i kind of wonder what things would be like if i had decided not to run in chicago. hmmm. i think that i might be worse off but its hard to say with certainty. to fly all the way there, prepare so much, have all of my family there to cheer me on, and then just decide not to run? hmmm, tough one. i certainly don't regret running chicago, but i have thought about what my current state would be had i declined.

i haven't come up with a plan yet for the rest of fall and winter. starting next week, i will be working at the office practically 'round the clock for about 3 weeks. seems a little silly to get too aggressive with specific goal setting before then. they say you aren't supposed to run your next marathon until you have moved on from the most recent one. from that standpoint, i'm in no shape to think about the next one yet.

i don't want to sit around eating cookies for 3 weeks but i'm not ready to make a training plan yet. i have spent time pondering my next step but nothing becomes concrete until i specifically write it out and develop a steadfast goal in my head. the transition to weight training is going to be difficult, no matter the duration nor intensity.

i understand not everyone is the religious type, but i saw a verse on the course when i really needed it. i thought i would mention it:

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13.

I wanted to give the guy who was holding this sign an enthusiastic high-five because it helped me a lot. He didn't notice me however, but the verse stuck with me and for that i am grateful.

Why not end with another of my newfound favorite quotes: "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit." --Aristotle