Don't The Packers Know That I Need To Sleep?

So, this is it. The calm before the storm. The night before the dawn. High drama.

After work I went down to the Union to pick up my packet. I also picked up my friend Chad's and my wife's. And when I say "packet," I really mean "not-packet." Seriously, it was just our bib number and shirt. The shirt is actually kind of lame. Bummer.

And I'm standing there balancing a stack of three shirts and bibs and I'm like, "Uh, do you have a bag I could put these in?" One lady said no right off the bat. Luckily I didn't have to break out the "I only have one hand!" card because another lady decided to find one in the back. Really? No bags?? Kind of surprised me. I also saw a friend from high school, Kyle, and scared her half to death. I snuck up beside her while she was getting her stuff and said, "Can I see your ID, ma'am?" It was great to see her!

Plus, downtown was crazy. The students are all moving in, so there were people everywhere. I got to see two of them totally fall off the curb because they weren't paying attention and then give the curb that look like, "Dude, what the H?"

After that, I went to meet Julie and the kids at our favorite park. On top of that, I used our free KFC dinner coupons finally. It was perfect. All except for the eating-the-KFC part. Note to self: don't eat KFC the night before a race. Actually, don't eat KFC the night before anything. As soon as I got in my car and started driving home, my stomach was like, "What the H? Get this S outta me!" And I did.

I stopped at Walgreens on the way home and was going to get a watch to time the race, but nothing caught my eye. It's been a challenge to find a good watch for me, because they don't really make them for people with one hand. I'm not even joking! Almost every watch has the "mode" button on the top right, which is nearly impossible for me to use. So, I didn't get a watch. And, in retrospect, I'm glad. I haven't timed myself (during my runs) this whole time, so why start now?

And now...I'm going to interview myself:

How are you feeling?

I'm kind of nervous, but not too bad. I think it's going to be fun. I'm actually more curious as to how my nerves are going to affect my run.

Do you think your training was adequate?

For sure. I know I can do it. I'm a little leary of the hills, but I'm sure it'll be fine.

Are you going to wear those sweet vintage shorts you wore for the Polar Plunge?

I wish. I'm going with what got me here. Including my stinky, green headband.

What are you going to listen to while you run?

I'm actually super excited! As I've mentioned before, I usually listen to Stuff You Should Know with Chuck and Josh and tomorrow will be no different. And the reason I'm excited is because the new episode is called "How Muppets Work." "Jim Henson's Muppets, including the beloved Kermit the Frog, first came to life in the mid-1950s. Join Josh and Chuck as they explore the history and nitty gritty details of the world's most famous puppets..." Booyah!

Then I'm going to try and run to the finish listening to "Reason to Believe" by Dashboard Confessional. I love it. I played it for Julie and she was like, "Are you serious? That's perfect!" Here are the lyrics:

Oh sweet lungs don't fail me now
Your burning has turned into fear
That trails me in my every step
I'm moving quick but you're always on my heels

Just one more breath, I beg you please
Just one more step, my knees are weak
My heart is sturdy but it needs you to survive
My heart is sturdy but it needs you

Breathe, don't you want to breathe?
I know that you are strong enough to handle what I need
My capillaries scream, there's nothing left to feed on
My body needs a reason to cross that line
Will you carry me there one more time?

Steady lungs, don't fail me now
I feel you bursting but you won't let me die
Fill me up with every step
I'm feeling sick, but I'm leaving it behind

Just one long breath I beg you please
Just one more step you are not weak
My legs are sturdy but they need you to survive
My heart is sturdy but I need you

Breathe, don't you want to breathe?
And know that you are strong enough to handle what I need
My capillaries scream, there's nothing left to feed on
My body needs a reason to cross that line
Will you carry me there once more?

I have reason to believe that I have victories to taste
I can feel them on my teeth, upon my lips and in my chest
I can roll them on my tongue, they are more supple than defeat
I feel the tension in my lungs and every move is fueled by my resolve to

Breathe, don't you want to breathe?
I know that you are strong enough to handle what I need
My capillaries scream, there's nothing left to feed on
My body needs a reason to cross that line
Will you carry me there one more time?

I'm looking forward to the taste of victory.

Here's to my first 5k!