Update: Less Than Two Months Til Kentucky.

So. It’s Leap Day. I woke up this morning thinking of Leap Day William and that I have a couple of friends who are turning 7 on this fine Wednesday.

And then it hit me—Kentucky Derby Marathon is less than two months away. Frightening? Maybe a little. Exciting? Absofreakinlutely. And let’s talk about why I’m just getting so stinkin’ stoked, shall we?

1. This winter has been a delight to train in as we have had several days highs in the 50s (although we were under a “winter watch” this morning but I use the term lightly—hence the quotes). Doesn’t sound so bad, does it? Sure there has been the occasional 15˚F training run but overall this winter training season has been exceptional. It may as well be sunny Florida compared to last year’s abysmal season complete with a mass transit shutdown/hysteria due to snow.

Sure, it's pretty. Until trash starts to pile up on it.

2. I don’t have a groin pull. Let us all take a brief moment to find a plank of wood and knock on it (thanks). In all seriousness though, I was in complete misery last year. I had to stay off of it for two weeks, wasn’t allowed to do yoga or stretch and when I did come back to running, all of my training runs were sluggish and slow.

This year I’ve been able to enjoy my long runs and my speed work. For instance, on Tuesday I ran a series of 800s and they went swimmingly.

Hey there, consistency.

and last but certainly not least, 3. I get to share my KY Derby Marathon experience with one of my greatest friends Katie. Last year, Katie ran the NYC Half Marathon with me (my first, her second) and she was a true inspiration. I am truly honored—not only to have a friend like her—but to be with her during her first marathon.

My first medal!

And to boot, Katie raises money for each of her races to various charities.

For the Derby Marathon, Katie has chosen to run for a dear friend of ours, who’s mother was diagnosed with Neuromyelitis optica (NMO). To quote GuthyJacksonFoundation.org, “NMO is a disease syndrome of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. In the disease process of NMO, for reasons that aren’t yet clear, immune system cells and antibodies attack and destroy myelin cells in the optic nerves and the spinal cord.” Help support Katie by visiting her donations page here. She’s a stud.

So. Less than two months to go. I’m really getting stoked. Not only because I hope to actually enjoy the entire marathon without having hip pain, but because I get to hang with some of my most favorite people in the entire world. And that makes for a stupendous experience. And one happy Abbe Lew.