Marathon Update: Week 18!

Hi All,

It's all about the numbers.  I've been told that 18 miles, for a runner, is a 'milestone.'  [I wanted to then ask, "Isn't every mile technically a milestone?" but I got over myself.]  Apparently, not only is 18 a great distance, but it's a symbolic number.  Besides being 'Hebrew for "good luck"' (?), it's a number that many long distance runners associate with 100% confidence in their marathon.  According to said coach, the old saying goes, "If you can run 18 miles, you can run a marathon." 

Well, we reached the 18 mile mark last week, and if I was a wise sage, I'd intone something more along the lines of, "If you can run 18 miles, you's a bigger fool than you were when you tried to run 16."

But I also now know that I can run 18 miles, twice, and I can live with that for the moment.  My problem-knee is being held together with tape and spit (I have a referral for an x-ray/MRI sitting on my desk, crying out for me to use it), but this journey of mine wouldn't be worth it without some literal stumbles. (Additionally, I know that the people I am I'm out to assist have travails much greater than my own, so again: getting over myself)  But, that said, the run itself was actually my best yet...minus my underestimating the discomfort of further trying to break in another pair of shoes-- the same model as the last pair, except redesigned and tampered with for the new season by Asics and therefore of course endlessly less comfortable in the toe, and with an unfortunate and girly new color combo of 'lilac' and 'soft grey'-- not exactly screaming 'Super Athlete,' but rather 'Victim of Title IX.'  (That's a reference to the 1972 amendment integral to the development of "girls' " sports, mandating equal access to federally funded activities and cheesy athleticwear, for those wondering and yearning for your own corner on Fashion St. )

Also in the news, I discovered that the course in Florence is marked in kilometers (totaling 42.195km: ouch!), not miles, and only has markers the equivalent of every 5 miles, rather than every mile.  Not helpful when attempting to pace yourself to beat a time limit, which this marathon has in order to be permitted to finish.  So my running group came up with a equivalent pacing chart, so we can become accustomed to referring to km, which I resized for use as a small card to keep with me for pacing during the marathon itself.  It remains to be seen if I can do math and run at the same time.

Lastly, since math isn't my strong suit even when sitting, I didn't make September's fundraising deadline, falling $730 shy of my $3800 promise, but-- committed indeed to seeing this through and reaching the minimum to be permitted to run-- I paid the balance with a credit card...and will be credited back by AIDS Project Los Angeles as I continue to fundraise.  And I find myself glad to take this on, since The Challenge (both to myself and those the organization sets out to assist) is why I've done all of this in the first place, so ... it's perfect.  A new game!  And the rules I've created involve having until I leave in November to find sponsors and raise at least the balance.  So, as ever, if you can and would like to give a tax-deductible donation to APLA in any amount (even $1 per mile, or per 'km' -- aha!), 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.  It's never too late to still give.

We are also in need of water volunteers for our training runs-- if interested, call me directly at 323.828.2040 to volunteer, or forward this email to a friend.  (Thanks to those who've contacted me!)

Despite my creaky jokes to the contrary, this continues to be a fun undertaking: I'm in better shape, I'm made to laugh by my training group, and I get to eat fresh oranges and PB&J sandwiches after every run, and feel 12 again (when triumphing over logic was all the rage).  A 12 year old with 50-year old knees and hip sockets, but nonetheless! 

Thanks again for your interest and support in all its forms.  It cannot be measured and is valued by many.

Danielle D.

"Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first."
-- Ernestine Ulmer