"THAT guy"

Remember, a few years ago, before you were serious about running and fitness? Remember coming home from shopping or eating in late fall or winter, still early in the evening but dark, and seeing some nut running down a dark road with maybe a blinky light and some reflective gear on? "What is wrong with those idiots," I'm sure I said more than once. "I hope it's worth it to risk your life for a stupid run!"

Yeah, I was that guy tonight. Couldn't put together the run yesterday or this morning, so this evening it had to be, even though Chris and his lovely wife and family were coming over for pizza and beers. The road was dark - dark like sitting in a closet at night with the light off - and I thought a couple of times I might get hit or turn an ankle on rail lines. I could almost hear people calling me an idiot. I FELT like an idiot! But, I knocked out 17 miles (or 17.1, per Garmin) and am almost back on track for marathon training. To that end, I gotta ask...

What the heck is wrong with the Greeks? A marathon is a STUPID idea!! I mean, I love their food and they did a lot of cool stuff for the world with science and philosophy advancements, but running 26.2 miles? And not running from anything that might eat/disembowel/set aflame/boil the runner? Why? I'll tell you what: I'll go get some metal from Home Depot and make a stupid medal, then string it on the most magnificent ribbon you've ever seen. WAY better!

Anyway, the training continues. I'm observing my increase-at-LEAST-10%-in-mileage-per-week rule, which I only recommend for idiots like myself. Wednesday was 13 miles, nothing until today, and then 17 miles. I'll shoot for 20 later this week. If I can do 20-22, I can do 26.2 as long as I keep the nutrition going.

Hope you all had a great weekend! Ours was busy (no surprise) and Grace tested our patience (no, really!!), but tomorrow it's back to the salt mines for me. Boo hoo.