today's must-listen

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm a creature of habit and it's therefore no surprise that my ipod music has changed little since I first uploaded music in April 2006. Songs I add usually are old favorites that are just new to my repertoire. Anyway, I recently uploaded an entire CD and today, while running, I listened to a whole song for the first time, something I'm not sure has ever happened! This song was so hilarious and good to run to, I feel it's necessary to share it. Pardon the awkward video; just click for the sweet song of Kesha's "Dinosaur."

Justification

It's only fair that I blog about this entire experience, not just the days where all goes according to plan. That being said, I had planned to run today and I'm not. My whole body is just tired and needs a break. I'm tired and need a break (but that might be a problem larger than running vs. not running). This might not sound like a huge deal, but I am a creature of habit and breaking the routine and the flow sometimes is much harder than just sticking to the original plan, despite my desire not to. Luckily for me, I have the tough love support of many, who thankfully will keep on me...and, I was so focused on myself on Sunday, I wasn't able to properly give e-props to two of those supports/event do-ers. CONGRATULATIONS to AJG and Sindy for their respective events on Sunday! And thank you for letting me post pictures of you on my blog without your permission!






(this is actually my way of checking to see if they're reading...)

Notes from the 5K!

After months of planning, Alyssa, Lindsay, and I ran a 5K this morning at Villanova. The event was "Safe from the Sun," which we were...it was raining all morning! I cannot believe how incredibly nervous I was....I can't explain it, but I had knots in my stomach all morning (and it wasn't just from all the laughing!). We got there super early, which was good, but gave me much time to dwell....not good. We signed in, got goodie bags (with a very nice umbrella - perfect to keep me safe from the sun!), and walked around to see other vendors that were there. I entered a drawing to have my registration for my half-marathon in September paid for - wouldn't that be nice! Even NICER though was that I was told that one of the performers at the half-marathon, a Rock 'n Roll event, will be....Miley Cyrus!!

The race started a little after 10, and we were some of the first people out to the start line. I was pretty glad when the race just started - all the standing around was making me nervous! I ran near Lindsay most of the time, which was good, as it was entertaining to watch her try to keep her bottoms up...hmmm... Overall, I think it was good "game day" practice for me. The feeling of running with SO many people was also a good experience....good in that it needed to happen. While my only goal of the event was just to FINISH, I was pleased that I somehow managed to finish under 30 minutes!! All in all, a HUGE success - way to go girls :O)!



Just after we crossed the finish line!

For the Love of Running

I feel it's necessary to publicly address the fact that following my invitation to be a bridesmaid in the Hansell/Emmerling wedding, I did feel some pressure to lace up my sneaks and hit the road. Following the dress sizing from hell, I even felt my position in the bridal party could be challenged by my love of nachos.... This upcoming event may serve as potential motivation when the going gets tough, especially since I convinced the woman ordering the dresses that I could, in fact, certainly fit into a size I don't wear all too often anymore..

In the meantime, CONGRATULATIONS to Fransell!

Morning Run? CHECK!

This morning I proudly checked off a first for my event training - a pre-work morning run. In May, graduate classes are going to take up a few nights a week, so I wanted to give AM running a try. Also, I like the idea of starting work having already tackled a challenge! I think it's because I slept late yesterday, but I kept waking up throughout the night, I think worried I'd oversleep and miss my run (good to know I'm so committed to my self-given goals!). I'm thinking that probably won't ever happen again though!

Weekend Run

In making my running routine, I have decided that Sundays will be used for my long run of the week. This weekend, I decided to run on Saturday instead, before friends from out of town came in. My goal was to push myself just a little, to set a time goal and stick with it. I decided to ran for 40 minutes, and I was proud that I was able to complete it! I had to really slow down at one point, but I ran the whole thing - woo! The next challenge: Tackling a morning run.

Investing in the Staples Red Button

....so I have no choice but to think everything about this is easy. I got back from a wedding in Altoona this morning (so you can already imagine how I was feeling...) and did some work around the apartment. I know I can't use this line for forever, but I was proud of myself that I stuck to my plan and went out to run. Other than that, it was hot and hard and my legs were sore from dancing last night! One of the hardest things about this for me may be the up and down: some days I'm going to feel good and it's going to be good, and other days that won't be the case. That all being said, a few people I have talked to have been VERY helpful, giving me advice and suggestions. I'm hoping to come up with a "plan" this week, and begin it the first week in May. For now, I'm just trying to establish a routine for once May comes, I'll be ready to roll (I mean, run!).

Welcome!

Welcome to the blog that will follow me over the next months as I prepare to run the ING Rock & Roll Philadelphia Half-Marathon.

That's right. Digest it. Take it in. I am prying myself away from the couch and slipping into my sneaks for repetitive extended periods of time. The thought is a lot for me to swallow too.

My run will be to raise money for the Hole in the Wall camps. My goals? 13.1 miles and $2,500. Since mentally committing a few days ago, the idea of this has slowly began to move from completely terrifying to slightly exciting (just slightly....give it some time). I'm nervous, but I've already begun rehearsing my finish line face (it's a near cousin of the "I just won big on the slots!" face, one I have practiced many times) and I am ecstatic about helping to give another child the chance to experience the Hole in the Wall camp experience!

Here goes nothing....