For many of you, this past Saturday was your first "official" weekend long-run—and by the look of so many smiles on the Team RMHC Facebook page, I’d say we’re off to a very satisfying start.

(Thanks for posting those smiles, by the way. Keep ‘em coming!)

If you’re part of a group training program you’re likely to have seen LOTS of ‘first time’ marathoners, and LOTS of (nervous) smiles.

And lots of "OMG! Am I really doing this?” looks.

Truth be told… yes, you really ARE doing this. And yes, if you stay true to your training program you really ARE going to run and complete the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 13.”

And speaking of training… if you can join a 'group training' program for your weekend long-runs, I strongly encourage you to do that.

Running with a group—in the company of others who share your commitment to training and who will support and encourage your training efforts—will TOTALLY make your training easier and more rewarding, and something you actually look forward to doing.

(And yes, the day WILL come when you actually "can't wait" to get up at 5:00 AM on a Saturday to go out and run 10 miles.)

The best way I've found to describe the "dynamic" of group training comes from a quote by Rudyard Kipling, "The strength of the wolf comes from the pack. And the strength of the pack comes from the wolf." (From "The Law of the Jungle.")

There's simply no better explanation of what happens when running with others.

YOUR strength as an individual comes from the group around you; and the strength of your running GROUP comes from the collective participation of each individual runner in that group.

Perfect.

(To say nothing about the accountability you'll feel to 'show-up' to run. And the guilt you'll feel if you don't!)

For those of you not in the Chicago area (and therefore not able to join the group training provided by the Chicago Area Runner’s Association) check-out your local 'specialty running store’ where you buy your running shoes, apparel and gear—it's very likely they'll be able to suggest a fall marathon ‘group training’ program in your area.

And if you just can't find a group training program to join, follow Coach Brendan’s FREE 'virtual' (online) program... then make sure to run your weekend long-runs on a path (or route) where you're likely to be alongside other runners. By running in the company of other runners, you'll find yourself drawing strength from them, just as they will draw their strength from you.

Finally, to help kick-off this year’s marathon training season, please consider this advice from 'The Runner's Rule Book' by Mark Remy whenever buying new running shoes: "BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR NEW SHOES OUT OF THE BOX, YOU MUST SMELL THEM. Open the box. Peel back the tissue paper. Behold those pristine shoes. Then lift the box to your face and breathe deeply. Mmmmmmmm… smells like potential.

And possibly toxins.

But mostly potential."

Train safe. Run strong.

Always.