The end is near....

This past week of school was extremely busy for me. I finished up several papers, a powerpoint presentation, and something else that I can't remember now (I've already lost my brain!). Thursday afternoon was so nice outside that I decided to work on my final book review for my English class on our porch. I think that the warm sun rays helped me work hard.

Friday morning I had my last English class before the final book review presentation. Afterwards I ran errands to get everything prepared for our 2.5 hour ride to Greensburg, PA to see Third Eye Blind!

The drive to Greensburg was pretty hectic because we missed 2 of our exits and as a result passed through 4 tolls. On the last toll we got on the freeway but then immediately got off on the very next exit. We weren't even on the freeway for a mile...what a waste of $1.10. In total we spent around $12. Crazy right?!! Well apparently that's not unusual in PA because they put tolls in between connecting highways on the PA turnpike. Despite the money spent on tolls our trip was well worth the amazing concert! Here are some pictures:

Yesterday was spent cleaning and doing work around the house. Dan is currently tutoring a neighbor for his GED so he made a math test for him that I'm ashamed to admit I would probably struggle with lol. Yesterday I also went for my long run of the week: 4.15 miles! This is a big accomplishment for me considering my relationship with running for the past 9 months has been non-existent. Because of this I made sure to take it really slow. My aunt and I made a commitment to train for a half marathon to run this winter (the race is TBD) so this last week marked my first week of taking running seriously. I formed my training schedule loosely off of Hal Higdon's half marathon training:novice. So far everything is going well. I'm really trying to just focus on training for distance and not stressing about my time and pace. Just out of my own curiosity to see what kind of shape I'm in I did my run yesterday at a 9:40 min/mile pace which is good for me.

I'm really nervous about doing this half marathon. I'm horrible about staying hydrated, being consistent, and not overworking myself during a run or work out. I think that in order for the work out to mean something I have to be pushing myself to my max otherwise it's a waste. I know that's not true. There's a reason for rest days and recovery runs. They're just as necessary for your body as speed work and tempo runs are.

I don't have a ton of experience with long distance training so I'm definitely going to read up on it. Luckily I have the internet and a few friends who have ran half marathons and marathons to get advice from. I'm scared but I know I can do it! I just have to take it one day at a time and not overdo it. Training is like slowing stepping into the pool so you get used to the temperature and then you gradually get deeper. You can't jump in and face everything in an instant, it doesn't work like that. Like my analogy?

With today being mother's day I'd like to recognize my mom. Thank you for being such a wonderful mother and teacher. I have learned so much from you. You've taught me how to be patient, humble, and caring towards others. Thank you for sacrificing your life for me. For working 1 full time and 1 part time job so that I could: dance in middle and high school, be in color guard, be on the golf team, go on road trips with friends, go to college, and spend obscene amounts of money at Nordys. Thank you for taking the bus to work so I could drive our one car to school. Thank you for staying up all night to edit my assignments and papers for school. Thank you for getting me treats and fun surprises. Thank you for all the wonderful birthdays, Christmases, and Easters I've had. Thank you for letting me grow up so that I could go to college, get married, and move to Ohio. I hope that one day I can repay you for everything you have done for me. I love you and miss you terribly.