New Goals

So ever since St. Patrick's Day I have been at a loss. I woke up March 18th both sore and full of pride, but still feeling a sense of emptiness. It wasn't that I didn't feel proud or amazing, but that my journey was over. It was weird to think about how I had spent about 15 years thinking about running a marathon.

In high school I used to like to go out and jog. I would do maybe a 2 mile run/walk. I used to always tell myself that one day I was going to be one of those people who runs a marathon. Deep down I knew it probably wouldn't happen. Let's be honest, running 26 miles is an insurmountable task. But over the years I kept wanting to do it. I went to college, I put on the Freshmen 15 about 3 to 4 times over, graduated, got a job, got married and even though life was good something was missing. I needed something to make me want to exercise or to find a hobby. I chose running because of my physical condition. I found it pathetic that I couldn't run more than 100 ft without getting winded or that walking a couple of miles left me limping in pain. I knew I needed running because I needed to improve my health. I also knew that I needed to start challenging myself.

When I first started this blog, it was a declaration to run a marathon. The original goal was Baltimore, which didn't happen. The next goal was Virginia Beach. Its creation was spurred after my success at the Baltimore Running Festival when I painstakingly finished my first half marathon. My desire to run the marathon was only fueled by my husband being unsure that I could do it. I don't like being told I can't do something, I think it is my Irish, French, and Germany heritage, which makes for one stubborn and determined me. I set out to prove him wrong. The problem is that I did. I proved to him I could do it.

So what now? That's the problem...I don't know. Should I try for a better time on a marathon, even though I have sworn off running them? Should I lower my half marathon time? Do I dare try an ultra? Do I try to develop a fitness routine that tones my problem areas? I don't know what's next and I don't like not having goals. At this point I keep signing up for half marathons because I like them, but I still feel aimless. I don't know what I want next. Its weird not having that carrot dangling in front of me. I can move on.

Tentatively I think my goals are going to be this:
1. Complete a Women's Mud Run
2. Complete a Women's Obstacle Course
3. Run a 5k under 40 minutes
4. Run a half marathon in under 3 hours
5. Complete the entire insanity 60 day program

I like those goals, but they seem lackluster. I guess I will work towards those, but I never thought I would reach this point. So if you have any bright ideas, let me know.