In less than two weeks I’m going to be lacing up my shoes and stepping onto the start line at the 2008 ING NYC Marathon. As I sit in my apartment, winding down from a short and sweet taper run, I’m filled with anxiety, energy, hope, thanks, and… OCD. Yes, it’s coming down to logistics, and I’m gathering my supplies in preparation. I still have a bit more to collect, but for now I have the essentials:

Really cool shoes that make me feel like Deena Kastor

A necessary evil, the anti-chafe stick

A hero. Kara Goucher passing Paula Radcliff in the Bupa. She’ll be running her first marathon in NYC.

The miles.

A map… and a finish line

A sister to cheer me on… and drink a post race beer with me.

A plane ticket to NYC

Most importantly, $2,737 and a cause: Lung cancer research