Go, Carmen, Go!

MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR, CARMEN, IS TRAINING FOR HER FIRST MARATHON! SHE'S OUT THERE, IN THE WIND AND COLD TEMPS, HUFFING OUT THOSE MILES, ONE AT A TIME...LIKE A CHAMPION, I MIGHT ADD. SHE DID 18 TODAY! EIGHTEEN MILES! FIRST-TIME EVER! I DON'T THINK SHE CAN BELIEVE HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS, EITHER.

I CAUGHT UP WITH CARMENT TODAY. SHE WAS ON MILE 5 OR 6, AND I WAS JUST STARTING MY FIRST OF 17. WE RAN A BIT TOGETHER BEFORE BRANCHING OFF. HER STEPS ARE METHODICAL AND DELIBERATE, LIKE ANY CHAMPION.

CARMEN, EVEN OUR KIDS ARE CHEERING YOU ON. THEY COULDN'T WAIT TO TELL ME HOW WELL YOU DID, WHEN I RETURNED HOME, AFTER MY 17 MILES. THEY'RE PROUD OF YOU, TOO.

YOU'RE A STUD...AND AN INSPIRATION!