First marathon...eep!

I have the exact same goals ran my 3rd - 1/2 marathon last weekend in Pasadena. I am running the LA marathon in March. My first full marathon. When I am running those distances I always ask myself - What the F*&&&(* are you doing? I don't run. However, I trudge on to the finish. So, I guess I am a runner. Weird epiphany.

I was a competitive swimmer in high school, then a bicycle racer in the years after that. So it naturally fell that as I got older I should try getting into triathlons. The trouble is, I am a painfully slow runner and it is my least favorite event. I pushed myself through triathlons, starting with short ones, and over time, moving up enough that I was finally able to complete the Ironman. It still doesn't make running any easier. I am not a fan of road running, though I still like to enter the odd 10-K here and there. Since I also enjoy hiking, I've gotten around some of the boring training by doing it as trail runs. I am much happier running in the woods than I am through endless neighborhoods of concrete and houses. My best advice is to keep on doing what you need to accomplish your goal, but don't be afraid to try alternative training methods when (not if) things get difficult or boring. Change things up if needed to keep yourself from quitting. And check in here often for support!