My training is well underway for this year’s Chicago Marathon. I’m really looking forward to running on 10/10/10 as this will be my first Chicago Marathon, my first out of state marathon and my 8th marathon to date. Preparation for this marathon has been a bit different than all of those previously. I’m more relaxed. I have a general training plan that I’ve been tailoring week by week. It’s very much a work in progress. Running a number of races has taught me that you’ve got to be flexible during training. Life is busy and I’m not going to let a planned training run get in the way of a work happy hour or a friend’s BBQ. Sometimes I miss a run (or two) and that’s ok. I’ve posted my current progress/plan on Google Docs for all to gawk at. I hope to be able to spend more time blogging about my progress in the weeks to come.

In preparation for my running of the Los Angeles Marathon later this month, I’ve been taking in all of the info I can possibly find on the topic. Coach Joe and Coach Dean have a great series of very candid discussions on various running topics. With years of personal racing and coaching experience I figure they might know a thing or two .

Here’s a great video about marathon pacing. After viewing theses videos, I realized that I’ve been doing it all wrong – every time. I hope to be able to apply their advice on March 21st and establish a new personal best for the marathon.