I had seen that video before.  I checked his daily update page (Randy Pausch and it sounds like he's still kickin' here in VA but his health is definitely suffering.  It is good to see him beating the doctor's original prediction of just a few months to live.

No running for me today.  It's raining like cats and dogs with thunder, lighting, and puddles the size of Texas.  (Had to throw that in for our Texas friends.)

I should have done my 12 but it was 87 yesterday and pouring down today.  I'll try to knock out some miles this week but generally, it's take it easy time and rest, hydrate, and carbo-load for the race on Saturday.

I'm not feeling antsy.  I'm anticipating the CMM but I also know I have a lot of work to do to get better, so it kind of evens out.  I'm more looking forward to getting away and having a nice long run while I'm gone.

And get your bling, Nita!  Don't forget about the bling!  Remember, everyone's a winner. 

The old "rule" is that you should have one day of rest for every mile run after a marathon.  And even though you're at 21 days instead of 26, I have a feeling you'll be just fine going into the race.  Especially given all the "encouragement" (at my expense!) you've been given.

I'm not antsy at all.  To me it's just another long run in a different town which is actually a good thing.  I like the variety.  On the upside, I hope to find someone (other than Jimmy or Charlie) to pace to keep me motivated in later miles.  That's how I kept pushing at Shamrock.  I locked onto a guy who seemed to be going about my pace and just stuck with him until the last 1-2 miles when I took off.

It will be great to see everyone again.

First, Nita - I remember when I first saw the abridged version of the 'Last Lecture' a few months ago...today I took the time to watch the full lecture, and have to say, anybody who hasn't watched it really should set an hour aside to do so. Really makes you think about life and what you want. I love his quote about walls - that they are only there to show us how much we really want something, and keep out the ones who don't want it enough.

And also echo that I am really looking forward to seeing everyone, those who I've met and those I have yet. And just getting the he!! out of town for a few days.

If anyone's interested, here's a link to the full lecture:

http://www.etc.cmu.edu/global_news/?q=node/42

and a website for more info:

http://www.cmu.edu/randyslecture/

It made a huge buzz in Pittsburgh before it made national news since he was a prof at CMU. One of his dreams was to play pro ball and I saw on the news the other day that he was on the field with the Steelers. Amazing. 

I'm actually going to look into the Alice development environment. . . it looks pretty cool.

Good luck with the taper Nita.  I thought of you today.  I ate a chocolate chip cookie to "fuel up" before heading down to the gym for an hour and a half of cardio.  It actually worked out pretty well.  But it was one of the big cookies from Panera.