From my training tip today:

"At times, you may not progress as fast as you expected. We Americans are traditionally hyperactive and impatient. When we plant a seed, we not only want it to grow, we want it to become a tree by next week. We want results. When you start, you want to see physical and psychological benefits. But if you push too hard, you can tire yourself out and end up quitting in frustration."

I am trying to take the above advice in stride. Despite enjoying my long run this past weekend (enough to go out for a short run with my friend Cynda a couple hours after the 20-miler), and then a 3-mile run the next day...I am ready for the marathon to be over. I have pushed hard all summer, and I am ready to put my training to the test. Training is more time consuming than I thought, and I am starting to get impatient...I want to be done with the training, I want to see if it worked, and I want to know that I can finish a marathon without doubling over. It is four weeks away...not close enough.