Running to beat the band

I'm running myself into shape so I can train to run in the Mardi Gras Marathon in late February, in New Orleans. I will be running the marathon with my daughter, who lives and goes to school there.

We have run several races together from 5K's to 15K's to a half marathon. Now, we'll run together in the big one, a marathon. In our preparation, though separated by 950 miles or so, we will run using the same training program and will usually run the same exact workout, mileage and intensity each day over the next several months.

Today, we both ran 6 miles. I was actually planning to run 5 but, when she texted me and said she had run 6, I knew I had to go the extra mile.

The training will be good for me, working off some of the caloric stores I have built up over the last several years (last ran a marathon in 2006 - a while back). And, I eat better when I train because empty calories hold me back from having good, productive workouts.

I think everyone who has the interest should train and run or walk a marathon. It's a great experience that brings an understanding of endurance that cannot be grasped in many other ways.

Have a good one and good luck to everyone in the Columbus Marathon tomorrow. KipK