13.1

We've made it to December and it's hard to believe that in just a short month, 2008 will be history. Poof! Another year gone.

My friend J thinks I'm crazy. I think I've decided to run a half marathon in May. Yes, that's 13.1 miles. I don't think it's that extreme, but of course, I'm the one who is about to sign up to do it. In the spring of 1999 I completed an actual full-length marathon. I'll tell you what, 26.2 miles ain't no joke. That's some serious distance. At the time I said I'd never do another one again, but as the years have gone by, the idea has grown softer and become more appealing.

Big Red will think I'm a lunatic. And maybe he's right. What pushes people to push themselves? I know personally it's all about just that: the personal challenge. The challenge to see if I can do it. It's a wonderful feeling to cross the finish line knowing you completed whatever it is you set out to do. Big Red thinks it's outrageous that someone would volunteer to pay a fee to enter a race that will exhaust them, for no real good reason at all other than the person just wants to.

I want to. I really do. And I'll bitch and moan when I don't feel like logging miles, but in the end I'll do it, and when I'm finished, I will be high off knowing I did it.

Could it be that simple?
Yes Virginia, it can be.