The label of 'marathoner' has, from the beginning, been awarded to those who went the distance under their own power, whether they ran, walked, crawled or tiptoed. When you cross that finish line, you've entered an elite group. About one-tenth of one percent of the population has done it. Don't let anyone take that great achievement away from you.

There's an old adage that for every second too fast per mile in the first half of the race, you'll run at least 2 seconds slower at the end.

A lifestyle change begins with a vision and a single step.

Here is the start, there is the finish line. Between that, you have to run.

We have a no puke rule. The purpose is performance, not puking.

To finish will leave you feeling like a champion and positively change your life.

Think chest/hips/ push, or CHP, when it's time for uphill running. Chest up, hips forward, push strongly off each foot.