Let the Madness Begin

Total miles run since entry to marathon: 11
Total distance(in miles) swam since entry to marathon: 1.38
Total calories burned through exercise since entry: 2,200
Weight: 199
Beers in last 24 hours: 3

I've just started to run in earnest. Today I got up and did 6 miles in a very leisurely 66 minutes. Then my wife went to the movies with her mom, and I took my kid to this splash playground, where they have waterfalls and water cannons and all this other crap that keeps you cool in the desert heat.

Speaking of heat, I'm doing most of my runs inside throughout the summer. It's just too damn hot outside. I've got to find some way to make running inside more interesting. Today, as you can see in this picture, I stared at this wall for 66 minutes - Not fun.



In non-running news, I have "Yar Eye." For those of you who do not know what Yar Eye is, think of a pirate, when it says "Yar!". You know how they close one eye to really get the "Yar!" effect? Well, despite the fact that I'm just 5 days away from turning 30-years-old, I still get zits like a I was a 13-year-old hitting the initial stages of puberty. It's a fabulous condition to have really. You know I just love waking up with my eye shut thanks to a pimple.

The best part, of course, is when people ask you questions like: "What happened? Did you get punched?" And I have to say, "Uh, no, it's a pimple." I like when the people then back up a step, crunch up their nose and stare at you like you've just taken up residence in the freak tent at the traveling circus.

I've even included a picture I took this morning, so you can see for yourself. The swelling has gone down a bit, but that baby's still the marquee attraction this fine Saturday.

I have to go now. My kid is taking a nap. And this'll give me some time to start pulling together the things I'm going to auction as part of my fundrasing efforts.

And, if you're reading this, please won't you give to help the charity I'm running for - Team for Kids? You can do so by going to http://www.nyrrc.org/cgi-bin/start.cgi/mar-programs/nyrrf/team/donations.htm. My entry number if 58138.

Or, if you prefer, you can mail checks to me. Comment with your e-mail address, and I'll give you details how. If you do donate by internet, please let me know you did it, so I can keep track and issue a personal thanks.

Until tomorrow, friends ...