Marathon Fever?

When I did the Fox Valley Marathon this September and had a rough time, I said I wasn't doing the Chicago Marathon or the Lakefront 50K that I signed up for. 

I toughed out the Chicago Marathon in October but said I didn't really want to do the Lakefront 50k I signed up for.

I did the Lakefront 50k in November and had the best time of all three...but swore I would never do another marathon ever in my life. 

I swore up and down that starting in 2014, the most I will ever run again is a half marathon. I was so confident of that fact that I told my boyfriend that he could slap me in the face if I signed up for anything more than a half marathon after 2013!  He actually recorded it for proof.  Maybe he knew something that I didn't?

Up until December 22, 2013, I was (at first) 100% confident in that statement, then slightly less confident but pretty sure (maybe) that I wouldn't do a full AT LEAST in 2014.

Then came December 23, 2013.  After weeks of hearing everyone talking about marathon training starting up right about NOW, I had an epiphany that I NEEDED to do a fall 2014 marathon.  Where did this come from?  What changed from last week to this week? 

Ok, saying I wasn't going to do a full EVER AGAIN was probably jumping the gun a bit.  But saying I wasn't doing to do one in 2014 was definitely reasonable.  My goals for 2014 included getting stronger, more physically fit, and losing weight.  I need to do these things to be a better runner.  And it's hard doing the marathons when I'm not in shape to do them.  And I know from experience that I CANNOT lose weight while training for a marathon. 

I was making my spreadsheet of the races for 2014 that I've already signed up for and ones I'm considering.  While looking at this list, I felt something was missing.  I have a couple triathlons planned, a duathlon, some half marathons.  But ONE THING was missing. The one thing that defines me from others.  Or the one thing that brings me closer to others!  A marathon. I was missing a marathon in my 2014 race schedule and I didn't like the feeling.  Am I being dramatic?  Oh yes, definitely!  But marathons are dramatic!  And so are marathoners!  And I didn't feel "complete" without doing a marathon in 2014.

And there came my obsessive search for fall marathons in 2014.  I have a one almost definite and some other possibilities.  And I'm excited!  SO EXCITED.  And yes, I will prepare my face for that slap!  And I will have a smile on my face!  Because I'm a marathoner!  ... And I enjoy pain?? 

Have a Very Merry Christmas!  And a Happy New Year!!