Team Meeting

This weekend kicked off a summer of busy weekends with lots to do. I wasn't sure if I would be able to get a run in between graduations, wedding showers, and overall driving back and forth to various places. My friend and fellow teammate Jameson flew into Boston late last night. Jameson ran the Chicago marathon in 2006 and jumped at the chance to run in this year's marathon as a member of Team McGraw. Although Jameson currently lives in Chicago, he spent a good amount of time in Boston before that. Jameson is a great guy who is very calm and level headed. However, I know that Boston sports is that one thing I can count on that I can get him all fired up about. When he called me to pick him up at Logan Airport, Dice-K had almost thrown a no hitter in Philadelphia and the Celtics were up by 20 something points in game 3 of the Garden. After I picked him up, we drove past the TD Bank Garden and the green lights were flashing outside. The Celtics were in control and Boston was electric. This was going to be a fun night!

We decided that a Harpoon Summer Vacation 12 pack and my 27 inch TV in my apartment was a better way to go than go out to the local bar. Tufts University was graduating this morning and the bars would be packed with college kids and their parents. We turned on the C's game and eventually the conversation turned to marathon talk after I told him about my half marathon experience in Nashville. Jameson gave me some great advice from his 2006 Chicago experience and I got a new sense of excitement and determination about running in the marathon!

This morning Carmen and I drove down to RI for various events and I found myself alone at my mom's house while everyone else went to their respective places. I brought running clothes and shoes just in case I could run but I forgot my Ipod. In my "previous life", no Ipod means no running. I couldn't possibly complete a work out with out music. Not today. Today I couldn't resist, I realized I had several hours to myself and I could go run for as long as I wanted to. I would take in natural noise and enjoy this summer like weather!

I got out there and started to glide. I had no idea how many miles I wanted to do and I didn't care what my time was. It was a great day and I never missed the music. All said and done I ran 5.2 miles in 49 minutes, 20 seconds. I feel great this afternoon. Our "team meeting" last night gave me a new sense of purpose and determination. Wouldn't it be great if I could glide along like today during all of my long runs?!