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Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Being Scared of Fawn

I've been thinking about Fawn's suggestion (was it a dare?) that I sign up for the "training for the Dirty Half" marathon group that meets on Saturday mornings. The new session starts this Saturday.

This idea is causing me angst.

Part of me wants to do it just because of the name "Dirty Half." I've never trained for anything, and this seems like a good first thing to start with, if I have to choose something. It kind of reminds me of "Dirty Martini" which I don't really like, but one of my friends does, and she's so cool, I want to be like her.

Part of me is totally chicken, because if I say yes and then drop out, well, it's kind of embarrassing to publicly admit you paid money to run with people, then quit. I mean, quitting on my own self, for free, doesn't seem so bad. I have a history of that, in fact, and it's no secret that my entire running career has been full of starts and quitting.

And part of me is just being reasonable, because I'm still 20 pounds over weight, I travel a lot for work, and a half marathon seems like it might hurt. Running 3 miles a few times a week, whenever I get in the mood (even if I have to force myself to get in the mood) is doable for my poor, overworked knees. But running 30 miles a week or more? Seems like a lot of work.

When I was much thinner and in good shape a few years ago, I ran 6 or 7 miles a few days a week. But if I run too much, too fast when I'm this chubby? I'll end up hurting my knees, probably.

There's this little tiny part of me that thinks maybe this is a good idea. That nagging voice in my head that likes a challenge. It says "maybe this will give you a goal, and since you've always been goal driven, this could be a turning point for you. This could be the spring where you force yourself to turn into a real runner, even it's just for a little while."

I think the voice just wants me to be like Fawn.

The thing is, Fawn looks like a runner. She looks like her knees will hold up to 21 miles of pounding the pavement. I've never looked like Fawn, even when I was much thinner. I've never had a typical "runner's" body. I've got more of a 1950's housewife look. Like I should be wearing an apron and baking a cupcake. Maybe do a little gardening.

Now, I look more like a Lane Bryant ad. I'm not knocking those Lane Bryant girls, more power to them, and I'm sure they are in good shape. I'm just saying I'm not sure they will be running marathons or half marathons when they're 42. Maybe they are swimmers. Probably not marathoners.

For the record, I don't really like swimming so much. I hate what it does to my hair, and I hate feeling like I might drown if I get too tired. At least if I get tired during the Dirty Half, I could just stop and get a Power Bar at the aid station, right?

Yum. Power Bars.

So, dear readers, give me your advice and opinions. I'm easily swayed. Should I run away from Fawn, or embrace the dare?

13 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi. It's me. Ha ha.

The training is actually for the half marathon out in Sunriver this summer(though you'd probably be ready for the Dirty if you wanted to run that). I think it's part of the triathlon they have out there. I didn't even know they had a triathlon every year. Anyway, I'm going to do the whole marathon rather than the half.

Don't be scared. It'll be fun. Let's get a gang of folks to do it. We can be the Bend Blogger Running Squadron or something like that. We can run amok through the training sessions wreaking havok and bringing general hilarity to the proceedings.

I'm in horrible shape right now and frankly am terrified and nauseous at the thought of doing this. But it is a goal of mine and I gotta do it. It will be fun, it will be fun, it will be fun.

I've never had a blog entry mention me. Hmmm. I could get used to this :)

Unknown said...

oh, I've wanted to do the dirty half since we moved here but I too am afraid I would sign up and then not have/find the time to train. I used to run, but haven't for awhile so if you're starting a group for people like me can come come too?

juliejulie said...

Of course you can join the club, Miz! But I'm not sure if I'm in yet. I mean, just because my blog is called "Chubby Mommy Running Club," does that mean I really have to be in a running club? Damn. I should have known something like this would happen.

Deby said...

I would love to do this, but it has been quite a while since I have been in my running body shape. Two kids back to back have left me with some extra padding too.

I say go for it!

And if you do start a club for somewhat out of shape, a bit pudgier than they would like, fellow bloggers - count me in!

juliejulie said...

Problem is, if I start a running club, we'll just end up running to cupcake shops.

Unknown said...

and that's a problem how?

when I did run, we used to run to breakfast. It was great.

Shannon said...

After this baby comes, can you teach me how to run?

Jen said...

I don't run, but I take pictures of other people running. Does that count?

How about I hold our table at the cupcake shop while you all go for a run. :)

Unknown said...

let's do it! cupcakes and running for all!

juliejulie said...

Jen, I heard a rumor that you're opening a cupcake bakery. When?

Amy said...

If you do it, just think how often you'll get to tell people that you are a dirty girl :) Dirty is too much fun to say to just throw away a chance like that.

Elise Michaels Media said...

I would LOVE to join your club. But I quit running because I kept spilling my beer.

Deby said...

I'm all for a nice jog to cupcakes! Talk about incentive to get out and do it.

Hey, my hubby Bob says he knows you! He was telling me about your blog name at lunch today. Small world.