What I carry

Another great day to donate! Two marathons and two charities! Let's raise a combined $6,500 for cancer research through Fred's Team and low-income seniors with Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.)!

Donate to H.O.M.E. here (write in "marathon" in note section). Donate to Fred's Team here. 

Last days to donate! Please give generously to H.O.M.E. and Fred's Team!

Important information:
How to find the tracking app.
Course Map
Bib # 15361
My start time is 9:50am
I'm the green wave (If you want to see me early in Brooklyn 'll be on the east side)
Around mile 16-17 I'll be running on the east side of the road.

I won't carry all the jelly. And I need three more energy gels. Where do I put my tattoos if I wear long sleeves?

I'm headed to the Expo today to pick up my bib and a few other things including the sticker that will get me into the Fred's Team recovery tent at the end. I'm very excited. I missed the tent two years ago when I ran with Footlocker.

The expo will be busy and chaotic, but there is nothing to be done about that. I just have to be brave. And then the marathon will be here and then even more quickly it will be over and the entire summer of training and eating and resting and all the blogging and monies will be put away. The sweaty runs, the freezing runs, the runs in Atlanta and Santa Cruz and the million laps of Central Park, the whole bit will be the past. I'm buying a bottle of scotch to celebrate.

I'm thinking of the things I'll carry tomorrow. I need to set out my shorts and choose whether to wear long or short-sleeves. I know which pair of shorts to wear. I like the ones with the many small pockets. The small pockets keep things from flopping around. And the many pockets allow me to bring all the energy gel packets I want.

But when it comes to running it is best to not carry too much. You can spot the new kids by their belts loaded with bottles filled with colorful liquids. Belts are complimented by handheld bottles with pockets for phones and batteries and more foods and whatever they could imagine they might need. Don't make that mistake. Run light. "Let us lay aside every weight..."

I hope that doesn't apply to the hopes and heartaches. I carry many. Everyone I know does. Some people write the names of lost loved ones on their shirts. It is pretty common when you support cancer research.

I've never run a long race without thinking of those I love. I tend to get emotional when physically exhausted. This race may be especially difficult. This week I've lost two friends, one last night. Everything hurts. Everything.

I hate that it is normal to miss so many people. I hate that death is a part of life. I hate how life blends joy and sadness. I want to remember well, to honor well, to live well. But I don't know how.

As always Uncle Mac, you are in my heart. May your joy for life become mine.

Christopher, you are in my heart.

Filipa, you are in my heart.

I am compassed about.