Wednesday, August 29, 2007

(Avoiding) The Uphill Battle

I got home this evening after a relatively hectic day at work, still dragging from a less-than-ideal night's sleep and having a lot on my mind.

I stood at the end of my driveway and realized it was going to be an uphill battle this evening -- literally. My house is situated precisely at the bottom of two hills.

Turn left out of my driveway and start with a half-mile uphill run. Or turn right and, well, start with a half-mile uphill run.

Neither sounded appealing, so I chose a third option. I picked up the telephone and called my parents. I'd do my run from their house -- on much flatter terrain. Plus, I'd be guaranteed a decent dinner after my run.

I found a perfect three-mile loop that brought me from my parents' house in Dover, across the Rochester line and past some quiet hay fields, farm houses and streams.

Rebel and I finished the three miles relatively easily. I think the change of scenery was good for both of us -- and I only felt slightly guilty for taking the easy road tonight.

A few weeks ago I wouldn't have even walked the three miles after a tough day, so I figure a quick run on flat ground is a big step forward. It wasn't like I was totally taking the easy way out tonight.

It could have been a lot worse, right? I could have been taking a nap, zoned out in front of the television or out at a restaurant consuming excessive calories. But instead I was bringing myself a little closer to the Disney run.


REMEMBER, I'M DOING THIS FOR A GOOD CAUSE.
Have you donated to my fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society? If not, please consider doing so. You can donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/tntma/Teresa. Please pass this link to everyone you know. Every dollar helps me get a little closer to the Disney 13.1!

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Another Day, Another Mile

I reached another "mile"stone in the early days of the training schedule this morning. We added another mile onto the training runs, meaning we're up to 3 miles.

It was the first time I've ever run 3 miles.

I woke up early this morning to good running weather -- not too hot with the brightness of late summer sun. Even though running in the morning seems harder for me, I really do enjoy it.

Everything seems quieter, despite the sounds of the country in the morning. It's a nice way to start the day.

Plus, I feel better during the day and I've already accomplished something before I get to my desk.

It was surprising to me that I didn't really notice the extra mile on this morning's run. That's a good sign. The training schedule must be working.

It felt good to make it easily through 3 miles, but I couldn't help but remind myself that the race will have another 10 miles on top of it. Plenty of time to work up to that.

REMEMBER, I'M DOING THIS FOR A GOOD CAUSE.

Have you donated to my fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society? If not, please consider doing so. You can donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/tntma/Teresa. Please pass this link to everyone you know. Every dollar helps me get a little closer to the Disney 13.1!

Monday, August 27, 2007

The Challenge

Well, it's been just over a week since I officially started running as part of the Team In Training program. If all goes as planned, I'll make it through my first half-marathon in about five months.

As I've told people about my new challenge, some look at me like I'm crazy. Some are curious. Most, I think, have some level of admiration for the amount of time and physical commitment it will take to complete this challenge.

If you're interested in how I'm doing, feel free to check this site. I'll update it as often as possible. And if you see me around, please ask me about my training!

Have you donated to my fundraising campaign? If not, please consider doing so. You can donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/tntma/Teresa. Please pass this link to everyone you know. Every dollar helps me get a little closer to the Disney 13.1!