I am a Runner

NEVER thought I would say those words. I used to hate when my Junior High gym teacher made us run half a mile to a mile every day to warm up. Our Junior High ran more than any of the other schools in our area. Lucky me. (Although I shouldn't really complain. Jerling Junior High always pumped out the best runners. Pacer test anyone?? Represent!)

But anyway, fast forward about 10 years, and now I'm training for the Chicago Marathon. HUH?! Where did that come from? Because it's not like I'm doing it to lose weight. So you might be thinking "why on Earth would you want to do that?". Trust me, I still question it myself sometimes. (Like last week when I was running in near 90 degree temps.)

I got my inspiration from one of my best friends, Jerry. He has run the Chicago Marathon several times now. And although he was always a runner, it still amazed me that someone could actually accomplish that. The first time that he did it, I was there with his family and mine to watch. I was so darn proud I didn't know what to do with myself. I'm pretty sure my eyes were watering when I saw him after he finished. And then I put on my mom jeans and ordered him around, telling him to drink water, making him wrap himself in a blanket, making sure he kept walking so his muscles didn't fall off or whatever happens if you suddenly stop moving after running 26.2 miles. I was stunned at how amazing just watching that race made me feel, I couldn't imagine what running it must have been like. Suddenly running didn't seem sooo bad.

Recently, another friend Meghan decided to run the Chicago Marathon to raise money for the organization conducting research for her dad's type of cancer (Multiple Myeloma). She studied in Spain with me and we became really close. I started to think to myself, "if she can do it, why can't I?" I used the excuse that I had an internship over the summer, commuted to the city, and wanted to spend my free time with my boyfriend since he was moving to Puerto Rico. I feel like, looking back, that was a pretty lame excuse. But I did appreciate the time with my bf.

Finally this past winter break something came over me, and I decided to go for it. I had had the urge for awhile and didn't think I could actually do it. But I could not hold it in any longer. Plus, Jon bought me the book "Marathon" by Hal Higdon for Christmas, so I couldn't turn back. I like setting goals and achieving them, and even though this was one lofty goal, I was ready! Jerry made me a training schedule that got me ready for the Shamrock Shuffle with him and his dad, and the Holy Half Marathon in April at Notre Dame. I really loved running in the spring around the Notre Dame campus.

Summer has been a bit more challenging, especially since starting work (I get up at 5:30 sometimes to fit in my run... it's way too hot to run after work). But I'm still going! I only have 3 more long runs before the Marathon on 10.10.10!! I can't believe how fast this last month, where I've really stepped up my mileage, has gone by. I still have a lot of training ahead, but I am definitely excited for the Marathon to finally be here.

I will probably keep running after the marathon, but I don't think I will be spending my Sunday mornings running 18 miles along the lake. I mean that's nice and all but maybe just 6 will suffice...

So now that you know my story, here's a fun video to end with. Remember that super cute Google commercial from the Super Bowl? This is a spin on that. Note: Hal Higdon (the author of my book), is featured in one of the searches at about the :50 mark.

I love my Keds

A little over a year ago, I decided I wanted some navy Keds. Like, the kind of Keds that I had when I was 6. (Except those were magenta, purple, and teal multicolored, and I'm not sure I want to be quite so adventurous now). I'm not really sure why I didn't buy them then, but in any case, until now I had wanted them for awhile from afar.

Well now that I have a big girl job, I finally bought them! So I present to you my new favorite shoes. Super comfy and cute.
Also, I was stoked to see Bella wearing them in New Moon and Eclipse!! :)

I really kinda suck at blogging....

HI!

So... August/New Years Resolutions:
1) Post more often. Once a month is not really cuttin' it.
2) Shorter maybe? That Gaga one was a real doozy.
3) Don't use words like doozy that I'm not sure of the spelling.
4) A little more humor maybe?

OK so look for more posts in August, all you readers, you.

xo