Marine Corps Marathon 2011 - An Exercise in Time, Weight and Momentum

Today I took the first step (which will lead to many steps in the near future)in a direction to do something I said I would never do. Today was registration Day for the 2011 Marine Corps Marathon. I know what you are thinking "they have a 10K just do that". I should but my stubborn (Jackass) part of me would not allow me to do that. Instead I signed on the (computer) dotted line and I feel like I will be once again on the "Yellow Footprints" at Paris Island.
If I was going to do any Marathon it would be this one mainly because I spent 4 years in the Marines. I think this what my 36 year old body needs; a good kick in the pants out of my comfort zone and beyond anything I have done in 10-15 years. Sound like a good idea? HELL NO!...but for some reason that is not stopping me. So yesterday began my working out, eating better and (begrudgingly) drinking less beer. My plan is to start Hal Higdon's 1/2 Marathon Training that I did in 2007 and 2009 for The Baltimore Half and when that is done (beginning of June) begin to ramp my miles to the neighborhood of 20 miles+ in October and then 26.2 miles on October 30th 2011. I have some time to work on my race day diet and hydration issues. I know I have all my support in place Mrs. Runner is helping me with meals and will be there to give me a good kick in the ass when I need it. A new twist to my training will also be strength, flexibility and cardio with the use of my new favorite toy; the Kettle Bell. I will be chronicling my runs, good days and bad days (You know I've had my share) right here.