Marathon Update: Week 8

Hello people of the world!

Among other things, Griffith Park and the adjacent neighborhood in Glendale are known for the equestrian adventures you can have there.  There are paths designated for horse travel, street signs are posted a bit higher than normal to accomodate riders, even bikers must share their lanes with horses.  And today during our group 10-miler we ran through these areas.

Couple this fact with that of my trying to squeeze the last possible mile out of my most recent pair of running shoes before having to get another pair closer to the Marathon itself, out of budgetary concerns-- and the fates collided today ... when I ran and stepped smack into the largest pile of horse poo ever seen.  Now, you'd have to be pretty self-absorbed to miss a pile as big as can easily be seen from space, but indeed that's what I managed to do. 

And so, following the "eeuuuww"s of my companions, and the "how did you not see that"s, a stench stronger than the power of a thousand red-hot suns followed me for the remaining 8 miles.  But no matter, because karma will someday be on my side!  I hope.

In the meantime, let's hear it for the free expression of horses!  And for the shoe companies who thrive on oblivious people like me who float around in our own little worlds until the s--- hits the shoe, and we then must buy more from them. 

Let's also hear it for the folks who are doing their best to live the best life they can in spite of fortune's other ways of providing landmines.  AIDS Project LA does what it can to provide them with the services necessary to assist them where assistance and prevention is needed.  And they can't do that without us.  I have until August 25th to raise at least $3000 more dollars and make the difference I can make, and I in turn can't do that without you.  So, if you can and would like to give a tax-deductible donation in any amount, or even are able to be a water volunteer for our training runs, please go to http://www.aidsmarathon.com/participant.asp?runner=LA-4492&EventCode=FL06, or www.aidsmarathon.com, click on 'Sponsor a Runner' and enter my runner #4492 to read more about what's provided by your generosity.  Or call me directly at 323.828.2040.

Thanks again for your continuing kind attention.  We're having fun, shrinking our thighs, and making a difference, and I can think of no bigger a win-win situation.  And for those of you who've already contributed, you are my knights in shining armor, riding ... horses ... that leave a spotless trail.  Thank you!

xoxo

Danielle D.