This is a guest post by first-time full marathoner Lydia Godfrey Donovan.

“Why do you run?”

This is a common question asked of runners because we all have our own personal reasons for loving the sport so much. It’s fun, and many times very inspiring, to find out what really motivates each runner to hit the pavement several times a week, reaching mileage of 26.2 or even more sometimes! “I run so I can eat what I want”, “I run because I can”, “I run because it’s cheaper than therapy”, “I run in memory of a loved one”, “I run to raise money for a great cause”, “I run because I beat a disease”…and so many more, these are just some of the ones that quickly come to mind.

My own reason for running is very personal, “I run to prove to my body that it IS capable of something amazing” (with a little of “so I can eat what I want” & “because it’s cheaper than therapy” too!). My desire to run a marathon in particular has absolutely been fueled by my need to prove this exact statement to my body! I’ve been dealing with Primary Infertility for 4 years now and I am so sick and tired of feeling like my body is failing me time and time again. It’s like my mind and my body have been separated for several years now and it’s time for them to unite for a change!

Although, running for over 4 hours straight will not give me what I have ultimately been longing for, it will bring me a much needed sense of physical accomplishment. It will mean that I set out to achieve a goal for myself that most people would call a little crazy and I will find SUCCESS instead of failure for a change. The training alone has already allowed me to feel some control in my life again after so many years of feeling so helplessly out of control. I think about our TTC (trying to conceive) struggles a lot while I run; I also think about the race day itself. I know that every step I take that day will be empowering, healing and full of reconnection of mind, body and soul for me. This race means so much to me and I know it will be a very emotional finish. There may be some tears of pain, but most will be happy tears of “Wow! Look what you just accomplished!”.

I know I will not be the only woman, or person for that matter, who will be running to prove my same statement to their own bodies. The mental healing aspect of running has been a life saver to me on many occasions and I know many runners have similar experiences. We all face situations we are powerless over, fertility related and beyond, but it’s important to keep perspective on what we DO have control over. I for one, cannot wait for race day to feel a level of accomplishment I haven’t felt in awhile!

Best of luck to all my fellow Columbus Marathon runners, for not only accomplishing your race day goals, but in also finding success in the struggles and challenges life will throw at you! Remember, if life starts to get you down, just throw on those running shoes!

Happy Running!

The countdown is on and it’s time to start seriously training for this year’s Nationwide Insurance Columbus Marathon. Now that we’re nearing the 20-week mark, we wanted to share a sample of the hundreds of resources available for both new and advanced runners – from training plans and motivational tips to meal suggestions and gear guides. Happy training!

BEGINNERS: If you’ve signed up for the full marathon, Runner’s World has a great Rookie Marathon Training Plan (16 weeks). For a half marathon, Fitness magazine has both 8-week and 10-week training plans, as well as an 8-week planning guide with additional training tips, motivational tips, meal suggestions and more.

We also recommend reading the “Top 10 Tips for Running Your First Marathon” from MarathonTraining.com. (Oh, and if you need a marathon vocabulary lesson, be sure to check out this post from Columbus Marathon runner Eric Motter.)

ADVANCED: Got a few races under your belt? Hal Higdon has written multiple plans, two intermediate and two advanced (all 18 weeks), that increase in difficulty and intensity throughout. And if you’re shooting for a specific time in this year’s race, you should be sure to add some Yasso 800s – proven across the board to ensure you reach your target time! Fitness magazine also offers some tips for advanced runners, including a guide of training drills to enhance your run and a cross-training guide to strengthen your strides.

NUTRITIONAL PLANS: Runner’s World has an entire section of articles dedicated meal plans and recipes, including a great article on how to eat smarter without having to completely change your habits. Yahoo! Sports can also offer these 10 nutrition tips, while MarathonTraining.com offers some general guidelines.

GEAR GUIDES: If you’re new to marathons, or still unsure of how to find the proper show, Runningshoeswizard.com is an awesome website to check out that provides advice for choosing shoes, as well as reviews of the different options available, and a list of top user picks. You should also check out Running World’s Summer 2011 Running Shoe Guide, as well as their “What to Wear?” tool that will help you choose proper running clothes depending on the weather condition.

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.)