Social facilitation of a running partner

I met up with my running partner G.H. and wouldn't you know a 3 mile training run turned into 5 miles. Feeling the effects of Sunday's run and an active weekend in the sun, but I had a little left for the big hill at the finish. Either you work the hill or the hill works you as they say.

This blog just went literal, did you know you could blister between the toes? I imagine this is something First Class marathon runners know all about. Needed the old First Aid merit badge for this one, and my handy Scout First Aid Kit. That old motto--be prepared.

Final thought: ran past the Islamic Center on Mass. Ave. and for all that divides us by creed, I was moved by the soaring minaret and lightness and airy openess of the building. If only we could translate mutual architectural appreciation into a lasting peace among peoples.

Why marathon?

1. HUGE item on the bucket list I am too young to have.
2. Challenge of focusing a sustained effort outside of work.
3. Real challenge to my instinct to go fast when in motion, and go for the quick kill and move on.
4. Caught disease from reading two Lance Armstrong books this year.
5. Deep gut check for life's larger questions. (see #3)
6. Final answer: Buddy had an extra bib for the Marine Corps Marathon--oh yeah, he got kissed on both cheeks (thoroughly, like in The Godfather).