Ack!  So I didn't get to write this weekend because I've been stressed out over something that, in retrospect, I should let go (doesn't that sound familiar!)  Maybe I'll catch up two blogs at some point.

Early Saturday morning I met my friend who lives in the North End for an 8 mile run.  He wanted to run on the Esplanade, and I wanted to run on Comm Ave while the cherry blossoms are out.  We each got our wish, to spectacular effect.

After buying (and eating like apples) fresh tomatos from the Haymarket, he walked me back to Park Street so that I could start the rest of my busy Saturday.

As I walked down the subway stairs, my left leg stiffened in agony.  I have never, until this time, been afraid of missing an approaching T  train that I could see!!!

I've been in (lessening) pain ever since, but I've been warned against running AT ALL until Marathon Day.

I KNOW.

Now I realize I shouldn't stress out, but injury this close to the marathon is a legitimate cause of neuroticism- that and I had an not.so.good Sunday.

 Ok, without running, what will I write about?  Help, friends!

After investing in tights and a coldgear technical shirt (and even contemplating those little hoods you can put over the vents in your running shoes) I was able to push myself through as many as 14 miles whilst the air outside was under 14 degrees.  And, even though I've lived in this part of the world my entire life, I was still suprised to feel stifled one day and recognize that it had changed, once again, from winter to summer overnight.

Coach put it best by giving us a tagline: "The PMC- We run even when it's nice out."

However, I'm worried I might be best suited for cold-weather running.  I don't like sitting around when it's freezing (I've been known the gravitate towards the nearest space heater,) but runs I started out thinking would turn me to ice by the end seemed simply air-conditioned.

Accordingly, I fear glare, stickiness, and dehydration on Marathon Day like nothing else.  My dear roommate and running partner swears that heat puts him in his exercising element, and I am sick with jealousy over this fact.  It twists every birdsong into a harbinger of DEATH and makes each warm breeze give me chills. 

There's not too much more to say on this topic, as I'm trying not to stress out over things I can't control.  As always, the best thing for me to do is to keep and open mind and a level head (y'know... so my brains don't slosh out!)

Enjoy the sunshine!

None of what follows is in jest.  At least, I think not.  I haven't written anything that follows yet! :)

First of all, a HUGE "Thank you!" to everyone who has donated so far.  I can't fully express with words how much your support means to me- But with enough words it may come through!

That said,  I've decided I'm going to write 20 blogs- One every day in April through marathon day, and then one after the big event!  If there's anything you would like me to write about, please let me know in comments and I'll do my best to fill your request.

Since you've had enough pranks in this, your April Fools' Day 2010, I'll tell you a true story as today's blog entry:

My grandparents used to live all of 7 miles from me by bike.  It always struck them funny when I showed up in their kitchen removing my helmet (rather than calling for a ride from the train station.)  I'm not of a particularly athletic bloodline, and I, a bookworm from way back, am never expected to be "sporty."

I never did think of running to their house, in part because you can't really carry anything, and you're bound to arrive sweaty.  In addition to being suprised, I think my grandmother would have been displeased to see me in Underarmor without a change of clothes.

My grandparents both passed away about this time last year, and in January I decided I was about ready to take an especially long run.  I ran out to where they are buried and then (struggling, because I had gotten very cold walking around the cemetary) ran back home.

One night, a few weeks later, I was in a car with my mother when she started talking about my grandparents' headstone as though I hadn't seen it.  I explained that I had run out to it and, as I did so, she pulled the car over and started yelling things that proved incredulousness is an inherited trait:

"No way!"
(er...yes way)
"No way!  How far is that?"
(12 miles, roundtrip)
"No way!"
(didnt we go over this?)
"You're kidding!"
(not remotely)
"Wow."
(yep)

It just goes to show you, on this day of pranks, that the best trick to play on someone is defying their expectations utterly.

And with that, I swear I will blog more.  Stop laughing.  I mean it....