I've lost count of how many times I've "started" marathon training for my January 2015 race. Today, I started again. I have less than three months, which is about 13 weeks to get my shit together. I mean that somewhat literally. I was able to trust a fart today for the first time in three weeks, so I must be on the right track, right? Still got wicked diarrhea, but at least it's controllable for the most part. I'm hoping my bowels will be back to normal soon since I'm off the antibiotics. Damn Crohn's disease for making me lose valuable training days, weeks, and months. I go to the colorectal specialist this Thursday for yet another rectal exam. This upcoming appointment will either give me the all clear to move forward with training, or crush my plan of finishing the marathon in January. Since I'm not experiencing any pain, I'm hoping for the all clear.
I'm confident I can train enough to cross the finish line in January as long as I'm healthy. I intend to finish the U Can Finish 5 miler this Sunday. I went out for two miles today just to get a feel for what to expect on Sunday. I found strength I've been lacking these last few weeks and pushed to average 11 minutes and 25 seconds per mile. Some folks train for weeks and months to get those numbers. I didn't break any personal records, but I did gain confidence, strength and purpose. After feeling helpless and unable to do normal things for a couple of weeks, it was a special run for me. No matter which emotional, physical, or mental rollercoaster I'm on, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to lace up my running shoes once again.
I'm confident that I can run five miles this Sunday. I'm fairly positive that I can finish the two half marathons that I'm registered for at the end of November and beginning of December. I'm hopeful that I can finish the marathon in January. Some people will question whether it's a good idea for me to try. I already have a DNF on my marathon record, but that is not going to stop me from trying again. It's going to inspire me to push harder because I have tasted the sweet victory of crossing the finish line after recovering from shitty health issues. It's empowering. It allows me to feel unstoppable in this life when it seems like everything is trying to stop me.
