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!!