Taper time

So I have decided that I want to do an ironman in 2010. I know this is a ways away, but my life is a little unstable right now with where I will be living, so I dont know that I will have time to train for one in 2009. That being said, I decided to run a couple of marathons this year to see if my body is even able to run 26.2 miles. NYC on November 2nd and Honolulu on December 14th. Yes 6 weeks apart. I think I might have a screw loose. I hate running, so the past few months have been hell for me. I have tried to whittle away my man shoulders (from a life growing up as a swimmer) so that I dont have to carry as much weight during the marathon. I have not been on a surfboard, in a pool or swimming in the ocean in weeks. I try to tell myself all day that I love running (which I dont) and that I will have a great workout (which is usually not the case). Sometimes it works, but it usually takes me downloading at least six new songs before each workout to have something to look forward to.
14 weeks after starting this training, I am finally in taper mode! And what do I do in taper mode (besides catch up on my dvr and old People magazines)? I torture my dog Nola

This is my rescued black lab from Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans (hence the name Nola). This was Tuesday night. I have been asked if she was dressed up for any reason and the answer is no. Well, other than to entertain her really bored mother. I must find new things to do with my time....