Mental Checklist

This post is intended for my sanity. Why? I'm a selfish jerk, that's why. That, and I'm finding it's therapeutic to type stuff out than let it fester like a pus-filled zit. Enjoy.

The first race of the year is tomorrow. Am I excited? A little. Am I nervous? Probably more than excited.

I'm not usually a "plan ahead" kind of guy, but I decided to make a checklist for this race. I do that when I travel, too. I'm kinda funny like that. Nevertheless, here's my State Farm 10 Mile Run Checklist*:

• Running gear for potential rain and definite chill? Check
• iPod loaded with the latest Phedippidations and Bill Simmons Report? Check
• Issues to sort out while I'm on my weekly long runs. Check
  
• Class numbers dwindling (45% drop in journalism).
  
• Teaching TV and working in PR?
  
• Potential training/certification for students. Incentive?
• Redesigning class curriculum to fit the numbers.
• How to get kids back into the TV program
  
• Mental fortitude? Hmm
• It's just a long run, not a race
  
• You've rested your IT band/leg for 2 weeks now.
• You have ibuprofen
• Pain is weakness leaving the body
• You will finish this race
• If you can do this, the HM will be a snap
• Don't say "snap"
  
• Don't think about your knee
• Pray that there aren't many hills.

Race Report as soon as I get out of the hospital for a blown right knee.

*maybe if I pimp State Farm long enough, I can get free insurance. Kinda like Vanilla and his new shoes.

**Read the latest Open Mic feature at Runner's Lounge on Topher. It's a great read about a kewl guy. I highly recommend it.