I AM getting psyched! So many nice things are happening. A very nice benefit of my summer training - my trainer's face as he saw me in person for the first time since the end of March! (he's away all racing season, but kindly kept helping via email and phone.) When I show up at the gym, the cyclists run over and say "rest phase! rest phase!" I feel the love!

Regina, thanks for checking in on the weather. I'm afraid to look. Shall we TE'ers attempt some sort of meeting? Are we all going to the breakfast in the morning?

I'm bringing my helmet to work so my dudes with brain-injury, who inspired me to start using this healthy body I'm so lucky to have - and who have cheered me on from my first struggling miles - can sign it. I told them it's so they can "tap" me on the head if I think of quitting. I call one of the guys my assistant trainer. He was a high school athlete, about to go into the Marines, when he was in a terrible car wreck. Twelve years later, he still battles to learn to walk. He has terrible memory and self-control problems, but remembers how to train and has given me absolutely priceless support and inspiration. And I swear that when I have felt overwhelmed, he's shown up in spirit.

I ordered 2 rain jackets (but it won't rain, right?) so I can pick the best. I'm going to the fabric store to get material to make some armwarmers (don't know how, but there's a sewing maching around here somewhere!)

I'm babbbling! I MUST be excited!! Gotta go!!