ALEC: So, here I am....first day of training

Hello Fellow Runners/Walkers/Funners/Bloggers,

Many of you know, and some probably don't, that Angie and I have been friends for almost 20 years now (although she and I always disagree on the year we actually met, but I know I'm right). In addition, Angie, Holly and I lived together for a couple of years back in the mid-90's on Walter Street here in San Francisco. So, I am totally stoked that all three of us are doing this together, even though we are in different levels...I call us the 90 Walter Street Team!!!! (yeah!)

So, here's how I got to this point in my life of wanting to train to run a marathon (albeit, this run will only be a 10K for me). I had been working in a job that consumed my life for 16 months. When that job finally came to an end in April (saddened that it had to come to an end but grateful for the new journey and road), I decided to take some time off and really thought about things that I wanted to do and things I wanted to change in my life. I have followed Angelina's (yes, that's what I call her sometimes or LW - Little Wife) personal blog for quite a while and have always been inspired by her and what she writes about, feels, lives...she is an incredible woman (if you don't know her full story, please ask her or read about it on her blog). One of the constant themes that I get from Angie's life and blog is that we can do anything that we choose to do and that we must step up to the challenge of things that scare us. Now, I exercise 2-4 times a week (now that I'm not working) and usually alternate the days between lifting and aerobics...but training for a run will be something completely different. When I do an aerobic day it's usually 40 minutes of varied machines (3 different types of elliptical machines and the treadmill). But now to train to just run is quite a different thing. When I was a little kid, my mom always said I was a natural born runner...but that was being a sprinter. The idea of running continuously for a long amount of time has always been something that I thought I could never do or would be able to do. But now I am saying...WHATEVER, to that notion. My challenge is to force myself past my old beliefs and fears and jump into the ocean of "I can and I will". So, LW, I take your inspiration with me on this new adventure.

I must also give credit to one other person that has inspired me to do this and that is a friend of mine, Mark Rowe. He just completed his first AIDS/LifeCycle ride this past Saturday. When I met him back in November of 2010 and he was telling me about it, he said that he had never done an organized ride and that the extent of his bike riding was just for pleasure. He didn't know if he could do it but he wasn't going to let that stop him. Plus, he had to raise a minimum of $3,000 to participate in the ride and had never fund raised before...but did he let that stop him...NO WAY! So, I followed his journey of training for the ride and fund raising efforts on Facebook and his blog and have truly been blown away. Every increased challenge that came at him, he took on. And I am happy to say that he raised over $16,000 for the SF AIDS Foundation and Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center (Go Rowe, Go). Because of his commitment and tenacity, he too is an inspiration for me that I will take with me on my journey.

So...these two people have inspired me to take on challenges and that challenge for me, right now, is running the 10K. I hope you will follow us as each of us takes on a different journey but all ending at the same spot: the starting line at 7:00 AM of the Half Moon Bay International Marathon on September 25th. If you would like to just walk it, they have a 5K fun walk that does not cost anything, but you still have to register. I hope to write as often as I can to keep you updated and so you can track my progress.

Peace,

Alec

PS - I have decided to put at the end of each post an update on how I am feeling physically/emotionally right now and what tasks I need to complete.

How I feel physically/emotionally today:
Feel tired. Didn't sleep well. Work things. Legs and feet are still sore from two weeks ago after lifting more than I should have. Tried to stretch them this morning but they still feel tight. But ain't gonna let that stop me.

Tasks to complete:
Today is my first training day (I downloaded an app called Half Coach...you put in the target date, current fitness level and it creates an exercise plan for you). Today is one hour of cross-training. This shouldn't be too difficult for me as I usually cross train on aerobics day any way...but it will be 20 minutes more than what I normally do. Also, need to go to the running store on Haight and get some new shoes - Angelina is now running in K-Swiss...I have never worn K-Swiss running shoes before...only K-Swiss tennis shoes.