I got a good workout in Thursday before my day off today, got 8.25 strong miles in and realized the course I was measuring at 8 miles, is actually 8.25 miles.. I realized it when I was running a consistent 8:00/mile, and once I left the dyke and came back, it took me almost 10 minutes instead of 8 minutes to get back to where I started … and I knew I was running my pace (i’ve learned it well by now …) It was a cool crisp start, but overall a good run .. i’m heading today for new shoes at the running store, and to get some supplies, including GU gels for both my run tomorrow and the race in two weeks. Its hard to believe we’re two weeks out from the first marathon, its an exciting time! If I get my shoes today, it gives me 2 weeks to break them in, which I will probably do slowly as I cycle out one of the pairs I am using which are badly beaten .. (i’ll have to sacrifice since they are BOTH in bad shape, i’ve waited to long to get shoes, oh well)..

So I haven’t written since hearing the news that the saxophone player Leroi Moore for the Dave Matthews Band (my favorite group) passed away on Tuesday of complications from his ATV accident in June. WOW, just can’t believe it. He was only 46 years old, really makes you think about the time you have on this big blue marble … i’m glad i’m now doing the things in life I enjoy the most, because you never know when it all will be taken away.. here is emotional clip from TMZ of Dave Matthews announcing it at a show on 8/19.

In my time of mourning (because I guess the future of the band is unclear, although I think things will be ok), they opened the first show after his death with ‘Bartender’, which seems so appropriate:

If I go
Before I’m old
Oh, brother of mine
Please don’t forget me if I go

Bartender, please
Fill my glass for me
With the wine you gave Jesus that set him free
After three days in the ground

Oh, and if I die
Before my time
Oh, sweet sister of mine
Please don’t regret me if I die

Bartender, please
Fill my glass for me
With the wine you gave Jesus that set him free
After three days in the ground

Bartender, please
Fill my glass for me
With the wine you gave Jesus that set him free
After three days in the ground

I’m on bended knees, I pray
Bartender, please

When I was young, I never think about it
Now I can’t get it out of my mind

I’m on bended knees
Father, please

Oh, and if all this gold
Should steal my soul away
Oh, sweet mother of mine
Please redirect me in this gold…

Bartender, you see
The wine that’s drinking me
Came from the vine that strung Judas from the Devil’s tree
His roots deep, deep in the ground

Bartender, you see
The wine that’s drinking me
Came from the vine that strung Judas from the Devil’s tree
His roots deep, deep in the ground

In the Ground…

I’m on bended knees
Oh, Bartender, please

I’m on bended knees
Father, please

Such an appropriate tribute to a great guy and so true … it will sure change the way I feel when I listen to their music while training, its really inspired me for over 2 years during my running, but has new meaning now.

Well on to enjoy the rest of the day .. NO RUNNING TODAY! I expect to break 70 miles this week, a new high, I can’t wait!