A running life

I read Dean Karnazes' book, 50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days -- and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance! and loved it. I watched the documentary about the Endurance 50, UltraMarathon Man: 50 Marathons - 50 States - 50 Days, and loved that as well. Watching Dean or reading his books inspire me to push myself to be a better runner. If you asked me last year if I ever wanted to run a marathon or beyond, I would have told you that I didn't have the desire to do it and I didn't have the time to train for it.

Back in January, something inside of me changed. I thought I was perfectly happy running half marathons. After reading an article in Running Times about New Year's resolutions, that is where I got the idea to start running 100 mile weeks. I thought I would try to run 100 mile weeks maybe a couple of times a year. That didn't last very long. After my first 100 mile week, I wanted to do it again. And I have. I have run 100 mile weeks nine times this year. For the next two weeks, I won't be doing that. I need to taper for a couple of races.

Another thing that changed was I wanted to run longer. Usually the marathon is the next step up after running half marathons. I basically skipped the marathon and signed up for a 50K. Not one, but two this year. I am ready for my next challenge. I have definitely put in the miles, I know I will be able to finish. My goal is to hopefully jump up to a 50 mile race in 2012. It all depends on how I do in this year's 50K.

I love running so much, I sometimes wish it was my job. I would love to be able to do what Dean is doing right now. He is running 3000 miles for 75 days straight in Run Across America. Run Across America was designed to inspire Americans to get up, get active and get healthy. I would love to wake up every morning and run in a different location and state. I know it would make me happy. Until then, I will have to settle for my 2-5 hour daily runs.