150k in 15 days

The Chicago Marathon was on October 12th, 2008. In years past, I usually took a "break" after a bigger race, such as the marathon. My "break" extended into a "rest", into a "hiatus", into a "vacation", practically into total couch potato-ism.

It wasn't until November 25th, just over 6 weeks since the marathon, that I go off my rear end and hit the pavement. What started it? Its a Holiday Fitness challenge at our company fitness center. Its a Run/Walk 5k challenge. Its intend it is get people to incorporate more cardio into their daily and weekly lives. It Started on November 12th, and ends on December 11th.

But for me it was just the excuse I needed to break out of the running funk I've been in. Having started almost a full two weeks after everyone else, in order to reach the top goal of 150k I would need to run 10k every day for 15 days.

Now 6.2 miles is a long enough distance for just about anyone. But to start up cold turkey, and run 10k for 15 days straight is nuts even for a very accomplished runner (and I'm not that accomplished).

So here we are, December 7th. I've run 130k so far, and I've got two more 10ks to go. Since I hate running indoors, and if anyone has been watching the weather in the Chicagoland area, its been pretty nasty. I've been wicked cold, windy, snowy, icy, slipper. Some of the worst running conditions one could ask for. I don't really ever set out to impress myself, but I wasn't actually sure I could run 10k a day for 15 days straight. My legs are sore, heck everything is sore, and chaffed. Two more days...

Why submit a post like this? Well... to reasons I guess.. Once the blog is called "Tri for Hope, Sacrifice with purpose..." and I tell you what, this has been a large sacrifice, not just for me.. but the family as well. Two, its Advent, and while its the Lenten/Easter season that is popular for "giving something up". I'm using this challenge to prepare myself for Christmas. This is especially true since its during my run that I do my best thinking, praying, and generally feel closest to the Lord. So what better way that to go way overboard.. and run every day.. something I've not done in my entire life. Lastly.. maybe this post will inspire others to do something... anything.. I dunno.. maybe someone will give up using salt at meals. Its doesn't have to be 150k in 15 days. Just something you are going to sacrifice.. for a greater purpose..

Good Luck.. and Peace