Beating the Blerch - the funcrunch files

I just signed boyziggy and myself up for the inaugural Beat the Blerch half marathon, this September in Washington state. I'm a fan of The Oatmeal (Matthew Inman) comics, and love the comic about running that inspired Inman to create this race. Though we have different motivations for and approaches to running, the books he lists in the author's notes are many of the same that have inspired me. I look forward to buying (and having autographed) Inman's own forthcoming book on running at the race as well.

The announcement of this race was greeted with great enthusiasm, and it sold out in less than 30 minutes. A second day of racing was added, and Ziggy and I were able to get in off the waiting list for the run on Saturday, September 20. This will make a nice 10th wedding anniversary trip for us, coming just a few days before our wedding date, September 25.

Though I prefer shorter distances, I can't justify flying to another state and spending $50 just to run a 10K. I have no intention of running another full marathon anytime soon either, so the half was the best option. Ziggy has been an absolute animal fitness-wise lately, so I have no doubt that he will be ready to run 13.1 miles by September, though a 10K (6.2 miles) is his longest race to date.

I'm gradually building my fitness level back up again, running much less mileage than I did the first half of last year, but interspersing runs with twice-weekly workouts from The Engine 2 Diet, plus daily yoga. I'm spending a lot less time on the Internet and getting to bed earlier, which is helping both my physical and mental state a lot. Looking forward to more improvement and well-being.