I've wanted to run a marathon for a long time, but something always seems to come up... injury from overtraining... a pandemic... I also tend to lose steam around the demographics section just signing up. I dread those selections, namely, the guilt for choosing female when I know I wake up many days out of the year feeling like I am in the wrong human suit. I've ultimately developed a habit of opting to wait until I feel more confident putting that sign-up form through, but that day never comes.
Another Austin Marathon came and went, and I did my yearly tradition of seeing when the next one is. This time, something caught my eye. Austin Marathon 2023 will nave a non-binary category for the first time. I can race as me, in full, no guilt, no feelings of being an imposter, as me. Sign me up!
I have a history of not making it to that finish line, though, so still, let's look at the challenges.
Challenge 1: I faint.
Like a fainting goat, I'm not difficult to take down. I do rebound quick, but it's not exactly convenient. I struggle with orthostatic hypotension, so as long as I don't stand up too fast or bend over to pick anything up at the end of a long run, I should be good.
Challenge 2: Everything about me screams athleticism...
With a sunken chest, blood pressure issues, and a tendency to faint, I'll need extra time to train to ensure that I'm not pushed to my limits. Pushing my limits means loss of consciousness, so I'll need a slow and steady training plan while not exactly being what I'd call a patient person. This time, I'll also be working with a personal trainer to keep me and my overtraining habits in check.
Challenge 3: Texas Summer
I'm not sure this requires explanation, but when the climate is so hot you're sweating between your fingers, motivation to get out there may be a challenge.
... and my training partner, Carmen
With bilateral hip surgery at the ripe old age of 6 months, Carmen Stanleyego is more of a "You go on without me" kind of running buddy after the first mile.
So here we are, week 1 of 36,
and I have the necessities:
Time: 36 weeks to train
Electrolyte tablets
A treadmill for days I can't even
A running route that allows for a mile 1 drop off of Carmen
Brooks Ghost 13s in my favorite mint color
A great personal trainer
A very detailed spreadsheet to track my training
Compression socks to help my blood pressure
A support system
A willingness to do a half marathon if a marathon is too much so it isn't put off one more year
... and a race on the horizon that I'm excited to be part of.
June is pride month, and I'm so excited to see more and more races providing space for non-binary people. And to all my LGBTQIA+ friends, family, and supporters, Happy PRIDE!
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