@Couch2Kenyan now on Twitter

Almost a year off of marathon training and I’ve been welcomed back by some beautiful blisters and some burning lungs. A particularly vicious hill workout earned me my season’s first black toenail, the wicked heat means I’m still dealing with some mega Chafetoos and let’s just say my quads are so sore I had to drop some serious cash on this contraption — just so that I could rejoin my family for dinner last Sunday.

Yes, my body is screaming. But my mind is made up – each brutal workout means one step closer to a sub-4 finish at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (STWM). Right? And it’s not all bad.  I mean,  take my new warm-up routine for example. Not only does it make me super-limber, but I have it to thank for my new sponsorship deal.  I wonder what my racing singlet will look like?

Speaking of the STWM, on Tuesday race organizers announced a new course for the race. It’s awesome (Bad news angry drivers — it does not include 12 loops of High Park).  Part of the long out and back that made up most of the first half of the race is gone and in it’s place is a route that will take marathoners and half-marathoners through some of Toronto’s best areas – Church-Wellesley, Bloor-Yorkville, University of Toronto, Kensington Market and Chinatown to name a few.  Even better? The start line is still by my Dad’s office so my “secret” bathroom location remains intact. You can find it here:

More good news —  Yours truly has finally entered the new millennium and gotten a Twitter account. Bad news is, I have only one follower — Canadian Running Magazine editor Mihira Lakshman (my mum doesn’t “get” Twitter). While Mihira is one top-notch guy and I do look forward to some “Tweet” action with him, I was hoping to connect with you too. So here’s the deal: “Follow” me @Couch2Kenyan and as soon as I make it all the way up to two followers I’ll give regular updates on my road to STWM and other fun stuff. I’d also like to hear how you’re doing. So let’s get it started. Now.

If you like my blog,  drop me a line and I’ll add you to my mailing list to let you know when updates are on the site. Don’t worry, your e-mail address will be safe with me and my best Nigerian banker friends. You can also follow me on Twitter @Couch2Kenyan.