Mental Preparation

A marathon requires both physical and mental training. Even watching the Olympics you can see how some people are physically better than others, but lose because they lack mental discipline or get freaked out. I feel like after 15 miles of running it will become more of a mental race than physical one. I will feel pain guaranteed. The question is how will I deal with the pain. At the same time, my pain will be significantly less if I am physically prepared. But I don't think anyone will be feeling great the last few miles. 

"No doubt a brain and some shoes are essential for marathon success, although if it comes down to a choice, pick the shoes. More people finish marathons with no brains than with no shoes." 
-- Don Kardong 

After watching some of the Olympic events this marathon is seeming more doable. The Olympic athletes just make it look so easy. Currently the Olympic leaders are the Norwegians (13 medals), the Dutch (12 medals), and the Americans (12 medals), respectively. Non-coincidentally my ancestry is Norwegian and Dutch. I'm obviously American. The Olympic spirit is in my blood :)

"You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can't know what's coming. " 

~Frank Shorter, 1972 Olympic marathon gold medalist

Spoken like a true Olympian. Also I came across this quote and thought it applied pretty stinkin well to my situation.

"I think people can handle 150 to 200 miles a week. But something has to give somewhere. If he's a student, how's he going to study? He may be at the age of chasing and courtship, and that's an important form of sport and recreation, too." 
~Bill Bowerman, legendary University of Oregon track and field coach and Nike co-founder 

Inspiration

I have always loved the Olympics. In 2002 I actually attended the Olympics in Salt Lake City. It was a curling event :) My favorite winter Olympic sport to watch is probably speed skating. Anyway, last night I was watching a little of some of the events and it just makes me want to do something active. With my marathon training schedule starting next week this is prime time for the Olympics to inspire me to run. In the cold. I'm grateful for a healthy body that I can use to exercise and to enjoy life.