My first half marathon will be the Decker Challenge here in Austin, TX on December 9, 2012. All year long, I have been telling myself (and others) that I would do it this year. I think that made me finally decide on a race. I was running out of time. The other races I was considering were in January & February, so I would not have met my goal of THIS year. My plan is to finish this race, then train more for the Zooma Texas Half in March. My birthday is in March and what better present for myself than what I'm sure will be a PR? Is it wrong that I assume my 2nd will be faster than my 1st? Is that pessimistic? Or practical? Hmmm....either way, I plan to do both. Fun stuff, kids! I am super excited!!!
Being from Iowa, both of these races appeal to me because they are done in such scenic areas. While I definitely love-love-love living in the city, I appreciate the beauty & serenity of the country from time to time. Austin is in the Texas hill country, which is good and bad for my running all at the same time. It may make it more challenging, but I know that will only make me better. That is what I chant to myself while running uphill anyway. I'm like the "Little Engine That Could". I focus a mailbox, or a tree, or a car parked in a driveway at the top of a hill & mentally pat myself on the back when I make it to that spot.
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| Before the Shape Diva Dash 5K at Decker Lake- April 2011 |
The Decker Challenge (http://www.austinrunners.org/DeckerChallenge) is in an area I'm familiar with. It seems that 50% of the races in Austin are in the Decker Lake area. I've been there for the Diva Dash twice & our super muddy Color Run this year. It is really a lovely area, so I understand the choice. All of those races are only 5Ks, so I will be seeing much, MUCH more of that area in December. 10 miles more, to be exact. I'm sure I will love every second. Right??? Well, maybe not every second, but at least half. I'll let you know. A 5K & Kids K are also happening that day, so I plan to talk my mother & 7 year old into going along with me for support. I also love having my daughter see people spending their time doing fitness-y stuff in their free time. While I can't force her into loving healthy living, I believe the more she is around it, the more natural it will seem to incorporate it into her life. That is very important to me, and many other parents, I'm sure.
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| Natalie, the 7 year old |
The Zooma website (http://zoomarun.com/texas/) advertises tranquility, wildflowers & cattle. What more can you ask for your 2nd half marathon? Being from Iowa, I will feel right at home there, I do believe. :-) I am hoping to talk some friends into joining me for this one. It just feels like a race you want to do with friends. There is a 5K option as well, which may be easier to persuade some of my newer running buddies into tackling. We'll see. I can be very persuasive. And there is still plenty of training time left for that one.
Well, as much as I love talking about these races, I actually have to train for them, so must go run now.
Happy Tuesday! :)
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