For the next 4 months my life will revolve around training for the Las Vegas Marathon.  I’ve done the half marathon 3 times before.  This will be my first marathon in Vegas.  There are a couple of notable differences this year.  First, there is no Half Marathon only the full.  Second, the course will be a loop course starting and finishing in front of the Mandalay Casino rather than point to point course starting half way between Vegas and the small town of Jean.

This year’s race is being heavily promoted by the organizers “Devine” racing to being the first time in its 23 year history that the marathon will run right down the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.  Any woman or man who can break the world record will be awarded 1.5 million dollars.  Now, if you were anywhere near a world class marathoner, you would be training for this race as we speak! 

To run a marathon one has to be focused and completely dedicated.  The only possible way to survive and complete a marathon is if you put in the miles and miles of training before hand.  In my infinite wisdom, one year I decided to attempt to do the LA marathon with no training.  On that day it was also the 2^nd hottest day in LA Marathon history.  Needless to say, I finished with a horrible time and I suffered major heat exhaustion at the end. 

People run in races for different reasons.  Some like the competition, the thrill of a race, the challenge to run faster times or they just enjoy the excitement of the finish!

I like to run in races because I like the idea of having a goal to train for.  I like the camaraderie of belonging to a group of people with similar interests.  I like the thrill and challenges of racing and the satisfaction and relief of the finish! 

These reasons are put to the test at the beginning of every race.  Each year I’ve done the Vegas half marathon I always say this is the last time.  Being forced to wake up at 4:00 a.m. in the morning, in 35 degree temperature and herded in yellow school buses and dropped off in the middle of the desert. 

Today, I was saddened to hear about the bombing attacks that occurred in London’s very busy Underground system. 

There are a myriad of ways in which one can show their patriotism!  During my early morning run yesterday, I found this huge American flag spread out on the sands of Hermosa Beach.  

I also observed some other creative ways along the strand in which people celebrated.  For many, this day will also mean getting together with family/friends for a barbeque or watching a fireworks display!

My thoughts on this very special day of patriotism and celebration were on the many men and women overseas.  Hoping they return safely.

It's looking to be a great weekend for the 4th of July.  The fun, the sun, the pacific ocean at our feet and the smell of coppertone lotion No. 30.  It’s going to get crazy on Monday.  On this day the volleyball courts will be busy and there will be coolers filled with ice cold drinks.  All the joggers, cyclists, volleyball players and in-line skaters will converge onto the Hermosa Beach Strand to see and be seen.  You just have to love it! 

As the day draws to its end, we’ll be treated to spectacular fireworks that will light up the sky.  Happy Independence Day “America!”