Registered!

In order to help encourage me to actually wake up in time for a brisk 6 AM run, I decided to submit my registration for the Burning River 100 mile run. $175, ouch. No refunds so I better get my rear out the door and do some running.

Wakey, wakey

So the running hasn't been bad, but it hasn't been consistent either. Two weeks ago, I ran a wopping 2 miles during the week. Then, feeling bad and noticing the sunny weather outside I did 17 miles on Friday. This was followed be a 20 miler on Sunday. This week I repeated my pattern of inconsistency and only ran once with a 12 miler on Wednesday. Hmmm... This probably isn't a pattern I should be repeating if I plan on finishing Burning River. So, my goal is to wake up early tomorrow and to get a 20 or 25 mile run in before noon. Perhaps posting it on my blog will help get me out of bed in the morning.

I'd like to welcome Deb Frerick, a new Lupus Runner in 2009 and a lupus sufferer, has committed to run the Illinois Half Marathon on April 11th. Tim Smith has also joined us and will be cruising the Boston Marathon on April 20th. I wish them both the best of luck with their races and fundraising. I realized that 75% of the Lupus Runners from 2008 (everyone except for me) are scheduled to get married this year so I'm glad to see some new folks stepping up to help out.

Let's get this party started!

Okay, it's been a rocky winter for me in terms of training and that eternally difficult balance of what I need to do and what I want to do with my time. Thanks to an email from Debbie, our newest Lupus Runner, I've decided to kick things off for 2009. That means it is time for all of you to go to www.firstgiving.com/lupusrunners and to renew your commitment towards fighting a terrible disease. We raised $5,000 last year and I'm confident that we can do it again this year.

While the money helps with research and education, one of the most important things that we did in 2008 was raise awareness. Debbie, who is a lupus sufferer herself, decided to join us after she saw Mae wearing a Lupus Runner shirt in a race. So, in addition to running my race (Burning River) and continuing to raise money, I'll provide a free technical t-shirt with the Lupus Runner logo to anyone who commits to running a race as a Lupus Runner and raises at least $200. If you want to be a Lupus Runner, just send me an email at brianjasenthomas@gmail.com. Happy running in 2009!