Now, for the why

Because my coach, Matt, told me to take the day off today, I think I'll explain why I have chosen to run a marathon across the country when there are plenty of good races here in San Diego.

Matt is a Boston guy. He grew up in the area. His friends and family are there. He loves its sports teams and its food chains. (Dunkin Donuts! Papa Gino's! Friendly's!) So obviously if and when we travel, we usually end up in Massachusetts.

The problem is, I love New York. So many of my closest friends live or have lived there at one point. I've seen amazing shows there, including the time Sleater-Kinney played a pretty small club right before the band broke up.

But Matt has never been to New York with me. There was a time I was there for Fashion Week and tried to get him to come for a few days but he refused. His logic is if he flies to the East Coast, he may as well go to Boston. So I'm basically screwed.

The other day I asked Matt what it would take for him to go to New York with me. And kinda joking around I mentioned the NYC marathon and he said that, yes, he would go to New York if I ran the marathon.

So that's what got this plan going.

There are already some sticking points, however. Like the marathon is in November. And 2012 is an election year. So Matt is already saying he'll probably have to work.
Also, you can't just show up and run the thing. You have to get picked in a lottery. So chances are I won't even qualify. But whatever. It's too early to worry about that now.

Instead, I will leave you with a little Sleater-Kinney. Please note the name of the song is "You're No Rock 'N' Roll Fun" and it is completely, totally dedicated to Matt.



Tomorrow's goal: two to three miles.