seriously, who doesn't love a medal?

So, what are my expectations.  I don't expect it to be easy.  Which is to say, I expect this to be a challenge.  But I'm up for it.  I need to be, I suppose.  I hope to become a healthier, stronger man again.  I really haven't gained that much weight back, but I know I've transferred muscle to fat weight.  I'm expecting that to change again.  And...I'm expecting to have fun.  It better be!

I can't wait to stand at that starting line and look around at everybody in their gear, nervous smiles on our faces; standing strong and confident in myself and what I've done to prepare.  The horn will sound, I'll press play on my iPod, and off I'll go...my first half marathon.

Exciting, right?