Some love from 207 and my new B.F.F.

I've wanted to update sooner, I really have. But in case you haven't noticed, our servers are...um...well...messed. Sorry for that. And by "sorry" I mean "I'm apologizing because I don't know what else to say and I feel badly but I really have no control over the server issues so really my apology is essentially useless, but I'm trying to comfort you anyway because I care and doesn't that make us all feel a little better?"

It's been a while since I've included any entertaining images in my blog (remember months ago when I had that entry with the turkey photos in it? I bet you didn't think turkeys had anything to do with running. Well they do. They have a lot to do with it. Just wait. One day you'll see).

At any rate, I dedicate this entry to the less literate out there. You know, those 'readers' who tend to stick to the newspaper comics without a lot of words. Those readers who skim magazines and pause only at the pretty pictures. Those readers whose Sunday morning reading consists only of the "Back to School" promotion on the side of the Lucky Charms box.

To you I vow to keep the words to a minimum.

Wait. I'm sorry, I can't do that. I have to use words. And lots of them. Probably double what is necessary. I'm kind of a talker. But then, maybe you sensed that already.

Nevertheless, you're still free to do what you normally do - ignore me altogether and look at the pictures.

The 207 piece on Maine Running Company's Reach the Beacon program aired last night. I missed the show, but thanks to the technology of the internets anyone - that's right, men, women, children alike - can watch it online.

Yesterday I watched the segment with a hand over my eyes, two fingers split just enough to peek at the footage. I was ready to cringe. I think at first maybe I was cringing.

Then suddenly, there I was! Running! "That's me!" I shouted from my cube (loud enough to cause one spilled coffee, three dirty looks and what later turned out to be a mild heart attack).

A few moments later, in the background, me again!

Me!

Sure, no one but me would ever notice. I'm in the back of the pack usually, hidden from view (remember my "run ugly" issues? Me being hidden is definitely for the best). But I noticed. And even though I was there and I know how it all really went down, I was proud of that segment.

Oh yea, I guess it's good promotion for John's running store, too.

But anyway, back to me.

Last night I went to the last Hannaford run - partly as a last ditch effort to train, but mostly because Joan Benoit Samuelson was going to be there.

I admit it - I'm a little bit star struck. I mean, it's Joan Benoit Samuelson!

Before we set out on our slated 5.5-mile run, Joan offered up some race-time words of wisdom. I think they included "run your own race," "don't watch the mile markers," and "it's easier to pass other people than it is to be passed." But really I just stood there going, "It's Joan!" over and over in my head.

Just like a couple of weeks ago, we were split into pace groups. Anna and I opted to stick in the last one, but as I scanned my fellow runners I felt suddenly very…um…slow.

No offense to these fine older fellas, but I'm a little shamed that at 29, I can't run faster than them. Or that my lack of running confidence makes me think I can't. I don't know which is worse.

But Anna and I kicked arse. We lingered at the water stations, it's true, but were able to maintain a steady run for nearly all 5.5 miles.

5.5 miles - that's nearly a 10K.

There wasn't much of a reprieve from the sun, either, but it's expected to be warm and sunny on race day, so we might as well get used to it.

Plus, just prior to the halfway turn around point near East End Beach, we happened to catch Joan on her way to the finish. She was offering up "nice jobs" and high fives. And I made sure to get me one.

(A high five from Joan Benoit Samuelson! Highlight of my year! And the birth of what will be a long and 100-percent hallucinatory friendship! Three cheers for delusions! And three cheers for Photoshop for further enabling said delusions!)

Last night was surely a confidence builder. We kept it slow in an effort to not overdo it before Saturday and timed in at just over an hour. Fine with me.

It never was about the time. It's about NOT limping to the first aid station at mile three with an overwhelming sense of failure.

And really, I don't think that's too much to ask.

The comments section isn't cooperating this morning, but bless you kind folks for e-mailing me anyway!

JC says:
Hey Shans,

I think you're going to do great!!

One thing though, well actually a couple. I once met Joan Samuelson, well,
I stood behind her at a funeral, and I've met you once. I seem to remember
her being significantly shorter than me, whereas you, not so much. Also, I
don't remember her head seeming quite so, well, BIG, in relation to the
rest of her body.

Maybe I just haven't had enough coffee yet.

Good luck, you'll do F-A-B

JC

SJO says:
KICK SOME ARSE THIS WEEKEND HON!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'll be thinking about you!

xoxoxoxo

Karen says:
Wow, Shannon! You are so ready for the 6.2 miles come Saturday. I bet JBS
will be cheering you on again as you sprint to the finish line with all the
old men. Just don't piss her off by bring a beer and a sandwich on the
course to keep you going. Run hard, run fast, run to the finish knowing your
BFF is waiting up ahead. So jealous!
SYN2F