Beginnings

I am beginning this blog to chronicle my training for the Ellerbe Springs Marathon. My inspiration comes from Doug Dawkins' Run/Walk Across America blog that he completed in December 2008. Doug is one of the racing directors of the Ellerbe Springs Marathon and The Boogie Midsummer runs. He is one of the founders of the Mangum Track Club of which I have the priviledge to be a member. The requirement for membership is running the 15 mile Shirt Run from the crossroads at Mangum to the Dog Pen 15 miles later. It goes from the middle of nowhere to the middle of nowhere. The Ellerbe Springs Mararthon runs through the beautiful rolling hills (some steep) of Eastern North Carolina. It is run in the early spring when the Winter wildflowers are being replaced by Spring ones. Where the red blush of the Red Maple blooms give color to the landscape. Only about 100 plus runners run this marathon and there have been times where I've been the only runner in sight. I'm trying to break out of a running lethargy I've been in for the last 3 years. Where laziness, overeating and general lack of direction have taken their toll. My sponsor always said that I did a lot better emotionally and spiritually when I had a solid marathon training program. Can't argue with that!! So here goes - to save my soul and have some fun!!

toadshade