Train to End Stroke Marathons!

I was thinking this week about a dream that I had three years ago after I lost 80 lbs. I had attended an informational seminar on the American Stroke Association's Marathons. I so badly wanted to participate (walking not running) and I thought that would be the incentive I needed to keep losing weight... well needless to say, I never lost any more weight and I never participated, but this past week I got to thinking that I can FINALLY make that dream come true because this time I WILL get to my goal and I WILL be able to get into the kind of physical condition that I need to be in for the half marathon! I've done short walk-a-thons (5 miles) for local charitable events, and I realize a half marathon would involving walking 13 miles, but I really think I can do it! I used to work out for about 6 hours a week and I went back to the gym yesterday. I think training to prepare for a half marathon would be a great incentive for me! I love a challenge! So I went on line and signed up again for their informational seminar in January... I'm thinking maybe in June I can do the Hawaii half-marathon or even in January 2007 if I'm not ready in June! How excited would I be to finally make that dream come true?!! Anyone else here interested in something like that? We could always meet at the event! Here's the URL, just in case! http://www.strokeassociation.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1005

At the Y this morning, I saw a signup sheet for a program where you exercise in the amount it would take to climb MT Everest. I thought it was pretty cool. You can choose which type of exercise you want and they have assigned different values for the equivalent exertion. You have 6 weeks to do it, and you get a t-shirt. Walking or running was 14 miles, cardio was 15 hours, swimming was 4 miles, etc. I don't want to waste the $20 signup fee, but if I did it, I think I would do the swimming or walking. I may challenge myself in the same amount of time, but without the certificate at the end. I'm already paying $35/month dues, another $20 seems like a waste. I walked a mile at 3mph today and wanted to cry the whole time. I'm so sore from yesterdays killer water aerobics class. It's only on Mon and Wed, so today I got to take the easier one, but it was still super hard as my arms are like lead. I upped my lap swimming too, but then I was so tired I skipped the stationary bike. I don't know if I'd ever be able to walk 13 miles straight. Heck...right now I couldn't do the 5 miles! If you can do it, more power to you. Sheryl

Oh, I definitely couldn't do either one now! I'm thinking FAR in the future... If I sign up in January, the next marathon would be in mid June. The training goes from January to June... maybe I'll sign up in January and follow the training, but do the actual training next September and the half-marathon NEXT January (2007), that would give me over a year to prepare!

Do it!!!! I have also always wanted to do a marathon. 15 years ago I started the training, got up to 8 miles and hurt my leg, gained a bunch of weight and never tried again. I know it would take at least a year to get up to snuff, but I would like to try. I am less than 2 weeks out of surgury, so i may need to cheer you on in June or Sept and set the following June as my goal. Go for it!!! Deb

Thanks, I think I will go for it!!

Thanks for the great info Vi. I love reading your mesasges and posts. I've learned alot from them. That marathon sounds like it would be fun. I had a friend who did the Hawaii Marathon. She said it was the most incredible thing that she ever did. Maybe in time if I get into running i'll join you in doing it. I want a lay, ooops I mean Lei. For now i'll still do my Curves workout. Again, thanks for the great info. Lisa J

Hi Lisa, thanks for saying that, it's such a nice thing to hear! HEY, get back to running and meet me there so we can both get lays! That would be so cool! Vi

GO, GO, GO, MS VI!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT A WONDERFUL GOAL TO HAVE ... ONE THAT YOU LEFT BEHIND BECAUSE OF THE WEIGHT & NOW FIND YOURSELF FULFILLING IT!!!!!!!!!!!! HOW ABOUT THE REST OF YOU LADIES ... WHAT GOALS OR DREAMS HAVE YOU GIVEN UP ON BECAUSE OF THE WEIGHT THAT YOU NOW LOOK FORWARD TO DOING? IT WOULD BE SO INTERESTING & ENCOURAGING TO HEAR FROM EVERYONE! GOD BLESS YOU DAWN & NICK

I think that is an awesome idea, we should start a new post for it!