My Victory Lap

11.10.2013


I think I forgot to tell you guys that I signed up for another marathon. So that's happening. I'm calling it my victory lap, and here's why. 

A few weeks ago I wrote about how 2013 has been a weird and terrible and awesome year for me. It started out terrible; then the middle part was stressful and really fun at the same time. And now I'm working full time again to round out the year, and it's all very strange.

Not everyone will be able to understand this, but running has been a lifesaver for me this year. It gave me a purpose and kept me active during my days of unemployment/part-time work. And it made me feel good about myself.

One thing running helped me realize is truly how grateful I am to be healthy at this point in my life. I am able to get outside and be active and do something good for my body, and although I have no idea what will happen even tomorrow, when I am running I know that at least for right now God is offering me a blessing I would be stupid not to take advantage of. (I'm not saying people who don't run are stupid; although I would say healthy people who don't do some type of exercise are majorly missing out.)

So naturally I got it into my head that I should sign up for another marathon while I was still mostly in marathon shape. The list of possible races narrowed down pretty quick because it had to be:

1) cheap
2) in the month of December
3) in my area(ish)

As soon as I found the New Year's Double, I knew it was the perfect race for me. It's a two-day event of 5k, half, and full marathons on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. You can sign up for one day or both. I chose to run my marathon on New Year's Eve (morning) 2013. I know this sounds insane, but I honestly could not think of a better way to end my year than with marathon #2, or what I'm calling my victory lap. It's kind of an "in your face, 2013" race.

Training is going well so far, although I'm doing it mostly on my own instead of with the running group I was training with in January. This is only because I've been too lazy to wake up at 5:30 a.m. on a Saturday to run. So I wait until a normal time to be awake on a Saturday when you don't have kids.
[After our 14-mile training run! At that time the longest either of us had ever run.]
I've been doing this training solo, and this time I don't have my dad to compare notes with, which has been more of a bummer than I anticipated. It's nice to have someone share your training pain. Luckily I have all of you runner friends. Hashtag run. Amiright?

Anyway, that's mostly it on the running front. I have half marathon #7 coming up on the 24th of this month (Route 66 in Tulsa!), and I just passed 700 total miles for the year, so that's pretty dang awesome considering my original goal was 500.

Basically, I can't remember a time when I wasn't running at least 2-3 times a week. I'll come back from a run and see I have a missed call (usually from my mom). When I call her back, she says, "I figured you were out running."

You know you're a runner when people stop asking you how much or how far you've run that day or that week because they just assume you are running. 

I love it.
Anonymous said...

Awesome! Looking forward to following your training for this next one. (You know...so I can try to follow that training plan for my next one...hahaha)

Anonymous said...

Right on! You are awesome! When I started looking for training plans for my half most of them were 4,5 or 6 days of training. I happened to stumble upon your blog and saw what you accomplished running only 3 days a week. I think that's the perfect amount. Anyway, sorry for rambling. :)

The Lady Okie said...

Yes! You don't have to run crazy amounts. 3 days a week is perfect for me and my schedule. I think people get a little too crazy sometimes :)

Christina @ The Murrayed Life said...

Woo!! I think it's smart to just do another now without having to revamp all your training from the beginning. I, of course, can say this because I am not that one training! ;) I can't wait until I can get back into it and hopefully do a marathon with proper training, or at least a half. I started getting tendinitis in my ankle again after I reached my 10-mile race (which sucked because I ROCKED it) and haven't gone back since. Then was pregnant, then recovering from baby pushing, then being lazy, and now am baby creating. One day I will. One day!

Curious Runner said...

You are awesome sauce!! And you are totally right, running is a major blessing, so get out there and be blessed!!

Unknown said...

That is awesome!! What a perfect way to round out the year:)

Becky said...

Yahooo for your victory lap!! :) Sounds like a really fun race and a great way to say seee ya 2013! Being able to run so much is a blessing and now when people ask me why I'm doing a marathon I'm going to say because I can!! :)

Ali said...

I've heard of that race! I ended up buying my Polar Dash entry (14 mile run on Jan 1 in Mpls - Brr!) off a woman who wants to do that race instead. Although, I think her's is in Kansas somewhere? But she's doing a 5K on NYE, a 5K at midnight, and then a half on New Year's Day. That's crazy!

I love that you're doing this. 2013 can kiss your butt!

Jen@Almost Gypsy Soul said...

Wow! You are so inspiring with your love for running....I hope someday I get to the point where I am ready to run :) Check out our virtual turkey trot (you can use it as a warm up for your real run...hee hee) http://almostgypsysoul.blogspot.com/2013/11/strut-your-stuff.html Good luck in saying see ya later 2013!

Ashley said...

I'm pretty sure I've said this before, but your posts make me want to start running. Lol. Looks like I have a New Year's Resolution. :)

Tammy Jo said...

You are a ROCKSTAR!!!!! And what a super cool way to start the new year off!!

Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often said...

Look at you go!! I think a marathon is a perfect way to end the year on a high note! Rock it girl!

Kate said...

That's awesome!

If I miss a call from my parents, they make bets as to whether or not I'm running or not close to my phone. Usually, it's running. :P

Jaclyn Y said...

Gosh you are just awesome lol. I'm so inspired by your dedication to running!

Anonymous said...

I love this!!! The victory lap idea is PERFECTION. You runner you!

-Amy

Claire@MyDevising said...

That's so great! Way to go! I am really needing some motivation for the Route 66. I'm doing the relay with some friends and as of now, running and this pregnancy aren't working out as well as they did last time. No time goal on this one except to finish. :)

Anonymous said...

Awesome, Amanda! Go for it! I can so relate to running as "lifesaver." I'm glad it's offered purpose and confidence for you, and been a reminder of your health. I need to likewise not take my health for granted. Thanks for being an inspiration.

Tara said...

Running has always been a lifesaver for me too- through the stressful days of school, the tiring ones of pregnancy, and now the busy ones as a mom. It's my "me" time and I feel so accomplished afterward. It's hard to get out there at the crack of dawn, especially in the winter, but it's so worth it. Congrats on your marathon! I'm sure you'll rock it :)

Niken said...

i adore your determination. and i'm just glad that you found something you can rely on. and you know you have every right to be proud of yourself, right?

Unknown said...

This is so exciting! :) I love reading about your running adventures, Amanda.
By the way, I talk about your "How to Start Running" series on my blog: http://www.midnightcaramel.com/2013/11/from-0k-to-5k-running-tips-for-beginner.html

Geoff Reese said...

Looking forward to cheering you on to a successful marathon finish. I do feel bad I'm not training with you and comparing notes. Remember that 8 mile run we did together and how made you got at me for talking to you. Haha.

The Girl who Loved to Write said...

So embarrassing, but I definitely teared up reading this post. What a beautiful outlook on ending the year!

Katie said...

you are amazing!! reading your blog makes me want to sign up for another marathon - i really want to the chicago one again.

Shaylynn... a girl, a story, a blog said...

I'm glad that you have running to ease your life.

Just like I'm glad that I have reality tv. Because that's my form of exercising. High Cholesterol and Diabetes HERE I COME.

Beka @ Sunshine to the Square Inch said...

I love that you are running a full marathon and calling a victory lap!!! What a great way to end the year.

Allie said...

What a cool concept for a race! I think ended the year with a marathon sounds perfect! I'm looking forward to reading about your training! Good luck and when training gets lonely just focus on your goal. That's what helped me get through those long runs!

Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Veronica Lee Burns said...

Dang girl! You rock! You're going to end the year out and start the new one with an awesome end/beginning! Good luck! I'm sure you will do great :)

Betsy said...

this sounds awesome! I love the idea of a NYE/NY race - I might have to see if I can find one in my area!

・ DESIGNED BY ECLAIR DESIGNS