Alright, that's enough of the blank screen...

Poetry output has been minimal since marathon training began back in March. I have a few scribbled on post-its and stuck in my variety of cute purses. I should really get a secretary...

Marathon training. I started in March with 1 mile. I just completed a 21-mile stint and the Portland Marathon is this Sunday. An amazing program (www.portlandfit.com). It has really been life-altering.

I went to the Marathon Expo today to get my number (5252!) and a bunch of freebies. I was also asked to write about my experiences for the Walk About Magazine, which is edited by two of the coaches. I may volunteer my editorial and publishing skills to them next year. Maybe all that work with health magazines won't have been in vain after all!

My off-season will consist of continued walking with a few of my newfound friends and a return to fencing. I expect to love the sport so much that I'm already planning for next year. Las Vegas in late January is a possibility.

That rumor that marathoning is addictive? Totally true. I want to be the woman who is running her upteenth marathon at the age of 76, who doesn't look a day over 40. She's in our group. She's amazing.

I've also decided to add a new topic to this site ('Journal'), which I'll use to do these more typical blog-like entries. The work on the new novel is proceeding on schedule. I'm in the process of making my winter reading list, with an anticipated writing start date in 2005. I will be sure to update on its progress. Not sure yet whether I will post bits and pieces of it here or not. It has undergone some major reorganization of structure since I last talked about it.

I think the marathon has been a surprising help in the creative process as well, come to think of it...