**NOTE: I just wanted to let those reading this know that I'm really not as bad at writing and spelling as it probably appears when reading this blog (OK, yes, I am not the greatest typist when it comes to accuracy!!) - I tend to be editing things all day at work, so I usually just write what I'm thinking, rarely go back to look it over, insert any hyperlinks, and hit post!** You probably wondered where I've been again!? Well this weekend we took a trip to Galena (see us having fun and freezing at left), IL w/ Ashley's entire family which was a lot of fun but unfortunately I didn't get much running in. Did get some exercise though as we walked up and down to all the little shops in town and spent some time in the swimming pool. Also, had my first ever professional massage (although I doubt this is something I'd pay for on a regular basis, I highly recommend it!), so that's gotta be good for my muscles right?!?
I made it to the Y first thing after work tonight and hit the treadmill for half an hour. Ran just a mile and a half (w/ a period of walking in there), but at least I did something. I left feeling like I could have done a little more though so I need to keep pushing myself. If I add a mile or two a week and finish up the training with some inclines and spending well over an hour on the treadmill and running or jogging 8-10 miles a few times leading up to the race I think I should be in about the best shape possible w/ the time I have left. Considering looking into a group aerobics class or something a few mornings a week at the local rec center - but believe it when you read about it as I'm so not a morning person.
Sorry no cool little nike plus graph. I DID have my ipod - but just my luck, it was out of batteries!! I'll charge it tonight and start posting my graphs again tomorrow. Other than the eating better, which to be completely honest I still need to work on a ton (doing better on smaller portions and healthier options though), the thing I need to improve most is my motivation. I am more excited about the trip to St. John and the race than anything right now (OK it's tied w/ our wedding! sorry Ashley), but it's still tough to push myself to work out as hard as possible. I used to work out w/ Brian all the time when we were in our first couple years of college and it was so easy because we kept each other motivated. We were reminiscing about that on the phone the other night. We'd work out Tuesday and Thursdays together when I was at DMACC in Ankeny, Iowa, and Brian was at Iowa State, in Ames. He'd come to the Y in Ankeny Tuesdays, and then I'd go up to the rec center at Iowa State (I think some kid permanently gave me his ID or just left it for me Thursdays or something), and we'd always run, lift weights, and usually play basketball. Now, I'm by no means a natural athlete w/ the exception of my skills on the hockey rink - but in those days we got to a point where we could actually compete in just about any pick up game.
Speaking of Brian, he and Brett apparently got together this weekend and ran about 13 miles straight (that's a half marathon!!), so they are really gearing up for the big race and while I know I can't keep up w/ them I wouldn't want to spend the week on St. John and do the race with anyone else, we're going to have a great time. Both those guys have been great about being supportive, and Brett has been giving me lots of tips and is helping me set some realistic goals. I WILL finish the race, and I WILL feel good about my performance!!
You can check out some news and Peter's latest updates on how the race is shaping up at www.8tuffmiles.com. He has quite a few recent updates. Seems everything St. John has been consuming my time and thoughts lately actually. For Christmas my dad gave me a book called "Keep Left, the Open Air Asylum Called St. John." It is written and self-published by a guy named Mike Mullen who bought a lot and built a gorgeous villa called Villa Tesori on St. John. He talks all about his trials and tribulations in building the house as well some of the adventures he had and people he met along the way. The book is definitely a bit rough and choppy at times, but overall if you like St. John or just want a quick and easy to read crazy story, it's not bad at all. Mr. Mullen put his phone number on the back cover and said feel free to contact him - so I did. I called him and he was really nice and let me know that I was the first person to give him some feedback on the book! He was in the middle of meeting w/ an architect on St. Thomas in regards to a new project. Anyway, it was great talking to him after reading the book and I may even give him some thoughts if he reprints it. Another thing that was really cool was he suggested an online blog about the building of another St. John Villa, Bongo Bongo.
You can check out this really awesome, detailed, and very interesting and funny blog here. WARNING: If you get into this it'll take you well over an hour to read but it's totally worth it! The guys that wrote it and built the house also now maintain a website w/ daily websites called On St. John. Lot's of great videos, interviews, and all kinds of interesting content.
All right, I better go and collect up some of the stuff for our upcoming trip as we are going to have the official planning conference call on Wednesday night. I know, that seems early! But what can I say we are freaking excited!!! And we need to talk about all the details as far as packing, what we're bringing, who's bringing what, etc. Hey it will be fun and make us even more excited. Just over a month now till a week of sun, a run, and FUN on St. John w/ my two best friends - I can't wait!!
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