Giveaway: 7 Bridges Marathon

Last October, I ran my second marathon ever. While I didn't have the result I desired, I fell in love with the race.

The 7 Bridges Marathon is an up and coming event that is only going to grow in recognition, in my humble opinion. Of course, Chattanooga, Tenn., is one of my favorite places to visit.

The course is fun and yet somewhat challenging. There are rolling hills, numerous bridges to cross (more than just the seven the title suggests, but the seven bridges refers to the number of times you will cross over the Tennessee River). You get a sense of empowerment as you climb atop the Chickamauga Dam at mile 15. The falls colors make backdrop of the race absolutely gorgeous, especially during the latter part of the race as you run for miles on a greenway beside the Tennessee River. And the finish has a wonderful festival vibe as you ran on grass in Coolidge Park beside the river and in the shadow of the final bridge you crossed.

In case you can't tell already, I absolutely love this race.

This year's race is set for Oct. 20, and I want you to have a chance to enjoy this wonderful event.

Training Is A Process

Me after a hot run this summer - which summarizes my
feelings of yesterday's run.

So, I announced on Monday to the world I've set the goal of running a sub-2 half marathon this fall. My first attempt at this mark is now less than 16 weeks away. Yesterday was my first training session for this race, and what do I do?

Cram all the sessions in to one.

Yup, yesterday's run was a bad one.

Apparently, I thought I should try to run a sub-2 on Day 1. I know better, and my body quickly reminded me of how foolish I was being.

Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was a tortoise turned into a sub-2 half marathoner.

Time To Up The Ante: Seeking The Sub-2 Half

"You can't hit a home run unless you step up to the plate. You can't catch a fish unless you put your line in the water. You can't reach your goals unless you try." ~ Kathy Seligman 

I love setting goals for myself. They give me something to shoot and strive for. No matter the area of life, you need goals to give you direction and drive. Otherwise, you end up going about life aimlessly.

Early in my running, I saw the importance of have a goal out there to keep me motivated, to keep me going, to keep me getting up early and hit the pavement.

At first, signing up for a race was enough motivation. I had to run and train in order to be able to finish. Then it was to PR, to try a new distance and so on and so forth.

But with each goal achieved, a new one must replace it.

And the ante must be upped.