Most runners will tell you they have a wall. I found mine around sixteen-to-eighteen miles.

It took me a few days, some pep talks, and more training before I could break through that wall, but I did it. So now I think I'm ready for the Marine Corps Marathon, at long last.

Last weekend was my "last run." The last biggie before the race. Ten miles, which almost (ALMOST!) seemed easy. I didn't even approach my wall.

However, while I was pounding the pavement in the cold and the wind, I started thinking about how I even got here. I'm no long distance runner. Never have been. I'm more into strength-training and yoga. Yes, I've done a marathon before. So, why am I doing another one? Just who do I think I am? What's gotten into me?

"What the heck am I doing here?" I thought.

That's the kind of thinking that can lead to failure. I shoved the thought into the recesses of my mind. "Why" doesn't matter, so don't ask. Don't question your own motivation. You're here now. You're doing it.

I realized that one of the problems I faced is concentration. Tackling 26.2 miles is a tremendous mental challenge. You must focus, and you mustn't lose your determination. I had been training with my iPod strapped to my left arm and - for the really long runs - my BlackBerry on my waist.

I told myself the BlackBerry was there for safety reasons, and the iPod would help me keep pace.

Turns out, they're both distractions.

Here's a little insight into Amy: I'm never where I think I'm supposed to be. I'm always one chess move, one appointment, one step behind. Whatever I'm doing, my mind is on the NEXT thing I'm SUPPOSED to be doing. I'm always, ALWAYS planning ahead.

Think of it this way: have you ever lain awake at night, unable to sleep because your mind is awhirl with all the stuff you have to do the next morning? You can't shut it off or slow it down. Your brain is on autopilot and you're already living tomorrow, when you should be getting your rest tonight.

That's how my brain is all the time.

Except during yoga. Yoga practice helps me calm that whirligig brain of mine and convince myself that I'm right where I'm supposed to be. It has taught me to be mindful, at least for 2 hours a week.

Sadly, I've had to temporarily give up my yoga practice for the training runs. While this has come late in my training, I've found a way to incorporate my yoga practice of "mindfulness" into training runs.

First, strip down to the basics. Get rid of the crutches, for that's what they are. The extra water bottles, the iPod, the PDA, the running belt. I had to lose them.

Then, focus on what's just in front of you. Not a mile down the road. Not a half mile behind. Right. In. Front.

Wet leaves on the pavement. Watch your step. Be mindful. Puddles and cracks. Be mindful. Traffic in that intersection. Be mindful. Feel that twinge in your knee; the pop in your shoulder. Be mindful. Adjust your stride. Run proud. Smile. Breathe.

If only I could take that "mindfulness" and apply it to the rest of my day!

Now all I have to do is wait for Sunday, October 25th. I'm unable to run at all this week, as I'm battling a headcold and some nasty congestion. But as one of my runner friends told me, "it doesn't matter what you do this week. What matters is what you've been doing for the past three months. You're ready."

I am ready. Let's go. Let's finish this.