Thoughts About Running

My runs have been very strong lately. Stephanie came over today and we went on a 35 minute run. After she left, I decided that I wanted to run more, so I went out for an additional 20-25 minutes. The Garmin ran out of juice so I have no idea how far I ran, but I'm guessing that for the 55-60 minutes of running I did, I probably logged between five and six miles. Good show!

When I got home after run #2, I rolled out my legs on the foam roller and made a Green Monster:

- Spinach
- Banana
- 2/3 cup Horizon organic milk
- ice (about 6 cubes)
- 2 tablespoons of Nesquik (because I've been craving something sweet!)

So I have some news to share.

I'm thinking about NOT running the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon (13.1 miles)

I'm thinking about running the FULL marathon (26.2 miles)

So many people I know have run marathons in the past couple of years. Some of these people you never thought would run a day in their lives, and look what they've done! If Al Roker from The Today Show can run the ING NYC Marathon, why can't I? Granted, he did take over 7 hours to complete it, so he did a lot of walking, but who cares? He DID it.

I always said I'd never run a marathon because I could just picture my legs turning to mush and then I would crumble into a pile of ash or something similar. However, I think I've changed my mind.

The marathon will take place on April 30, 2011. That is more than enough time to adequately train and get where I want to be. Right now, I'm going to say that I want to run the marathon just to finish and not for a certain time.

This is what I know:

1. I know I have the time to do it. My work schedule isn't demanding. I work 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday which leaves plenty of time for running.
2. I know I have the willpower and self-discipline to do it. I've run two half marathons. I've done a sprint triathlon. I know what it means to train for something and to want to do well. My friends and family know that I am very disciplined about my workouts and that they are a priority.
3. In order to avoid injury, I have to be on top of my game when it comes to strength training. Strong muscles are healthy muscles.

I absolutely want to hear people's feedback about this subject. Have you ever run a marathon? Would you do it again? What was good? What was bad?

I'm the type of person who likes to talk out issues, so I'm anxious to hear what you have to say!

Thanks in advance :)