Special deliveries.

I am currently run-down with a cold and an intense job hunt, which are hampering both my training and my blogging. I have been trying to calm my anxiety by reminding myself that I still have nearly a month (29 days, to be precise) before the marathon- plenty of time to bounce back! My mail, however, is not cooperating with this anxiety reduction plan.

Yesterday, I came home and found this in my mail pile:

That's the official NYC marathon runner's handbook, complete with this terror-inducing map:

See what that is? Its all of NYC. I probably wouldn't try to drive that in one day, but apparently I am going to run it.

Today, I got more marathon-related mail:

This is my one-of-a-kind, extra-special marathon shirt, designed by the lovely and talented Rachel Pollack of St. Lydia's. The front is awesome, but the back is even better:

How great is that? I hope and expect that any runner who sees that after about mile 15 will think "These St. Lydia's people know exactly what I need right now!"

While these special deliveries are a little scary, they are also very exciting. Once I kick this cold, I hope they will give me the boost I need to finish my training strong. This is going to be an amazing experience, and I want to be able to enjoy it!

Remember to visit St. Lydia's at http://www.stlydias.org/ and offer your support through a visit, a prayer, and/or a donation!