I love running.  I started running when I was 13 years old, and I've been running off and on ever since.  Lately, though, I've been more off than on.  I haven't run - or worked out in any way - regularly for about a year and a half.  In that time, I've fallen into the bad habit of slacking off, getting out of shape, then rallying to run a race that I'm not even close to prepared for.  Last June I ran a 5K after not having run for months.  I did a little better on Thanksgiving, when I ran a 10K with slightly more training.  I could hardly walk for a few days afterwards, but it was worth it because I could eat all of the stuffing and pie I wanted to without any guilt.  The latest (and last, I hope) time I ran a race without training was about a week ago - I ran the Broad Street 10-mile race in Philly.  It's not something I would advise - I was definitely hurting by the last 3 miles.  The pouring rain made it even worse, especially afterwards when I was exhausted and freezing and couldn't get dry.  But I'm hooked on running again, and I'm working on a training plan to get myself ready for the local 5Ks that are coming up this month and next.  I haven't worked out my schedule yet, but to get started, I ran 4 miles after work today - great way to wind down after a long day of work. 

For races in the Delaware area, see Races2Run.

Here's an update on my hat:


On a different note, here's a picture of my dog Archie and me from the Delaware Humane Society picnic last Saturday.  Isn't he a little snugglemuffin?