My future father-in-law sent an e-mail not too long ago and mentioned he might be interested in a 1/2 marathon on the Indiana University campus next spring. It got me thinking, what a great way to get to know him better....train for a 1/2 marathon together! The only problem is that he lives 2 hours away. Then it dawned on me...the Air Force 1/2 marathon is in September on the Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton. Dayton is about the 1/2 way point between my house and his house. And so....we are officially signed up for the Air Force 1/2 Marathon!
I put together a training calendar for the both of us. I'm not positive on whether I will be walking, running or doing a combo. I think that will depend on how the running portion of my triathlon training goes....and what pace my future FIL runs. If I can keep up with him, I might suck it up and run. :)
I did the full marathon back in 2007. It was an emotionally tough race for me. I was going through a very rough patch in my life but yet I was still training and trying to break 7 hours in the full (please remember that I've only been incorporating running into my training for the past year or so. I'm a race walker first). It was also my first race without Team in Training. I wore my purple jersey anyways but there wasn't the course support that I am used to. It was also HOT and there were probably only 20 people registered in the walk division. That means that I spent most of that race completely alone. I crossed the finish line in 7:03. While I had beat my previous time, I nearly cried at the finish line because I wanted so badly to get under 7 hours.
It was that race though that gave me the extra kick in the pants that I needed. I started training harder, dropped a lot of weight and was finally able to get under 7 hours...crossing the 2009 Disney Marathon in 6:46. And even as I type this, I can't help but want to do another full to see what I could do now that I've added running, cycling and swimming to my athletic adventures. But first I will do my triathlon. Then I'll get married. Then I'll bond with my father in law at the Air Force 1/2 marathon. :)
I ran a half-marathon with my dad in 2009 and it was WONDERFUL. :) You and your father-in-law will have a great time, and I think it's really adorable that he suggested it.
ReplyDeleteYou are one determined lady! I've heard good things about that race. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful way for some bonding! You'll do great. (:
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment on my blog too. Being married to a pilot does create some uncertainty but it is worth it! I can't wait to read more about your 1/2 marathon adventures.