Part One of a 12 week series leading up to the Music City Half Marathon on April 25, 2009 here in Nashville Tennessee.
It all started in 2008. I decided that I needed to prove to someone, myself maybe?, that turning 50 was a good thing. I work out with a trainer and she was once again preparing to run the Music City Half Marathon. I listened to her talk about it week after week during our workouts. Finally, it just got to me.
She's not much younger than me, I said to myself. What's to keep me from doing this??
So, without telling her anything, I decided to do it. I didn't have anyone to train with, wasn't exactly sure what was involved so I did a little investigating and asking around. Then I saw the ad to Train with Team Rio and I signed up.
Let me stop here. There is a band called Diamond Rio, you probably know them by their hit One More Day. They happen to live locally and a couple of them run the marathon every year. They teamed up with the local chapter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee to help them raise money.
So, I type in the website and follow the links to sign up. Then I downloaded the training schedule and went to meet them on Saturday. The rest is history.
Through the next few weeks I'll be telling you more about the program, but for now this is what's involved.
A Half Marathon is 13.1 Miles.
To run 13.1 miles one needs to build up to it. Each week we run a little farther on the weekend "long run". My fr
iend Jennifer decided to train with me this year.
Because we weren't totally organized, we met at Concord Park in Brentwood and did a 5 mile walk/run. I had my dog, Sweet Pea, with me. You know how dogs "just like to go". Well that created a little too much chaos. She will not be training with us in the future.
Next weekend, we're serious. We'll be signed up with Team Rio and will head out on their schedule. Watch for it.
Now, you're probably wondering, What does this have to do with Real Estate??
The truth is Everything. I am rambling about a Marathon that we were not ready to start trainging for. 
We've talked about it for 3 or 4 months now and when the time came we had not prepared. Running a marathon is no different that doing a listing presentation. It takes Knowledge and Preparation!
When you're called to do a Listing Presentation, you don't just throw your clothes on, grab your briefcase and run! You get on the computer and find out everything you need to know about the property. Then you do a market analysis. And if you've been selling Real Estate for any time at all, you have a listing presentation that you can now tailor to the prospect.
Trust me. I did this Half Marathon last year. I want to be better prepared this year. We're going to beat my time of 3:01:40!
More next week!
Training for the Country Music Marathon Part 2
Country Music Marathon April 25, 2009
If you would like information about the Music City Marathon you can read all about it here.
To seach for homes in Nashville Tennessee click here. Or just visit my website www.ConnieHarvey.com
Connie,
It is an awesome feeling when you cross that finish line!! I just did the rock n roll Phoenix half..
Check out Hal Higdon. He has some great tips and training schedules for all levels
http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00index.htm
Good Luck!
Paul Guenther
Connie,
More power to you! I wish you all the best in this huge endeavor! I just got back to running myself.... New Year's resolution and all that.... who knows, one day I might make it to a marathon, too.
Good Luck!
Paul, I was going to put that link in the next blog. My trainer looked at the Team Rio training from last year and nearly died. I have been sending the link to Hal Higdon to everyone since she told me about it. Last year was my first and you're right, it was great!
Connie - I wish you the best in the upcoming Country Music Marathon. The CMM has developed a national reputation over the years as one of the best organized and fast growing marathons in the nation. I have several friends that participate and some relatives from out of state that compete each year. All the best!
Connie, What a wonderful goal and I love that you are going to share your journey!
Kenneth -thank you. This year I'm taking it much more seriously and am working on my time and body core. More on that in another blog.
Margaret - this was your idea. I'm running with it! :)
Connie, I didn't know you were a runner. That's awesome. Good luck with your training. Lee's been the marathoner in our family. He's done Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa. I am always in awe of how you folks do that. Looking forward to reading about your training adventures.
Good for you Connie! I love being active myself but dread running. I know people that get into it really love it. It certainly will keep your mind and body sharp!
Pam - probably more of a jogger. I am working on my speed this year. The truth is, at this distance it's a combination run/walk. I'm hoping to tie some interesting tidbits in with the series.
Bill - Truthfully, I am no where near "loving" it. :) But it is faster than some other types of exercise. As I find more friends to run/walk with it's not as bad.