Just doing a lot of gizmo research at this point to see what will help me with my runs.

So far this is what is on my list:

Garmin Foretrex 201

Ultimate Direction Lightning Waistpack

Gu Flask filler

I already have a heart rate monitor which I use pretty regularly and I have glide to prevent chaffing, which helps immensely I've found as I've already suffered from sever chaffing in the past.

Any other suggestions or reviews of the things that I've listen thus far would be greatly appreciated. I've never carried water with me, so I'll get the fuel belt tonight so that I can start running with it. I've run with Gu in the past, but it does tend to up set my stomach so I was thinking about getting the Gu H2O stuff instead... Anyone have any thoughts on this? If so leave me a comment.

I've been spending a lot of time reading and thinking about this up coming marathon experience trying to figure out why this is so important to me to do this now. I've technically got a year before I turn 30, so why now? This last year has been full on transformations in my personal (ending a bad 8 year relationship and meeting the love of my life) and professional (changing jobs) life. I want to commemorate that with this special event. Something that I can carry with me for the rest of my life. Something that I can look back upon and smile. Something to signify the changed person I am. This is why I want to do this.

I've been reading Hollie's marathon journal of 2003 and her experiences stir a longing and determination to do this amazing feat. I want to turn 29 in December 2004 and I want to look back on the year with pride and wistfulness.

I didn't do my run last night. I took a rest day instead, but I will be running my 10 miler after dinner with a friend tonight. Z and I drove and everything so I know it's 5 miles out and back.

Yesterday I officially signed up.

There is no turning back now.

Workout log:

rest day

(Engaged 9/16/05)