Marathon Dreams

This past weekend’s Marine Corp Marathon and the upcoming ING New York City Marathon have gotten me thinking about finally planning for a marathon (we are talking long term planning here!). In the mean time, I am living vicariously through two fellow bloggers and tweeps – Lauren and Dorothy. I am in awe of their races last weekend at the Marine Corp Marathon, 3:18:09 and 3:21:46 respectively! After doing my first half about 7 1/2 years ago, I remember thinking to myself that I really had no desire to run a full marathon. The half distance was perfect– enough of a sense of accomplishment, but easy enough on my body that I could wake up the next morning and not be in pain. The marathon, on the other hand, requires a whole new level of commitment and dedication. It’s not that I doubt that I can run a marathon–deep down I know I can do it– it’s the experience I think I fear the most. Will I be able to get enough sleep with two young (and notoriously crappy sleepers)? Will my husband leave me if I insist on making Sundays long runs even longer? Will my thirty-something body hold up to the stress of the increased mileage that accompanies training for a marathon? Will I be satisfied with just finishing f I don’t get the time I want? These are all questions that cross my mind when I contemplate making the commitment to the marathon. With my latest round of half marathon training, I think I am moving closer on the continuum to making the leap, but I am still not quite there yet. So tell me, for those of you who have run a marathon–what made you finally commit to take on 26.2?