After much hemming and hawing, I've decided not to run the Cleveland marathon in '08. I was really considering giving it another try, but then my husband mentioned that he was considering doing it.

For awhile I entertained the notion of training and running it together.. But, the reality is that it would be nearly impossible for us -- with small children -- to be able to run three and four hours together on weekends.

And, frankly, I've run with him before and, when he's training regularly, he can absolutely outrun me -- in speed and distance -- and I'm fairly certain that if he did that to me in the 20-something mile of a marathon (cause I'd say..."no..really, go ahead..it's fine"), it would launch me headlong into "the wall."

So, I'll run the 1/2 -- a distance I could handle on any given Sunday -- and I'll play the role of supporting marathon wife for the other 1/2. I get all the joy and fun of the marathon (runner's expo, cool shirt, finish line photos), without any of the misery.

I'm still thinking I need a goal, though...so I may train to run an 8 (or less) minute mile pace in the 1/2 which would give me a P.R. -- something below 1:45.

Which, incidentally, would put me in great shape to try another, faster, marathon later this year...or in spring of '09.

BTW -- if you are thinking of running Cleveland -- the whole, 1/2 or 10K -- early deadline to register is in TWO days -- Jan. 10. After that, the registration prices rise.