Snow! And undecided on 2009 New York City Marathon

Had a nice snowstorm today.  Maybe 7 or 8 inches in NYC.  I love the snow.  Love being out in the snow, driving in the snow, playing in the snow, digging out of the snow, etc.  My kids both had snow days, but my office was open.  So, I trudged into work in the snow.  Did leave early, at 3pm, to get home in time to take my 7 year old out to play in the snow a bit.  She had a great time.  I made snowballs for her, so she could throw them at me.  Then we went to the drugstore for a snack (Entenmann’s chocolate chip cookies) and she also picked out a special pencil.  It was a nice father/daughter outing.

Then had to then drive to my house in New Jersey to dig out my driveway and sidewalk.  Wow there was a lot of snow there.  It is a few miles from the coast, in Little Silver.  I would estimate 15 inches – or maybe more?  See picture of deck furniture below.  The shoveling was a hard job, but still fun in an odd way.  I think my arms will be very sore tomorrow.  Good thing I’m running tomorrow night and not scheduled for the gym.

Finally, regarding running, I’m extremely undecided about the NYC Marathon.  I’m horrified at how expensive it has gotten.  Used to be a no brainer to run every year if I could get an automatic entry.  However, at $138, plus the $11 registration fee, it is no longer a no brainer.  I’ve already paid $225 (I think) for the NYC Triathlon, plus the fee for the Austin Marathon.  Plus, I’m planning at least 2 bi/tri preps before the NYC Triathlon, which are also expensive.  In addition, I finally beat 4:30 in my last marathon, so I’m not sure I have anything else to prove.  On the other hand, I’ve got the automatic entry this year and probably should take advantage of it in case I don’t get the 9 NYRR races in this year.  Also, I’m on a marathon roll, and if I push hard, maybe I can get my time down to 4:15, which would be amazing.  Anyway, I have until the end of April to decide.  Could go either way…