Eleven months ago I wrote this post about running the ING Miami Marathon. It started as a healthy tribute to my parents whom I lost too soon.  My siblings and I (below, I am second from the right) are the lucky souls fated to be raised by 2 of the best people to grace our planet.

Though full, this photo is missing some great mugs.  My Mom and Dad.  Gone now for nearly 17 and more than 9 years respectively, this pirate looked at 40 for a long time parent-less.  Damn.  Hard to believe so much life has happened in this span of time.  But it has.  Like a lot of life events, including training for a marathon – there are times we can feel like we are pacing the cage.

Waiting.  Chomping at the bit.  Foaming at the mouth.

Waiting to pounce.

Ready.

At the start line.

Into life.

This marathon seemed like a world away last year.  Now it’s a mere 4 weeks off.  I have 3 weeks left before I taper.  Next, I get on an airplane.  I am then out the cage.

Marathon training can be tough if not monotonous by anyone’s standards.  Here’s a brief look at some of my long runs.  In order.

Next up: 14, 20, 8, race.  My body needs this time to prepare but my mind is in the cage, pacing.

As Jimmy Buffett says:

“Pacing The Cage”
Sunset is an angel weeping, Holding out a bloody sword

No matter how I squint I cannot, Make out what it’s pointing toward