Race Planning

I have been getting ready to start training for a race early in 2014.  I have one of four that I can do.  One is in mid-January, one at the end of February, one in the middle of March and one at the end.  I am leaning to actually starting to train for a marathon.   With three of them, I would make a vacation out of it with my wife.  One is local.  The local one is easiest one to arrange and most cost effective

 

My plan would be to really start training September 1.  This would give me 6 months to be in prime race shape.  My goal is 4 hours, but since it is my first race, finishing and not getting injured would be just as awesome.

To get ready, I want to lose about 15 more pounds by Sept. 1^st.  I also want to be able to run 10 miles without an issue. My longest run to date is 9 miles and I can run 7 without an issue.   We will see how it goes over the next few months.