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Marathon warmup


This coming weekend, I will run my 3rd marathon, The Chicago Marathon. I have been running ever since I realized I was 70 lbs overweight and my younger brother, Chris, encouraged me to try some running for exercise. Boy, was it a shock to my body, but how different I feel about it now. It's been 7 years since I started running, and I have to say it is one of the best things that's happened to me. I'm not sure I'll continue marathoning after this run, but I will definitely keep the running trend going. I'll keep doing runs like the Army 10-Miler (picture to the left) and the Cherry Blossom, but I think the 26.2 miles along with 4.5 months of training is taking a toll on my 30-year-old body. The Army 10-Miler was just a quick warmup to the "nice little jog in downtown Chicago" I have this Sunday. And you always go into your marathon with a goal. The Paris Marathon, my goal was to finish. The Marine Corps Marathon, my goal was to run for a fallen Marine. The Chicago Marathon, my goal is to beat my MCM time of 5 hours, 12 minutes (and a side goal to run the entire thing . . . yes, you do walk in your first marathons, guaranteed). And I'll leave you with my running motto: "Healthy. Happy. Running."
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