Marine Corps Marathon... 2012.

So, after speaking with a a bunch of people over the weekend, I think I have decided I am going to defer my running of the Marine Corps. Marathon.  I have just had too many injuries/illnesses and set backs this year.  I seriously can't tell you how bummed I am -  But I do want my first marathon to be fun. I run because I enjoy it, and while I think I could finish the MCM - I suspect that the majority of it wouldn't be fun.  We will still be going down to Washington that weekend - as the Hotel Reservations are "non-refundable."  The kids,wife and I will have a good time at the Museums and Monuments.  Plus by getting to see the lay-out of how they do things - will let us plan for next year.

So, For next year I am planning on doing the MCM, But I think I might do the Wine Glass Marathon as well. Its a local one that is the first week of October, giving 3-4 weeks between the two of them.  I also want to find a spring/summer Marathon (The Bluenose International is on my Birthday Weekend - May 20th) - as it is going to drive me nuts that I didn't run the one I had planned.  In fact, it will do so until I actually complete a marathon (Silly, I know.)  Anyone have any good suggestions for the East coast?  I am also thinking I need to look at the running calendar for 2012- I am also going to set a goal of at least one race a month.  Also accepting suggestions here!

But on a good note - I see this as a great opportunity to "Start Over."  I am going to begin running again, as a non-runner.  I am going to do short distances and slowly build everything up. I am tired of being injured and un-able to run and I think that starting from scratch - and building everything back up - may help.

This weekend - no running per the doctor's orders. I get the bone scan done on my leg tomorrow. It isn't a sharp pain anymore, but there is still a dull ache going on.  I am looking forward to seeing what is happening - as then I can plan out my "do over."


Running Diva Mom - Picture from the SHAPE Contest Website.

 On an even happier note - one of the blogs I read has been nominated for a "Top 20 Blogs for Fitness Junkies" -  Please consider stopping by and voting for "Running Diva Mom" -- here is the Link for the Voting.  You might also want to consider clicking on the "Running Diva Mom" and reading the blog - as it's a pretty good read!

Bad Run! Bad Run! NO COOKIE FOR YOU!

[caption id="attachment_735" align="alignright" width="213" caption="The cause of my Alcohol-Induced-lllness."][/caption]

So, as you my readers may already know - I was a complete slacker last week and did not run like I should have.  This trend continued on sunday when - due to my alcohol-induced-illness (combined with countless family visits), my long-run did not happen.  However, since i am such a conscientious runner (with an over-active sense of guilt), I felt I should make up my long run last night.  Luckily - we have a the Greater Binghamton Bridge Run Half-Marathon course that was mapped out and certified right in town AND it goes right by my house.  How perfect is that?

So after my wife got home from work, off I went with my trusty water bottle!  I was a little frustrated as my Droid X doesn't seem to have a functional GPS anymore.  I'm not sure if it is a hardware error, or something with a recent update to the Maps/Navigation. 

[caption id="attachment_734" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Map of the Bridge Run Half Marathon Course"][/caption]

  For this run - I was using a pre-mapped course so while I wouldn't have my splits (Frustrating), I would at least know exactly how far I went! 

I took it nice and slow, with no worry about how fast/far I was going.  (This was very easy to do as I didn't have a phone with GPS to give me splits or let me know what my pace was.)