Training Day

Today I officially kicked off the process of training for the 2007 Chicago Marathon. A few weeks ago after some deliberation, I decided to sign up for the CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) marathon training program. Today they hosted their super seminar at UIC medical school. Basically they gathered alot of speakers on a variety of topics such as nutrition, injuries, stretching and strengthening, training programs, and running form. Honestly, it was an information overload. I have never heard so much in one day about technique, stretching exercises, or all of the bad things that can happen to you while running a marathon.

Also true to past form, this running event also allowed me to make the acquaintance of new people who were randomly gathered there as beginning marathoners. As the next few weeks come, and I start my long runs, I can tell I am going to meet so many new people and hopefully form some good bonds as we train together. Ultimately, I feel that the decision to do this was a good one.

One highlight of the event was that I finally had the opportunity to hear Hal Higdon speak about running and the training program. He was pretty energetic for an older guy and I thought he had a great sense of humor in his speaking style. Overall he was a well polished presenter. As I listened to him, I thought about what it must be like to be a legend like Hal. To have run so many marathons (over 100), write for Runner's World since the 60s, and write books like Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide (a good read for aspiring marathoners). His training programs at halhigdon.com are almost the de facto standard, and I am sure his book has inspired many people including myself to attempt this great feat. Sometimes its funny how one man's efforts can have such a wide effect. I really admire his work.

Finally, at one point, the presenters played video highlights of last year's Chicago marathon. Just seeing the menu looping sequence of all the people crossing the huge starting line gave me chills. It is clear that this will be the biggest race I have ever been involved with. It's really amazing that all of these people (all ages, shapes, and sizes) set out to accomplish such a demanding task. People there talked about how completing the first marathon and its training was a powerful experience. If I can pull it off, I am hoping I will be able to say the same thing.