Half Marathon

So maybe I'm crazy but I'm considering running a half marathon in September. I've never been much of a runner but the few times that I have attempted it at the gym on the treadmill, I have enjoyed it. For those few brief moments when I'm really into it and the music is pumping in my ears and I manage to keep a pretty good rhythm, I love it. I love the way it makes me feel like my body can do anything it wants. It's really quite beautiful the way our bodies allow us to run, jump, skip, hop, walk, leap, and everything else. Running is kind of like body poetry. I have always looked up to runners and enjoyed watching them do what they love for hours on end. I guess I've always wanted to become one of them. Plus the calories burned is an awesome bonus too.

I also feel like I need to push myself to try something new and challenging every year. This would definitely be that for me. Right now, running a half anything seems almost impossible but I know that it's not and I know that if I really want to do this, then by golly I will. Wow, I've never used that expression before in my life but it felt necessary right there. : ) Accomplishing this half marathon will prove to myself that I can do absolutely anything that I put my mind to. Taking on anything after this will seem so easy after running this.

Well, this half marathon that I'm thinking of running takes place at Disneyland and the organization that I would be a part of is the National AIDS Marathon Training Program. They train you from the very beginning and even encourage people who have no running experience at all to join. So, not only would I be doing something amazing for my body and my overall health but I'll also be raising money and awareness to a deadly disease, AIDS. I cannot think of a sadder disease, it kills lovers all over the world.

"Why can’t fighting AIDS be fun? Mickey and the gang are waiting for you at the Happiest Race on Earth! You’ll find a little magic around every corner as you run through Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and high-five your favorite Disney Characters. This 13.1 mile course winds through Disneyland and the California Adventure Park, as well as parts of Anaheim including Angel Stadium. You’ll stay at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and receive a free ticket to either one of the Disney Parks. The Disneyland Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, September 5th. Training begins May 1st."

Doesn't this sound appealing?

Well, I'm going to an informational meeting about this half-marathon tonight so I'll either be super excited and want to begin training right away or I'll be scared to death and not want to run ever again! Haha... We'll see. Stay tuned for my update!

"No war on the face of the Earth is more destructive than the AIDS pandemic."

-Colin Powell

The global HIV/AIDS epidemic is an unprecedented crisis that requires an unprecedented response. In particular it requires solidarity -- between the healthy and the sick, between rich and poor, and above all, between richer and poorer nations. We have 30 million orphans already. How many more do we have to get, to wake up?"-Kofi Annan