Not everything in Kansas is Flat.

Tonight, somewhere in the 8 o'clock hour, we board a plane and head to Kansas City. Typically, I have no problems with this ritual. I love going home and seeing family and friends. I do, however, have a problem with getting on a plane after finally watching the first few episodes of LOST. If our plane snaps in half and I end up in the tropical land with rampid polar bears and gargantuan wild boars, I am seriously going to be ticked off. Ok people?

So just cross your crossables that we take off and land with ease.

The plan is to go running in the morning [with my secret plan to hit Lawrence by noon...I don't think Mike will object]. Not everything in Kansas is flat, kiddos. My parents neighborhood is insanely hilly. I'm talking the only flat straight aways in the place are for MAYBE 100-150 yards...lots of ups and downs. So we're giong to count this as our hill training for the month (I.HATE.HILLS.) Here's an older satellite photo of the area...it's hard to tell, but it's absolute torture and insanity. The neighborhood is far more developed now...the entire right side is filled with houses. Google Maps needs to update their satellite feed!

I also want to take a quick moment and plug a fast little PSA about something going on down at the Univ. of Kansas the next few days. This guy I knew in undergrad, Richie Friesner, is going to be running up and down Jayhawk Blvd (the main stretch of campus) for the next three days in hopes of raising $3000 for the Jubilee Cafe (provides food to the homeless). He'll be running 22 hours each day, stopping only to nap and eat. He's an amazing ultramarathoner and finished Boston a few weeks ago in 3 hours. You can read the full article here. If you have a little change in your pocket, the Jubilee Cafe could really use your support. If you're interested in contributing to the cause, let me know and I'll point you in the right direction. Perhaps you could donate to Richie as your contribution to the BlogFather's Running Skirt Challenge?! Seriously...who doesn't want to see Mark running in a skirt? But what Richie is doing is a great thing. I'm hoping we can make it up to campus to join him in a lap or two.

In other news...I'm excited to share that one of my fabulous mentees has started a running blog. Pop on over and say hi to Margie.

Wednesday: 1.5 mile walk with the dog...around the city...played at the Newberry Library Park...he was one pooped out puppy.

I'll update from Kansas...see you on the flip side!