Crazy is as crazy does?

I've done some crazy things in my life.  I've jumped out of an airplane. I've gone scuba diving with sting rays.  I've quit my job, packed up all of my things and moved to a new city for no reason at all, other than it sounded like a good idea.  But this past Friday, February 4, 2011, I pulled what may have been my craziest stunt yet.  I registered for the Chicago Marathon.  Yes, I voluntarily paid good, hard-earned money to dedicate months of my life to running, only so I can spend a Sunday morning in October running 26.2 miles.  (Granted, I pulled this stunt after consuming two beers and previously being locked in the house for two days during what has been described as "Snowmageddon", "Snowpocalypse" and "The Storm of the Century".  Let's just say I was feeling a little punchy and ready for some action.)  But, the thing of it is, I'm stoked.

I can't wait to dedicate my Saturday mornings to running.  I can't wait to push myself to run farther than I've ever run before.  I can't wait for the runner's high and the feeling of accomplishment that comes along with training and meeting my goals.  And I can't wait to share it with you - whoever you are that is taking the time to read this blog - because I've decided to document the whole experience here.  I'm hopeful that through this process of training, running, and blogging, I'll become more fit (hey, I've got a wedding dress to get in to!  But that's for another blog: Musings of a (almost) Mrs.), inspire others who are considering running (you don't have to run a marathon!  If you're thinking of giving running a try, do it!  I'm happy to share my little bit of knowledge and offer my support!), and hopefully meet other runners along the way.

Today was the first day in the long process that will become my marathon training.  It was officially the first day of training for the Lincoln Marathon (I'm running the half !), to be run on May 1st.  This will be my 3rd half since I began running last April , and my 4th will be the Northshore Half Marathon on June 12th. I'm hopeful that by training for and running these two races I'll have myself in good enough shape to endure marathon training through the summer and into the fall, even with most of July eaten up by wedding and honeymooning (which I am thrilled to let eat up my July!)

I'm considering joining a training group in preparation for this half, and will definitely join one to train for the marathon.  So, for all of you Chicago runners out there: what training group do you recommend?  CARA? Chicago Endurance Sports? Something else?

I'm looking forward to hearing your opinions and sharing this crazy experience with you.  But for now, it's off to bed.  I've got to get rested up.  Because, as fellow runner Andrea Abel reminds me, there are only 245 days until race day!