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!

Same Name: Lance BASS and ARMSTRONG

I am beyond thrilled that tomorrow morning will bring FRIDAY! This week has been super busy and exhausting. I am pleased, however, to say that I set a plan for attack for the week, knowing I'd have little time to run. Success!

Tonight's run was great. I really enjoyed myself and being in Lansdale for the night, it was a nice change-up to run something different. I think the best part of running is the very end, or, leading up to the end. Long ago, I hated the push of others to sprint at the end, but now it's routine (which, as you know, I like). Thanks to my Nike+ (which is really a whole post in itself!!), I have a set power song I can blast to get through the last steps. I'm seeing slowly that my attitude towards running is really, truly changing....it feels good!

Post title?
Lance Bass = a common voice on my tunes (well, as common as he is in any music he's been a part of...)

Lance Armstrong = Complimented me at the end of my run for my best mile to date. Sometimes I run just so I can play with my Nike+ features...but like I said, that's a whole other post....

MS Walk!

This morning, I had the wonderful privilege of walking in the MS Walk as part of Bo's Peeps. This team, a year in the making, was formed to loving memory of Ellen, our team captain's mama. All our team members' dedication to fundraising for MS was incredible, and I am now even MORE excited about running my half-marathon for the Hole in the Wall Camps...but more on that later! The walk was at Tyler Park in Newtown, near Alyssa's house. A bunch of us stayed over there last night (like wall-to-wall air mattresses!), so we were able to more easier get there on time (something which would have otherwise been a challenge for me, I am sure). Our team all met beforehand, and it was so great to see so many people rocking our team shirt (and by people, I mean dogs and babies included. I know babies are people, but you know what I mean...). Alyssa did an amazing job organizing the whole event, getting people out and motivated! If I don't tell her enough....YOU ARE WONDERFUL!

The walk started at 10, and it was a really cool place to have it. It wasn't just around a track; it was all throughout the park. Luckily it was mostly shaded, so 90 degrees didn't feel as bad as I'm sure it could have otherwise. At the end of the 3 miles, we each received a medal (!!) and a ridiculous amount of refreshments to cool off with. Yummmmy!

I am BEYOND proud to report that our team was the top money raiser for our site location. While I only know for sure our online donations, the team raised over ELEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS (I had to type it out, so you could really understand how BIG THAT IS!!). While it may sound like I'm bragging, I'm not, because our team was such a collection of awesome..and I just happened to be able to be a part of it (how awesome you want to know? 3 of the top 5 money raisers for the walk location were from our team....I meannn....PRETTY AWESOME!).

I must, of course, thank all those who supported me and donated in my name to our team. I appreciate your support, financially and otherwise! Again, it's days like today that I am able to slow down life and realize how much is possible. It is this that will surely carry me through my runs in the upcoming days/weeks!

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead


Bo's Peeps!



The woman, the myth, the legend - our awesome team captain Alyssa


BC before the walk....


...and after!

Share-worthy Quote

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."
- John Bingham, running writer and speaker

I likeeee it! MS Walk tomorrow morning! Fingers crossed ONLY sun!