So tonight, after what seems like a week of rain, I finally got a 12-miler in. I hadn't run since Wednesday of last week. My body complained. It's still complaining, actually. Heart rate was too high during the run (averaging 155 over 1:56), although still within tempo range, at least.

Fortunately, Shel and I got our travel plans squared away for the big race. Turns out I'm traveling back to glorious Utica, NY, again next week, and am re-routing my return to go through Nashville. Shel will meet me there Thursday evening, using an airline voucher we got. Shel's mother Sher, her sister La, Grizzlus Grumpus and Bruinus Aurelius will be there as well; La, GG and BA will be running the half-marathon, while I run the big nasty.

I'm really getting excited about it. I still have to go get new shoes! Roadrunner Sports took a week to call me and tell me that my shoes were unavailable. I was like, "Thanks! I appreciate your letting me know in a timely fashion -- I only have to run 26 miles in a week and a half; what do I need broken-in shoes for?"

Dorks.

Anyway, it's late, and I'm up doing taxes. Or rather, I should be doing taxes, but am writing to you, Gentle Reader. You are much better company than Uncle Sam, who keeps hitting me up for money when I talk to him.