Angie Goff and I are both running the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler in April. Angie has already run a marathon, so she’s pretty used to running. I have trained for a marathon in the past, but got injured after my 16-miler and had to drop out. So the Cherry Blossom will be my first official race. Only problem– I haven’t started training. I tried a few times before but never kept up a schedule. And the schedule I posted before– let’s just say I totally ignored it. So I was extremely happy when Angie offered to let me run with her.

I was a little worried about jumping into a 4-mile run, especially since I couldn’t even do a mile and a half a few weeks ago. But Angie kept a great pace and I was able to keep up for most of the first half of the run. I turned around a bit early and did a combination of run, walk, run, walk, run, waaaaalllkk, run, wwwwaaaaalllllkkkkk… you get the picture. But I managed to finish about a minute or two behind Angie. While I have a long way to go, I have to admit I’m pretty proud of myself. I didn’t do as badly as I thought, and having someone to run with surely helped.

During the run, it was cold! I expected it to be a bit chilly, but I didn’t factor in the wind. My nose was running the whole time, which made it difficult to breathe properly. I think this is why my stomach cramped a bit in middle of the run. Next time I run, I’m taking some tissues and wearing some warmer clothes. My wind breaker just didn’t cut it.

Afterward, we went to Cosi for some healthy sandwiches and carrots. (Okay– I also had hot apple cider.) I’m pumped up now and ready for the next run. I’m also going to do some strength training in between runs.

This time I’m serious. I’m ready for a change. I bought a new gym bag– okay I bought my first gym bag. I packed it full of new workout shirts and pants, socks and shoes. I also bought a lunch box and prepared afternoon meals for the entire week. I’m eating a healthy chicken sandwhich on whole wheat bread with feta cheese, tomato spread, and black olives. I’m also having carrots, apples and peanut butter, and an Activia for dessert.

I’m also debating giving up something for Lent. Even though I’m not Catholic, I think the whole giving up something for Lent idea is quite wise. I’m thinking of saying goodbye to my beloved Chipotle. I haven’t made the committment yet. It’s hard for me to let go of corn salsa and massive amounts of guac. But I think if I can resist this week, I’ll make it permanent for Lent.

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