(almost) new year, new beginnings!

I had wanted to write something today to post this super awesome picture of my latest purchase, which I finally took out for a spin...err run. All went overall well! They're not Nike, so I was so kindly lent a pouch for my nike+ sensor, but my recent acquisition of a new phone is certainly starting to make me think about exploring apps on my phone I can use so I can use it that instead for tracking/music/safety (hear that MOM?!) Anyway, here they are...

In other very EXCITING news, Sindy and I just registered together for the National Half-Marathon in DC on March 26. AHHHH is all I can gather up right now. AHHH!!! I'm super excited to be setting out on this journey, especially with someone who motivates me constantly and continuously...anddd especially since it will prepare me for an equally as large event going on in April....my super amazing family has ALL committed to completely a half-marathon (walk/run/be dragged) at Rutgers in April. I am super proud of them and excited for them and I CANNOT wait to be there to cheer them all on!!! I am eager to share my good feelings and fuzzies for running and the confidence that comes with it with others, especially those so close to me and my heart!! Maybe if they know I'm publicly blogging about them, they'll stop reading...and start running. You can (/will...don't forget. April will eventually get here :O) do it!

happpppy holidays!

Bachelor Pool 2011!

On January 3, 2011, former Bachelor Brad Womack will be given a second chance at love...and in turn, we will be given the chance, yet again, to watch the roller coaster, and....bet on his future.

Join me in the SECOND BACHELOR/ETTE POOL!!!!!!!!! Mondays won't seem so bad when you know you will be able to come home after work and watch other people's lives on TV which are more ridiculous and hilarious than yours. Just as with the last one, the pot will be split down the middle: 50% will go to the person with the most amount of points at the end of the season and 50% will go to charity. The charity of choice this time is Hope Express, a 24-hour 135-mile relay from Hershey Medical Center to Penn State's annual Dance MaraTHON, an amazing event that raises money for the Four Diamonds Fund at Hershey Medical, which helps pediatric patients through their journey with cancer.

The rules will be the same as last year:

-Entry fee is a mere $10.
-Each week, you will need to rank the remaining ladies (here's the link for all the girls) in order from most likely to stay to least likely to stay (AKA go home!).
-There will be a total of about 30 potential points each week. The number of points will be divided among the number of bachelorettes receiving roses...i.e. 15 women will receive roses the first week, so each correct prediction will earn you 2 points.
-Following each episode, I will email out updated standings.
-I'm not positive finding love on television is the best idea, but I like watching other people do it.

Again, please forward this along to friends and family who you think might enjoy participating. Remember, it's for charity, so the more, the merrier :O)! Send me your name/email address (darian.leib@gmail.com), and I'll be in touch as the main event nears. Thanks and have fun!!

lots 'o WOW!

Yesterday, I had the pleasure and pure joy of being a cheerleader at the Philadelphia Half-Marathon/Marathon, specifically going to support my dear friend, Ms. Lindsay Brown, who completely ROCKED her first half-marathon - CONGRATS! Lani and I traipsed around the city to catch her a few times throughout the race and it was so great to see her looking so fabulous every single time (and it was pretty funny recognizing the same people again and again.."THERE ARE THE TURKEYS! Zebra pants! CINDDDDY"...and yes, each time I thought it was our Sindy, not a crown-wearing impostor!). We even ran to the finish line and got to see her cross (ANDDD hear her name! We started screaming and the people around us thought we were maniacs), and it honestly made my whole heart smile. Big events such as this make me really emotional, and it's honestly a wonder I didn't cry (tears of joy!) throughout the entire event. Watching so many people, friends and strangers alike, accomplish so much moves me. I think the feeling of pride I had when I finished my half-marathon and I feel that for all the people who run by me and get to feel that too! It's funny, because I don't say things like with the intention of them sounding like "Ohh look at me!;" it's more like "Look at me; I wasn't carried across the finish line via stretcher!" I've said from the get-go that I took on the half-marathon as a way to prove to myself I could set a big goal and hit it. When I think about that fact, and of all the people who have set that same goal, in addition to all the people in my life who have overcome challenges big and small - it's amazing. It's what puts life into perspective for me and (attempts to!) keep/s me grounded.

Once again, big MAZEL TOV to Lindsay - I knew you could do it...and do it so darn well! Congrats!

rumors and allegations

As you may have read in the local paper or seen pop up on your newsfeed, there has been recent discussion about my participation in the world famous New York City Marathon, which took place last weekend. The below pictures were even posted on the cover of the New York Times this past Monday following the race:

I'm here to set the record STRAIGHT:

Yes, I did attend this amazing event and yes, it would be believable to think that I would look this happy after running for multiple (and consecutive!) hours, and yes, some may call me a "marathoner," if you will. I mean, I DID, in fact, run .5/26.2 of the event!!!!!!!

But really - I'm so glad I was able to head up to NY last weekend to witness this MASSIVE event - some almost 45,000 people representing over 100 countries! I was THRILLED to be able to root on one of my biggest supporters during my half-marathon training (speaking of, it was so awesome seeing the over 200 runners who ran for Team Hole in the Wall - WOW!). And all kidding aside...I saw Jared from Subway fly by me as well! What a weekend!

So the pictures? If all that wasn't enough, I had the great fortunate at cheering Sindy on one-on-one during one of the last miles through Central Park. It was really awesome and a lot of fun, and somehow I managed sneak my way into a few of the professional pictures...so it's unofficially official!

Otherwise, a really good lesson learned about the power of cheering, especially towards the end. I am even more excited for the Philadelphia Half/Marathon coming up next weekend!

CONGRATULATIONS again to SINDALA!!! I'm so proud of you!!!!!

why hello!

It's been a while, and I haven't forgotten about you, dear blog! I have a lot to write about, but it all comes down to this:

"When I think about running, it feels like the best 45-minute investment I make in a day. It's enjoyable, it makes me feel better, and it's probably paying dividends way into the future. Running is a really easy choice." - John Fixx, son of running legend Jim Fixx

I have really worked, this past week, to make time to run, and to make sure I am "fighting through" the ughhhh moments to get dressed, stretch, and get going, because I know once I do, I really love it and feel great!

More to come soon....NYC Marathon! Philadelphia Half&Marathon! Hope Express Training! Oh my!

Good luck Tina!

Of course I am up at this early hour in the morning for no great reason....and aside from the fact that I went to bed super early last night (working is just so tiring!), I think I just be really excited for my boo TINA, who is running her first half-marathon this morning in Baltimore for the American Cancer Society. wow wow wow is all I can manage to get out right now! I am so excited for her...and may actually head out for a run rather than get back into bed (it's still undecided, because bed is still calling...but if nothing else, a run will be weaved into my day somehow in her honor). GO TINA!

now and then//135 miles FTK!

For about three weeks now, I've "enjoyed" (I do use that word very loosely) the aftermath of the half-marathon, allowing my body and mind to unwind and relax. While I've tried to not detach myself from my routine completely, it certainly has been busy and my running sneakers have remained in the closet more often than not. Nevertheless, I think it's important for me to stop and digest still, rather than keep going without getting it. When I look back at my post from the day of the race, and I still think, "Did that really happen?"

My time-out is drawing to a close, however, and I'm SO excited about it. Last week, I was selected as an alternate runner for the Hope Express (fka Thon Express), a 15 person relay covering the 135 miles from Marathon Avenue at Hershey Medical Center to Penn State's Dance MaraTHON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the WORLD! THON raises money, year-round, for the Four Diamonds Fund, which funds research and serves to battle and CONQUER childhood cancer. Each runner will run three 3-mile legs and the event will take place in the 24 hours leading up to the start of THON, February 18, 2011.

I'm so excited to FINALLY have the chance to be a part of Hope Express. With my half-marathon behind me, I feel it's a challenge I'm super excited to take on....especially since, as an alternate, I won't know if I will be running until possibly right beforehand. The idea of preparing for something that could not happen would have originally FREAKED me out (re: commitment? forgetaboutit), but if this year has taught me anything, it's that I can do it. Just after learning the news that I will be part of the team as an alternate, runner's world so appropriately sent me this quote (I just love them and their timing!):

"Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you were meant to be." - George Sheehan

THON was a huge part of my undergraduate experience at Penn State, and I am thrilled to be involved in supporting the Four Diamonds Fund again by being a part of the incredible Hope Express team.

detox

No, I haven't forgotten about you bloggy boo. I think this time apart is important. At times, I'm worried that we're over, despite the progress we've made in our relationship, but today, as I was finally working on my thank you notes to all the amazing people who supported me during my training (I hate that my appreciation is so delayed...no reflection of how fortunate I know I am!), I realized how amazing not only race day was, but training overall. Just because we're taking time apart doesn't mean I won't come crawling (or running...but more likely crawling) back. I recently received two really awesome quotes, one just before the half-marathon and one just after...

"The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself - the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us - that's where it's at." - Jesse Owens

"Obstacles are those frightening things that become visible when we take our eyes off our goals." - Henry Ford

Even now, it's hard to remember, to believe I reached what was once just a goal of mine, and that sums it up perfectly. I think we all too easily get overwhelmed with the idea, scared of failing. It's important to keep our eyes on the goal, even if the goal is simply making time to just run at all, and not get distracted or overwhelmed by all the other things.

got 13.1 miles?

After nearly SIX MONTHS of preparing, mentally and physically, today was my half-marathon!!! It's still hard for me to wrap my brain around this fact, even after it's come and gone. Let's take a look back:

I woke up this morning around 6AM, before my alarm even went off! I put on my already laid out outfit, my favorite running short and my Team Hole in the Wall jersey, gunk'ed up my toes, gliding up my body, and packed my bag! I threw on a long sleeve, because it was chilly! My parents came to pick me up EARLY, which is a big deal for them...I can see they got up before their alarm too! They dropped Ryan and I close to the start of the race and parked the car. Ryan walked around the start area with me, which I was so thankful for. Talking to him = less time alone with my thoughts and nerves! We ran into another person running for HITW, which was awesome! She was a nurse at camp and I saw her run by me during the race....kudos to her! At about 7:45, we met up with Meaghan, who dropped back to start the race with me...another huge point of thankfulness! Having her at the start line meant, again, I didn't need to be alone with my nerves. The waves went pretty quickly and the crowd moved fast up to the start line...I didn't have much time to think about. Before I knew it, we were running!!

Meaghan's parents were not too far from the start, so we saw them, and then saw my parents and Ryan shortly after (although they almost missed us...video to come!). The loop in the city went pretty well. I was honestly mildly dreading it, because the one time I ran it with Ryan, it bombed....so luckily it went great! I ran with Meaghan the whole time, and aside from knocking some guy's glasses over, it went well! While I had originally predicted a 10 minute mile, I didn't go into today with expectations of that...I wanted to make sure I'd last the whole time, so I hadn't expected to keep up at that, but running together had me doing it, which was fine! We ran past both sets of our parents again, and headed past the Art Museum up Kelly Drive. After some gu, I encouraged Meaghan to go ahead of me. I wanted to slow down a little bit, and while I was sad to see her go, I was SO incredibly thankful for the pleasant surprise of running almost half of it with a friend!

Just after we split up, I saw Lani on the sidelines...SCREAMING her face off at me, since I apparently didn't hear her! I'm not sure I would've even seen her had I not been going to the side to get water. Kelly Drive went well....I started to play the numbers game in my head, which I've been working all training to stop. How many miles have I gone? How many more left? How far until the next milestone in the course? It was hard to fight it, and I honestly couldn't just go quiet otherwise, which was a little stinky. I crossed the East Falls Bridge, which was definitely a great feeling. It was about half way over that I realized- Holy smokes (that's not really what I said to myself...)! This is actually about to happen!

I crossed the bridge and hit mile 10. Everything after that point was the furthest I had ever run, and I tried to keep reminding myself of that. I knew Rachel and her sister were somewhere along the course, and it was nice that they were further along the way than I had originally expected. It gave me something to look forward to and keep my eyes out for...although word to the wise: be cautious of how much energy you exert showing any supporters how thankful you were. I sorta went crazy and had to catch my breath afterward!

The end was a little hazy. There was a really good band I appreciated, but it came and went fast. Again, I couldn't stop myself, but it was a game. How much longer? How much further? I know that doesn't help, but I was starting to feel the miles and was ready to cross the finish line. Leading up to the end, the sidelines got thick with people and I couldn't believe I had made it. I just kept moving, and to my surprise, was even able to pick up a little bit of speed...honestly, anything to get me over that line that point!

My finish line photo isn't up yet, but as many of you know, it's something I had been looking forward to for a long time now....and fingers are crossed it's a little something I can keep me with (proudly) as a reminder of this incredible journey and amazing day!

There is still so much I want to and need to say about today and everything, but it will come later as I continue to digest it all. In the meantime, here are a few pictures from Janny and even two videos!

Video around Mile 1

Video at Mile 4

tomorrow!

quick post for the sake of this whole "documenting the experience" business....my half-marathon is tomorrow!! I am feeling a range of emotions, most importantly disbelief. I can't believe it's tomorrow! I have been thinking about and preparing for this day for months now, and it's weird to think it's here...weird, yet super exciting. I have been reminded several times now to remember to enjoy it and I think that's really important advice to hear. While I'm certain it won't simply fly by, I want to make sure I take time to actively and consciously take it all in. And with that, here goes nothing...!!!

one week!!!!

So the big day is ONE WEEK away! Last week, I received my confirmation email, which defintely made me nervous and AHH, but honestly, I am overall super excited! I know the morning of will be super crazy and nerve wrecking, but I know I've done everything I could leading up to now. Of course I have goals and hopes for how it will go, but I can't worry about not hitting those marks. Rather than seeing Sunday as the end of a journey, I hope it will just be a part of the journey. Thinking of it that way makes it exciting, rather than (super) scary.

Running has honestly made me a very thankful person, and rightfully so. I don't mean to sound cheezy, but it's true. I've "struggled" (I use that word loosely) with being alone with myself on longer runs. I've asked many runners I look up to what they think about during this time and many say that after a while, they just don't. I'm definitely not there. I've noticed an incredible trend in my thoughts though. I have found myself time and time again thinking how thankful I am for so-and-so for encouragement, advice, tips, running with me, sharing music, donating to the Hole in the Wall Camps in honor of my race, lending or buying me gear. I am already so excited to see some of these very supporters along the course next week. I know it is because of this that I am feeling so great about next weekend.

Here is some helpful information for those coming out on the predicated BEAUTIFUL day to enjoy the weather, listen to some music (see course map below for band locations), and scream like a maniac when I stroll by. The race begins at 8AM, with staggered starts. I'm guessing I'll actually cross the start line between 8:20-8:30, but that's just my guess! My incredibly supportive parents, roommate, and boyfriend will all be signed up to receive updates of my location, so if you'd like to know my whereabouts, they'd be good people to talk to! If you're out supporting a fellow runner, feel free to give me a SCREAM!

Here is the course map, parking information for Center City, and the event's website. Also, well worth the few minutes it will take to read - Sindy sent this to me as a guide for spectators and I thought it was really helpful. Check it out! Out of towners should be able to see some good stuff online, including, it sounds like, my finish line face (which I am still perfecting).

If you have any questions, please please let me know! Have an awesome week!

hip hip hip hooray!

Why so many hips, you may ask?

Hip #1 - Today I received the "You Have a Donation" email FIVE TIMES!!! What an incredible feeling! Wow! And thank you to those people...and to all the people who have donated to this amazing cause so far!

Hip #2 - This weekend is my final long run before I start to taper in preparation for the quickly upcoming BIG DAY. I checked the weather mid-week/mid-heat wave and somehow, the temperature is decreasing for Saturday (it was only Saturday...I decided to move my run to Sunday and what do you know - now it's going to be mid-70's both of those days). You may call it random. They may call it Earl. I am going to just go with fabulous.

Hip #3 - My long run will put me just over the 2o0 MILE MARK!!! It's crazy. It's unreal. It's a glitch in the system. I don't get it, but wow!

Both my fundraising and running goals are now closer than ever. It's scary, but super exciting! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for continued good luck!

Happy Labor Day!

heat

It is so hot out. Too hot. I am melting.

big picture

"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of."

-PattiSue Plumer

When I decided run a half-marathon, back in April, a large factor in my decision was the need to prove to myself I could have a goal and work hard, over an extended period of time, to reach it. Aside from this being something I have wanted to do for a while, it was a lot about the "chase," about trying my persistence.

Today was my LAST LONG RUN before race day! I ran ten miles - TWO DIGITS?! - and wow! I have thought about race day so much, but the idea of actually running that much...I can't believe I did it? It doesn't even make sense?! About two miles before the end, I was thinking about what finishing the half-marathon in two weeks will feel like. I have imagined this moment before, but never in such a realistic way...in that it could really happen? And I have no idea where it came from, but mid-run, I actually got a little chocked up! People who know me know I am very in touch with my emotions (let's not get crazy and call me EMOTIONAL or anything), so this isn't totally out of character for me...but I was surprised with what a strong reaction I had at the thought of being so far from where I started. Especially with the start of school inching closer and closer, I can't help but use this as a reminder of what's possible, and how badly we short ourselves when we don't keep our head up, skip ahead to a song that makes us push on, and just imagine the reality of crossing the finish line.

*UPDATED* Training by the Numbers!

30 running outings.

184.63 miles ran

9.01 miles = longest distance ran!

31 hours and 28 minutes I have spent running.

2 feet I use to run aforementioned runs.

8'43'' minutes to complete my quickest mile.

10'14'' minutes to complete my average mile.

$2,500 the average cost to send a child to camp/the goal set at the start of my training.

22!!!! amazing donations made to support the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps.

$1,563 donated so far!!!! THANK YOU!

$937 left to reach my goal!

1 click is what it takes for you make a donation!

bonjour!

greetings from MONTREAL! Squeezing in a few seconds to comment on my running epiphany of the week. Since I began training in April, I have slowly come to accept and embrace the fact that running isn't just something I do in my life; it's a part of my life. What does this mean? Many things impact my running and visa versa. It's not an isolated activity. I now think about my schedule for the week and adjust, if necessary/possible, to make room for my running. I have altered night-before-long-run plans to ensure I am able to do my best/not cry. I take time to consider what I eat before/after my runs. Yet somehow, in a manner that is really true to myself, I still don't quite get it completely.

On our first full day in Montreal, Ryan and I decided to do some heavy walking. We walked in the blocks around our b&b. We walked down to Old Montreal and then up to Mont Royal Park...literally up. It was an incline. So it was wonderful to see the city, to be outside in weather that was NOT brutal, but it would have been SO MUCH BETTER if I wasn't an idiot and wore real shoes, instead of sandals that I know won't do the trick.....yes. I knew this, yet still did it! About half-way through the walk (and not even at the peak in height!), I had to stop to get band-aids in a poor attempt to ease the pain of a blister. Really? Was it worth it? ALSO, and this seems really ridiculous, but I should have stretched when we were done. I woke up the next morning really sore! AH!

I hate to be negative; it was wonderful! My point is that I need to be constantly mindful and aware of how these things impact my training....of course not crazy over-the-top, but clearly wearing sneakers to walk miles is pretty basic....

Andd...I luckily felt better this morning and was able to have a nice run (after painfully dragging myself out of bed). I was reluctant to run in the park because it is up a mini-mountain (just calling it a "hill" doesn't do it justice...), but maybe I will feel ambitious before the week is out :O)!

wow

(this post was written on thursday, but needed to be finished...and finally, it has been!).

It's hard to believe it, but when I woke up this morning, I was still at camp. I already feel too far and distant from my amazing week at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. I have more or less wanted to volunteer there since my freshman year of college - that's FIVE years. It's really hard to put the entire week into words, especially since so much of my experience hit me on such a personal and emotional level. It was just amazing!

I spent the week with nine 7/8 year old girls. Their conditions included cancer, sickle cell, and HIV. The way these girls laughed and goofed off and just carried on was so....normal. Especially at camp, I would imagine, they were able to do just that. The medical support at the camp is INCREDIBLE. Rather than having their conditions hold them back and prevent them from doing things, it's just a small part of their day at camp.

My thoughts right now are all over the place, so I know this post is doing little justice, but I wanted to share a quick story...

O, we'll call her, was recently diagnosed with diabetes and has been slowly learning to manage her condition. Before each meal, O would go to the infirmary to check her sugars, and in the morning, she would receive insulin shots. In the middle of the session, I was with O on her morning visit when Beth, the nurse working with O, asked her if she had ever thought about learning to prick her finger herself. O, who is 8, said she thought maybe when she was 10 she could learn it. I found out the next morning for another counselor who saw it (because she's that modest!) that she pricked herself....THAT NIGHT! Something she thought she couldn't do at all was possible. It might not seem that big, but for some reason, it really hit me as a "this is IT" moment. Things just seem possible at camp (you know..like cutting down a Christmas tree, obviously a first for me in general!, in July?), because somehow, they are.

On a quick note, running is going pretty well! I went out for my long run this morning, but cut it short because of the rain. I really tried....but it was ridiculous. I drove to the start of Forbidden Drive, and my plan was to run home and get my car later, but I was soaking wet and my freaking headphone (just one) wouldn't stay in my ear. It was uncomfortable and actually more frustrating than it should have been. I decided after 3 miles to turn around, not baring the thought of struggling in an unnecessary way for 6 more miles....it stopped raining, but I knew the last 1.5 miles would be completely uncovered and would therefore be even worse (although I'm not sure what worse would have even felt/looked like). I probably should've thrown an extra 1.5 out/back in once the rain slowed down on my way back, but mental is mental. Adding additional miles didn't seem plausible at the time. Pro? I still ran 6 miles!

MANY steps in the right direction!

This morning's run was EIGHT miles, and, the more important fact, is that I RAN IT! More than was made obvious in my recent posts, these past few weeks have been the lowest point of my training. As I admitted, I think much of it has been mental, but not being able to hack it on "easy" runs can certain take its toll on you. I was counting on today to make me feel GOOD..and it did! It's the first time in a while that I have really felt like I can do this!

Because of the ridiculous heat, I went super early to try to minimize exterior factors messing this up for me. I had my new hand-held water bottle (which considering it was the first time I used it, didn't bother me too much until the end) and an arm band for my ipod (thanks LB!), as well as a new-and-improved running mix of all the songs I have that I would run to....I was starting to feel like I was on the show NEXT with all the clicking past songs I was doing. It was getting out of control, so the make-over definitely helped!

Drum roll pleaseeee.....I have now officially run the entire half-marathon course!

Last week I "ran" the loop in Center City, starting and ending at Love Park (more like cried while quickly moving my legs...it was bad. My apologies to Ryan for having to be seen with me, and to the innocent bystanders who witnessed what went down) . Today's run was from just past Boathouse Row, down Kelly Drive, back MLK, looped in front of the Art Museum, and back to the start of Boathouse Row.

Wayyyy back when, I ran the connection between those two runs. Wow! That easy, huh?

Roller Coaster!

Oh it's been a while! Here's what's been going on:

My last run before I left for Vegas was rough. Looking back on it, I think it was really mental, but I struggled to do things I've done many times before...and usually with relative ease. As I'm running, I'm thinking about that fact though and obviously that doesn't help, so I gave myself (with the help of one of my many mentors :O)) a good pep talk to set myself straight. Sure, I may not have been able to run the distance I set out to that day, but what about all the things I CAN do now? I never thought I'd get into a routine, that I'd wake up early to run, that I'd run more than a 5k, that I'd realistically be approaching a half-marathon. I need to be thinking this way, or I won't reach my goal. I also decided to start a collection of things to motivate me, so I can keep those things in my mind when I'm running, especially pictures/notes/memories from my time AT camp! I am thrilled to be running for the Hole in the Wall camps, but because of the nature of their program, I am training alone. When I committed to this, my greatest concern was if I'd be able to stick to my training schedule without having a group I was constantly and consistently running with. Now, my struggle is with the fact that my goals are BIG, sometimes bigger than I think I can handle...and sometimes, bigger than I can handle. I need to be able to remember, at all times, WHY I wanted to do this, and why this is so important. My struggles are nothing compared to the hardships of the children who attend the Hole in the Wall camps. Camp gives them a chance to focus on being a carefree child, but they don't have the choice to just give up.....which means neither do I.

I did run one time while I was out in Vegas, which I'm going to consider a small victory. I would have liked to run 2x, but it was a... challenge. I got home late last night, and will probably try to go for a short run tonight, just to get myself going. Starting tomorrow though, it's time to get cracking. I have a tentative schedule I feel comfortable with, building up to 11 miles, which was my original goal, but I'm not naive enough to think that planning is enough. I think I also want to write more about it, so I can be sure I am celebrating my successes more than I am dwelling over my hard days and tough runs.

In going with my "pep up collection," I received THIS in the mail a few days before I went away, which is AWESOME!!!!!

oh my August!

I have had the great fortune of enjoying a work-free summer...something I haven't done, summer or not, since high school. The second month of freedom somehow became jam packed, and in terms of my training, I've had to think a lot about how I will incorporate running into my travels, since my last long run is scheduled for labor day weekend- AH!! This month is crucial!

Las Vegas!!!
PRO- it's VEGAS baby! I've heard rumors that they pump oxygen into the rooms there to pump you up. Also, the idea of running along the strip seems very entertaining to me, considering how much there is to see, but of course...

CON- The two H's will stand to be my biggest obstacles while in Vegas. They are, of course, HEAT and HANGOVER. Luckily, our hotel has a gym (and while I have to pay some bones to use it, I'm surprisingly okay with that...hopefully it will be a small drop in the bucket of my big WINNINGS), which will allow me to run if and when I am able to roll out of bed, regardless of the time of day (and therefore, the ridiculous three-digit number they call the temperature).


HOLE IN THE WALL GANG CAMP!!
PRO- It's obvious! I'll be at camp! I will be completely surrounded by my reason for running....I can't waittt!!

CON- Schedule is tight, days are long, and sleep is short (or at least it feels that way..). Wake up is early, so sneaking runs in may be tight, but I spoke with the volunteer coordinator and she was very optimistic about it, so I am toooo!


Montreal!! (notice how all places are followed by several !!!.....it's because I'm excited, if you can't tell)
PRO-THE WEATHER! The average temperature in Montreal for the end of August is in the high 60's.....in fact, early AM running may require.....pants! how wacky! I can't wait!

CON-Being in a city I am completely unfamiliar with may make running around a bit of an initial challenge, but I'm excited to see the city this way...and will do my research to help make it as easy as possible!



It's good to have things to look forward to, because it's going to be nearly 80 degrees tomorrow morning before 8AM, and working back up to a long run after taking that week off for my foot is hard enough...I don't need any other obstacles, whether I can see them or not, in my way!

Camp sooo soon!!!

August is going to be a super busy month (not complaining! all GREAT things!), and I'm super stoked for all of them for very different reasons....The second week in August, I have the WONDERFUL privilege of volunteering for a week at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, the original Hole in the Wall camp. Three years ago, I volunteered at The Painted Turtle, a HITW camp in California, when I flew out there to visit Amanda while she was living in LA. To avoid the cost of a flight, I decided to stick locally and applied to volunteer at the camp in Connecticut.

When I think about the training milestones I have ahead of me, I feel a range of emotions, and a lot of them are not the best ones - nervous, scared, worried, afraid. What if I can't do it? I feel so fortunate to have my week at camp come exactly one month before the half-marathon, the day when I will need to remember so clearly why I decided to take on this challenge in the first place, why I wanted to support the Hole in the Wall camps, and why I felt it so important to run with their mission in my heart. When I think about going to camp, I feel like a kid...I'm a little nervous, but I'm so excited. I'm pumped. I'm stoked. I just know how incredible I felt at The Painted Turtle...I can only imagine how magical it feels for children, which is exactly why I felt so strongly about running to raise money to help give a child that experience.

I can'tttt waittttttttt!

back at it!

I ran today! WOOOOO!!

But first...my foot was feeling a lot better last week. On Saturday, I went to the beach, walked around A LOT considering, and then went out with the girls at night....and proceeded to dance/jump like a maniac when they played "Hey Baby" (although looking back, a good percentage of the bar most likely attended Penn State and is aware of the significance of that song). My foot started to feel a little off after that, which was very ughhh.....Luckily, it felt back to normal after a day, and yesterday I got my results back for my scan - negative! Sooo today I went for a short run just to ease back into things. It had been so long, I didn't even realize I went out without the sensor that attaches to my ipod/tracks my time and distance. I was distraught enough to almost turn back and get it, but I decided just to run for the sake of running. woo.

My hope is to ease back into a routine this week, and be running a long run the end of next. I roughly mapped out the rest of my long runs, and taking into account my funky August schedule, it still looks do-able, and flexible...which helped me breathe easy(-y, +ier).

FOOT

In the effort to make this blog a true portrayal of my training, not just for others to read, but for myself to look back on, I should have written days ago, but I didn't because I wanted to avoiddddd it. On Monday afternoon, my right foot started really hurting, and it was painful to even walk on. It was really uncomfortable and completely out of nowhere. On Tuesday, it felt about the same and I went to see my doctor, who sent me for an x-ray that afternoon. The x-ray came back negative, as she thought it might, so I scheduled a bone scan for Friday morning. Luckily, my foot started to really feel better yesterday. To avoid cabin fever, I went out to (slowly) run an errand and it felt okay to walk around a little on. Today I went to lunch (to see my ADORABLE nephew make a circle on the floor around himself with cereal and pasta) and it felt comfortable to walk more or less normally on it. I'm still going to go for the scan tomorrow; I have it scheduled already, and I want to be cautious, especially in terms of working my body in a way that is still fairly new to me.

It was frustrating not knowing what would happen, especially in regards to my training. I know race day is getting closer and closer, and especially with August being a busy travel month (Vegas! Camp! Montreal!), I know my training is going to be altered. I'm really happy and relieved that I feel better, instead of just the plain 'ol same, and hopefully the scan will come back fine and I can ease back into training next week. Fingers crossed!

As Monica Geller would say...

SEVEN!!! This morning I ran seven miles! My originally scheduled Friday long-run didn't go as well as planned. An uneasy stomach, most likely thanks to an unpredicted late night, most likely thanks to everyone's favorite cover band, told me to cut it way short. So I moved it to today, after a long weekend of eating, eating, some drinking, and more eating during BC beach weekend. My always-encouraging roommate ran the first part with me, which was very much appreciated! We each listened to our music, but it was still nice to be running along with someone. I was just telling her yesterday how I'm surprised at how I've adjusting to running solo. I appreciate running alone, but I enjoy when schedules match up and I can run along with a friend. A win-win situation!

It was definitely a harder run. Not the entire time, but the last mile was a push, so I used it as mental practice...to remind myself that one mile in the "big picture" was something I could easily handle. The weather was really good; it got a little warm, but it didn't feel too sticky (only when I had gu, and then my hands were sticky...). Overall, I feel SO GOOD about crossing over the half-way mark in my distance...! A great way to start the week!

Motivation

After our recent reunion, the gym and I have become very close very fast. You may say this relationship is getting so serious as a result of the RIDICULOUS temperatures that have plagued the Northeast! ek! ew! ugh! I went as far (or, ironically enough, not far at all....) as to run on the treadmill yesterday. Today I went to a class, and let me tell you: I pretty much felt like I was in middle school again. The instructor called out anyone (LOUDLY into his headset microphone!) who couldn't hack it....made fun of! I don't know if I've ever tried to blend in so much. He was hard core...and, I must say, I liked it! Despite his verbal aggression at times, I really liked the class and his insults made me laugh (usually in my head...my abs hurt too much to laugh out loud). At the end of the class, he said he won't be in next week...and I even went as far as to ask if he'll be back after that! I told him I'd see him then, but not before telling him that he peer pressured me into a good majority of the exercises.

Quick shout out to two people who motivate me every singly day: HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my mama, "Janny B," who is my biggest cheerleader in life and who has celebrated all the ups of my training thus far (not without lots of warnings and reminders to be safe though, of course), and my roommate, Lani, who has taught me a lot about dedication, and who always encourages me to in my training....most likely so I get off of and give up the big couch in our living room, which I have had recent dibs on due to my free time. Enjoy your special day ladies (which is most likely not being spent reading this post....I still love you!).

SIX MILES!!!!!

Quick post before I head out to spend the weekend in New York for the annual Glasser gathering of sorts and Marisa and Patrick's wedding....

This morning, I ran my longest distance yet, SIX MILES!! It went SUPER well and I was thrilled afterward....especially considering how nervous I was (like couldn't sleep...THAT nervous). I woke up before my alarm and talked to Alana for a little before she left for class. I had breakfast and a gu and then left at about 8:00AM. My total run was just over an hour. I ran through Manayunk to East Falls, crossed the East Falls Bridge (running over a bridge - a first!), and ran on that side of the river just past the Strawberry Mansion Bridge (which I originally wanted to use to loop for today's run, but because the bridge connects over the road, doing so would have added almost a whole extra mile....save it for later!), and then came back. I also had my first gu during my run...I'm not sure I really needed it, but I decided to go with it. Any advice/suggestions are welcome, as I work to figure out what works best for me!

It's probably the best run I've had all of training. I felt really good and it was an extra bonus that I was able to walk for a few minutes afterward..instead of feeling so badly like I needed to collapse :O). THANK YOU to all those people who encourage me, who support me, and who cheer me on. I appreciate it and am so grateful for your support!!

Factors

I read an article yesterday about education reform, and how it's impossible to easily replicate the success of model schools when looking at low-performing schools, because there are SO many factors that impact school success (ah duh). During my run today, I made a text-to-self connection (old habits die hard?). There are so many factors that impact my/anyone's running: weather, humidity, mood, what I ate, how well I slept, my feelings, my mood, my ATTITUDE, the music that randomly plays, what I'm thinking about. While there are certainly things in my control (I'm beginning to notice an attitude theme going on here..), there are many things that are out of my control, or that at this point, I have yet to learn to control. While certain combinations make for better runs than others, it's not that easy. Some days, my runs will be harder and some days, I'll feel a little less like I'm going to collapse at the end. What I can/NEED to do is keep my head up (literally...I look down at the ground a lot when I'm run, most likely a result of the big fall back in May) and be mindful of that.

Sindy shared a quote with me when I first began training that really stuck with me, and I think captures this whole thing:

"There will be days when I don't know if I can run a half-marathon. There will be a lifetime knowing that I have." - Unknown

Today's Run in Images

I bet you have been wondering, so let me put your curiosity to rest and invite you on a run in the life of Darian Prentiss Leib.

What did today's run (more or less) look like?

I set my alarm to run this morning before the heat of the day really got going. Not very surprisingly, I woke up before my alarm even went off. I enjoy that feeling of getting ready, knowing (or being able to believeee!) anything is possible. I jump out of bed and usually, eagerly dress in my already laid out running clothes...aw.


It's never long after I start my run that I "run into" some geese. Some days I am lucky and they are off to one side of the path...but recently it has become a problem. A dangerous crossing some might even call it. Today they were split, surrounding a just sliver of path that I could call my own. Luckily, there was minimal hissing, I came out unharmed, and they were even gone when I returned....I SHOWED THEM.


As usual, my old friend, Tomato Face, was quick to appear...but lucky for me, I don't have to look at it. Sorry to those who exercise on the Tow Path. As tomato face turns from pale pink to...well, tomato red, it goes without saying that moving my body in the running motion becomes harder. It was really hard today...and I know I preached the other day about being positive and "it's all mental," but I guess I need to go back and re-read my own words (no, really...I will after this...). Even with music to attempt to distract me, it's hard to think about anything else but the act of running while I'm running when it gets that hard...which, as you can imagine, only makes it harder.

I threw myself over the imaginary finish line and made it! While the 3 miles didn't go as smoothly as I would have liked/wanted, I completely them in a timely fashion! When I emerged from the path, and came out into the sun, I was so sweaty, I pretty much looked like this:

(If for some reason you don't know, that's a vampire sparkling in the sun....LIKE ME TODAY).



I crossed the street and wished, Sabrina the Teenage Witch style, that I lived two floors below my apartment (which would bring me to ground level....not two levels into the basement). Those stairs are really one last (insert bad word here) and are inconveniently located in sunlight...always...even at night! Plus, I could have Iced Vanilla Chai Teas all the time...and I'm hoping that if I did, in fact, live there, they wouldn't charge me the big $$ they usually do.

Training by the Numbers

30 running outings.

87.07 miles ran (just 1.71m short of the distance it would take me to run from my front door to...Hershey Park! yummy!).

14.5+ hours I have spent running.

2 feet I use to run aforementioned runs.

8'43'' minutes to complete my quickest mile.

10'07'' minutes to complete my average mile.

$2,500 the average cost to send a child to camp/the goal set at the start of my training.

9 amazing donations made to support the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps.

$830 donated so far!!!! THANK YOU!

$1,670 left to reach my goal!

1 click is what it takes for you make a donation!

Cross Training

Today, after months of separation, the gym and I were reunited. I decided to take attend a class in honor of the big occasion, Total Body Workout, to begin weaving some cross training into my routine. Wikipedia defines cross training as "training in different ways to improve overall performance." Perhaps more than anything else, this class worked my mental stamina realllll hard. Here are some mental notes from the experience:

• I rarely do any type of weight training using my upper body. Obviously, continuing to not do this type of activity will allow it to continue to be very difficult. Nevertheless, almost the entire class (in MY opinion) focused on the upper body. I actually can't effectively do a "real" push-up normally....so putting myself in that position for such a long period of time was ROUGH! I was proud that I was able to hack it as much as I did (although it didn't look that way...and I did quite a few sets of eye-rolls at the instructor when he continued to rattle of exercises that required me to put myself in said position).
  
• A very important practice stressed to teachers: MODEL. The instructor was just fine listing the ridiculous arm exercises he expected me to do as he walked around the room...with his arms dangling at his sides. WHAT? Validation for the aforementioned eye rolls, I'd say....
  
• Nevertheless, he did say one big thing that really stuck with me: For one exercise, he asked us to grab our weights, and, being far enough into the workout that I was fading, I took my lighter set (notice I will just use comparative words, not give the specific weight amount...). Almost as if he caught me, he reminded us we can always switch to a lighter set if we need to once we start...and surprisingly enough, I listened to his advice and switched to my heavier weights...and I was able to do the exercise with them!

Learned lesson of the day? A larger % of "it" than I'm usually willing to admit is actually mental. That...and sometimes it's much easier to just push through than to stop and try to start again. Surprisingly enough, I may even attend next week!

Opposites Attract

When I first committed to running this half-marathon, one of the biggest reasons was that I wanted to commit to something BIG, that would require time and persistence, and follow through. It may sound basic....just stick with it, but it's much bigger than that for me.

I am all done with school on Friday, meaning today marked my final morning run! Weeks ago I made a plan: Run Tuesdays morning. I stuck to my plan. I feel really good about it!! I am pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed them and while I'm okay with taking a break from them, it's really good to know I can do it....and like it! A teeny part of me may even miss them, considering they were the perfect excuse to run x amount of minutes and not feel guilty about not changing that...!

big day!!!

On this day, June 12, 11 years ago (barf), I had my bat mitzvah, and, in the eyes of the Jewish community, became a woman.

Today, June 12, 2010, two new milestones in my running have occurred (all before noon!). After a grueling long run last weekend with Alyssa Jill Glasser, world-famous tri-athlete, which featured good conversation, running up a terrible hill, and walking down the Manayunk wall (which was very difficult following all she had put me through!), I was dead. Despite her encouragement, I was unable to finish my intended distance. This whole elevation thing is definitely something I need to work on, but I'm fairly certain it'll be a small issue regarding my race (I will confirm a knowledgeable source before I get too pumped about that).

All that being said, today I ran 5 miles, officially the longest distance I have ever run! Overall, it was good, but no surprise that any slopes up in the road made me very angry. I was able to recover though, and luckily the last 3/4 mile was flat, so I was able to get my pace back to where it was, and then finish contently.

The other big news of the day is that following my run, I registered for the half-marathon I will be running in September!!! I had originally wanted to wait until I hit 6 miles to check out the website in detail, hoping that I'd feel less like I wanted to throw up, but a $$off code expiring this weekend was thrown my way...and who can deny a good coupon? Last night, I spent time exploring the website and I took a look at the course (which is actually still listed as last year's, but I'll assume it will be relatively similar?) and, surprisingly, managed to hold down the chips/salsa/guac/margs that were consumed (in excess) at dinner. Another milestone, I'd say!

AND....Relay for Life today! Go Lime Kiln LS!

hot hot hot!

I was recently asked about my thoughts on how running in the summer would play out. I purposely chose to run my half-marathon in September so that I could use my summertime to train, but apparently, when I made that decision, I hadn't remembered that summer was, in fact, the warmest season here in the US. I ran this morning before work and it was HOT. Just another milestone, I guess, but if you can't run at 6AM, when can you run!? Since I didn't get to run with my running buddy this week, here is a picture for her (and everyone else) of what I look like lately following a run:

In other news, I have a 4.5 mile run planned for this Saturday. Despite my warm weather concerns (although who are we kidding..my run will be sadly likely to take place in the early AM hours...womp), I am really looking forward to it! Part of it is uncharted territories, and we saw how well that worked out last weekend....but I am optimistic! I'm slowly, but surely making my way up in distance. I've been running about 2.5 miles 2x during the week, and then increasing my weekend run slightly each weekend. It's funny how many things related-to-but-not-about-running I can manage to write about. Sometimes I like to throw some fast facts out there.

Ode to a Partner in Crime

Tina Louise Schaal and I fell in love freshman year of college when she moved into the dorm room next to me....and her parents eventually forced her to stay in it when they went back home to Idaho. There are many, many things I could say about her, but I am dedicating this post to her in honor of her commitment to run a half-marathon at the Baltimore Running Festival for the American Cancer Society! How exciting!!!! I can only hope we can squeeze in some runs together this summer, and, of course, the stretching before/after (a favorite pastime of mine).

In addition to simultaneously tackling the goal of running 13.1 miles, we have a lot of other things in common. The following quote was written by Tina, but I really couldn't have said it better myself:

"I find that this is easier when I bribe myself with food. Like 'Tina, if you do a five mile run you can pick up Chinese food on the way back.'" - T.Lo Schaal

Congratulations Tina and good luck!!!

Realization

I have been thinking this thought for a few weeks now, and some people near and dear to me have most likely already figured it out, but it's time I accept the sad reality that somewhere along the road, I became a morning person. The thought makes me sick and frustrated actually at times....waking up early on Saturdays is getting old, but hopefully a summer of sleeping in and being lazy with fix this.

Nevertheless, I share this because this morning, after a late night of roses and point tallying (see below!), I decided I would snooze my alarm and skip out on my AM run....although I couldn't fall back to sleep! I was up for good! This is ugh, because it just supports my above hypothesis, but actually good, because I stuck to my plan and ran! Bachelorette Monday nights and AM runs on Tuesdays seem like a bad set of bookends to a shorter night of sleep, but luckily not for TOO much longer....!!!

I'm SO excited about the pool and thankful to all my friends and family (and friends of family and friends) who are participating! Here are the results for week 1!

Weekend Run

When I started my training, I decided that my weekends will be reserved for my longer, more ambitious runs. Yesterday morning, before leaving for a wonderful and relaxing day/night in Center City, I decided to run 4 miles! While I can't declare it officially, it's pretty close to the longest run I've had to date (as in...all my life). Not only that, but it also nicely encompassed the most hills I've probably ever run in one shot as well. Completely accidentally, yet that didn't help to ease the pain (mentally and physically). I'm proud to say I was able to stick it all out, but it was ROUGH! Instead of doing a "there and back" run, I had found a way to loop it around (thank you mapmyrun.com, and ran the second half on a road I've never run on. Next time, I will be sure to tackle the unknown FIRST! I think next weekend I will aim for the same distance, without so much of the ughhhhhh factor, meaning a new course with fewer hills/slopes/slight inclines.

Countdown begins!

I haven't run yet today (but I know I must once I post my plan here....), but I wanted to shout out the pool again, which begins on MONDAY! I have a growing list of participants, but want more! The details are below. For those who are participating, I need a list of 15 before Monday night. Please email me at darian.leib@gmail.com. Lucky for us, ABC has hilariously enough posted this on their website:

In case you can't see it well, it's a "cheat sheet," complete with space to jot down your notes during class...I mean, the show. Cracks me up! Remember, it's for a good cause, so join and peer pressure your friends into joining as well. Also, results will most likely to be updated here, so if you'd prefer to go by a pseudonym to protect your identity/reputation, speak quickly...

Will you accept this rose?!

Enjoy watching ridiculous TV and would love an excuse to continue doing so? As a fundraiser for my race, and, of course, for the Hole in the Wall Camps, I am organizing a 50/50 Bachelorette pool. 50% of the money will help send a deserving child to camp and the other 50% will go to the ultimate bachelorette know-it-all!

Here's all you need to know:

-Entry fee is a mere $10.
-Each week, you will need to email me a list of the men you think will be given roses and passed to the next round. I will notify you each week of how many men you will need to select, in no particular order. This email must be received by showtime on Monday night (which I believe is 9pm!).
-There will be a total of 30 potential points per person each week. The number of points will be divided among the number of bachelors receiving roses...i.e. 15 men will receive roses the first week, so each correct prediction will earn you 2 points.
-Following each episode, I will email out updated standings.
-I'm not positive finding love on television is the best idea, but I like watching other people do it.

REMEMBER, this is for a fabulous cause, so don't be shy! Invite your friends who are suckers for love....and quality television. Email me (darian.leib@gmail.com) or post your desire to participate so I know who is participating. I will email out a reminder/more details prior to Monday night's premiere.

"Make bets on my future for charity!" - Ali

back at it!

After Tuesday's SPLAT, I decided to skip out on running Thursday to give my bruised knee a little time to return to its normal color. I must admit, I missed running! And as I knew would happen, it was a little difficult to get up and at it today (routine was broken!). Nevertheless, I went for a short run and it was good! Back on schedule! Also, I must quickly note a correction to an earlier post. I didn't see the Phanatic statue at the Art Museum last weekend because...there isn't one!

On another note, Gina sent me this quote last week, from former Flyers player Bobby Clarke. Friday's game should be a beautiful reminder to never give up hope, and to keep on believing...whether it's couch potato committing to a half-marathon or a group of halloween-colors clad gentlemen who may or may not have all their teeth.

"I like running because it's a challenge. If you run hard, there's
the pain - and you've got to work your way through the pain. You
know, lately it seems all you hear is? Don't overdo it' and? Don't
push yourself.' Well, I think that's a lot of bull. If you push the
human body, it will respond."
- Bob Clarke

Signed, Sealed, Delivered..to the mailbox.

Despite my recent injury setback, I spent today walking quickly to the post office (en route to the car to take me to the supermarket, but those are minor details) to mail my paperwork into Team Hole in the Wall! While training for my half-marathon, I will be fundraising for the Hole in the Wall Camps. The Hole in the Wall Camps make up the largest family of camps for child with life-threatening diseases. In 2007, I spent a week volunteering at The Painted Turtle in California. My week at the Painted Turtle was eye opening - honestly much too big for this quick post, but I will share soon! This summer, I have the incredible chance to spend a week at the original Hole in the Wall camp, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut. I'm super pumped, especially since the BIG EVENT will be lurking around the corner by then! I have set the goal of raising $2,500 for the Hole in the Wall Camps, which will cover the cost of one child to be sent to camp for a week. Of course, all donations, no matter the size, are appreciated. Learn more about my fundraising, and stay tuned - competitive activity in the name of the cause is on its way....who doesn't love healthy competition in the name of philanthropy?

I have casually considered running an event such as this some time now, but it is honestly this cause that makes me able to believe I can pull it off. In 2007, Tina and I danced in Penn State's Dance MaraTHON, a 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping, NO KIDDING! dance marathon. How? Because there are people who need that. There are some people that consider that their Disney! When I was at Painted Turtle, I remember thinking how it really felt like anything was possible. It felt like there were no rules, no limits, that anything was possible. And it had it....the campers were so often given limits and told "no" - they deserve a place made completely and incredibly that revolves around them.

I should be back to my running sched this weekend, and I am actually looking forward to it!


(it was really sunny....)

New kind of training...

This morning, I woke up extra early before work to meet Lindsay and partake in a new kind of race training - slide to the finish line. I have and will continue to speak often about my finish line face and I'm thinking I can really perfect it by jumping and sliding across the finish line rather than plain 'ol running. During our run this morning, I completely ate it. I'm not sure how or why...I even did the classic Ellen "look back and point," and really....it was hard to even find a pebble to blame. Other than winning the race (clearly we were racing...), I walked away with both knees scrapped and swollen, scrapped palms, and a gash in my side - none of which are particularly fitting for upcoming swimsuit season might I add. I considered the idea of decorating this post with a photo or two, but decided against it. Although if the fans request it....

This one's for you JAN (aka...MOM)!

Happy mother's day!! I woke up much earlier than my alarm this morning, but decided to just get up and go. As I was getting ready to leave my apartment, I thought a lot about today being Mother's Day. Over the past few weeks, as I've started to weave running into my schedule, I've noticed my attempt to better utilize my time. When I first starting teaching, I would always give kudos (verbal, not the bars) to fellow new teachers who were moms. I couldn't imagine having to do everything and THEN some to help care for others! I think of all the moms I know who wear so many hats, and on top of ALL of that, are moms...meaning they would (and DO!) drop everything when the phone rings, or when a frown appears. Pretty much, moms rock....especially my mom, Janny B.

I decided to drive down and park along Kelly Drive, to mix things up a bit, since I had a little extra time this morning. It had been closed for the Schuylkill Regatta, and I thought it had re-opened. Thought wrong. I drove closer into the city, when I realized the Race for the Cure was taking place at the Art Museum. Luckily I was able to find a spot at Boat House Row (and by find a spot, I mean make one on a grass). It happened unintentionally, but I was able to see much of the event on my run. At the art museum, there was live music, which was a pleasant surprise. I saw my first 1, 2, 3 AND 4 of the Phanatic Around Town statues (oddly enough, NOT the art museum one itself!). Oh, and there was a ton of PEOPLE! It was estimated that 120,000 people would be attending today's event. It was so wonderful to see SO MANY people out honoring those who are survivors (again, another BIG shout out to JANNNNNNY<3), and in memory of those who lost their battle. Overall, an awesome way to start not only my day, but a day dedicated to a special group of women - mothers!

In other training news, today's run brought me to 30 miles of overall running since I began a month ago. Very exciting, yet a little scary when I do some quick division....30 miles < 3 half-marathons. ek!