Sunday - The day before training starts

I am going to train to do the Denver Rock n Roll half marathon this fall and am scared out of my mind.

Two days ago, on Friday, a co-worker sent an email to the whole company challenging anyone who wants to to try the Denver Rock 'n' Roll half marathon on Sunday Oct 17, 2010. I am not a runner. I used to be a swimmer. I have never run more than 2 miles at one time in my life. This email was sent only a few hours before I had planned on leaving work and stopping by 24 hour fitness on the way home to cancel my membership. I had only gone to the gym about an average of 1-2 times per month and no longer wanted to waste the money. Well, I did not cancel the membership.

In order to give you a taste of the challenge I set before myself. I am 37 years od, 5'11", 258 lbs and way out of shape. I get winded just going up two flights of stairs. I have a long way to go to be able to finish a half marathon.

I have small children and have this underlying fear of my health affecting my ability to enjoy time with my kids other than sitting on the couch watching Spongebob Squarepants. Many years ago I was a very successful swimmer and I would love to be half the athlete now that I was then. Of course my swimming years were also my teenage years so I understand my body was able to handle it better back then. But still! I must do something. I need a challenge and I need an improvement to my overall health. I chose this insane goal of a half marathon to bring my body back to life. If I can finish a half marathon without having a heart attack it will be a good day. :)

I plan on using this blog to track my thoughts, training, diet and any comments about my road to a half marathon. It will be interesting to say the least but in the end it is my hope that this adventure will have nothing but positive results.