My friend Jen was listening to Jouney at work yesterday and I came to the lyrics of one of the songs in my head. Now I am more of a harder rock type of guy- think linken park, Disturbed, Beastie Boys. But somehow I find some of my most influencial songs to be slightly slower. Noises 10 The Distance on my homepage. You got to check them out! Anyways, I am packing up and heading west…. Two State closer to Beijing. I am really excited about where I am at training wise, and also mentally. I guess you have to just go to this race like any other- do the training, be smart, and well, go for it. Guts and Glory, That is what it is about now. Dont stop believing!!! and I am not. Everyday is about having one less day for the chance I have worked my whole career for. And not one day do I not train with that in mind. I get a lot of questions- Am I nervous? No, I am not. I have done the training and my body has raced enough to be familiar with the format. What about the pollution? Well, we all have to race in it. So I feel that a stronger mental attitude will help so I have that and am ready to go. Will the kids come? No, the kids are staying home with Grandma and Grandpa. I know Lachey will be cheering at the computer and peyton, well she will most likely be asleep so she wont know the difference. I want Kelly to be able to enjoy the race and help me out so we felt it was the best decision. Hope that answers some questions and well, I best get packing as it takes me a while. I know, you would think with all the traveling I do, I would be an expert packer, ah, no. So I will try to update as the travels happen and such, but know that I am off to represent the red, white and blue, the only way I know how to race… 100% from the gun with the smarts of 15 years of this racing stuff! BIG MATTY REED OUT

Okay there are sponsors and then there are SPONSORS. I am one lucky man to have the companies I have believing in me. Not only do they make amazing products and have amazing people working for them, but they truly understand athletics and the high level of competition. This past week, I decided having my running advisor Bobby McGee at the Games would be a vital asset to me. I want to leave no stone unturned and felt that having him with me at my prep camp in korea and at the Games would be one of those small but ever important things. CROCS stepped up and offered to help me by paying his airfare for this venture. They saw the importance of Bobby being with me and well, they came straight to the plate. I cannot thank them enough for this and it makes me know just how much my sponsors believe in me and what I do and what I stand for. CROCS, let’s dream big, train hard and go for gold in Beijing! BIG MATTY REED OUT.