I am currently training to run part of the Philadelphia Marathon in November.

That sounds impressive in the abstract but there are a few things you should know: I have never run a competitive race in my life. I am not an athlete. I will not be anywhere near the leader boards. In fact, it could be dark while I limp my way to the finish.

You see, I am a 30something year old mother of three small children. I’m a tax attorney and freelance writer. I enjoy cheese and wine and red meat and all of those things that aren’t supposed to be good for you. I am not a size 2 or 6 or… well, you get the picture.

And every year, I see the Broad Street Run or the Philadelphia Marathon and I think back to when I was younger and I used to love to run. I wasn’t fast, I wasn’t on any teams, I just ran because it made me feel good. And every year as an adult, I see those races and I say “maybe next year.”

But not this year. This year, I decided I wasn’t going to sit on the sidelines anymore. I was going to run part of that race. And so I signed up. And I have been, for weeks now, getting up every morning at 5:30am to train.

That is, I have decided, what life is all about. It is about taking risks and making stands. It is not about watching the world go by.

This is true in business just as it is in personal life. At the Business Channel, May is our “Taking Chances” month - each of us are striving to do something just a bit different. Like my efforts to run part of a marathon, we are taking risks and thinking outside of our comfort zones:

At taxgirl, Kelly offers her best tax advice - to make decisions regardless of the tax consequences. On a tax blog? Trust me, it makes sense.

Mary Emma offers a peek into what it’s like to make the leap into entrepreneurship by developing your home business at Home Biz Notes, while Yvonne offers tips for taking chances in your home business.

Are you willing to take candy from strangers? Our newest blogger, Jennifer at Everyday Networker, thinks that it’s okay despite the risk. Find out under what circumstances it makes sense.

At Brandcurve, Susan explores the challenges and rewards involved in taking chances with your brand. Are you game?

Personal investment is all about taking risks. Should you avoid investing in a shaky market? Miranda has the answer at Yielding Wealth.

Politicians take risks every day - whether it’s Hillary downing a shot with a beer chaser (really!) or Obama trying out his bowling chops, it’s about getting noticed. At One Vote Matters, Thursday reminds us what’s really at risk during election season.

Leadership Turn invites you to be part of a new leadership reality show on the web. Miki is looking for help producing So you think you can lead… lots of fun opportunities for involvement and good stuff for the volunteers. Why not take a chance yourself?

Speaking of, what’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? What about being the standout in your niche because everyone else says it can’t be done? At Doing Biz Abroad, Chris discusses why choosing to practice law in Philadelphia was outside of the norm.

Rachel discusses taking chances in another niche - digital marketing - at Behind the Buzz - have you tried Penguin yet?

At Talk Stock Trading, Tisa ventures out of stocks to commodities to find out who is to blame for the “Gas Face” - you can cast your vote here.

At Digital Money World, Moneypenny wonders what to do when your choices are limited by circumstances that feel out of your control.

And not just a post - but an overhaul - Buzz Networker has a new writer, a new feel and a completely different look. Colleen is anxious to know if the risk pays off.

Whew.

So it’s all about risks this month - and hopefully, rewards. We hope that you’re energized, enthused and inspired to think and act differently this month.

Tell us, what’s one risk you’re willing to take?

(Image source: newscom)