I Like Images From The Internets

I like to talk about running. A lot. I write about it. I social media about it. The Tweetin' and the Facebookin' and the like. It is "what Meri does" now evidently.

But I want to make something clear.

Running doesn't define me.

Ok, fine, it does a little. But not entirely!

What I mean is, where I might feel uncomfortable publicly talking about my family or my friends or my [disastrous] dating life (although some of that would be suuuuuper good content!), running is something a bit more benign to be public about. It's an area of my life that I have explored only as an adult, and a "hobby" or "passion" or "activity" that takes some research and a lot of time and a lot of effort. It's something that I thought a [perhaps limited] audience of people might care more about than -- say -- my most recent drinking escapades.

No? Well tough luck, I ain't talking about me boozing on the internet!

And so, when I talk to people -- online or offline -- this is of course what we talk about. It's a differentiation for me versus other people as well as a bonding topic for myself and others who share a similar interest. Everyone's gotta have a "thing" and this happens, lately, to be mine.

And they now ask, "So when's the next Marathon? When's Miami?" Miami, good sir, is in 59 days. "And are you excited?" To party in the city where the heat is on? All night on the beach 'till the break of dawn? Of COURSE I am!

Ohhh...you mean to run a MARATHON.

Well...kind of.

I have now been talking about running a marathon or training for a marathon or recovering from not running a marathon for the better part of two years. It's exhausting. And now I've come to the stark, jarring realization that I could very well be one of THOSE PEOPLE that runs multiple marathons in a year. One in January 2013 and then New York in October 2013 (barring likely thwarting event such as Rare Illness, Mawling by Wild Bear in Manhattan, Alien Invasion or Mayan End of the World Scenario.) And then what do you do after running two marathons in a year? One can only assume you keep running marathons.

So am I excited to run Miami at the end of January? Certainly. It wasn't completely what I expected and no WAY did I think in April 2011 when I signed up for Team for Kids that I would be running this as my first marathon [again, allegedly. I make no promise of actual marathon completion after what I've been through and will continue to caveat this]. I know Miami is a HUGE race, but I still can't completely get past the fact that all my friends and family won't be there to cheer me on.

But I will have some of my amazing Team for Kids training partners, my friend Miriam (of Lit and Lobster fame) is also running, and my friend Betsy (of the BEST TUMBLR EVER fame) is coming to keep me company pre-race, cheer me on, and relax / Will-Smith-it-up afterwards for a mini vaca.

There will be people there.

And I see images on the interweb that do get me jazzed:

So don't get me wrong, this is going to be stupendous!

But I guess now -- as cheesy as this sounds -- the race itself has ceased to be the goal. I never, never, never thought I'd say this, but I think this whole "life-shattering-disappointment-two-years-in-a-row" thing has really changed me for the better. I've grown up! It's like, if you were planning two weddings and then you got left at the alter twice...you'd be better for it, right?

No. Definitely not the same thing. Nevermind.

It is what it is. Before, I was training for a marathon. Now....I'm a runner.

I've made friends through running who are truly wonderful women. I've lost some weight and feel better about my body than ever before. Despite what I am doing to myself during this holiday season.

I feel strong, and I feel fast, and -- perhaps most importantly -- I feel more resilient than ever. You wanna throw more s**t at me, life? GO RIGHT AHEAD. I'm a stronger person because of this experience, in mind and body.

So, yes, I am excited for Miami. But I am excited more for this:

Betsy.

And this...

Me.

And this.

And mostly this:

There will be kittens in Miami, right?

.....

....

.....

Ok FIIIIIIINNNEE. You win. Real damn excited for this:

Trottin' with the #1 Fan

To a Runner, evidently, Thanksgiving is more than about gorging yourself on too much poultry and vegetables somehow made unhealthy. And pie.

Runners like to Trot on Thanksgiving. To do a lil' run to kick-start your day. Turkey Trots tend to be shorter distances such as 5K (3.1 miles) or 5 milers and are often run/walks. They're great if you're thinking of even running your first race.

I was home in Plymouth -- home of the first Thanksgiving, y'all! -- and decided to take part in my very first Turkey Trot. The race was a 5K "out and back" route along a dirt road, one of the oldest in the country. It's always nice to run a nice dirt trail, in my opinion, because it can be easier on the knees. I sound like such an old lady sometimes.

So I got up in the morning and told my Mom (Myra) I was goin' racing. In my New York City Marathon orange Finishers' shirt. And that she was coming.

Myra is a damn gem because despite a lot of other crappy stuff going on in our lives, she doesn't hesitate for a second to come be my cheerleader and #1 Fan. I race and I run because I enjoy it and it makes me feel good and -- during times like these -- it helps me deal with the "rest" of my life. But my Mom? She just loves to be there for me.

So Mom and I headed down to the start and met up with my lifelong friend Dan and his girlfriend Kelly, who were also running.

We loaded my Mom up with our keys, phones, finishers' T-Shirts, starting line sweats, etc. and then we were on our way!

I had taught my Mom how to use an iphone camera just moments before the starting bell was rung, and she caught this image of me in my orange shirt (near front on right) checkin' my watch:

Yay, Mom! Great job with the photography!

The race field was small (about 600 people), but I finished 25th of all women and 8th in my age/gender group (F20-29) with a personal best record of 24:53, which is an 8:00 mile even. I know a lot of people run faster, so let me just say for the record: "YO, THAT IS SUPER FAST FOR ME!" Glad we cleared that up.

[Side note: super depressed that this will be my last run in this age group.... Har-umph!!!!]

Upon fishing the race, I got this cute medal and we also all got long-sleeved T-shirts. Not bad for a $20 entry.

I think I also saw on the website that first 100 finishers got a prize, and I was number 97 overall...so where's my prize, playas!?!? I'm gonna have Myra look into that for me. She definitely won't play and will bust someone if she has to in order to get me my TROT PRIZE.

Even if I get robbed out of my finishers' spoils, it honestly was a great race and I was very proud of my time. I'm more excited -- however -- that I got to see friends there and have my Mom cheerin' me on at the finish line with the energy and enthusiasm of a little puppy about to get a treat.

...Despite the fact that she took only confused photos of herself with the reverse iPhone camera while I ran by. 

...Which I did not post because I do have a filter of some sort. 

....And I want her to maintain a modicum of dignity.

But because my Mom is -- for reals -- such a good #1 Fan, I thought it might be fun to get her perspective on things. So I interviewed her:

Q (MeriG): I'm going to ask you some questions about the race and my running for my blog because it's going to be cute and funny. Sound good?

A (Mom Of The Year): OK. Is is going to be a hard test?

Q: No. Let's begin. How did you enjoy the race this morning?

A: It was the highlight of my morning!

Q: In fairness, what else did you do today so far?

A: Nothing. :::giggle giggle giggle:::

Q: Clever! Do you like being a spectator when I run races?

A: Yes. I love watching you do what you enjoy doing.

Q: Even when I make you hold all of my stuff? And my friends' stuff?

A: Especially! I enjoy being involved and useful.

Q: Stop hovering over me and changing my punctuation.

A: No, I don't think you should blog this, this is between you and me, I'm leaving. :::starts walking away:::

Q: Come back! So what do you think about this whole running "thing" that I have going on now?

A: I think it's great that you have a passion and something that gives you pleasure and is generally healthy...

Q: Generally?

A: I'm concerned about your obsessiveness but that's you.

Q: Moi? Obsessive? NOoooo...... Anyways, so I'd like you to elaborate to the readers about the conversation we had on the drive to the race. When you told me that even though I could run under 26 minutes [which P.S. I BLEW AWAY] that I didn't "need" to. Go on?

A: You should do what you enjoy because it gives you pleasure and try to control your obsessive compulsive nature.  ...which I guess I do feel responsible for because you inherited that from me.

Q: But it's called a RACE! Why wouldn't I race it and try to be as fast as possible?

A: It's just a matter of how high you set your goals.

Q: You're not making sense.

A: So?

Q: Well played. So, does this all look okay? Do you like this?

A: I don't think people are interested in my foolishness. But if you think so. If you like it, I like it.




I like it very much, indeed.

I LOVE YOU, MOM!

MeriG's Favorite Things (Volume A)

You know how Oprah always does her Favorite Things List? In which she finds things she hearts and then gives them away to shrieking millions?

It's gonna be the same thing for the things I love right now, focused on the Running and the Eating. And anything semi-awkward. Unlike Oprah, I ain't givin' you nothing. Like Oprah, I do still expect shrieking.

Let's begin.


Favorite Thing #1: The Stick

So, I haven't really dived into this yet with my blog, but I really don't like foam rolling. I know, I know, I know, as a runner I am supposed to be in looooovvvve with the foam rolling. But I'm simply not. At the Marathon Expo that I attended for the New York City Marathon I was lured to The Stick booth and ended up buying one of these neat thingamajigs. (Oh, yeah! Remember when I went to the expo and still didn't know the Marathon was cancelled? fun times....)

It's awesome. You roll out your stiff muscles, but using your own arm power as opposed to laying in awkward positions on the ground.

Example: Rolling out your hamstring (my problem area) with a foam roller:

Oh, yeah, that looks totally comfortable. I'll just use my massive triceps and shoulder muscles like this lady to propel myself.  Sarcasm, mutter, mutter.

Whereas with The Stick you just prop one foot up on a chair and roll away underneath the back of your thigh with a lot of pressure. Easy as pie! (Note: could not find a good image on the interwebs for this. In fact, but searching for "The Stick" I actually came across things that are unsuitable for my delicate and innocent eyes. Fun fact.)




Favorite Thing #2: Chutney's

I've been spending a bit of time in Boston lately and have discovered my new favorite fast food restaurant, Chutney's. It's Chipotle meets my FAVORITE EVER (favorite ever being Indian food). You walk up to the counter and they have all these menu options that are seemingly your run-of-the-mill "white people eating Indian food" staples (Chicken Tikka, Saag Paneer, Curry...etc). But you can choose how you want these things. Do you want it....


                 ...wrapped in a  parantha like a yummy burrito?

                  ....served in a rice bowl with yummy condiments?

                 ....or pressed in a "Naanini" which is awesome if only for the name itself?

Unfortunately, to the best of my knowledge, this delightful establishment exists only in Boston. Now, I know, I know, there are places in NY that have similar offerings. I don't care because I can't think of any off the top of my head slash they aren't near my office. So, I propose someone franchise a location near my place of work in Midtown East Manhattan so that I might enjoy this easily and often. Go forth.



Favorite Thing #3: Divergent

 I don't want to make you feel like a jerk, but if you liked the Hunger Games and haven't read this, the first of the best trilogy ever...you're a jerk.

Just kidding, I don't really think you are a jerk. Just WOEFULLY MISINFORMED ABOUT LIFE!

This book (as well as the second in the trilogy, Insurgent), is awesome because it's basically The Hunger Games meets The Giver (one of my favorite books ever!) Two of the three in the series have been released and movie talks are already in the works.

Basic, basic premise: 16-year old girl lives in dystopian Chicago. Society is divided into five "factions" which each are solely dedicated to one virtue. These are: Candor (honesty), Abnegation (selflessness), Dauntless (bravery), Amity (peacefulness) and Erudite (intelligence). At age 16 they take a test and based on these results (and their own free will) need to choose which faction to go to forever. So, do they stay with what they know and their family? Or do they go to another faction and leave their family and old live permanently. 

Word. It's awesome. Download / buy / check out of the library pronto.



Favorite Thing #4: Long-Sleeved Running Shirts and Jackets with Thumbholes

Thumbholes are the jam because they keep the top of your hands warm and your shirt in place and  -- mostly -- I feel like they look super cute and sporty. Like, you see someone wearing a shirt with thumbholes and you think, "Wow, that person looks like they mean business."

Warning, this cut in the fabric does cost more than no hole. No rationale behind this one other than that they want to weed out the bizness makers from the non-bizness?

Some examples for you to peruse:

She means business in the Lululemon Under Runder shirt

She means business and also looks kind of snotty in a black Mizuno jacket which I own. Nice reflective pockets.

I like to wear gloves -- when cold enough -- over the shirt for ease of on/off. But this jazz hand shows that you can wear under too.

Favorite Thing #5: Homeland

I honestly get borderline upset and angry when I hear that people I know and love don't watch Homeland. It's my favorite show on TV right now (even surpassing...gasp...Mad Men!) and I love, LOVE, LOVE it!!!

Oh, Don Draper. You classy gent...

Homeland, though. I don't even want to get into why. You know why. Everyone tells you why. WHY ARE YOU RESISTING?

Claire Danes, you have outdone yourself once again, Madam.

"Oh, whine whine, I don't have Showtime." Well I do, punk! Come over and watch! Make me feel better about the $16 per month expenditure. Plus the $150 for Time Warner because Showtime is basically the only reason I even have Cable anymore. And no, no I won't wait to rent it when it comes out on DVD because now you're just talking crazy. GOD!  I haven't been able to watch this past Sunday's episode yet and I almost have the shakes. And you expect me to wait MONTHS?! You're out of your freaking mind. Stop having horrible ideas.

Wow, I'm like, literally getting heated because I want you to watch Homeland so badly.

Mandy Patinken! Holla'!

:::deep breathing:::

Okay, I've calmed down. Seriously, just come over. Archie, you, and me will have a party and watch Homeland.

I will cuddle with you and try to chew on your iPhone and stick my nose in your food while you attempt to watch Homeland! Doesn't that sound like fun??

And thus ends MeriG's first installation of Favorite Things.

Gadgetry and Gizmos

It's weird. When people ask if I'm training for Miami already the answer -- I suppose -- is yes. But it's honestly gotten to the point where I'm so used to running these .long distances on Saturday mornings that it doesn't feel abnormal. It doesn't feel like so much effort like it used to. Does this mean I'm officially [shudder] becoming one of those runners I used to say I'd never be? Those people that say that 10 miles is no big deal and mean it? What has happened to me!

I am still trying to work out my schedule from now until the end of January. I'm actually struggling -- believe it or not -- with holding myself back right now. I want to run 14, 16, 18 miles (gross, right?) But I have to force myself to stop at 10 or so the past couple of weeks. Otherwise, I'll have basically 30+ weeks of straight training, and my body won't be able to sustain it.

Yesterday I decided to do  my therapy session (err...I mean run...) on my own rather than with a group. I started at my apartment on the Upper East Side on 1st and ran West all the way to the water, entering at the Boat Basin (for you NY-ers following along in the audience). This straight shot across is exactly 2 miles.

I ran north along the water, with the highway on my right and Hudson on my left. It was a gorgeous, crisp fall day (although a bit windy) and I was enjoying the view and nerding out to some NPR on my iphone. I continued on this for about 2 miles and then turned around and headed back south, retracing my steps.

From there, I passed where I had started (mile 6 or so) and then continued south for a mile and a half. This got me to around the 40s on the West Side, at which point I turned around and retraced again through Riverside Park, one of my favorite places to run in the city.

In the 70s-80s, aside from being really clean with a separate path for biking and running, it has really nice, unique landscaping, sculptures, and structures that are just nice to look at and focus on during the run. Really recommend going there if you're in the city.

Once I got back to the Boat Basin once again (mile 9) I simply ran home to get to 11 miles. My favorite part of the run was probably the cut through in Central Park. 

I challenge you to find me something so Autumnly delightful. Can't be done. You lose.

When I first started running, I was pretty religious about mapping out my route in advance. I'd get nervous and want to know exactly where I was going and where my mile markers were. I'd use Map My Run in order to plan my runs, study the map, and then go and do what I had routed. But along the way, what if there is a detour? Or things aren't as they seemed on the Google map? Or you run into a rogue ogre or trolls on a tollbridge or someone you once went on a bad JDate with? I felt like I needed to be able to make changes as I went.

Over time, with enough routes under my belt, I found I didn't have to be such a planner about my runs. Which is nice. One less thing to be kray about. From experience, I could know more about the terrain, where bathrooms are (can be key), where to find water fountains (until they get turned off for the winter...fail!), and what is going to have stoplights vs. a straight shot path.  That said, I did / do still want to know how far I'd gone. 

I also started caring more about my speed as opposed to just distance alone. I know some people are really good about just knowing how fast they're going. I am not one of those people. Because I have a propensity to lie (I am running a 5 minute mile! I am qualifying for the OLYMPICS!)

This is why I bought my Garmin watch. You can get ones with GPS (more expensive) or without (less expensive). I have -- and recommend -- the Forerunner 70.. This non-GPS version comes with a foot pod that you attach to your shoe, and the data goes into your watch. You can download this data (if you  want) later to analyze pacing, timing, etc.

I bet he doesn't think two GPS sources are too many. Go, go Gadget!

Your watch can be set to show different fields depending on your preferences. I have it so it shows my current pace, my current total mileage, and current total time. But you could do average pace, heart rate (it also comes with a monitor for that), or others depending on what your goals are.

The only caveat I'd make is that you have to be careful not to obsess too much over tenths of miles. The watch, like all apps and other devices, is not perfect. This post From one of the running blogs I follow demonstrates that two Garmins can show different mileage and pace. So use it as a guide and not as 100% mantra.

But you might ask, MeriG? Do I need a watch at all?

No, Dear Reader, you might not need to invest in a watch at all. Turns out they have these fancy iPhone "machines" (as my Mom calls them) that have things called "applications." It's basically one step down from the Hoverboard.  

For running apps, MapMyRun is decent, and Nike+ is pretty great. But I recently found a new one I wanted to share because I'm obsessed with it! It's called RunKeeper and can be downloaded for free. Join me as I show you the glorious-ness, won't you?

Unlike some of the other apps I've used, you can select what type of run you are doing. Speed workout? Steady? How many miles as your goal? Do you want to warm up and cool down? It's awesome. Here I opted for a 5 mile steady workout, which included 5 minute warm up.

As you run, it tracks your speed by the minute. Egads, so much data! After your run, you can be like, at minute 42, how fast was I going? The answer is a 8:52 pace. I'M SO FREAKING FAST I CAN'T EVEN STAND IT.

My average for the whole run was 9:25 (you see on top) and I burned off enough to indulge in some yummy cornbread at brunch.

mmmmmmmm Cornbread.............

Sorry, got distracted. Back to the review:

Like the other apps I've used, it will track your route. But what I like about this is that it shows you the mile markers really clearly along the way. Very nice.

Here's my route throughout my parents' neighborhood. Please don't stalk them and kill them. Thx.

You sign up for a profile when you start, and this allows you to track your progress over time. Once I add more mileage, it will add on to the 5 miler. I also have my "Goal" to run 26.2 miles at some point (yeah, yeah, yeah, that's what she always says...)

You can choose to sync up to Facebook or not (like most of the apps).

What this does differently, though, is it keeps up with your individual records. How far you've gone when using the app, how fast, how high an elevation...kind of cool!

All in all, would definitely recommend. A couple of other cool features:

* Like Nike+  (and some others), you can choose a playlist to play as you run from your phone. However, what I like about this versus Nike is that when you have alerts (I have mine set to tell me when I've hit mile markers and my average pace), the music continues to play on RunKeeper (just softer). Nike will just stop the song entirely. It's a small detail, but I like it.

* On the homescreen of this app while you're running is a big button for "coaching." When you press it (which is very easy while running to minimize phone fumbling), it will tell you the mileage and speed so you don't have to wait until you actually hit a mile marker (because I get curious!)

Anyways, I hope this helps. I know I was overwhelmed with all the apps and gadgets and just possibilities when I started, so hope I can help some other novices navigate this space. 

Do you use a Garmin? An app you like? How do you manage your runs and pace?

So...how was your weekend...?

Hmmm...what to write about, what to write about...let's see. Is there a topic that Run MeriG, Run should tackle this week? Hmmm...

Oh! I know! How about WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?! Yes, let's discuss that. And by discuss, I mean I will talk at you for the next several paragraphs.

I'm not going to write a full recap of what was going on in the tri-state area during those days, as I'm sure you've all been captivated by the news. I'll simply provide a recap of what was going on in the world of MeriG running (as this blog would invite) from Thursday through [what once was] Marathon Sunday. This is about to not be very funny. It's just gonna get real.


So, I left you all last Wednesday just as the controversy surrounding the NY Marathon in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy was just heating up. I was -- frankly -- working very hard to convince myself that running this thing was a good idea. It wasn't easy.

Thursday. Matters intensified. The extent of the damage and devastation was becoming more apparent and the marathon setting up was providing a stark juxtaposition to the pure horror just within miles of us. And social media was blowing up. I become increasingly upset at the proposition of running this thing within the atmosphere that was quickly becoming more and more volatile, negative, and upsetting to everyone. Runners and non-runners alike.



Friday. I woke up feeling worse about myself than maybe I've ever felt in my life. I was -- I am not kidding you -- very close to dropping out. What the hell was going on? This wasn't what I signed up for. This was supposed to be a joyous event for the city, not one that was causing so much pain, anger and divisiveness. But the race was going on, and I had worked hard. And -- despite calls for runners to "boycott" -- that simply wasn't going to happen. If a race was happening, I'd be in it.

I went to the 2012 NYC Marathon Expo with my friend Miriam with a heavy heart.  We picked up our bibs, I bought 2012 race gear (with proceeds going to Sandy relief) and we visited the various sponsor booths.

Bib 48487... 

And we tried to get into the mood. We psyched each other up. We reveled in the sights and sounds of the expo.

I finally -- after three guilt-ridden days of restless nights and stressful chats with friends -- allowed myself to be excited. To be happy.

That took a couple of hours in the morning and then I went to work. And my co-workers at Colgate (as they always are) were amazing! They were encouraging, helpful, and supportive. They made me feel like it was okay for me to run. As many said, they might have not agreed with the decision, but it was happening. And I had worked damn hard. And I had raised nearly $3,000 for a charity! I was a good person. And I was going to run the freaking NYC Marathon.

And then it was a little past 5 pm and I got on the bus to head home. Scratch that, I attempted to get on the subway. And then the bus. And it was the worst commute ever as every commute basically has been for the past week. New Yorkers feel me on this.

So I'm on the bus, holding my huge bag of marathon gear and another huge bag of stuff to donate to charity and suddenly...I get about 10 texts.

"U ok?"
"OMG MERI NO!"
"So sorry!"




Whaaaaaaa.....





The marathon was cancelled. All news sources reporting.

For a few minutes, I was peaceful. I called my parents and told them not to come in the next day as planned. I texted a few people back thanking them for their kind words. I read the breaking news from NY Times and CNN.

And then -- on the public bus -- I broke.

My friend Kelly, whom I have mentioned in past blogs, once again came to my rescue. She knew me and knew that when I wrote "I'm fine, I'll be fine" in my text to her, what I actually meant was:

I trained. And trained. And trained. For 18 months. I have not worn heels since June. I have not eaten what I wanted to eat, drank what I wanted to drink, or done what I've wanted to do. For basically 18 months. This can't. Be. Happening. Again.

And she -- unasked -- collected my blubbering butt from the bus with a hug. And opened a bottle of wine. And then another. And sat with me while I did this:

This is not meant to make you feel bad for me. This is meant to simply demonstrate the mania. Somehow drunk I felt that this was important to chronicle. And so I did.

Turns out after two bottles of wine, you can indeed fall asleep.

My sincere apologies for any drunk dialing that may or may not have occurred during this episode.



Saturday. I woke up, feeling like death.

No, no, the marathon thing was fine. I had just drank two bottles of wine sweet god ahhhhhhh.

I met a friend for brunch and then realized, after his wise words smacked even more sense in me and the soberness set in, that this was absolutely, positively, the correct decision. This actually felt right. I felt -- and continue to feel -- absolutely horrible for those who flew great distances and spent their money in hotels all for naught. Because this decision really should have been made on Tuesday or Wednesday (giving them plenty of time to cancel). But the decision was still right.

I also started feeling horrible for -- as I continue to feel horrible for -- the many amazing charities, such as my Team For Kids, that had to deal with the fall-out from this and get so much slack from ignorant people who used them as a scapegoat. These charities use the Marathon as their major revenue source and deserve nothing but praise.

Anyways.

I texted with fellow runners and we decided we wanted to run Sunday am together anyways, because it would make us feel better. I saw a movie (Argo! Seriously! See it!) and went to bed.



Sunday. One of the girls I run with mentioned that there was a big group doing a "Run Anyways" thing at 9 am. Sounds good, I thought.

So we met up in the park at 9. And holy crap.

As you might have heard there was a few factions of Marathoners who did amazing things that day. One group ran around Staten Island handing out provisions [AMAZING!], another ran most of the route on their own. But I met up with a fantastic crowd of runners and spectators in Central Park.

Thousands and thousands of runners and spectators met at 9 and started off to run their personal Marathon. I did a little over 2 loops of the park (15 miles), but some went all the day. I saw people representing countless countries, wearing their bibs and race gear, and smiling. Spectators brought signs and made make-shift tables of water and gatorade. People banded together and said today will be positive! It was incredibly emotional and incredibly heart-warming.

I ran with a few girls from my TFK group:

Me, Joss and Erica

I started at the Finish...

...and finished feeling, truly, at peace.

I may run NYC in 2013. I need a bit more time before I make that decision.

But, I did decide that this Marathon thing? Yeah, it needs to happen. Because this is getting ri-god-damn-diculous. Which is why....

I am doing the MIAMI Marathon! 

Jan 27, 2013, BABY!!!!

Because MeriG? She ain't even close to giving up.