Am I really doing this?

Ok. So. Against, my better judgement, I have somehow let my friends Jessica Bell, Lauren Perrone, and Lindsey Costello talk me into signing up for the Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Half Marathon. March 20th. 6:30AM. 13.1 miles.

Yeah. That's gunna take a while to really sink in. I still can't believe I'm actually going to do this.

But, since I've just paid for it, and it seems I actually am going to do this, I decided it might interesting for me to keep a blog about it as train for it. Well...maybe not so interesting to anyone else but myself, but oh well. I've wanted to write a blog for awhile but wanted to find something specific to write about, so here goes my first attempt at blogging... and running a half marathon.

I've been running since high school, and have been more disciplined about it at some times over the years than others. For nearly the past year or so, I've been a bit... less disciplined, shall we say. Although, I usually don't go longer than a couple weeks (give or take) without at least doing a couple miles, jumping rope and/or doing my free-weight workout once or twice a week. (Geez, it sounds so terrible considering I have to get to 13.1 miles in the next 3 months... oh hello there, Rude Awakening.) I had a really great routine going from about May 2008- Feb 2009 where I ran twice a week and did my weight workout three times a week, and I was in the best shape I've ever been in. Then I started bartending, then I got a desk job, and slowly but surely, my weekly workout schedule was replaced by work, sleep, food, and drink. I totally lost my discipline, and have been thinking about a way to get back to it ever since.

But I don't want there to be any more excuses. Taking care of myself physically is something that I need to do for my own sense of self-esteem and mental health; I've found it is an elemental piece of my happiness. When I make time to work out on a regular basis (at least three times a week), I feel awesome. I love feeling strong, accomplished, healthy, and happy. If I don't do it... let's just say the typical-young-female-body-image-downward-spiral-syndrome kicks in.

Nah. No more of that. It ain't my style. Besides, I'm sick of hearing myself complain about how crappy I think I look right now.

I'll be getting support and encouragement from my fellow marathoners, Lauren, Jessica, Lindsey, and Kylie (all high school BFFs). Lauren, Jess, and Lindsey just ran a half marathon, and they swear I can do it. I'll also be channeling inspiration from the work-out goddesses in my life, Tracey Crothers and Kate Jennison. Tracey kicks ass in international life guarding competitions, and if anyone could teach me a thing or two about training and getting my ass in gear, it's her. Kate is basically a yoga master, and always a source of support for health, wellness, and positivity.

So today was Day #1! I ran about 3.25 miles around my neighborhood, and somehow miraculously avoided eating it on the snow-ice (Raleigh has been covered in several inches of snow for the past few days- finally, a white Christmas!!!). Felt pretty good, although I was pretty slow and my chest burned like cold fire for a few minutes once I got inside.

Songs that kept me going:

• Plastic Jungle, Miiike Snow
• Shutterbug, Big Boi
• Bug A Boo, Destiny's Child
• Alejandro, Lady Gaga
• Dance in the Dark, Lady Gaga