Do you every have those days when you can't hit the bottom of the trash can with that balled up piece of paper sitting an inch away tryng to be like Mike ( you know, Michael Jordan )?

Yep, I had that day yesterday on my 10 mile leg. I knew it before I ran, which isn't a good sign. DEAD LEGS!! The first time since the run began. I asked for it having begun doing two-a-days ( e.i. running 7 miles in early a.m., then my 10 mile leg ) for two weeks.

I was ready to bail. I even told Doc John following with me on his bike, that I can't do this. Tell the support team to get someone to run the last 4 miles of my 10 miler. I felt like my legs were carrying cement weights. The first time I had actually gone into the "stinkin' thinkin', whining mode. People who know me know that is not my style.

So. the support van went back to get my teammate, Jason, to finish the last portion of my run. Jason, the Canadian, is young. As in 33, I believe, but compared to my 40 years of running and age 60, he is YOUNG, like in legs bounce back quicker and can do 20 milers back to back if needed. Don't get me wrong, I can still do this too, but NYET TODAY!

As Murphy's Law would have it, Jason didn't show up until I finished the whole 10 miler. I mean what are you going to do, sit down and wait or just keep running until they bring him to me. Well. they brought him, except I had made it. Oh, well.

You see, I was on defense today. It was dull, boring, painful at times, just plodding attention to duty. It was grit and detemination and perseverance. It required simply an act of will. Defense is work. I had no other choice, well actually I did but my stubborness kept me running, plodding, yes, hoping they would bring Jason to me to finish my leg, but I finished before they got to me. Are you getting this? Oh, and thanks Jason for your willingness to step in. Fate just didn't allow it. Your time will come and I will be there if you need me my friend and any of my other teammates. I know you don't think you will need me because you are YOUNG!!!! Hey, I remember those days and too do all my running buddies back in North and South Carolina.

I don't believe there is a day you can't play defense. All you need is the decision to put out, to give 100% when you feel like giving up. To be honest, I would rather be on offense where there is that feeling of being able to run forever at a fast clip and joy all around.

Not today, though. Well, now I gear up again for the 3pm- 9pm leg. I run first after having run last. I am focusing harder as I think of words such as "light, easy, relax, cool" and visualizing waterfalls, trees blowing in the cool wind, music, etc. I think you get the picture.

I have taken an oath of sorts for this run, that what has to be done has to be done. We have a mission as global messengers to spread. You know it all too well. If not, go to blueplanetrun.org and read about it, follow our route, read our blogs, read our team ( my team is the Great Green Team ) daily theme, e-mail me.

Play defense and give 100%. Enjoy your play, your offense... a gift to each of us that can be taken away at the drop of a hat. Each day a GIFT, to be embraced! Think of those who are without offense and do what you can to assist.

Peace and daily blessings to you and yours!