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

(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!