I am 16 weeks away now - Marathon date is May 27 - in Ottawa. It was time for new shoes and since I am an under pronator, after several good reviews I was inspired to try out Saucony ProGrid Triumph 4's. After 2 runs with them, (6k and 13k) I have found them to be all that is promised. A plush ride with great neutral support. It has also been absolutely freezing here this past week but I have sucked it up and got out there for all of my runs. It's never as bad as you think once you are a mile into the runs Hope everyone is doing well!

2 !!! weeks away! I walked Friday and today, and am going to slowly run 2-3 miles starting tomorrow. My quad (muscles) in 1 leg are still a little bit tender, but I took the past 2 weeks off to try to heal the leg; I need to get the muscles going again. I'm busy getting my marathon gear and nutrition collected (gel, Succeed electrolyte caps, fuel belt, new mini Ipod shuffle)...confirming airline flight, race registration, car rental, motel....collecting info on sight-seeing to do (from the car with no walking needed)... and trying NOT to get the flu that is going around! Always the nerve racking part---waiting for the big day.

Horribly. January was supposed to be the start. So far, I have barely been able to run. Between fighting off 2 head colds, knee issues, and back issues, I think I got to do maybe one week of running.....

Not to worry Scout - your mileage base is good enough that soon you will be back up to speed!

I've just started my 18 week plan and everything is going OK, except for the weather. Here in the frozen tundra that is Wisconsin, the high yesterday was -4. All I've been doing is running on treadmills and on indoor tracks, so I would really like to get outside. Bought the Mizuno Wave Rider 10 about a week ago and they're great so far. Jim

Completed week 1 of 18, successfully! Had an awesome 6 mile run Saturday. My current shoes, which have been a problem is the past, are great. I know I need to go easy, get the miles in, and not let my competitive nature cause injury. 11 weeks till HM, 17 till RnR. Being in San Diego, I feel for all you out there running in sub freezing temps, and inspired. Gives me motivation on those days where I don't feel like running, knowing that there are many who are running in spite of the conditions. NO Excuse, lace em up and go!

I don't know. I'm still undecided about the LA marathon, which is coming up on March 4th. With some traveling I haven't been able to train very much since my half marathon. So I guess my answer is that I don't know how it's going?!!

Well my first marathon isn't until November, so right now I am just training for a 10 miler at the end of March. I think it is going well. I have been able to run conistently, am slowly increasing my mileage, and my endurance is improving. I started doing hill workouts once a week on the treadmill, which I think is really good for this, since you have such good control of time, speed, and incline. I run 1 mile as a warm-up, then do [1/4 mile at 2% incline, 1/4 mile at 0% incline, 1/4 mile at 4% incline, 1/4 mile at 0% incline], and repeat until the run is over, for a total distance of 5-6 miles. Does any else do hill work-outs on a treadmill? What type of incline patterns do you run?

Tina, Good luck with your marathon on the 4th! It's very exciting when you've put in all that work and the day finally arrives.