Let the training begin...

Greg and I have decided to run in a mini-marathon (13+ miles) in Chicago on September 12. Several friends from church have already signed up to run in the race. We have been talking about it for a couple of weeks and finally agreed on it. Greg is already running the mini in Louisville at the end of April, so it will be no big deal to him. For me, however, this is HUGE!!!!
Last Spring, I decided to get moving. I went online and found a program a friend recommended to me called Couch to 5K. I set a goal to run a 5K in downtown Frankfort June 12. I gave myself 12 weeks to go from basically no organized exercise to running the 5K. I cannot begin to describe the feeling of elation when I crossed the finish line. At that point, I was really focused on running 5Ks consistently and keeping up my running. I quickly learned that a) I need a goal to keep me going and b) life gets in the way of the races. All of a sudden it was November and COLD. It was getting dark by 5pm and Greg doesn't usually get home from work until almost 6pm which means I cannot run until it is pitch black. I am a BIG scaredy cat and won't run after dark by myself! So I went from running consistently to not running at all. I was using the elliptical sporadically, but feeling guilty! Greg was running everyday and increasing his distances (and weight loss!). I decided I had to do something about it.
So, today is the day. I decided it was sunny and beautiful although COLD. They are calling for more snow Sunday evening through Tuesday and I may not get to run those days, but I could run today. I didn't run a very great distance, but it was a start. I have a training calendar and a plan. Now I just have to pray for determination and persistence. Six and a half months from now I will be running a mini-marathon.....I cannot even fathom that yet. Today I just have to concentrate on one mile at a time!