Worst sound in the world? Alarm clock. Hands down.

I don’t know if I grew to loathe the sound of an alarm clock in college, but I’ve concluded there is nothing worse. It’s especially horrific if you have the kind that starts off soft and then gradually the beeping gets louder and louder. Someone may as well have a megaphone in your face screaming, “get up! get up! GET UP!“

And I’m not sure who invented the “snooze” function, but I don’t think I like this person either. Those nine minutes? Torturous. It’s like a race to try to fall back asleep for just a few more minutes in your cozy, warm, bed. Most times you can’t so you just lie there wondering how much time you have left. Ugh. It’s a vicious cycle. One that I am whirling around in…quite uncontrollably.

In fact, this “situation” has become such an annoyance that dealing with it has found its way on to my list of 210 things to do in 2010. I want to put an end to my use of the snooze button. I’m over it.

Don’t think I haven’t tried this before…I have. I, of course, did the standard – move the alarm clock to the other side of the room so you have to get out of bed – move. No dice. I would still get right back into bed and hit snooze multiple times. Then I tried moving it into the kitchen. I guess I thought adding those few extra steps would perk me right up. Nope.

So, I only want to allow myself to hit snooze maybe once. How does one carry out such a feat? You may suggest going to bed early so I’m not as tired when I wake up. Well, no offense, but…obvi. Something I, for the most part, already do. I would appreciate your suggestions. Things that have worked for you?

Maybe just having put it out here on the blog will be motivation enough. I’ll keep you updated on my progress.

Peace, Love, & an extra 9 minutes!

Kate

210 things to do in 2010

I just feel good about 2010 (side note: let’s all agree to call it twenty-ten, k? I think it’s easier than two thousand and ten) …and I don’t think I’m alone. Most of my friends seem excited about making some big life changes this year! I know I am.

I’m all about making to-do lists. I’m that person that, if I do something that wasn’t originally on my to-do list, I will write it down just to check it off. Slightly OCD? Perhaps. Well, this year I plan to make the ultimate to-do list. 210 things to do in 2010. Now, before you accuse me of being over ambitious, let me explain. Not every item on this list will be life altering. Some will be as simple as clean out my car and keep it clean (not as simple). Some other items include: read through the Bible in a year, write an encouraging note to a friend, family member, or acquaintance each week, aaaaaand…wait for it…consistently blog about 210 things to do in 2010.

I haven’t completed the list yet. Any suggestions? I would love to hear them.

Peace, Love, & Change!

Kate

Note to self:

Do not eat a greasy meal from the Hive before you plan to run. You will cramp up and feel gross. You live and you learn.

Ugh. I pushed through it though, peeps. Thanks to Kool and the Gang and a little jam known as “Celebration.”

Just fine…

Tonight was the first night of my 2nd week of prelim training! I was actually excited about getting to the gym after work today to run. Weird. I think I have 6 weeks to go before I start the actual training for the marathon. I feel like I’ve been telling a lot of people about this little endeavor. Thats good because it keeps me accountable, but it also makes me nervous. The more people know, the more committed I need to be to running! AH!

Mary J. Blige has a song called “Just Fine” that I think should be on everyone’s workout playlist. Ok, maybe not a guy’s. It talks about loving your life and not worrying about what anyone else thinks. You know, Mary, she is over the drama. It doesn’t have quite the effect that “Eye of the Tiger” does, but it definitely gives you a little motivation boost.

Complete sidenote…It is freeeeeeeezing in the cottage. It’s by my own doing…I’ve decided to hold off as long as possible before turning on the heat, but boy, is it chilly.

OK, lovies. Thanks to those of you that read this and are encouraging and supporting me. Love you for it!

Peace, love & motivational workout jams.

Come run with me.

So…I’ve decided to run a marathon! I can’t really pinpoint exactly what spurred this on, but I am SO pumped. One of the profs at CU decided to run one and he used the book “The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer.” The book is written by several professors that taught a class that became known as the “marathon class.” They boast that they can train anyone to run a marathon in 16 weeks. They outline a preliminary training plan to get people to the point where they can run 3 miles on the first day of the marathon training schedule.

I want to journal my training here on the blog. My friends Jess and Kate are training with me and we are working towards a marathon on April 5th, 2009 in Athens, OH. We are running a 5.5 mile run in December and a 1/2 marathon in February.

Today I started the preliminary training schedule and it was a little harder than I expected. I shouldn’t have been surprised. With all the traveling I’ve done for work, I haven’t been to the gym in like a month! I’m determined to not get discouraged though! I covet two things from you: Your accountability and your encouragement!

I had trouble sleeping last night – I’m that excited! In the book, the authors say that running a marathon is the most mentally and physically challenging thing you will ever do. I am ready! Check back for updates on my training!

Peace, love, & marathon training.