Half/Full Marathon

Curt, I wasn't trying to make you sound like a basket case, but ANY endurance event has an aspect of mind games we all play with ourselves.  You're not uncommon in that (even though you ARE an original) you just post your thoughts and let us in.  I think writing them out is a great way to think also. As far as the marathon goes, even though I wasn't running much, I did a LOT of spinning and some other stuff.  I was still at the gym every day, and I did some walk/run a few days a week as well, just not as far or as fast.  Once I got started on the plan (it was one for beginners) I started at an even slower pace than I ever had before but was able to do the miles without pain even though it took a lot longer.  As fast as I run now (which is still not fast), I started about a year ago only using the tread at 5.5. A marathon finish really IS cool.  It's not that you need to do a half in order to do a full, people start out with full marathons all the time.  You never did say when the marathon was that you wanted to do, but it sounds to me like it's this fall.  Like I said, I totally believe you can do it, but to make it easier on yourself (because you are so hard on yourself) just make sure you can get a 20 miler in about a month before your marathon.   In case you're wondering, one of the main reasons I talk to you this way is because I understand very well where you're coming from.  We are all too similar in many ways... Good luck!  By the way, we'll be doing our next tri on the same day! Linn

I actually walked a full a few years ago (Disney 2004).  No running at all.  If I could do it - you can! Biggest deal was time for the walker. I just  had surgery  in April and am trying to get back into the workout mode.  I am going to start with walking again. I want to get into running, but want to walk some first.  good luck!