I'm alive, folks! I'm sorry if I made anybody worry!! I went to visit DBF in Duluth, and came back maybe a little chubbier (lots of eating out), but happier and more energized. That trainer guy (Beautiful Chris) can kiss my little (or as he sees it, big) boomtadada...because that boomtadada lasted for my entire 78 minute run (ran 60, walked 18)! My mileage was 5.39. That brings me up to par with where I *wanted* to be at this point, on this exact day, when I started this way back when. And I have done lots of falling off the wagon, so that's no easy feat! So now my feelings are, "Respect authority, unless of course they tell you it can't be done. Then just tell them to stick it!"

I am being quite feisty today! I should also add that the knees that he was concerned about lasted through the entire workout, also. In fact, they actually felt pretty good throughout it. So HAH! In your face, Chris, because I CAN DO THIS! Of course, I get by with a little help from my friends... I haven't worn my bracelet while working out until today (worried about it?), and now I will never work out without it again. Molli, Cheryl, Karen, everybody... Thank you for your support. If I didn't mention your name, I'm sorry, those are just the names that stuck out for me. I would not be where I am without you guys... I would be over wallowing in a SlimFast shake...which I WILL continue to use. Compared to lunch meat, mayo, bread, cheese, and all those other good lunch things, I think this is the better option for me. Oh, did I mention I'm also just lazy? So anyway, I'm feeling a little empowered... I lost 2 pounds (water) during my workout! That was fun!! So I'm here, I'm happy, and I'm ready to go!
Molli - I am following Marathoning for Mortals schedule for Run-Walk, but I modified it at the end, since I'm well past 14 weeks. I changed it so I haven't gone through a taper period yet (not until Christmastime), and now I am up to run 7, walk 1, with all of my weekend runs at 6, 8, or 10 miles. If you would like, I can send you a copy of that. My goal for race day is to do run 9, walk 1, and I KNOW I can do it! I just gotta stick to it!
Monica - Sorry bout the knee, Babe! You gotta get it looked at, though... Missing a race is one thing, but having something more serious happen is entirely different. I know you can pull through, though! Have you considered doing aqua-walking/jogging, with the belt, weights, and shoes? It may be expensive to get started, but if you look up how to do it correctly, you can train for most of a marathon in the water! Low impact for those joints that need to heal!
Debbie - That guy didn't have much of a sense of humor, did he?! Gosh! I heard that the sweeper usually comes on around the 9th mile marker, meaning that if you are not to mile marker 9 by whatever 16x8 is (thinking...) 124?? minutes, then you get carried away I think. That would leave you with an hour and a half or so to finish the remaining 5.1 miles. That is what I have heard, at least, when I called to inquire about the race before registering.
Mary-Liz - What kinds of machines are at Curves? I've never been there, but would like to start incorporating some strength training and am wondering if I could kind of do Curves at my health club? Keep up that hard work, but don't hurt yourself!
Sundie - My heart goes out to anybody who mentions that stupid stair stepper machine. Ugh. No more for me. Keep it up. Climb an extra flight for me!
Cheryl and Lily - Great job on your interval training! I wish we all lived closer, and could train together when we get to points like this where we are at the same point in our training!
Bev - Feel free to come move furniture at my house... I'm through with that stuff! (which is a problem, I'm only 22 and have never owned my own house!)
Karen - Way to go on seven miles! You have come so far! WAHOO!
ibouncetoo - is that trip when you will be doing the 10K? I know you can do it, and you can survive these last couple weeks, too! Just post a whole bunch!
Beth? Ya around? Come back soon! Hope everything is okay!
Thanks, everybody, for taking care of me. You are the most amazing support group a gal could ask for! You mean a whole bunch to this girl right here! (that's ME!)
Ashley
