Year of the Ox

Evidently this is supposed to be a challenging year for me being a tiger in the year of the ox. I read about this on the internet today while I was supposed to be working. I am supposed to have 3 neutral months and 9 unfavorable months. Yikes, this was a bit unnerving to see. The snake is supposed to have the best year of all with 10 favorable months and 2 neutral months. We shall see how this year goes, it should be interesting. Anyway I am back to running though not much lately as there is little time for it. Mainly I try to jump on the treadmill whenever I get a minute between work and family. Work has been nonstop and I would really welcome a vacation over spring break. Who knows if that is in the cards but it would be really really nice. I am off too sleep because it has been a long day and tomorrow will be even more so. Happy year of the ox!

The Marathon is Like a Box of Chocolates....

You never know the weather you will get. I knew it would be a tough day when I woke up and it was already 60 degrees. This is a bad thing for me who has never been a warm (60+ degrees) weather runner. I decided I would just gut it out and if a good time was not in the cards I would just try to enjoy the run. Things went downhill around the half and I pulled my chip off to relieve any pressure I may place on myself abut the time. After that I just ran when I felt like it and walked when the urge hit. I stopped at mile 17 to give the kids a hug and then kept on chugging. I stopped a few more times to say hi to a few friends I saw. When I saw the beer booth just after mile 20 or so I pulled over and had some. I have never actually had beer during a marathon so that was a first. This was good because it was very warm and cold beer was my friend. The last few miles were pretty cruddy with much more walking than running but I bumped into a friend from BCRR and we were able to finish together (a PR for him, congrats Eddie!). I was happy to enjoy the day and I got to do things I never have in a marathon like high five kids and laugh with friends. This being said I look forward to shorter races where I think better times can be found. I hope those who were out there today had a great race!

Yeah, I Really Love January at the Gym!

So I rush to the gym yesterday to try and get in 3 miles before circuit class. I drop the kids at the childcare room and head toward the treadmills only to find every last one taken. I don't remember ever having to wait for a treadmill. Then it hits me this is January and these individuals are all pumped up with New Years Resolution spirit or something. Now am waiting and wondering if I should just head to class or stick it out and try to get a treadmill. I am reminded of those times in Disney World when you had to circle the restaurants like a shark waiting to pounce on a table as soon as the people looked like they might be taking their last bites. Yes this was just like that. Finally an open treadmill! I jump on and think about how the regulars will have the place to ourselves when February comes around. I hope 2009 brings good things for everyone. Happy New Year!