Am I ready?

Hello Dear Reader,

The question I find myself asking on an almost day-to-day basis is, "Are you ready to run the Publix Georgia Marathon?" Well this morning, Dear Reader, my an email in my inbox gave me an answer. It said, "Ready or not, here it comes!":

Can you believe it? I got my first race update! This means that it's official-the race is right around the corner!

Update #1, in addition to confirming that I've registered for the race, also gives out other interesting information:

Several enhancements are being added to the 2011 Publix Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon to improve the runner experience and celebrate the 5^th anniversary of the Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon. See below for all the details.

Publix - We welcome Publix as our new title sponsor. Learn more about Publix Super Markets Publix has been the Food Sponsor for the Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon since the inaugural year, providing a great variety of tasty fruit, yogurt, pretzels, and mini bagels to participants after you cross the Finish Line. This year, Publix is providing additional food items and a surprise 5^th anniversary treat!

Marathon and Half Marathon Shirts - The tech race shirts are different colors for Marathoners and Half Marathoners, making it easier to distinguish between the two races.

Publix Goodie Bag - Each participant will receive a commemorative drawstring goodie bag at packet pickup, courtesy of Publix.

Expo Parking - Participants will have access to a discounted parking lot for the Expo. Expo parking coupons will be available online and emailed to all participants in March.

Course Enhancements - A special "Support Station" featuring orange slices has been added to the Marathon course. A GU Station has been added to the Half Marathon course in addition to the GU

station before the Marathon/Half Marathon split.

New Medal Design - The 2011 finisher's medal designs are race specific and feature the Atlanta downtown skyline in 3D!

VIP Race Package- Looking for the ultimate race experience? New for 2011, participants have the option to purchase a special race package which includes:

• Express Packet Pick-up Line at the Expo
• Reserved Race Day Parking
• Private Restrooms
• Private Gear Check
• Pre-race Continental Breakfast
• Free Post Race Massages
• Post Race Buffet
• Printable Results Available Immediately Post Race

* Ooooh! Post Race Massages....sounds good to me!!!

Now that I have less that two months before the race, an increasing "To Do" list is being developed.

To Do

1) Book accommodation near Centinnial Olympic Park in Atlanta

2) Start thinking about my race day outfit (my friends own a company called Basotholand, Inc., which represents all that is Lesotho. They've promised me a couple of race shirts!)

3) Study and become one with the Publix Georgia Marathon race route

4) Complete my training/race plan (and I use this term loosely):

Feb 05- Sasol Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
Feb 12- Crocodilian 32 km (20 miles)
Feb 19- Winburg 10 km (6.2 miles)
Feb 27- Township 15 km (9.3 miles)
March 5- Maluti-A-Phofung Street Mile (1 mile)
March 20- Publix Georgia Marathon (26.2 miles)

5) Add more tracks to my Pavement Pounding Playlist

I'm just so excited!

Well, let me get up so that I can knock out my morning run!

Until next time...one foot in front of the other...keep it movin'!

Yours in (Publix Georgia Marathon) training,

Dani