I believe I will do the Lake Wobegon Marathon on May 8th... I would consider doing a fall run, except that I've been mentally thinking about this race for almost a year and I don't want to postpone it any longr than I already have...and, because I'd like to be able to bring the money raised down to Leidy and her family when we board the plane for Guatemala later in May. I'm still a bit disappointed, but I think that this smaller marathon (which ends with a spraypainted FINISH sign on the trail) will be far from intimidating and that will allow me to just "do my thing." Anyway, yesterday after lounging around for most of the day, Mikey and I decided to go do some sledding for our physical fitness for the day. Thanks to the snow that we received while we were in Williston, our sleds whizzed down the hill and it was a blast. I ran up the hill about 20 times and again, thought my heart was going to explode... damn crosstraining :) After we brought the car through the car wash, I decided to run home... so, I was outfitted in boots, jeans and a columbia coat as I jogged the mile to our front door.... my scarf was frozen, but it was so refreshing and nice... I really do love being outside!

s.a.d.

I currently just attempted to register for the Fargo Marathon.... As I was about ready to click the register button, I realized that this year's marathon is 2 weeks later than last year's... falling on Saturday, May 22nd... meaning that I will be in Guatemala during the run this year. My heart is sad and now I must determine what my next move is going to be. I basically have two options: A. run a race that follows the Lake Wobegon Trail on May 8th... but, this is a very small race that is only in its second year of existence. Option B: Run the Grandma's marathon in Duluth... but, this is on June 17th and would mean that I would have to try to run after having taken 12-15 days off while being in Guatemala, not to mention that contracting E. Coli like I did last year would put me completely out of the running... What to do, what to do.... suggestions?

the elements

well, yesterday I finally braved the elements with my mama and went out for some exercise... we did the three-mile loop ... which, I must add has hills... now, in Fargo there are no hills, so upon my ascent... I thought I was going to d.i.e. My frozen legs did not want to move in a gait that is associated with running... and the freezing air was burning my lungs... but, by golly... I did it and it felt wonderful. I might try to do some more outside running when we get back to fargo.

the weather outside is frightful

It's -30 with the windchill and the entire state is in a white-out.... my hopes of running outdoors are diminishing quickly.... with no access to a workout facility or treadmill, I'm thinking that this weather isn't the best to be attempting a country run. I suppose I will just deal with my belly stuffed with pie and ice cream and hope for better weather soon....

first "documented" run

Well, I just got off the treadmill.... logging 5 miles for the night...and this is my first time documenting a run for the training of the marathon. :) I haven't run in about a week... the chaos of finals and the holidays just got the best of me... although, I must say, that last Tuesday I was able to put in 10 miles before the insanity started... nonetheless, tonight's run left me out of breath and not looking forward to being away from the gym/a treadmill for a week... I packed my running tights and am planning to do everything I can to get out at least a couple times. . . If you're interested in pledging for the run, I'd be more than happy to give you more details. Thanks for your support!

OH, and Happy Solstice ... here's to longer days ahead!

it's 6:30.... I've been on campus for a half hour now.... yikes.... it's pitch dark outside and currently quite chilly (perhaps that's because I am in my "professional" presentation style dress, which consists of a dress and tights). Anyway, I don't see any running happening today or tomorrow... it's all about getting the academics done.

short nights.

It is currently 1:12 a.m. I am working away on a couple of papers and a presentation for last class at North Dakota State University. I present at 8 a.m. :) From here on, my world will revolve around my thesis... did I mention that I am working to complete my Master's Degree only a few short weeks after the marathon? Oh, okay... well, now I did. I realize that this is going to be an added challenge, which is part of the reason that I launched the blog. I am going to need reminders from all of you that moving one's legs for multiple hours at a time is really a good idea :) Thanks to everyone who has already pledged support of my endeavor. It has made this day during finals week something positive!

My purpose:

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Greetings!

This is where my journey will be logged..... happy reading!