Coming out of the Marathon closet.

I realize that at some point I have to tell the people that are in my life that I have signed up for this crazy experience. I'm not sure why I hesitate, obviously my family knows and you know, but I haven't shared with people at work or friends I hang out with here. I have 17 months to go and like a recent JIM team member and friend said, "you have to strike while the iron is hot. "
I wonder if it is too soon for my campaign on the heels of my friend who is also a co-worker. I wonder if people will wonder how the hell I am going to do this. After all I am not currently a runner, I haven't been for quite some time. I am not skinny and in shape. I am not what anyone would consider by any means an athlete. Yet here I am about to tell the people, who only know me as I am now, what I plan to do. Yes I am hesitant, and excited and ready. After all what other people have thought hasn't stopped me yet I don't know why it would now.

The plan

Today I am mapping out the next 18 months of my life. It's probably the first time I've ever done that! The goal is totally attainable, 18 months to raise 7000.00 and train to run 42 km...I can do that...right?
Oh good lord, I hope I can do this?
What if I fail?
What if I can't run that far.
I don't really like to be uncomfortable. This will mean 18 months of discomfort. 20 weeks of intense training (260 hours and 769 km in 20 weeks) and that's just the Marathon training. I want to run the whole way so I have to start at the beginning. Cause right now walking a couple of blocks at a moderate speed is uncomfortable.
And there it is. The other reason I will do this. I am 40 years old, overweight, out of shape and wasting the good years in front of a TV. I am mid way through my life. That is not good cause I have quite a bit to pack in still and won't have the energy to do it all if I don't get moving now.

So back to the plan. First the running room learn to run program. Yes I have to learn to run. Apparently there are rules. I can't just run about willy nilly till I get tired. Which we have already established will be right away.
The program go's from June till September, then the 5 km from Oct - Dec , another 10 weeks in the frigid winter. Did I mention I don't like being uncomfortable?
The 10 km which I think will take me from January to March and then I guess that will be when I start the 20 weeks toward the Marathon.
Wow, I'm tired and need a nap.
Later I will get to map out the fund raising events.
Any ideas?

Why?

Likely you've come here because you can't believe it and had to see for yourself.
Well it's true, I, Peggie May, have committed to run a Marathon. 26 miles-42 km.....running.
I'll give you second to let that sink in while I answer what has to be your next question.
Why in the name of all things holy would I do that to myself?
After all , if you knew me in high school you know I skipped P.E. to hang out in the smoke pit, would hitch a ride to avoid walking the 6 blocks to Tracey's house and thought sunbathing uncomfortable because I might sweat.
If you knew me in my early twenty's you know I only went to the gym for the cute guys and would only walk to the corner store if I couldn't bribe some one else to go for me.
In my late twenty's I quit smoking took up jogging and completed the Vancouver Sun Run in 129:55. Then we moved to Nelson where I realized jogging up hill both ways was hard and thought I might take up smoking again- That was my 30's, that was also when I started to get those pains, first in my hips then in my shoulder, my wrist and my thumb. Like mother like daughter the beginning stages are the same. Though I am not yet diagnosed with Arthritis my mother has been for years now. There is the reason. My Mom, who is my hero in so many ways is my hero again and I will run this Marathon for her. Yes I am 40 years old and 60 pounds overweight but I am still able to run this Marathon while so many, including my mom, can't.
Did you know;

• Arthritis affects more adults than cancer, heart disease, respiratory conditions and spinal cord trauma, and has a serious impact on quality of life.
• Juvenile arthritis (JA) is one of the most common chronic illnesses in Canada, affecting 1 in 1000 boys and girls under the age of 16.
• Long-term disability accounts for almost 80% of the economic cost of arthritis.People aged 35-64 incurred 70% of these costs.
• In April I watched my mother struggle to put on her jacket because her shoulder was too sore to maneuver her arm through the sleeve.

If that isn't enough to make you want to contribute think of the entertainment value of following me through the journey that is running The Marathon.

Did I mention it's in Athens’s Greece?

Did I also mention that I will make my first pledge and donate every month for the next 12 months?

O.k.! Click on that donate button, do it now. Every little bit counts and anything over 20.00 will get you a tax deductible receipt. You can't lose with that deal.