Fall Marathon

I know I said I wasn't going to run another marathon so soon, but after seeing people run Boston and running the Country Music Half, well I got sucked in.

I entered my name in the the NYC lottery for the half and full marathons. The half is in late July and the full is in November. If I get picked for the fall marathon, I will probably defer until next year because I signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon. I would really like my family to be at a race and MCM makes that the easiest with Pittsburgh being four hours away.

I signed up for a training group, so I can train harder and smarter this time around. Team in Training is great and I loved it, but I think it will be easier to train without having the fundraising cloud over my head. Training on my own for the half was easy, but I am looking forward to running with a group again.

Good bye being social on Friday nights - early bedtimes once again. Which, is actually nice on the wallet.

Upcoming race schedule:
Memorial Day Weekend - Run to Remember 5-Miler
June - J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge
July - NYC Half?
Mid-October - Hartford Half Marathon
Oct. 26 - Marine Corps Marathon

Spring Reading Thing

One of my New Year's goals was to read more, but we all know how New Year's resolutions go. When I came across Spring Reading Thing, I knew I had to participate. I checked out a pile of books from the Boston Public Library yesterday, I picked these books because the cover was appealing. Hey, I only had a few minutes and so far book one is pretty interesting. I'll keep adding to this list as I check out what others are reading since this list is pretty short. I'm excited to get back into the reading groove again.

1. The Importance of Being Kennedy by Laurie Graham
2. Turn Up the Heat by Jessica Conant-Park and Susan Conant
3. The Last Summer of You & Me by Ann Brashares
4. Easter Everywhere by Darcey Steinke

Won't you be my neighbor?

I learned that today would have been the 80th birthday of Mr. Rogers. In commemoration of his life, former producers of his show have asked fans worldwide to wear a sweater today in honor of his memory. I remember growing up with him and the impact he had on children from Pittsburgh and around the world. I didn't know this until I got home tonight, but I wore a sweater today and I'm glad I did. Thank you Mr. Rodgers for having such a positive impact and being so genuine that it shone through even on TV.

Do the sprain!

Since I last updated this blog, I had to go and injure myself. I am recovering from an moderate inversion ankle sprain, which is the most common ankle sprain. My coaches say I will be ready to go by the marathon date, which is almost two months away, crazy!

I have physical therapy twice this week and I think the ice/heat/ultrasound/massage will help. I got permission to start using the elliptical again at the gym, so that is nice. I don't really feel like I get a workout on it, so I've been taking a lot of spinning classes. Its a good way to cross train and I can go hard, sweat and not worry about the ankle. My schedule is crazy this week, so I am thinking of taking the 6 a.m. class on Thursday. I will probably crash at 3 p.m. later that day.

The team ran 13 miles this past weekend in the humid weather. I wanted so bad to be out there, but I just have to keep telling myself to rest and let it heal properly or I'm never going to cross the finish line. My coaches think I'm very optimistic but they don't hear me ask my PT if I can run yet every time I see her or complain about my ankle brace. I'll see everyone this weekend since I'll be helping out at a water stop. If you can't run, pour water for your teammates. I'm so used to waking up at 6 a.m. on a Saturday, I might as well do something useful.

Thanks to everyone for your donations and words of encouragement. You guys rock!

Guess What I am doing on October 7?

...Running 26.2 miles to eradicate blood cancers. Yes, you heard right, I am on my way to training for the Portland, Maine Marathon to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I am training with the Team in Training Program.

I have made a commitment to train for five months, to finish the Maine Marathon, and to raise $2,100 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society mission is to end to leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.

I am running for all those who can't run anymore and who would do anything that may help save their loved one's life. When you look at a three year-old with leukemia or a child who has lost their father to the disease, running 26.2 miles and raising $2,100 seems simple compared to what those families have been through.

If you would like to make a donation, please visit: http://www.active.com/donate/tntma/juliannem. All contributions are tax-deductible and no gift is too small!

I plan on reviving this blog and updating it often, for reals! Stay tuned!

J Peezy

J Peezy is leaving the Burgh. Where to? We'll have to see, but thankfully its not the Pats since they just signed Adalius Thomas from Baltimore. So, New England horse owners can breathe a sigh of relief as Joey Porter's pit bulls will not be coming here.

Football season is too far away. I just can't get excited about baseball, especially when the Bucs haven't had a winning season since I was 10. Do I become a Red Sox fan? Am I allowed to do that? Would I be breaking some sort of sports rule there?

Blogging again

I need a creative outlet, so I am going to blog on a regular basis for real. My stumbling block has been what should the focus of the blog be? I have decided to not have a specific focus -- so be warned, you're in for hearing about sports (go steelers), knitting (no, I haven't finished that scarf yet), celebrity gossip (oh, britney) and other general randomness.

My first drink of the night

Yes, I am still knockin' em over!