(In case anyone is wondering, I cleared this with Willow before proceeding)
Greetings from soggy California. Can't do much riding with the combination of wind and rain (there, it's now Valk-related. Sorta. Kinda.)
This post is to ask for help from anyone who is so inclined. This June 6th, I will be running in my very first marathon. Yes, RUNNING, not RIDING. I will be running for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in the San Diego Rock & Roll Marathon.
The ironic thing for me is, just a little over two years ago, I weighed over 450 lbs. Now I'm over 200 lbs lighter and at age 48 am going to run 26.2 miles. Dang, that sounded bad just typing it. Anyway, last year my lovely wife participated and the experience was extremely rewarding. This year I talked myself into joining. My goal is to raise $3500 for the charity by the time June arrives.
This means, for the next six months, healthy eating

no cigars

and little or no alcohol :'( and lots and lots of training runs.
Anyway, the link at the bottom of this post will take you to my site, set up for me by Team in Training. If you can give, that's wonderful; If you can't, I certainly understand. Even a thumbs-up or an encouraging message will be welcome once these training runs get longer (and the weather gets hotter).
By the way, I am considering riding the Valk to San Diego (another Valk-related statement).
Whatever you decide to do, thanks!
John (Bladedog)
http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/rnr10/jdemattigz