I used to run cross country during the halcyon days of my youth (har har) and I've enjoyed running ever since. My body, however, has not. Things are always hurting or breaking or itis-ing left and right. But Albert's Awesomeness has inspired me to try to fulfill my vow of more than 4 years ago to run a marathon.

The best I ever did during high school cross country was something like 20:30 for 3.1 miles, which comes out to a little under 7 minutes per mile. Pretty slow, but I worked hard for it at the time. Did a run today at about 14:30 minutes for 2 miles, averaging 7:15 per mile. OK, it's a mile shorter and a bit slower but considering that I haven't trained at all and I wasn't going full race pace, I'd say I'm at least in no worse shape than I was in high school...but barely. I don't have a marthon I'm aiming for particularly (yet) but I'll find one eventually. Giving myself say 4 months to train, and the inevitable vacation down time, I'd say I'm aiming for a March or April marathon.