26.2 Haiku

Ran Napa Valley
Finish: Three thirty o three
Boston Qualified

I really didn't know if I was going to start this marathon, let alone finish it, but after a lot of active release technique and soul searching I found myself on the starting line last weekend. I had my phone with me and gave myself full permission to drop out if I had any problems. My best case scenario was obviously to finish and get Ellen qualified for Boston, but I also knew that I could reinjure my skittish fibula and be back on the d.l. After really mulling it over I was okay with that possibility...life is short and while sometimes it is good to play it safe, sometimes it is also okay to take a risk (as long as you are okay with the potential consequences).

All this said, a lot of my fears were diminished when I picked up my race number. I mean really, who gets number 262 in a marathon if it isn't going to go well? Such a silly thing, but it totally buoyed my confidence.

And, it turned out, I had nothing to be worried about. Ellen's stretch goal was 3:30 and we ran 3:30:03. With a bathroom break. It was a gorgeous day, I was surroundedf by friends, my leg proved itself to be fully healed. Definitely a risk worth taking :)

Belt/cookie dish switch

I am in California this weekend to theoretically run the Napa marathon, but that may well not happen. No problem though, because I am having a blissfully wonderful time visiting with all my dear California-based friends (and yes, wondering why the heck I moved east...).

Yesterday I was lucky enough to see almost everyone who is near and dear to me in this area. Between a morning run (with friends) and a afternoon coffee date and dinner (with other friends) I headed out to the place in the East Bay that is truly the closest to nirvana in my opinion: Katie's house. This was the first place we lived in California and I would live there forever if I could. It is gorgeous and peaceful. Needless to say, the same description can be used to describe the owner too.

I digress. While visiting, Katie did 2 things: admonished me for not blogging and gave me this AWESOME belt. I love belts but they are ridiculously hard to find in my size. This one is perfect. And much easier to take home in my suitcase than a cookie plate!

I have also downloaded the blogger app onto my iPhone, so Katie, I promise that you will never again have to open this blog and be greeted by that tandoori chicken post.

Thanks for the belt, and the kick in the rear. I needed both!