Today is...

MY BIRTHDAY! And while I am heading out the door to meet friends for dinner at Big Jones, followed by cocktails at Marty's Martini Bar...I leave you with this email I just received as part of the AIDS Marathon weekly e-newsletter...I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, it really makes me feel good about running 4-hours in a marathon and describes how I feel about another birthday...hehe;

"EVERYBODY POOPS
If you have a small child or a pet, you surely know this. But maybe you didn't know how common "runner's trots" are. As running is an up and down motion that jars the body and your digestive system, it is not that uncommon for runners, even the elite, to experience bouts of diarrhea during a training run or the race itself - or the sudden and terrible urge to sprint towards the bathroom. Now, maybe you're saying, "It won't happen to me." Hmmm, that's what they all say. Well, I've seen it and almost experienced it first- hand. If it happens to you, don't feel bad, it's a running badge of honor (like blisters, black toenails, and bloody nipples). But just the same, chances are you'll want to avoid it. So here ya go:
Runner's trots can be caused by too much caffeine, alcohol or fiber in the days or hours leading up to a run - so avoid these things. You also want your dinner the evening before to be early and light.
If you're lactose intolerant, dairy may be the culprit.
And here's one that may seem obvious: try to allow plenty of time before a run to go to the bathroom. Wake up early for breakfast and give yourself a chance to "go."
Carry toilet paper or tissues in your pack, its okay to run into the bushes or behind a tree when nature REALLY calls! You can get Charmin' To Go at drug stores in the travel section (It's a mini-roll that you can carry easily).
If you do experience a bout with runner's trots while on the trail, it may be necessary to stop your run for that day. Although minor cases of diarrhea (usually just from nerves for that days run) are not enough to end your run, if you are experiencing severe stomach problems you should not continue on your run as it could lead to dehydration. "