Running: Resuscitated

As some of you may have already gathered, I imported posts from my old training blog as a shameless move of false-advertising. We started this blog as a family diary and way to keep in touch with family across the globe. It saves me the time of emailing and updating each friend and family member individually, as much as I would really love to if I had the time.

Along with running, writing has become practice in which I take great pleasure. (I guess this is my way of justifying the vanity project into which blogging can quickly evolve!)

So, for fear of turning this into another training blog, the last race that I ran was the 2007 Virginia Beach Half-Marathon and since then, I haven't really run much at all.

I've thought about listing my excuses here but have decided to spare you all.

I'm almost afraid to say it (for fear of jinxing the progress), but I'm happy to say that I'm on my 6th straight week of running. The goal markers have been conservative and I'd like to keep it that way.

• 4-5 Days of Running / Week
• 3-4 Days of 30 to 45 minutes Runs
• 0-1 Day 45-60 minute Runs

Let's not venture into pace at this point. I'm slow. But that's ok. The benefits outweigh pride on this - Among other things, I'm much more energetic and willing to endure a long work day on my butt. Finally, I'm thrilled that I'm hardly ever too drained to hang out with the biscuits at the end of a long day.

Finally, I guess I should get to the crux of why I've rehashed my running habit with you all (the little pic above probably gave it away though:

I entered the 2009 ING NYC Marathon lottery. We'll find out in June if I screwed myself by having to run it :)

The Boys

We have to give a shout out to AFJ's beloved 'boys.' Last week, my family joined us for a fun mid-week dinner of pizza and beer (for the adults only, of course). Here are the pictures highlights:

Group shot in the den - the first of our projects around the house.

MJ gets a little slap happy with the beer.

Group shot part II

AFJ sports the valentines outfit from Great Grandma and Grandpa W :)

Road Trippin'

We're back from another FUN-FILLED whirlind weekend adventure chalk full of classic mishaps by yours truly!

ZMW's company, hooked us up with some Redwings tickets on Friday night. For all you hockey fans out there, I'm sure you can appreciate how exciting it was to watch our very esteemed Detroit hockey team. They are one of the very few things that Detroit has going for itself right now as this city works towards re-defining itself.

Tourist shot!

AFJW and ZMW took the bus -- arranged by ZMW's company -- and I met them in Detroit. The ride was an adventure in and of itself for the little one and ZMW made sure I was privy to all of the details with pictures and cute little videos he diligently sent to my phone throughout the ride.

After doing everything I could to get out of the office early, I flew down the highway to make it to the game only to find a bit of a parking nightmare because I had Sasa in the car with me - apparently, dogs are not allowed in parking garages. The little pup came to work with me because OF COURSE he was to join us on our little weekend road trip!

Tired, hungry, and mildly cranky I dramatically suggested to ZMW that he and AFJW just enjoy the game without me, and that I'd head to the hotel to rest. Like the darling that he is, he had me pick him up and together - all 4 or us! - we found a parking garage (after a few miles of circling) that kindly let us in.

The game was so fun. Especially after I downed a 24oz Molson ice with ZMW ;) AFJW loves watching sports and this game was no exception. She cheered with the crowds and very politely asked, before the end of the third period (while we were up 3-1), if we could go because she was tired. We made our way to the hotel, which for Anna was probably the most exciting prospect of the entire trip! We snuck Sasa into the hotel room with us and we slept soundly through the night.

The next morning, we woke up before the crack of dawn to head down to Pittsburgh. The weather reports were all doom and gloom with a big snow storm in the area and we were pleased to have beat the storm out. After a quick 3.5 hours, we made it to our fancy Sheraton hotel room, which impressed the socks out of our little wonder. So much so in fact, that by the end of our trip she was pining to head back. Who could blame her? Lovely sheets, somebody who cleans up after you, room service - heck! I would love for us to move in.

After a few hours of spending time with family, the three of us re-grouped for a lovely sushi dinner together. To be sure, it was a heck of a time tearing Anna away from her precious, posh hotel room. After a few bites of her favorite sushi however - Ikura - the trip seemed worth it.

Sushi time!

Love boat action :)

The atrium of the Four Points Sheraton

ZMW and I caught up on LOST episodes, much needed sleep and we even mangaged to squeeze in a workout and pool time. After a few happy hour drinks at the hotel bar and an early dinner snack - we took off for home and I...left my computer bag at the hotel. It is on its way via overnight shipping but WOW - all that rest and relaxation definitely didn't fix my forgetfullness.

We made it home safely and not without Sasa succeeding in a few attempts to escape from his little hatch in the back of the car - which mixed up the ride a bit for sure. Home sweet home and we're ready for our next adventure :)