Photos!

Team Wisconsin after Inspiration Dinner night before the race!

 All dressed up for Le Reve friday night in Vegas!

Photo shoot at the Race Expo w/ Vegas Showgirl

Team WI morning of the race

 No pre-race jitters!

In honor of Valerie!

View of the Race

2 hours 29 min 17 seconds! Me and my first half marathon medal!

 TC teammates! Me and Lisa in the TC tent post race

Me and TC Teammate Courtney

Running Times

Its the final countdown

In 9 short hours I will start my very first half marathon, I am feeling so very excited and nervous! 14 weeks of Team Challenge training has lead up to this, at times I feel confident that I can and will do this while others I fear the worst scenario- dropping out.  I've gone over and over in my head what that finish line will feel like- relief, excitement, tears, happiness, or even... that's all?! But who knows how it will really feel. 
My anxiety has skyrocketed.  I was on hold for the past 20 minutes attempting to put in a room service request for my staple: Oatmeal (specifically $7 oatmeal).  I have given up.  For the past 14 weeks and beyond I have always chowed down a nice bowl of oatmeal before runs.  Now, on the biggest day yet, I will not have my oatmeal.  We are brainwashed with the slogan "do NOT do ANYTHING different on race day." And now, thanks to Mandalay Bay, I have to change one of the most important elements of a run: food intake and carbs.  But it will be ok. It has to be OK!
As I was strolling through the Vegas strip, collecting escort cards, drinking in the streets, losing my money in the casinos, I had a sentimental moment.  I had to be so thankful for all the amazing people I have met through Team Challenge.  They are more than just friends, my team.  What a great program and great ways to raise funds for Crohn's and Colitits.

At the Inspiration Pasta Dinner tonight, the individual that raised the most funds raised $30,000+, that is not a typo- four zeros, folks.  Wow, what an inspiration.
So my non-fanny-pack-fanny-pack is full of GU's, tissue, and camera; my finger nails are TC blue and orange; my runner bib has some pink and purple Betty's Butterflies; my singlet has my ribbon for my hero- Valerie; my thoughts are positive and focused on enjoying the moments- each moment of the THIRTEEN point ONE miles I am about to tackle.  I am ready to run!

VEGAS BABY!

After about 12 hours of travel time, Molly and I have finally arrived in LAS VEGAS!  Its absolutely amazing.  Despite a small snafu with the layover flight to vegas and a round of cocktails at the Fox Sports Bar we are resting comfortably on our amazing Mandalay Bay queen sized beds.  Ahhhh.

The view is absolutely amazing, we look down at the pool/beach/cabana area.  And have a great view of the rest of the massive Mandalay Bay towers.

Pictures to come soon... Stay tuned!

Let the tapering begin!

I've touched on this before, the secret underworld and unique language of runners.  But I have recently learned the greatest word in the runner's dictionary: Tapering.  This is were we begin to run fewer miles in order to conserve energy and allow our bodies to recover for the big day.  I look forward to the two weeks of tapering.

Yesterday we ran a cool 8 miles, my lungs felt good, it was fairly mild out, and my last Team Challenge practice.  It was definitely bittersweet, I don't know what I am going to do after Vegas... I need, and like, the commitment to my team to be there every Sunday morning, bright and early.

My iPod malfunctioned again, surprise, it claims I only ran 7.02 miles but I know it was 8 total.  It also claims I was out there for 1 hour 20 minutes.  I'd like to think I run that fast.... but I feel like that's incorrect.  My average pace hasn't been 10 minutes since I was stuck at 3 miles.  Usually the time function isn't wrong on the Nike+, so I don't know what to think.  When I first got the Nike+ it was amazing, but it tends to fail a lot.  Once my funds improve... i.e. after paying off Vegas... I may be purchasing a GPS watch thingy-ma-bobber.  The weirdest part of the Nike+ is that in the earbuds it told me "congratulations you have reached your goal of 8 miles" then I press "end workout" and the screen says 7.02 miles.  ARGH!

But the good part of the run was that I felt good!  This is exciting and scary at the same time... why is 10+ miles such torture and 8 miles a breeze?  Makes me nervous for race day.  I do NOT want to crawl to the finish line.  I'll crawl to the medal tent, the bagel tent, and the buffet, but I will not crawl across the finish line!! :)

12 miles of death.... ok, maybe not that dramatic

Winter weather has finally arrived in WI, I should be grateful that it just arrive considering its mid-november.  However, the reality of WI is still hard to swallow. 

Last week we celebrated daylight savings by accepting the sky being pitch black at 5:00pm, I busted out the reflectors and drove around for a good 20 minutes looking for a safe place to run.  My area is lacking a few essentials: 1) sidewalks 2) street lights. I finally settled on an old stand by Rawson ave. its pretty hilly and not quite 2.5 miles, but it was the only area with a decent sidewalk and street lights.  I got home from work seriously de-motivated.  The heat was malfunctioning at work so our offices were 85 degrees... I was drained, but knew I had to get in my miles.  I ate a quick dinner (since it was already dark out no need to rush out to beat the sunset!) and headed out.  I wanted to vomit the entire time and came pretty close on a few occasions.  Fortunately I made it out and back without any problems.

Later this week I did the "endless" loop around my apartment, its quite boring but there were streetlights and its not highly traveled. Not a bad day out, pretty average.

SUNDAY RUNDAY: 12 miles.  I headed out excited to hit a new personal best.  I wasn't even sure if my iPod mile counter went that high!! (It did.)  The wind was cold and blowing strong, I went through an entire pack of tissues before I finished.  The NEHOD almost got the best of me again.  But in the end I finished the 12 miles.  Around the half way point Coach Tim started to run with me, and of course the run went better when he did.  Its so funny to see my Nike+ pace chart after the run:
----^---vvv---v__v(Tim arrives)-------------------------v(mini NEHOD)-----v(NEHOD)------------12miles!

At the first mini NEHOD my breathing stopped again like the last big run.  Tim suggested we cut it short.  I was not having that idea! I think I even stomped my foot! "No!! I gotta finish this 12 miles!!" "Alright!" and off we went up the evil NEHOD.  Coach Anne met up with up, my guess is the other runners were wondering where I was!  So me, Coach Anne and Coach Tim trudged up the hill.  We were talking about mantras or "self talk"-for all you counselors out there.  I have several, "I've made it this far only _ to go." "I think I can!" "Keep moving" and now my new favorite "Wheat Monkey" a local brew that is soooo tasty! Like a horse and carrot.  So as we finished up I started saying "wheat monkey" out loud. Helped me not to focus on the pain and focus on the deliciousness of the beer chilling in the fridge!

After the run, Lisa and I headed to some shops to pick up even more running gear (as if that is even possible, I swear we have everything one could possibly imagine).  The cold air definitely impacts my lungs, I was looking for some "turtle" thing Tim told me about that essentially covers the mouth and sheilds the neck from the blowing air.  We both needed additional reflectors since it is so dark out.  And an essential supply for the big race- a non-fanny pack-fanny-pack :)  Please don't judge, we are both a little sensitive on this topic.  But how else are we going to capture all the glorious (and not so glorious) moments of the big day?  I need my camera.  I have decided not to take my phone, I don't want to be "that guy" on my phone/texting during one of the most exciting days of my life.  You will all hear about it afterwards.  You wouldn't text during your wedding would you? I certainly hope not!
Ok, but back to the shopping experience.  I know my body was rejecting the torture I just put myself through and Lisa is dealing with shin problems.  We looked like a trainwreck... here is what we looked like:
Day after the marathon- You Tube


And on that note:
Dreams are often challenging, but challenges are what we live for.

Daily Mile

I finally bit the bullet and succumbed to peer pressure.  I joined Dailymile an online running/sports community.  But the best part is now you can see my mileage add up in my final weeks before Vegas!

13.1 Vegas Play List

Here is the official play list I will be running to down the Vegas strip!

1)Heavenly Day-Mandisa- Nancy Raffaelli
2) Only the World- Patti Griffin- Aunt Kay
3) Midnight Special- CCR- Seattle Bruggies
4) Savior- Rise Against
5) Collapse-Rise Against
6) Heart of a Champion- Nelly- Sara Taylor
7) Long Forgotten Sons- Rise Against
8) Re-education- Rise Against
9) I Like It- Enrique w/ Pitbull- Bob, Melissa, and Danny
10) Strength to go on-Rise Against
11) Eye of the Tiger- Survivor-Phil Raffaelli
12) Fighter- Christina Aguilera
13) Life Less Frightening- Rise Against
14) Beat It- Michael Jackson
15) Paper Wings- Rise Against
16) Half Way There-Rise Against
17) To Them These Streets Belong-Rise Against
18) Morning After Dark- Timbaland- Sara Taylor
19) Crazy Bitch- Buck Cherry
20) Give It All- Rise Against
21) Tik Tok-Ke$ha
22) Under the Knife-Rise Against
23) Come On Get Happy-David Cassidy
24) Superbitch- Authority Zero- Kristen
25) Prayer of the Refugee- Rise Against
26) Raspberry Beret- Prince- Marci
27) Worth Dying For-Rise Against
28) Behind Closed Doors- Rise Against
29) Anyway You Want It- Journey
30) Never Again- Kelly Clarkson
31) The Good Left Undone-Rise Against

32) Viva Las Vegas- Elvis

33) I Gotta Feeling- Black Eyed Peas- Bykowski
34) Come On Feel the Noise-Twisted Sister
35) Regulate- Warren G- Krolick
36) Survive- Rise Against
37) Run This Town- Rihanna
38) But Tonight We Dance- Rise Against
39) Rock Your Body- Justin Timberlake
40) The World's Greatest- R. Kelly
41) Sex on Fire- Kings of Leon
42) Smooth Criminal- Michael Jackson
43) Jump Off- Lil Kim
44) I wanna Rock- Twisted Sister

A grand total of 2 hours 30 Minutes, I hope *fingers crossed* to be finished before!

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.

THANK YOU

Its almost official *pending checks being processed* I have reached my fund raising goal! 

$2500

This is obviously very exciting! 1) Its going to help people coping with disease 2) Its freaking AWESOME 3) I can focus on training, you know that other seemingly impossible element of this whole process.

BIGGEST SHOT OUT goes to my Dad's amazing boss, he generously donated double what he told me he would! What a guy! For as long as I can remember (and probably before that) he has been so generous with all adventures me and my family take on. You all probably know him, he does the voice for Speedway commercials: "come in for 99 cent 2 liters of coca-cola" Yup, that's our guy! Or in the greater Milwaukee area the International Mini commercials.

Although this is a huge weight lifted, I'm going to miss fund raising; I forgot how much I love organizing events.  And hey, its basically been my social life for the past couple months.  Good thing I have lots of miles still to log before the big day!

Another great big thank you goes out to all those people that donated, whether big or small, each penny is appreciated and I never would have met this goal without you.

Just a reminder about where your funds are going:

-to raise awareness
-to find a CURE
-to improve quality of life

today's mission: 11 miles

after 2 weeks full of exciting fund raising events I was ready to hit the pavement for yet another personal best,11 whole miles! Although I was feeling sluggish at the start and it was a chilly 40 degrees out I was up for the challenge! The run did not go as planned. The asthma beast reared its ugly head around mile 10. It was pretty freaky! I haven't had a real asthma attack since high school. I was approaching the hill of pain when I couldn't take in air. I popped my ear buds out to listen to what my body was telling me, and it was not good. I walked the rest of the route, in words of coach Tim, its not a fail because you didn't leave in an ambulance. I must be sick since that eased my frustration with the over all run.
My suspicion is the cold weather, hill of death, and just one of those days is the culprit.

Now onto the good parts of this post.
I have such a great support system. A great turn out of my Culver's event! Raised $100 in just 4 hours. Must be some good eaters!
Lucille's was super fun, celebrating a good cause and 30th b-day. Still not sure how much was raised at that event, but it doesn't really matter, got the CCFA name out there and great entertainment!
Friday was wine shop at home tasting, quote of the night: "this kicks candle lights butt!"
And last night the Bucks game- I am exhausted!

10 miles.... no problem!

The best part of training is that every week a new personal best happens.  How cool is that?  This sunday I conquered 10 miles! Of course there were moments of "when is this torture going to end!??" But I finished strong.  I know what I am about to say will inevitably curse the next month of training but, we are having some amazing fall weather for Wisconsin. Its unwritten rule here to not mention great weather because the moment you do the snow begins to fall.  But for now we are all enjoying the great colors and mild temps.


Lets back up the time frame for a moment since I've been excessively busy with fund raising and neglecting Craps in Vegas.  Last week I was unable to attend team practice since I was at the ALS Walk to Defeat.  Attending the walk definitely put the motivation for this half marathon right back to where it needed to be.  About 2 years ago I had the epiphany to start working out.  I was done with grad school, had a grown up job, and for the first time in a long time I had free time.  I started contemplating my world and realized that I was an able bodied 20 something that sat around doing nothing while people all over were struggling with disabling diseases that literally took away their ability to run, walk, eat, and talk on the their own.  What was my problem?!  Laziness.
I joined the YMCA and started running and occasionally biking.  This was all well and good, but I didn't really have a goal.  Just going through the motions of what people are supposed to do at a gym.  I eventually moved to the suburbs and joined a smaller gym where I was able to actually use the weight room... the YMCA's weight area was like a hornets nest for women, all that grunting and superficial flexing. No thanks!  Soon enough I signed up for my very first running 5k, the Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis.  It was so fun! Freezing cold but fun! And I was hooked.  I've since done 2 other 5k races and just did Al's Run for Children's Hospital which is an 8k. And here I am today, taking on 13.1 miles for a great cause.  Although I am running for those suffering with Crohn's and Colitis I am also running for all those people that can't, especially my Grandma.  I'd like to think she is proud of me.


After the Sunday walk to defeat ALS I had to set out on my own for a daunting task: 8 miles--- alone.  No team running with me, no Coach Tim making my run when I want to tip over and die.  And I did it! It was a perfect fall day along the Oak Leaf Trail, since this was my longest run yet I was able to see much much more of this trail.  The leaves crunched under my feet, the trees were beautiful and the fog hadn't lifted all the way yet.  It was perfect, I wish I had my camera. I don't know if it was just a great running day or the impact seeing all the ALS patients the day before, or my Betty's Butterflies wings carrying me but I made 8 miles on my own and it was great.


This week I really experienced the sense of teamwork, a Team Challenge teammate lives in my apartment complex.  Along my saturday morning quick run I saw her so we finished up together and it was great.  Even though running is time to be one with yourself and the road, it is nice to have company too.  Lisa, my teammate and neighbor is awesome!  She helped me make a poster for my upcoming fund raiser events this week and its awesome! It was great to spend time with a new friend.
SUNDAY the DAY!  10 miles- I felt pretty good.  I have this pesky ankle problem which felt a little rough starting out but once the blood got pumping it felt fine.  I stayed steady at about 11 minutes per mile.  I've come to accept that short runs can average 9:30-10:00 minutes a mile but long runs I need to stay at 11:00. I still think that will be a great time for Vegas.  My legs were a little sore Sunday night but are feeling fine this morning!  I can't believe it!


Oh, and here is what I am working for:

 I absolutely cannot wait for that medal on Dec. 5th!

Exciting Events are Happening!

Very exciting things are happening.  I not only had a personal best run (6.56miles) but I ran the whole time (well 2 tiny slow downs to blow my nose- yes, that is still an issue).  I  can't believe it! I mean, I started "running" almost 2 years ago, I was stuck at three pathetic, painful, slow miles for 2 years.  And now, I'm knocking out 6 miles just 5 weeks into training.  Are you kidding me?!  Holy Moley!  My running partner and I actually sprinted to the "finish line" aka the brick wall by Fleet Feet. SPRINTED! We weren't crawling, we were sprinting and if felt great!

People keep asking why am I doing this crazy thing?  I wish there was a simple answer but there isn't. I am doing this to make myself happy again. I'm doing this to help other people, some people I know and some I don't know and you know what, it doesn't matter.  Whether or not you know someone with Crohn's/Colitis it still impacts you. I'm doing this because its a huge goal, something I never thought I could do.  Hell, I couldn't even run 1 mile in high school- I rode the bikes on "mile day" in gym class. I am doing this to meet new and amazing people throughout the Milwaukee.  Like most major life changes, there is not a simple answer.  Its like when people ask why I turned Vegetarian... am I supposed to have a simple answer for major life change?!  When something in life is uncomfortable or doesn't feel right, you should do something about it.  I teach that every day at work... Some of you may be envisioning my infamous "treatment dance" demo :)

Since I gave props to Rodiez, I have to give a shout out to Fleet Feet in Brookfield!  Not only is it a super cool store, Brittany totally helped me out with my foot pain.  She fit me with some inserts which felt kinda weird at first.  But I did my first little run in them and no pain so far!  And Fleet Feet are donating 20% to CCFA, how could I not purchase something?

This weekend I picked up some reflectors (pink of course!) so I am visible on the road since its dark at like 3:00pm... stupid autumn.  The coolest part: its like those "slap bracelets" from the 80's... remember those things that were banned in schools?  AWESOME!!!!

I also purchased a hand held water bottle at sports authority.  Even though I am selling fundraiser water bottles for CCFA they aren't practical for a long run.

Some people are still interested (despite my incessant hounding for donation or attending events, you all rock!!) in other events around the area, so I figured this may be the best place to list other fund-raising events for CCFA in the Milwaukee area.  I hope people read this but who knows? and who cares?  I'm just putting the info out there and hoping for some good karma in return. So here we go:

Murf’s Custard – Thursday, September 23^rd, Laura is having a fundraiser.  Tell your friends to go to Murf’s Custard (124^th and Burleigh) and when they order, tell the staff they are there for the fundraiser.  All they have to do is eat!

Moe’s Southwest Grill – September 24^th, Pewaukee, this is a fundraiser for Veronica and Tina.  There is a printout attached that you need to bring to the store, but all you have to do is eat.  Moe’s is delicious too! (Post a comment on the blog if you want the printout)


Bowling for Bucks – September 26^th Lindsey, Lisa, and Nicole will be having a bowling event at the Root River Center (7220 W Rawson Ave, Franklin).  Registration begins at 11:30 am.  Please RSVP on Blog Comments

Culvers event – October 1^st, 575 Layton Ave from 4-7 pm.  Jean and Ken Ewert are having this event.  Again, all you have to do is eat!

Rocky Rococo’s Fundraiser – October 6^th, 4849 S Howell, from 5-8 pm.  Jean and Ken Ewert are hosting this fundraiser.  Come, eat yummy food.  Help the CCFA!

Mongolian Grill – October 6^th at BD Mongolian Grill by Bay Shore Town Center.  See attached flier 

Running and Drinking for Crohn’s – October 8^th at Whiskey Bar (788 North Jackson Street) 8-11 pm.  Nadia’s awesome fundraiser.  Come and have some fun.  Small cover charge (includes a drink)

Lucille’s Rockin Piano’s – 1110 N. Old World Third Street, MKE Laura Bolger is having a fundraiser here.  This will be fun!  Starting at 5pm until 8 pm,   10% of drink revenue goes toward CCFA and Laura’s party gets wristbands for free entry! Lucille's Rockin Piano  RSVP on Blog Comments

Bucks Game – October 30^th, flier attached.  There are Discounted tickets AND a portion goes toward Team Challenge.  There are three different ticket levels and it will be FUN! (See previous blog for the order form!)

That's all for today.  I'll post updates to special events as they arise.

A little MoTiVaTiOn thanks to AC/DC

I'm goin' in - to Sin City

I'm gonna win- in Sin City 

Where the lights are bright 

Through the town tonight 

I'm goin' in to Sin City 

I'm gonna roll you baby.....

-Sin City AC/DC

Milwaukee Bucks and Crohn's and Colitis

The Bucks are playing the Charlotte Bobcats on October 30th at the Bradley Center.  Purchase tickets at a reduced price and $10 of your purchase will be donated to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.

Three levels of pricing to choose from.

Plus, stick around after the game a shoot a free throw!!

Fun for the whole family!

Click here for reduced tickets for the Bucks game on October 30th @ 7:30

The first injury

On Friday I got in a great 4 mile run after work, after returning home I noticed my ankle/foot was sore.  I didn't think much of it.  I decided not to run the scheduled 2 miles on saturday to let my ankle rest.  Sunday it was still a little sore so I popped 2 Tyelnol and headed to TEAM practice.  As I warmed up on the 5 mile run it started to feel better.  I had a pretty good pace going and felt great.  At about mile 2.5 I felt the stiffness and soreness return.  I decide "mind over matter" and kept going.
Along the run, Coach Tim met up with me.  I asked a few questions about the ankle/foot problem. As it turns out, my little narrow feet might be the culprit.   I have freakishly narrow feet! And most shoes don't fit well, whether they are running shoes or work shoes, my heels slip out.  As a result of the slipping I lace my shoes really tight which may be the cause of added rolling of the ankle- fancy term -supination.
I decided I'll head over to Rodiez shoes again and have them check out my stride and supination.  If this is a problem only 5 miles in 13 miles won't happen unless I get this taken care of.

But the good news is how great I felt on the sunday team practice run. My Nike+ reports 5.56miles in 59 minutes. Average pace 10'38"! I love running on the lake front, its so pretty and relaxing!  Makes the run feel like its just a casual stroll along the lake.

The Secret Underworld... Dun dun dun.

Hello Again Crap.


Tonight was possibly the best night of Team Challenge activities... THE SHOE CLINIC.  Now before you start rolling your eyes and referencing my shoe garage sale comments from the previous post, be proud of me.  I walked away with my free "goodie bag" from Rodiez.  That's right I did not purchase a single pair of shoes tonight.  But before I give myself too many accolades it was solely out of cash-poorness.  I spent all my excess cash on fund-raising water bottles this week, which is totally worth it! But I have to hold off on purchasing shoes that will really protect my tootsies for a week or two. 

Ok, so the "SECRET UNDERWORLD"of running.  As I dive deeper and deeper into this subculture of freakishly skinny Marathon Men and Women I am learning more and more.  The shoe clinic tonight was actually very informative and I look forward to going back to Rodiez to learn more about what shoes are best for my freakishly narrow feet.  Not only are there tons of shoes out there, some of them are super weird.  I heard on TV and online about those shoes that are supposed to simulate running barefoot, you know the shoes with toes!!

So I investigated and played with the toe slots and was officially creeped out. remember those toe socks that were popular circa 1994?!?! Those were ungodly uncomfortable I cannot imagine the rubbery toe shoes could be much better.

On Sunday at the team run, I ran past a bare foot runner.  Literally, this man was running through the park's nature path with bare feet.  The week before we had to hop over a half dead mouse on the trail.  THE MOUSE WAS STILL TWITCHING!  Not to forget about the animal feces and mystery bodily fluids. But hey, whatever keeps you running... I guess.

Additional new running mystery.  The importance of socks.  You are telling me there are socks that cost $10?! Again, once I learned/brainwashed about the importance of foot care for runners, and walkers, I get it.  But I still don't feel 100% comfortable buying a single pair of socks for $10.  This also coming from a girl with callused feet and toes... Must keep an open mind, right.

And finally the item for sale that I could not investigate out of fear...
My former co-work, Jake aka Jail Tech Jake, is an Iron Man.

He is probably the fittest person I know, verging on clinically insane.  But he informed me a year and half ago that some marathoners and Ironman runners go on themselves as opposed to stop mid race to use the port-o-potty.  This idea was shocking and alarming to me then and still disturbs me now.  I mean, I get it, you are super competitive, hell its IRONMAN, using the port-o-potty is probably not ideal for your personal best time.  But to go pee on yourself is just too much for me.  Which brings me to what, I believe, I saw hanging on the shelf.  It appeared to be a vinylish pair of briefs.  Now I could be wrong.  But, again, I was too fearful to explore the plastic underwear/diapers. Perhaps on my next visit.  Stay tuned.

For good measure
Donate to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and maybe I'll pee on myself at the Rock N Roll  Half Marathon.  But I'm not making any promises!

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

Welcome to Craps in Vegas

First of all let's establish an understanding. 1) I have repeatedly hated blogs in the past. 2) I accept this makes me a hypocrite! 3) My blog will be awesome! 4) I hope this helps maintain running motivation 5) My altruistic motivation is to

a) raise awareness of Crohn's and Colitis

b) possible additional donations to my fundraising goal of $2,500 (or more!)

c) provide some entertainment on this insane journey I have taken on-- ok, ok, so this one is not altruistic but nonetheless true.

Obviously the title of my blog "Craps in Vegas" is a play on the symptoms of Crohn's and Colitis. I'm not a big fan of poop jokes, however since beginning this endeavor poop seems to be a frequent topic of conversation.

This is unofficially week 3 of my training (I started prior to signing up with Team Challenge) and officially week 2 of Team Challenge training.  Everyday seems to provide a different challenge for me; if its not the 100% humidity, allergy attacks, or sore muscles from stretching I'd be feeling super confident in this whole 13.1 mile thing.  There are some days, like furlough Friday, I set out to get a good 4 miles in, felt confident and pumped out 5 miles in 57 minutes.  I felt like I could do this no problem, then Sunday came...  Midway through the team run my nose starts running.  I mean, thanks for the hustle boogers, but come on!! I had to stop halfway and get tissues.  And then i had to slow down to blow my nose, what felt like, every 5 minutes.  It/I was a mess. Now today I was a little sore from stretching (I will continue to argue my opinion stretching does not work for me) I decided to push through and do a quick 5k.  And it went great.  There was a strong breeze which help the humidity feel not as bad.  I wish there was a method to the madness, like a sign that says: "Laura, today is not the day to run... sit back, watch TV and eat bon bons instead"

Today I started my "virtual garage sale" on eBay. I figured since I don't actually have a physical garage, eBay is the next best thing.  First items up: shoes I will not wear or have not worn yet.  I have a slight shoe problem... I buy shoes I don't need.  Most of these items I posted for sale are shoes I simply will not wear because of work.  I remember buying them as a started my first "big girl" job... and then wore them once and realized... heels + inmate = creep factor! Ha ha! So there they all sat, collecting dust and looking lonely.  All the proceeds will go to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation through my Active Giving website.

Here is my garage sale links for eBay:

Ann Klein Black Leather "Krista"

Calvin Klein Brown Leather "Dolly"

Ann Taylor Loft Patent Leather

Ann Klein "Khan" in Gun Metal

Mossimo Patent Leather Peep Toe

Silver and Sparkly Sandals

And one more time for good measure:

Please Donate to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation

Great changes may not happen right away, but with effort even the difficult may become easy.
       - Bill Blackman