Flab to Fab and Vice Versa

Heather competes in her ironman in a couple weeks.  She's got rocket launchers on her thighs.  She says after the race she's going to sit on her couch for the rest of her life and eat potato chips.  I tell her to take a look at me and then decide if that's what she really wants.  I mean, I've got the rocket landing pad for thighs.

It's tricky to find exercise time. I have to time it with post-nursing and when Briton is home since Miles is still too young for gym child care.  And I'm still too wimpy to go when it's raining.  And too tired to go later at night.  You know.  Typical excuses.

This morning I did a warm-up walk around the block with one of the other bus-stop mom's.  Then off I shuffled:  90 minute jog/2 minute walk intervals.  For 20 minutes.  When I came home I tried to do some sit-ups even though I was pooped.  I have zero abdominal muscles.  So mainly, I just lay on my back on the floor and popped my carotids.  

I've got a long way to go.

It all started around the cabin kitchen table

The cousins started talking running.  The cousins started comparing battlefield notes.  The cousins started talking Boston.   With one veteran Bostoner at the table egging them on, a handful of cousins who don't know any better enthusiastically (read: maniacally) committed to Boston 2016 as a Cousin Marathon (these same cousins do back flips on skis).  Names were signed on the dotted line in blood.  I was 8 months pregnant with Miles, my fourth kid in six years.  This body, by all accounts, was not eligible for participation in the discussion.  "I'm in", I said.

This morning I am post-partum two months, one day.  I weigh six bags of flour - more or less.  I'm also about as tall as a bag of flour.  My bosoms are heavy-laden with milk.  My chins waggle beneath my jaw.  My eyes ache from lack of sleep.  My brain: obviously delusional.  The perfect runner's body.  Let's rock this goal.

The Plan

Phase One:   October-December 2012
Couch to 5K

Resource:  Cool Running

Phase Two: December-April 2013
Build Distance
Goal Race:  Venonia Half April 15

Resource:  Hal Higdon Novice 2 Training Program

Phase Three: April-October 2013
Build Distance/Endurance
Goal Race:  Cascade Lakes Relay; Sept or Oct Marathon -- St. George or Portland?

Resource: Hal Higdon Intermediate I Training Program

Phase Four: October 2013-2014
Build Speed

Details pending.


I'm thinking I should give myself two chances to qualify in 2015.  And, I think I should go back to bed.