To marathon, or not to marathon?

Not having a race to look forward to is making me a little bit crazy. I've gone back and forth a few times in the past two weeks about training for another marathon. There is a part inside me that really wants to do it. I want to try it again because I know I can do better than my first marathon. I want to train hard and stay healthy and make it to the finish line. The other part inside me knows that it's a major commitment of time and energy, and that I don't really have the true burning desire to spend that much time running. I also am aware that winter's coming and that I dislike running in the rain and cold.

I went on a super 5 mile run yesterday morning and it felt so good to run at a comfortable pace - just me and the dog. My mind was running blank, and then all of a sudden I had a realization that if I want to accomplish another marathon, now is the time. I don't have kids, I don't have a job, I don't have anything holding me back. My only plan for the next few years involves working towards living on a sailboat, but you never know what will be mixed in with that. I think the biggest thing I learned about running a marathon is that you really have to want it. The time involved in training, and the cost of shoes, massages, fuel, travel, and the actual marathon really add up to a big investment. You've got to make it count.

I'm still wavering.

Running a marathon takes balance. E shows us how its done.

September Recap

Miles Planned/Ran: ? Wasn't really counting, or planning.
Rest Days Planned/Taken: ?
Highest Mileage Week: It's no longer about the mileage. It's about sweating every. single. day. But unfortunately, I fell of the sweat-wagon in September and never got back on.
Long Runs Planned/Ran: ?

Current Book: Finished Eat & Run, finally. Started in on Home Below Hell's Canyon.
Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure: Birthday kiteboarding trip to Oregon that involved a glutinous italian dinner and lots of beer every night. Also, watching TV when I should be working out or working on the house. And popcorn with tons of salt.
Current Obsessions: Making huckleberry ice cream with all the berries we picked in Oregon, and getting a lemon cake with cream cheese frosting done for Erin's belated birthday celebration.
Current Drink: Decafe coffee. I never thought I'd say that. And smoothies.
Current Song:
Current Wish-List: New nike frees, and a pair of brooks pure (to inspire me).
Current Need: For this house to feel more like a home. We've been in here a year now and it still feels like we're squatting.
Current Triumph: Pounding out the stair treads and skirt board, and pouring a concrete pad for our entry way. Can you believe I'm still talking construction? Some day, all this will be boat talk.
Current Bane of my Existence: Unmotivated days. Hovering on the edge & having to pull myself back.
Current Goal: Make it through October with a positive attitude.
Current Blessings: The time and freedom to design my days as I choose.
Current Excitement:Another totally amazing SUP surfing session, this time as Caspar. I rocked countless waves and had such a wonderful time. Wholly grounding and spiritually gratifying. It made up for my kiteboarding flail in Oregon.