May vs September

So I'm debating. I know there's no way I'll be in shape for an entire marathon this September. However, next September I should definitely be able to do it. I'm just thinking about how I would train in the winter for the marathon in May if I stuck with the original goal of running the Green Bay marathon the full 26.2 miles. I'm not a fan of the cold and we aren't particularly rich where I could find a gym to belong to that has a track in it. I think if I didn't do the full in Green Bay I would do a 1/2.
Last night I did a short quick 1.5 mile run and ran a 14 minute mile. Not bad, but if I ever would remember to turn the Ipod off when my workout is done I'd get more accurate readings. For some reason I forget to end my work out on the Ipod - so I had an extra probably 15 minutes added to the 10K which I was just hanging out not running so it messed with my numbers and last night I left it on as I stretched after and before my run! I'm going to have to make myself a big reminder and stick it on my mailbox or something.
Next week's goal is to get out running at least 4 nights of the week. Even if it is only 1.5 miles.

AMAZING

nothing short of amazing! The first 2 miles were pure hell and muscles I didn't know existed hurt worse then childbirth. After that it was sweet and not very painful until about now when I have sat for awhile and am getting stiff. Want to see my official results?! And Hannah's, Ranee's, Jacob's, and Bill's? Go to www.Bellinrun.com and enter our names in the 2008 results - our last name - Graf - is pretty easy, but just in case you forgot G-R-A-F! Hannah and I did most of the race together like 99% and that was awesome. We would run a block walk a few run a block walk a few. 1 hour 43 minutes was my final time! It was a great experience. I actually thought the people were helpful! It would have been easy to walk the whole way, but when everyone is pumped up in the beginning and the end it made it easy to run! Loved the hose squirts and water stuff and the misting booth we ran through - amazing. My shoes royally sucked though! Going to Rogan's and quick grabbing a pair wasn't cool! Afterward, we went to the Fox Valley Running Company and got sweet shoes that make my legs feel amazing and they were the same price as my worthless, support-less ones from Rogans. Anyways, I'm pumped for the 1/2 marathon and will do a lot more training for the Fox Cities in September!

Bellin 10K

is right around the corner - on Saturday! It's so close I can just feel the shin splints and calf cramps and am not too excited. But to finish will be awesome - my first 'race' completed! I'm glad I got Ranee & Hannah to keep me going or I think it might be easy to scrap the running and just walk. Anyways, hopefully all the preparation will make this as painless as possible, but from what I hear from veteran runners it'll still suck! I was reminiscing with a high school friend who I had gym class with and she totally reminded me how much we hated running ... I still hate it ... it's just a chance to get away and yeah I'm feeling a little completely crazy for taking this up! So the goal for the Bellin is to start out and walk 1 mile, run 2. walk 1, and run 2. I'm not going to like immediately walk after running 2, but just to be okay with needing to walk if I have is great. I hope the weather cooperates and it's not a down pour like it was this entire weekend! Anyways, I'm praying for some extra strength and energy to get through this one and that my nerves would quiet down a bit - I have no idea why I'm so nervous.