SILVA: Another marathon in future?

Just minutes after finishing the San Diego Rock and Roll marathon on June 3, as I limped around looking for my family, I swore to myself "you're never doing that again."

But just three months later, the pain has worn off and now I'm not so sure.

There are many reasons I'm considering attempting the 26.2-mile distance again:

I have something left to prove. While I did well enough and put up a good time, there's still something inside me that thinks I can do better. I can pace myself better. I can prepare better. And I can run a better time.

Just recently a friend broke the 3 hour, 40 minute mark … and I was very jealous.

I would have to cut four minutes off my time to get there, but I think that's possible.

I also feel like this time I will eat better, rest better and know more what to expect.

I enjoyed it. There's something about saying "I'm training for a marathon" that builds the ego. A few weeks before the marathon, during a training run, I was waiting at a stoplight where a few boys on their bikes were halted as well.

"Are you practicing for something?" one of the kids asked.

"I'm going to run a marathon," I said, trying to catch my breath. There's something about training for a marathon — that ultimate physical challenge — that is special.

While the race itself, especially the last six miles, were painful, I enjoyed the time after the marathon, soaking in the congratulations from family and friends and relishing my accomplishment.

I can do it. I've proven I can make the distance and survive. And I know I can do it again.

Having the confidence that I know I can complete the marathon will help me in training and lead-up to the race.

What else am I going to do? I will run my fifth half-marathon in San Jose in October.

Then what?

Train for No. 6?

I love the half- marathon distance and the training is a lot less intense than preparing for the 26.2 miles.

But I need something to shoot for, and why not aim for a personal record in the marathon?

The main hesitation from committing to another marathon is the training. You have to put in a lot of miles and it's a lot of wear and tear on your body. It also takes up a lot of your time and energy (both physically and mentally).

But it's something I'm considering for next year. Is anybody up for "Mission Marathon, Part 2"?

I've narrowed my list for "Workout of the Month" for September. Look for a column and video in a few weeks.

Reach Jim Silva at jsilva@modbee.com. On Twitter: @mission26point2