Okay, so I’m training for the Kiawah Marathon on December 9^th. This will be my first attempt at qualifying for Boston. In runner’s parlance, I’m looking for a “BQ” at Kiawah. I’m nearing the end of a long training cycle, and I’m just beat. I’m sincerely jealous of the 18+ hours my cats sleep everyday.

In the past week, I’ve run a PR (Personal Record) in the ½ marathon (Governor’s Cup), done a VO2 Max 6×800 track workout, and did a 12-mile run with 7.5 miles at marathon pace (for me, 7:20/mile). Oh yeah, I run 21 miles tomorrow.

At this stage, I’m told, fatigue is normal. It’s all part of the dues you pay. Fame costs; and right here’s where you start paying, in your precious vitality.

I’ve also heard you should sleep an extra minute each night for every mile you run during the week. Since I average between 55 and 65 miles per week, apparently I need an extra hour every night. But it’s not like I’m sleep-deprived. I get up between 5:30am and 6:30am. I do a combination of running and working, and get home at about 6:30pm to spend time with Angie and my children. By the time the kids are in bed, it’s past 8pm and I’m toast. By 9:30pm, I’m falling asleep with a cat, watching the World Series of Poker while convincing myself I am not incredibly lame.

Put it this way, if you want something productive out of me, you better get it before 8pm.