I started training in June to run 26.2 miles in the Chicago Marathon (on Oct. 13th). I haven’t run this far in 13 years!

Getting ready for the race reminds me how this preparation is a lot like what’s needed for living a prosperous life.

My first marathon & my last marathon

Here’s what I mean:

• Having a plan helps a goal go from daunting to doable. Each day I know how far I need to run (and when to rest) to be ready for race day. Having a plan for your money makes reaching goals so much easier.

• Working toward a goal with others is more fun. I joined a running club – we meet on Saturdays to do our long training runs. I’ve met some really interesting people and learned a lot (found an awesome new app – www.mapmyfitness.com). Why build prosperity all by yourself? Share your goal with others; learn from people who are good at building wealth and remember…have more fun!

• It’s never too late to start. Okay – confession – I mentioned this is the first marathon I’ve run in 13 years. What I didn’t mention is it’s been 28 years since my first one! Don’t let age or time keep you from going for your medal.

• Focusing on how your goal benefits others makes it much easier to achieve. As part of the marathon I’m raising money to benefit The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Illinois. I’m a little less than half way to my fundraising goal. If you’ve already helped – thank you! If you still want to support this great organization and cause, please do! Have a big goal you’re looking to reach? Think about how others will be served by you reaching your goal.

• Make sure to enjoy the journey – it may end up better than the destination. There is no way I’d be spending as much time in nature if I weren’t training. I’ve seen amazing things – deer, foxes, turtles, bunnies, sun rises and even neighbors! Make sure you’re paying attention on the way to reaching your prosperity goals or you may miss the best part.

• Giving boosts your success. How can I complain if I’m sore or tired after a run? I’m blessed to be able to run and I’m running to raise money for those who can’t. Giving is the engine that boosts prosperity. When we are open to helping others with our energy and our money it always comes back to us many times over. Want to practice this ? Please consider supporting SCIA.

• Watch out for hybrid cars! This has nothing to do with prosperity – just a warning. I almost got hit by a hybrid SUV early one morning as I couldn’t hear it coming!

• Creating a success statement boosts my results – I’ve had a phrase I say over and over to myself to inspire my runs: “I train for, run in and recover from the Chicago Marathon with joy, ease, camaraderie and good health.” I’ve said a variation of this for all of my marathons. A funny thing happened this year … as I was repeating this to a running buddy I realized that the pace leader of my running group is named Joy! I created joy in a totally different way than I expected! Be careful what you affirm!

• Looking good makes you feel good. To be totally honest, I’ve also had fun buying new running gear. It’s been years since I got new running shorts and tops. I even bought a rockin’ new bottle holder. This is kinda shallow, huh? Well, sometimes with our money we can just have fun spending it. That’s okay too!

I am so grateful to all of you have already supported my run – both with your contributions and with your moral support. I can still use both! Please click here to help.