A Couple Tests and One Big Light Bulb

I'm getting crazy excited and nervous about the race. Dare I say it's starting to consume my thoughts.

And the saga with my hamstring tendon continues to the point where I am sure I am being overly obsessive about it. A quick update: I have opted not to seek a doctor's help. The tapering, stretching, icing, Traumeel applications, and ibuprofen might just be doing the trick.

I had two tests this week. Yesterday I had an easy 3-mile run in the gym. I ran at about an 8:55 pace, which is ahead of my marathon goal pace and my legs felt pretty good. Then today I followed up yesterday's run with a 4-miler at the gym. Same result: I felt pretty good. Today I took it a bit easier pacing at about 9:15, but still I didn't feel the discomfort I had been experiencing.

Now the catch is that I ran less than 20% of the distance I'll be attempting come Sunday, so all bets are off as I push the distance on Sunday in what will ultimately be my final exam. But I have a feeling I'm not the only one who is a bit curious about how their body is going to handle the run through the streets of Chicago.

I get to rest the next two days, which I think will be key to having a good race. Plus tomorrow I have my last appointment with my massage therapist. Hopefully he'll work some of his magic on my legs, and I'll feel like a new man come Saturday/Sunday.

I do have to share that today I got one huge boost of motivation, which will most certainly help carry me through on Sunday. Last night I sent out one final email blast to all my family and friends giving them a status update on my training progress and to ask anyone who hasn't yet donated to St. Jude to consider doing so one more time. A number of very generous donations came in throughout the day, and I powered through the $2,000 mark for total funds raised on behalf o St. Jude. That's twice my original goal!!! I am humbled and honored by the outpouring of support for this cause. Every little bit helps!

I know many people also have strong personal interest in my success come Sunday. A dear friend of mine informed me of a little boy named she knows who is actually being treated at St. Jude for leukemia. His name is Zachary, and he is just one of several amazing stories that make me realize I should never take my own health, nor that of my loved ones for granted. Hearing his story set off the light bulb in my head.

As I run 26.2 miles Sunday, I want to take with me the names of the people like Zachary. So, over the next few days, I will be compiling a list of names from my supporters of people they want to remember, who are currently fighting cancer, who may have unfortunately lost the courageous fight, or who have fought the big C and kicked its ass. I'm not sure if I'll put the list on paper and carry it in my pocket or if I'll go so far as to write the names on my body somehow. It is the least I can do to give this race even more meaning and to show my supporters my appreciation for their role in my life and in this journey. So if you are reading this and you have a name, post it here or email it to me!

More to come in the days ahead. God bless you all!