No one ever accused me of being sane....

...but you would at least expect my daughter to know better. You guessed it...Heather an I are signed up to do the Boston Marathon again this year. Proving that insanity can be contagious, we have also recrutited Heather's fiance Marshall. He was so inspired by Heather's accomplishment last year that he signed up for his first Marathon in NY last Nov. (more on that story later) and is now ready to take on his first Boston Marathon.

So we will be running again this year in Nick's memory to raise money for Lazarus House. You can contribute to my efforts by clicking on this link http://www.lazarushouse.org/BostonMarathon/ViewWalkerProfile.asp?Id=8. It's been a great year for them and with the help of both the proceeds from last year's marathon team ($75K - thanks to all of you) and the funds raised from their local "Hike for Hope" they have not only been able to help thousands of people with meals and food but they have this year opened up a brand new Transitional Housing center for families who are working to get back on their feet. The center, called Capernaum Place, is located in Lawrence, MA. and has been 7 years in the making. With the help of numerous dedicated people, the leadership of Bridget Shaheen (Executive Director of Lazarus House) and the imagination of Dave McGillvary (who is the race director for the Boston Marathon among a number of high profile races), Capernaum Place is now the home of 11 families (last I checked) and can handle up to 21 when it is at full capacity (if you are interested in details let me know).

But now on to the marathon. Heather, Marshall and I have started our training and despite the weather (more snow in Dec. than all of last year), training is more or less on schedule. Heather and Marshall are training in LA so they get no excuses for weather related challenges. Much like last year I continue to have some knee/IT band challenges but so far not enough to stop me. The real test will be in the next few weeks as my long runs get over 13 miles.

So maybe I'm a good example of Albert Einstein's definition of insanity....Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. Actually, if I get the same support as last year it will be worth the effort and maybe...just maybe... it's not so crazy after all.


Stay tuned...more musings to come.