Thank You Carrie Bradshaw

For saying exactly what I needed to hear.

Tomorrow I am more than halfway to 50....

...and I realize the majority of my runner friends are already there. But for me, that blows. I am having a mid-20s crisis and for serious am going schizo-bonker crazy with it.

I have not been blogging much. Actually, I have not blogged at all since the marathon (and I owe all 10 of you loyal readers the "marathon update blog" - it's coming...after the thank you notes, that is). I do not see a purpose in blogging if you do not have something good to say. Blogs are a bit self-righteous, and I know I am guilty of it too, especially as I write this cynical entry. Bottom line - it is just your public diary, and google owns the rights to it.

Well, I do not have something good to say, but believe you me, I have something to say.

My blogs about how I started running, show that each time was because something not so great happened. I got cut from two high school teams...default, I joined cross-country. A tent dweller broke up with me...I trained for the half. My aunt passed away from cancer...I ran a marathon in her memory. All of these things were good ways to channel negative energy.

Two weeks ago today, I ran 10 miles because another guy blindsided me. I strained my hip flexor, and had Jack tell me to rest and ice it. I was pissed. Was the guy who I started dating for the sole purpose of a donation to cancer research worth the injury? I do not think so. (Sorry if you read this, but that donation is tax deductible). So, I dealt with the way most girls do - I called the guy and told him he was cold and heartless...and, I went on retail therapy rage insisting I needed a yellow dress, so I tried on seven. Normal I know, but that behavior is not me.

I know - I know...I am not an old maid, and if anyone dares call me that this weekend, I will kick you where it hurts. But, I don't need to be constantly reminded of my singledom. With wedding season in full swing, I am cursing my cognitive psychology professor for teaching me about bottom up processing because everywhere I look, I see a cute couple. They plan double dates, and this lovely fifth wheel is asked to join for a drink later if lucky. They have taken over my Esplanade loops now that the weather is warm. I think they would really learn what love is if they saw eachother's snot freeze on a winter run.

So maybe there is not much of a purpose to this blog, but to ask for an easy birthday present from everyone in the world around me. Please - for one weekend - do not behave in such a way that places so much emphasis on my "Single" status. I know there is nothing wrong with it. In fact, I am going to embrace it for all the free gluten-free drinks and cancer research donations it is worth.

So what will this cynic do to start her birthday weekend? Run four miles and see the Sex and the City movie at midnight.

And I'll be sporting the little yellow dress tomorrow thank you very much. Who knows? Maybe Johnny Depp will show up and buy me a Stoli-O and Soda...

Carpe Diem.

Seize it.


or join the better alternative to Jdate.

New Favorite Running Quote

Like trained monkeys or drug addicts, some athletes will do whatever it takes for more.

Although I like B!tchin', being Wicked will do

And so it begins...

So if you care to find me
Look to the Western Sky
As someone told me lately
Everyone deserves a chance to fly
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who ground me, take a message back from me...

...Tell them how I'm defying gravity...

She's Back Folks!

After an AWESOME morning run, I am safely able to say that my body wants me running again! Now that finals are over, I will be able to blog a bit as well. Stay tuned for the blog that is three weeks overdue...

Skirting the Issue

If you run in a skirt, you gotta run fast. 'Cause when a 20 something year old guy (who was on your tail for 3 miles at your 8:30min/mile pace) sprints passed you and says "Nice skirt, lady", you cannot get pissed off.

To the chauvinist who bolted in front of me about 4 miles into my first run since the marathon: Enjoy it while it lasted cause I dare you to challenge me in a real race someday...not just some casual river run.

This Story's Pages

I refer you all to my friend Inbal's blog. I am fortunate to call her one of my best friends because she is by far the most selfless and pure person I know. Her father, Guy Alon, was recently diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. He is an incredible fighter and optimist, and I was proud to run in his honor on Monday the 21st. Inbal writes about her experience watching the marathon, and more importantly, her thoughts about optimism, and those who maintain positive attitudes here in her blog. Inbal - thank you for being in my life.

Elle Woods Post-Marathon

Elle: Here it is! (hands over resume)
Professor: It's Pink.
Elle: Oh! And it's scented! I think it gives it a little something extra, don't you think? OK, well, see you next class!
Professor: Do you think she woke up one morning and said: "I think I'll go to law school today."

Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?

So I have not had much time to reflect and blog about last weekend. In sum, it was incredible. The Expo was so fun, the Pasta Party was inspirational, the Marathon was the coolest thing I have ever done, and the post-Marathon party was, well, eventful (photos to follow). If it wasn't for the quick transition into law school finals, I would be blogging away right now. Fortunately, my twin Lauren blogged about the emotions that she has confronted this past week. So, my dear readers, I refer you to the blog of my other half so you can read about how I am feeling at this moment as well. If finals get annoying and I want to procrastinate, I'll do my own blog. But for now, Lauren says it perfectly here.

The day after the Marathon

This commercial epitomizes how my day went today. Thank you to the random truck driver who pulled over and said "you must have ran yesterday, huh?" I think it is time for bed now.

Mile by Mile

Starting line - wait, is this really the Boston Marathon?
Miles 1-3 - OK breathing, let's get normal here. Where's this partly cloudy weather at?
Mile 4 - My first "Thank you Dana-Farber" cheer. Wow - that makes me feel awesome
Miles 5-7 - FRAAAAMINGHAM, you are so pretty. Stef and I speed up a bit, I think it was the Gu.
Mile 7.5 - Hi Bobi, Liz, Eric, Cole and Tess! Please report back to everyone that I look awesome
Miles 8-11 - Gu again, body feels fine, but breathing feels funny. Four towns down, four big ones to go.
Mile 12 - getting on the left side so I don't get attacked by kissing Wellesley girls
Mile 13 - Halfway and feeling fine. Need more water though - damn it's hot out.
Mile 14 and 15 - Hey Rapoports! Hey Breed and Mich! Great cheerers. Grossmans Downhill, I still love you.
Mile 16 - Lost Stef, but for good reason cause my family rocks. Ash, you are doing this next year. Thank you to Mom, Dad, Ash, Grammie, Auntie Elyce, Uncle Mark, Arlene, Auntie Randi, Leah and Jason...you guys are a great fan club!
Mile 17 - Hey Kim Kelly! Hey Dana-Farber cheering crew. OK - here we go, straight up Doing the Thursday
Mile 18 - Two of the four hills down...
Mile 19 - Guy Alon - you are my hero. And wait...there goes a few toenails
Mile 19.5 - Random asking "Is this heartbreak?" Someone else says "yes" My response? "It's coming up next, sorry about it." Same person who thought he knew the course so well was walking up heartbreak a half mile later
Miles 20-21 - Oh Johnny Kelley, how did you do it? Ouch ouch - there goes my right calf.
Mile 22 - drunk BC girls - stop running through the course cause although I just ran 22, I still will find the energy to punch you in the face. Hi Amy and Gail!
Mile 23 - Jenny, Tevya and Becky & Scott Brizzle. Great greeting. I think my legs may be numb.
Mile 24 - Hey Colleen! Hey Sheede! I need more water
Mile 24.5 - My 2B'ers + Ali, you guys freakin ROCK!
Mile 25 - A reminder, why I am running this. Thank you Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge volunteers and Jimmy Fund Patient-Partners. Your screams were awesome
Mile 26 - Turning onto Hereford. My jaw drops. Hereford is finally here and I look at the crowd and say "Oh my gosh, I am running a marathon." Someone in the crowd responds: "You didn't realize that 26 miles ago?" I guess not.
Mile 26.1 - Needhams + BC, your cheers sounded sober
Mile 26.2 - Look up at the camera and smile cause I AM A BOSTON MARATHONER.

Still Smilin' at mile 25.5

Well, we can check that off my to-do list.

I RAN BOSTON.

4:04:38

AMAZING.

Thank you all for your support.

LET'S DO THIS.

Bag packed.
Nails painted.
Shirt washed.
Carbs consumed.
Tears of inspiration shed.
Smiles exchanged.
Well wishes granted.
Alarm clock set.

I am ready.

This time tomorrow, I will be a Boston Marathoner. Sweeeeeeet.

Shocked or Surprised? Impressed or Inspired? Let me know cause it is not too late to donate here.