So, on the way home from my DNF on Sunday, Bill said (as if trying to console me), “I know what will make you feel better? I have a way to help you run a sub four hour marathon.”

“Here we go again,” I said. “How many times do we have to go over this, Bill?” But as I glanced at him, I saw he had a smirk on his face. So I waited.

“Just hear me out,” he replied, putting his hand up in the air the way he does when he wants me to be patient.

“Okay. Go,” I said taking a breath.

“Let’s do a relay. You can do one half of the race in 2:15 and I’ll do the other half in 1:45.” I could see he was please with himself for coming up with this idea. Not wanting to burst his bubble, I played along.

“2:15, huh? I could probably do that, though I haven’t run a half in that time since my 20s. What are the rules?” You never want to make a deal with Bill without hammering out the rules first. We spent the next half hour discussing the agreement. What would be our training to get ready? What happens if we do it (the reward/celebration)? What happens (and more importantly, what does NOT happen–sulking, verbally picking on each other) if we don’t pull it off?

In the end, we have an agreement! We’ll find a relay in the next few weeks, I’ve started my training (tell you about that tomorrow) and we know the rewards and consequences of great success and (what I like to call) imperfect success. What fun! This could be my first four-hour marathon. ;}

What’s your next challenge??