In a funk

Sometimes I get bored with my day-to-day workout routine.  This generally happens when the weather finally breaks and it is finally light enough outside for more than nine hours.  I start frolicking around the city, gorging myself with beers at outdoor happy hours and smiling because it's almost summer and I will have all the time in the world to work out like a maniac/lounge by the pool perfecting my tan.

So although I've been running for the past month, there is no documentation of it.  And that's fine by me.  Right now I'm not necessarily training for anything major - that will begin in the sweltering month of July when the realness of the Chicago marathon hits me.  Until then, I'll be partaking in a few fun races just to keep my competitive heart sane (and my body in tip-top bikini condition).  Here's a list of some of the races I intend on running:

Wissahickon Trail Classic: This is 6.2 miles of intense, single-file trail and I love it.  I ran this race last year when it was like 90 degrees and 100 percent humidity and still had a blast.  You won't see any cell-phone-talking girlie treadmill joggers here - this is for the purely dedicated and insane running "professionals."

1/2 Sour/ 1/2 Kraut: Seriously, say the words, "beer" and "sausage" and I'm there, whether it's a half marathon or not.  Although there is an option for a full marathon, I'm not entirely sure that June in Philly is the best time to log 26.2 on the trails.  But, who knows.

20in24: For this insane 24 hour relay race, I'm teaming up with 3 others.  We're each running roughly 16 miles all for the "Back on My Feet" charity, which helps homeless people become self-sufficient through running.  I'm thinking I need to join this organization in the future.

SheRox Duathlon: I've always wanted to complete a duathlon, ever since I registered for one 7 years ago and never did it because it was raining.  (I have my days when I'm a wuss...no shame)  Not only will this be my inaugural duathlon, but it's a "women's only" event.  I'm not sure if this excites me because of all the "girl power" I'll witness or disappoints me because I won't be able to see any hot men in tri outfits. Hmmmm.

I think that's a good summer line-up, don't you?  I mean, it has to be better than all of the crap I'm going to watch on T.V. this summer, right?!

Windy City, Here I come!

Fact: I will spend $145 on an entry fee to the Chicago marathon, even if it means I have to eat pasta for the next week.

Registration for this famed marathon opened up early this morning (1:00 a.m.) and I feared not being able to get a spot. But at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time, slots were still available.  So I did what any insane runner would do - I paid the outrageous entry fee, risking the chance that I would probably overdraft my checking account to do so. 

I've signed up for Chicago years back (when it was a mere $90), but ended up not running because the friend who signed up with me backed out.  This time, I am planning to run with a good buddy of mine whom I coerced into running seven years ago (and who will be running Boston for the first time this year...woot!)

So, despite my drained bank account, I'm super excited for the race.  I am not excited about the weather in Philly lately.  Snow/ice/ice residing on top of snow does not make for awesome running conditions.  But I have managed to get my ass outside a few days a week, so for that, I give myself a gold star.

What are some marathons you are running this year?