October 2006 Archives

We're back, and I have a ton of catching up to do. Can't wait to read everyone else's reports ...

I just got the update from mrs. ugly toes and here's what she had to say:

Well , that hurt more than i would'ue liked - but I AM GOING TO BOSTON! 3:36

congratulations and we can't wait to hear the full report!

Marathoning is like cutting yourself unexpectedly. You dip into the pain so gradually that the damage is done before you are aware of it. Unfortunately, when the awareness comes, it is excruciating.
- John Farrington

People ask why I run. I say, "If you have to ask, you will never understand". It is something only those select few know. Those who put themselves through pain, but know, deep down, how good it really feels.
- Erin Leonard

Baby I'm ready to go
I'm back and ready to go
From the rooftops shout it out, shout it out
- Republica

"To describe the agony of a marathon to someone who's never run it is like trying to explain color to someone who was born blind."
-Jerome Drayton

The weather calmed down and warmed up a little over the weekend and yesterday was tolerable enough for shorts. I took Molly out for a short run on Saturday, and then on a 5 mile adventure yesterday. We actually left the neighborhood and ran alongside the often-busy road and went on the DT for a bit. On the way home, we passed by the Subway sandwich mascot. We saw the mascot on Tuesday and it freaked Molly out, so of course I had to run by it again when I saw it was out again. Molly didn't care as much this time, though. I dropped her off at the house after 5 miles and went back out for 5 on my own. Apparently Molly kept wandering downstairs while I was gone - maybe she was trying to find me. Once I got home, she fell asleep.

Things to do/decide this week:

If anyone has a dogster account, please vote for Molly at the 2nd Annual World's Coolest Dog and Cat Show!

These are the pictures I submitted:

Against the wind
We were runnin against the wind
We were young and strong, we were runnin
Against the wind
...
I found myself further and further from my home
And I guess I lost my way
There were oh so many roads
I was living to run and running to live
...
Searching for shelter again and again
Against the wind
A little something against the wind
I found myself seeking shelter against the wind
...
Against the wind
Im still runnin against the wind
Well Im older now and still
Against the wind
- Bob Seger

At least someone is happy that it is snowing on October 12.

I ran my first marathon. I can still remember how exciting the last half was, that feeling of "I'm really going to do this," and the sheer joy at crossing the finish line. I think one of the reasons I keep running marathons is in the hopes of recapturing that feeling or even just coming close. (Although at this point I'd probably settle for hitting the finish line without needing to make a bee line for the medical tent). Maybe that's part of why I wanted to run Chicago this fall instead of the logistically simpler Twin Cities or Des Moines.