i'm about a month into the most rocking health kick i've had in a long time. my brother recently ran the boston marathon and said it was one of the coolest experiences of his life. though my rockstar (read: drunkard) lifestyle post graduation would lead you to believe otherwise, I am actually cut from the same Gorelik athletic ilk as my crazy bro. who finished the marathon in 4 hours having not trained at all! though I am quite certain that I would die if I were to attempt such an endevour without ample preparation I am confident that I could, and have every intention of running the historic 23 miles at some point in the next year. the boston marathon may be a tad ambitious as it requires a prior marathon entry as well as a qulifying time, but i am sure that even sad little tampa should have something to offer. i've been running about 5 miles 5 days a week, strength training at least once per week, watching what i eat and NOT SMOKING AT ALL and figure that if I keep this up and increase the distance i run by two miles every two months or so, i should be in pretty ok shape come this time next year. one thing that concerns me is that i absolutely cannot conceive of running without music and i don't know how people don't lose their minds working out for several hours without a thumping adrenaline pushing beat blasting through their ears and achy muscles. i hope there isn't any sort of restriction on running with an ipod in these things. on a related topic - i am sick of all my housy workout music and would love some suggestions - think fast (but not repetitive!) beat with vocals that give you chills. somehow that is what works best for me. wish me perseverance!