nor do the sun, nor the wind, nor the runner. Or something like that. Apologies to Blue Oyster Cult for mangling their lyrics. A few posts back I commented about the cold, snowy, icy conditions we endured over the harshest winter I can remember. Far be it from me to complain when the temperatures are unseasonably warm, as will be the case tomorrow. Highs are expected to peak at 84* in the hometown tomorrow. Early June you ask. Neigh says I, tis but April. Good news is the warm weather will help me acclimate to the temperatures we might expect on Carmel Marathon race day. So let's talk running:
Fundraising Report: Liz and I are nearly ready to launch our letter campaign for donations to Children's Tumor Foundation. A few tweaks remain but the letter should be in the mail this week. As a reminder, I will be running the Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini Marathon along with the Carmel Marathon to raise money and awareness for Neurofribromatosis. Countdown to the "Mini" is on since we are less than one month away from race day. Any size donation will be accepted and appreciated. Thanks!
Anneliese: I'm so proud of my little girl! She and I have been doing running workouts together along with little sis Emmeline. Our street is a 1 km loop and makes for a perfect distance run for the girls. We are slowly building up their endurance. Right now we do one loop. Anneliese tells me that she is training to run a NF 5k with me this summer. How cool will it be to see her cross the finish line?
Training: As I sit and type this I am on the eve of an 18 mile run. Tomorrow I will run solo since my usual running partner will be out of town. If all goes well and I complete the course I have prepared (18.87 miles officially) then I will be at around 323 miles run for the year. The 18 miler will also mark the longest run I've completed going into a Minimarathon. I think what I am trying to say is that my training is going well so far. I haven't decided yet what my goals will be for either race.
On a side note, I was sitting down thinking about places I have run while traveling for work. My 323 miles since January 1st have taken place in Bellevue, Lexington, Louisville, and Newport in Kentucky; Carmel, Fishers, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Jeffersonville, South Bend, and Valparaiso in Indiana; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Chicago, Illinois. I've had the opportunity to share my passion for running with some good friends who joined me on several of those runs. I'm thankful to have the support of family and friends as I continue the journey.
Final Words: "Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it." - Oprah Winfrey (4:29 Marathon PR)
See you on the roads.
