"Extra Hot, With A Side of Hot, Please"

I downloaded the training manual for the Marathon today. Basically, by Sept. 12, I need to decide which main group I belong in, and which subsection (level 1 - 10) of that group I should join. The main groups are:

• Run
• Run / Walk
• Walk

The marathon training manual says that if you have never done a marathon before and if you are new to running (check... and, check) that you should Run/Walk. Of course, that is probably what I should sign up for. But, if you've ever met my ego, you know its pissing itself laughing at that idea.

For example, when I go to an Indian restaurant and the server asks if I want the curry mild, hot or extra hot. I would never say "mild." I would like to say "extra hot" but then I know I wouldn't really enjoy it because my lips and tongue would be burning. I usually go for "hot... but with extra hot on the side."

I am NOT walking the marathon.

This leaves me no choice but to test myself before Sept. 12. Yesterday, I walked 2 miles. Today, I ran 2.21 miles. Without stopping. Now, multiply that by 10 and add a few miles, and that's the marathon. Pffft. It wasn't even hard.

I want to sign up to Run the Marathon... even if I'm in the slowest running group. I have come to my own personal understanding with myself that if I really need walk breaks during the actual marathon, I will just give them to myself. Sparingly. I ain't eating no "mild" curry.