Dear Hamstring,

Hey buddy, how's it going? I think it's time you and I had a heart to heart. I don't speak fluent "Hamstring" so you'll have to forgive me, I'll try my best.

I know you've been going through a lot lately and you might not understand what all has been happening to you. I realize that asking you to run a marathon with me in 4 days is really asking a lot. Please know that I don't take your trepidation lightly, I'm scared too. I think we both know that neither of us are prepared to do this thing and we both are well aware that this is going to hurt. But we can do this. Well.... we are doing this. Whether or not we really can remains to be seen.

So here's where I'm asking for your help. I know this isn't ideal, it may not even be smart. I'm not asking you to break any records (but I don't want to rule anything out....hint, hint). All I can really, truly ask of you is that you do not have a major structural failure during (or after....or before) the marathon. I see this as a win/win for both of us. I mean, let's face it. A complete mechanical breakdown would only hurt us both. Nobody wins there.

Maybe you're appalled. I would expect that. I mean, I would be too if I were in your shoes. Lord knows you've been through enough lately. But what I'm asking here is that, well, that you just man up. I hope that doesn't offend you, I certainly don't mean to be crass. I just really need for you to hold yourself together for a few more days. After all this is over, I promise to let you rest, I will treat you well and when you're feeling up to it, we'll grow strong together. We'll maintain open communication with each other and I'll be open to any suggestions you might have. I won't rush you or try to push you into doing something you don't want to do.

So...just this once. Please? Afterwards I promise to play nice.

Thanks for understanding.

Love, Me.

P.S. You've been doing great lately! Looking good, keep it up!

P.P.S. Sorry, I don't know what to do about the shoe thing.

P.P.P.S. If you could somehow let me know whether you do or do not appreciate ice, that would be great. Like blink once for yes, twice for no or something. Thanks. I'll leave you alone now.