Showin' My Calves Who's Boss.

So I just got back from Day 2 of running. Yesterday I was supposed to do cross-training for 30 minutes, but Aunt Flo got the best of me and I succumbed to the beckoning call of my couch. I'm sure I could have done it, but instead I will be giving up my "rest day" on Friday and doing some cross-training!
So i am already improving a little bit! I went around Orinda Circle again, and this time I was able to run about 1/3 of the way! The odd weather has really been helping my cause. Who knows why it's 70 degrees and sunny in November but I like it!
Today's recommended songs for workouts include:
"4 minutes" - Madonna and Justin Timberlake
"Livin' on a Prayer" - Bon Jovi

I don't know what it was, but for some reason pounding the pavement to songs about saving the world and being halfway there are really inspiring! I'm sure the residents on my street have noticed my "inspiration" in that I stop after a burst of running and kind of shake my booty while I stretch it out. Hey, whatever gets you out there right? Right....

Today the calf-burning was 10x as bad as it was the first time I ran. I think my calves are rebelling. We don't NEED no marathon, biotch! We just FINE! However, I beg to differ. I guess appeasing them with ice afterwards will keep me from a major sports injury. It will also give them time to plot against me, unfortunately....

So I have news regarding the donations to PETA. For some reason my registration didn't work, so I have to re-register. I will give you all my fundraiser page info as soon as I get it!

PS: If anyone lives in the Sacramento area and would like to help me out with a car wash at some point let me know!

Is she NUTS?

So today I began training for a marathon.

I suppose that's a good beginning. This is something I never thought I would have the determination to do. I'm just your average, "a few extra pounds" American, who's general idea of exercise usually involves walking to the mailbox and back. So imagine everyone's surprise when I proudly announced "I'm running a marathon!".

How The Great Marathon Endeavor began.

I receive weekly email newsletters from PETA, most of which I glance at the subject line and delete. However, this one was different. It spoke of a marathon in San Francisco, hosted by Kaiser Permanente. It told of all the charities the marathon helped. And it invited me to join! At first I thought "NO way would I ever be able to do that!". Then they offered me a free personal trainer and I thought "MAYBE I could do that". Before I knew it I had a new goal.....and a $40 registration fee.

After I paid and registered, I had my doubts. I had attempted exercise plans before. I always run at least 2 days in a row. Then....well.....I don't. But then I realized that this was different. This wasn't really about me. I mean sure, I'll lose a few pounds, which will be great. But really, this is about helping people and helping animals.

Along with my extensive training schedule for the next few months, I will also be raising money for PETA through my involvement with the PETA Pack. My goal is $1000 by February 1, 2009, the day of the race.

This is something completely outside my comfort zone. I'm hoping it will change my life....or at least my waistline....

So this blog will follow my trials and successes for the next 11 weeks to prepare for what I shall call....

The Great Marathon Endeavor.
February 1, 2009
San Francisco