Running in the Rain

I thought the rain was done.  I checked the satellite and it looked clear; the sky was barely cloudy.  I was wrong.

It really started to rain when I got down to the convention center. It was pouring.  Tourists were staring at me like I was insane, but I had no choice, I had to keep running.  I turned around and RAN all the way home.  I think I normally jog.  This was the first time I actually ran since I was a little kid.

I only finished 1.62 miles today, but since my clothes weigh about ten pounds soaking wet and I was seriously booking it, I think I'm good for the day.  I need to locate a treadmill for rainy days.

I'm not sweaty; I'm soaked.

Not So Bad

I decided to follow the advice of a few running websites and start out slow and easy, and I am so glad that I did.  I ran 1.7 miles yesterday.  I started out walking from my house and started running by the ballpark, around the convention center, finished running by the bay, and then walked home.  I still felt really good by the time I made it home (almost an hour later). 

Today though, I'm a little sore.  My shins hurt.  Does anybody know how to prevent shin splints?  Luckily, I am supposed to rest today.  Tomorrow I am going to run for two miles. 

It was perfect weather yesterday.  I didn't take my camera with me (although I should have with how beautiful it was).  This picture is from my window yesterday morning.

Day One - I'm going to run a marathon

I have decided to run a marathon for my 36th birthday on June 5th; the Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego.  I have never run a marathon before and I don't know ANYTHING about running, so I really need advice from any of you that have some experience.   I picked this marathon because it's the day after my birthday, I heard the music's decent, and you get a free beer at the end.

I definitely possess the motivation to do this, but I am sorely lacking in ability and skill.  There are a few other concerns that I have about undertaking this challenge.  First, is my health.  I am not a healthy person.  I have an autoimmune disorder that makes me sick a lot.  I think this is going to be the biggest obstacle to my birthday marathon success.  To combat this issue I plan on using my sick days as rest days in between running.

I'm also allergic to running shoes.  I realize that this sounds insane, but it's true.  I break out in a horrible rash when I touch diethylguanadine, a chemical used in rubber soles.  I'm going to try using a rubber-free insole that I ordered from a medical supply company.

Another issue is definitely my weight.  It's going to be tough to run around carrying all of this excess weight.  I weigh 181.5 pounds.  That's like toting around five gallon jugs of water with me everywhere I go.  So, the weight will have to go before the marathon day.  This is going to be tough.

Ok, so beyond all of the obstacles is my goal; six months and eight days to my first marathon.  Wish me luck!  I'm about to start training.  I'll just finish this cup of coffee and find some running clothes.  I think I'll try to run a mile today.  I haven't exercised in years, so I'm starting out slow.

These are my running shoes.  Notice the square cut away by the doctor while doing an allergy test. 

Other than the missing chunk, they're in pretty good shape.