Sounded Like a Good Idea

So, it looks as though I have been tricked into getting in shape to run the Pittsburgh Marathon Relay this spring. I say tricked because my best friend and fiancé are running, and I feel like I should too – especially because we are running for charity, and we get a medal!

However, I hate running. It makes my lungs hurt, it makes my legs hurt and it gives my shin splints. I’m not a fan. I’ve never experienced a “runner’s high,” and probably never will. I run for a mile as a warm up to whatever exercise I may be doing, and then I call it quits.

But here I am, all registered to run 3.5 miles, which happens to be the shortest leg of the race, because clearly, I am the most out of shape.

After I get back from my vacation (which I am SO looking forward to going on tomorrow), I am starting my regimen. Perhaps some Couch to 5K to get me in the spirit?

BUT, as I mentioned above, my team, so rightly named “Sounded Like a Good Idea,” will be running for charity.

We are running as part of the Animal Rescue League's "Paws Over Pittsburgh" team. The ARL's mission is to provide temporary shelter, food, medical attention, and comfort to all abandoned, neglected and injured animals brought to us by the community; to restore lost animals to their owners or seek new homes for them, and educate the public about humane care of animals with a goal of reducing overpopulation. An animal lover myself (as many of you know from my posts), I know how important organizations such as the ARL are and all of the good that they do, which is why we've chosen to run in support of them. Help us come to the animal's rescue!

Our team has a donation goal of $500. Click here to help my team and donate to a GREAT cause!

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I'm OBSESSED!

I’m not that person that goes home after work and jumps on the computer to surf the net.  I use a computer so much for work that the last thing I want to do is strain my pretty, blue eyes after I get home.  With that being said, I’m very out of touch with all the “cool” websites out there.  However, all that has recently changed as my dear friend and fellow blogger, Katie, introduced me to Pintrest.  Have you been to this site yet?!  Most of you reading this are probably shaking your heads yes and thinking to yourself “jeez, this girl isn’t kidding…she really is out of touch with the Internet” but, I don’t mind, I know I’m behind the times. Needless to say, I’ve become OBSESSED with Pintrest.  I’m on it all the time and it’s really sparked my creative juices and I’m finally getting some things accomplished around my house.

Here’s a brief description about some of my fun Pintrest projects that I have going on.

·         I’ve have had two old windows sitting in my dining room for the last four years.  I really like them but I just haven’t been able to figure out what the heck to do with them.  So there they sit.  They have no purpose and no home.  I literally look at them every day and I question whether or not I should keep them because they are just taking up space but, thanks to Pintrest, I now have the perfect idea for them.  I’m using them to create a family photo wall.  I’ve already selected the photos and I’m waiting for just a couple more from my mother-in-law and up they will go.  FINALLY, these fabulous old windows have a purpose!  Can I just tell you how excited I am?!

·         The next project that I’m working on is an arts and crafts project for above my bed.  My husband and I have been living in our house for seven years and for seven years; we’ve looked for something to hang above our bed.  It’s a giant wall and things that we’ve found that we have liked are either the wrong colors or too small.  Now, thanks to ideas on Pintrest, I’m creating my own art piece with canvas boards from Michael's, scrapbook paper, paint and glue.  What’s so great about this is it is allowing me to pick the exact size that we want and the exact colors and honestly, the project couldn’t be easier!  These should be finished up this week and after seven years; we’ll finally have something hanging above our bed! 

·         The last Pintrest project that I’m working on is actually out in my garden.  It seems weird to be talking about gardening when it’s February in Pittsburgh but, with all of the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been having, I’ve been able to get outside and do some serious clean-up in the yard.  I’m currently collecting empty liquor bottles from our bar and I’m using them to line the edge of my flower beds.  This is not only a great way to recycle the bottles but it looks neat and the bottles really catch the sunlight.

So what I’m trying to say is that if you haven’t been to this incredibly amazing site called Pintrest, you are missing out!  It really will give you amazing ideas for your home and garden.  It will give you great recipe ideas and places to travel too.  It will even give you fashion ideas, book ideas and paint colors.  It’s just an amazing site and I’ll be anxious to finish up my projects and show you pictures of them.  Hopefully they will inspire you to get creative! 

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One Foot In Front of the Other

Last April, I participated in a 5k that was associated with the Glass City Marathon in Toledo, OH. This year, I am going to do the same. But hopefully there will be a difference between this year and last. Last year, I walked almost the whole way. I had no intention of running it, so I wasn't disappointed with the end result. This year, I would like to run it or at least attempt to run it.

I am not a runner and I have no deep-seeded ambition to become a runner. So why am I participating in this 5k? Well, besides the full marathon and the 5k, there is also a half marathon. My brother and several of his friends came into town to run the half. With my brother's encouragement, I signed up for the 5k. My mom and a friend of mine from Baltimore also ran the 5k. It was a family event! It was fun to be a part of the action - running onto the field at the University of Toledo Glass Bowl, crossing the finish line (right behind an 80-something year old man), seeing my friends and family cross the finish line! It will be another family event. My mom is running the 5k again and my brother is running the half marathon.

To get ready for this 5k, I am using the Couch to 5k method. I am not very good with sticking to any kind of workout plan. I usually quit because I come up with excuses not to work out, like being too busy, not feeling well, etc. It is always something. I am crossing my fingers that I can stick to this one. Tonight I will complete the third installment of this journey. My mom and brother have been encouraging and motivate me to continue.

I still have a little more than 11 weeks to prepare, but I will probably need all the time I can get. So I am off on a journey to build up some running stamina and hopefully a little extra health benefit, too.

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