I really enjoyed myself at this race. My girlfriend assisted on this shoot by running the entire course with a GoPro strapped to her head (thanks honey). The only horror-themed piece I've ever done was back in high school, so it was fun to try something different. If I had more time, I think I would've re-done the graphics package to be red instead of green, and I would've done an organ/halloween-style remix to the theme song to play over the closing credits, but all-in-all, I think this was a fun piece.

What a fantastic race to film. Besides having a 1:1 ratio of volunteers to participants, driving awareness to endurance sports in rural America and simply outstanding weather, the race was organized by a college sophomore. Not many races I've filmed have gone off with this ease, and I think that's a testament to Luke's skill as a race director.

Be sure to watch all the way to the end, as Ruby shows off, yet again, why she's poised to take over as host once Carrie retires from her broadcasting career.

Peak training is my personal favorite phase of marathon training. I loved being able to see the results of running all the hills and fartleks during the power phase.

If you're looking to run a marathon, you should watch this series of videos. It's a good overview of what you should be doing in the 16 weeks leading up to your big day.

We filmed Kara and Adam during Grandma's Marathon this year, and let me tell you, it wasn't a fun trip. I had both mono and pink eye the entire trip, so any time I wasn't behind the camera, I was passed out on the hotel bed.

But I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet the Gouchers. I did my best to stay out of their way; the last thing Kara needed before running in the Olympics was mono or pink eye. I did, however, get to chat with Adam for a couple of minutes about knee problems. He has such a positive outlook on his life after running, especially when his career was as riddled with injuries as mine.

I hope you enjoy this interview and if you're in the market for an inspirational running book (and who isn't?), definitely give Run the Edge a read.

Another one of my personal favorite C Tolle Run episodes. I think I might need to invest in a gym membership and hit the pool while I try to figure out my whole knee situation. In terms of producing this video, I must say that the GoPro is a really nice, inexpensive way to get those shots you wouldn't dare try to capture with your main camera. The quality of the shots you get from that camera are insane.

Being mentally weak is the reason I ran so poorly at the Twin Cities Marathon this year. I didn't go into the race with a great mental plan and I ended up doubting myself the whole time. Even when I'd get bursts of energy or encouragement, I'd still tell myself that I'm going to fail. The Sunburst Marathon tested my confidence in my running ability; the Twin Cities Marathon destroyed it.

Even though I may never run another marathon in my life (more on that in another post), if I learned anything from my marathon training class at the U, it's the importance of always staying positive. Of course, life will throw it's fair share of crap at you. Bills, work-related stress, dirty house, awful race, what-have-you. As long as you look for the positive in any situation and find joy in the things you do, you'll always make it through. Even if you run an awful marathon (or two).

Dennis Barker is the head coach of Team USA Minnesota. He's spent most of his career researching mental training and offers some great advice on how to prepare your mind for a big race. I used word cues during the Eau Claire Marathon and I'm convinced that they were the reason I did so well.

Anyone who is training for any sort of running event this year must watch this video. (And not just because I make a cameo appearance).