This is going to sound crazy, but the highlight of my day was getting ding dong ditched. I had thought the best part of my last Monday of marathon training had passed when I left Urban Escape Fitness at 11am. My final session with Heather was action-packed. I worked every possible muscle group while seated or lying, plotted final week tapering and race strategy, and discussed both current and old-school playlist additions. I left the studio knowing that the next time I set foot inside, training for Portland will be a not long past memory.

After dinner I was sitting with my ankle elevated and a glass of wine in hand, reflecting on the complexity of my 18-week journey (while also contemplating having some chocolate) when the doorbell rang. “Huh? What?” my kids, husband and I silently exchanged. After minutes of deliberation it was decided that CMB should get the door since 1) it was dark, 2) he is a strapping 6 foot tall fellow and 3) the Boogie Man might get us. What he found on the front doorstep was not a ghoul or a solicitor, but a large gift bag unaccompanied by a human being. And it was for ME!

My incredibly generous friend turned pre-teen prankster, rang our bell and disappeared into the night leaving behind a Good Luck On Your Marathon/Welcome Back To Your Social Life present. In case you’ve never been fortunate enough to receive one of these beauties, here’s what was inside: wine, candies, various home entertaining supplies, bubble bath, hair products (because when I’m not working out I very much care about how my hair looks- like really a lot), and a giant martini glass.

The best part of this well planned surprise (besides it being well planned and a surprise) were the personalized notes she attached to each item. I teared up as I carefully unwrapped each treasure and thought about all the things this heartfelt gesture meant. Here is a friend who really knows who I am (a vain lush) and still likes me, is so supportive (she’s patiently listened to me complain about training more than a couple of times), who took the time out of her extremely busy schedule (she works full-time, in the city, and has 2 kids and a husband) to make me feel special, and who really can’t wait to drink 2 bottles of wine with me next week (cheers- neither can I). Thank you- JBD! And to everyone else- I could get used to such treatment. (I’m just sayin’)