My First Marathon

Hope you do not mind hearing a little about me. In 2002, after The Ohio State Buckeyes won the Nationals, my baby then 17 years old decided that was the university of his dreams. That of course was my nightmare. My baby was going almost 3000 miles away. Why not California State "Anything". Anything but, that far away. But how could I destroy his dreams, I just suffered silently, and helped him prepare for his new journey.

But, I needed something to prepare me for the moment he left and the duration of his studies. That year I decided to train to run a "Marathon". People still ask me " Why not a dog"? They require less time to train, and surely,training them is less painful. I finally said " Okay guys, if I do this for a good cause, would you stop picking on me"? So I decided to select a good cause and my choice was Train To End Stroke an endurance training and fund-raising program, benefiting the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, in which participants train to run or walk a full or half marathon.

I became part of this program shortly before I took my "baby" to The Ohio State University in September 2003. By the way, they gave me a gym bag which says, "I swapped my kid for this bag at Ohio State". Wow, they had no sympathy, they had to rub it in. In the beginning I could not stand to look at it, but then I started to use it to carry my training gear. Well at least I got something for all the extra out of state tuition I was paying for.

I trained constantly, and I finished my first marathon which was the The Los Angeles Marathon in March of 2004. And like they state in the movie Spirit of the Marathon," When You Cross The Finish Line It Will Change Your Life Forever". This event changed my life. It will also change your life.

As for the bag I traded for my kid, it's still kicking after the countless Marathons and Half-Marathons I've completed. It's a little faded to say the least, and I keep telling my son, that he needs to come home, so I can put it away. But, he's not listening. Sometimes I think he's challenging me, or maybe he likes the person I've become after my life changing experience of completing a Marathon.

Your Feet Are Your Prize Possession

It is not a good idea to dig out an old pair of shoes and start training. Your feet are your prize possession and they deserve better than that. I always treat my feet with plenty of care not only before and after my runs. I’m often asked jokingly asked if they are insured. My family and friends can be comedians at times.

Treat your feet well and they will help you complete the mileage. Visit an atheletic store and get measurements and an analysis to determine which running shoe is best suited for your running style.

Also, it is important to add proper socks to your athletic gear. And if you feel you need extra cushioning make sure you replace the insoles in your shoes with an atheletic pair of insoles. All these little extras will help make you runs more pleasant, and help your journey to the finish line with happy feet.

Very important suggestion, break your new shoes in a month before your event. Make sure they are comfortable. You do want to start and end the run with your shoes on.