Welcome! Please read along and stay throughout my journey

I promised people I would blog about my half marathon experience and quite frankly, I have slacked but I have so many thoughts and ideas in my head so hopefully I'll be able to blog about them now.

I have decided to run Grandma's Half Marathon up in Duluth on June 19, 2010. I am absolutely ecastic but even more so because my best friend, Stef, is coming all the way from Pittsburgh to enjoy this special weekend with me. I have not seen her in a few years but we talk daily via email but there will be nothing better than seeing her and for both of us to meet one another's boyfriend.

Speaking of my boyfriend, he is my biggest supporter. He makes sure to ask me everytime I am finished with my run for the day how it was and just listen to me babble. I appreciate this more than he knows because I know running does not interest him in the least bit but because it matters to me, he listens.

The training schedule is quite demanding but I feel such a sense of calmness in my life right now. Life is real hectic around me (at home, work and then not to mention the biggest of them all- house buying) but this gives me the ability to enjoy a little time to myself each and every day.

I hear often- "wow you are crazy, I am not running unless something is chasing me!" While I respect that, I can guarantee that I find the calmness in running as everyone else does in something else. Chuck always tells me, you love to run like I love to fish- it keeps our sanity. I challenge each and every one of you to find what makes you happy, whole and sane.

I spent my first week running on the treadmill as weather conditions were not great here in MN, that was a breeze. My 6 mile run on Sunday was a bit rough as I felt pressured for time but I made it through. This week has been a little different. I am now running outside and that is a totally different ball game. I have realized I am done running on the treadmill- it bores me to tears. The pavement is so much harder and pacing yourself becomes challenging, but it is a great way to de-stress and just listen to the world around you and say hi to everyone passing by as they are walking/exercising. This weekend will be a challenge as Chuck is not home and I have 2 longer runs I need to get through but I am blessed with a great support system to help me out for a few hours.

Yesterday I had a 3 mile run ahead of me but my shins were killing me, but I went anyway. A great inspiration and friend, Nancy, had posted about her workout on facebook and I knew I had to leave right then. Sometimes the people who don't think they are making a difference, make the biggest one yet- thanks Nancy. I got done with my run and felt fabulous. I was hurting but it was a good hurt.

I've been struggling with eating. I eat a good, quick snack before I exercise but I am NEVER hungry afterwards. Yes I know I will get flammed by my running friends and those who exercise but I have no appetite but I will drink water until the end of time. I have been reading and researching ways to continue. Any input is greatly appreciated!

As of this morning, I am down 3.4 lbs in 2 weeks. I looked in the mirror this morning and really enjoyed what I saw- I am wearing a shirt that 3 months ago was too snug. Great NSV huh? The weight loss is slower than I'd like but I am getting there and I know without a doubt, I am losing inches.

Thank you so much for all your support. I am dedicating my race on June 19, 2010 to my grandma. I always promised her I would run Grandma's Marathon someday and while I am not running the whole 26.2 miles, I know she will be proud of me just the same for running 13.1 miles. I hope you will read this blog, leave your comments/advice and talk about your own experiences.