And then there was less than a week

Total miles run since entry to NYC marathon/this year: 200.61/522.05
Calories burned since entry/this year: 29,499/90,521
Weight: 200.0
Beers in last 24 hours: 0
Total raised towards goal: $10,000

There's just a week to go. Actually, less than a week. In six days and about 10 hours, the 2006 New York City Marathon will start, and I will be there, on the starting line, waiting to begin. I'm actually really, really, really excited to go. And while finding the time and energy and drive to train has been more difficult this time that any other time (training in the summer in Arizona is particularly brutal), you guys have all really pulled me through.

Through all of your generosity, we have raised over $10,000 for at-risk youth ... This has really been an incredible journey, and on these last couple days before the marathon, I plan to share my thoughts with you each night ... And, I think after the marathon is over, I'll probably keep this blog going from time to time, just as a place where friends and family can catch up if they ever want to.

Today was just a really nice day. I got to spend almost all of it with Beckett and Heidi. This morning was cool and cloudy and there was dew on the grass. The leaves on the trees in the back yard are finally just beginning to change color. It actually felt like fall. I taught Beckett how to catch a football today and we ran and play and tackled and dove in the grass ... awesome. I also took him and his mom on a wagon ride around the neighborhood.

Later we had lunch in the park with our friends Becky and Gib and their three boys. When Beckett got up from his nap, we went to the running store and picked up some last minute supplies. We also went to the Sugar Bowl, this old time '50s diner in old town Scottsdale where you can get real root beer floats and sundaes. Good times ...

Then we came home and relaxed. Perfect Sunday ...

Just five more days and I'll be NYC-bound. Can't wait ... just the thought of crossing the finish line in Central Park. Damn, what an experience ...

- Ed