Hi Mary:  Sorry it has taken so long to reply to your response. I've been meaning to get back to you because it appears as if we are in similar places in our lives.  What kind of winter are you having? Here in Iowa we've been below 0 all week and then when we had a break, we had a snow storm.  I can only guess that you get that and maybe more due to the lake effects.

So, how is your training going?  Do you follow a particular training program? Prior to the holidays, I was convinced I wasn't going to do the 1/2.  I had done 0 training; basically I hadn't done anything but work and home.  Something happened after the holidays that I decided I was going to do it.  2009 was a really bad year for me and my family and the 1/2 is one thing that I decided I would go ahead and do to try and get back the good feeling I had in the past.  So one week ago, I started in and I've been pleasantly surprised that my body has responded well (we are the same age).  On Monday, I also start an Extreme Fitness program that goes for 12 weeks 4 days a week.  Tomorrow, I have to go for "testing" which consists of them checking BP, body fat %, etc. They also said a "before" picture will be taken.  I have mixed emotions about that because clearly they are confident in their program that results will occur but I'm anxious about the desire to have an "after" and "what if" it doesn't happen.  Obviously, my program will not be completed at the time of the 1/2 but I am hopeful that I will build up the strength to do it.  I've done 3 previous 1/2 marathon (Clearwater 1/2-neat starfish medal, Disney 1/2-Donald Duck medal, and Chicago distance classic (Penguin medal from John Bingham that is such a strong advocate for people to get out and run/walk no matter how slow a person is.  That was one of the most relaxed races I've done because no one was left behind; everyone that started and finished no matter how long took got a medal).

One thing I would like to ask is that I am going to be going alone to Disney.  My husband is in the media business and he will be in ratings period and my children are too small to go (5 yo and 2 yo).  Depending upon your pace, it would be a wonderful if we could meet at the race and be supports for each other (for me, my anxiety runs pretty high on race day, even though I know the only thing that can happen is that I wont finish but that's not the end of the world.  I'll just have to go a buy a Princess Crown to go on my head instead of around my neck.  I have a Facebook page under my name, Denise Maas, and have connected w/ others that way.  If that doesn't work, this is a great way to stay in touch also.  I will respond in a much more timely manner.  I look forward to hearing from you and hear how your training is going, good or bad.

Take care and stay warm!!

Denise

Hi!  How is your training going for the Princess 1/2?  It's coming quite quickly.  I thin, that is so neat that you and your daughter are doing this together; what a way to bond particularly on those long runs.  My oldest daughter is 5 yo and she has seen me on the Treadmill and when I'm done she wants to get on.  Bless her heart, her first time on it, she went 1.5 miles.  I told her when she is old enough, we will be doing it together.

Depending on your pace, maybe we could meet.  I have to admit I always place myself in the last corral so that when I go faster, I know I'm doing well (psychological thing).  I have to attend this event by myself as my family will be unable to attend.  I'm trying to meet people who will be there to offer support to me and I can do the same.  I have a Facebook page under Denise Maas.  It would be nice to meet that way or just continue on this site.

Hope you are in a warmer part of the country so you are able to get training in outside.  If not, please know that you are not the only one on what I call the hamster wheel (that dreaded treadmill).  Hope to hear from you soon.

Take care,

Denise