It's on!

3 miles on the treadmill.  Didn't get to run outside tonight but I was able to catch up on some ESPN. 

Look for my training stats on the MapMyRun workout log on the right side of this screen... they come straight from my Garmin GPS watch.  All of my outdoor runs will be recorded on the log - speed, distance, route and split times.

Roadmap

While finishing a marathon is an accomplishment, in my opinion the months of training leading up to the race is an even greater accomplishment.  After all, it's a marathon, not a sprint...

Running 4 days per week and up to 40-45 miles in a week takes time (and a lot of energy!).  So it's no surprise that it's taken me longer to expected to map out my training regimen for the next 16 weeks leading up to the race.

There are dozens of recommended programs, but I use a program designed by Hal Higdon.  Higdon has programs for 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon and marathon goals.  I've used them all.  You can check them out for yourself at http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00index.htm.

The road to Chicago begins today... 16 (relatively) easy miles this week.  It will take a few runs to get my legs (and lungs) back, but I'm looking forward to running in our cool Colorado mornings and evenings throughout the summer.

The Road Starts Here...

Running has been an important part of my life for over 12 years.  I ran my first organized race in 1999, and since then I've raced in dozens of events.  I'm not particularly fast, I don't look like your prototypical runner, and I didn't grow up with the sport.  I suppose I just happened to be fortunate enough to settle in a place where I can take advantage of a great climate, I'm surrounded by outdoor enthusiasts and like most people, I needed an outlet.

What motivates me?  In the 90's I was an aspiring rec hockey player and I was looking for a way to get in shape.  My Dad was 66 years young when he died in 2001 and, like most people who lose a parent at a relatively early age, realize that we're in the middle of a lifelong battle fighting genetics.  I've run to stay mentally focused, spend time with friends, blow off steam, enjoy some extra sightseeing on vacations and provide myself some goals to shoot for.  Most important, as a husband of (almost) 15 years and a father for 6 years, I've got a lot to stay healthy for.

Last year (2009) was my busiest running year yet.  I ran my first 1/2 marathon (Denver Marathon) in 2008, and I set a goal to run my first marathon the next year.  Turns out I ran two - the Colorado Marathon in May, and the Denver Marathon (the whole thing) in October.  Throw in a couple of additional 1/2 marathons, a 10k and a handful of 5k's... it was a busy year.  This year, I'm running my first "major" marathon... the Chicago Marathon on October 10.

So why am I writing this blog?  A couple of reasons... 

First, I've come to realize that the easiest marathon to train for is your first.  Sounds strange, but there is nothing like the daunting task of 26+ miles to scare you into preparation.  I rarely missed a run, rain or shine.  I didn't need much motivation to get out the door, even in winter.  For my second marathon, I delayed the start of my formal training - I ran a couple of races in between but I suppose I felt that I could turn on that "switch" and get out and start up again.  Truth be told, it was my interest in and subsequent purchase of a nice new Garmin GPS watch that finally got me back into my training routine (I really like gadgets).  This year, I'm relying on this blog (and those who care to read it) - my public proclamation that I'm running Chicago - to keep me honest.

Second, I regret not taking more notes last year.  I've got some nice medals on my shelf, but I don't have a lot documented about what it took to get them.  Running 26 miles is a lot, but it's nothing compared to the preparation that is required to do it.  I'd like to share my hobby with my daughter in 10-15 years, but if she's like me and waits 30 years before she starts running I'd like to have something to show her.

Finally, I'm going to keep you updated on what I'm doing, things I'm learning and working on, and as I get closer to the race, share a little bit about what we've got planned for the trip.  We'll be celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary while we're in Chicago, so it will be a fun trip.  

Thanks for reading, and I'll talk to you soon.