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.