Future 13.1

13.1, that's how many miles comprise a half marathon. If you know the ancient Greek story of how the full marathon (26.2 miles) originated, then the half marathon seems fruitless. But, since I am not a foot messenger running from the city of Marathon throughout Greece asking for aid to fight the incoming Persians or to announce the final Athenian victory, the half marathon gains a little more prestige as a modern-day, strictly fitness-related event.

With that said, I am scheduled to run the Seaside School Half Marathon in Seaside, Florida, March 6, 2011 (http://www.seasidehalfmarathon.com/). This will be my first half marathon ever! I cannot say that I am excited per say because I really don't like running that much. I first started running over a year ago when I met J.T. (my husband); he got me and the rest of my family started on the "Couch to 10K" program. I finished that program the first time by running the Azalea Trail Run in Mobile, Alabama. This summer I fell off the fitness wagon so to speak; it was scorchingly hot in Birmingham, and I'm a wimp.

I started a teaching job this fall, which led to me jumping right back on the wagon. Cafeteria food is by no means healthy; I started gaining weight and feeling sluggish. Therefore, I recruited my husband to help get me back on the "Couch to 10K" program. I have been diligently following this jogging regimen for 6 weeks now (despite many interruptions and battles with the common cold) with J.T. and Moose, my 8-month-old pit bull puppy. During this time, I have also decided to exchange my poor eating habits for a healthier alternative called "The Skinny" (so far so good on that front). In addition, I made one other decision; although not necessarily one for myself.

The decision I made recently was more for J.T. He has been running marathons for years; he loves to run, and he wants to share that passion with me. Because of this, I decided that I would run my first half marathon. J.T. thought it best for me to run the one in Seaside because I absolutely loathe hills. The problem is this: I am a reluctant runner; it does not bring me joy. By mile 3, I am bored out of my mind (despite my iPod playlist of Britney Spears and the PCD), but I'm open to suggestions on how to change this feeling of boredom, of being tempted to quit. Nevertheless, I am going to press on; I'm going to do this thing and not let it beat me.

I'm excited about being able to share this experience with J.T. It's important to him, and he's been asking me to contemplate this for a while now. Well, I'm finally giving in. I'm running this half marathon as a gift to him, as a thank you for all of his support throughout my fitness struggles. It will also be an interesting culmination of our first year of marriage. I'm not running for a medal or for the bragging rights; I'm running a little for myself and a lot for J.T.

- W:)