This is a guest post from Rob Williams.

Hey everyone. Rob here.

This past Saturday I had to run 20 miles, as I train for the Columbus Marathon.

I wasn’t looking forward to it. Not at all.

This isn’t my first marathon, so I know how the 20 mile training run can punish you. It’s physical and mental torture, and no crowds to help you along.

My training partner, who I will refer to as 2:39 Boston, decided we should run with a group. So 7 am Saturday morning, we met dozens of runners at a local church. They were with Bob Roncker’s Running Spot. It’s really Cincinnati’s best source when it comes to running shoes and marathon advice.

It was a beautiful slightly chilly morning. After July and August, the weather was like seeing an old classmate again after summer break. Actually had a smile on my face as I started tackling the miles. A nervous smile, but a smile nonetheless.

Like the weather, running with the group was a welcome change. The extra company and conversation made time and the miles fly by. Honestly during the run, I kept expecting the bottom to fall out. It really didn’t. It did get tough at mile 15. That’s when the group runners ended their run. 2:39 Boston and I had another 5 miles.

As we headed out, I did start feeling a little sorry for myself. However once we got going, I found my groove. This is until mile 18. I started feeling weak and a little dizzy. At this point I started trailing Boston 2:39 by a few steps. I needed a sports drink. Unfortunately, I forgot to carry money. I ducked into a gas station and told the cashier my predicament. She was sympathetic and gave me a Gatorade. I immediately felt better, and the last 2 miles were relatively easy.

The brutal 20 mile training run is critical when I train for a marathon. This past Saturday I learned it’s not always brutal. I will try to remember that Sunday Oct. 17. Now the last 6.2 miles. That could be a different story.

Columbus Marathon Overview Part 2 from dan farkas on Vimeo.

Guest blogger Natalie Siston is an avid runner who works on the Nationwide marketing team. She enjoys sharing training stories with Eric Motter and other co-workers who are part of the 400+ associates that are participating in the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon this year. Natalie shares why she runs – now we want to hear from you!

I subscribe to a running magazine for women and the last page features a reader’s photo and a quote on “why she runs”. It is typically inspirational to the tune of “I run to feel the wind at my back and sun on my face and know that I am making a difference in my life.” Or something like: “I run to remind myself that I am strong, independent, and can achieve anything.”

When I first began subscribing to this magazine in 2008, I saw myself through these readers and had a nice warm fuzzy feeling whenever I read the quotes. I was training for the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Full Marathon (my first) and my quote would have read something like: “I run to feel strong, be healthy, and to accomplish a lifetime goal.” I ended up crossing the finish line in my goal time of four hours.

Two years have passed and I have a different take on “why I run”. To put in quite bluntly: I run for “no more fat pants”.

Why no more fat pants? Last October, while everyone was getting in their last training run before the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon, I was participating in a different sort of marathon – child birth. My first baby was due exactly one week after the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon and my biggest fear was that I was going to go into labor during the marathon and get stuck in runner traffic on the way to OSU hospital. Luckily, this was not the case and instead I gave birth early on an OSU football Saturday (which presented its own set of traffic challenges.)

While pregnant, I drastically scaled down my exercise routine. I began competing in triathlons and half marathons in 2006 and stuck to a fairly strict five to six day weekly training plan. While I was pregnant I swam, did pre-natal yoga and took my dog on walks. I did not run.

Back in the game

After a couple of months of sitting on my couch with a newborn, I knew things had to change. As much as I liked wearing sweatpants and watching Bravo TV, I wanted even more to wear my old wardrobe. So, I dusted off the treadmill, loaded up my iPod and ran. By January, I knew I needed motivation to achieve my “no more fat pants” goal, so I signed up for the Cap City Half Marathon in May. I not only finished the race, but was also back in my old wardrobe by race day.

I thought about coasting for the remainder of 2010, but in the back of my mind, knew I needed a goal to move me forward. As luck would have it, I was assigned a new desk at work, next to the designer creating many of the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon materials. He saw me hang up my race bib from 2008 and assumed I was participating in the 2010 race. He quickly showed me the portfolio of designs for this year’s medal, t-shirt, and gave me my own marathon poster. I guess I’m a sucker, because the very next day I signed up for the 2010 Nationwide Better Health Columbus Half Marathon. I don’t plan on breaking my PR, but I do look forward to “skinny jeans”.

Why do you run? Leave a comment so we can be inspired.(Or to be re-assured by others with similar, highly practical goals.)

We all like free stuff, right? Well, with the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon less than two months away, we want to reward you for your hard work!

That’s why we’re hosting a virtual scavenger hunt this Thursday from 11 a.m. ET – 2 p.m. ET. We’ll post a question on our Twitter account (@CbusMarathon) at the top and bottom of each hour. The first person who “@ replies” us with the correct answer will win a fantastic prize. It’s that easy.

What can you win? Check out this swag we’ve lined up from our friends at Second Sole in Gahanna*:

• Tech training t-shirt
• Cotton training t-shirt
• Water belt
• Free pair of Nike training shoes

Additionally, we’ll be giving away a free pedicure by Denise Cramblit at Village Hairsmiths in Gahanna and a free Columbus Marathon (or ½) entry.

If you’re not already following us on Twitter, click here to start. In addition to the scavenger hunt, we answer your questions and share interesting articles about training, nutrition, the marathon experience, and the course.

Will you participate in our scavenger hunt? See you Thursday on Twitter!

*Winners will receive a gift certificate redeemable at Second Sole for their prize. If winners don’t live near a Second Sole, we’ll arrange for you to receive your prize on a case-by-base basis.