Cause for Concern

I'm now three weeks deep into another marathon training program, fresh off a very strong ten-miler this past Saturday morning. That actually makes three very strong long runs in a row, with some not-so-bad-themselves shorter runs thrown into the mix. And other than a stubborn shin splint (which I think is just my body's way of reminding me it'll never fully cooperate as long as I insist on doing this silly long-distance "running thing"), I've been running pain-free... full of vim and vigor.

Or zip and zing. Pep and punch? I've been feeling pretty good, let's just say. Not cartwheels-in-a-bikini-kind-of-good, but pretty darn good.

Within the past week, I've scored three deals on eBay:

• A new pair of Brooks Ariel motion control running shoes, with which to rotate with my (relatively) new Asics Foundation motion control running shoes


• A collection of 13 chocolate-flavored (caffeine included, of course) Accel energy gels


• A 15 ml. bottle of peppermint essential oil, to be mixed in with a grapeseed carrier oil for massaging tired legs and feet.

I've also found myself to be the new owner of an economy size (also known as "humongo bongo") bottle of ibuprofen as well as a new three gallon water pail, which makes for easier ice baths for post-run feet, ankles, shins and achilles.

If I didn't know any better, folks, I'd be concerned I'm actually serious about running this marathon.