Catching Up

I know it’s been a while since my last post – I suppose I need an editor hounding me with a specific deadline for a piece. But for those of you who are committing vast portions of your otherwise busy lives to check in with me (I think at last count there were four), here is a bit of an update on the latest goings-on in my 3-Day world.

First of all, thanks so much to all of you who have made generous donations to the 3-Day in my name. Currently, my personal fundraising total stands at $670. That’s already nearly 1/3 of my target of $2,200 – and after only a little over a month of “official” fundraising. I greatly appreciate every dollar, as well as the continued well wishes from those who are unable to contribute financially. It makes walking all those miles all the more easier.

Secondly, after several months of off-season workouts, I’ll be starting my official training within the coming weeks. But first, I need a new pair of shoes. I hope to pick those up this weekend. For any of you who still need new shoes (or even just an extra pair), please feel free to join me at a shoe clinic on May 10th, at Marathon Sports in Minneapolis, where you can get fitted for the perfect shoe and save 30% on all purchases that day, just for being a 3-Day participant. For more details, go to the following link on the official 3-Day web site:

http://08.the3day.org/site/Calendar/1440358354?view=Detail&id=106781

Thirdly, not that this has anything directly to do with the 3-Day, but exactly six months (or 26 weeks or 182 days) ago today, I was notified that my employer no longer required my services. I have enjoyed my time away from the rat race (as well as my generous severance package) and have tried to prepare myself for the next chapter of my career (i.e., sit around all day and read or take long walks on sunny afternoons). Actually, the long walks have done much to keep me mindful of the 3-Day training that lay ahead (as if I really needed reminding). And I hope to re-enter the world of gainful employment soon – that is, after I complete a few more of the chores I've been putting off for the past few months. ;-)

Lastly, to my friends on the Twin Cities 3-Day team “Hawaiian Ohanas”, yesterday (May 7, 2008) was indeed an historic date. Since 2004, the first year that the 3-Day was held in the Twin Cities, some portion of that team has gathered together on a monthly basis for dinner and cocktails; to tell stories (and lies) and keep up with each other’s personal lives; to share information about training and fundraising; and to just share each other’s company. Since our first “official” monthly get-together in November 2004, one person has attended every gathering. (One could question this person’s quality of life, if one were so inclined.) However, after 42 consecutive months, this Cal Ripken, Jr. “Iron Man”-like streak has ended, due to illness. Yes, my friends, I was unable to take my place in the lineup…or, perhaps more appropriately, take my seat at the bar. I assure you, I will be fine in a few days. But I must pass the torch on to whomever wishes to claim the longest active streak. (Jim, I think that’s you.) May you bear it as proudly as I have, lo these past years, and wear it as a badge of honor (or dishonor, whichever you prefer).

All right, I can now truly say that spring has arrived here in MN and there WON’T be any more snow (trust me), so I look forward to taking you with me out on the road to the 3-Day during this “summer of love” (as in, “I love to walk, I love to walk, I love to walk, I love…”).


Scott’s Official Twin Cities 3-Day Countdown: 134 days until Day 1