Patience; the new endurance sport.

AP 9:20.  I did run  2 of those @ 8:30 pace.  I stayed inside on the treadmill because the moment I was heading out the door it was blizzarding.  However briefly this cold shot lasts, this weather and this week is killing me.  Everything I've touched has turned to crap this week.  I wanted to be outside and do a few quick quarters, or get a little closer to VO2 capacity than those 8:30's....but inside I sweat off like 2 pounds. So I'll take the effort and the mileage as a triumph for today.  Because what I really wanted is to stay home under the covers until next week, or whenever it's 75 degrees again.

9:11/8:48/8:34/8:54/8:43 quick little afternoon run.  Have a Good Friday.

9:30 average.  Had to get up at 6:00 a.m. and could only do half of the run, had to get back to my kids who were calling and calling my phone.  So I was forced to finish the second half 4 hours later.  This sucked.  I have not run a full uninterrupted 20 miler this whole time.  I am exhausted.  Training for Boston has not been a good experience overall.  I don't like trying to run this hard, and going this far in the cold & snow. I gave up skiing in early February to spare my knees, and allow me more energy to training in earnest. This too made me resentful.  I trained for Ogden a few years ago and even that was too early in the year for me.  Reading through my pre St. George entries from fall, I was in such a different place.  I'd come back from a fabulous vacation with my dearest friends, and my sister, having trained on the sand for 2 weeks, I came back rested totally, and I love the end of summer (even if running through the first month of the school year presents inconvenient challenges). In August/Sept I ran two races and averaged 8:15's.  I was happy with my effort at Moab two weeks ago (8:50 ap), but you know I really wanted at least two fluid and successful +20' milers.  I did two 19 milers, but last week's 22 bit the big one.  This week I have not felt good, the cold has kicked my piriformis, and I'm a big fat pouty cry baby.  My body either can or can't run 26 miles successfully in 2 weeks.  Why can't I embrace this?  Why can't I celebrate this?  I don't know if I'm exhausted from trying to train this time of year, or if the exhaustion has dropped me into depression (made worse by the weather and recent life-circumstances).  I am so looking forward to being in Boston, being with friends, having my kids play with their friends.  But I am worried about pushing this marathon to happen in spite of my rebellious mind.  When my mind doesn't agree with my body, I usually pay for it.  I'm trying to be positive though, I want this, it's just way harder than I expected it to be and I haven't performed recently in a way that makes me feel that it's 'all been worth it.'  If I finish Boston with even moderate success (given moderate circumstances) I will be proud.  But all I have sacrificed these past 3 months, all the changes at work, and in life I've had to embrace, the anticipation of running the marathon of all marathons--doing it for my children (trying to show them that one can work toward and accomplish hard things).  But the whole effort seems laughable when my attitude is this defeated.  I learn all the time how weak my mind really is.  I don't need to be petted and coddled, I just need to get through this.  If there ever is a 'next time' maybe it will be better.  Sorry, I gotta dump the trash somewhere.

9:13/9:09/8:44/9:07/9:23/9:30/9:30

I made my son, who is on spring break drive his bike alongside me today, so he could get some fresh air after a snowy indoor Easter weekend spent largely in front of the Television for many hours Sat/Sunday. He was not excited about going outside into the wind at first, but as we got about half a mile down the trail, I began to count the number of times he made a declaration and started a question with the phrase "MAMA!" (as loudly as if I was a mile down the trail, even though we were side by side).  It went like this:  MAMA!  why haven't we ever seen a frog at this rivertrail?    MAMA!  do you think we can come back and try to catch a frog? .....MAMA! are the frogs mostly in the mud?  MAMA!  what is the difference between a frog and a toad?  MAMA!  do you think it's harder to catch a frog than it is a lizard? Mama! do you think that sound is frogs or crickets?  I kid you not. He kept me almost completely distracted and it reminded me of when he was younger, and talked to me more often. He was fun to have along, he enjoyed getting off his bike at the end of the trail and looking out to see how the wind picked up the lake and thrashed it around.  Also we saw lots of geese at the reserve with their baby gosslings.  Even if it was hard to maintain a stupid 9:09 and I could feel it in my calves and shins,  it sure was fun to have my son along. 

Non-eventful 5 mile run.   Gloomy, windy trail. AP 9:04.

What a difference the sun makes!  This morning before the sun even rose, the birds on the trail were going crazy.  It started with the woodpecker pounding away in the dark, but then became a crazy chirping symphony as the dawn broke.  Without even looking out the window, I knew the sky was going to be clear because of those birds.  It was chilly, but windless.  In spite of the change in attitude, my legs still feel beat. I ate a ton of protein yesterday.  After talking to Marion at lunch I was more certain than ever, that I have been too lazy at good protein replacement in the past 6 months.  I think I've actually lost muscle mass.  I am about 3 pounds lighter than normal (for no apparent reason) and my legs don't seem to recover as quickly from my harder or longer work-outs.  I think I'm missing that combination of zinc, magnesium, iron, and protein.  So yesterday I forced myself to eat a hamburger patty and almost threw it back up.  I also ate a can of beans and had a protein shake.  I have been so bad about my diet since about November. I haven't been careful enough to eliminate sugar and replace meat with good sources of protein.  This could explain my sluggishness and lack of muscular stregth.  Anyway, on the trail, I saw one of my hawks flying with a rat in its talons, and a whole flock of yellow headed blackbirds. Their yellow chests were so bright in the sun, it made me realize how long it's been since I've seen any birds since fall.  I also so a huge egret fly out of the bird reserve, it's huge long legs trailing behind those enormous outstretched wings.  I was tired after the run and did extra stretching.  I have no explaination for why I'm so tired all the time, even though I haven't had a really hard work out for about a week. 

What a gorgeous day.  Clear blue sky, mild temperatures. 

Blogging retrospectively.  Took the kids on Spring Break to Southern Utah.  Ran a quick 5 down the trail then off for a 4 hours car ride.

Such a beautiful run in Southern Utah.  I ran along the Colorado River up the canyon 4 miles and back.  The day was pristine and I could not have asked for a more beautiful morning.  I'm trying to get my confidence up for next week.

I keep expecting these smaller runs to be faster, or less effort, or easier.  I'm averaging 9:04's and feel pretty strong.  But the further out I get from my last long run, the more I doubt I can actually finish a marathon in good time.  I'm even wondering how I did so well at Moab Half Marthon. Did I reach peak condition a month ago? A marathon is always a huge undertaking each and everytime I do it. It's what makes it exciting.  Only this time around I've really put myself to the test.  I don't like pressure, but I really want to run this Marathon.  It's been hard -- the winter training, the bronchitis, the stress, the unexplained exhaustion.  I'm super excited about being with my FBR running buddies and my bestest East coast friends, brining my kids, being in Boson.  But the more I read about the course, the wind, the extreme weather, the hills...the more emails (and they come daily) from the BAA association warning about cardiovascular emergencies and heatstroke on the course, the more freaked I get.  The pressure is winding me up like a toy.  I just hope that pressure will lead to a solid effort on race day--come what may. I've had a fun time reading the history of the marathon.  I read a particular article about how bad atheletic shoes used to be at the turn of the century, and how bloody blistered feet could force a winning contender to drop out.  I have good shoes, I have done the training.  I have run in the snow, and in the rain, and in the wind.  My son asked me yesterday on the drive home what I was thinking about.  I had been imagining what I'd read about the course by 2 mile incriments and I was trying to remember which miles the writer had said 'this is the part you should be running the splits you'd planned on'.  I said "I was thinking about the race course and hoping I can finish well."  He looked at me from the reveiw mirror (as he does so often) and points with his chin down to my T-shirt which bore the slogan "JUST DO IT".  Well ok then.

I slept with the window partially open so I could hear the rain falling during the night.  I got out to run around 8 after everyone was gone to school, which was perfect. The sky was clearning in places and peeking bright spots of blue.  There were feathery clouds sticking like white cotton candy to the snows of Mt. Timpanogos.  The tree branches were wet and dark so all the new green buds seemed even more vibrant and tender.  It was a lush morning that reminded me of my childhood springtimes in San Diego; Mositure in the air and the smell of wet dirt.  This lovely scenario, was enjoyed more thouroughly because I left my Garmin hanging decidely in it's place at home.  I ran with my eyes closed part of time so I could listen to the river made newly fat by the rain and snow.  I love running just for the fun of it.  I haven't felt that in months.

I have never tapered for a Monday race before.  Normally it's so easy, 5,4,3,2, 2  But with the addition of SAturday and Sunday, I'm all confused.  So I've done 6, 5,5, and then tommorrow and beyond 4,3,2, 2?  I don't know what I'm doing.  I must be the dumbest runner to ever have been allowed to run the Boston Marathon.

I'm not gonna lie, getting ready for the Boston Marathon has been hard for me--but talking about the Boston Marathon (telling friends & family I'm running it), reading all about the Boston Marathon; the Route, the history,the history of running shoes, past Boston atheletes bio's & histories--- THAT has all been super fun.  I hope no one is terribly disapointed if I can't finish in under 4 hours, but this morning I was truly relishing the idea (running with a smile on my face even) that I was getting to run, had qualified to run in the oldest, most historical, most respected footrace in America.  The Boston Marathon always falls on Patiriot's Day (which we don't celebrate here) but which marks the day & celebrates the day Paul Revere rode through Boston to warn the minute men that the British were heading to Concord and Lexington for munitions.  The Boston Marathon is part of the patriot day celebrations first organized in the late 1800's.  In a way, it is like our own Provo Freedom Festival "Freedom Run" we so proud and fond of here in Utah.  But this is the real deal.  Patriot's day marks the beginning actions of our rebellion against taxation without representation, and initiated the incredible & miraculous series of battles that won this country its independence from the England..... And I get to run the most historic footrace in America to celebrate this with my best friends, good running buddies, my sister, and my children.  For better or worse-however the day/my performance/ the race goes down.  You can bet I will be relishing the sights, sounds, and experience of the Boston Marathon.  I'm officially psyched.

It's simple.  To make 3 miles seem fun, you've just got to run about six 50+ mile weeks in a row, including 2 speed work outs and one long run per week.  I loveed 3 miles!  I even did a few 100 foot sprints I felt so happy.  I am so ready for the Boston 5K.  By this time tommorrow I will be hunting Cannolies at Bova's. 

Got into Boston last night.  I woke up at 6:30, it was light already, but raining.  I put on my rain gear and ran from my friend's house to the Salem city Park by the bay.  I stood looking out toward Marblehead.  I just love it here. Nice, slow little 2 miler around the park smelling of ocean and spring rain.

5K-26:19/10K-52:49(26.30)/15K-1:19(26.51)/20K-1:47 (28)/ Half-1:53/25K 2:14 (27)/30K-2:44(30)/35K-3:13(29)/40K 3:42(29)

Spent the night in Hopkington with my friend from high school.  Slept better, and for more hours than I ever have before a race.  I was totally at peace with whatever was going to happen. I got dropped me off at the shuttle at 8:30 not too far from her house. Got to the Athelete's Village, and never saw so many port a potties in my life.  Ran into Kathie from the blog and her friend Marcie.  We looked all over for  Smooth.  We heard the National Anthem, saw & heard the fighter jets go overhead, and heard the gun go off for the first wave. Had the regular experience of standing at the start line, nervously chatting with other runners, trying to decide how much of your clothes to throw away and when (I had old painted on sweats my friend had given me).  Finally the race started on across the line, heading downhill.  By mile 3 I knew I was going to fast, but couldn't help myself.  It's downhill, and there are crowds on either side of the road cheering, it makes it hard to think or keep your adrenaline under control--ran that way for 7 miles looking at the little towns and hearing everyone's warning voices in my head "Don't start out too fast!" (8:43/8:19/8:24/8:13/8:30/8:31/8:20).  I hadn't really trained the way I'd wanted, and complained about it the whole past 4 months, so I figured I'd be tired at the end anyway so what the hay--I gave it a good go for a while.  They were supposed to time you every 5K and text the times.  So I decided I'd take the race by 5K's and concentrate on getting to the next timing mats one at a time. Mile 7 is when I was really thinking about how those hills at 16-21 were going to be 'my race'.  I just wanted to get there and get to work.  I was anxious and just wanted to get there, but I started to slow down to save a little gas.  The rolling hills at the beginning of the course were much more uphill than I'd expected, but those few downhills felt nice to relax and go with it.  I loved the road side rapper "You here cause you got the juice, now let your Boston Marathon loose!  If you not sure next what to do, don't forget to eat up some GU! Make Gatorade your drink --then run and run and try not to think!" or something like that.  I loved the group of really tall transvestites dressed to the nines in their stilettos and feather boas, cowboy chaps, boots, hats and blond dolly Parton Wigs.  That made me laugh.  I also almost forgot the Elvis Impersonator singing Love Me Tender while I ran by.  Those things kept my mind at ease and made me laugh.  Getting in to Wellsley, there were tons of people, lots of cheering.  Going past the college, of course were the Wellsley screaming tunnel.  To my surprise, there was a group holding a sign that said "Go Luz Lewis!!  I was so shocked, I ran over to them and asked where they got my name-- my friend, who I'd stayed the night with was a Wellsley Alum, and she'd arranged it.  I took a picture of the sign and had someone take a picture of me with the group.  It made me smile for the next 3 miles(8:44/8:35/8:31/8:53/8:38/8:41).  All I could think about next was getting to the Newton Hills to take on the beast (8:55/8:53/8:52). That first hill between 16-17 was pretty long.  It was a gentle uphill, but I could feel my calves and hamstrings.  I just put down my head, ignored everyone on the sides of the road and shuffled up hill.  Of course, there are 4 total hills, one every mile for 4 miles.  It kept the course interesting, and it was nice to get to the top and breath a deep sigh of relief after each one.  It was in fact easier to catch a breath here than in Utah once you were at the top.  On that third hill, there was a girl next to me who began to whimper a little so I just looked over at her and I said 'come on sister, let's kick this thing's a..."  She laughed and picked it up and we ran up it together.  That last one was tough because it curves at the top, and has one extra little hump. But by the top there were so many people cheering that it took my mind off it for a second.  That plus the downhill after was great.  I just remembered reading how they said "don't try to make up for the lost time on that downhill or you'll trash your quads and wreck the rest of the race.  I didn't take that advice and just took the downhill like I felt like it. (9:55/9:56/9:11/9:07/9:59/8:44).  My whole goal in my mind was to get to mile 23.  Once I got to 23 I relaxed and started slapping the hands of the little kids along the side of the road.  I knew the race was in the bag, but I was really beat.  I knew my body was doing exactly what I'd trained it to do, and I couldn't expect more-- and since I lacked another 20 miler and quality speed work--I couldn't expect more.  That said, I still felt pretty strong--I was just going way slow even though I felt my pace was equal effort to the 8's I'd been running at the start.  Running into the city was an absolute experience.  The streets were lined with drunk Boston College students,  people getting onto and off of the trains, and lined 4 deep along the sides of the road.  I did my best not to look at that huge Citgo sign you can see for 2 miles.  It does give one the sense of doom.  You never reach it and you know it's only 1 mile from the finish.  The chute got smaller, and as I approached the city on Commonwealth ave.  I had a lot of trouble with people running slowly in front of me, particularly runners running side by side.  I was too tired to speed up, say excuse me to get into the middle, or run around them.  So I just did what I could without being heroic.  Going down the ramp and having to make that one last up hill and two 90 degree turns, was not as nearly tough as turning the last corner onto Boylston and seeing .2 miles to the finish chute. It seemed really far away.  I always say, .2 is the cruelest distance.  I closed my eyes, ignoring everyone around me, and prayed for the end.  When it was through, and I could walk--I turned to the person next to me and said "Is it true?  Are we done?" He said "No kidding, that was tough." (9:27/9:04/9:09/9:55/9:55).  The walking to get the mylar blankest, the drinks, the bags and then wait at the last name was a lot of walking in that cold wind--but it was exactly what I needed to do.  It felt great.  My family (kids) and my best friends in the world who live in Salem were all there.  They had been about 1 mile from the finish and had seen me go by.  My son was so proud of me, he hooked his arm through mine and wanted to walk with me to show he was with me.  My daughter was beaming and kept hugging me.  I was so happy I'd made them proud.  We waited for about 15 minutes in the "L" section because I wanted to find Susanna, but I was tired and wanted desperately to get on the train and get home.  Todd bought me a hot chocolate for the train ride home and I sat with my kids one on either side thrilled I'd just finished the Boston Marathon.  I was satisfied with the Sub 4, even though had I done a few things differently (like not stopped to drink every single 2 miles); I could have finished more like 3:50.  It would have been great to say I qualified for Boston at Boston--but I really am satisfied with the overall experience. Once at home, my friends made me homemade whole wheat pizza piled high with spinich, broccoli, bell peppers, fresh tomatoes & mushrooms.  It was heavenly.  I don't know how tomorrow will be, but I'm only marginally tired--although my biceps are sore (?) and I'm totally going to lose at least 3 toenails.  I had a huge blood blister that popped in my shoe too--didn't even feel it.  And that, my friends was my Boston Marathon!

I did a ton of walking all over Salem/Rockport/Marblehead/Boston in the two days after the marathon.  I also did a loht of beach nappin' and lobstah eatin'.  I missed all the post-race activities with the Boston crowd & FRB friends, primarily because I had my kids with me, and because my hosts had a plethora of post-race activities planned for me.  Got back late last night. Although the morning had been rainy/lightly snowing, at lunchtime the clouds cleared and I enjoyed a cool, bright, sunshiney run with my dogs who were insanely happy to see me after my 5 days away.  The crabapple and cherry trees along the river had presence of mind to bloom in honor of my triumphant return.  Springtime!

I love these little runs at lunch time.  Today it was raining, cool, and lush.  Just the right temp for me (high 40's).  I decided to run up to the East Lawn Cemetary from my office. I wore my Official Boston Marathon jacket and felt all cool going down the road.  I have so enjoyed the tapering runs and now the reverse tapering process. I'm giving myself 2 weeks to go easy before starting back up again for Utah Valley Marathon. But for now, I'm relishing the idea that tommorrow's main activities do not include3 hours or more of running first thing in the morning. I changed my profile picture to one of my Boston photos.  By the looks of the shot, I'm really going for it.  Too bad, by the time this photo was taken during the race, I was struggling to hold on to 9's.  Can't believe Boston is now a memory.  One of the best ones I have.  Many years from now, I hope to look back on it and remember how it was to be young, strong and part of one of the most famous races in America.  I hope the vistis we made to Lexington & Concord (on the very anniversary of the ride of Paul Revere, April 18th) and our walk along the Freedom Trail in Boston made an impression on my children.  I am so grateful now I put myself up to the task.

It was a beautiful morning. I relished running my favorite 4 miles from the top of my trail to the lake and back in the sunshine.  There was enough wamth, that anything flowering was wafting through the air.  Lots of people out on training runs.  It would be the last long run for anyone doing Ogden (Catherine).  A friend of mine from Colorado wrote me last night and is doing the Squaw Peak 50, and invited me to come run a leg of it with him on June 5th.  I'll be recovered by then, but will be running Utah Valley marathon the next Saturday.  I really want to run a portion of it though, just not sure how far I can go. This is the closest I've ever done two marathons.  I'm wondering how in the world I can get my mileage back without hurting stuff.  I'm feeling strong right now, just slow--and tired.  I've been really tired this week.  I am so grateful for the flowering trees and sleepy sunshine.  Going to nap on my hammock now.

I rode my stationary bike yesterday.  I'm going to try what I learned from Rhett at Boston about keeping the miles moderate (40-50MPW), but really pushing the aerobic limits on cross training.  I have a really good spin bike and I can get a pretty good work out--while hopefully saving my knees and back from pounding while I get strong again after Boston & train for UVM in June. I'm still in awe of my Boston experience.  I'm so glad I did it.  I'm so glad I put myself up to the challenge.  It was wonderful to be part of a 24,000 person running team for one weekend, in a wonderful city, with running friends, and old friends. My only regret about Boston was not trying harder.  I did not employ the spirit of Michelle properly and looking back, there was no place in the race I really tested my boundries. I just gave a solid effort.   I wonder if that was a wasted opportunity particularly in light of the perfect weather we had that day. I did enjoy the course and the experience, but I'll always wonder, could I have done better? Pushed further? Tried harder?.  I kept my effort moderately high, but could have performed at least 4-6 minutues better than I did. I probably did not need to stop and thank my 'fan club' at Wellsely.  They would have understood I think if I ran by with a simple smile and a wave. But I was caught up and so grateful for the support of strangers.  Per my effort overall;  Not sure if I was conserving energy because I was unsure of  the course challenges (hills), or just plain afraid of success in a major venue.  I sometimes have to give myself permission to be fabulous and I get intimidated instead of competative. I'm mulling that one over in my mind these days.  I came away in one piece, and aside from the toenails not a lot of microtearing/muscle soreness. I did hurt to go down the narrow steep little stairs of my friends beautiful federalist home the days after the race...but nothing like how I felt last year after Utah Valley Marathon.  Anyway, todays run was ok AP 9:24.  I'm looking forward to running the Bonneville Shoreline Trail with Josse on Friday.  I hope the weather is nice.  It was freeeeeeezing last time she took me up there.  

8:49/9:22/12:02/8:43/8:33/9:11

I did one of my pre-Boston hill routes today at lunch.  I am loving the cool, rainy weather.  It's so fun to run in drizzly, lush spring rain when you're only doing 6 easy miles (as opposed to intervals or a long run).  I totally enjoyed being outside.  My run felt really good and I was pleased with the effortless sub 9's.  Mile 1.7 and mile 2 were from the bottom of the Provo Temple Hill up a 1.3 miles into the mouth of Rock Canyon.  I love doing that 1.3 up hill.  It's easier on my body than speed running, and gives me a rockin' aerobic challenge.  I could have pushed the pace up the hill, but I'm still being nice to myself post marathon.  Those hill repeats though, I did a month ago have left me with a bid of tendonitis just above my achilles.  My newest form of tendonitis.  I've had it everywhere but there (priformis, knee, elbow).  I'm going to use my Arnica ointment, and start again with my flax/omega-3/fish oil regime.  Loving these cool rainy Spring afternoon runs! 

I don't know how lucky we will be with this cool-ish weather.  But I love it.  It allows me to run later in the morning or even at lunchtime.  I ran 8ish this morning down to the lake and let the color of the new green leaves and the sound of the river, rushing fat with Spring rain, fill my soul.  Training this winter was so hard, and it is satisfying to have a good memory of my Boston accomplishment/experience--but I run overall because of days like today.  Mt. Timpanogs so white and majestic. The low clouds clinging to the Wasatch Front like cotton candy.  Light rain and soft chilly breeze.  An older gentleman stopped me on the trail to ask if I could see the albino Robin he'd spotted, in that tree over there, and he pointed to show me where.... Everyone I crossed the path with today had a cheerful word.  I remember so clearly about two weeks ago, during one of my taper runs for Boston and for the first time in forever, 'enjoying' how it felt to run and be outside.  I guess the hard work is what eventually makes running in general easier and enjoyable. But I am in love with the seasons, and being outside, and feeling well & strong.   I don't want to get all nervous about how many miles I'm supposed to run Saturday.  Austensibly, I should have a long run since we are 6 weeks out from Utah Valley.  I should be in the 14-17 mile range for 6 weeks out--but I think I'm going to run 8 in the morning and then another 4 in the afternoon to break it up.  I did that early on in my Boston training. We'll see.  Saturday is the Provo Half Marathon!  It's too bad the course will be so ugly with the temporary closure of the trail. I'm going to get my run done early so I can go watch a bunch of my friends cross the finish line: Michelle, Josse, Marion, and my hair-cutter girl, Jenn (who I talked into running this race a few months ago).  Not sure who else is running Saturday. And then Happy Birthday to Marion! 

Who loves snow in (almost) May?  Met Josse for an easy run to the mouth of the canyon.  It was good company so I wasn't minding the weather (that and I was wearing a cap to sheild my eyelashes from the blowing flakes). All the flowering pear trees along the path were laden with heavy snow. We were so close to having an actual Spring. Hopefully the weather will be calm tomorrow for a successful half marathon for all my friends. For the record, Josse is looking radiant 21 weeks pregnant. She and Erika are running Provo Half tomorrow so I must add them to my list of finishers to cheer.  Talked with Michelle about the course--it winds through all the ugliest neighborhoods in town and misses the rivertrail all together.  All those weird turns.  I hope there are volunteers at all the places you're supposed to turn so she doesn't get lost (out there in front of everyone else like she'll be).  I offered to bring my pink (breast cancer) snuggie to the finish for her, but she just laughed. Why do they all laugh at my snuggie?  Sure, go ahead and laugh right up until those post race goose-bump and shivers start when you're soaking wet and it's 40 degrees on May 1st.  But no pink snuggie for Michelle--she wants me to stand 200 M from the finish to yell at her to go faster (she gave me exact words, which I will reherse later tonight, but I may surprise her with my improv skills).  Hey, I may not be able to run fast, but I CAN in fact yell loud and bossy.  Can't wait to see everyone cross the line!  Good luck everyone.