Marathon Shopping

Should I run a marathon again?

If so, when, where, with someone?

My first marathon was last October, the IMT Des Moines Marathon.  The experience was memorable, to say the least.  Accompanied in running by a dear friend and supported by friends and family, I finished the race (hooray!) but was disappointed with my time.  As with many marathon runners, I had to dig deep in the difficult miles - for me it was miles 22-25.  The only song I listened to from my playlist during those miles was Wham!'s 1985 hit "I'm Your Man."  I cannot explain why this song - of all songs - was so comforting, motivating, distracting...

but thank goodness it was!

My marathon friend challenged me to run another 26.2-mile feat in 2015.  I was interested but reluctant.  The demands on training on my time, energy, and body are high.  But as we narrowed down which races interested us, I found myself more motivated and excited to begin the journey again.  We registered for the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon on October 18, 2015. 
Registration=done.  
Hotel room=booked.  
Training plan=June. 
Motivation=PR.   
Emotions=doubt, fear, excitement!

It was reassuring to open today's Cedar Rapids Gazette, in which community contributor Erin Moeller wrote of her recent decision to run the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon in May.  Moeller is a well-known local runner around my age.  She described the decision to run, the training she has started, and the importance of support from family, friends, and community.  I couldn't agree more, especially as I look forward to Columbus, Ohio in October.