8/12/2006 - Here comes the Big One

Well, I've decided to put my best foot forward about 29,000 times (and my worst foot forward almost that much). On Sunday, September 17th, I will be walking the route of the Boston Marathon, taking part in a fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund, which supports the Dana-Farber Center here in Boston.

I'm walking first and foremost for all of the kids I have met on 7-West in Children's hospital, especially the daughter of a friend of mine, who has recently battled her way to remission. I'm also walking for the Dana-Farber doctors who have helped my kid (who thank God never had cancer).

I'm also walking because, hey, I like walking.

Can I do it? I don't know. My longest walk in the past year was about 11-12 miles, which is a lot less than 26.2. In my defense, I will say that I stopped because I ran out of time, not because I ran out of juice. Later that day I went on a pair of 3-4 mile walks, both aimed at keeping the baby asleep. So in one day, I probably racked up close 18 miles in real walks plus another 1-2 walking about the apartment. Of course, I was in mid-season form then and I've been a little off my game the last few weeks. Here's hoping I can get back there.

In the meantime, the Wife is being very supportive. She'd rather I stuck with the 13 mile walk, but is willing to let me make my own mistakes here. She's also been excellent about helping me find (not insignificant) time to train. Thanks Wife, you're fantastic!

If you'd like, you can sponsor me as a walker at the Jimmy Fund Website. If you are one of the countless 2 or 3 individuals that reads this blog who doesn't know my real name, don't look for JG Fellow, he ain't walking. Feel free to make a donation directly to the Jimmy Fund "in honor of JG Fellow." It won't go contribute to my fundraising goals, but I'd be tickled regardless.

14,000 practicing steps today. Cheers,