26.2 = 42.195

While I've been meaning to actually post pictures and blog-worthy items for a while (i.e. 3-4 months), I think I might just start fresh and talk about things happening now, rather than try to remember what the heck happened months ago. On December 31st, I, Julian Jon Reyes, signed up for my first marathon! Why that date you make ask? Well, that was the last day for a special price for signing up. I think I saved like 3-4 EUR, which is like 2-4 days' worth of meals, right? Okay, more like chocolate, bread, cheese, salami, and like juice. But still.

I signed up for the Deutsche Post Marathon in Bonn on Sunday, April 22nd. The route takes the runner through most of downtown Bonn and down south to Bad Godesberg (where the HARIBO shop is located) and across the southern bridge (I forget what it's official name is - Kennedybrücke?) to the rightside of the Rhine and through Beuel and back through Bonn. The 1/2 Marathon is this length, while the full marathon is this route twice. To be honest, I am terrified at running this distance and for such a long time.

While I have been running for the past two years and have built a very good base for running with 9 (I think) half marathons under my built, the marathon is "a whole 'nother beast" from what others have told me. The half marathon is the perfect race/distance because you can still go "all out" at the beginning trying to get the fastest time, yet the distance is just right that you'll probably poop out near or at a distance after you've finished. The marathon is different. 26.2 miles or 42.195 km. Double the 1/2 marathon. You can't expect to keep up that kind of fast pace for 26.2 miles ... or more than 2 hours. That's crazy. Most people have to tell themselves to start slow and not go too fast at the very beginning. That will be the hardest part for me. I run at a constant pace for all my runs. I have an internal pace and it's hard to just stop that and start running slower! In addition to running with "feeling", I do not wear a watch while running. I pretty much am within 1-2 minutes of knowing how long I've ran if I know the distance and vice versa. If I know the distance, I can say how long I've been running. It'll be difficult to change this route of mine, but the 2nd week of marathon training is in full gear and we'll see how my second "official" long run goes - 9 miles.

The goal of my first marathon is around 3 hours and 20 minutes. I'm giving myself enough time in case I have to walk a little bit or something happens. That equals about a 7.6 min/mile pace. My fastest half marathon was about 1:29 ... which is a pace of just under 7 min/mile. I will just have to remind myself to start slow ... I'll have to check on how I'm feeling physically, emotionally, and mentally when I reach the half-way point!

But speaking of goals, I've gone further and made another goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon! Of course, for 2013 (which, if I did qualify, and if I was actually able to sign up - which is difficult b/c of the many people who want to race - many qualify and many aren't able to sign up), the time for my age group is 3:05. And the Bonn Marathon isn't a recognized race. So I've also decided to run in the Würzburg Marathon (i-Welt, or something like that), which is later in May and recognized by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA). There and then, I hope to qualify for the BM. Sigh. I think I'm setting goals that are too lofty for myself. But I feel like I've been stuck in a rut - running every day is great, but I need a new goal. Also, half marathons are great, but at what point can I move on to a longer distance? Or maybe I should shoot for faster paces?

Anywho, these are my feelings about running and a brief update. While I like thought of starting a new blog called "Running through Germany", which can be taken literally as well as traveling, etc, I think gallivanting engineer still suits. I like traveling and I like running. Gallivanting is like both ... except maybe more aimless?

I'll leave you with two pictures from the Oldenburg Half Marathon back in October. I really like the first one, which is quite awkward with two Germans behind me and their most amazing faces.