The latest from this tri-state area

Lots to say, lots to do, lots and lots. First thing's first, the 5K was fabulous! We raised a lot of money and I feel good about my results. I was quite intimidated at first, looking at all the serious...and I mean SERIOUS runners. But by the time I started I just let it go, rocked out to my ipod and did the best I could do. What's nice is now that I don't have a specific fitness goal in mind, when I go to the gym I'm much freer. For instance yesterday I ran a mile and then did some weight lifting. I have found that I prefer that to just flat out running all the time. I'm pretty limited on time since I have to deal with my dog. I'm going to have to find a new schedule to fit her in so I don't feel pressed for time when I'm at the gym.

Let's see...speaking of animals, mine are doing fine. I've been boarding Lyra quite a bit recently due to some weekend trips, vacations, etc. She is not a cheap animal by any stretch of the imagination. But she's worth it. The other night I was at home alone with the cats and I found I was overwhelmed with missing her. It didn't feel right. It was kind of a nice realization. She's such a good dog. Cats are good too. Sammy is feisty and mischevious, Monkey is confused and lovey.

Work is good too. Crazy busy but good. Time is going so quickly for me right now which is good all in all. I like distractions. I've recently developed a strong interest in the roller derby and I plan to join in one way or another pretty soon. I'll start off with volunteering and if my skating improves I'll work toward trying out. In fact I'm going skating tonight!! I'd LOVE to be a part of the sport, it's so awesome. I want to be a blocker.

Okay, that's all that's fit to print. Insane couple of weeks coming up. Barely time to sleep. But it's all worth it.

March on Melanoma--Sponsor Me!

It's not too late to sponsor me in the 5K--this weekend! I am overwhelmed by the response of all of you who have already donated and I can't thank you enough. Melanoma research is a cause very close to my heart and my family and Teb's Troops is an amazing organization which raises money toward this well-needed effort.

Here is some information about Teb's Troops:

"Teb's Troops is a not-for-profit organization started after Tricia E. Black, or 'teb' as she was known by her friends and family, was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic melanoma. At the time of her diagnosis, teb was 29 years old and living in Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband, Michael, and 9-month-old son, Sam. Wanting to rally her "troops" during her war with cancer and desiring to make something positive come from the negative, teb asked her friends to help her design and sell a bracelet, the profits of which would go to organizations that support the treatment, prevention, and research of cancer, including melanoma. We are now asking you to enlist as one of her troops by purchasing a Teb's Troops bracelet to show your support the fight against cancer."

For more information on the organization, please visit Teb's Troops.

I'm only a little over $300 from completing my ultimate goal of $1000! Every little bit helps and goes toward a wonderful cause.

To donate, please visit my fundraising page.

Thanks again to everyone who has already donated!

Updates

Well I guess it's high time I put a few thoughts in this here blog. Work is coming along swimmingly. Programs are fabulous, performers are wonderful (with the exception of one we had to cancel due to an arrest...sheesh!) and people are picking up summer reading logs like gangbusters! So far, so good.

Now, running. I'm not as far along as I've wanted to be but I was really excited the other day when I ran 2.5 miles with only 2 1-minute walking breaks. I wish I could have been more consistent with my training but it's really hard with work, traveling and just general life stuff. I've decided to stick with the gym for these next couple of weeks so I can just work on endurance on the treadmill. After the 5K rolls around I plan to incorporate lifting into my schedule but figuring that out with the dog is proving to be challenging. I'll work it out eventually. And a big thanks to my cuz for the foot pain help! It's great to have someone with so much running experience and fabulous tips!! And your advice worked!!

Anything else? Not really. Big changes coming but nothing to speak of yet. I'm ready for the next step. Ready, willing, and very close to able.