What the HELL have I done?

I've been known, a time or two, to openly admit to losing my mind.
Sometimes I've walked, consciencely, through the doors to the looney bin.

Well I did it AGAIN! HOLY HELL what have I done?

Last year, with inspiration drawn from my friend Jenna (check out her story here) and her "summer of run", I  started my journey as a (cough cough) runner.  I've have a few highs and a few lows.  Learned a lot about myself, and others around me.  In March 2012 I completed my first 5K race.  I was not a "runner", ever.  In June 2012 I was selected via lottery to participate in the 9th Annual Mackinac Bridge run.  One of 500, that's pretty Damn Awesome! By the end of the year I had completed a whopping 6 races!  Holy hell, how did THAT happen??

So for 2013 I wanted to up the anty.  HA!  My running buddy convinced me to sign-up for a Warrior Dash, last fall (2012).  So I did (for 2013).  My cousins, freaks, convinced me to sign up for another Warrior Dash.  So I did.  Call the paddy wagon now please. And bring the jacket, I'm going to need it.  Here it is June, and I have completed 2 5K's this year.

But I needed some motivation to get my fanny back in gear.  Like big time.  Like yesterday.  As if my life depended on it. Ok, a bit dramatic, but you get the point.

Sooooooo......
I brilliantly fired off an email to my running buddy, Bets, about making a "getting our shit together" plan.  We both want to lose a little jiggle, gain some strength, and save what little sanity we had left.  We have been bouncing around the thought of training for a HALF MARATHON all year.  Say what?  Fo reeeeelllllllll? Damn, girl that's some kind of motivation.  FREAK!  So yesterday, RB Bets and I met for lunch to discuss "getting our shit together." And we agreed, ack!, to a 14 week training program for our first half marathon.  HOLY FUCK-BALLS, I did what??!!  I'm such a jackass.  
That's me, all in or nothing.  Remind me of this brilliant philosophy when I'm bitching and whining like a little girl about sore achy muscles.  Or better yet, wait for me at the finish line with a pint of Jose' .

So here's what my summer from here on out is going to look like: Oh shit!
June 10 --- start of 14 week Half Marathon training
July 6    --- RW&B 5K
July 27  --- Warrior Dash I (5k with obstacles)
August 24 --- CRIM (10 miler, to conincide with our 10 mile week of training)
?Sept 2 --- Mackinac Bridge here's hopin'
Sept 21 --- Warrior Dash II (5K with obstacles)
Oct 19  --- 1/2 Marathon in hometown.

Ok.  So it really isn't as bad as I'm making it sound.  Another philosophy to remind me of later.  I'm doing it with a GREAT RB, and hopefully making a few more along the way.

OH, and when I complete this journey, I will OFFICIALLY concider and refer to myself as a RUNNER!  Another MOTHER RUNNER!!
Oh, and as my reward for my fucking fabulous achievement, I see a new tat in my future!

Cheers, and here's to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
M