aaaaahhhhh, FREAK OUT!

So, it just hit me that I've signed up to do 3 races in 3 weekends in October. A half the first weekend in October, a 5K the next weekend, and a 10K the following weekend. Now, if I had continued to run consistently after my last half then this would be no big deal. But reality is tapping me on the shoulder to remind me that I've BARELY run since then. I've run some long runs on the weekends, but not much during the week. I have no stinking clue how I'm going to do this. Ok, I lied, I do know what my plan is going to be:
1. Drink lots of water (starting now) so that I'll be good and hydrated for race days.
2. Eat as cleanly as possible so that I don't have a bunch of yuck fueling my body.
3. Get my rear in gear and start running in the mornings.
4. Prayer, and lots of it!
5. Focus on one race at a time and not run for a time. Basically, don't die and be able to walk across the finish line.

The good news is I have a wedding the first weekend of November so perhaps I'll be skinny, er, in better shape than I am now.

Help Me Help Others

This was definitely not the blog entry I was planning to post next, but it is definitely fitting.

I have officially decided to run a half marathon! I've joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training to run the Go! St. Louis Half Marathon. I'm either crazy or really motivated and at this point I'm not sure which one it truly is!

I suppose this all started a few years ago when I was inspired to start running from a friend I worked with. She is awesome and has run the Chicago marathon twice! I had no intention of ever running a marathon or even a half, but wanted to get moving. Last year around this time I was convinced I was going to run the very race I'm training for now. Unfortunately, my grandpa got sick and I lost focus after he passed away. Not succeeding has been haunting me all year. I decided this year that I needed to actually do it for a few reasons:
1. I wanted to finish what I started.
2. The race is two days after my 30th birthday (what better way to end my 20s and start my 30s!).
3. Last year, when I was training, I mentioned to my grandpa my goal. He laughed because he didn't think I'd do it. In a way, I'm doing this for him as much as for myself.
4. I want to focus more on helping others and this is a great way to help myself and bring help to others-all through exercising!!


Part of training with TNT is raising money for LLS. They require that you raise a certain amount of money for their organization and in turn give you resources and a training schedule to succeed. For my race, I must raise $1700. That is a lot of money in a short amount of time! If I don't raise the appropriate amount, I will be forced to forfeit running in the race. I really don't want to let myself down or the people at the LLS who are counting on this money. If you'd like to donate to my cause please follow this link to make an online donation:
http://pages.teamintraining.org/gat/stlouish10/azakrzewsk

I'm nervous about the training because the race is April 11(!) but I'm super nervous about raising the funds. I'm trusting that God will provide, but also begging everyone I know just in case!

Gotta run (literally!)!

GOTR is so much fun!

My life has been crazy the last few weeks.

My grandpa took a turn for the worse last week but seems to be doing better. Turns out he was dehydrated and then when they gave him an IV his kidney's couldn't keep up. He also has a massive infection in his kidneys. My great uncle passed away during this time too- my grandpa's brother. I think this really made reality sink in that Grandpa may not be around too much longer.

On a happier note, I had a fantastic time at Julie and Jared's wedding. They looked so happy and it was a great way to spend Valentine's day-with my friends and lots of dancing!

Girls on Track has started and if the first week is any indication it is a hit! I have had multiple teachers/admin come up and tell me the girls seem to be loving the program. I'm so excited and it really gets me pumped.

I'm still training for the half-marathon. I think I'm a little crazy, but it is giving me something to focus on right now. I may be crawling across the finish line, but I'm going to do it!