Marathon MADNESS!

Ok, I apologize for the lack of posts this week.  However, I am very grateful to all of you who noticed, and have been asking me for a new posting.  :)

I guess it's because I've only got one main thing on my mind this week...and that's REDEMPTION!

It's like when an opponent beats you. all you are focused on is coming back and whipping his ass!  That's my relationship with the Chicago Marathon this year.

Last year, the 80 degree temps kicked my butt, causing me to cramp up and dehydrate.  Even though I still finished it, I am focused on kicking some major marathon booty this year!!!

And by kicking it's ass...I mean, hoping to wobble across the finish line eventually.  hahahaha!

Did you know that hottie Ryan Reynolds ran the New York Marathon last year?

Anyway...

They say that the first half of any race is run with one's body, and the second half with the mind.  I am DEFINITELY counting on this being true this year, as I am not sure how long my legs are going to hold up!

So, if you see me around the end of the race, and I look delusional...then please feel free to slap me silly, and snap me back into it!  LOL!

However...there is NO CHANCE of me quitting!  They would have to drag me off the course unconscious...and then some!

'Paul...why do you run these long races?', many of you have asked....

Well, I have to be careful discussing this because it could come across sounding very pretentious.  I started off thinking that if I could run long distances that I could always be in this Zen state, able to bring peace to the world!  Sure, i do feel like it has made me a better person, but in many ways I am still the same old punk that I've always been.

I realize that to many of you, running is a miserable 2-3 miles motivated only by fitting into those size 29 waist jeans!

I COMPLETELY understand that!  I love pizza.  I love ice cream...i don't want to get fat.  Isn't that why many of us started in the first place?   :)
'
I also run because:
     - My legs are starting to look really nice!
     - I have a subscription to Runner's World magazine. (might as well put it to use...)
     - Ryan Reynolds did it. (B'okay!)
     - My close friend Tony does.  He's really nice.
     - Buying new shoes every few months makes me really happy
     -I like regularly seeing that old man who sits by Montrose harbor and waves at me.

But also because:
     - Who doesn't want to do something extraordinary?
     - It helps me to forget about what a loser I really am.
     - Once you cross the finish line, it can't be retracted.  You officially made it!

Ok!

Here's a list of the other people that I know for sure are running the 2009 Chicago marathon as well.  Perhaps you know them:

Tony Verzino
Ben Zumsteg
Daniel Tabib
Jake Stigers
Michael Newcomb
Sarah Altman
Michael Mowers
Aaron DeWinter Williams
Josh Bray

We would all love it if you came out to support us.  So, if you are free...the race starts at 7:30 downtown, and will be winding through 29 different Chicago neighborhoods.  Click here for the course map. 

There is a post-race party with food, drinks and live bands, so if you would like to meet any of us at the finish line, that would RULE!

If you aren't able to make it to watch the race, you can still track any of us by getting updates either through email or as text messages of where we are on the course when we hit certain splits.  Click here to sign up for runner tracking.

3 days to go...Let's do this!