So I forgot to train for the Park City Marathon

As a group of runners passed me, I waved and attempted to say, "Good morning!"

Instead, drool slid off my lower lip and I barely managed, "Goo morin" followed by some very unattractive panting.

"Are you OK?" one woman asked, as she tried unsuccessfully to hide her disgust for my inability to control my spit.

"Fing," I slobbered, smiled and waved her on, trying to figure out where I had come in contact with Novocaine.

I almost started laughing out loud, but I didn't want to raise even more suspicion about what was in my water bottle. I continued shuffling forward, up the hill, all the while wondering why exactly I was doing this.

Two weeks ago, I got an e-mail welcoming me to the Park City Marathon.

"What? Did I actually sign up for that? I know I was thinking about it. But I don't remember actually doing it."

Yes, I know it sounds implausible, but I signed up for the Park City Marathon way back in April. Then I submerged myself in triathlon training and general goofing around and absolutely FORGOT!

Once I confirmed, I was indeed signed up for the sold-out race, I quickly decided to run it anyway. After all, I didn't want to waste my $65 entry fee. Who cares if the longest distance I ran all summer was 9.5 miles? Kick biking, paddle surfing, swimming, cycling, soccer and just chasing my kids around — that all counts as training, right? Besides, I had a week and a half to get in "marathon shape."

I had a plan. I'd eat better and train like a maniac. I ran in the morning, and I went to the gym and rode the bike or worked out on the stair-climbing machines for the first four days. Then I rode jet skis and stayed up late for three days. This was followed by a six-mile run on the Wednesday before the race. I rested Thursday and Friday and ran the marathon in 5 hours and 30 minutes on Saturday. I did manage to improve my diet, although I will admit to three bags of movie popcorn. (Is it really possible to watch a movie without extra butter? I'm not even sure I want to find out.)

Race day arrived, and I showed up with a positive attitude and a fanny pack full of items I was sure would get me through 26.2 miles.

I have often wondered whether long training runs serve a real purpose. On your first marathon, I think it's critical. When you've never run more than four or five miles, it's good to know how 15 miles is going to feel. It's even better to know how 20 will feel.