It begins now!

Hi friends, I am starting this blog to chronicle my training for a marathon on February 21st, 2010. I have chosen to run The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer in Jacksonville, FL.

The title for my blog might offend some, namely my boss, for whom I chose this marathon. She is recovering from breast cancer that was diagnosed earlier this year. She hates euphemisms for breasts, but Running for Breasts just didn't roll off the tongue. She will just have to suck it up.

This is my first marathon. I have completed a half marathon and many 5K's and 10K's. I am a little nervous, but I know that I can accomplish this with my family and friends cheering me on.

I will do a daily update with my accomplishments, goals, pains, and funny stories along the way.

I began, in earnest, training last week. To recap last week:

Monday 4.8 miles 8:10 pace.
Tuesday 4.5 miles 8:03 pace.
Wednesday 5.0 miles 8:07 pace.
Saturday 4.8 miles 8:11 pace.

The holiday threw my training off a little bit, but I am pleased with my efforts.

I ran 4.77 last night at a 8:00 pace. It was a brisk, windy run with Frontrunners. I didn't take any Advil beforehand like I usually do, and at about mile 3, my lower back really started hurting. By mile 4, the pain had passed. I sprinted the last .25 mile and felt great.