Household PR Derby – the 26.2 showdown

aka the one where I admit to having non-internet-fabricated running relationships

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You may not know this, but Brian actually ran a marathon before I did.

my third half, Bri’s first full (& BIL Sean’s first half) – Columbus 2009

And when I decided it was my time to graduate from the half, he jumped on board for a second.

Cleveland 2010 (recaps)

And then as a birthday “gift” I signed us both up for our third (I’d run NWM as my second). I ended up dropping to the half, and B crossed the finish line straight into retirement, swearing like so many others,

Vegas 2010, where Bri swore off 26.2 and I swore off RnR (recap)

Neither of us knew anything about running and relied on general athleticism and stubborn drive to get through. No specific workouts or fancy technology – just running the same speed all the time and gradually building long runs. A pretty basic “train your body to cover the distance” plan.

It worked fine, he had a nice 3:38.43 PR to show for it, despite never running further than 16 miles in “training.”

faking it at Vegas mile 25

As I started learning more about training and running, and in turn my times dropping, Brian’s interest seemed to pique, but remained steadfast in his anti-marathon stance.

And then I beat his PR by 90 seconds in Eugene (I truthfully had no idea until he told me later that night) and he graciously handed over the “fastest spouse” title. Even when I publicly announced to a party I was faster than him or used the PR card to get out of dishes.

(not really. I mean I would if I thought it’d work…)

But for some unknown reason, after standing out in the pouring rain chasing K and I along the CIM course and shouldering my DNF cries, the itch apparently came back.

Well into our 3rd round of pint sampling after the race (Pliny on tap yes please), Bri admitted to wanting to give another shot at 26.2. That these “real workouts” he’d been hearing about sounded intersting and he was curious what a shit-trained 3:38 could equal if he put in some proper training.

So right there, on the Pangaea bench, we registered Brian for the Surf City Marathon and drafted a tentative 9 week plan.

an homage to K’s rookie registration text

There are a few curious points in this whole tale – other than Brian’s sudden competitive desire to reclaim the household PR title and our belief in scheming rash plans under the influence….

(no morning-after regrets re: signing up, although I suspect when he sees the Pliny-inspired custom bib he might have some words…)

• This is a terrific distraction for me during Zero Month. Having a direct outlet to focus all my displaced running energy is keeping me sane. Also, Brian’s agreement to “do whatever I say” for 9 whole weeks!? YESSSSS
• That said, if by chance something goes badly, I’m going to feel terrible and completely responsible.
• … and on the flip, if it goes really well and he completely crushes my time….

Here’s to new fuel for 2013 and the Household PR Derby…

Sarah OUaL