the mock-up.

I seem to have fallen into a pattern of running Boston every two years; it lets me alternate running winters with skiing winters (or, more accurately, winters spent trying to avoid shin splints with winters spent trying to avoid concussions). The weather tends to screw me over either way.

2007 (a non-marathon year) was, at first, no exception: I spent December and January staring longingly at my untouched skis and scowling at cheerful runners bouncing down Mass Ave in shorts. "Wow!" people would tell me. "What excellent weather to train in (and what lousy weather for skiing)! Bet you wish you were doing the marathon this year!"

I agreed with them until this week, when the weather, finally, came 'round to my side. I could not be happier that I skipped the marathon this year. See you in '08.

This, by the way? Unacceptable.