Where Would You Go?

Even though I haven't blogged since Friday, my foot, my friends, is fine. Nate kept me off the long run on Sunday just in case, but I've been good to go ever since and even managed not to fall on my face. Some days, it's the small things, you know?

I rocked my 40-minute progression run for speed work yesterday morning, and did not at all feel the urge to punch or insult anyone afterward, which is fortunate because yesterday was also Brian's birthday. Saying "happy birthday," then kicking him in the shins would have been so me, circa 1989 (flirting is an acquired skill), so I'm glad I was all about the peace, love, and chocolate cake after my run.

For some reason, in the past year, I've had speed work on our birthdays. On mine in September, I crossed the puke threshold and didn't finish the run. That totally killed my plans to get drunk and puke later in the day, so it was a double misfortune.

On Henry's birthday, I didn't throw up, but I celebrated his day with a run that reminded me just how easy his birth was. Someone really must come up with an epidural for 4 x 4 milers. Or at least hand me a cute baby to cuddle afterward.

After my run yesterday, I spent the rest of the day drooling over Brian's present, which he totally deserves, but which I want, too, being as we're equal partners and all that jazz. We are the last to the smart phone party, so I got him a G1, and now he has something to glue his eyes to while I slave in the kitchen and raise his child.

I'm really good at guilt.

Brian keeps reminding me that I don't get a G1 because I am getting my once-in-a-lifetime trip this summer, which is going to cost as much as the number of G1s we could line up between our house and my destination. That shuts me up right quick, but I still want that phone.

Here's the deal: I get a 2 1/2 weeks to go anywhere I want to run. Anywhere. This is my celebration for finishing the book and an opportunity to deal with some mental junk by way of a certain degree of personal challenge--and probably a lot of weird bugs and stuff.

Before I tell you where I'm going, I'm really curious about where other people would go if you had the amazing gift that I've received--the option to run anywhere in the world for 2 1/2 weeks.

I'm going to mention a few options I've explored, and you can guess where I'm going and then say where you'd go. Fun, no? Please play along so I don't feel like a loser with no friends at her birthday party.

1. Run the Inca Trail

2. Run the Great Tibetan Marathon (or Half-Marathon)

3. Run the Australian Outback on the Larapinta Trail

4. Run tracks (trails) around New Zealand

5. Run the Big Five Marathon in Africa


As you can see, I'm not messing around with this trip. It is worth so much more than some stupid phone.

If I can get 20 people to comment with guesses, I'll tell you tomorrow where I'm headed. If you're one of the few who already know, just tell us where you'd like to go in the world to run.