Strength from within • October 19, 2006 | 8:22 p.m.

Sixteen weeks!  Where has time gone?  Here we go ... and this is the part I love, the tapering phase.  From now until November 5^th, the goal is to keep my muscles strong and continue running, without doing the longer 20-mile runs.  But I can feel that marathon excitement is already in the air.  Running through Central Park yesterday, they were already putting up the bleachers at the finish line, which got me thinking about how far I’ve come in the last 16 weeks. And for those of you who say to yourselves, “I could never do it,” I encourage you, wherever you live, to go to a local race and watch marathon runners crossing the finish line. You’ll be amazed.

Marathoners come in all shapes and sizes and in all ages. And some of them may have had life-altering injuries or illnesses that they have overcome. For them, finishing a marathon is a dream come true. You can do it too, if you want it badly enough. Look at Karen Gorrell! She couldn’t run 10 miles 16 weeks ago. And now she’s doing 22. I hope, if nothing else, watching Karen and me run in two weeks' time, you will come to realize that any goal — no matter how lofty it may seem — can be reached with commitment and perseverance.

Anyway, some interesting questions I’ve had along the way: How do you keep going through the long runs? What motivates you and how do you manage to fit it all in? I will tell you that a lot of it comes from within. There are ways, however, to make it more fun. First, find a running partner. I’m lucky that my husband is also training with me, so on days when I really feel I can’t possibly run, he’s forcing me to do it. Also, he makes me try harder and run faster (it’s a guy thing, always wanting to be ahead, you know?) I also have found training with music makes all the difference for me. Some of you have asked me what I listen to when I’m running. Well, my music taste is a little eclectic, but I love U2, Five for Fighting, the Black Eyed Peas, the Foo Fighters and the Goo Goo Dolls, to name just a few.

Second, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. I can’t say it enough! And third, fit in a run during your day. I do. If you have one hour a day, you can squeeze in a quality run. Plus, I think it’s important to make the point that giving yourself that one hour to do something for you — to allow you to hear yourself think and make you feel good, healthy and charged — is the best thing you can do for you and your loved ones. I know I am at my best after having that time to breathe. I do my best thinking when I am out there running. Give it a try ... listen to your heart, your mind, your body. You may love that feeling as much as I do!

MORE FROM TODAY RUNS A MARATHON

Today Runs a Marathon Section Front

Runner’s diet: food as fuel Natalie’s journal: Just behind Lance Armstrong Karen’s journal: Great day in my life Foods to avoid when you’re running Runners’ best grocery list of all time Hit the road in style with high-tech gear How busy parents can find time for exercising Never run before? Here’s how to get started Quiz: Best snacks? Good Housekeeping: Walk not run Today Runs a Marathon Section Front   Add Today Runs a Marathon headlines to your news reader: