<p>momoftwins: Good running shoes that match your daughters biomechanics are essential for marathon running. Running shoes that fit properly and match your daughters foot strike should not need to be broken in. Ideally she should have two pairs and alternate them. As soon as they start to break down they should be replaced.</p>
<p>Ann- love the advertisement on the above site for "Dead Runners Society"....that would be me....I get exhausted just thinking about it all- and to go 26 miles? Now that is nuts! (Hope she leaves 'em all in the dust!!!)</p>
<p>navy2010: "and to go 26 miles? Now that is nuts!" </p>
<p>No it's just far enough to give you a real sense of achievement but not as mindblowing as an ultramarathon - now those guys and gals that go 100 miles - that's nuts!</p>
<p>MOT: I had to laugh. My son, who has expressed no interest in getting dirty in years past, over the break said that Marine artillery looked interesting. </p>
<p>This from the kid who thinks Physics, Chemistry, Calculus, and Roman History are "not really" that hard. Since physics involved the movement of big things like shells, he figured it would be fun to fire big guns. We reminded him that Marines slept on the ground, went days without showers, and generally grunted a lot. It did not sound intellectually stimulating to me. He shrugged ol' dad's comments off. </p>
<p>I think the interest has passed, but you never know. Strange things these Academies do to the heads of our children.</p>
<p>Bill0510: there is something soothing about rolling around in the mud- some people pay lots to do just that! Just think- he won't have to pay a thing! And he can keep his mud on as long as he wants! Just make sure you stay upwind!</p>
<p>All along our son has been talking about surface ships- just when I get on board with the idea, we take him to a football game where the blue angels fly over- and he says to us he thinks he will try that, because "I think a ship might get boring after awhile." Planes- marines- rolling in mud- running marathons- what is it with these adrenalin junkies? I must admit, though, their entheusiasm is contagious!</p>
<p>Bill, that's so funny about the mud. Actually that was never her problem. I remember all the little softball players who loved practicing sliding and then bragging about whose uniform was dirtier. But I recently heard the words, "I may major in Engineering." Who IS that girl?</p>
<p>Another bubble wrap moment. I thought of you all when dd got back from a solo flight to an airport that she's never seen. She overflew the area a few weeks ago, but mentioned that she could never spot the airport. Good thing she found it this trip! And then she went double black skiing with college friends. And then swam 8000 yards. She decided to skip kayaking last night... ;-)</p>