Or ask the guy in my Comm class, he easily weighs at least 400lbs or more.  Last night he was snoring in class!!  You couldn't really tell he was asleep because his head sits on his body, and what I mean is that you can't really tell where his shoulders are, it's just this roundness and then his head in the middle.   It's actually kinda sad.

I can personally attest that Shell is one of the hardest working friends I know. She's often working from the time she gets up until her eyes start to shut at night. She's very good at her job and she helps many of her clients, that I can see why she works so many hours.

Therefore I think working so much, and the cold winter weather, is a combo that makes it difficult to find the energy or time to run.

My advice would be the following:

1) Need new shoes? Getting new gear not only can help you run faster and more comfortably, but also be an inspiration in general to get out there and put it to work!

2) Update your weekday run schedule to one that fits your life better, but also one that is set in stone. For example, since you are an early riser, make it so that you run on the treadmill from 5:30am-6:15am every Tuesday and Thursday no matter what your work schedule is looking like. Make it top priority.

3) Always do your long runs outside, snow or sunshine, fast or slow. Just getting outside and getting the miles in is critical. Make it an adventure by trying new routes, trying new energy foods, etc.

I have found that it's very easy to get off of the schedule...and when this happens, your mind starts to tell you that this is easier, it's no problem to skip another run, etc. But when you start to get back into a regular schedule, whatever it might be, your body will thank you and your mind will too since you'll feel so much better.

There's still plenty of time before Shamrock and tons of time before Pittsburgh. You already have a great foundation from MCM'08, so no worries this time around. Just try for a PR, even if it's by a second, and you'll be surprised how successful you can be.

PS. Since we hang out, I feel somewhat responsible to make sure you stick to your schedule. Maybe we should come up with an incentive program? Like every time you complete your long run, I'll cook you dinner the next day! Now whether that's actually a reward or a punishment is still to be decided... 

Bump ............Hey, Ruby!  Hang in there.  History may not repeat itself, but it does rhyme...........