I’ve embarked on my training for the 2009 ING Miami Marathon.

Race day is Jan. 25, and I have my work cut out for me.

My pal Jess, who is also registered to run, is well on her way to conditioning herself for the big day.

Me? I’m more motivated to play flag football, kickball and ultimate Frisbee than run my buns off. Not sure why I can’t seem to get into the groove yet.

I did have a good run tonight, though. I was slated for six miles.

I decided to hit Bayshore after work, and it was actually pretty nice out for 6 o’clock.

I started with an 8:37 mile and gradually increased my pace, amazingly, with each subsequent. I ended with a 7:04 mile. Not too shabby.

I think I know what motivated me to finish strong.

Gnats. Thousands of them. Everywhere.

It was disgusting. I felt like I was covered in them, and I could feel them on my face.

The first one that tried to fly up my nostril freaked me out. I almost swallowed another.

Then they started congregating in my right eyeball! GROSS!

To illustrate, here is a photo of me before the run (OK, actually this was probably taken a couple of months before the run. You’ll understand in a minute.):

Now here is a photo of me after the run.

This is not a dramatization.

Believe me, I wish this weren’t accurate.