The night before the race, I couldn't sleep. I tried to go to bed around 10, knowing that I had to get up at 3, but I'm pretty sure I was awake until at least midnight. The next two hours were restless and terrible. I kept thinking that I either needed to cry or throw up (I did neither). But suddenly, all those thoughts started running through my head... what if I hadn't trained enough? What if it was a mistake to take the days before the race off from working out? What if all those extra carbs had caused me to gain too much weight and not be able to run effectively? 

But mostly... what if I failed? 

At 2:45 a.m., I couldn't take it anymore, and got up. I put on all the gear I'd carefully laid out the night before -- shorts (with four packets of GU pinned inside of them), my cute race t-shirt complete with bib, my throw away sweat pants and fleece, my Under Armour socks (complete with no chafe powder in them), and my shoes (the Mizuno's who'd gotten me through the last half of this training). I grabbed a bottle of water, choked down approximately three bites of yogurt, and left the room with my parents at my side. 

The shuttle we caught (at 3:20 a.m.) left from the front of our resort (Saratoga Springs) and out into traffic. At 3:30 in the morning, it was like nothing I'd ever seen -- bumper to bumper traffic all the way to Epcot. I was SUPER glad we'd stayed on Disney property and didn't have to drive ourselves, because it would have made me more stressed out. 

Upon our arrival at Epcot, the chaos really began. A sound stage with the loudest DJ ever welcomed us to the racing area. Porta-potty lines FAR longer than any I've ever seen at Notre Dame tailgates awaited, and I stood in one for over 25 minutes. There were t-shirts and shot glasses and hand warmers for sale. People were stretching, laying on plastic bags, sleeping sitting up back-to-back. 

I got distracted by trying to Facebook check-in on my phone, which was good, because if I hadn't, I probably would have puked or cried. So at 4:45, when they called all runners to report to their corrals, I got teary eyed, because I knew this was the end of the road for me being with my parents. I cried a little. My mom cried a little. My dad took a picture. And I got checked in and passed through the gates to my corral. 

The walk to the corral took FOR-EV-ER and was similar to moving like cattle. I talked to a few women in line, but was too nervous to really keep up many chats for too long. I slummed it all the way back to Corral H (the last corral, since I didn't have a seed time) and waited, knowing that the start would come a solid 47 minutes before I would begin running. 

Luckily, Disney rocks. They'd set up giant screens for those of us in the back of the corrals to watch the opening ceremony on. The Fairy Godmother was there, wishing us all the best of luck, which was super cute. When the first corral went, fireworks lit up the sky, and I cried again. Yep, I'm a big sappy baby. I don't care.

I made idle chit chat with the woman next to me. I asked, "Is this your first half?" "Yes, I'm really excited! You?" "Yes, mine too!" "Well, I did do a triathlon before..." So much for camaraderie.

And then 47 minutes later, it was my turn. I chucked off my fleece and pants, and threw the water bottle with it. 3, 2, 1, GO! 

Here's what I know about the next 2:16:07: it was a blur or excitement and energy and knee pain and people watching and frustration and happiness. It was amazing. And, for lack of a better term, it was magical. 

The first five or so miles were down a stretch of highway. Disney, though, kept you entertained with characters, bands, speakers, and cast members cheering you on. I had planned to see my parents at the Magic Kingdom and at the race finish, so I knew I had to get there and still be running strong. 

As we entered the Magic Kingdom, my adrenalin surged again. Two hours of sleep? What? Didn't matter. We turned on to Main Street, and there were at least 5,000 people there. No way, I thought, would I find my parents. We'd talked about them staying to the left of whatever the area was, so I stayed to the left. And sure enough, above the crowd, I saw my dad's blue hat. "DAD!" I screamed, along with everyone else running. I moved over and grabbed him, mid run, and then grabbed my mom's hand. We screamed "AHHHH!" at each other, and I kept going. I knew I was going to make it. :) 

I found out later that the texts being sent to my parents had the wrong time. According to my first split time sent, it had taken me something like an hour and a half to run the first three miles. Luckily, my parents knew I hadn't been running that long, and didn't trust it -- they showed up on Main Street only about five minutes before I did. 

And then, it was up to Cinderella's castle. You know the feeling of running through the Indiana corn fields at mile 6 when you hate everything? This was NOTHING like that! It was invigorating. And I didn't even get too mad when immediately on the outside of the castle, everyone came to a dead stop to take pictures (move it, people!). 

At the halfway point, speakers blaring Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger" blared, which was a nice pick me up. But at mile 7, nature came calling, and in to the porta-potty's I went. I was bummed because this stopped me for a solid six minutes. Stupid nature. 

When I started running afterward, miles 8-10 were rough. My right knee (also known as my formerly good knee) started talking to me, LOUDLY. So, around mile 9, I whipped the IT band brace off my left knee and put it on the right (hence why the before picture has the knees both on my left and the after picture has one on each.). It worked, sorta, but I walked far more than I wanted to... at least four or five stretch breaks. (I'll write about why these miles were so tough in detail in a later blog.)

But, by mile 11, we were getting closer to Epcot, and I started to get excited again. Actually, I started thinking about all of you... my Jazzercise students who told me they'd be with me in spirit, my students at school who encouraged me at the end of the journey, my friends, family, and everyone I've never met who can't run due to diseases that are entirely out of their control. That was all I needed. 

I went tearing in to mile 12 and through Epcot and came out of the park so ready for the finish line. Amazingly, I heard my mom screaming my name, but couldn't see her in the crowd. I heard her over my BLARING iPod, that's how loud she was screaming. And then, about thirty feet later, I saw my dad, and he saw me! I screamed, "Dad, I love you!" and then took off. Note: I took off too soon, as I almost slowed down at the end, but when I saw Mickey, I knew I was there. I finished in 2:16:07, and in 2,808th place. It felt like first to me. 

Crossing the finish line was the most amazing feeling of my life. I've never felt more alive. It was one of those moments where I didn't want to go another step but could have kept going forever. There aren't words. But if you've had this feeling, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.

I got my finshers medal from a woman who was approximately 117-years-old and exited the shoot with my little goodies. I couldn't wait to see my mom and dad! Forty minutes, and three strangers' cell phones later, I finally found them. I didn't care that it had taken so long for us to find each other, I was just so excited to see them. I jumped into a hug with my dad and then hugged my mom and we both cried. It was honestly one of the coolest moments of my life, right up there with graduating college, getting my first teaching job, and probably birth. :) I'm so, so happy my parents were able to be there. That meant more to me than they'll probably ever know. 

I keep thinking back to two summers ago when I ran my first 5K. I didn't think I could do that, and I did it. And now I've run 13.1 miles. And there were times I didn't think I could do that either. 

If anything, this experience just reminds me that anything is possible. And that achieving my dreams will happen if I do it. I'm so glad I'm a doer. 

More to come in the following days... lots of things I want to talk about more! :) 

The quick and dirty version

I came. I saw. I ran my ass off. I conquered. 

I finished the 2012 Princess Half Marathon in 2:16:07 and 2,808th place. 

And I loved every second of it! 

More to come! :) 

This. Is. It.

This is my last blog before the race. EEEEEEEEK! I'm excited and nervous and exhausted and energized and really truly scared $&#@less. But, it's also a really great feeling. 

I wish there were words in the English language that described what the past four months have meant to me. I've run almost 250 miles while in training. I have had runs that made me feel invincible and runs that have made me feel like I've never worked out in my whole life. I have laughed during runs (like, when children scream at me to wear a helmet) and cried during runs (on those really, really tough days). And it has all led me right here to this moment. 

This is the first time I've maybe been lost for words during this whole process. 

So, now, I'm off to school, then to a meeting, then home for finishing touches, then Chicago tonight, then Orlando in the morning. And on Sunday, 13.1. And as for what's after that... it's going to be really freakin' awesome. :) 

Sincere thanks

My card of encouragement sent by Lynny all the way from Germany! It really reads, "Happy Birthday to our little princess," but Lynn said we can pretend it says, "Run your heart out, Princess!"

It's hard to believe that in five days, this journey will be over. Well, this one will be over... but the training for Indy will start shortly afterward! But, still, it's been an interesting four months, full of ups and downs. I'll spare you other trite phrases (for now) but it's been a journey... a journey I could NOT have gone this far in without all of you.  

So, I need to extend a sincere thanks... a thanks to all of you. I have long believed that I've been blessed with the best family and friends in the world, but I'm constantly reminded when doing things like this. 

Whether you've extended a kind and encouraging word, sent me an email, sent a card, commiserated about my pains, offered me running gear, given me advice, listened to me complain, or just sent good vibes my way, I am grateful for every last comment, email, kind word, and mental thought. I literally could not, could NOT, have done this without the people in my life, whether close to me or not. To my family, friends, Jazzercise family, coworkers, or strangers turned friends (Hi Sherry!), you have been an integral part of this process. I am grateful for you. And running for you is more motivating than running for me. So, thank you! :) 

Peanut butter love from my Jazzercise family

My Jazzercise friends/moms made me a poster, t-shirt, and a bag filled with peanut butter carbs for me to take on the trip! Knee pain what?! Let's do this!

The last pre-race run

Today was my last pre-race run. In an odd way, I kind of put it off all day. It's not that I didn't want to run... I think, if anything, I was trying to wait until the last minute so I wouldn't have to go as long between runs. I wanted to savor this one. I don't know the last time I went five days without running. It's been a while. 

I headed out late afternoon without my watch, without wearing a million layers of clothes, and without the intention to push myself to run faster. The sun was shining, the wind was blowing (a little too hard, if you ask me), and the roads were dry. In other words, it was great running weather. 

I can essentially tell you any mileage of any path near my house right now, but instead of doing my normal four-mile jaunt today, I chose to run a path I used to run when I first picked up this hobby. I remember a couple of years ago, when I first started running, it used to feel extremely difficult. But now, it feels sort of... normal to do it. It was nice to just run for running's sake today. 

To be fair, this run was not without its aches and pains. My legs are sore. Super sore, actually. But knowing they get a five day running break helps. The last few weeks have been a good lesson in mind over matter. It might hurt, but I'm still capable of doing it. 

I thought about a lot of things on this run -- my fears of failure seem to be coming more often now that the race is getting closer. I'm afraid I'll let myself down. I'm afraid I'll let other people who've been cheering me on down. I'm afraid I'll have been talking about this race for four months and it won't go the way I want it to go. And that is a blog I REFUSE to write! 

At this point, I think the best thing I can do is trust that what I've done has been enough.... and enjoy the ride. Because oh what a ride it will be. :) 

The list maker

If you know me personally, you know how obsessed I am with lists. I make lists for everything. I have a legendary To-Do list that I carry with me at all times. Some people think it's because I like to be fiercely organized (and I do) but mostly it's because if I didn't write it down, I'd totally forget to do everything (it's shocking I remember to eat and sleep without it being on the list). Once, about five years ago, some of my students thought it would be funny to hide it. After a minor mental breakdown and a large freak out, no one has touched it since. I like my lists. So, naturally, I have started a packing list for Florida. 

This packing list is unlike any other packing list I've ever created (yes, I've created multiple trip lists, and you might be laughing at me, but I've never forgotten underwear or sunscreen!). Of course, I have the usual things that would be on a Florida list right now, but this is easily one of the oddest lists I've ever created. Below, my running list:

-Running shoes

-Running outfit

-Running waiver

-Throw away race clothes (to wear at the start line if it's cold -- Disney then washes them and donates them to a homeless shelter)

-Knee brace #1

-Knee brace #2

-Watch

-Body Glide (it looks like a tube of deodorant but I'm told will keep my skin from hating me after 13.1 miles in sweaty clothes)

-Chafe Powder (for my shoes)

-GU (4-5 packets, just in case)

-Protein bars

-Mint lip gloss

-Gum

-Empty water bottle (so I can continue to drink gallons of water until right before the race)

-Carbs -- any and all carbs

-Camera, for the before picture, when I still look all innocent and optimistic

THEN, I have the other stuff, but it's fairly standard, normal vacation wear. 

Other things I've been doing to prepare? I've been hoarding all the magazines I've gotten for the last week and a half so that I'll have good plane entertainment. Hey, I have a plan here! 

Lastly, today will be my last four mile run before race day. In all actuality, I might wait until tomorrow to run (I may have over foam-rollered my IT Band yesterday, so it might need a rest day). Still, though, knowing that there's only four miles between me and race day is scary. I'm, of course, starting to second guess myself and wondering if I should throw in an extra run or two prior to the race. It's hard when you don't know what to expect! 

I'm thankful that there's a vacation thrown in to the mix of this race. I'd be afraid that if I was just at home, waiting for Sunday to roll around so I could run, I'd be panicking. This way, I get to focus on Disney and good meals and family time and friends. I'll wait until half marathon morning to have a panic attack or four. :)

Eight more miles until race day!

Eeek! I didn't write two days in a row! Bad, Angela, bad! Here's the quick rundown of what's been going on this weekend. 

Friday was my rest day, and I took full advantage of it. I needed a day off of from running and Jazzercising, and it was nice to rest with friends! After work on Friday, seven of my coworkers and I did a girls' night out and stayed at a hotel overnight. It was REALLY fun to have fun with friends and not worry about anything else for an evening. 

Saturday morning, we all woke up early (it's the curse of the teacher, I tell you, you can't ever sleep in no matter how tired you are!). Erica and I drove back to La Porte and went to Kesling Park to run. It was... brisk... to say the least, but at least we weren't being covered in snow. I wore my two awesome leg bands for our four miles, and my knee actually felt good! I have another four today, another four tomorrow, and then I'm DONE with runs until race day! I can't decide if I'm excited about this or not, but I have a feeling I'm REALLY going to enjoy being done with the runs for a couple of days!

Additionally, this has all started to become a whole lot more real to me. Originally, when I started training, I kept thinking about how this day would never come. Now, I'm a week out, and I can't wait! 

So, today's plan is a serious amount of grading, a serious amount of laundering, and starting to pull together stuff for FLORIDA! Just four short days until we're on our adventure!

A pictorial of today :)

Today, I don't have much witty writing left in me. So, instead, a pictorial of the day! :)

My left knee, today at the gym. I now have an IT Band brace (above knee) and a borrowed brace from Brenda (below knee). Miraculously, it works! 

Sometimes, I sit around with a wine bottle ice pack on my knee.

Meredith, modeling the back of our super cute race shirts!  It reads, "Disney Princess Half Marathon 2012" and has a princess tiara with a pair of running shoes hanging from it.

And, then she modeled the front. Meredith's says, "Meredith" directly underneath a princess tiara. Guess what mine and Cassie's say?! 

Stretches, perfection, and mementos

Today, I spent the bulk of my prep period looking up stretches for my left IT band. (Sorry, coworkers and principals, if you're seeing how I spent my time today -- I swear I've more than made up for it outside of school hours lately!) I learned a lot and have been stretching ever since. 

I also skipped today's five mile run. It makes me feel like a big, giant failure, but I also try to be a person who actually listens to her body. After Jazzercise this morning, my body was saying, "Maybe you're done for the day, lady." I'm trying not to feel guilty about missing this run -- I know that in all reality, one five-mile run does not a failure make. But the recovering perfectionist in me is saying, "Great, you're totally blowing it at the end!" Stupid perfectionistic inner-voice. 

In other news, today I made a list of all the things I want to take on the trip with me. I then broke the list down in to what needs to go in the carry on (shoes, race outfit, race waiver) and what can be checked at the airport. I was an honorary Boy Scout -- I'm always prepared for the worst, and lost running shoes would be a tragedy at this point. I've also decided that I will totally be buying kitschy race gear and mementos from the race to bring back with me. For one, this is my first half marathon, so I'm going to enjoy it. For two, we get our extra stipend in the last paycheck before I go to Florida, and I hear it already practically begging me to splurge and spend it (I save everything else, darnit, I want to spend for once!). 

No time like the present! :)

Six runs, seven days

Over the next seven days, I have to complete six runs. I'm also teaching three Jazzercise classes. 

Challenge accepted. 

See, now that the race is getting even closer, it's crucial that I keep reminding myself that I can do this. I'm starting to panic a little (read: A LOT) about actually completing this thing, so I feel like these final runs are going to aid in making me believe I can finish this race strong. 

I also plan to take a lot of Tylenol and Aleve over the next seven days. 

In other news, Valentine's Day is always an interesting day at high school. Girls carry around giant stuffed teddy bears and boxes of candy. Boys tote the carnations that got sent to them in first hour and dote on their girlfriends. The single students proclaim the day as Single's Awareness Day and make Valentine's for their friends. Kids seem to either be in the camp that Valentine's Day rocks, or Valentine's Day sucks. 

To me, Valentine's Day is another opportunity to tell people you care about them. I don't necessarily need a specific day for this, but it's always good to remind others that they're loved. So, I wish you the happiest Valentine's Day yet and hope you ate gobs of chocolate while celebrating! :) 

What I do and don't

Things I no longer do because of training:

1. Have completely ache free days

2. Wear heels five days a week

3. Sleep in on Saturday mornings

4. Ditto for Sunday mornings

5. Have entire nights free during the week

6. Get pedicures (because my feet are gross right now)

7. Lay around because I have free time

8. Feel guilty about eating gobs of food

Things I now do due to training:

1. Carry packets of Jet Blackberry GU in my purse at all times

2. See my neighbors far more often, even in the winter

3. Worry more about the practicality of my workout wardrobe than my fashion of my actual wardrobe

4. A TON more laundry

The brain game

This morning, my head was NOT in the game. I had to get on the dreadmill for six miles, and the first 3.8 felt like torture. My sweet, little brain would not find something to focus on. Instead, my internal dialogue went like this...

"My hair-tie is too loose." "I think my right shoe is tied too tight." "What incline did I set this on?" "I need a sip of water. Have I taken a sip of water lately?" "I wonder how long it's been." "Okay, focus... focus on breathing, in and out and in and... this gum is too minty." "The sun is shining weirdly." "I wonder what my knee is doing on the inside." "Is that a twinge in my shoulder? It feels like a twinge." 

It was approximately 36 minutes of this. 3-6 MINUTES. That's a lot of time to have the brain moving all over the place. A. LOT. OF. TIME. 

There is something about overcoming the brain when running. Some days, I go out out for a run, and I'm so focused, I don't know where the time goes. On Thursday, I ran five miles on the dreadmill and it went fast and felt easy. Today was NOT like Thursday. My body felt heavy. Instead of focusing on how far I had come, I focused on how far I had to go. 

It's a funny thing, this whole mind over matter phenomenon. Physically, I KNOW my body is capable of running six miles. I've run six miles plenty of times now. But the mental obstacles are the ones that seem harder to overcome. I can also equate this to life, lately. I mean, realistically, I KNOW everything is going to be okay, but sometimes telling myself that and really believing it is just plain tough. 

Mind over matter. Positivity. And hope. Yep, that ought to do it. 

Never, never quit

On my bathroom mirror hangs a little sign. It's a business card, actually, that says "Never, never quit" on it. My friend Janet gave it to me years ago with a card. I see this sign every morning when I wake up and every night when I go to sleep. 

I've never really been much of a quitter. It's the perfectionist in me -- It might take me eons to do something, darnit, but I'm doing it. 

There haven't really been points upon this journey that I've thought about quitting. There have been struggles, though. Physically, there have been days my body hated me enough to tell me about it. Mentally, I've hit more than one wall when running. Overcoming those walls is incredibly difficult, especially when you're only halfway through a run, but knowing that it's a mental block and not something else helps soften that blow. Emotionally, I've been scattered. There have been a few times I've cried while on a run. Hey, it's a release, yes? 

Training has given me focus. Training has renewed in me my optimism. Training has gotten me farther than I ever imagined it would. 

And training has reminded me to never, never quit... because you never know what's waiting for you after the finish line. 

Keep rollin', rollin' rollin', rollin'

Two weeks. Two weeks. Two weeks. 

In two weeks, I will be packed, ready, and on my way to Florida. I think when I signed up for this race in October, I didn't really think this day would ever come. But it's coming! 

Not much new to report this week. My body is mad at me and is seriously looking forward to tomorrow (REST DAY!). It's been a busy week of work, grading, freelancing, Jazzercise, running, sleeping, and trying not to go insane. I've succeeded at most of that list. 

Two items of note: 

1. I've had a few conversations and catch ups with friends this week that have been so, so wonderful. I'm reminded all the time what a wonderful circle of strong people I have around me. And I love that even in times of concern or sadness, they still find a way to be positive. That kind of attitude is contagious, my friends. 

2. Today in third hour Junior Honors English class, we had a pizza party. For one, it was International Pizza Day and for two, one of my students was heading down to the Swimming and Diving State Finals, and we wanted to send her off full of delicious carbs. My class has 24 students in it, plus me. We managed to kill ten large pizzas and three orders of breadsticks... with the exception of 3 pieces of pizza. Have I mentioned lately how much I love my students this year? I just love them! 

#17262

This afternoon, I got an email from RunDisney with my final race instructions. 

FINAL. RACE. INSTRUCTIONS! 

It had all sorts of great info, such as, the buses to take me to the half will start running at 3:30 a.m., and I have to be in my start corral by 5 a.m., otherwise I'm not allowed to compete. It also said there will be a twenty minute walk from the shuttle drop off to the corral location, so TECHNICALLY I'll be putting in more like 14 miles, but, bygones. 

It also contained something else really cool: Bib Number 17262

That's me! That's my official number! 

Receiving that email made me equal parts excited and nauseated at the same time. I'm so incredibly excited for this day, but so incredibly nervous about blowing it and disappointing myself. 

But, hey, I'm number 17262. :)

Splish splash

My favorite part of the day has become taking a shower. This sounds pathetic, but I swear it's not. 

First, it's the only place where my body feels 100% happy. My quads hurt. My traps hurt. My knee, sometimes, hurts. I have a massage scheduled for Wednesday, and maybe then THAT will be my favorite part of the day.

Second, I don't have to grade papers in there. Literally every second of my day has been consumed with papers... papers about war, papers about aliens, papers about disease. So, uppers, obviously. I adore teaching, but the grading is insanely time consuming (and frustrating, like, when a kid doesn't turn in a works cited page and you know it will tank her grade). 

Third, it's cold. Showers are warm. Win-win. 

Apparently, I am the most boring blogger ever this week.  

A little Sunday list

Things I am thankful for today: 

1. My knee did not fall off overnight 

2. Sleeping like a baby

3. Coffee with Cassy

4. Running with Christa at Notre Dame

5. Yummy Superbowl treats 

6. My awesome family

Things I am in need of, soonish: 

1. A car wash and cleaning, desperately 

2. A massage

3. Body parts that do not hurt

Things I am munching on during the Superbowl: 

1. Peanut Butter M&M's 

2. Ribs

3. Chips and Various Dips

4. Pretzels

TWELVE

This morning, I woke up with a pit in my stomach. There's something about KNOWING you have to run 12 miles that makes it extra scary. 

The weather, though, was on my side. A little bit of snow on the grass, but 34 degrees and no precipitation is always a win in my book. I had mapped out my run beforehand, so I knew where my major mile markers were. Since I like to be prepared for worst case scenarios situations, I planned to be near my parents house at mile 5.5 and near my house by mile 9, just in case a bail out was inevitable. 

So, off I went. I tried running slower than my normal pace, but I felt pretty good, so I didn't need to slow down too much. It was a nice day, and fun to be on the roads. I GUed at the appropriate intervals and still felt great at the halfway point. When I passed by my house at mile nine, my left knee started talking to me a bit, but on running I went. 

At mile ten, my body was confused why we were still running. I'd NEVER run more than ten miles at once before, and my body knew it. 

Then came mile 10.5. So, I'd strategically planned my run and had it all mapped out. So, as I was cruising along in Lydick, about 100 yards in front of me appeared a mangy looking dog. And he stopped. And he looked at me. 

Now, we know my love for dogs is not great, but there was something about this one that gave me the heebie-jeebies. My gut said turn around and walk slowly. I didn't hesitate (Don't panic mom, I know I didn't tell you this on the phone, but I'm fine and it's fine!). I glanced back about thirty seconds later, and dog was following me. Well, crud. I kept thinking, just get back to the main road. I walked more quickly, and once I got the main road, the pup had lost interest in me. Crisis averted. 

But by this point, my knee was SCREAMING. So the last mile and a half was a combination run, jog, limp, stretch, walk, cringe, scream. It was not a pretty way to end the run, but it got done. 

Regardless of the end of the run, most of it was awesome! I felt good and strong and like I can really do this. 

I've also learned that I DEFINITELY need to get some sort of support for the knee. Any advice on braces or supports? 

Oh hey. I ran 12 miles today. 

Dreamers and doers

Tomorrow morning I have to run 12 miles. Therefore, this might be my last ever blog post. I will try to make it a fulfilling one. 

Meredith gave me some good advice via email today -- "You're training to race, not racing to train." I think I need to remember this tomorrow and sloooooooow dooooooown with my run. I had a certain time goal in mind for my 12 miles tomorrow, but, I do think if I go slower, I might actually get more out of it. It's going to be a long, long, long run. 

LONG. 

Anyway, lately, I've been thinking a lot about dreamers and doers. 

We all know dreamers. These are the people who make grandiose plans about everything -- going to certain sporting events, traveling, trying new things, signing up for competitions, planning to buy things. And while having dreams is incredibly important in life, dreamers rarely follow through. It's never the right time to book the flight, register for the race, order that big ticket item they've been waiting to buy. Dreamers continue to dream, loftily, but without the follow through.

I love dreamers. I do. But I want to be a doer. I don't want to wait until the time is right -- the time is never going to be right, as there will ALWAYS be things to get in the way. I don't want to look at pictures of places I'll never go -- I want to GO! Now! Before life gets in the way! 

And because I am becoming more a doer, I didn't want the 2012 Princess Half to pass me by. I debated for a long time about running. When I wasn't able to rally a partner, I thought long and hard about not running. But I didn't want to add this to my someday Bucket List. I wanted to do this. Now. Because right now is the best time to do it. And whether it goes horribly or wonderfully, at least I will be doing it. 

I would rather be a doer that dreams than a dreamer who never does. 

A visit to the Rheumatologist

Today I will reenact for you what happened when I went to see my Rheumatologist. First, let me give some background information. 

My Rheumatologist is awesome. I actually met her when I was still seeing my pediatric doctor down at Riley Children's Hospital, so I almost consider her a friend first. When I turned 24, it was time to transition to an adult Rheumy, and thus Natali became Dr. Balog. Natali is more like a protective big sister who just happens to be my doctor. 

So, off I went today to see Dr. Balog. She asked me how I'd been feeling. I told her I'd been feeling okay, just some minor aches in my knees and fingers. Running Dodge #1: I told her I blamed the weather. 

Dr. Balog checked my bloodwork I had done over the weekend and informed me that my SED Rate (which is supposed to be between 0 and 20) was at 14. Six months ago, prior to training, it was 28. TWENTY-EIGHT! What's that, you say? My inflammation rate has actually gone DOWN since I started training? Oh yes, friends. That is TRUE! 

Next, she asked me if I was still running on the side of roads. Once, a few summers ago, Natali was driving to see her dad and saw me running. She told me I needed to carry mace. Or a stun gun. Because you just never know. (See what I mean about the overprotectiveness?) Dodge #2: I said that I'd mostly been running on treadmills or tracks as of late (which is MOSTLY true of the past few weeks). 

We chatted about a few more things, and then she asked me, "Anything else you want to talk about." Dodge #3: Crickets chirped. I told her nope! I neglected to mention that in three weeks, I plan to run 13.1 miles as fast as I can while still taking pictures with Disney Princesses. Leaving out information isn't really like lying, is it? 

So, I got a six month seal of approval and left on my merry little way. 

Oh happy day! 

It's a SIGN!

This is the sign I was talking about -- my coworker Monica knows the owners and gave me a shout out! Thanks, Great Lakes Heating and Air Conditioning! The quote immediately afterward said, "Those who wish to sing always find a song." Singing, baby. :)

Tunes, people.

Because Meredith rocks, she has designed this running shirt for the Princess Half. Here's my version: Princess Half T-shirt I kind of love it! 

So, now that half of the outfit is figured out, one of things left on my To-Do list is to find running songs to download. I have a LOT of music on my iPod, and a lot of it is upbeat, but I would love to get some new running songs. I'm looking for suggestions -- anything super pumped-up or anything that will make me move faster would be fantastic. Favorite work out music, friends? 

Did I mention that I'm running 12 miles on Saturday? TERRIFIED.