Day 4

"You're running on guts. On fumes. Your muscles twitch. You throw up. You're delirious. But you keep running because there's no way out of this hell you're in, because there's no way you're not crossing the finish line. It's a misery that non-runners don't understand." -Martine Costello

As sadistic as it sounds, I hope to fully appreciate and understand this quote when I am done with this.

Q&A's - Truth be told, these are real questions I've been getting asked lately. I've decided to answer them here. It is nice that people want to know...

Q: Why are you wanting to run a marathon, why not just do a 5K or half marathon?
A: Well, I do 5k's and it's fun but I want more of a challenge. And as for a half marathon I am afraid if I did do one I'd never want to do a full one after that. It's all or nothing with me.

Q: How do you find time to run?
A: As I stress (and complain) about every day on my blog I get up at 4 am to go run. You too can enjoy the benefits of running or any other form of healthy heart behavior. You just won't get that much sleep. Tempting, I know.

Q: Have you ever run a marathon before?
A: Really?

Q: Aren't you worried about your health, it messes up your knees?
A: I think I'll choose to be unhealthy because of running and exercising versus unhealthy sedentary slothfulness.

Q: Why are you blogging about all this running stuff?
A: When you put something out there, you are now accountable for it. If training for a marathon was my own little kept secret I could easily back out of it at anytime(which is what I fear) but instead I have people asking me "hey, did you run today?" or my favorite "have your ever run a marathon before?" No, but seriously if I tell the world about my goal, then I am more likely to follow through. Hey - whatever motivates you to move your hiney, I say go for it. For me, it's blogging, for you it might be wanting to loose weight, seeing an ex lover, going to your class reunion, getting married, online video dating...go for it.

Q: I've heard people pass out at marathons because it's too hard, aren't you scared?
A: Yellz ya I am scared but I am also scared of getting food poisoning, that's not gonna stop me from eating. I know the risks and yes it's scary to think about not being ready but that's why i am training. I am not trying to qualify for Boston or anything. My only goal is to cross the finish line.

Q: What do you want to accomplish by running a marathon?
A: Running a marathon.

Q: Why did you name your blog Smelly Sneakers?
A: Okay, it's gross sounding, I get that, but if I am training the way I am suppose to be, then my sneakers better darn well be smelly by race day.

Q: Are those your shoes on the blog?
A: Yes, they are mine! But they aren't smelly yet. Peter might let you all know when that happens...

I just don't know what to say, I think for the most part people are very supportive and I am so thankful for that but sometimes others can try to discourage you. If you are like me, those doubts people have about me only push me harder. If I am dying and wanting to just give up on a run I think of that. All of a sudden I have the energy.

I don't care what people think. If only me and Peter read this blog it's enough for me. I think of this as a journal. I like to write down my thoughts and feelings. That's just always been me. I am an open person and that's just who I am. People who don't blog don't really don't quiet understand me putting all this out there, but I have so many talented blogging friends who understand it. So, if you are here reading this judging me, don't worry about reading it then. If you like it AWESOME! Help me do something amazing...and when it's you out there trying to accomplish the stupidest thing you've always wanted to do I promise I will be there cheering you on too! :)

Thursday: I ran 3 miles today. 2 miles were great and then the sun came out on mile 3 and I was hating life. See how unconditioned I am? If I can do this, seriously, ANYONE can. I think I told Constance that today and it's the truth. But I am not giving up!

~bev