I finished something!

For those who aren't aware, I have a tendency to dive into things head-first, and then give up mid-way into whatever that thing is. It's probably why I changed my major in college repeatedly and never really chose or committed to a full-blown career. I just kind-of wound up wherever the wind took me.

I was very concerned that this would be the case with the whole marathoning thing. I thought I'd hit the 6 - 8 mile mark in training and say, "To hell with this. It's too hard. Screw it."

I've done this with so many things in my life. Let's start with speech and debate. I won a first place trophy in my first debate competition. Right out of the gate. I was elated, because I won. But then I did another - a speech competition at Stanford, and I forgot my speech halfway through and had to refer to my little index cards. The judge informed me that had I not forgotten my speech, I would've gotten first place. Well, I never debated again. HOW LAME IS THAT? And sorry mom and dad, but why didn't you notice that I simply quit things when I wasn't phenomenal at them right out of the gate? Where was the encouragement to continue?

Anyway, my husband will tell you that I am a sore loser. It's something I've been working on. I don't like failing... at anything - and I sure as hell don't like losing. This is one of many reasons why I simply don't see things through.

Well, much to my own surprise, I didn't quit training - and on Sunday, I finished my first 1/2 marathon. (13.1 miles). Needless to say, I'm feeling quite proud of myself - and this is a very good thing. For the first time in a long time, I set a goal, and saw it through - and it feels pretty effing amazing. So, I'm setting more goals. (both running and non-running goals), that I plan on seeing through no matter what.

To keep me on top of the marathoning thing however, I've added a little training widget to this blog, where I'll be logging the miles I run per week. So, in addition to the new goals, I have to keep up with the marathoning business too. I'm gonna be a busy gal.

What's this got to do with having children you ask? Well, a lot. I want to instill a sense of accomplishment in any child we may have (a sense of accomplishment earned through hard work and determination) - and one leads by example, right?

Why I'm Running

Ugh. I'm probably going to annoy the hell out of a lot of people because I haven't shut up about this all week, but I have to devote at least one blog post to this topic, given that it means a TON to me - and I wanted to explain why.

Those of you who are on my Facebook are already aware, but for those of you that are not - I am running my first 1/2 marathon this January. Why you ask? Well, for starters, I'm still struggling to lose the last 10 or so lbs. I have been for months now. Grr. I've also discovered that I actively enjoy running. Yes. I said that. I enjoy running. I have come to love something that I once truly despised. Funny how that can happen.

Anyway, those are the least important reasons I'm doing this. In May, I'll be running my second 1/2 marathon - and this one is crazy cool because I'm doing it for my friend Heather, and her adorable little 4 year-old girl who is battling Leukemia. Her daughter shouldn't have to go through the hell that is fighting something like cancer. No child should - so, we'll be running to raise critical funding for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation in May of 2012. I've already started hitting everyone up for donations, and if you'd like to donate, you can click here: https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=492975&supId=347488959

Now that I've discovered that I can run and simultaneously help out a great cause, I'll be repeating this again in November of next year in Santa Barbara, where I'll be running and fundraising for The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation to find a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, (SMA). If you've been reading my blog, you already know this is another cause that I strongly support.

I can only sort-of begin to imagine what it must be like to be the parents of a sick child. It must take immense courage, strength, determination, patience and love. My friends Heather and Victoria are shining examples of this. They are among the strongest and most inspirational people I know - and I have them to thank for encouraging me to do this in the first place, because it feels really, really great to be doing something good for other people who need help. That part is even more addictive than the running.

If you know anyone who might be interested in donating or perhaps sponsoring me in May for the PCRF race, drop me a line!

Thanks for reading.

I must be losing my mind... but at least it's for a great cause

So I've been running... a lot. I used to hate running - mostly because I was convinced that it made me bigger and bulkier - and the whole idea is to get smaller, so it seemed counter-productive. There was also the boob issue. Where on earth would I ever find a sports bra that would actually keep these things in place so they wouldn't get all saggy and revolting?

Fortunately, I finally managed to find one that keeps my girls solidly in place and I managed to get over the whole paranoia about my calves getting even bigger than they already are thing.

Now I'm kind-of getting addicted to running. I am still completely befuddled by this myself - so imagine my surprise when my workout this morning consisted of a 6 mile run.

I was stunned. Still am.

But here's the kicker.

My friend Heather, (who has guested on this blog before and who has a great blog of her own - www.365awesomedays.blogspot.com
) has been running her little ass off herself - and she's doing this 1/2 marathon in May to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation - and she invited me to join her... and I said YES.

So that's what I'll be doing on May 6, 2012 folks.

Guess I better not have too many margaritas on the 5th.

I've totally lost it.