One week until Chicago 2011!

Almost seven months ago Lara, Brian and I made the terrible decision to run in the 2011 Chicago Marathon. Running a marathon seems to be what all of the hip kids are doing these days, and we didn't want to miss out. However, lest anyone attempt to convince you otherwise, three-hour runs in the middle of a midwestern summer are mostly unpleasant.

Each of us have had our own training challenges. Lara somehow managed to squeeze her runs in between three jobs and a full course load. Brian decided that his 14 hour days on the surgical wards weren't long enough, and concluded each evening by putting several miles of pavement behind him. Compared with those two, I probably had the easiest time of it. Nevertheless, a good chunk of my training took place in Southeast Asia (where I was traveling), in un-airconditioned rooms on treadmills from Thailand's 1980 Olympic bid. These challenges aside, we are all looking forward to 7:30am this Sunday.

Thankfully, training has almost concluded for this year's marathon, and all of the longer runs before the big one have been completed. However, one aspect of our race-day preparations has just begun. We are raising $5,000 to benefit Fundación Enciende una Luz. You can help us reach this goal by clicking the "Donate" button on the right or by mailing a check to our state-side partner. Thanks again for all of your support, and we'll be sure to keep everyone updated on race day!