4 Things learned before 9:12am, 5 days before a 31st birthday

1. Live Dixieland Jazz is the best running music ever. Ever. Just as you are rounding out the first mile, and you keep getting passed by 7-year-olds, and the sun is hot and the road seems long...Dixieland Jazz will make it all okay.

2. Don't accept gatorade on the hoof.

3. You know all that stupid cheering at you see being done from the sidelines at races? That feels inexplicably good. I mean, so good it sends chills down my back.

4. No matter what, you can find the strength to keep your head up and run through the finish line.