I Am Number 1399

I have officially joined an exclusive club. It may have taken some blood, sweat, and tears, not to mention a shit ton of fees, but I am officially a Half Fanatic, #1399.

Earlier this year I ran 3 half marathons in 50 days and reached the Neptune status to officially call myself a fanatic. To date I have run 8 half marathons since September 2009. So if anyone feels the need to question my credentials, I’ll just answer, “I’m #1399, what are you?” ok, that might be a little rude but I have had people question if I’m even qualified to run a marathon, and speaking of which, I have a marathon on Sunday, my 2nd and not my last. Eventually I’ll be crazy enough to reach Marathon Maniac status.

But I’m not here to defend myself. I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself. And this summer I have proved and learned a lot. I should buy myself a present. I think I see an iPad in my future. RIP Steve, my iPhone has become my best friend because of you. Sometimes causing a little negligence with my child and dog.

Let’s take it back to where it all started, leading up to my Half Fanatic status.

Zooma Denver August 2009

Disney Princess March 2010

Colfax May 2010

Zooma Colorado July 2010

Rock N Roll Denver October 2010

Boulder Spring March 2011

Platte River April 2011

Colfax May 2011

So with that, I’m running the Rock N Roll Denver Marathon. I have no expectations but to relax and have fun. I’ve trained hard for this and I’m ready to run down another 26.2 miles. I may not have the speed to qualify for Boston, but truthfully I don’t ever want to. I feel like I’m not serious enough of a runner. I’d rather try to run as many RnR races to reach heavy medal status or go for the Goofy Challenge at Disney World and run a half on Saturday and a full on Sunday.

I’m over putting pressure on myself and in the end not doing well. When I relax and let things happen with some push from myself, great things happen. Not only with running, but my life in general. So I’m going into this race with a cute outfit, my favorite jams, and enjoying running from Civic Center Park to City Park to Cheeseman Park to Wash Park, back to Civic Center. Plus afterwards, I’m heading up to Glenwood Springs with my dad and Lilly for 3 days to soak in the hot springs and my dad is getting me a real massage at a spa and stuff. I’ve never had one so I’m pretty excited. He says he’s impressed by all that I do, which isn’t the first time I’ve heard this. Not just from my dad but from people I just met. I guess for me it’s not impressive because it’s my life and it’s all I know. Being a single mom, working full-time, getting a master’s degree and training for a marathon, or any race is what I do and I know no different. I do what I can to make it work and keep everyone, including myself happy. So I’m thinking an iPad will do that too. Hint hint, Dad!!

Have  great weekend and I’ll recap Sunday sooner rather than never!