Ruby, wasn't this you a couple years ago? Maybe it was somebody else. I know we had a couple last year who started off in the same boat. Unfortunately I can't go back and search on TERRIFIED. We will do our best not to let you die, and it's impossible to get lost. The worst that happens is you end up running in front of the straggler bus. Ask Holly (aka myblueeyedgirl). Bev, stick with your training plan, and stick with us. Between you, your training, and the marvelous group we have out here, you will not only finish the marathon, you will overcome your fear.

Bev, don't worry yet! You have enough time to get ready. The MCM last year was my first marathon, too. I just followed the 20,000+ people in front of me that were headed to the finish line too. I didnt' get lost and neither will you. (but it is a great excuse to buy that Garmin everyone else seems to be getting!)

If it makes you feel any better I coach and yesterday I was telling one of my girls (she's 9 I think) about my Antarctica trip. She was like "You're going to die!" and I was like "I hope I'm not going to die! I plan to live so I can send you pictures of penguins." And she stops, thinks for a moment and goes "I like penguins. But I want you to know that if you do die, I'll come to your funeral."

Finally, in the land of fast runners and Boston qualifiers, someone I can relate to. Mike here, also a first marathon and slow as Christmas.

Seriously, I've been reading this board the last few weeks and it seems like a great group. Lots of helpful advice and encouragement. We can make it!

And, seriously, what's the worst that could happen? You know, I once finished dead last in a race. It was a small town 5k that would only have had 30 or 40 people on a good day. But this day, it poured down rain. There were 9 people that showed up. Eight hard core runners and me. The police car was right behind me the entire time. But I've probably gotten more laughs out of telling that story than any other race I've ever been in. And to make it even stranger, I won my age group. So the only trophy I've ever won for running was a race where I finished dead last.

Good luck and see you in October!

No worries there are several back of the packers on this board you can relate to. I signed up for MCM last year having only run 5 miles once in my life and I didn't run on a regular basis. I followed my training and lurked on this board for a long time and I did finish (in 6 hrs and 30 min)! Stick with the training and your confidence will build as you complete those runs! You'll find this board is full of people at different paces, experiences, etc.