the right marathon

For the past week I've spent what feels like every free moment I've had researching marathons. I never imagined I'd have so much trouble choosing my first. I thought running the race was supposed to be the hard part!

There are so many factors to consider.
- Course (flat, flat, flat!)
- Date (ideally Late Sept - Early Nov)
- Number of other racers (not too big, but not too small)
- Location (i live in colorado so will be training at elevation...bonus points for sea level races and locales where ill have a nice big cheering section)
- Running buddies (Depending on which race I choose, my older sister is considering running with me. HUGE PLUS to have her struggling through it with me!)
- Reviews from past runners re: weather, volunteers, organization (marathonguide has been a HUGE help)

All of that said, I've narrowed my list to a few east coast races I'm really looking into.
Toronto Waterfront Marathon - Sept 27
Toronto Marathon - Oct 18
Niagara Falls Marathon - Oct 25
OBX Outerbanks Marathon - Nov 8

Stay tuned to see which race I choose. And of course, if you have any thoughts or suggestions, do share!

quarter life crisis

In one month I will be turning twenty-five, aka a quarter century old. I'm not complaining, or even freaking out (yet), but I am starting to take a good hard look at my life. And I've realized something... even though I've done quite a lot in the first half of my twenties - lived abroad, graduated from college, moved across the country solo, entered the working world, ran my first half marathon, lost the freshmen 15 (and counting!) - there's a lot I want to do in the second half of my twenties too. And what better time to start than now? Today. Right now. Who's with me!?

So that's it.

That's what this blog is all about. Appreciating the now. Enjoying a happy, healthy, earth friendly lifestyle, all while working towards our own personal goals.

First on my list: training for and completing a FULL marathon. What about you? What's on your list? Start thinking. And stay tuned. I have a feeling this is the start of a beautiful friendship....