Commitments, eh?

So, it’s been far too long since I’ve done my share of the updating on this thing. I should’ve known by my inconsistent running, but it was, in fact, an angry(ish) -- mostly hilarious -- reminder email from my cohort to update that is sparking this post.

Running in Ames has been a bit sporadic for the last month or so -- I could recite a litany of reasons (mostly involving the LSAT, insanity at work, and family commitments run amuck) but that’s not of real concern here. The most important thing is that I’m back on track (more specifically, back on Ames Racquet & Fitness Center’s treadmill [conveniently located just across the parking lot]) and am fully committed to doing this marathon! I’ve changed my strategy a bit from my first post, and here’re some of the most important changes:

1. I’m running in the mornings. Now, those of you who know me may say “Really, Homer? Mornings?” Yes. The rationale is this: the evenings are just too crazy and fly by way to fast (especially since the new fall TV lineup is out...seriously check out Glee and Modern Family if you haven’t yet. The hilarity is almost too much), and I was finding way too many reasons to blow off running (See above, and seriously, watch Glee). Now with the aid of three alarms, an automatic coffee timer and the occasional wake-up call from Da Buff, I’m hitting the gym at least three mornings a week.
2. I’m running not through my neighborhood, but at the gym (obviously). There’re two reasons for this -- both practical and self-effacing. Practically, the treadmill provides an easy way to set the time, speed and mileage that I run/walk. Yes, I did say mileage there...who would’ve thought?! I’ve also found it much easier to do this at the gym. While it’s more populated than the small, residential neighborhood that’s across the street -- it’s easier to lose myself in CSPAN’s Washington Report and the morning news than to care about how silly I look there. Plus, I’m not the only one sweating like a pig and looking every bit the novice that I am. Oh, and I’m far less likely to be hit by a car -- though some of my neighbors seem to think that the parking lot is actually a NASCAR track, that combined with the fact that I’m not fully aware of the world around me until 9AM doesn’t exactly guarantee my safety.

In other news -- it’s just a little over 50 weeks until next year’s Chicago marathon!! Get excited! I think that I’m going to end up doing this sort of countdown. I must confess, I have a terrible habit of procrastinating, so with an effort as big as this, some sort of end date is imperative for me. I suppose I should also impart other, smaller goals between now and Chicago 2010. What are your thoughts?

To address something that Claire spoke about in her last post, I’m working very hard on establishing a routine, and to be rather sentimental, I’d identify my need as finally following through with a health-oriented goal. For the most part, I’ve at least hit the majority of important goals that I’ve set in life (sure, it may have taken me a month longer than intended to finally mark off ‘clean car’ from the to-do list, but hopefully you all understand the gist here). But when it’s been focusing on my own health or things that have seemed beyond my capabilities, I’ve been rather quick to brush them off, to not realistically contemplate them. This is why I think my (not-so) subconscious brought Claire into this project with me. Really, I’m certain that I would’ve given up months ago if not for her commitment. So, now that I’ve got a schedule that works for me, it’s all about the follow through.

To wrap this up, I must make a rather vain note on this subject. This commitment to doing the marathon has done really great things for my legs! While they’re still chub-errific, I must say that I can actually wear skinny jeans and not look half-bad!

Thanks all for your support -- and expect much more regular updates from the Iowa half in the future. So, in the mean time, be happy and be healthy.

(Go Vikings!)