Filed under: patrick
It’s been tough. Not just in the planning for the marathon, but it’s been tough getting back into the fitness grind. I’ve been away from it for the most part since Lindsey and I moved into our new home in mid-February. I’ve been spending less time at the gym and more time at home either making those necessary home improvements or just getting things in order. Who knew it would take 5 months to do that! Of course my friends in Dallas–Rob and Tracy Osterwise–still have boxes, and they’ve been in their new home for years!
So, here it is two weeks before the official start of training. I’m thinking this is my last “free” day, because starting tomorrow, I’m kicking it into high gear. No more excuses. No more late nights at work. No more projects at home. I filled up my gallon of water and am ready to start getting my body ready for training. Over the weekend, Lindsey and I ran around Fenton Park, and I had to stop running after a 1/2 mile or so, which is NOT GOOD (of course it was over 90 degrees, too). I know I can bounce back into it without a problem, and now is the time for me to get in a solid 30 minutes of non-stop running, so I am prepared come July 29th.
And judging from my past, if I don’t blog about it and get it out there for whoever may read this, it’ll never get done. That’s what got me through my first marathon. So there. I’m saying it now. I have officially started. I have to admit, it probably wasn’t a good idea for Lindsey and me to order chicken wings at TJ Wings the minute we signed up for the Las Vegas Marathon, but it’ll be good to look back on and laugh at. We were so concerned about eating wings! That must be a sign that we are ready to eat healthy, get fit and do this!
Two weeks. What to accomplish in two weeks? A 2000-calorie diet with 50% protein, 25% carbs and 25% fat. A gallon of water a day. Strength training along with 30 minutes of cardio for 5 days each week. I’ll be reporting positive results tomorrow! Of course, the biggest part of proper training is sleep, and that I must get right now. Gnight.
Filed under: Lindsey
The only feeling I have when I think about running my first marathon is: excitement! When Patrick ran his first marathon in Alaska two years ago, I was with him. Everyone asked me if I was going to run as well. I hated saying “no.” When we learned about the Las Vegas Marathon, we became extremely excited. We went to Vegas together a few years ago for my birthday and loved every second of it! We’ve been looking for an excuse to go back ever since.
I’ve never ran long distances before. I used to be pretty fast when I was much younger, but had never experimented with running over a long period of time. I wanted to do something fun with Patrick, and running seemed like a perfect opportunity. Originally, I was going to run a half-marathon, 13 miles. After taking off on my own and running around a couple different parks in Southern Illinois, I decided a half-marathon wasn’t long enough. I’m already up to running 4.5 miles and our training hasn’t even started.
The only thing that bugs me is the reaction from my family. I’ve already had to sit through two phone calls from my parents telling me all these horror stories of what could happen. I tried not to laugh when they said I may have a heart attack (even though I’m in my 20s and have NEVER had any trouble with my heart), or that I’d be better off sitting on the couch. I finally burst out laughing when they told me I should train for two years and at most, “only run a 6-mile marathon.” I wonder what their reaction would be if I entered a hot dog eating contest?
Patrick and I registered for the marathon today, and we have most of the details for our road trip to Vegas worked out. We still need to book a hotel, but I’m ready to leave now! I’ve already changed my diet. I’ve been eating lots of protein, not much fat, and I’m getting better at eating a good balance of carbs. Funny how Kashi cereal with “fiber twigs” tastes like Sugar Crisps after eating so healthy for so long. I’m eating wonderful now, but I will indulge in many-a-buffet when we get to Vegas!
Filed under: patrick
This will be the blog for Lindsey Mastis and Patrick O’Brien. We are beginning training on July 29th for the Las Vegas Marathon on December 2, 2007. This will be Lindsey’s first marathon and my second. I ran my first marathon in Anchorage Alaska. Lindsey traveled with me for support, and now she’s taking on a full marathon herself. We both love Las Vegas and are excited to be doing this venture together! This page is just a setup page. We’ll stuff it with goodies in the coming days.
