Baby, it's cold outside.

I mentioned earlier that Ben and I are training for a half marathon.  Really, you should be laughing because we're not half marathon people.  Well, I'm a wanna-be half marathon person, but I don't think Ben really cares either way.  I'm not sure if he'll catch the long-distance racing bug after this.  I'm not sure if I will either, but it's something I really want to try, to conquer.  Who knows where it will lead?  I'm always hoping for some miracle that will turn me into a Hillary-Swank-hard-body:).

Our official training started this week.  We've been running consistently since January to be more prepared for when our mileage increases.  

(I had an epiphany about myself.  It's silly, really.  I wanted to be conditioned BEFORE the training started because I hate being told what to do, especially if I don't want to do it (like if I know it's going to be hard).  If I'm already in shape, than running MANY miles isn't such a big deal.  I feel like I'm CHOOSING to run, ENJOYING a run.  Not that I HAVE to run, or that it's PAINFUL to run.  The training seems more like a suggestion rather than a demand.  Me vs. my mind.  I'm ridiculous.) 

THEN, I got the stomach flu.  I didn't run for two weeks.  I've had a hard time getting excited about running again.  Especially when my only option is to run outside in THIS:

Or, on our treadmill.  Running long-distances on a treadmill makes me insane!  There is nothing more boring than running in place.  Sometimes I just want to scream.

My only saving grace is the DVD player Ben set up on a box, in the window sill of our guest room.  I've been watching Far and Away, with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.  Such a great movie.  However, I'm learning that it's hard to RUN and CRY at the same time when I'm watching a movie.  I can't get enough air.  I feel like I'm going to pass out or fall off the treadmill because I can't see anything through my tears.  I think I ought to stick with comedies instead of dramas.  But I might have the same problem with comedies, too.  Tears of joy.

If there's one thing I know for sure about running, it's this:

I am a better wife, a better mother, a better person, when I run/exercise consistently.  

I have more self-control about what I eat.  

I don't crave junk.  

Running fills some need so I don't feel like I deserve a treat or reward after the kids are in bed. 

I use my time more effectively.  

I'm more positive.  

I feel empowered.  

I feel strong.  

I feel beautiful.

That's enough proof for me.  Running and I . . . we go together like peanut butter and jelly.