Chai

Not talking about the sweet drink. I'm talking about the Hebrew word for 18. The symbol you see above. Chai means 18 and it conotates good luck. Dr. J used to wear a Chai necklace, and I was given a gold Chai keychain for my Bar Mitzvah.

Today, Chai means 18 miles. Starting at 6am on the C & O canal. I went into today with some trepidation. 18 miles seemed like a daunting figure. Here it is before noon, and I'm done. 5 of us in our pace group went for the big run today and averaged about 15.40 -17 min per mile. Michelle and I finished by about 10: 45. Today was the first run where I felt I could go another 2 miles, and that is what the coaches say you should feel like. I believe several factors were at play:

• The Humidity broke, so by early this am, it was in the low 70's for the start. It definitely was in the mid-80's by the end
• I did not eat past 6pm and my dinner last night was carb-loaded
• I drank water constantly;filled up at every water stop
• Consumed sugar constantly on the trail, whether it was my own cliff shots or tootsie rolls given out to boost blood sugar. I think that was huge.
• My attitude was good
• Michelle sets a good pace

I am thrilled with our accomplishments today. I am more thrilled with the amazing amount of donations that came pouring in this week yet again:

• Michael Brown
• Tamara Christian
• Lisa and Judd Fasold
• Rick Geritz
• Helen Marie Graves
• Tim Herbert
• Lee Ann Herndon
• Jamie Hill
• Laura Hudson
• Kathy and Bob Hughes
• Liz Hyman
• Dr. John Kling DDS
• Jeff Joseph
• Jenn and Patrick Latessa
• Laurie Lutz
• Kerry and Jeni Moyer
• Tom Omberg
• Collen Phalen
• Craig Ridley
• Nathan Ridnouer
• Patrice and Jeff Scheyer
• Eric Schwartz
• Dianna Simmons
• Kirk and Katy Smallwood
• Jason and Molly Stookey
• John Tunnell
• Heidianne Werner

Your generosity is awe-inspiring and so greatly appreciated by the patients at Whitman Walker Clinic. Please consider leveraging matching donations if your employer offers this privilege.

Two training runs from home this week and a recovery run next Sunday of 9 miles.

Thanks for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 13

Total Training Miles: 202