The Decision to Run

This is a copy of a post that I wrote back in September of 2006. As the end of the year approaches I can't help but reflect on some of the thoughts I've had while training. This is the first blog post I wrote on my old site, run-blog.blogspot.com and I'm happy to say my running has continued to develop over the past few months. Well... here it is:

My recent efforts as a runner have shown a steady
decline in form, pace, and overall performance. Because of this, I thought it
would be a perfect time for me to change my training habits and work on a new
goal. So, after long deliberation over various race events, I have decided to
put aside my triathlon training and focus on the run in hopes that I will
qualify for the Boston Marathon by running the 2007 Austin Marathon in less than
3 hours 10 minutes 59 seconds.

In my past, I gave the Marathon distance
a try, but it was based on the flip of a coin and I had ZERO training. I
finished in about 3:30 so I feel with some added focus to the training plan I
will be able to knock off 20 minutes.

To do this, I have consulted the
aid of a local running coach who provides online training. I have paid my dues
and acquired a training plan meant for someone much more athletically inclined
than myself. At any rate, the purpose of this blog will be to keep a close watch
on how my training goes from pseudo couch potato (as compared to my Ironman
friends) to Boston Marathon Qualifier.