Beat Oprah

Last nights speed workout call for Fartleks (my fave) and since Lola had a social engagement, I had to channel my inner dog without her.

This morning Deanne and I were looking forward to yoga at the new Park at Wrigley (because we don’t spend enough time together) but woke up to a thunderstorm. So yoga and rolling happened indoors instead — boo.

And for the most exciting news ever. . . (drum roll please) after over a year (yep, you read that right) of pro and con lists I FINALLY bit the bullet and bought a Garmin. It felt like fate when I found one of my finalists on sale (and got an extra discount from my roommate!). So now I wait like a kid at Christmas for the mail and prepare to kick Oprah’s butt once and for all.

P.S. Apparently I share this dream with several others because when I googled Oprah’s time, the below (and so many more) popped up.

A Few of My Favorite Things (and People)

In an attempt to ease my way back into blogging, I will post just a few things including a photo of my favorite (and cutest) running buddy. Here she is post 7-mile tempo run calculating how many treats I owe her.

Shout out to these ladies who raised over $4000 at their Lemonade for LUNGevity stand, stepping up to make an impact and support their mom.

And a big thank you to everyone who has donated to my Chicago Marathon fundraising page this year. I’m so grateful to have friends, family and co-workers who support all of the crazy things that I do.

Most importantly, Happy Birthday to this old man. Thanks for cheering me on for the last 29ish years and always having my back.

And So It Begins

To say we refreshed the browser a few times waiting for our training plans would be a serious understatement. When this email finally came, we were pretty excited.

And that excitement quickly turned into a constant state of tiredness. The week started off with a tempo run on Monday and boot camp Tuesday morning. Wednesday was Global Running Day which meant Deanne and I went to work representing! Not pictured here: our accidental twinning the day after.

It also meant that I had to mad dash from the Bank of America Chicago Marathon charity kick off near Grant Park (thankfully we were supposed to wear our gear)

to Fleet Feet for CES speed work (here we are finishing up with some stretch and strength).

Thursday was boot camp again and then Friday morning was an easy run with my new favorite running buddy (she’s so cute right?)

This weekend kicked off with dinner at a new seafood place nearby with Meghan and Laura and then a slumber party with these two (and a pretty early bed time).

They hung out in bed when I headed out for my long run Saturday where I met these fellow Team LUNGevity runners and Meghan for 7 miles. It was awesome connecting with Katie, one of our new runners! While talking we learned that her mom, a survivor, lives near the Cleveland event this weekend and is able to join us!

Then went with me to my sisters grad party (photo taken before prom last week).

Sunday we ‘rested’ which to me means dog beach, errands, and a nice stroll (okay maybe more than a stroll) around town.

This week is going to be busy. It starts off with a hill run tonight (and some dog beach time squeezed in there).

Then I am heading to Cleveland Thursday morning for a Breathe Deep event this weekend!

This week I am thankful for coffee

banana and egg pancakes (seriously. . .only two ingredients and so good)

and motivational signs in our kitchen (courtesy of LP).

And as always, THANK YOU to everyone who has generously donated to my fundraising page! With 117 days to go until marathon time (not counting or anything), I am feeling pretty great about my fundraising. To donate or learn more about LUNGevity click HERE.

New Running Buddy!

It’s official! This guy is my new running buddy! My sister adopted Max which means I get a pup to hang out and run with and zero responsibility!

Woo!