It's decided.

Well, I'm sad to say it, but I've pulled out of this year's Disney Half Marathon. The running part wasn't a particular concern to me, but I was overwhelmed by the fundraising side of things. There just hasn't been enough time in my days to work on fundraising and I knew that I wouldn't be able to make up the difference between my goal and my amount raised if it was more than one or two hundred dollars. I don't like giving up on things. And I don't usually. But, it is a little weight off my shoulders knowing that I don't have to worry about racing and raising money for January! 

For the one or two people who actually read this blog, no worries- you can still read my rantings. There will just be less running talk and more rambles of another nature. And I still hope to do a half marathon next year....Lake Placid, perhaps? We shall see.

And here I am with my workout buddies on a giant chair after I [almost] completed 

the course at Adirondack Extreme!

Oy vey.

So much for my weekly posts! Life is just too crazy for that much blogging. Unless you're a blogger and that's all you do. I suppose if I was paid to blog then I would make more of an effort. Anyone out there willing to fund my blogging adventure? No? That's kind of what I figured.

But I digress...

How about this weather? It's gorgeous jogging/running/doing anything outside weather! Sadly, my training has not been up to par with the beautiful fall weather. Between work, grad school, and home renovations, I've only put in a few short runs (3.1 miles on average) in the past two weeks. Which is certainly NOT to say that I've just been sitting at home or at a desk on my rump that whole time. I'm doing a fitness challenge at the gym where I work out (CB's Fitness Firm in South Glens Falls, for those of you reading this from my neck of the woods) and so I'm spending many many hours each week in cardio and strength training classes over there in yet another effort to turn my body into something that might look decent in a bikini. Just a couple pounds down so far, but I feel pretty great! Other than feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from a general lack of sleep. 

It did occur to me the other day that I now have just over two months to train my body to run 13.1 miles AND to raise the remaining $2900 to get me to Florida...the running thing I'm not as concerned about as the money thing. So, I will not beg or plead for assistance. Instead, I will just ask very calmly and quietly for a little help from anyone who is willing and able. Please?!?!?!?!?!?! :) 

Now I must get back to the studying for grad school/home renovation aspect of my life. Happy Fall everybody!

A couple of shots from apple picking. Another fabulous outdoor activity for these beautiful Fall days!


And here's a song that I adore and can't stop listening to...enjoy!
Click on the link....you know you want to! 

And so it begins.

You know, there are a lot of things that I should be doing right now. Reading articles for my grad classes. Sleeping. Cleaning. Organizing my bookcase. 

Writing my first post on the blog (we'll call this the "unofficial" first post, though) is probably not tops on the list of things that need to be done. But, if I don't do it now, when will I start? 

So here's what this blog is all about (for now): I'm running a half marathon. Not right this minute of course. I'm in jammies right now and I don't really want to run by the light of a headlamp which is what I'd have to do so as not to end up flat on my face. But in January, I will run 13.1 miles in Disney World. Why, you might ask? Well, partly it's because I'm trying to torture myself through exercise. Partly it's because I've decided that it would be super if, for the first time in my life, I could wear (and look good in) a bikini. But it's largely because I think that the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society could benefit from one more person raising money on their behalf. I'm doing this because I like the idea of the challenge and I like the idea of helping people in whatever way I can. So, that's what I'll do. 

Right now I'm averaging about a 12 minute mile for my 4 mile runs. And by "runs," please realize that I mean barely faster than a walk. But I'll get there. I have three full months to do it. Seems totally feasible, right??? I think so. And if you'd like to donate, I'd certainly appreciate any help that comes my way! The goal is $3,000 and I fully expect to get there by December 1st! But I need your help. I'll keep updating this, weekly if I can, and let you know my progress. And by next summer, it'll be bikini time in Costa Rica! (If I haven't killed myself from the exhaustion, that is.) :)

 

This is me on top of Hurricane Mt. It's a pretty sweet hike. Hiking is good. :)