One and done.

It's done! I finished the Rock n' Roll Vegas Half-Marathon, and ran the whole thing! This will be a great jumping-off point for the future--I'm already looking at what will be the next race. I'd like to improve on my time and keep up the running for fun--I think I've caught the bug!

Thank you all for your support over the last many many months. This blog has helped keep me honest and chronicle my journey from "haven't run in 13 years" to "just ran 13.1 miles." Pretty exciting.

On to the next one!

OFF TO VEGAS!!

Well, readers... it is finally here. Race weekend.

I am semi-packed, and ready to go. This week has been a challenge, as I am battling a rough cold and have been swamped with work/school (all good things, but all at the same time!), but I will power through.

Send your good-running vibes my way, Sunday morning, 7am Vegas time!

Thank you ALL for your support and for reading about my little adventure. I will let you know how it goes!

Last long run--two weeks to go!

Well hello there blog-readers!

If you can believe it, yesterday morning was our last long Saturday morning run. What?! It was a beautiful cold, crisp morning and I had a great running partner in Rachel--so all in all, a good time. My left calf kept tightening up, so I had to walk the last mile or so, but hopefully I've worked that out with a lot of stretching and some massage.

So, folks, two weeks from today I will be limping around Vegas after 13.1 miles of pure CCFA Team Challenge excitement!

I'll be tapering for the next two weeks, and of course it's Thanksgiving. Shorter runs, faster intervals, good times.

Have a great holiday!

My first honest-to-goodness race.

Yesterday was the Veterans Day 10K. I got my butt up at 6:15 on a Sunday morning (what!?), headed down to West Potomac Park, threw on the very cool chrono-track timer, and pinned on my bib for a morning of running with about 2900 other people. Fun.

I was one of the last finishers, but I don't care. It was fun, and felt good--I ran the whole thing and got to experience what a race will feel like and how that will effect my mood/adrenaline/etc for the half-marathon.

Kudos to my teammate Alexa for coming up with the idea and being a partner in crime for this early morning Sunday adventure! Today, my legs get a little break. 20 Days til Vegas!

10 Miles. You knows it!

Hey all!

So, I did TEN miles yesterday! What? Down from my house, to the Lincoln Memorial, up the Mall to the Capitol, back down, then up to Federal Triangle to get my race registration for tomorrow's 10K.

The last mile or so was semi-painful... but I got through it. The worst part was after the run was over--had to climb two flights of stairs and I thought I might cry.

Now I am relaxing with two of my favorite peeps, in from out of town for a visit. Putting my feet up feels great. Just a few more weeks til VEGAS!!

Also, new favorite motivational playlist song? "Any Way You Want It/Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin" from last season's Glee soundtrack. No joke. It's amazing when you're about to break down. Thanks, Glee!

The crack of dawn, my new weekend friend.

So, as the days get colder and shorter, waking up at 6:30 am for an 8 am run becomes more and more odd. This morning, I woke up and it could have been 2 am. But it was not. Oh no. The talk radio blaring out as my alarm told me differently, and I only allowed myself to hit the snooze button once (erm... twice.)

It's also super-cold. I've been rocking the new Brooks Vapor Dry2 pants (yes, they have fleece on the inside of the derrière) and that has been great, but I'm lacking in appropriate shirts/tops. Luckily, a few of my Team Challenge-ers and I went to Potomac River Running yesterday to use our Groupons. I am the proud new owner of the coziest cold-weather running shirt in the history of cold-weather running shirts. It wicks, it temperature controls, it has thumb holes and a fun little pocket on the side--yes, it's fantastic.

I will soon have a fun running hat (complete with ponytail opening for the ladies!) and some gloves, and my winter training wardrobe will be complete.

Oh, and we did a nice, short, 1 hour run this morning. Felt great. Next weekend? Long run on Friday and 10K on Sunday! Plus great out-of-town visitors!

We're getting closer and closer to Vegas!

30 Days!

Yes, that's right. We're one month out from VEGAS! I can't believe how far I've come and how much farther I have to go... but I'm getting there!

The weather has begun to cooperate--it's fall-y and chilly and I love it. Yesterday, however, it was pouring rain, and I went running anyways. Nothing like coming home looking like a wet rat. Gotta love it!

Group run tomorrow, and I'll go for a short one on my own today. So there you have it!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Monumental!

I'm behind on this post, but Friday on our mini-team run I ran 8 miles. No walking, just nice, slow running.

This is BIG! Gonna keep on going but I am just so excited that I have gotten this far! I ran around the Lincoln Memorial and up to the Washington Monument--so beautiful.

Hope you've all had a wonderful weekend!

8 Mile.

Yeah, I'm like Eminem. No, not really.

But I did do 8 miles on Saturday. Walked the first mile and a half or so, then ran 5 miles (!?!), then walked a half-mile, then ran the rest. Slowly, but surely.

We're getting closer and closer--40 days left!

Today, 4.5 miles, lovely weather, feeling great. The leaves have started to turn, and it's beautiful and pleasant out. Nothing like shuffling through the crunchy leaves!

Ok, a little better...

Today was better. 4.5 miles, slow but steady. Woo!

Plus, the iPod shuffle is back. Hurrah!

What's more... I caught a leaf while running in the park. That's good luck, is it not? I'm going to say that it is. So there.

Have a great Wednesday, all!

Darkness, grumpiness... yeah, I'm not always in a good mood.

So, today I was a grump. I woke up to my alarm and said, out loud, "No. No. No." Yes, it was that dark out.

Usually, I'm somewhat peppy and excited for our group runs...but today, not so. No. This past week has knocked the optimism right out of me, with papers, job apps, work, more work, more school, and other stuff happening in my life. I'm just... tired. I've had a sore throat all week. My tummy hurts. In short--boo. Not in the best mood for running.

So off I went into the darkness, which quickly became chilly daylight, and I jogged along for about 15-20 mins, and then just walked for 15, then jogged for 30-35. Not an awful workout, but nowhere near my best. I ran by myself, tried to expel the negative, and just stayed grumpy for a bit. It happens to everyone.

Thank goodness for my dear sweet teammates/carpoolmates who allowed me to vent, were supportive, and are just such lovely people. Woo. 

Afterward, my day started to get better. I went to the library (NERD) but beforehand-- I FOUND MY IPOD SHUFFLE!! So happy that Auntie Mo's Tunes will live again. Also, I ordered some fun new running pants, and made a great omelette.

So, all in all, things are looking up. But I figured I needed one "bad day" post so you don't think I'm phoning it in.

Onward and upward--next week will be better.

10K, aw yeah!

Today was our Team Challenge 10K. It was daunting, but turned out to be awesome.

And, get ready to be impressed--I ran almost the whole thing, only walked about 3/4 of a mile in total! WHAT?! My awesome Team Challenge mentor and co-runner, Rachel, looped around and ran the last mile and a half with me, which was so much fun. Check us out:

And here's my verrrrrry official bib. Wooo.

This feels like a really great milestone. Onward and upward!

Thank you ALL for your wonderful support!

No big deal...

But I ran continuously for 3.2 miles today. That means I can do a 5K, no prob.

Yeah, I'm kindof a big deal.

:)

Wooooooo

After a looong day on the train yesterday (thank you, east coast monsoon, for the lovely delays), my legs needed a nice workout. How about a nice hilly 1.75 miles or so run without any walking, for my "light" Friday workout? Sounds good to me.

Man, I love progress.

Flabbergasted.

So, this morning, I could not find my precious iPod Shuffle. A little background: this was a gift, a few Christmases ago, from my bro, sis-in-law, and kiddos. It was engraved with "Auntie Mo's Tunes." I mean, how much better can you get?

This shuffle has seen me through my first trip to the gym as an adult (or really, ever), back in 2006 or so, through to now, when I'm training for the half-marathon. I love my tunes. How would I ever get through?

So, I set out this morning and just went for the no-music run. You know what? I did great! I couldn't believe that I actually ran more without Jason Derulo jamming in my ears.

I'm still going to search high and low for Auntie Mo's Tunes, because it is one of my favorite things and was an incredibly thoughtful gift... but it's good to know that I can get through on my own motivation now and again.

Hurrah!!

Aches and pains, and powering through...

Hey blog-readers!

So, we're on Week 5 of training. Can you believe it? I can't.

It's been a bit of an odd week. Training is going well, though my cough is still lingering... I guess that's the added benefit of being on Remicade, the sweet sweet slow immune system. But hey, I'm working through it!

The real pain this week was on Tuesday, when I went for a run, came home, did some reading and was getting ready for class when BAM-- something went ouch in my lower back. This had me limping around for two days, which is no fun, and then I went for a massage on Wednesday night, when I could no longer take the pain. Well, let me tell you--it HURT. But afterwards? It started to feel better. Magical Brad (that's what I'm going to call him) from Lunar Massage is officially my new favorite person. He worked out all the knotty knots and whatever was causing me all that discomfort, and I now just feel a light, lingering soreness (if that) where the big bad ouch was before.

So, fast forward to this morning. Team Challenge run, Burke Lake Park, FAIRFAX VIRGINIA. This, my friends, is far away from my little DC home. So up I got at 6:15 this morning (sun not quite out yet, I'll have you know) and then hopped in the car to pick up Brunch Bryan and yet-to-be-nicknamed Lindsay.  We were sufficiently awake by the time we arrived. Well, sorta.

The course around the lake was beautiful, and about 4.7 miles. I walked much of it to make sure that my back was nice and warmed up, but then ran/jogged the last 25 mins or so. I feel good.

Post-run brunch topped off an altogether lovely morning. Things are really coming along. Can't wait for VEGAS!

Oh HEY, Team Challenge!

This morning rocked. CCFA Team Challenge team run, 60 minutes, Fletcher's Boathouse.

I was doing 10 minute run, 5 minute walk intervals, and felt great. This is coming from someone who couldn't run a minute without wanting to die, just a few months ago.

I am loving this. Getting somewhere... and my cough is *almost* gone!!

Have a great weekend, friends!

Bit by bit...

I'm trying to fight back against this cold. Which has now become a cough. Grrr. It's hanging on, but I am hopeful it will go away soon.

Tonight I did a little bit less strenuous workout--uphill straight for about a mile, then flat for a mile. Walked most of it, but managed to jog a fair bit. Anything to keep my legs strong and happy, you know?

Fundraising is going well--thanks to many of you! I've got a ways to go, but I'm happy to report that I'm over the $1000 hump. Exciting!

Today's weather--hot, humid, a little rainy. Very strange. It looks like it should be cold out, but oh no... summer won't give up THAT quickly!

It keeps you coughing.

Yes, I can't shake this stupid cold. But I'm running anyways, darnit!

Saturday morning, I got up, got dressed, got into the car and drove to Arlington for my Team Challenge run. Now, here's the thing about Arlington--you make one wrong move and you're stuck on the same big road forever. Well... guess who made a wrong move? D'oh.

So, by the time I had turned around and headed back to where I needed to be, I would have been 15-20 mins late for practice. Boo. (And I assure you, I have a good sense of direction. DARN NoVA!!) I instead drove home, parked, and headed out to do the same workout, just in my neck of the woods. It turned out great and my legs were a perfect level of soreness for the rest of the day. Hurrah!

Yesterday I also had a good run, though I'm still getting back my lung capacity. My cold has turned from sore throat to cough, so it's annoying. I'll power through. Here's hoping that some emergen-c, tea, soup, and good old fashioned rest will keep me runnin'. I'm hopeful!

PLAYLIST ADDITIONS: Thanks to the VMAs (I swear, I didn't watch the whole thing), I have now added two Usher songs (OMG and DJ Got Us Fallin in Love), a little Bieber (yes, I'm appropriately embarrassed), and Drake (Find Your Love). Any other suggestions?

Bad Blogger. Bad.

It's not for lack of running... no really. I've just been a bad blogger!

I was on vacation for a long Labor Day weekend in a lovely beachy destination. Behold:

Despite the obvious loveliness and chill of my surroundings, I did manage a very long walk (with a little jogging) and also a good run. I think that's all you can do on vacation. I mean honestly.

Now I'm back, and have been fighting an awful end-of-summer cold for the past few days. I feel a little knocked out, but I'm going to brush the dirt off my shoulders (thanks, Jay-Z) and head to my Team Challenge run in the morning!

I'll be sure to post more... I know you're all DYING to know what's happening!

And PS... don't forget to donate. Yeah, I'll keep asking.

http://www.active.com/donate/lv10dcvirginia/LVMLeary

 Cheers!!

Team Challenge--it's on!

This morning was the first official Team DC run. 99 days til Vegas, baby! What a great group of folks--all ages, shapes, sizes, levels--but all motivated toward a fantastic goal.

The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America is the only non-profit in North America dedicated to raising funds for research into and support of these diseases. I'm so happy to be part of a great team of folks who will work toward our 13.1 mile goal, together! I'll need your help, dear readers, to reach my fund raising goal. No amount is too small, and it's all tax-deductible. Bonus! If you can donate, please do: http://www.active.com/donate/lv10dcvirginia/LVMLeary

So, down to the real run details--we did a 40-minute session in Alexandria. I feel great, and my running intervals are getting longer. Hurrah. The 7am wake-up on a Saturday will take a bit of getting used to, BUT--it's so worth it!

It's getting official...

My first CCFA Team Challenge run is this Saturday! I'm excited and nervous, since I have no idea how I will match up with the others. I just have to go at my own pace and keep following the training schedule, and I think I should be fine... right?

Got back from vacation last night and went for a great run today. I feel a little creaky, since I've been doing mostly walking in the past week and a half (if that--I mean, it was vacation!) I did surprisingly well today and I'm happy to be back on track and back on my familiar running paths.

I have a new song that's putting pep in my step: Ridin' Solo by Jason Derulo. Yes, I am a slave to poppy music on my iPod. But just TRY not speeding up when you hear that one. I dare you. 

Also cool: there was a deer hanging out a few feet from the path today. Didn't even run away when I jogged past. Gotta love running in a national park!

Did I mention the fundraising? Hint, hint.... http://www.active.com/donate/lv10dcvirginia/LVMLeary

I'll be posting more now that I'm back--so get excited!

Mountains, Lakes, and fundraising.

Have I mentioned yet how much I love vacation? Because, well, I do. It's hot up here in New England, but nowhere near as oppressive as my dear mid-Atlantic DC. Great opportunity to get in more frequent runs.

I just returned from a visit to my old summer camp in New Hampshire--and was able to head out running every other day, coupled with some yoga, swimming, and general merriment. I don't hate it.

View from the Rock. Yeah, I mean, I did a little relaxing too...

What's more: I've started the fundraising push! Check out my donation site: http://www.active.com/donate/lv10dcvirginia/LVMLeary and please consider donating today. Those of you who are following this here blog know that I'm doing this for a reason, and I'm looking forward to exceeding my fundraising goal and kicking butt in Vegas for CCFA.

Thanks for your support!

Vacation, all I ever wanted.

So, I'm on vacation. And it's in New England. Can you say, incredible running weather? 70's-80's, breezy, sunny, perfect. Plus, there's a beautiful stretch of beach on which to run. In fact, drumroll please...

I ran my first consecutive mile since high school, today.

Yes, that seems like very little to some of you fancy runners out there. But it's a big deal for moi... and seems like the first barrier to break down on the way to Vegas!

So, golf clap for me, basically. Going to hope to build on this and keep going, onward and upward!!

It takes two...

Yes, two good outings this week! I cannot wait for vacation, starting next week, when I'll have all sorts of flexibility in the schedule and can really buckle down.

"Official" CCFA Team Challenge training starts mid-to-late August, so I'm getting ready! Wooo, Vegas, here I come!

Re-focusing.

Hello there, all...

So, things have been busy, have I mentioned that? Somewhere between work and school and summer plans, I've found a way to slack off the running. Not totally, but just enough to make me feel like I'm not doing enough.

Well, that's about to change. Check the countdown, folks. It's time to get moving.

Luckily, the great people at CCFA have provided some excellent guidance on how to get ready for a 1/2 marathon, and I seem to be on track. I went out for a run today, and just kinda kept running... it felt good. I still switch back and forth from walking to running, but as I keep building up strength, I'll go farther. I know it. Patience, it's a virtue.

All of this to say: don't give up on me. The goal is still very much in view and no amount of busy-ness is going to keep me from that Vegas finish line!!

Coming soon: link to my fundraising page!

The heat is on.

I've thrown caution to the wind. Went for a jog in 99 degree weather that feels like 104 degree weather. Take that, DC.

The trick? I brisk-walked the first part uphill through the zoo, where they have perfectly placed water mist-ers. Cools you right down, for about 5 seconds.

I might be sweating for another 2 hours--man, it's hot! Feels great!!

Weather

So, conundrum. I've never before lived in a place with such consistent hot and humid weather. What to do? I'm not much of a morning person, so I'm not up with the sun, jogging in the early-morning pleasantness, and by the time I'm ready to run later in the day, it's in the 90s and crazy. And/or a thunderstorm is rollin' on in (like right now). Ah DC, how I love you!

I think I just need to get used to it, but man... cooperate, heat!

Or I could try to be an early bird, right? (I hear you being skeptical, readers!)

The good news is, class ends tomorrow and life will be a bit more predictable and normal for the next few months. Should be a good way to stay on track and get in a few more outings per week. The "real" training for the 1/2 Marathon starts in August, so yeah... bring it!!

That's all for now--off to study for my Econ final. Wish me luck.

Niiiice.

Tonight, I went for an evening run, and saw a gorgeous sunset and a few fireflies on my way home.

I like it.

Keep on movin' don't stop noooo...

Yes, most of my post titles are song lyrics. So, sue me. (Or, um, don't. Copyright infringement?)

Anyway, friends, long time, no blog. Doesn't mean I haven't been running, just means that I've been a lazy blogger. And I'll be honest: I haven't been running as much as I'd like. Finals, summer job, summer class, and frankly, life, make for an interesting schedule that makes it oh-so-easy for me to not have time to run.

I'm working on changing this.

In the meantime, however, I try to go for more 'meaningful' runs on the weekends, and I'm getting more distance. Hurrah. I think once I run one mile consecutively (without walking at all), the rest will be a breeze. I mean, a breeze! (overstatement!!) It's just that I love walking. What can I say.

Also, fun times, I brought my bike down from my parents' garage. Now, this bike was my I-have-to-have-this high school graduation present. I pictured myself as a freshman in college, riding from class to class, around campus, not a care in the world. And then, well, I actually went to college and discovered that I could just walk everywhere, so the bike lay locked to a rack in my dorm for one year. The next year, I didn't even bother to bring it. Sad day. So the poor thing has been sitting in a garage, pretty much unused, since 1998.

Well, never fear, bike of my dreams--you're back. I'm working it in to my weekends as a running supplement, and so far, I like it. And once I get more comfortable, I might become one of those cool people who rides to work, even though the streets scare me.

So that's what's up, for now. Thanks for continuing to read, and thanks for your continuous support (I can feel it from afar!)

Happy Sunday.

92 degrees? Oh heck yes.

Folks...

I've decided that there's nothing better than the first Sunday after finishing finals. Woke up this morning, had a lovely jaunt to the Farmer's Market, a leisurely coffee with a fantastic new friend who does a mean Palin impression, a lil' trip out to see my favorite Great Dane win "Biggest Dog" in the neighborhood, and had the leisure of all sorts of strolling and taking my time. I may have bought flowers. Yes, it's that kind of day.

So naturally, it was the perfect day to really get back in to the swing of things, running-wise. Now mind you... it's about 92 degrees today. I decided to wait until 7pm to run, so it had cooled down to a frigid 87 degrees. I said BRR... it's cold in here! I tried a new-ish path today, through the National Zoo... too much fun. Once all of the visitors are gone, the grounds stay open til 8, AND on hot days they have water misters every once in a while. I caught a glimpse of some turtles, a zebra, and some funny-looking ponies. It was an altogether lovely outing.

I cannot describe how sweaty I am, but hey... it feels amazing. Back on track!

This calls for a WOOOOOOO!!!

Getting back on track...

Hey all!

Well, year 1 of grad school is officially over! The last few weeks entailed a wonderful family visit, followed by two weeks of caffeine, late night studying, and paper-writing galore. Not the best for keeping up a lovely and workable schedule of running.

But now, well, here we go! Luckily, I don't start the 1/2 marathon training until August, so I have plenty of time between now and then. Starting today! It's gorgeous out, and I'm just getting my sneaks on.

And hey, what a perfect day to see THIS: http://jezebel.com/5528837/it-keeps-you-runnin!

Jezebel is rooting for me!

Catch you later, blog readers... enjoy the weekend!!

It keeps you... walking?!

Hey there, blog readers...

Let's talk about the particularly crazy few weeks I'm having. Class presentations, final papers, work ramping up, and a super-exciting 5-day visit from some of my favorite pint-sized family members (and their awesome full-sized parents). Scheduling the ol' run into my day has become somewhat challenging, and I'm going to just go when I can, and get on a better schedule once the semester is done, in--what's that--two weeks!?

Sound good? I think so. In the meantime, I'm trying to fit in long walks on my way to/from school and work, not to mention all of the foot time I'm getting in playing tourist with the fam. All in all, I think I'm maintaining the fitness that I've built up, rather than losing it. I realized this the other day when I sprinted to the bus in flats and work clothes, and was hardly out of breath. We're getting somewhere!

On a side note: let's send three cheers towards Miss Liz for her half-marathon next weekend! She's gonna rock it, and she's helping me motivate to get and stay on track!

That's all for now. Off to get some sleep and hopefully motivate to write my law exam before a day at the museums...

Cheers!

Bye Week is over!

Hello all!

Well, it's been all quiet on the blogging front, really because I've had nothing to say. Yup. This week has been a blur of mini-eggs, classes, work, and various appointments. So the running kinda fell to the wayside, unfortunately.

I'm learning to just give myself a break once in a while. It's not ideal to take a week off, I get this, but it's also not the end of the world, and as long as I get back in the ol' New Balances, I'm good to go... right? I have to keep this in mind in the next few weeks as my semester is ending, and my schedule will go from weird to crazy and back again. I'm working on consistency but, you know, one thing at a time, okay?!

All of this to preface: I went for a lovely "get-back-on-track" run today, after an altogether fantastic brunch chez moi with Meghan (shout out! she's following the blog!) I am satisfyingly sweaty and just finished up a good stretch. Feels GREAT to be back out there.

Hope you're all well and you haven't missed me TOO much... and thanks for reading!

It's a beautiful day...

...perfect for the longest outing yet! Much higher running/walking intervals--I'm getting there. Trying to be patient, I mean, it's been a little over a month, I'm not going to be able to run 13 miles just yet!

The one thing about this newly gorgeous weather is that, well, it feels like more of a workout. I come home sweaty and gross, and it feels kinda awesome. I'm getting to the point now where I might have to start carrying water with me on the walk/runs--any favorite water-toting systems? I think I'm partial to the hand strap type, rather than the belt, but I am accepting suggestions from the blog peanut gallery.

Also, an addition to one of my earlier blog posts: NEW SONGS on the playlist! I've added "Good Girls Gone Bad," "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin," "Closer," and "Heartbreaker". All excellent choices. Highly recommended... and Tik Tok still gets me going every time.

Hope you're all having great weekends--and Happy Easter!

Scratch that!

Yeah, ignore that last one. I am officially hard-core and awesome, as it is hot hot hot today and I not only went for a fantastic quickie run, but also finished a paper this afternoon. Sweating. It's amazing.

Hold your applause... :)

Blah.

Well, faithful readers, I've got nothing to report.

"WHAT THE...?!" you may ask? Well, you'd be right. It has taken me a bit longer than usual to shake this cold, so I'm all tired, and cranky, and grumpy. The crazy downpours this weekend didn't help. Don't get me wrong--I'm walking a lot. But that's just not gonna cut it, now is it?

However, things are looking up. Sun is shining, breezes are blowing, and I'm going to cross fingers that I feel good enough to suit up tomorrow.

Send some good vibes--I need 'em!

I said brr... it's cold out here!

There must be some running in the at-mosphere!

OK, I'm on a singing rampage today. What can I say.

Yesterday--long walk/run! I'm up to running a song, then walking a song or so, then running a song again... feeling great!

Otherwise, lots of walking this week. I'm getting over a fun little cold, so it's better safe then sorry.

Feeling much better now so... next week should be promising. Wish me luck! (and man... my legs are feeling tired but great!)

Welcome to Week Four!

Hello there everyone.

Well, I'll admit it has been a few days. Blame it on my fantastic friends in NYC, where I spent Thurs-Mon. Lots of walking, talking, shopping, dining... and one night of dancing around and ruling the beer pong table with the best team ever. That's cardio, right?

All in all, lots of fantastic quality time, but I guess I didn't make quite so much time for the running. Can you blame me?

Came back with a raging cold yesterday, and pretty much spent today on the couch...and then the cabin fever hit. I HAD to get out, whether or not I could breathe normally. And did I mention it is raining? Oh yes. Not the best outing I've ever had, but not the worst, either! More walking than running, but at least I got out there.

Any good motivating tips out there? I need to keep this up!!

With a little help from my friends...

Well hello all! On a roll this week, thanks to many of you...

Yesterday, a text from Miss Liz helped get me over the "well, I couuuld just stay home" hump, and I had a great outing to the park, then Pilates afterward. My core says "thanks!"

Today I headed off on my mini-spring break, to lovely New York City! My dear friends (and sisters) Ev and Ali created a circle of co-motivation to go for a walk/run on the East River Trail. Feelin' good. Woo.

Sometimes, the support system makes it so much more possible. I am a lucky gal.

Here I go, here I go, here I go again!

Such a good one today. Spring seems to have sprung, and others were out in force on the running paths at 5:30 this evening. It's strangely motivating.

I got a great email from the organizer of the CCFA Team Challenge today--she gave me the training schedule for this summer's half-marathons, which helps me get a sense of what I'm in for come August. I. Can. Do. This.

My running intervals are getting longer, and I actually didn't want to stop today. Jury's out on the new sneaks, but I think I love them (Bri, I will post pics soon), and my cool new running gear worked out great (big ups to the Nathan shoe pocket--so much better than trying to stash my keys strategically, or clip them to myself somehow.)

Came home and did Mari Winsor's 25-min Pilates, and now I think I deserve a Hello Cupcake.

(no, I'm not being paid for all of this linking!)

Slight hiatus...

And here's the culprit, at least for today:



The weekend was rainy and gross... but I managed to buy some new running sneakers (thanks, Fleet Feet) and some new running gear (thanks, Target).

Back at it tomorrow, once all of the Irish has worn off!

Wet rat.

That's what I resemble right now. But I got out there! Wooo!!

Tomorrow's supposed to be even more rainy and blustery, so we'll just see how I do. Perhaps some Pilates, indoors? Core work is important, right?!

Sometimes coziness just has to win over motivation... no?

Enjoy the Friday, folks.

Feelin' it.

Alright, y'all. I'm getting in to this.

Turns out rest days are actually really helpful! I had to take Tuesday off for personal reasons, and Wednesday I was still a little tuckered out from Tuesday, so I just did some crunches and weights. This morning, I finally dragged myself out, and I'm so glad I did! Gorgeous day (it's around 60 degrees... looove), sunny, and I found a great new path through the zoo that meets up with the regular path I like. I enjoy discovery. Starting to push the running intervals a little longer, and I'm cautiously optimistic. I need to keep being patient, which many of you know is not always my strongest suit. Self-improvement is a joy. (Did the sarcasm come through?)

Happy Thursday!

One week in!

Happy Monday, everyone!

It was tough to get up this morning. Is this a recurring theme? Mondays are always a bit difficult, but when you stay up too late on a Saturday night, it bites you in the tush on Monday. My 9th grade science teacher taught me that.

Thanks to mother nature and her 50-degree weather, however, I got out to the park and had a lovely jog altogether. I switched it up a little today and made the run/walk intervals a little longer. Something along the lines of 2 min/3 min. This was a suggestion from a very sweet employee at Fleet Feet, a locally-owned running store in my neighborhood. I stopped in there yesterday about 5 minutes before closing, and cannot wait to go back to load up on some new gear and get more helpful advice.

Today's 20 minute yoga warm-down was forward bends--might be the best so far, in terms of a post-run stretch. Great for the hamstrings. I'm lovin' it. (And does anyone else have that "give me back that filet-o-fish" song in their head? 'Cause I do. Gah.)

Saturday, in the park...

(thanks, Chicago... and sorry to reader NC who absolutely hates that song!)

It's a gorgeous day, and a Saturday to boot. What could be better? 50 degrees, sunny, and no plans til later this afternoon. Makes motivation so much easier. I went for a bit longer walk/run today, through the park near my house, and it was just packed with joggers, walkers, bikers and the like. Amazing what a little rise in temperature will do.

I know it's only been 6 days, but I'm already starting to feel more stamina. My pedometer tells me that I'm going a longer distance in the same amount of time, and I think it will just get better. I went out for about 50 mins today, then home to do some weights and a little 20-min yoga (hip openers--great post-jog stretch). All in all, today feels great so far.

Yesterday I had one of my dearest friends for a visit for most of the day, so no jogging for me. However, she was a great excuse to take a 5-mile or so walk around the city to see a few of the sights. Yay for friends.

Speaking of... another visitor arrives in about an hour and a half, so it's time to put some of this motivation towards swiffering and scrubbing bubbles. Woo!

Pigtails and Professors

Oh hey, blog readers! After my lovely "rest" day yesterday (complete with an insanely delicious breakfast with Mom and Dad at Founding Farmers and possibly one of the best class periods ever last night) I got back at it today. Took a little coaxing to get out of bed, but woo! Done!

Now, let me give you a visual: my hair is short enough now that the only way to keep it out of my face while jogging is to put it in pigtails. It's awfully cute, and quite functional. And I'm not a high-tech running gear gal yet. Mostly comfy exercise pants, old college long-sleeved T's (go Camels!) and an old fleece half-zip. I'm perfectly fine with this...

And then I rounded a corner and ran into one of my professors. I confess, he and I get along, and he's a pretty cool guy, but he's also a former Congressman and was dressed in work attire. So I felt a teensy bit awkward chatting about tonight's class while rocking the pigtails and still able to hear the faintest hint of Britney Spears coming from my iPod headphones. C'est la vie, I guess. I'll have to be extra-brilliant in class tonight.

Time to stretch! And off to work!

Just in case you thought I'd give up...

...day two went swimmingly! My legs are satisfyingly sore, and I like it. A midterm kept me up way too late last night, so my "get up bright and early for a run" plan had to be altered slightly. I instead had a repeated rendezvous with my snooze button at 7:15am, and it was worth it. Turns out walking/running is still totally valid at 5pm. And running in a light rain--not so bad!

Tomorrow I'll be sticking to Yoga, since Mom and Dad are here (yay), it is supposed to snow (brr), and I have work and class (nothing clever for these parentheses). Back at it Thursday!

Day one!

Never fear--I'm not going to post every day. However, I thought that today, being the beginning and all, merited a post.

Just the fact that I got out of bed nice and early was a great start. This grad student/part time workin' life has messed up my sleep schedule, so in addition to all of the wonderful things this running plan will do for my body, I'm hoping it will also help me get back on a more normal schedule. Not the easiest when you have class from 7-9 pm!

In any case--woke up at 7:15, was out the door by 8am. Thank you, Canadian Embassy, for giving me a free pedometer at the Olympics Opening Ceremonies fête. It came in very handy this morning with its stopwatch, km counter, and step counter.

The 38-degree, sunny weather was perfect to get this all started. I did 17 min walk, 15 min 30/30, and then 6 min walk. This will get easier. I have to say, the playlist kept me happy and motivated! When I got home, I popped in Rodney Yee's A.M. Yoga for your Week, which contains five 20-minute morning yoga practices. I did the "standing poses" program, which doubled as a lovely post-run stretch!

All in all, feeling very positive about this. We'll see how I feel when I wake up to snow in a few days, but... for now, one day down!

Tunes

I've read the lists of what I need to prepare for getting started with running... and I have an addition of my own. Playlist! I mean, maybe it's just me, but doesn't the right song just put a little extra pep in your step, whether you're commuting, walking, or jogging?

Here's what I've got going for tomorrow morning's inaugural outing:

It Keeps You Running--The Doobie Bros (Theme Song!)
Can't Hold Us Down--Christina Aguilera
Lose Control--Timbaland (feat JoJo)
Oh My God--A Tribe Called Quest
Vivrant Thing--Q-Tip
Tik Tok--Ke$ha
Run This Town--Jay-Z (feat Rihanna)
You Drive me Crazy--Britney Spears
Bug A Boo--Destiny's Child
99 Problems--Jay-Z
Sexy Movimiento--Wisin & Yandel
Just Dance--Lady GaGa
Sweet Child O' Mine--Guns n' Roses
Work That--Mary J. Blige
Release--Timbaland feat. Justin Timberlake
Sexy B***h--David Guetta (feat Akon)
Push It--Salt n' Pepa
Empire State of Mind--Jay-Z feat Alicia Keys
Take Me Home Tonight--Eddie Money
Lucifer--Jay-Z
Single Ladies--Beyoncé


Yes, I know it's heavy on the cheese and the Jay-Z. But hey, gotta get that booty moving! Any other suggestions?

Here goes.

Well, don't keel over in shock, but... I think I'm going to do a half-marathon.

Those of you who know me, know that I'm not a big runner. I'll walk anywhere, sure. Yoga? Sign me up. But running... hmm. Haven't really done it consistently since high school lacrosse ended back in '97... with a brief interlude in summer 2008 (I mean, who doesn't want to run when there's a beautiful Alpine lake to see?)

What's the impetus? The Vegas half-marathon in December. I'm going to do Team Challenge for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (www.ccfa.org) and I can either walk or run the 13.1 miles. Now, I know I can train to walk it. But wouldn't it be kind of a fun challenge to try to RUN?

I need to get up the ol' stamina before I start the half-marathon training, so I'm starting from scratch. So here goes. I'm starting off with the 30/30 plan from Hal Higdon's Beginning Runner's Guide (Thanks, Miss Liz!). Let's see how it goes. March 1 = day one.

Wish me luck!