By Marcus Leshock WGN Feature Reporter WGNTV-LTV

12:37 p.m. AKDT, June 13, 2011
CHICAGO—
My name is Marcus Leshock, and I am running the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Let me explain how I came to this decision. My wife told me to do it.

Easy enough, right?

I never considered myself a runner. Throughout my 29 years of life, I had barely run over a mile at a time. And let me tell you, I was huffing and puffing. But after some convincing, coaching, prodding, heckling, and "Biggest Loser" Marathon episode viewing, I decided that I would give this thing a go.

We started training at the end of last year, first getting myself to a point where I could run two miles comfortably. From there, I've picked up Hal Higdon's Novice Runner Marathon Training Program. As of this weekend, I will be running 7 miles at a time.

I know everybody always says this, but if I can run a marathon - you probably can, too. I'm going to be writing about my progress here on the blog, and we'll be putting together features for the WGN News as well. Today we caught up with the folks from NIKE to see their latest gear that will get you ready for any race - big or small. The video will be posted here as soon as it airs.

I hope you'll follow along with me and offer encouragement. I already feel behind because I caught strep throat and missed a few runs. Any advice (or marathon story ideas) are much appreciated. You can find me on Facebook and Twitter, or leave a comment below.

As for the Nike gear you saw on WGN today? You can find the GPS running watch HERE (it retails for $199). All of the Nike footwear (including the new Lunar Glide) can be found HERE. And you can download the NIKE+ GPS app in the Apple App Store for free for a limited time.