Tagged!

by the Bat, for the 123 meme:

1) Pick up the book nearest you with at least 123 pages. (No cheating!)
2) Turn to page 123.
3) Count the first five sentences.
4) Post the next three sentences.
5) Tag five other bloggers.

Fittingly enough, the book closest to my computer right now is Dean Karnazes' first book Ultramarathon Man. Now, I like to run, but WOW. Whatever you may think of Dean (and I know a lot of hardcore ultramarathoners think he's all about the publicity stunts, but I think he's fairly awesome) you have to admit that what he puts himself through is remarkable. And if you've ever faltered when thinking maybe you should get out and do a couple of miles around the block, this book will certainly shame you into getting the run in the next time. So, here goes:

The real battle was inside my head.

Covering the last bit of distance into Foresthill, I found myself in a defensive, survival-like mode, stressing about my cramping things and dehydration, worrying about what the trail might throw at me next. The elements were beating me into submission.

I'm not going to tag anyone specifically, but if you want to play along, let me know so I can check it out!

Oh, and I kinda like that it was Dean's book I picked up for this, since I went ahead and signed up for the half tomorrow. Long runs two weeks in a row is tough, I know, but I'm going to treat it as another building block not for next weekend's half but for the OKC marathon coming up in April. Plus, I've been keeping the weekday mileage fairly low so I feel pretty well-rested. Add to the equation that I'm down another couple of pounds this week, for a total of 8 lost since I got the BodyBugg set up in late December. A little slower than I anticipated, but I'm finally starting to see results and have figured out what's a good balance of intake vs. activity. So I'm feeling good and strong and ready for a bit of a challenge this weekend. We'll see how it goes!!