Countown until the end of my Birthday and the marathon

The marathon is February 28, 2009. My birthday will end in 30 minutes (EST).

I stared down the calendar and recounted and recounted the weeks until the marathon - only 17 more (my average). Since having a quasi-flu last week, which pushed me off my schedule, it has been harder to bounce back - mentally and physically - from what was once an easier activity - running. Before feeling so sick, I would grab my dog, my keys, my watch, and I would be out the door. Now, I have to sit myself down and give myself the pep talk, which could include the more forceful: "You signed up for the marathon - you have to" - or the desperate pleading "You will feel sooo much better physically and mentally after you have your daily dose of 'Runner high.'" Notwithstanding all the efforts to beg myself to cooperate, this week has been filled with only 3-4 mile triumphs followed by a begging for more sleep. I probably am still sick, but I hope this weekend will show me mercy and new found inspiration to start climbing the way up to 26.2

My birthday!!! I am 30 - isn't my endurance supposed to increase?

This year is an exception in many ways. I got engaged; I am turning 30, and tomorrow I will know if I can practice law in Georgia. But, most importantly, my birthday this year is an exception because I will not do my usual long, long run. Usually, my favorite activity on my birthday is to leave all my commitments early and go somewhere for a long time (for me 1-2 hrs) by myself with only my surroundings and a good pair of running shoes as companions. This alone time gives me an opportunity to reflect on the past year's events and my choices.

But, today, I do not foresee that happening. Today, there is the usual shorter day of work, but the running will be replaced by packing for the weekend and sitting at home with my human and canine companions. But, for this unusual year, these activities are apropos and I will be be present and thankful for the long distance I have come.

Tearing up while reading - "Running a Marathon for a Fallen Teammate"

Each day I feel so fortunate that my knees have not given out, my heart has not given out, and that I can have an hour or so to myself to pound out the work stress on the pavement, or go to the woods with my pup and get lost staring at the changing leaves.

So glad the fallen teammate's family (and especially his new wife) have so much support.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/27/sports/othersports/27notre.html?em

February 28, 2009 - my 1st marathon

On Saturday, February 29, 2009, I will be running the Black Mountain marathon (running up Mount Mitchell). This is my first marathon ever; this is my first blogging effort, and I will use this beginning post as the starting point to track my progress and pain.

http://www.blackmountainmarathon.com/