Back in the Game

This is how enjoyable the holiday meals were during our Christmas break in Oregon. Seriously. Everything from home-cooked chicken and dumplings to the Burgerville cheeseburgers. For those of you in the South who don't know what Burgerville is - I'm sorry. The only example I can give is those Californians you know that won't shut up about In-N-Out Burger; Pacific Northwesterners love Burgerville that much.

I digress. Long story short, too much delicious food + cold weather = not enough running. I did actually run when we were back home... twice. I took on 40 degree weather and 30 degree weather, but the 20's were just too much for me to take. After running only two times over a period of two weeks (probably a little longer), it is needless to say that I got a little behind on the training.

I can say that I've definitely noticed the difference in what my lungs and my knees are able to handle, but I am building back up slowly but surely. Sunday was the second time I have run 6 miles, which is the longest distance thus far. Coach Tiffany came along on this run and if she has anything to do with it, the progress will happen more surely and less slowly. Although it's not fun (or pretty), it's much appreciated.

With the way the weather has been behaving down here, I will likely need these bad boys to finish my training. Now, it's down to business. I hope to run 8 miles this weekend and tackle 10 by my birthday. Between catching up and making it to the half marathon, I will definitely be running 3-4 days per week, rain or shine. If anyone sees these awesome kicks around Houston, it's probably me. But in all seriousness, I actually wear Brooks. They are awesome... almost as good as Burgerville. If I could get a pair of Brooks that would take me all the way to Burgerville, it would be a perfect world. Counterproductive, but perfect.

There are 40 days until the half marathon and exactly 1 month to finish raising $500 so Livestrong will let me run an obscene distance. If you want to help, it would be much appreciated! You can donate to the cause by going to my personal fundraising page. All funds go to the Livestrong foundation, an organization that inspires and empowers individuals affected by cancer.

On a side note, protein shakes and pop tarts don't make a good post-run meal. Although it sounds like a ridiculously irresponsible great idea - don't do it. I think it's time to take some tums and a nap.