Let the training begin!!!

So the official training for the NYC Marathon begins today. No we never really stopped training/exercising, but the official "training schedule" starts today. It's pretty crazy when I look at it thar way. There are now only 182 days until we actually run the race. I have a mental goal time(no I'm not sharing that), but my/our overall goal is to complete our first marathon. Then I'm finally getting a tattoo.

I'm going to explain that by going off topic a little because you are probably laughing. After two c-sections I figure that won't hurt at all. No seriously, after completing my first half-marathon I swore I was getting a tattoo. I seriously though I would never be able to do any more than that and didn't think I would want to. So now I am waiting until after my first full marathon. However, I am putting this in writing, I think there will be more marathons for me. I am not saying I will be setting any records (crazier things gave happened though), but I want to experience some marathons I have already been looking into...like Hawaii:). I haven't been there since I was there on business in 1995 and I would love to go there again. Talk about scenery while you run. Anyway, my point is I never want to forget this experience. I never thought I'd be scheduling my vacations around marathons. Pretty crazy.

Okay back to the reality that I haven't finished my first yet and I have my first triathlon scheduled for next weekend. So after I finish the triathlon I'll have to run a little longer to get my planned run in for my marathon training. Crazy. I can say I am looking forward to putting my focus back into the running. I was certainly feeling spread thin fitting in swimming, cycling and running. However, all the cross-training did help me in so many ways. Trainers do know what they are talking about ;).

So here goes nothing. Were off and the training has begun. 26.2 here we come! Look out NYC the Verdicchio 6 are on their way;).

Meeting Jeff Galloway

What a neat experience this was.  We took the kids to meet a very inspirational man named Jeff Galloway.  If you don't know who he is click here for some basic info:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Galloway.

We decided this would be very inspirational for the kids and we were right.  I am amazed that at 66 years old Jeff Galloway runs one marathon a month and hasnt been injured in over 35 years. That is certainly the way I want to be doing this. I am very serious about staying injury free (well as long as I don't have any other stupid toe mishaps). I also love that he and his wife have been running together forever. It's awesome. They don't worry about beating other people. They run to better themselves and enjoy the time together! It was so inspiring.

I have found myself seeking other inspiring people to follow. I've found several in my community and several through blogs I now follow. I love learning through their experiences and seeing their challenges, as well as, triumphs.

Joe and I are making sure we stay true to ourselves and the reason we got into this in the first place. Meeting Jeff Galloway renewed those reasons for us. We want to spend time together, set an example for our family, and stay healthy for a very long time. Here's hoping we can stay true to our running "values" forever!