Hardcore

Tuesday, April 1
I’m excited, and a bit anxious, about this coming Saturday. I woke up early this morning, around 5:45, and thought about forcing myself to stay in bed. I didn’t. The 10k has been on my mind a big part of today (it's about 10:15 p.m.). Starting tonight, I think that this 10k will have a bigger place in my prayers than before.

I wasn’t planning on writing another blog entry until after the 10k, but there are as many thoughts now, if not more, as before. Where will I park? What special message am I going to write on my bib? Will my shoe come untied? Will I see anyone I know? What time should I leave to get there? Will I make my goal of finishing in under 2 hours? How will I feel physically when I finish? How will I feel emotionally? What special reward am I going to give myself for my success that has nothing to do with food?

It has been said that one of life's most painful experiences is when we are presented an opportunity and are unprepared. Of the pain that I have experienced over the past 2 1/2 months of training, that's one pain I don't have to bear. I find a degree of peace in that thought.

According to the weather forecast, we may be participating in the rain. Maybe, finally, I will be "hardcore."