The half marathon is just around the corner and a couple of months after that is the Chicago Marathon. Everything has been going a bit smoothly. I am maintaining my weight. I feel stronger. Positive energy is running through my veins. I’m raising money for a good cause.
Thirty-One Days Before the Half Marathon
July 2nd, 2009A Perfect Sunday
June 30th, 2009A perfect Sunday capped off a great week. Relatively cool weather squashed the hot and humid weather we’ve had in Chicago. I rode my bike up to the Chicago Botanic Gardens. The North Branch Trail wasn’t congested in either direction. I strolled around gaining ideas and insights. I walked through the swaying grass and blossom. The sun shined on me. The cool breeze cooled my hot and sweaty arms. After an hour at the gardens, i returned home. I studied for my math and spanish class. It was a relaxing and rewarding Sunday.
Charity Runner for Children’s Memorial Hospital
June 22nd, 2009I went back and forth this spring whether I should be a charity runner or not. There has been a lot on my plate the past few months. I had a lot of excuses not to do it but I couldn’t resist the urge to help a charitable organization continue their good work. Overall, I’ve been blessed in my life and want to continue to give back. In honor of my cousin Jeff, I raising money for Children’s Memorial Hospital for the second time. My goal is to raise at least $600.00 by August. Click on image of the kids running on my front page to sponsor me and help a great cause!
Marathon Training and Leading a Better Life
June 16th, 2009The Chicago Marathon begins in 160 days. Today, I ran for the first time since I left for the Smoky Mountains three weeks ago. Unlike last year, the marathon and health will be only one of two major priorities. No longer will I run multiple rat races at one time.
Bike Commuting Experiment
June 11th, 2009I started riding for recreation again. Lately, I’ve been thinking about commuting on a bike instead of in my car. I enjoy driving to work but I also enjoy cycling. There are so many benefits to commuting on bicycle. There are many inter-related problems that can be solved by cycling to work. I just have to work the kinks out of the commute.
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Applying Weight Loss Knowledge From the Trail
June 10th, 2009I eliminated 11 pounds on vacation. Most people gain weight after a trip. That is an amazing number that I would have never accomplished… until now. During the rest of June, I plan to apply the things I learned on the trail about myself and weight loss. I did a lot of the right things to lose weight and didn’t do things that could have helped me lose more than 11 pounds. There are many contrasts after reviewing the events of my trip and comparing it to my everyday life.
GSMNP Day 7: Mount Le Conte and the Ride Back to Chicago
June 9th, 2009
Sun! Glorious sun! I opened my eyes and saw blue skies. We received a cold greeting from Mother Nature in the morning. I flew down to the lodge to use the toilets there and find out what the temperature was. It was 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Shadows shrink around us as the sun reached higher in the sky. Once we were all up, we hiked up to Myrtle Point for breakfast and catch a few morning views.
