Celebrating 27 with 26.2

In November, I turn 27. While every birthday should be celebrated, the number this year is somewhat unremarkable. It's two years past a quarter century, three years from the big 3-0.

Why not make this year stand out? Especially after the past few birthdays, which have been low key. When I turned 22, I was juggling a full load of classes at the University of Minnesota, spending 30 hours a week at the Minnesota Daily and interning at the Pioneer Press. I invited my friends over for a movie. They brought cake. I have a photo where I'm blowing out the candles -- in my pajamas.When I turned 24, my cousin and brother-in-law came over for waffles. On my most recent birthday, I treated myself to a roll from Bennison's Bakery, had an informational interview with someone from Chicago Public Radio in the city and met my friends for Indian. Oh, how I was craving Indian.

I've decided to celebrate my 27 years by running 26.2 miles. Call me crazy, dumb, foolish. But six weeks after I run the Chicago Marathon (10-10-10), I will toe the line of the Philadelphia Marathon (11-21-10). The race is only three days after I blow out 27 candles. How remarkable is that.