For a while now, I've been toying with the idea of running a marathon. Matt did one last year, Sohini did a half marathon not too long ago, and Roxanne is currently in the midst of training for one. I've recently been in a bit of an exercise kick, and I figured that I could either let it fade, or force myself to keep it up. So last weekend, I decided to stop thinking about it and just go for it, and I signed up for the National AIDS Marathon Training Program. For the next 5 1/2 months or so, I will be training for the 2005 Mardi Gras Marathon, which will take place on February 27, 2005, in New Orleans. Buddy will be training with me.

"Wha..??" you may be thinking. Yes, you heard me right: a marathon. That's 26.2 miles. This might be surprising to those of you who knew me in my missing-36-days-of-school, going-to-the-emergency-room-after-eating-a-bowl-of-cheese-puffs, spending-several-birthdays-in-the-hospital asthmatic days. And granted, this will be one of the most physically (and mentally) demanding things I will ever undertake. However, it will also be one of the most rewarding, and I'm confident I will be able to do it.

More importantly, I will also be raising money for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. I have to raise a minimum of $3000 by November 26, 2004, but I have set my fundraising goal to $4000. A lot of you will probably be hearing more details from me soon, but if you'd like to give me a head start on my funderaising, you can donate online here. Please be as generous as you can!

Training begins September 18 in Golden Gate Park, and contrary to my usual state of being, I'm actually excited to get started. So I'm starting this log both for my own benefit, and also for a way to share with you, gentle readers, the trials and tribulations of a former-asthmatic, recovering-couch-potato, first-time marathoner. Wish me luck!