Mr. Lincoln...you're gonna do what?

Well, it is official.  He has been talking about it for some time.  He had to be sure that he was able.  So, today is the day to share the news...Mr. Lincoln is planning on running 60 miles in honor of his 60th birthday. 

You may be asking, when is this ridiculous...uh, momentous occasion going to take place.  Next Friday, December 23.  He did not give us a lot of notice.  Of course, I knew when he ran 27 miles one Saturday morning, 30 miles the next Saturday, and 35 miles this past Saturday that he was really serious. 

I am not sure why I questioned his determination.  He ran 50 miles for his 50th birthday.  There were a lot of factors surrounding that, the main one being that his parents said he couldn't.  There were any number of responses they could have had that might have led to a different result, but when they said he could not possibly run 50 miles at the age of 50, well, if was a foregone conclusion that he would.  Another reason, the man loves a challenge.   And, make no mistake, this is a challenge.

MP and Mr. Lincoln ~ at the finish of 50 mile run ~ 10 years ago

Perhaps, the most important reason he is running 60 miles for his 60th birthday is to raise money for The Living Water Project.  I have forgotten how much he raised 10 years ago, but it was enough to build a couple of wells.  There is really no way to tell how many lives have been saved by those wells. 

I must admit that I was rather surprised this morning when he told me that my part would be in getting people to run with him and setting up a schedule.  Has he met me?  There is so much wrong with my being given this assignment that I could not possibly name them all.  But, I will name a few. First of all, I plan on still being asleep when he leaves our house at 4:00 a.m. to start these shenanigans. Secondly, I don't really run (no pun intended) in running circles.  Perhaps, I have a few friends who run, but mainly we just like to have lunch out.  Thirdly, me set up a schedule?  I know nothing of schedules.  Fourthly, he knows I am never where I am supposed to be when he runs a race.  The worst time was in Boston when I was told to have my hand on the post where people whose last names begin with "S" are supposed to meet.  I was fairly close, but not actually touching the pole.  There was quite a bit of commotion taking place behind me, and when I turned I could tell that someone had passed out and was being helped into a wheelchair.  I waited and waited in that crowd, all 5 feet 3 inches of me beneath those towering masses.  Finally, Mr. Lincoln found me.  I began to regale him with all the excitement and the story of some poor soul having passed out.  He looked at me, very unhappily, and said, "that was me!!  While I was having to stand and wait for you I fainted."  I told him I knew we should have met at the "Q" post instead.  There are a lot of last names that begin with "S."  He was not amused.

A couple years ago, Mr. Lincoln was injured and could not run.  He decided, however, to go out and cheer on his friends in the Music City Marathon.  I went along so he would not have to miss out on my sparkling personality and riveting conversation.  As we stood, trying to spot particular people in the crowd he commented on how difficult that task is.  Yeah, no joke.  Tell me something I don't already know.  I have stood in crowds searching for him so I could cheer him on for the 2 seconds he was near me, more times than I can count.  Then, I would rush to the car, drive like a maniac trying to get to the next stop with Powerade, or Gu, or a dry shirt.  A poor unsuspecting pigeon was on the business end of my Honda one day when I was making haste to get to my next stop.  I felt pretty badly about that, but like George Costanza and the squirrels, I thought we had a deal with the pigeons...they're supposed to get out of the way! 

So, December 23, 2011 will mark, I pray, a successful 60 mile run for Mr. Lincoln.  I pray he raises lots of money.  I pray he meets my requirement for his having a successful run ~ coherency on his part at the end. Coherency on my part is probably a bit too much to ask.   I pray that I am able to be good and reliable help to him, unlike his first marathon in Washington, D.C. when he ran the 26.2 miles and I stress-fractured both of my feet.  Oh, the irony!  I pray he is able to run 70 for his 70th if he wants to. 

If you are interested in running a mile or two alongside the crazy man, let me know.  He would love your company.  And, you can pick what time you wish to run ~ 4:00 a.m. is neither required nor expected.  Most of the run will take place in Belle Meade.  If you want to know more about The Living Water Project, check it out at http://thelivingwaterproject.us/

So for today, I wish you determination, realized goals, and I wish you

blessings