Bringing in the Reinforcements

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I invited my sister in San Gabriel to come to the Long Beach marathon in about three weeks. I also alerted my parents in Lake Forest. If they show, it would be the first time either's seen me run. Meantime, I just stumbled upon this story about the marathon and immediately saw a surge in the psych factor. Hallelujah. Mind and body remain ready to tackle this weekend's crucial 20- to 22-miler.

Potential family (the Blacksburg, Va. clan) appearance on ESPN Game Day this weekend. Stay tuned for details.

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