Congrats Spice.... I am seriously thinking about running next year in the local ultra marathon with a goal of finishing it.  Of course, I am psyched at being able to run the 10 miles... so we shall see.  I have until June 2010 before deciding.... I think I will try a 1/2 and maybe a full marathon before then just to see how I do.....

Very nice Cyndi... I did not know about the virtual marathon... I will have to keep that in mind.  I am really thinking about extending out my running next year.  The 5K's are fun and I want to continue to increase speed there.... but I want to challenge myself.  I now know I can complete 10 miles in running, I want to do it in a race.

I am really starting to look into how I eat and what I can do to improve my nutrition to get the best out of my workouts.  It is too easy with the kids and a pregnant wife in the house to fall into bad habits (candy, chips, cola, etc).

Congrats on your time, that is great.

Thanks for the information on preparing.  I am going to really start looking at my schedule for next year and plan in advance.  With the baby due in May, I have to be careful on what I schedule around that time.  Training will be difficult with lack of sleep and dealing with 3 other children.... though, I think I might be able to take them sometimes to the track where they can play while I do speed training, etc.  I just have to think it through.

Eating well will be a challenge as I have to watch my cholestoral in addition to weight (not as much an issue anymore).  I was looking at protein shakes last night to help with the recovery process.  The coach highly recommended it, though, I have to watch the cholestoral - the Whey protein had something like 30-40% of the daily allowance in 1 scoop.  I saw the Soy protein, but am not really sure what the difference is (I see another topic started in nutrition...)

Thanks