Erbear on the Run

Four!

2011-05-06T10:45:00.004-04:00

Running is pretty much out at this point in my life. My knee just isn't getting stronger, though I will continue to build the muscle with my personal trainer. I'm also continuing to take spin classes at the gym.

Not running has made me quite antsy, so I've taken up a new sport - GOLF! For the past two weekends, I've been hitting up the driving range with my husband. Tomorrow, I officially start lessons.

I have a few cute golf outfits, including blue plaid capri pants and a pink plaid visor (not to be worn together). Depending on how into I get, I plan to purchase clubs and a pink golf bag. I may not be the best golfer on the course, but I'll look good trying!

All kidding aside, my goal is to be able to play a full round of golf with my husband during our summer vaca to St. Kitts this July.

Fail

2011-04-20T17:26:00.002-04:00

JoJo and I got to the start line for the 5k on Saturday and the skies opened up. It was cold and nasty, therefore, we bailed. Yes, we were actually at the race and ditched it for the warmth of Starbucks.

Now it's Passover, so I'm not sure how much working out my stomach can handle. But Ben and I are only a couple hundred dollars away from our fundraising goal!!!!!

Runnin' in Wrigley

2011-04-05T16:59:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I may not be able to run a half marathon or anymore than six miles without being in extreme knee pain. But I can attempt to run three and that I will do a week from Saturday when I run the "Race to Wrigley" 5K in Chicago! Stay tuned to see how that goes. I have a feeling the drinking after at Murphy's will go better than the race itself!

Sad News

2011-04-01T14:46:00.003-04:00

It is with great sadness that I inform you (although most of you already know this since my blog readership is two - my husband and brother), that I had to withdraw from the half marathon. My knees cannot support me running anything more than five miles.

I'm still fundraising for Crohn's cause to my knowledge there still is no cure. So please support my cause because my husband will be running in my honor - http://www.active.com/donate/virginia11dc/TheWillchers.

I had a very successful jewelry fundraiser last week. We raised over $200 (granted that's about what I spent on jewelry, but hey, it's a win-win).

So as you can imagine, I'm a little down cause I am no longer running. I did hit the gym 6 of 7 days this week, including an hour and a half spin class. I'm trying hard to build up the muscle again in my legs and see if maybe one day in the future I can run a half again.

In the meantime, I looking for a new hobby to cheer myself up. Please let me know if you have any suggestions.

A year older

2011-03-18T16:09:00.002-04:00

Do I look any different? Since my last post, I've turned a year older and yet I'm none the wiser.

The day before my birthday, I got in an almost 6 mile run. Go me! That's way more than I ran all of last year. I'm not going to lie and say it was easy. But I've found two people on the team that are my pace, so it's made coming to practice a lot more enjoyable.

This weekend the team is running a 5k. Since I've participated in many races, I decided not do the 5k. Honestly, it's my least favorite distance and I don't want to risk injury at this stage of the game. So instead, I'm heading up to NYC for a visit with one of my best friends. I'm sure she is going to make me run around the city, so I've packed my running shoes. I promise a full report of our shenanigans in the next posting. Stay tuned...

Week 4: Motivation!

2011-03-07T09:21:00.003-05:00

I believe that anyone can complete a half marathon. All you need is MOTIVATION.

Motivation seems to be what I've been lacking the past three weeks. But as of this weekend, I'm back! Fully motivated mentally and getting there physically to take on my fifth half marathon.

The running bug is back! I did 40 minutes with the group on Saturday. Not going to lie it was killer due to my lack of motivation and physical activity the prior week. I huffed and puffed most of the way, but in the end, I ran the entire time.

Then, this morning, I hopped on the treadmill and ran the entire time again! It felt so good (minus a some minor knee pain at the beginning, but once I found my groove I was good to go).

I have to admit, I had an excellent play list this morning. As you may recall, several years ago, when I was training for my first half marathon, I decided to go cold turkey and ditch the music. I'm not planning to run this half marathon with music, but for my shorter, midweek runs, it helps right now.

Songs that got me motivated this morning:
Fireworks by Katy Perry
Just the Way You are by Bruno Mars
Born this Way by Lady Gaga
What the Hell by Avril Lavigne
Raise your Glass by Pink
Kids by MGMT
*Pretty much anything on the top 100 itunes chart!

Am I Alone?

2011-02-28T14:43:00.003-05:00

For almost 20 years of my life, I didn't really know anyone my own age with Crohn's disease. I got to talk with anyone who actually understood what I was experiencing, share war stories, or swamp information about different medication.

I always wondered how I would explain to a boyfriend that I had Crohn's. Then I met my husband and around our third date, I decided to share my secret. A secret that affected almost every aspect of my life. I was relieved to learn that his best friend from high school had Crohn's and she was also a nurse. We instantly formed a bond.

Around the same time, I got involved with CCFA's Team Challenge. Over the last three years, I have been fortunate enough to meet several people my age, who have had similar experiences with their disease. It's comforting to know others like me and hear how they overcome Crohn's each day.

During this week's training session, I ran with a fellow mentor, who recently hasn't been feeling 100%. We were able to share our experiences on the same medication. It not only made the run go by fast, but it was nice to hear stories that sound so familiar to my own. And that we were both running to escape.

This is why I love Team Challenge because I am able to meet others and know that I am not alone.

Training Update: The week three group run was cold again. But once we got moving, we warmed up quick. I ended up pounding the pavement for just over 43 minutes. I walked a little, which I was anticipating since I had not worked out at all in 9 days. I'm hoping to get one mid-week training run in, cause I find running once a week is extremely difficult.

Fundraising Update: $250! I'm having a Stella & Dot Jewelry and Wine party fundraiser on Sunday, March 27. 20% of the proceeds will benefit Team Challenge. If you can't make it but would like to purchase jewelry, click here. When promoted for a hostess, type "Erin's Team Challenge Fundraiser."

Week 2 Hiccup

2011-02-21T11:16:00.003-05:00

I would like to just pretend week 2 didn't exist. It's been well over a week since I've run, do to a minor hiccup last Thursday night/Friday morning. I ended up in the ER with horrible stomach pain. After about 8 hours in the ER, I was diagnosed, however, unhappy with their prognosis. Everything's okay, I'll spare you the details. Just waiting on a follow-up appointment with my doctor to get all my meds straightened out.

I spent the entire weekend sleeping, after being awake for over 30 hours. I'm definitely planning to take it easy this week, but I'm hoping I can make the training session this Saturday (I may have to walk, which wouldn't be a totally disappointment).

I missed, what was supposed to be, an amazing weekend in Charlottesville. Such is life when you have Crohn's disease. I'm just really sick of being sick. Three of seven weekends this year, I haven't been 100%. Not really liking 2011 so far.

Training: Week 1

2011-02-13T18:09:00.003-05:00

Training session #1 was a huge success, in that I was able to run the entire time with NO knee pain. I think this was partly due to the short distance and the 30 degree temp. I wasn't really able to feel my knees, so that helped!

Following the first training run, Team Challenge and coach Kevin led a shoe clinic. It was very informative for the new participants. I was reminded that it's better to get a good pair of shoes at the beginning of the training, then have to buy a couple pairs of cheaper shoes.

I was fitted for my new shoes and I ended up going back to New Balances, the very first brand I ever ran in! They have a whole new line out and they are pretty light weight, yet well cushioned. Just what I needed. I did learn that I no longer pronate and that the surgery helped neutralize my running.

I won't be attending the official week two practice with Team Challenge because I'm going on a "couples" retreat to Charlottesville. However, I am looking forward to getting a short run in this week.

My plan is to run once a week until March, when I will slowly ad in one or two weekday runs. My hope is that by easing into the training, I will avoid further injury to my knees. Plus, I'm still doing Bikram yoga, personal training, and spinning to help build up my running strength.

My Crohn's Story

2011-02-11T14:34:00.003-05:00

For those who don't know how Crohn's has affected my life and why I started running, I would like to share my life experiences:

13.1 miles...15 days - what do they have in common? No, it does not take me 15 days to run 13.1 miles. At age 7, after being sick for nearly two months (and missing a month and half of second grade), I was unable to walk, and my parents carried me into the Cleveland Clinic. Not knowing what was wrong, I went through 8 days of tests in the hospital - but still no diagnosis and I was only getting sicker. Following countless tests and blood work, a colonoscopy determined my fate. I was told I had Crohn's.

I never fully grasped how sick I was until the diagnosis came and I could see the relief on my parents’ faces. As a 7 year old, I had no idea how this disease would impact my life. I just remember being put on medication and feeling 100 times better. I thought that would do the trick, and that I would be fine. When I left the hospital after 15 days, the doctors told my family there would a cure for Crohn's disease in my lifetime.

Crohn's disease had an impact on almost every aspect of my life. I struggled in school because of a learning disability related to having an illness. My father had to drive up to Canada one summer to pick me up early from sleepover camp due to a flare-up. Socially, it was hard for me to explain to my friends in middle school why my body was as round as a balloon (thanks to the steroids).

No matter how sick I was feeling, my parents were always there by my side. When I left for college, I still didn't fully understand the disease and the affect it could have on my body until the end of my first semester of freshman year. I wore my body down so much that I had to go home before taking finals. The doctors loaded me up on medication that made me feel even worse.

I returned to school the following semester, determined to take better care of myself. Two summers later I returned home to visit my doctor. He told me my blood work was still indicating active disease and I had to choose between a new drug, fully of uncertainty or surgery. Surgery soon became my only option. I had six inches of my intestine removed and the recovery was painful. I remember thinking I would never get out of bed again.

A month later, I was fully recovered and ready to head back for my junior year of college. Later that year, I was hospitalized again. I was scared that the surgery hadn't worked. I did not want to go back on steroids. Thankfully, this time an antibiotic did the trick.

I have shared all the scary and horrifying moments that this disease has brought to my life. However, most days I'm a normal 28 (almost 29) year marketing professional and wife, who loves to shop, ski, run, and cheer for the Cleveland Indians & Green Bay Packers. Daily medication keeps my disease under control almost 85% of the time, along with a constantly changing diet.

Following college, I began running. I was not much of an athlete as a child, but loved sports. While preparing to run the National Half Marathon in 2007, I was hospitalized with a bowel obstruction preventing me from continuing my training that year. The following year, feeling 100%, I was able to re-train for the 13.1 mile race and cross the finish line!

I have no idea how long I will be healthy before the next flare-up. But, I make sure to take full advantage of everyday that I am not on steroids, am not in the hospital, or don’t have tremendous stomach pain. My friends and I even put a positive spin on going to the bathroom, referring to it as "winning the game."

Running has become my escape from Crohn's. I feel like a normal, healthy person when I cross the finish line at a race and feel like I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. In July 2009, I ran with CCFA's Team Challenge, completing my third or four half marathons.

Sitting at the Inspirational Pasta Party the night before the race, surrounded by 550 other runners impacted by these diseases, I felt even more confident that there will be a cure in my lifetime. Running 13.1 miles is nothing like spending 15 days in a hospital or having surgery. By running we are getting us one step closer to that cure.

Together we can cross that finish line and ensuring that one day soon there will be a cure for Crohn’s.

Thanks for your support!

One-Day until Training

2011-02-11T09:30:00.002-05:00

I can't believe tomorrow I become a runner again! After a year hiatus for knee surgery, I'm starting back at square one with a two mile run.

Two miles - in 2009, I would have said that's a not a workout and would have ran an extra couple on my own without the group. Two years late, two miles sounds like a lot for my recovering knee to handle. My goal is to at least jog the whole thing. I really don't want to have to walk. But, I honestly have no idea what it will feel like when I actually start tomorrow.

I'm excited for my fourth season with Team Challenge, the DC/VA chapter is over 100 runners strong and is looking like the biggest chapter in the country (which is fitting since this is a home race for us).

Wish me luck as I train for my fifth half marathon (and probably my last depending on the toll it takes on my knees).

No more treadmills

2011-01-31T13:25:00.002-05:00

And just like that I'm done with treadmills. My feet hurt like hell this morning. So I was over and done 20 minutes later and settled for 30 minutes on the elliptical. Which was very painful, cause my feet were still in pain from the pounding they took for the previous workout.

I'm not even sure how my first outdoor training run will be, since my shoes are just too old. Our shoe clinic isn't until after the run, so the first week I may just be walking.

Until February 12, I'll just continue with hot yoga, personal training and spinning.

Pre-training

2011-01-27T11:55:00.003-05:00

Apparently, before you officially start training for a race, you should do some "pre-training." Our coaches have been handing out the pretraining schedules at all the Team Challenge info sessions. I decided this morning (thanks to a work snow delay) that maybe I should actually try running again.

June 4, 2010 I had minor knee surgery that kept me from running the second half of 2009 and all of 2010. The Wine Country Half Marathon on June 4, 2011 is my comeback race!

Okay back to this morning...

So I hopped on the treadmill (in my very old running shoes) unsure of what would come out of the next 35 minutes. I ended up feeling great, knees and all. I had some minor foot pain when I was done but I'm attributing that to the shoes - which will be replaced at my first official training run on February 12.

All in all, this pre-training thing ain't so bad. I hope to get in a few more really short runs prior to training and will continue building up my knee strength with weights and balance activities.

Super Bowl 45

2011-01-24T16:40:00.003-05:00

I'll be the first to admit, after two concussions to QB Aaron Rodgers, I had sort of written off the Packers for the season. But when they beat Chicago in the final week of the regular season, I could tell something magically was about to happen.

I'm pretty much the most superstitious person you will ever meet. So for about 3 and half hours yesterday, I did not move from my spot on the couch. I let my husband move only a couple times, once to check on dinner and the other to check my pulse. I'll admit, I cried when they won. I am that person that cries during sporting events (for both wins and losses).

I share an office with someone from Pittsburgh, so this is going to be a pretty interesting two weeks!

Who's hosting a super bowl party? And is there room for my cheese head? (what real packers fan doesn't have one!)

I'm Back

2011-01-20T17:50:00.002-05:00

I just signed up for another season of CCFA's Team Challenge. This season I will play the role of both mentor and honored teammate. Get excited Team DC as we will be running a brand new race in wine country Virginia (hence the new background on this blog). Nothing gets me more excited then the thought of crossing the finish line after running 13.1 miles and immediately diving into some wine tasting!

So it's official, I'm a blogger again. I graduated with an MBA in May and then got married in November, so now I have a lot of free time on my hands. Which means lots of time for reading, running and of course blogging!

Wine Country

2009-08-05T15:43:00.003-04:00

The Napa to Sonoma Wine Country half marathon was absolutley amazing! I know I will never experience anything like it again. I had no idea where I was, or where I was going. All I could see was mountains in the distance and vineyards on either side of me. I highly recommend this race!!!!!!!!

It's not the most well managed race out there, but for the location, it's worth it. I was extremely disappointed with the organization of the water stops and the post-race layout. I think I walked about a mile just to to retrieve my bag from bag check. But shortly after finishing, there is wine tasting, so I quickly forgot about my disappointment with the race organizers.

Personally, I did very well on the course. I ran without a watch and there were no pacers on the course, so I literally had no idea how I was doing during the 13.1 mile journey. I ended up getting a PR by four minutes. If there had been Gatorade on the course and not this HEED crap, then who knows how much better I could have done.

Minus my few complaints, great race!

Class has taken over my life

2009-06-15T17:05:00.003-04:00

I would say until July 9, you should read my class blog. I'm working on a project for CCFA's Team Challenge, so you can still catch up on my running (sort of). I've also been pretty good about posting my weekly training updates on my active site.

I'll be back on this site before the race, don't worry!

Two Blogs... ahh

2009-05-31T16:37:00.003-04:00

I had to start a blog for class - The Business of New Media, so it's going to get more difficult to update this site. My class ends just before the race, so you should get a full post-race report.

Only four people showed up for the group run this week, but it ended up being one of my best long runs. I ran a 9:48 pace and did just over nine miles. I felt good. My foot bothered me a little bit, but nothing major. I felt like I could have run a couple more miles at that pace. Haven't felt that good about a long run in a while.

I've been really stressed with school, so running hasn't been as fun for me. I think this week's run may have rejuvenated my spirit a bit. Looking forward to the week ahead.

Catch-up

2009-05-22T08:58:00.001-04:00

Okay, so I clearly haven't posted in a few weeks. But I've been updating my fundraising page with little teasers about my run. So you should know that I've been traveling the past couple of weeks. I also started summer classes and re-joined the gym. Life has been hectic. I am back to my summer flex schedule at work, which is nice because I can spend one day a week devoted to my school work (fun huh?).

I should probably talk about running, since that is what this blog is about. Two weeks ago, Ben and I did an hour and 30 minute base run in Cleveland. Honestly, it was hard. This was our first truly long run in months. Even before we got to the hour mark, I was tired. I forgot how to pace myself. But I got through it. The following week, we were in New York City for an hour and 45 minute base run. This run was much better. I was sore before we started, but that didn't seem to bother me as much as I had thought. I didn't tire out early and managed to comfortably make it through the entire run. It was also nice to be something somewhere different. The west side of NYC is beautiful, I highly recommend this trail if you are visiting or live there.

This week we are back in DC. I'm trying to find somewhere new to run because part of getting through these long runs is about staying interested in my surroundings. We will be running for two hours. I almost tried to find a half marathon we could sign up for, but could find nothing in the area. Stayed tuned to see if I complete the two hour run tomorrow...

Pike's Peek 10k/Week 7

2009-04-26T17:13:00.004-04:00

This week, I added a speed workout to my training schedules. I've never incorporated speed into my training in the past, so I'm hoping to see some positive results.

Instead of participating in my normal Team Challenge training run, Ben and I ran the Pike's Peek 10k. This race is a point to point run down Rockville Pike in Maryland, with a great post-race party (mmm ice cream). I remember this race being mostly downhill last year, where I "PRed" on the course. Not so much this year. And it was 90 degrees. Oh and did I mention that I feel the day before and hurt my ankles and knees. Yet, despite the conditions, I still managed to run a 9:22 pace.

This marks my first race for 2009. I'd love to run something else before Napa, just not sure there will be time with all the trips I have coming up (Cleveland, New York, Chicago, Las Vegas).

If there are any good pictures from the race today, I'll make sure to post them later this week.

And, finally, on a fundraising note, I made it to the half way point - $2,000, yay!

Weeks 6 and 7

2009-04-19T10:08:00.004-04:00

Okay, I'm trying to play catch-up, since I've been way too busy this month to post about my training. Week 6 was passover. So that was a wash. Who can actually run well with Matzo in their stomach?!

This week's long run was a team scavenger hunt. I was a little apprehensive about this because of the different running skills within my team. Dani (our fearless leader) divided us into two teams, DC/VA vs. MD residents. Each team was given 12 clues and had to take a picture at each of the 12 locations. This was a great speed workout. We dashed from place to place, getting all 12 pictures (which I'll be posting in the next week).

By now you must be wondering who won...

Of course it was my team...duh! We rocked! And I only got yelled at by one capitol police officer and only bruised myself once hopping over a bench.

Link to photos http://picasaweb.google.com/Rachel.Sanderoff/TeamInTraining41809?feat=email#5329564113134316354

Week 5

2009-04-19T10:03:00.002-04:00

It's Cherry Blossom time in DC, which means lots of tourists. I only took out a couple of them during my group run this week. We met at Haines Point at 8 a.m., by then there was absolutely no parking left anywhere in down town DC. I cannot believe how dedicated the tourists are this year to seeing trees.

Anyway, enough about tourists. The group run ended up being great. We did 7.5 miles, weaving in and out of crowds while passing the Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington Memorials and all the museums. One month in, I'm finally feeling on target with my training.

Week 4

2009-03-29T14:02:00.002-04:00

I'm feeling a lot better about training this week. I'm cutting out my Wednesday runs to help my legs recover. Yesterday, I was able to run with a couple people from my group. I was in a lot of pain from the week, so I had to run a bit slower. I was actually pretty disappointed with my time for the group run, but at least I had company. My goals for the week include stretching a lot more. One of my coaches said I should stretch every night while watching TV, not just after runs. I'm going to try and fit this into my weekly routine. This week, I'm also going to focus on nutrition. My group met with a nutritionist after the run. She reminded us the importance of getting enough calories and the right mix of carbs, fats, and proteins. Even over the last 24 hours, I've been able to adjust my diet to include all three each time I eat a snack/meal.

Week 3

2009-03-23T17:00:00.003-04:00

Oops already skipped a week, but I'm back now! Week two was very unproductive, I was both sick and out of town, so sticking to the training schedule was hard. But onto week 3, which was much better. I got two weekday outdoor runs in and went to my weekly group run. I'm a little disappointed with the group runs. It seems like the entire team is walking the race, so I run with one other girl, who is much faster than me. I was only able to keep up with her for half the time. By the time I got back everyone had already finished.

Having run two half marathon's before, I think my training schedule is moving way too fast. By next Saturday I will be running close to 9 miles and the race is still over three months away. Yet, I feel like the walkers training is moving slowly, since I never see them start or finish. Just disappointing to me that my coach doesn't really give the runners in my group much instruction or stick around once the walkers are done.

My disappointment in the training part of the program has not stopped me from my ultimate goal, raising $4,000 for CCFA and crossing the finish line in Napa. Instead, I've brought back my amazing coach from the past two halves (my terrific boyfriend). He will be attending the Saturday long-runs with me.

Fundraising is going a lot better than expected. I thought that would be more difficult than the training. Thanks to everyone I know, I'm close to $1600 in just three weeks! I cannot express how thankful I am for all the support! Every little bit counts.

Finally, I would like to make a shout-out to a new runner. My best friend JoJo in Chicago started running this past month and has even signed up for a 5k. While, I'm so excited that she has found the passion for running, I'm so disappointed we don't live in the same city. But I hope to run with her during Passover and figure out a race we can do together. YAY JO!

Team Challenge: Week 1

2009-03-09T16:57:00.003-04:00

I began my training schedule for Napa this past week, which officially started with a group run Saturday morning. I woke up at 6:30 am, which was hard since JoJo was in town, but I was good and did not go out the night before. Team Challenge divided us into groups based on our past running experience. Only one other person from my group was there, yay Andrea, so we ran with one of the mentors. Twenty-nine minutes later we were done.

For those of you that know me, 29 minutes is not a workout... so on the way back, I had Ben drop me off at the corner of Massachusetts and Wisconsin and I ran the rest of the way home.

I think my group is really going to push me. From what I can tell in one week, their longer distance pace is a bit faster than mine, basically anything over a 10k at their pace will be pushing myself. Having run two half marathons before, speed is something I'm looking to improve upon, so if I don't kill myself training or drink too much wine before the race, this experience should help me get a PR on race day.

P.S. Help me reach my goal of $1,000 by my birthday (March 13!!!!!)
http://www.active.com/donate/napa09dcvirginia/napa09ESudow

Pre-Week 1

2009-03-01T16:55:00.002-05:00

I am happy to report that I ran outside twice this past week before work. I was able to take advantage of some pretty decent weather in the district. I also met my team this weekend at a fundraising workshop. Everyone is very nice and I look forward to our first training run next weekend. Some of the people I spoke to were a little nervous about the running. After telling them that I had run two half marathons last year, if definitely gave them some hope about being able to do it themselves.

It has also been interesting for me to meet people my age with Crohn's disease and hear their individual experiences. No one has the exact same experience with this disease, but it's nice to know there are people out there who understand what I go through on a daily basis. I'm really going to enjoy getting to know my teammates over the next 16 weeks!

Team Challenge

2009-02-18T16:51:00.003-05:00

Last night I signed up for CCFA's Team Challenge. This summer, I will be running my third half marathon (in beautiful Napa) to raise money and awareness of a disease that I have lived with for over 19 years.

I'm really excited to meet my teammates and begin training/fundraising. I know it will be a big time commitment, but in the end, the experience of a lifetime.

The plan is to post every week, once my training begins on March 7, so that I can share this amazing experience with everyone.

Don't forget to check out my fundraising page! - http://www.active.com/donate/napa09dcvirginia/napa09ESudow

Happy New Year!

2009-01-09T13:59:00.003-05:00

I haven't posted in a while because frankly, I haven't been doing any running. I'm starting to really miss it. Which is good, because in a little over a month I start my half marathon training program. I'm a bit concerned about being able to participate in all the activities/training runs because of school.

In addition to the actual running, I'm really excited to meet people who are raising money for a chronic illness that affects me everyday.

I'm sure I've posted it before, but here is the training program I will be participating in. Can't wait to get started!

The Return of W.W.

2008-12-05T16:34:00.003-05:00

A week before Thanksgiving, I was cleaning out my room and came across all my old Weight Watchers pamphlets. I decided, to try counting points for a week. After one week I had lost two pounds, so I decided to pick it back up after Thanksgiving. While, I'm not really trying to lose weight, I am trying to get in decent shape for my next half marathon and pay attention to the foods I'm eating. My plan is to use the winter months to build up my strength through weight training and core straightening activities (not too much running, gotta rest those knees). Then come February, when I start running again, I should find it a lot easier to run 13.1 miles. We'll see how this all plays out...

My next half marathon will be the Napa-to-Sonoma, my first big race for a cause. I will be fundraising for and training with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. I'm planning to use this blog to document my training and experiences with the Team Challenge group. For those of you unfamiliar with Team Challenge, check out there website and get pumped because you will hear a lot of about them in the upcoming months!

http://ccteamchallenge.org/

Pumpkin

2008-11-26T10:19:00.005-05:00

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays - football, family & food, who could ask for anything more. I focus a bit more on the food. Pumpkin is by far my favorite food. Thanksgiving is merely an excuse to eat a ton of pumpkin, while in season (people look at me weird when I make pumpkin pie in the summer).

Leading up to the holiday, I attended a pumpkin pot luck, enjoyed pumpkin pie and ice cream at my boyfriend's and went to a pumpkin patch, picking out the most perfect orange pumpkin. Right now I'm even sipping on a pumpkin latte. I'll be sad when this holiday is over, because it will be the beginning of the end of pumpkin season and the start of finals at school.

Happy Holidays Everyone! Roll Tide and eat pumpkin!

cirque du soleil

2008-11-21T16:43:00.004-05:00

I went to see Kooza, a Cirque du Soleil show last night at the National Harbor. Pretty freaking phenomenal! I wanted to book a flight right after the show to Vegas so I could see another one.

Week 11 Summary

2008-11-18T09:33:00.002-05:00

I'm no longer posting my weekly picks online beforehand. Apparently, I do way better when I don't. With only two picks wrong this week, sadly the Washington Redskins kept me out of the winnings. booo home team!

Brady got his first win, so proud.

My total standings through week 11: 109-51 (pretty damn good)!

National Bundt Day!

2008-11-13T12:36:00.004-05:00

No football picks this week because I'm swamped. But I just wanted to give everyone a heads up that Saturday, November 15 is National Bundt Day! I am going to a pumpkin pot-luck that day and will be bringing a pumpkin bundt cake to celebrate.

A little history brought to you by Wikipedia ;-)

"A Bundt cake is the name used for a dessert cake cooked in a Bundt pan, whose identifying attribute is its ringed shape. It is pronounced "bunt", the "d" being silent. The Bundt pan (a registered trademark) was created in 1950 by H. David Dalquist, founder of Nordic Ware, at the request of members of the Hadassah Society's chapter in Minneapolis, Minnesota.^[1] They were interested in a pan that could be used to make bundkuchen (sometimes called kugelhopf or Gugelhupf), a popular German and Austrian coffee cake. The old-world pans, with fluted and grooved sides, made of delicate ceramic or heavy cast iron, were difficult to use. He modified some existing Scandinavian pan designs and fashioned the pan out of aluminum."

There's a breeze in the air...

2008-11-11T11:45:00.002-05:00

Pants and a long sleeve shirt were called for this morning, as I set out on a beautiful fall morning run. It took a little adjusting to get used to breathing in the crisp air, but after a couple strides, I loved it. Nothing beats cold weather running!

I'm not really motivated to do speed work or long runs right now. But there is something nice about just being able to go out and run a few miles with no pressure to finish in a certain time. I'm so distracted by the fall colors, that I almost forget I'm exerting energy.

On complete random note, Vera Bradley is having some nice website sales. Check it out!

Week 10

2008-11-05T10:25:00.008-05:00

I ran this morning! I'm so proud of myself. (Although the real reason was that I couldn't bare to turn the TV on at the gym. Good luck America, I didn't vote for him). Since the Army 10 Miler, I have just been running on the weekends and going to the gym during the week. I'm trying to increase my running ever so slightly, aiming for one weekday run and one on the weekends. I went on a beautiful run this weekend through Northwestern University's campus. One week too early because the Buckeyes will be there this weekend, oh well!

My week 9 picks were pretty pathetic, my boyfriend beat me, therefore I have no control over the television remote. Thank god the Greek season finale was last week!

Without further ado, my week 10 picks:
Denver @ Cleveland - I'm going with my new favorite AFC team! Go Brady!

New Orleans @ Atlanta - Going with the home team since this is almost a dead even match-up

Tennessee @ Chicago - I was really torn on this pick, since Tennessee was neck-in-neck with Green Bay at home last week and now they are away. I also have worried about Rex Grossman, but my BFF has convinced me to go with the home team, "Tennessee doesn't really have any tapes out on Grossman for this year its like the first game of the season in a way...he has it in him, h just has to show up"

Jacksonville @ Detroit - The jags should really be so much better, they are going into Detroit to win it.

Baltimore @ Houston - Now that I'm a browns fan, I really hate the former browns.

Seattle @ Miami - Way to turn it around Miami!

Green Bay @ Minnesota - I'm still a cheesehead!

Buffalo @ New England - The bills have disappointed me all season, sorry Courtney.

St. Louis @ NY Jets - New York fans now understand the roller coaster ride that is being a Brett fan... 12 interceptions, but he is still winning games.

Carolina @ Oakland - Do I really need an explanation here?!

Indy @ Pittsburgh - Indy has a lot to play for and Benny boy is out, but I'm still going with the home team, the stealers are looking pretty good... guess I shouldn't say that as a browns fan.

KC @ San Diego - Not much to discuss here, SD is favored by 15.

Giants @ Philly - Time to end all the excitement in the city of brotherly love.

San Fran @ Arizona - Cardinals are sitting pretty on top of a horrible division.
total points: 47

A little college football commentary
For the first time this season, all the college football teams I root for are ranked... let's see if they can keep it up. I'm personally a little concerned about Alabama being #1 this early, but since none of the ESPN writers expect them to be in the National Championship, that takes a little pressure off.

Brady Quinn

2008-11-04T13:09:00.004-05:00

You heard it hear first, this blogger is now a Brown's fan. While, I grew in Cleveland I was raised a Green Bay Packers fan (my father is from the great state of Wisconsin, mmm cheese). But today, in front of all my loyal readers, I declare my love for Brady Quinn.

*I still love you more Grady Sizemore.

Football

2008-10-29T10:23:00.023-04:00

I don't have any upcoming races so I thought I would change it up a bit and talk about football.

Through week 8 of the NFL, I am 77-39 with my picks. I won week 7 of my pool, with one wrong pick, but correctly guessing the score of the Monday night game. This has gone to my head a bit. I feel like I have some authority on football picks now, even though it's totally luck. Anyway, I'm going to start posting my weekly picks here for the remainder of the season, with some added commentary.

Without further ado, here are my week 9 picks (additional commentary provided by JoJo):

NTJ @ Buffalo - "..after last week with Miami destroying them I think they are looking for blood" - J. I agree 100% and will also add that Brett should not have won last week the way he was playing.

Detroit @ Chicago - I cannot stand the trash talk from the Lions QB last year. Still bitter.

Jacksonville @ Cincinnati - Every time Garrard throws a TD, Crohn's & Colitis gets $10,000.

Baltimore @ Cleveland - Are they finally starting to play like they did last year?

Tampa Bay @ KC - "Jon Gruden instills the fear of god into his team" - J

Houston @ Min - Minnesota is favored by 4.5 and at home, I think this may be my upset pick of the week, if you can even call it that.

Arizona @ St. Louis - This game could go either way if you ask me, so I default to the home team.

Green Bay @ Tennessee - I am a huge huge huge, GB fan, but to make it more interesting this week, I'm going against them in my picks. Then it's win/win for me.

Miami @ Denver - Mascot pick: Broncos beat Dolphins.

Dallas @ NYG - "Dallas had high hopes but they have fallen apart i would def. take Giants" -J

Atl @ Oakland - Atlanta is a great city. I really got nothing here.

Philly @ Seattle - "Seahawks put on a nice show but Westbrook is back so eagles might pick it up a notch." -J

New England @ Indy - I think Indy is looking for redemption over their loss last week to the Titans...

Monday: Pittsburgh @ Washington - I have a DC drivers license and a redskins loving boyfriend, so why not!
Total Points: 42 - no rhyme or reason

College football update:
Buckeyes and Terps are off this weekend... so the Tide gets my undivided attention on Saturday. Wait, when did I become a 'bama fan. Crazy! Love that Leigh Tiffin.
and finally... a baseball update:
For your viewing pleasure, Grady Sizemore: http://www.mensvogue.com/magazine/articles/2008/10/grady-sizemore

That's all folks... off to Chicago for the long weekend!

Marine Corps Weekend

2008-10-24T13:28:00.003-04:00

I'm not longer running the 10k this weekend (for medical reasons... I want to, but my mother would kill me) ...but I still got to enjoy the race expo last night. I think I must have a sticker on my forehead that says "sucker" when I walk into these things. I literally buy every new product. Last night was an all time low for me. I bought some strap that goes around my boobs to give me more support when I run. I tried it this morning and while it actually works, it's very uncomfortable.

I want to wish everyone running the Marathon this weekend a ton of luck! I will be out there cheering everyone on, especially Chuck Bell from NBC4, Andy Baldwin from the Bachelor, and most importantly my amazing boyfriend. I'm so proud of him for all the hard work he's put into his training.

I have a special outfit picked out for race day (lets just call it an Erbear Original). I promise this time to actually post pictures of it afterward.

13.1 vs. 10

2008-10-08T15:56:00.002-04:00

I've never trained for a 10 mile race before. I just assumed that if I could run a half marathon, 10 miles would be a piece of cake. However, in my mind I was having a hard time visualizing the difference. It wasn't until I actual ran my first 10 mile race that was I able fully comprehend the 3.1 mile difference.

At mile 8.5 of the Army Ten Miler it hit me! Only 1.5 miles to go (huge smile on my face). If I had been running a half I still would have another 4.6 miles to go. That is where I finally realized the difference. It's not in 3.1 mile difference, it's at mile 9, when you only have one more to go!

26,000 Army Strong!

2008-10-06T10:30:00.012-04:00

Yesterday, was the Army 10 Miler, the largest ten mile race in the country.

It was a beautiful day in the district, 52 degrees when I woke up at 5 a.m. Walking to the metro, I had goose bumps on my legs, so I knew it would be a good running day. You know it's a large race when everyone on the metro had race numbers on. It was quite a site.

As we arrived at the Pentagon, the sun was just rising above the Potomac. It was truly a beautiful October morning. With the weather on my side, the only real concern I had was the sheer volume of racers I would be tripping over the first couple of miles. A plane took off from Reagan National Airport as the gun went off. I could only imagine the captain coming on the loud speaker telling the passengers to look out their left window. Twenty plus thousand racers were lined up to take to the streets of DC.

My partner in crime told me to just look at my feet until things spaced out a bit. That I did. I went with the flow of the crowd and ran the first mile in 8:51. This is the first race I ran with my new watch. It confirmed how great of a purchase this was. I wrote all goal split times down on a post-it note last week and memorized them, along with my overall goal time. After the first six miles, I was well ahead of my pace. I had planned to do a negative split time, but was feeling good during the first half and knew there were some difficult hills at the end, so with my eye on my watch, I reevaluated the course and decided to do a positive split. I hit six miles about two minutes ahead of schedule. Miles seven and eight were my slowest miles, but I knew I had to save my energy for the last mile. After running the previous two miles at a 10 minute pace, I pushed hard through mile 10. I had 8:30 left on my watch before I hit my goal time. I ran that last mile in 8:49. I crossed the finish line at 1:37:24... only 19 seconds after my goal time. I was pretty damn pleased!!!!!!

Overall, I was very happy with my ten miler performance. I would like to work on pushing through the miles right after the half way point better. I was successful at managing the water stops, even with the crowds. I jogged through them, not stopping or walking, but thinking of them as a rest point, which helped mentally. I run hills everyday living in DC, but they are still something that I struggle with. I had some minor foot issues around mile 8/9, but during a race it doesn't seem to affect me as much as training. While I hit my goal, I still think of each race as a learning and growing experience.

Flashing back two days, the race expo was great. I got a shirt that I wore on race day that says "Will Run for Ice Cream." I got a lot of cheers for "Ice Cream Girl" during the race!

This was definitely a great race. The crowd, the other runners, and the course made it an exciting morning. I wish there was a better way to get back to Virgina at the end, but every course has its challenging sections. I'll definitely sign-up again next year!

Timing is Everything!

2008-09-22T10:03:00.002-04:00

So I caved and bought a running watch. It's changed my life in just one run!

I was in Cleveland this past weekend for my cousin's Bar Mitzvah, which meant lots of shopping. I had spent all last week surfing the internet for the perfect semi-cheap pink running watch. I didn't need anything with bells and whistles, so I settled on the Timex Marathon (in pink of course). Lucky for me it was on sale at Dick's and came with a pedometer.

I ran 6.5 miles on Sunday with my new watch. First off all, I felt amazing during the run. I had only managed to run 2 miles since the half marathon the previous weekend. I ended up on a trail that had quarter mile markers. This resulted in me looking at my watch every 2 minutes. I pushed myself well beyond my limits. It was sort of fun at the time. It kicked my ass though, I was on the couch for the following two hours with a headache.

While, I need to not try and push myself beyond my capabilities, this new timing device has helped me understand what my race pace feels like. I'm going to try not to look at it every two seconds but maybe every 9 minutes and 21 seconds to get to know what a mile feels like during a a race.

I guess now I don't have any excuses to skip speed workouts!

Race Expos

2008-09-18T14:50:00.002-04:00

The Amy 10 miler is two weeks from Sunday. But what I'm looking forward to most is the race expo. According to the website, there will be a lot of great vendors.

I'm such a sucker for this stuff. When racing, the expert say to use your training as practice for what you will do on race day from what you eat, drink and wear to how much you sleep. I follow this idea with one exception, I always buy a new shirt for race day. Probably not the smartest thing in the world, but it's a fun little tradition for someone that loves to shop!

Army 10 miler vendors, I'm your dream customer!

No PR

2008-09-15T09:18:00.003-04:00

I write this posting with mixed emotion. While, I came no where close to a PR yesterday (which I will get to in a moment), the course was beautiful. I had run most of the Parks course in segments in advance of the race. But running it all at once was stunning. Minus a little pushing and shoving right when you entered the park path, it was a great course for a race.

The down side: I ran with my pace group (9:30/min. mile) for a good 4.5 miles of the course. Then I was a couple seconds behind that until the 6 mile marker, at which point I felt sick beyond belief. I think I finally made it to a port-o-potty at mile 8. I then waited in a 5 person deep line. ugh. Who waits in line for a stinky port-o-potty?! After about a 10 minute or so detour, I was back on the course. Dumping water on myself at every water station to follow (it was 90+ degrees). Honestly, no idea how I managed to cross the finish line still running. Or how I managed to jog the last three miles of the course after my "incident."

Why did this happen? I've begun to process the situation, as I would like to run more half marathons in my life. (nope, I'm not giving up after this horrible experience). So here is a list of things I would do differently for half #3:
1. Do not sit outside in 90+ degree weather the entire day before
2. Use the port-0-potty multiple times before the race begins (just keep standing in line... yes, this is gross, but part of the racing experience).
3. On hot days, go a little slower than my pace group for the first half
4. Don't skip fluid stations
5. SLEEP! I did nothing good for my body leading up to this race. I had something going on every night this week and clearly did not sleep well. Before my last half, I completely shut down the week before the race, coming home every night and getting in bed by 8:30 or 9pm.
6. As for my stomach... still trying to figure out how to avoid stopping during a race. This has never happened to me during a race or a long training run (happened during shorter runs, thank god for gas stations).

T minus three weeks until the Army 10 Miler! Stayed tuned...

2:08:30

2008-09-12T09:41:00.002-04:00

Two days to go! Wow, I have not prepared mentally at all for this race. It hasn't hit me yet that this will all be over in 48 hours. Months of training, getting up early, pushing myself to go faster and farther each week... all over on Sunday. But don't worry, I'll be back training for the Army 10 miler which is only three weeks away!

A couple of people have asked about my goal time. I did my first half marathon in 2:14 and some odd seconds, so I'm not looking to be too ambitious with the second one. My mile pace is significantly faster than when I trained last, but with all my aches and pains I'm aiming for a 9:48/mile pace, which puts me across the finish line in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 30 seconds. We get to predict our race times as part of a competition when we pick up our race packets, so wish me luck in winning that side bet.

I probably won't have time to blog again before the race, so before I say farewell for now, a shout out to my teams: Go Buckeyes! Go Terps tomorrow! A big week for both playing west coast teams. And congrats to my brother for winning big in Vegas this morning!

Investments

2008-09-10T09:33:00.001-04:00

As a current MBA student and someone that actual enjoys finance, I think today's runner's world quote hit the nail on the head:

"Running is a great investment. Your principal is low. Your rate of return is enormous, and it keeps growing every year. And there is no hidden charges, unless you count an occasional blister."

-Florence Griffith Joyner and Jon Hanc, Running for Dummies

My Second Date Theory

2008-09-09T09:28:00.005-04:00

Fact: The second date is by far the most awkward when pursuing a new relationship.

I think first dates are so much fun because you get to know someone. It is like sorority recruitment. I thrive in situations like that because if it's not going well I make stuff up about myself knowing I will never see that person again. I can also literally talk to a wall, which helps.

If you make it to a second date, however, it gets a little tricky. I find it to be awkward because you've already done the "get-to-know you" questions/conversations, so you really have to dig deeper for material. I just think you might as well skip the second date and go straight to the third date where you've established that you both like each other enough to put the awkward second date past you.

Where is all this going you ask... it dawned on me this week, as I prepare for my second half marathon, that this could be like the second date. I'm going into it a little too relaxed. Not quite on my game. I may need to just do it, get it over with, and sign up for the third one the second it's over to reassure myself that I am committed to continuing my relationship with running.

Home Stretch

2008-09-08T13:11:00.001-04:00

This week will be completely different from the week leading up to the last half marathon I ran. I purposely had no plans after work that week. I woke up earlier and earlier each morning in preparation for the 7 am gun time and made sure to get plenty of sleep. This time I do not have that luxury. Tonight I have class, tomorrow the Indians game in Baltimore, Wednesday dinner with an old friend (who's only in the country this one week of the year), Thursday class again and Saturday college football bright and early in the morning (can't really complain about that though, I'm a true fan).

This busy schedule has made it hard to emotionally process the fact that the race is on Sunday. It really has not sunk in yet. I'm also beyond scared to run 13.1 miles because of my recent toe pain. Despite everything, I'm stubborn and I will do it and I will be upset if I don't get the time I want even with everything I have going in my life and with my body.

On a bright note, I have full control of the TV remote this week having picked more NFL games correctly than my boyfriend (I'm pretty sure he's the only one that reads this... so a little bragging is in order). Go me and go tribe tomorrow night!

T minus two weeks

2008-09-02T13:58:00.002-04:00

My training for the Parks Half was better than could ever be expected... until I started tapering. I'm having all kinds of foot issues now. I've never had foot pain before when I've run. I used to have issues with my feet falling asleep, but that was easily fixed by buying a new pair of shoes. I'm to the point this time where I'm just not sure I can endure the pain for 13.1 miles. So with less than two weeks until the race, it's really up in the air as to whether I will be able to run.

I had a good decently paced 4 mile run this morning (I ate half a cliff bar beforehand, go me)... but there was still some foot pain. And for such a short distance. I'm concerned about what will happen at the longer distances.

I'm going to try and take it easy over the next week and a half, with short easy runs. I'll be spending a lot of evenings doing school work and watching TV (now that new shows are airing, yay), so I'm hoping to be well rested. Although I'm not quite sure what affect that will have on my feet.

Of course, of my fall racing schedule, this race means the most and would be most disappointed if I missed it. Such is life I'm learning though. As an MBA student, this semester I have more work than my last five semesters combined. I'm trying to learn not to be disappointed when I miss out on social events and other fun things people are doing while I'm home writing papers and reading about strategic management. I guess this lesson can also be learned in the racing world.

Breaking Bad Habits

2008-08-26T10:26:00.002-04:00

This morning I forgot to eat before running, oops. I just need to remember to work it into my morning routine. It'll catch on at some point.

Putting that aside, this morning's run was all about breaking bad habits. When I walk and run, I have a horrible tendency to look down at my feet. I mean given that I am a klutz, this makes perfect sense. But as a runner, it's horrible for your posture. So I spent 3.3 miles this morning focusing on keeping my head up. It was hard, but I did it. I'm not sure at this point I could maintain that through a half marathon, but small steps.

Taking a jump back in time for a moment. Had a decent 12 mile run on Saturday. The route was amazing, I highly recommend it and therefore am posting it for all to see.

VA, DC Monuments w/Bonzi 12 miler
Find more Runs in Washington, District Of Columbia

Personalized Racing Gear

2008-08-22T10:46:00.004-04:00

So before my first half marathon back in March (seems like forever ago), I decided to make a tshirt to commemorate this experience. The shirt got messed up, so no one ever saw it. I think it said something like "my first half" and then had some inside jokes on various parts of the sleeves. For the upcoming half I wanted to find something a bit more professional, so that it wouldn't get messed up before the race. (Basically I used a sharpee last time and it bled all over the shirt... still bitter about that).

Most of the websites I came across wanted a bulk order. I was not interested in ordering 100 tshirts. But after a lot of research, I found the perfect piece of gear. The item arrived today in the mail and I'm super excited about it. Hence the post!

I'm going to be a little bit cryptic here because I got two. One is a surprise for my training partner/boyfriend. I wanted to wait and give it to him on race day... but I'm way too excited about it.

A picture of the item will be posted early next week. Any guesses as to what it could be?

Brew at the Zoo

2008-08-21T10:06:00.004-04:00

Tonight I'm doing something out of the ordinary, I'm not going to class, I'm not studying, I'm not going to bed earlier to wake up for a run, and I'm not watching the Olympics.

I'm very excited about this evening's festivities. One because I haven't gone out in FOREVER and two because it's something different and I always pride myself on finding new activities.

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/YoungProfessionals/AfterHours/default.cfm

Be Jealous!

The need for speed...

2008-08-20T10:27:00.003-04:00

Confession: I hate tempo runs.. so I skip them each week and substitute in a regular run.

This morning I hit the trail for a 5.25 mile run, which turned out to be somewhat of a speed workout. I had great leg turnover. I couldn't figure out where this burst was coming from. Did I do anything different this morning? Yes, I actually did. It was so subtle though, so I didn't realize it would have such a big impact on my run. I ate half a kids cliff bar on my way out the door. I only did this because I was excited to try a new flavor (honey graham, mmm).

Seems like this could become a new trend. I normally don't eat before my weekday runs, I never felt like I needed to for runs under 6 miles. Turns out about 60 calories makes a difference. I'm fascinated by the fact I've been running for just over three years now and each time I train for a race I learn something new about my body and limits.

Gels

2008-08-18T11:17:00.002-04:00

My boyfriend and I took a weekend trip to Cleveland to see the Indians... and my family. For some people, traveling is an excuse to take a break from training... not for us! Saturday, we covered 10 plus miles of suburbs. Five miles in I was pretty dead, there were many reasons, the two major ones being lack of sleep and knee pain. However, after a shot of gel (Cliff Shot Energy Gel - Mocha, yummy) I was running as if I had just started. This is my first time using any sort of fuel during a run and I was quite nervous about using it. But I've learned that they really work! Now I just need to figure out when in the run to use them and to not become addicted. I'm pretty sure one or two per 10 plus mile run will be sufficient.

In other news, the tribe did not win while we were at the ballpark (my streak ends) but they did take two of three games from the #1 team in the AL. Go Grady!

Top of My Game

2008-08-11T08:56:00.002-04:00

After an 11+ mile run yesterday, I'm feeling great! Even after being sick for a week, I feel like my running is the best it's ever been. My legs don't even feel like I ran at all yesterday. I'm running at a great pace and feeling confident, finally, about my fall racing schedule. I ran with a slight cold yesterday, so I'm wondering how much better I could with my full strength.

I don't know if it's the experience I now have of already completing a half, or if it's been running with a partner that has pushed me to perform better. Probably the combination. Right now I'm really excited for the half and it's still a month away, I'm hoping I can maintain this positive attitude until then... we shall see.

Sick

2008-08-07T14:55:00.002-04:00

I've been sick the past week which has made running/working out pretty difficult. I still got my long run in last Sunday and a shorter run in Tuesday but not much since or in between. At this point I'm gaining some strength back and think I will be good to go again this Sunday. My training partner and I are running the one section of the half marathon we have yet to explore pre-race. Before getting sick I was pretty happy with my progress, I'm running a lot faster than I did the last training time around, so if I can get healthy and back on track, I'm feeling confident about breaking my previous time.

Dear Comcast

2008-07-31T08:05:00.002-04:00

In my leadership class this past weekend, we learned about Comcast having "great customer service" and that they respond to negative blog postings. Therefore, the following is a test:

Dear Comcast,

It took you over a month to properly install cable in my boyfriend's new condo. He lives in a large building and the only real option (or lack of option) he has for cable is Comcast. Therefore, the wiring should be properly maintained and ready for installation in every unit. This was not the case for him. Apparently, the wire was cut and took a month to repair or a month of waiting for someone to repair it in five seconds. He was a loyal Comcast customer in his old apartment and asked for the exact same service, however, several channels he requested are not part of his current service. What's the deal Comcast? Where is the customer service you promise?

I have RCN and anytime there is a problem or I have to wait for something to be fixed (that is out of my control), RCN offers me a deal or gives me a refund. Now that is customer service!

Sincerely,
Erbearontherun

Who's says shopping and running don't mix?!

2008-07-25T15:50:00.008-04:00

I love new running accessories! They renew my love of running and get me excited to head out the door. My running wardrobe is quite small considering the amount of time I spend running and exercising. So when my mother told me she was heading to the Nordstrom's' sale for the 4th time this week, I made sure to give her my order for new shorts (see picture... aren't they cute? don't they make you want to run?)

Next on my list is a water belt. I learned during my last training season that once I get up to the nine and ten mile runs, I better have water or a sports drink nearby. Readers, please keep your eyes peeled for a fun/cute looking water belt cause this runner is in the market to buy...

It's official

2008-07-25T15:43:00.002-04:00

Last night my boyfriend asked me if it was ok if he also run the Parks Half Marathon and then it dawned on me that I hadn't actually signed up. So now it's official, I'm registered and really running another half marathon this year.

Yawn

2008-07-24T15:31:00.003-04:00

I've been getting way more sleep than I'm used to this week (thanks impart to not being social), however that caught up with me last night. I maybe slept for two hours, I was literally wide awake the whole night. The two hours I did sleep happened to be during my planned morning run. I'm a little disappointed only because this is the first non-humid day this month.

I am typically a morning person and love working out before starting my day. Motivating myself to exercise after workout is hard, but when I do, I find that I can push my body more than in the wee hours of the morning. I'm hoping to do that this evening because I cannot let this beautiful day pass me by. My goal is to run 4 or 5 miles at a pretty decent pace. This run will come after hardly any sleep, a full day of work and class... thank god tomorrow is FRIDAY!

...I'm back!

2008-07-23T12:24:00.000-04:00

After a four month hiatus, I'm back and blogging again (just not on a network TV station's website). The meat of this blog will be about the trials and tribulations of running, with a side helping of social commentary.

After running my first half marathon in March, I'm back at it again and training for another 13.1 miles in September. I'm a little more 'lax on my training schedule this time around and yet way more nervous. Last time there were no expectations, just cross the finish line. Now, I feel like I have to beat my previous time. And to top it all off, if it's 90 degrees on race day, I'm not sure I will even make it to the finish line.

HEAT is a big problem I've had with my training this time around. I hate heat! You will never hear me wishing it was summertime when it's 20 degrees out and I can barely feel my fingers. I would much rather run in the cold and snow then the heat and humidity... but that is a rant for another day...

With that lovely introduction, here is my anticipated fall racing schedule:

September - Half Marathon
October - 10 miler and 10k
November - 5 mile turkey trot (gotta burn some calories before I sit on the couch, watch football and eat all day).