Personal Readiness Quiz

So as I embark upon this journey, what is the first thing that I do???  I check out a book on marathoning from the library, of course!!!  :)  (To be fair, I actually consulted a number of websites first courtesy of Pop-Up and DJ and then got books in paper and epub format...)

So the book I checked out in paper format is called Marathoning for Mortals.  I will tell you that so far, it's good but I was surprised at the very lack of books on the half marathon.  Evidently, the whole world would prefer to run the 5k or the marathon or even do a triathlon.  Crazy, huh?  Well, this was one of the few books that actually presented itself as a real guide depending on your goal.  It has programs for walking, running, and run/walking and walk/running both distances.  I like that I can have a goal of: finish the darn thing!  That's really my primary goal...the secondary goal is the time goal.  But, the book has a personal readiness survey to see if I'm REALLY ready to start this thing.  (Good thing since it's in chapter three...wouldn't you think that would be in chapter one???)

I was disappointed (but not surprised) to find that the authors think you should have at least a year of good, solid training before trying to complete a half marathon.  Do you think that sporadic trips to the gym count as good solid training?  Me either.  BUT, I think as long as I don't overdo, I will be good.  :)

What I really liked about the personal survey was listing both your motivations and challenges for the training period.  And I thought that this might be a good format to share those....so without further ado...

MY MOTIVATIONS
1.  Prevent disease and get healthier through training
2.  Getting that PTO time!
3.  Motivating my kids to exercise by setting a good example.
4.  Get toned and look hot in a bathing suit.  (Is that realistic, really???)

MY CHALLENGES
1.  Time.  Time.  Time.  With two kids whose schedules change weekly, a husband whose schedule changes seasonally, and my own schedule which is totally erratic....time is an issue.
2.  Burnout.  I am super excited now but there is still a LOT of time before the race.  My first goal....get through our trip to NY with no stops in training.
3. Boredom.  Any suggestions as to how to keep myself entertained on this crazy long run/walk???  :)

So that's about it for today...two miles later today.  Will post times and routes later (great idea Pop-Up!!)