Marathon

I'm a climber, not a runner. Sure I can slog up multi-day approaches to climbs or summit glaciered peaks, but usually I'm rewarded with accomplishment or a sweet climb at the end. Running for pleasure? Running just to run? uhm.... check please.

About 3 weeks ago my sister announced that she is going to run a half-marathon at the Long Branch Half Marathon, in Long Branch, New Jersey. My Brother in Law has run it a few times, and my aunt has run it 3 times. They invited her to join the escapade, since she's been looking for a good way to break down barriers and get in shape. She was hesitant at first, but after I said that I'd run it with her if she got in shape and trained for it, she agreed whole-heartedly.

But this means that I have to now run a half-marathon in May.

There is no sweet climb at the end... maybe just some GU packets and a t-shirt. And this is fun?

Breaking it all down, the good part is that I get to spend time with family during the event, and get in better cardio shape.

But the best part is that I get to watch my sister transform into an athlete again, take pride in her athletic abilities, looks, and health... something that she's wanted for many years.

Hell, I'd fly to Kenya and run a full marathon in summer for her to have that.

But, lucky for me, I can just run in New Jersey in May.

My sister and I ran together yesterday for the first time since she chased me around the yard when we were kids. It was great to see her try, struggle, and then step it up to push through. I'm incredibly proud of her and can't wait to see her skinny ass and big smile cross that finish line in May.

East Coast...

I'm spending some time back on the East Coast for the next week or so. It's a welcome change, as its giving my body a chance to recover from winter training, soak up some good food and spend time with family, old friends and new. I had an especially good evening with my father and sister at a restaurant last night that specializes in locally acquired food. It was incredible, and thanks to dad for paying the tab!

I'm heading to my old stomping grounds in Vermont on Friday, and hopefully getting some climbing in up there, either on icicles, or at my old climbing gym haunt.

In the past few weeks, trips have been planned, changed, canceled and created. Many things are up in the air, but one thing is for sure... my van is complete for the season and ready to travel. After Vermont, I'm hoping to be heading south for warmer stone, as I haven't climbed on real rock since Christmas Eve. The weather in Oregon has been atrocious, and I'm hoping SoCal is due for some high pressure.

Thanks to Bruce, John, Harry, Tony and Beth (a few of the East Coast climbing crew) for the company at the climbing gym here. It's good to always have a good belay wherever you go. (And good people to eat dinner with after...)