I'm back!!!!

Since I last updated the blog, there have been some issues to contend with regarding the 1,000 mile challenge.  I thought that I was in the clear during my last blog with respect to a minor illness that I had in conjunction with what Ella had that weekend.  Apparently I was wrong.  The following Friday, I was hit hard by the stomach flu and was laid out on the couch for three days (did not run for the next five).  I can tough it out with a cold or allergies, but the stomach flu just does not lend itself to physical exertion.  I did watch a good deal of t.v...re-watched the entire Godfather trilogy (part III is terrible), saw some random episodes of the Wire (season 3 is amazing), and caught up on some taped Daily Shows and Colbert.

Once I was finally over the stomach bug, I slowly started back running...only pushing it for 2-3 miles during each session for the next week.  Overall, I'm back to running more consistently, but I'm struggling with getting in a long run each week.  I'm so reliant on the long runs to make up a big proportion of my weekly total that it really hurts when I miss out on an 8-10 mile run.  As a result, my pace for the challenge is not where it needs to be. 23% of the year has elapsed, while I'm only at 20% of the 1,000 miles.  I really need to pick it up.

With the time change and the weather being so pleasant, I'm hoping to get in some longer runs after work.  There is never enough time in the morning to hammer out a 5-6 mile run, and there is no chance in hell that I can get up any earlier than my 4:45 a.m. start time now.  Friends have also mentioned (shout-out to Suvo) that they would tag along for some runs, which could be good motivation to push through some longer runs.  I still think the challenge is doable, I just need to ensure I map out a better plan going forward...and not get sick!

Lastly, I'd like say Happy Birthday to my little Blubie.  She turns 3 today and we cannot believe how much she has grown and matured in 3 years.  She told my I was "hilarious" the other day...so now we know that her vocabulary is developing well she understand the concept of lying, since I'm never funny.  I love you little dude and hope that you will be joining me on these runs some day soon.

Ella at her bowling B-day party this weekend (great pic Mimi)

--54 miles since my last blog (199 total miles to date...$99.50 for Mike)--