New Year’s Resolutions Blog

I did it! Took almost 5 hours (4:54:30, to be exact), but I finished that marathon on Sunday. About all I can say is… I’m glad I did it, but I am not in a hurry to do it again! I’ve heard of people catching the “marathon bug,” but I definitely do not have it. My body will be glad for a few weeks of rest! I don’t anticipate going back to two-digit runs, though I think I’ll probably remain more active after this experience. Despite the soreness and mild injuries, getting so much more exercise definitely improved my life. I’m so happy that I made it and thankful to my friends, especially everyone who ran with me during my training time, and double especially everyone who met me at the finish with water! It was a beautiful course; we got to run past some beautiful landmarks in San Fran and then of course we got to cross the Golden Gate bridge–always an enjoyable experience and a fine symbol of my favorite city!

The website BlogCatalog is encouraging people to create blog posts about organ donation today. Since I’m not busy running due to the injury, I thought I’d jump on the bandwagon and ask people to consider becoming organ donors. Organ donation is absolutely crucial to the health and survival of many people who have serious medical problems.
Just one organ donor–one individual person–can save the lives of up to 50 people. That’s something you’re not likely to do in your lifetime unless perhaps you’re a doctor! There are several organs that can be transplanted, as well as many types of tissue (from corneas to cartilage… even veins can be transplanted, which I didn’t know!). Stem cells, blood, and platelets are also important items that can be used to save lives.
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…and injury. Yep, less than two weeks out from the marathon, I have strained my hamstring something awful. It’s the worst thing that’s happened to me thus far, and of course it had to happen close to the end. Hopefully it won’t be so bad, though–I have done the longest runs I’m supposed to do, and all the time until the marathon (which is only TWELVE DAYS away! yipes!) is mostly tapering. I’m scheduled for 3-5 mile runs today, tomorrow, and Thursday, but I hope I can just skip them and start up again on Friday without too much trouble. I don’t think it will be a huge setback provided it heals up in a few days. Better rest than test, I always say… or rather, my friend Brad says to me. And since he’s more experienced at running than I am, I believe him. And though the injury comes at a really bad time in relation to the marathon, it comes at a GREAT time in relation to DVD releases… Continue reading

Nobody thinks about New Year’s resolutions in July, except maybe me (because I’m actually sticking to mine!–though I am getting more and more terrified as marathon day grows near). I just ran across this adorable New Year’s resolutions sweatshirt featuring some resolutions from horses. The shirt was made by a horse riding group for its members. I’ve only been on a horse a few times in my life, but once I was on one that laid down while I was on it–kind of a terrifying experience! Another rider had to get off to pull it up while I just sort of sat frozen. I guess I needed a little bit more practice before I’d be ready for that horse! Anyway, just a fun little example of New Year’s resolutions about something other than running! I think everyone I know is getting sick of me talking about the marathon, even though they’re actually excited for me. All I can think about is taking days (maybe weeks…) off of running after I finish! Wish me luck…