What the hell was I thinking?

My name is Chris and I have decided to run next year's Los Angeles Marathon. I've never done a long distance run before. In fact the last time I ran much at all was in high school when they made me run two miles. So what would compel me to just up and participate in one of the most grueling, physical challenges out there? Pride I guess.

Let me give you a little back story on how this all came about. My brother, Scott, and our friend Beth, ran in yesterday's marathon. Inspired by their efforts, Beth's husband decided he wanted to run in next year's race. My dad got caught up in his energy and decided he too was going to do it. Well, when you're 65 year old dad turns to you and asks if you'll join him in the journey what else is there to say, but HELL NO... so I agreed to do it too.

So now, a little about me. I am a self-proclaimed husky gentleman. I've never run a marathon before, let alone any run of significance, at least not since gym class in high school. I'm a fried food loving, dessert eating fanatic and like a lot of Americans, I live a relatively sedentary lifestyle. Also, like many Americans, I too am facing the specter of unemployment. Shortly after my wedding, my company announced it was closing down. The experience made me go through a wide range of emotions, fear, anger, confusion, but mostly depression. As such, I stopped working out with the regularity I once did and subsequently put on weight.

So why the heck am I doing this to myself? Why would I want to go from being a relatively comfortable couch potato to a sore, cramped, exhausted road runner? Very good question. There are a few reasons why. One is to help check something off of my bucket list. I've always been interested running a marathon. Especially after my friend ran the Boston Marathon a few years ago. Two is the challenge. Even though I haven't really been the athletic type, I've always tried to find ways to challenge myself physically and mentally. Three is to help spur myself back into working out regularly and getting into shape. And finally, I want to regain some of the confidence in myself that the job hunt process has taken from me. Nothing creates more doubt in yourself then the sound of silence as no calls to ask you for an interview.

My main goal for this marathon is to just finish it. I'm hoping to get it done in roughly 6 1/2 hours, which according to my calculator widget puts me on an average pace of about 4.03mph and 14.88 minute mile. I think however, as my training continues, that goal may change a bit. I at least want to get across when my dad does!

I'm hoping all of you who are reading this will join me in this crazy journey of trial and error, pain and success. Any words of encouragement, advice etc. are always welcome. With that, let day one begin!