I am a winner because I can finally keep up with Winner!

It's official. I'm finally in good enough shape to keep up with my fun-run buddy, Andrew Winner. Tonight he got me out of the house to break in my new Mizunos. And we literally SPRINTED to the end of our 2.8 mile run. Yeah!

Cartwheels, kegs and Catherine's longest run yet!

The past few weeks have been a blur of fundraising/training activity!!! Thanks to Jenny and Amit for hosting a fabulous barbeque a few weekends ago in honor of both my 27th birthday and of my race efforts. The weather was beautiful, the burgers off the sleek new grill were delish and the company was fantastic! Thanks to an enthusiastic and creative round of fundraising "challenges", the total raised that day was $357!!! Thank you to all of you who gave so generously. And a special thanks to Brendan Sweeney who's pockets seemed to floweth over. (Don't worry, I performed all kinds of silly and surprising feats...including cartwheel after cartwheel...to earn the donations! There is video somewhere.) We enjoyed an appearance by two of my teammates, Kelly who ran 14 miles the day before, and Nadine, my fearless and upbeat mentor. And Baby David Calhoun even came and hung out with his family...it was so fun to meet him! For those of you who were not there, be assured, there is more fun on the horizon.

In other recent events I ran 7 miles on Saturday! This is the farthest I have ever run in one stretch, and MAN do I feel good about it! About halfway through the run I decided that my coach was right and that I should purchase new running shoes (I bought Mizuno's with arch supports today). However, there is something empowering about passing insanely "in shape" people on the outside track at Green Lake, and knowing that they took notice that you didn't stop after one or two laps. I feel that I have finally gotten on board with a training program and that my body is fully cooperating. Even the high school cross country boys told me to "bring the heat!" Oh, I brought it.

Now, for my next challenge. I have to figure out how to convince my body not only that running long distances on Saturdays is fun...but also to wake up at 6:30am to do so. For anyone who knows me and knows how much I love to sleep. You understand that this is a monumental challenge. I'm looking for running buddies, encouragement and donations to keep me going!!!

Beverly Hills, that's where I want to be!!!

And that's where I was all weekend! Well, not exactly in Beverly Hills, although I did get a manicure and pedicure just off Rodeo Drive. I spent the last five days in beautiful, sunny, Los Angeles with my sister, her husband, and their cutie baby, my nephew. We had a fantastic time! I have to say, I was not shy to snuggle and kiss that baby as much as possible while we were in the same town together. And I am convinced that he is destined to become a great runner (since his legs and arms seem to always be "running")...maybe he can accompany me on runs when I am old and grey. (Oh, and did I mention that his name is Raiss? Perfect for a star runner!) My trip involved a professional photo shoot of the baby, lots of walks, good food...and a morning working out on the famous Santa Monica stairs. For those of you northwesterners, this may not mean much. But to those of you who keep up religiously on you US Weekly and People magazines, you may recognize this as the place many celebs and their trainers workout. It involves literally walking (or running if you're in crazy good shape) up and down the stairs. They are wood planks, just wide enough for the people going down not to brush elbows with those going up. Oh, and if you're quick, you might be able to pass someone. Well, being in training for a half-marathon, I took a look at this stairway and thought, "no problem". I don't know if it was the beautiful Cali weather, the hot Cali bods, or just the deluded self-confidence that everyone seemed to have at the stairs...but I decided that this was going to be easy. And it was...for the first time down and back up. But oh baby did my quads burn as I began my third and then fourth rotation down and up (walking by this point.) After four, my legs were shaking, I was heaving like my lungs were at 25% capacity, and I was beginning to understand why all the "regulars" looked so darn fit. But I was determined to keep up with my brother-in-law, John, who does between 5 and 10 rotations (crazy!!!) So, I toughed it through that last rotation...muscles shaking, losing my balance on many of the steps. I may not have been that rock-hard, super tan, designer sunglasses-wearing Cali type, but I was going to finish strong. And I did! The 3 days of VERY sore muscles since the stairs have only made me a regret a little bit the effort I put forth on Friday. But I am proud that I can stand among the bronzed and buff LA crew who run the Santa Monica stairs on a regular basis!