I really know how to pick 'em.

... weekends to go home, that is. I decided to spend some quality time with the fam this weekend... and I did. I spent lots of quality time tripping over Mom and Dad while searching for candles and flashlights when the power went out. And I spent even more quality time standing in the dark hoping Ash didn't die while driving to pick me up for our dinner date (it only took her 45 minutes to navigate through the brush of fallen trees between Merrick and Sunrise). BUT, I did have a few laughs with Grandma and Grandpa ("Water makes the blood coagulate in your veins. It's much healthier to drink Coors") and eventually made it to Mercato for a much-needed catch up session with Ash and Jenna. Good food and good company.

SO. I have officially taken the first step toward emerging from my year-long lethargy induced by a broken leg (it has been a long time since that excuse were valid). I entered the lottery for the New York City Marathon. It's highly unlikely I'll be selected... but I can dream. Whether I run NYC or not, I'm confident I will run a marathon this fall. I'll find something. I need to have a race on the calendar to make running a priority. That's not to say I'm too lazy to run... it's more that I can't justify choosing to run over other activities. Like, if my friends want to get drinks on a Wednesday night, if I choose to run instead then I'm being anti-social. But, if I'm training for a race, then I'm just being regimented and disciplined by choosing to run over choosing to do something else. That's the trick! And hopefully the weather will soon be warm enough for me to begin running outside. It's just not the same trying to get a real workout on a treadmill.

This will be a busy work week for me... working this Sunday and next from 7 a.m. But I think any job, especially in an office, is only as rewarding as the people you're fortunate enough (or unfortunate enough) to work with. And lucky for me, I work with a great bunch. Everyone in my division has a super interesting and unique background. I feel like I'm surrounded by brilliance every day, which inspires me to work smartly. I can't wait to see where my career will take me over the next few years. At the firm, and particularly in my division, everyone is very dynamic and roles are always changing. I think project management is one of the central skills acquired in our line of work, so it's possible to start on an entirely unfamiliar project but be well-equipped for the assignment. I'm going to be driving a new project in the next few months... looking forward to diving in!

Speaking of work, I've really got to start some. Maybe I'll just watch 60 minutes first...

Also, Kaila come home! 2 months left.

The pre-marathon Running Crunch

So today is October 12... which means there are 27 days until the day I am so excited for / dreading is here. Marathon day. November 9. I was supposed to run the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC later this month, but when my marine friend was injured, I decided to run a much smaller venue in Harrisburg, PA. 

According to the website (credible source?), it seems like an intimate setting, small (800 people), lots of foliage, and very mom-and-pop-esque. I was becoming increasingly more nervous about running the HUGE Marine Corps marathon, filled with military men and intense runners, so the thought of running this smaller one has definitely made me less anxious. 

I don't know whether I feel relieved and comforted or even more anxious now that my parents and sister have decided to accompany me. I guess it is much easier than finding my own way down there and my own hotel room, but what if I don't make it to the finish line?! They will have trekked all the way down there to see me fail. I have been training - but in all honesty, what do I know about training for a marathon? My training regimen is as follows: Run. Run a lot. 

Today I ran about 18 miles. That is definitely a decent amount, and I felt pretty good post-run, so I take that to mean I could have gone a few miles further. I just hope I could have run at least 6 miles further. But I don't know what the protocol is for these long runs... should I stuff myself beforehand? Should I stuff myself afterward? I opted for cereal and oatmeal before, omelet and fries after. 

Most people eat "goo" during the race - neon green globs of carbs with peanut butter consistency and drink lots of water. I have never done either. I just run. Would these tricks help me out or should I keep to my routine? They say not to switch anything up for the big race.... but what if I am putting myself at a disadvantage?!

So many questions. So many worries. Apologies if this post is excruciatingly boring, but this is always in the back of my mind and it's time I start getting answers! Any suggestions, by all means let me know.