Everything Hurts

No posts here yesterday b/c I ran 24 miles and was just too beat to really do much else w/my day. Yes, the marathon training continues, but it's nearly over now; yesterday was our last big run. It was supposed to be 26 miles but I was again the “designated driver”—the person who stays back w/anyone who is hurt or can't make it for some reason. We made it fine to the 24 mile point, but then an injury forced someone to walk the last two miles and I stayed w/her. So we covered the 26 mile distance, but walked the last two miles. All of that took about 6.5 hours! Imagine running (and walking) for 6 hours straight. It's tough, but I bet it's not as tough as you think. Still, I feel like I've been worked over by a prize fighter or something—like I've been punched in every muscle of my body. I've been quietly hoping I could do a 5-hour marathon (which many marathoners would still consider pretty slow), but judging by how tough our 6-hour pace was yesterday, 5-hours might be too much to ask of this bag of bones.

But regardless of my final time, there's little doubt now that I'll actually finish the marathon. What's less certain is whether I'll be able to raise all of the required donations!

The marathon is now a month away and I want to thank everyone who has given so generously to my fundraising effort, all of which benefits the Whitman-Walker Clinic here in D.C. If you haven't had a chance to give yet, never fear! I'm still plenty far from my required fundraising goal, so anything you can give would still be most appreciated. Donate today! It will take about two minutes and it will go to a terrific cause!

And, as always, if you have more time than money (or would just rather not pull out the credit card), please [nevermind. This has been edited to comply with commercial restrictions]. And as always, thanks!

Posted October 2, 2005 11:24 AM | marathon