What Have I Gotten Myself Into?

After agreeing to run the Ragnar Relay with Jaime, Betsy and Ashley last week I thought, "Oh my God, What have I gotten myself into?" I had serious doubts about my ability to complete such a huge challenge. I looked at the training schedule online and it was overwhelming. The beginners schedule looked a little too simple for me and the intermediate schedule looked insurmountable! I took a few deep breaths and looked to Jaime for support. She assured me I wouldn't let anyone down. Now that I was committed I had to figure out the best way to train. With over a foot of snow on the ground and sub-zero temperatures, running outside was not an option. I had been using the elliptical at the gym and doing Bob Harper's Yoga for the Warrior DVD at home over the winter months to stay in shape. The treadmill had never really been something I loved doing but I realized that we were now going to become fast friends or complete enemies. I headed to the gym, hopped on the treadmill and after a few minutes I thought I would die! Why does running outside feel so amazing and running on the treadmill feel so awful? A friend recommended "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer" so I decided to give it a try. After reading the first few pages I was hooked. This training program can prepare a non-runner to run a marathon in 16 weeks! Unbelievable! The book, written in 1998, is based upon a class taught at the University of Northern Iowa. At the time the book was published, over 200 people had taken the course and all but one had completed a Marathon at the end of 16 weeks. Most had little to no running experience prior to the class yet all shared the same drive and determination to succeed. It was about challenging themselves to test their personal limits. I have now completed week one of my training for Ragnar on the treadmill and I no longer dread it. We are now 17 weeks and counting! Bring it on...