Ok, Ok!

So today two different people asked me why I haven't blogged lately. It's been not quite a week since my last entry, but apparently, my blog is missed :). I am not giving up on my training - not at all. I'm just tired! First and foremost, we did not run on New Year's Day. No, we weren't hungover, but instead took the day to run errands, enjoy a nice, long, three hour nap...and some sushi!
Yesterday was Tuesday and I was back on track. I again ran by myself as Shawn worked late.
I figured out how to stop my phone from timing out, which got me a super accurate time reading. I again doubled up the phone with the ipod. I'm guessing, an iphone would be ideal - but the Droids were inexpensive and I'm convinced I can figure this three functions simultaneously thing out at some point.

The ipod blared and, well, that is a tremendous help. I know that some people choose to run without music, listen to themselves breathe, etc. Not me! The tunes drown out my gasps and huffs and are a nice distraction as I run. It was cold, around 38 degrees, which still feels warm compared to the windy and 20ish degree temps that plagued us earlier this month.

Before last night I had never ran an entire mile on Old Farm Ln. It was too dark to get the squishy track, especially since I was flying solo. I knew that I could theoretically run the whole thing, I mean, less than a week prior I had accomplished my first full fledged individual mile. Old Farm does include inclines, however, and that hard, unforgiving asphalt.

I forgot to mention that in addition to the stopwatch/phone, and the deafening ipod, I also had something new to add to my bag of tricks all in an effort to make this journey a little less painful...new shoes!
That's right - my Santa Coach sent me a brand spanking new pair of Brooks running shoes. They came straight to my door courtesy of Zappos.com. They are super cute, and I LOVE them.
I'm still waiting on my gear shopping spree but I'm so thankful for this gift. It was the nicest gesture - plus, she realizes that shoes, well gifts in general are great motivators for this girl.

I ran the first half mile and where I typically slow to a walk, I kept going. There were a few times I had to get to the side of the road to let cars pass, but I kept jogging in place. Yes, even as that crazy guy from three doors down creeped down the street at what could be no less than 5 mph with his dome light on (I made a mental note to bring the pepper spray key chain next time), I kept going. Even as I again passed my nice, warm, cozy house. I kept going.

I would like to thank Beyonce and her single ladies for getting me through that last half mile, brutal!
I finished the mile, and walked the next 1/2 mile or so back home and again stretched.
My officially official time = 13:32.8. Slowing down for creepers in Camry's, hills, ills & all.
I get kind of emotional when I think about my progress, but I am constantly reminded of how far I've got to go...

I had my review this week at work. I work for a guy who is big on goals and is a fantastic mentor. As we discussed our successes in 2010 and goals for 2011 over sushi, I felt even more optimistic of possible accomplishments given my training to date. I feel like I can do anything I can set my mind to, and I can.
As he paid the bill and we unwrapped our fortune cookies I was a little dumbfounded. Not that fortune cookies are the know all and be all of the confection world, but mine read:
 "Whoever wants to reach a distant goal must take small steps".
So fitting. Personal goals. Professional goals. BAM!
It now resides in my wallet, and that's where it will stay, as a constant reminder that yes, I can do whatever I set my hard head to :). Baby steps, baby.

Below are the new shoes - thanks Santa Coach! Love you xx