Although I've considered myself an on-again/off-again runner for years, I've always been ambivalent about setting a goal for myself to complete a marathon. I've walked a half marathon, and will take part for the second year in a row in the 199-mile Relay from Calistoga to Santa Cruz in less than two weeks.

My brother and sister-in-law have become involved with Team in Training the past few years, doing marathons around the country and raising thousands of dollars for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. But between the training and the fund-raising, that has just been a bigger commitment than I've been willing to make, with a small child, three older children and a full-time job. When I run, I just want to put on my shoes and do it, when it fits in my schedule.

My motivation to set a goal for a marathon has changed with an announcement in today's newspaper. A marathon is returning to the Fresno-Clovis area in 2008, sponsored by the same organizers who put on the Trail of 2 Cities half-marathon in November.

The route looks good, the time of year is tolerable running weather and it's in my home. How much easier could it be to motivate myself to do this thing for myself? I'll be 42 years old then, but it's something to shoot for. Want to run with me?