On the eve of madness...

Well, the time has come, where did it go?  It always goes fast when you want it slow.

Yep, T minus 38 hours and counting until the starting gun, here in Honolulu, HI.

Am I ready?  As ready as I'll be for this race.  I'm pumped, I have clothes, shoes, and an awesome partner in crime about to arrive in Honolulu to join me.  I've got granola and yogurt for a 3am chowdown on Sunday morning, plenty of Powerade to fuel the legs and keep us hydrated, and am in a healthy state of mind.

Fundraising is almost done - I'm within a hair of meeting the minimum commitment, but that's neither here nor there.  It's paid for, I'm sure I'll see the visa statement at some point when I return home.

Actually, that brings up a good point: I'd like to thank everybody who's been so supportive throughout this process.  Specifically, I'd like to thank the following people - for inspiration, donations, kind words of encouragement, or just being really cool people.

Venkat Rangan - the founder and CTO of the company I work for, this man is a running machine.  He ran a marathon last weekend, at 51 years old, and turned in a time of 3:28.  Crazy.  Venkat was also my first work donor, and contributed his ill-gotten gains from our world cup pool to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.


The following individuals from work who contributed to the cause - all without solicitation - Daniel Sternbergh, Patrick Murphy, Kamal Shah, Doug Royer, Dan Taylor, Meena Srinivasan, Valli Mylvara, Jason Reeve, Jason Carrico, Diana Lustenader, Spike, and Michael Garcia.  Doug was also very helpful on the "what drugs to take to help you prepare" front.  Thanks to all those who are shouldering the load as I take a few days off for the 3 Rs (rest, relaxation, recovery) - Mike, Cat, Amy, Soumitro, Meena, Kalanea, Hongou, Imad, Subrah, Pradeep, Michael, and Randy.


To KQ and Ledi, thank you both for your donations and for inspiring and encouraging me to join TNT.  I appreciate the support, and realize that though sometimes things don't work out, I am thankful for your respective impacts on my life.  I wouldn't be the person I am today in the position I'm in without your help.

To Paul & Erika, you guys are just awesome.  It was nice to be able to spend the holiday weekend with you; thanks for opening your home and your hearts to me.  You'll always have a very special place in my heart.  Burger, Snoozin, same to you: I can't wait until next time I'm down under and have a chance to see you guys again.

To Carrie, you're an inspiration to us all.  Your story is so compelling and your heart is so true.  I think you have a future on the motivational speaker circuit, and I'll be on the sidelines cheering you along when you are ready to run a marathon.

And finally to my running mate, Carolyne: I'm psyched to run alongside you this weekend, and am tremendously happy to have you in my life.

Thanks to everybody - hopefully I haven't forgotten anybody.  If I have, please slap me upside of the head and I'll call you out later.

Wish us luck :)