Well, I turned the big 4-0 last week. No, it was not the end of the world but rather a celebration. I’m super excited to be in a new age group decade. I look forward to my 40s and plan to celebrate for the ENTIRE month of April. I mean, really, everyone should celebrate the arrival of April and specifically SPRING. So yes, it’s a bit of a rebirth for all of us but it’s pure celebration or maybe the “hour of power” for myself and my bitchy strong and determined Aries friends.
I’ve been thinking about the big 4-0 for the last year. I wanted to do something “big” but nothing that would cause any “big” problems for the family. I could have taken the day off work and ran 40 miles but I didn’t. Too boring. So I’ve been tossing around the idea of 4 marathons, in the 4th month of the year, to celebrate my 40th birthday. I’m a big numbers person and this seems right. Adventurous but doable. I’ve certainly weighed the pros verses cons a billion times and I think I can do it. No, I know I can do it. Safely. Without injury. With a smile on my face. So here is the line up for the magical month of April. I’ve officially registered for all of these races {and also have childcare, plus travel arrangements, in place}:
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4/5/14 – Lakefront 50K (31 miles) – 5:39 finish – 4th in my new age group (see, the universe is working with my “4” theme)
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4/12/14 – Carmel Marathon, Carmel, IN
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4/19/14 – Kentucky Derby Marathon, Louisville, KY
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4/26/14 – Illinois Marathon, Champaign, IL
If all goes well, I’ll have 4 marathons in 21 days and that will qualify me as a 4 star Marathon Maniac. Yes, more 4s. 
If it doesn’t go well, then I’ll toss my bibs in the garbage, stand on the sidelines and cheer my friends to the finish and be no worse off than if I didn’t try at all. However, I’m confident that it will work. I’m confident that I can do it. I’m confident that I can stay in control enough to finish the races without pushing my body too far. I’m honestly looking at the 4 marathons as a “box set”. In my head, it’s one race with separate “stages”. It’s going to work.
So don’t look for me on the trail this month. I’ll either be marathoning or sitting in the rocker with me feet up. There really won’t be much in between. Sounds like the perfect Birthday Month to me! WhooooHooooo!
** 4 for 40, In the 4th Month, Running for 4 Star Marathon Maniac Status ** Amanda – TooTallFritz
TooTallFritz 
Can’t wait to see pics and hear about the races! Happy early birthday!
Good for you! Sounds like fun to me! Happy early birthday!
Awesome outlook!! I’m approaching 40 but I view with excitement not as a death sentence
Wow you rock! Good luck on your races!
Happy Birthday you maniac! Be careful in this pursuit of running 4 consecutive marathons. After that 50k, just recover all week, then you line-up for next race and repeat. Don’t waste time trying to do any mid-week running…walking would be good though. Wish ya well in this #4 endeavor!
Yes, I’m not doing anything during the week. I went to CrossFit once but that was it. I’m just recovering during the week and then running “all” my miles on the weekend. 🙂
I love this!!! Good luck!!
I am beyond excited that you will be at Illinois!!!! I am so proud of you. You are a model runner, and give me inspiration! xoxo
I’m only going to IL because of you and everyone else. I love my F’N friends!!!
That’s right – you are my April Fools birthday buddy, right? Hope you had a great one!
Yes, we are #BirthdayTwins! :o)
What a great goal! I have considered trying to attempt becoming a Marathon Maniac–good for you for going for it.
Amanda, you are SO AMAZING! First the Dopey Challenge and now this! ROCK ON!!! Also – I am running the Illinois Half Marathon, as are a few other CRBs. I am so excited to see you there and cheer you to the finish of your 4th of 4!!!
I’m determined! I’ll see you at IL!!
Good Luck! And Happy Birthday!
Holy crappola girl! You’ve gone off the deep end – just like that old lady in the picture. 😉 Good Luck & ENJOY! I got 40 coming up in Oct and still debating the same “big” thing… hmmmm
Great job on the 50K. But you’re still a youngster…got lots of miles left in those legs!!
Wendy@TakingtheLongWayHome
I LOVE this!! What a fantastic way to celebrate – and having run two of the races you’ve picked, I’m certain that you’re in for a great time for at least the next two weekends. Hope you enjoy every step! Can’t wait to read the recaps!!
Have you ran the KY Derby Marathon? I need to read your race report. Heard there are some wicked hills in Iroquois Park – Mile 11-14?
Sounds awesome! I’ll be at the Illinois Marathon! 🙂
Awesome! Can’t wait to hear more on the the other races.
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I’m also going to run the IL marathon! We need to meet up!!
Absolutely! I’m driving down the morning of the race. Have to drop the kiddos off with the sitter then I’ll be ready to run! I’ll let you know where we are meeting!!
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