And So It Begins...The Road to Chicago 26.2

Tomorrow I will begin my journey to the 2007 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon - my training program begins. Just a reminder here is what June will look like for me:

Monday - Pilates
Tuesday - Yoga
Wednesday - Short Runs/Strength Training
Thursday - Short Runs
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Long Runs
Sunday Rest

Rest will be a relative term. I will cross train some off days. Some days I will do nothing. I will gauge all of this as I go.

In addition to the program, I am going to get back to better eating. My habits have not been great, and I feel gross. If I am going to be successful in this marathon, I need to eat better. Healthier eating will also aid my recovery as the training gets intense.

So what is success for this marathon? Clearly success in the marathon in Phoenix was to finish. This time I am kicking it up a notch. I have a time and physical goal. I am looking for a sub-6 hour finish in the marathon. This means 5:59:59 or better. Realistically, anything between 6-6:10 would be fine, but I want to crack 6 hours. I believe this program can help me get there.

To do this I need to be leaner and meaner. Tomorrow I will weigh myself. I know at times I have moved up to 206 lbs. I want to be under 200 at the start of this race. Ideally, I would like to be closer to 190 lbs, but I understand that I there are times you gain weight in marathon training. This is where my eating habits will really have to improve.

Now am I going to be disappointed if I do not reach either goal? I'll be honest...yes, for a bit. But as long as I do my best, and work hard, I will happy with crossing the finish line.

My blog goal is to take you every step of the way with me on this journey. I will share how the training is going, and my thoughts and feelings. Please feel free to comment or ask questions during this. I want interaction so I will not feel I am on my own in this.

I hope all of my Chicago friends will be a part of my curb crew and come out to cheer me on. If there is anyone else out there training, let me know or share with us how your training is going.

There are four of us at my store running the marathon: Spencer, Sarah, Matt and me. I can tell you now, I will be the last one to cross the finish line, but I know we will all be cheering each other on during these next few months.

I am also psyched when I talk to fellow marathoners at the store, and learn about how they are doing. The running community is truly an encouraging group of people. I learn so much from my customers.

So there you have it. The journey begins tomorrow, and I hope to have you all along with me.

:-)Charlie