Logging Some Miles (or Trying)

I wanted to add the Daily Mile training widget to my blog to make myself accountable for my biking and running miles. So I started a profile on the website.
They ask you to pick what you consider yourself:
1) Runner
2) Cyclist
3) Athlete
4) Triathlete
5) Walker

Ok, so I want to log my biking AND my running, so I couldn't choose just runner or cyclist. Walker is out. Triathlete is obviously out. So that leaves.....Athlete. HA!!! I seriously laughed. But there I am, on Daily Mile. An athlete. Weird.

I thought I should probably have some mileage to log, so I went for a run. Also, I have a race this weekend, that I have NOT prepared for! I set off, intending to run 3 miles, but only ended up running about 2. The side stitches were unbearable today. I had to stop to walk several times, despite the mini-Amanda on my shoulder telling me to just run/breathe through the side pain. I ended up running 31 minutes. I stopped the watch every time I walked, so I could tell how long I really ran.

The worst part was that during one of my pathetic walking stints, this really old guy runs by me. He had to be around 75, wearing cargo shorts, really high socks, no shirt, and very gray hair. And he ran past me! I let him get a little ahead of me, until my current side stitch subsided, and then I tried to catch him. Old Guy just kept truckin.' I tried to speed up, but he just kept going and going. I was determined to beat Old Guy. I mean, come on, I am 28, wearing decent running wear, and have zero gray hairs. Old Guy won. You have to hand it to him, though. Pretty impressive for an old guy running in cargo shorts! Bravo, Old Guy. Bravo.
Despite my difficult run today, I have to run a few more times this week. I am running 4 miles at the Grandview Gallop this Saturday. Yuck.

My motivation:
Pictures of Amanda and me during and after my first 8K

(Amanda didn't get the memo that it was St. Patrick's Day, not Halloween!)

Just started...feeling pretty good! I have no idea that by mile 2, I am going to want to pass out!

Almost to the finish line.....almost in tears, cannot believe I ran the whole thing!

We did it!

If I was able to run that beast of an 8K, I can run 4 miles this weekend....right?!?

Springtime Inspirations! And Exclamation Marks!!

I have not posted in so long, but when real life calls, I guess I have to answer! Lesson planning has doubled now that I am also teaching a Gifted Writers Program in the afternoons. Up until now, I taught Reading in the mornings only. I have also had the excruciatingly heavy weight of my future weighing on me....which means resumes and cover letters galore! It's amazing how two pieces of paper can take up so much of your time, and be such a deciding factor for your future!
In the mean time, this Lazy Girl has actually been somewhat un-lazy (non-lazy??)!
Somehow, I have inspired a few of my friends to start running! I find myself thinking "what kind of messed up world are we living in, if I am an inspiration?!" I don't know if it's because of the blog, or my recent completion of an 8K. Maybe those friends could comment here...what on earth made me inspire you to run???

My St. Patrick's Day 8K was an unexpected turning point for me. It took me 57:10 to complete, but I ran the whole thing. My only goals were to run most of it and in under an hour. I nearly cried at the end, when I saw the beautiful McDonald's sign that told me I was almost done! I thought about a year ago, when I could not have run a mile, let alone 5 miles! Ever since this race, something changed. I actually kind of want to run! (Sometimes!) What is this?? Who am I??

Last week, I went out and ran 45 minutes by myself!! Over 3 miles! With no one forcing me!
My friend Beth started running with me. We are doing Couch to 5K and she has completed Week 1...now I have to get her moving onto Week 2! My friend Crystal also went running with me. It is so strange being the one people hate! I'm used to being the hater/gasper/dying girl at the end of the invisible leash. The boyfriend, Joel, and I went out for our first big bike ride in preparation for RAGBRAI and I had to walk the bike up three hills! More to come on this goal later!!! We've been taking the doggie for nightly walks, which she loves! I ran an impromptu Easter 5K this weekend with Joel's family. It consisted of some very brutal hills but I conquered them!
It's a good life! Spring makes me so happy! I'm like a big bear, coming out of hibernation! We'll see how long it lasts, before the bear just wants to crawl back in the cave!