Running races... and good thoughts

Ahhhh, it's finally upon us! That great time of the year where many of the charity runs start taking place and I'm due to run in my first one this year - this SUNDAY!

I can't hardly believe that the Shamrock Shuffle is less than 3 days away... 10am start in Madison, WI - at the Overture Center near the capitol square. It's kind of neat to think that I'll be done with the run in hopefully less than 40 minutes.... (ran a 36:02 three miler today, which I'm bummed about) but I have to give myself some leeway on the time as I'm still coming off a bad chest cold and apparently there is a very large hill we have to run up and down twice during the race. I'm hoping that the adrenaline from just being with all the other runners will carry me through the first couple miles a bit quicker than I've been running them.

Other running insanity: I've decided that running would be the best way possible to usher in the grand old age of 34 and will run in the Crazy Legs race in Madison on April 25th - the day after my birthday. There will actually be an announcement and invite going out to all I know to come and watch the race and maybe join us for lunch afterwards at one of Madison's fine establishments - Ella's Deli is foremost in my mind, but we'll firm up details closer to the birthday/race date! The exciting part is that the race may actually be run on my birthday next year!!!! And what better way to celebrate 35! (I still can't believe I think running is a good way to celebrate a birthday....)

I'll update this blog as I firm up details of other races I'm going to run this summer/fall.

Well, it's way past my bedtime and a runner must get her rest.... especially when there is an evening of celebration ahead tomorrow for Miss Ella Bean's 2nd birthday! It will be a fun night of watching her open gifts.... but I'll be missing my kids and wishing they were little again where they were hugely entertained by $10.00 gifts, a homemade cake, lots of friends and family singing Happy Birthday and a car ride home where all they talk about is the fun and excitement of the day before they fall asleep with their heads bobbing side to side in the backseat of an overpacked car. I loved being a mom.... and now I enjoy being an aunt. Maybe if I play my cards right I'll get it all to cycle back around again.

And on that slightly off topic note.... I'll wish you all a good night, send my thanks again to my coach, hugs to my best friend and her husband for all the hard days ahead. Kisses to Molly and Nate - may you both continue to do really well in school and I hope I hear from you soon.

Love you all,
Erin