Marathon Training Begins

OK, my marathon training technically started yesterday.* So I only have a day's worth of perspective to offer. BUT, I have much to share after only one day!

It's hard.

No really, the phrase "run a marathon" may feel breezy and fun to say, but the actual practice of marathon running is rather unpleasant. And I've only done 15 percent of the distance at a time this week.

It's a strange phenomena to run for 30 minutes and then realize, when I'm running a marathon I will still have four. more. hours. (Insert involuntary whimper here.)

Despite the crippling fear that this inspires, I'm excited about this challenge. I'm cross-training, stretching, eating food that's actually made out of food and sleeping a decent amount. I thought I should record this particular moment in time for posterity's sake. In two months (or, heck, two days), I might be singing a very different tune.

*Stay tuned for my clip-art enhanced training program, which I will be posting in the next few days. I'm confident it will be as effective as these were.

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In the vein of goal setting and getting things done, I've decided to start my own 101 in 1001 project. You can read more about it here, but it is basically a list of concrete tasks that you want to accomplish in 1001 days (about 2.75 years).  I don't expect to finish all or even most of these, but just writing this list gives me a good idea of my vision and goals for the coming years.

Here are a few other great resources for setting attainable, realistic goals (and actually following through):

All Over It: How To Eliminate Goal-Blocking Obstacles for Good 

Envision This

Live Dynamite
"Personal-development program designed to help people discover what inspires them and to set goals and get good at living."

The Skillful Life
An action plan for assessing and building the skill sets that matter most to you right now.

(Photo by wallyg)