bike ride to...the same place I started.

*Disclaimer: This should go without saying, but I still find it necessary to say: I still find it socially acceptable to give myself public pats on the back, since I'm still accepting titles such as "physically active," "athlete," and "runner."

I decided to head to the gym for a class this morning (since my normal classes were cancelled-woo!), but the streets of Manayunk prevented me from getting there on time. In response to a conversation I just had the other night, when I saw a sign-up for a spin class, I decided I'd give it a shot. It's been a long while since I've cried my way through..I mean, spun my way through a class, and it's certainly overwhelming when so many people in the class are so hard-core. It can be scary, but once I was in there, I was pretty much stuck..which was a good thing!

If my thoughts could've typed a post, it would've been long and intense, but I'll just share the general points:

Overall, I really loved it! I thought it went pretty quick (that was one thing I had remembered disliking about spin in the past..it felt like I was just watching the clock). I was lucky that the music the instructor played was great, including some personal favorites...so that definitely helped. In looking at my training for the National Half, I've definitely been wanting to focus more on cross training, so I think this is something I'm eager to throw into my schedule. I already pay for it...

I like that I had to really push myself. That's not to say that there aren't runs where I want to just stop, but for some reason, it felt different. I was so clearly able to call on the things that motivate me and keep them clearly in my head. When I needed to go fast, I thought about my goals that I want to reach. When I had to push against the resistance, I thought about the challenges in my life that I need to work through. It was actually kind of neat!

Nevertheless, it was hard stuff and don't mind me if I did give myself a few gold stars throughout the class! I'm certain there were people in there working a lot harder than I was, but I did it and I really tried to stick with the resistance when I needed to. In thinking about my training for Hope Express....those who fight battles every day can't turn down the cancer, the pain, the struggle. Instead, they need to push harder, fight tougher. When I think about my running in Hope Express, I want to help inspire others to that they can push harder...that they shouldn't, they CAN'T, give up!

I think this really helped me to bring my reasons for running, especially with Hope Express just THREE WEEKS AWAY!!!!, right back to the forefront of my mind and heart, and it feels great!

You can learn more about Hope Express at www.thehopeexpress.org, and donate at www.thon.org (Organization ---> Hope Express)!

135 miles in 24 hours - FOR THE KIDS!

While I went out for a run yesterday during a flurry, today was my first snow run (rough, but I can still WOOO about it!), and with very good reason! This week, I found out that I am officially running in Hope Express in February - I couldn't be more honored, thrilled, pumped, stoked, excited!!!! Hope Express is a 24-hour 135-mile relay from Hershey Medical Center to Penn State's THON. Hope Express is a message of hope for families in their journey with pediatric cancer, and raises money for the Four Diamonds Fund, which provides financial support and medical services for these families. This has been something I have been wanting to do for two years now, and with my half-marathon behind me, I feel finally worthy of this honor! Not to say I don't still have a lot of work ahead of me, but I am thrilled to be working so hard for such an incredible cause. Here's a look at what Hope Express is:

Want to join in the fight? Donations can be made at www.thon.org, (General Organization/Darian Leib) or checks can be mailed to me, payable to Hope Express (4415 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19127).

And some pictures from this morning's run...

East Falls Bridge