I run marathons to give me a goal, which keeps me running, which I hope will keep my heart healthy (there is heart disease on my father's side of the family). Finishing always gives me some sense of accomplishment, knowing that I have met a goal I made many weeks ago. Why do you run?

I came across an article that seems to say I shouldn't be running my 11th marathon. This article says that "slowpokes" like me (my fastest marathon was 3:28 and my slowest 4:19), are ruining the marathon experience for the real runners. I completely disagree with the writer of the article: Running With Slowpokes , see what you think.

To me, the race clock at the finish line will confirm who the best runners are and they will be duly noted and awarded. The rest of us support the race, enjoy the experience and gain the fitness benefits during our training. Slowpokes unite! See you on the 14th!

I guess a quick note on the name of this blog is a good idea. The concept of running a marathon seems to come from an infamous trek made by a greek soldier named Pheidippides way back in 490 B.C. Pheidippides was so anxious to get the news of a battlefield victory back to headquarters he ran from Marathon to Athens (about 24.85 miles). Unfortunately, after delivering the message "Niki" (victory), he keeled over...but we won't dwell on that part of the story! The modern day distance for the marathon was established at the 1908 Olympics in London, stretching the run to 26 miles to cover the distance from Windsor Castle to White City Stadium, and tacking on an additional 385 yards so the race could finish in front of the royal family's viewing box. So, as you pass mile 24 and push your tired legs down the final stretch to the finish line in a couple weeks, feel free to blame your pain on the Queen!

A quick weather update...if you are hoping for cooler temperatures for that last long run this week, a decent temperature drop is on the way, but there is also a chance for showers Friay and Saturday. Still, I won't mind running my last 16 miler through a few showers if the temperatures back down into the 60s. Our Field Spaniel Pete accompanied me on my short 3 mile jog today and he voted for cooler temps too!