I haven't run since Monday,

and that run was wimpy and short. I got lazy Monday morning (still sore and my little toe blister was still hobbling me), so I ran just over 2 miles Monday afternoon, cutting it short b/c of a meeting. I've then been out of town the past two days, just getting back this afternoon. As I plan a good run in the morning, I didn't run this afternoon (and I'm worn out).

I sat by a guy on the plane this afternoon who saw me reading about marathons in the Runner's Weekly (thanks Mark and Robin) and started talking. He's military, but has done many marathons and has just completed his first Ironman. He was a very cool guy, we talked the entire trip back from Charlotte. He said he typically runs a 3:30 marathon, but when I told him that mine would take a bit longer and that I run intervals, he was so kind and encouraging. Not one of those "will the real runners please stand up" sort of people. He said that was really the way to do it at first, and then work on time later on. It was really great to talk to someone who's been there, is a truly competitive athlete, and was so encouraging. After all he's done, he still talked about the excitement of the first one. It's something we'll all remember the rest of our lives.

We are ready for this. We've put in the time, the effort, and the mental battle already. Now it's just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other.

See you all SAturday for a very easy run.

What a great day we had for 22 miles

The weather made a big difference. I had felt stronger on the 20 than the 18, and felt stronger on the 22 than the 20. I know the weather change helped hugely, but I still have to believe that 3 more weeks, more training, more confidence, etc., also helped. My legs were achy well before the end, but I was able to run at the end, stronger than the 20. We even ran some after we finished our 22 because it hurt less than walking. My feet were tender, but not nearly as tender as they had been. The lack of humidity made a huge difference (and maybe my little ankle sweatbands helped a bit too). I actually tried an ice bath, although had bad timing for dumping the ice in (I dumped it in too soon and it melted before the water filled up above my legs). Funny how every week is a new learning experience of some sort. But at least I feel like the whole running part is pretty well under control now. I didn't have any significant pains or injuries (I failed to turn an ankle this week), except for a tender spot on one little toe. I'll take that and jump for joy.

I went to lunch at Ichiban, watched some football with friends and had a great rest of the day. I was tired, and was walking funny, but overall felt really good. My legs recovered pretty quickly and are only a bit sore today. I hope to run in the morning and work the rest of that out.

I'm getting excited now, and feel confident that barring an injury or illness, my medal will be just a matter of continuing to put one foot in front of the other. I won't set any records, except for my own.