The big question I get from many athletes is when do I need to start focusing on my training if I'm doing "x" event on "x" date. I'm here to say that yes there is too long and yes there is too short. So that begs to ask the question stated above, how long to focus on a big event. 

Some may say a year in advance, and depending on who you ask you may come across different answers, but what I find best is 6-8 months of structured training leading up to an event works best. There are so many things that go with this though that I feel I must touch on all aspects regarding time and training load. 

"Show kindness whenever possible. Show it to the people in front of you, the people coming up behind you, and the people with whom you are running neck and neck. It will vastly improve the quality of your own life, the lives of others, and the state of the world."

I have been training for a marathon for the past several months.  It has been long, hard work for me.  I have never enjoyed running and never thought I would be participating in any sort of race, let alone a 26.2 mile one!

One of the places that I have been doing most of my longer training runs is a beautiful park.  It has 2 huge playgrounds, a skateboard ramp, a fenced in dog play area, covered picnic tables and a 1 mile paved track.

Usually when I am there I am circling that 1 mile loop of pavement anywhere from 13-20 times.  (I know it's crazy!!!) Anyway, I often see the same familiar faces during my many loops. 

I am not a runner!!!!  There is no question about that.  

I actually have said, "One thing I will NEVER do in my life is a marathon....I have no desire!" I do, however, have several friends who have committed to running marathons for Inheritance of Hope and I woke up at 3 am and stood in freezing conditions for hours to cheer them on during their route.

 God created me to be a cheerleader.  I like to stand on the sidelines and cheer (LOUDLY and EXCITEDLY) for people.  So, why am I now signed up and training to run (walk) 26.2 miles???  Two reasons: