Time to start running again!

Once again I have signed up for the Charlottesville Women's Four Miler as well as its training program. The race itself is September 5. I had been doing well with running until just after the Charlottesville Ten Miler. Since then I haven't gone running even once, and sadly I've put on some weight because of that. In part because I stopped running, but kept eating the way I did when I was, and then also because once my back was out of commission, I haven't been able to do hardly ANYTHING physical. I am just now able to go to the gym again after almost 2 months, but I still have to take it easy, and can only do the elliptical or the treadmill--slowly and for no more than 30 minutes. Talk about frustrating!!!! Today is a bad back day, but I think it's a combination of the horrible chairs at work and forgetting my Rx at home.

Anyway, I'm excited about starting running again. I did enjoy it when I ran--oddly I think my favorite run was in the winter when it was 29 degrees out. Weird. But I love this race and it's a great charitable event as well. All of the funds raised go directly to the University of Virginia Cancer Center Breast Care Program. This program provides mammograms, including a mobile mammography unit, "care packages" of information, resources and encouragement for newly diagnosed patients, plus so much more. If you are interested in helping and supporting this event, you can either "sponser" me as a runner, make a flat donation, or even add to the Motivational Mile--the final mile of the race is lined with posters bearing the names of loved ones who have fought their own battles with cancer. Last year I slowed down to read as many of the signs as I could and was a bit choked up. It's very touching to see. I'm glad I signed up early!! Registration for the race has been open for just over 24 hours, and it has already reached 46% capacity!! Lots of fun and definitely worth every drop of sweat!!