I woke up this morning and turned on the television. On it was NBC's coverage of the LA Marathon. I can't believe it was a year ago that I ran that thing. It was great to see all the people at the starting line, the familiar backdrops of Los Angeles, and normal, everyday people trying to accomplish something great in their lives. I will never forget the feeling of finishing my marathon last year. It was a feeling that is indescribable (you can read about it on some of my earlier blog postings).
It got me thinking about doing it again. Yes, I said it. I am thinking of running another marathon. Maybe it's the nostalgic feeling I got from watching the coverage on the television. Maybe it's my way of fighting off old age. Maybe I'm just plain crazy. But a seed has been planted.
And here is my challenge to anybody who reads this. Run the Disneyland Half-Marathon with me in August. That's
right. I'm calling you out! If a fat dude like me with a bum knee can run 26.2 miles, ANYBODY can run 13.I have already signed up for it. August 31st. I will begin training in May. I want my friends and family to run with me. As exciting as finishing the LA Marathon was last year, the race would have been much better had I had the accompaniment of my friends. So, who's with me?
A couple selling points - you run THROUGH Disneyland with everybody else. It is Labor Day weekend so you don't have to worry about going to work the next day. You run THROUGH Angel Stadium (which will be great in a year in which they will win the World Series again!). It won't be hot because the race begins at 6 a.m.
So, here's a f
ew people I am calling out specifically...Kyle - Put down the pizza and do this! You wanted to run the LA Marathon last year, but didn't. This a good chance for you to make up for it.
J.J. - your brother and sister-in-law are already running it. You 2 can Step Up! (Yes, a play on words!)
Jimmy - a chance for you to drink only water and not have people make fun of you. Plus, since you live close to me, we can train together.
Kevin Reynolds - Remember the comment I made to you about bragging about playing "real sports" instead of the Wii? Now's your chance to shut me up.
Ryan Lane and Kevin Siana - Finally a chance for you two to determine who's fastest once and for all. I'll even bring a football and pass it to you at the finish line. Person who catches it gets bragging rights for life.
Anybody from school - we can train before and after school together at the park and throughout the summer. We can even put a challenge together ala Biggest Loser for finish times.
I have laid out the gauntlet. Who is ready for the challenge?
P.S. There is also a 5K "fun run" for anyone who can't do a full 13 miles, ladies.
