Third week

So, I’ve been running for three weeks in a row, and it’s been an incredible experience! Well, mostly. There were a few days when I didn’t feel like it, but I managed to push through and complete the first mile. And guess what? I was so glad I did! Each week, I’ve been increasing my mileage by 5% or more. This week, I expect a 10-15% increase over last week, as I feel more motivated and have more time to train. However, I’m still unsure if I’ll stick to running. Maybe I’ll switch to biking if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Oh, and guess what? My friend Steve broke another bone! You’d think, with all the crazy stuff that happens in our neighborhood, that someone would hurt him other than himself, right? Well, maybe this is a blessing in disguise. If he always has a broken bone, the thugs will probably leave him alone. Either way, I hope he’s doing okay and taking care of himself. He’s such a great guy.

To keep my sanity, I’ve been keeping up with all my writing. It’s not exactly my favorite thing to do, but it’s good reading, and it helps me stay focused.

I have a mid-30s friend who’s struggling with the pressure to get married and have children. Despite her many great qualities, she has had challenging dating experiences. I don’t understand why she’s so stressed, but I see her point. She only meets odd people. Some things I hear make me wonder if I’m getting weird or if the world is becoming strange. What happened to manners, thank you, opening doors, and loving? A coworker told me her daughter’s boyfriend honked the horn or called her on the phone to come out. Is this strange dating becoming the norm, and am I dying? Whenever we discuss relationships, I have numerous questions that require clarification.

Anyway, enough broad-based information. Finally, week 4 is here, and I’ll be running another 4-mile run tonight in the rain. It was a pleasant experience. I’ve registered for the Afton race. As I mentioned earlier, I’m 95% certain I won’t be running it and will be a donation to a fantastic run if I don’t. However, if that 5% changes, I want my spot. I also noticed that Kent Neuburger is returning. I’m curious if many of you are familiar with him. I’ve only met him twice, but I admire his determination and passion.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Comments from other blogs - merged the blogs

SteveQ

The wrist is healing REALLY fast! I think that as a society, we're becoming more self-centered and thus less empathetic (technology is partly to blame... after all, I am sitting here silently, rather than talking to you). Civility requires spending time with others - and not discussing how you relieve yourself in the woods.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 10:22:00 AM CDT

Diane

I identify with your friend who is having a hard time dating... if she's anything like me, an independent woman, it's not easy to find a real man to be a compliment in the relationship (as opposed to "completing" a person); someone who is also independent, yet open. It's tough!

Friday, March 27, 2009 at 1:51:00 AM CDT