Back on track

Welcome to my personal space to rant & rave and hopefully rave some more about running, health & happiness. I've started this blog to document my marathon training & then some. To date, I have 74 days and counting until the 2011 Kalamazoo Marathon -- my first! I'm about halfway through my training (okay, so why start this now? it's better late than never, right?) and I'm now getting into higher mileage than I've ever run before. (Background -- ran my first half marathon last April and a second last September.) So...it's time to get to the nitty gritty and stay focused on my training.

I said to myself last week that I was going to get down to business with training & then mother nature decided to give me the head cold from hell. I was down for the count for 5 days. 5 days! I was so disappointed that I missed my Saturday long run with my training buddies from KAR (Kalamazoo Area Runners) that I made a HUGE, 20 ft long paper chain counting down the days until the marathon. Yes, I know, I am a huge nerd. Today I was happy to get back in the saddle and run a nice 45-minute treadmill workout. Woo hoo, 4 miles for this week. One more paper chain link away from the big race.

Now that I'm up to speed I'd like to thank a few folks who have inspired my running in general. First, my husband, the craziest, most fit individual that I know. He's constantly pushing himself and constantly succeeding -- it's just awesome watching him. Plus, he's always encouraging me -- especially with awesome running gifts like the the official Kzoo Marathon running jacket. Weee -- what can I say? I like gifts.

Secondly, the my running pals from KAR. You ladies are the best, seriously. I'm so glad I've found such a nice group of people to share this passion for running.

Lastly, I'd like to thank myself for mostly putting up with my ever protesting brain. I have a tendency to complain (who doesn't!) when the weather isn't right, my running outfit isn't comfortable, or it's just too darn early (Saturday morning 7:30AM runs) but once I get my running shoes on and get through that first mile, I'm feeling good and proud I got my body out there. That inner dialogue changes from "what are you thinking?!" to "good job -- keep it up you're having a blast!"

Running is freeing...it makes me feel healthy & happy.

Kalamazoo Marathon running jacket. After Valentine's day run.