School, Salads, and Training

Well, where to start. We are now almost through the first week of school. It's been pretty good, maybe a little rough, but it's a good start. I'm really excited for most of my classes, namely common medicines, human physiology(although it will kick my butt), and surprisingly biochemistry. I am okay with my ecology class, could be cool, but just not really my cup of tea. However, I am so not looking forward to my public speacking class...today i had to give a 45 second speech about my favorite thing to eat for breakfast. Seeing how I hate breakfast and wouldn't eat if it weren't the most important meal of the day, not really very good. But the teacher is nice enough so it's alright.

I am endevoring this semester to try and eat more healthy. My lunch yesterday, spinach salad with a few croutons and some left over chicken, and yes, a little bit of ranch. It sucks that ranch has to be so unhealthy, but it's the only kind of dressing that I really care for. Actually though, the salad was good. I forgot how much I like spinach with croutons and ranch. Today, whole wheat bread, extra lean ham, tomatoes, spinach, and a tiny bit of mayo. Also a banana and fruit leather. Not too bad if I say so myself. It's a start. I am also trying to participate in a sugar fast with my friend Alexi and Bridget. With the rule being that one thing of "candy" is allowed each week. I was so hoping to go party at TCBY on Saturday to celebrate my first week without sugar, but I gave in and ate some dark chocolate milkyways on tuesday...sad.

Anyway. So last week I started back into serious marathon training, for my first full coming up in June. I haven't really ran since the half, so it's been interesting to get back into it. My body isn't quite sure how to handle it, but it will remember. Since the air quality and ice have been so bad I have been running on the indoor track, and I'll admit, it is a serious mental battle just to run 1 mile. (7.5 laps.) But today I learned something interesting. I really hit my "runners high" between 4 and 6 miles. I don't enjoy it much before that, after that it's difficult, but when I am running those two miles, I remember why I'm doing it. I realize how great running really can be, and how incredibly worth it it is. Too bad I can't hit that a little earlier....oh well. I am super excited though, because Deborah is now training with me, and I LOVE!! having someone to run with all the time. It makes it so much easier. and I greatly appreciate her slowing down her stride to run at my pace. Also, I finally, finally, after months of trying, was able to talk my sister into running with us for the half marathon in September. And so she is now training as well at home. I love it. I love seeing other people improve themselves and realize how worth it it really is, even though every minute of it is hard. It makes you feel so good after you are done. I can honestly say today that I love running. (that may not last long though...)