My problem isn't that running in the morning is difficult. I prefer to run at the beginning of my day. I feel better; I have more energy; I can focus on all of the other tasks I've left until the last minute.

But when I, for many reasons, can't get that morning workout in, I do have trouble putting something else off so I can squeeze in a workout and the always required post-workout shower.

I don't feel the deadline pressure of my marathons yet. I know I have plenty of time to train. And yet, I feel that if I don't find some consistency early, I might be able to finish one or two marathons, but I won't have the foundation to run them all. This training isn't just about being able to run 26 miles once. I know I can do that.

This training is about forming habits that will keep me involved in endurance events long after I've celebrated my milestone birthday next year.

If you have any other suggestions about how to get or stay motivated, send them my way. Otherwise, I may have to change my calendars and pretend it's already December. Merry Christmas!

Next: Does the food you eat make a difference? How do you change 39 years of finding nutrition at a drive-though window — especially when you're schedule won't allow for many sit-down meals?

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E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com