I'm Committed! 2010 Madison Marathon

I did it! I've signed up for my second marathon!! I will be completing my second 26.2 mile journey at the Madison Marathon on Sunday, May 30, in Madison, Wisconsin.

I ran the half marathon in 2006 and 2009 (I also signed up in 2007 and 2008, but had to drop out due to morning sickness during my pregnancy and then shin splints with my post-pregnancy training). The route was different this past year and I really enjoyed the "reverse" course. I look forward to seeing what the second half of the race is like. We've had friends complete the full marathon and they have really, really enjoyed the race.

We live in a suburb, just outside of Madison, so it is really only a 20 minute drive from my doorstep. The convenience factor was key in me deciding on this for my next full marathon. We traveled a lot in 2009 to "destination races" around Wisconsin and in the midwest. So, we are hoping to save a little change in 2010 and not have to secure as many hotels. Also, I ran the Chicago Marathon in 2008 and it was a very FULL DAY event (getting up before 4AM to drive and catch a train into downtown Chicago and then walk to the event, sit and wait after the race for my family in the sea of spectators and then travel the whole route back to our hotel to shower, 6 hours after I finished.) It will be so nice to drive home and shower and nap in my own comfy bed that afternoon!

It will also be nice to have family close by, to help cheer me on and help Jason with the kids during the race day festivities.

I look forward to racing among familiar landmarks and on familiar roads. I'm hoping that knowing the course will help make me successful, come race day.

I have logged onto Cool Running and looked up the training program that I used for Chicago and have altered it to fit into my personal schedule (as I always try to balance my personal life, work and training) and have written my target miles for each day on my daily planner. Let the fun begin!