My apologies for ignoring you. I started this blog last year as a place for those women who were training for the Her Times 5K to come for training schedules and information as well as updates about the race itself.

Once the race was over, well...I wasn't quite sure what to do with this blog. I'm still not sure.

I find myself at a loss for words when it comes to winter running. What's there to say -- it sucks. Some of us slack off, some give up, some (myself included) slog through it -- pissing and moaning all the way about snow-filled sidewalks, icy streets, sub-zero temps and -- the scourge of all outdoor winter runners -- wet slush (you are not a real Erie runner until you've been sprayed head to toe with wet, brown slush thrown by a passing car).

I've been running most of my miles on the treadmill this winter -- which is due more to circumstances, than the weather. But, even if I could run outside in the mornings I probably wouldn't.

I went out last Sunday at 6 a.m. because we had to be to church early for something. I had intended to do 10 miles, but got in only about 6 before I started to wish someone would just hit me and put me out of my misery. If I had any money (or more common sense) I'd have called for a ride home. But, being the die-hard, pig-headed runner that I am, I suffered through and ended up doing about 8 miles.

My hands were claws when I got home. I was certain my toes were frostbitten (which I was quite upset about since I'm due to have my first-ever pedicure done tomorrow for a story I'm doing in Her times). They weren't, but...my hot shower was nothing short of excruciating (you know that pins and needles feeling you get when you put freezing cold body parts under hot water!).

I've already decided there's no way in hell I'm running long out there Saturday.

The problem is...I'm supposed to do 13 miles according to my marathon-training schedule.

So, I'm facing 13 miles on the treadmill -- unless a heat wave hits Erie tomorrow.

Hey a girl can hope, can't she? And, besides...here in Erie, stranger things have happened.

(Boy, for a girl who's at a loss for words, I sure can ramble, eh?)

P.S. So...what I was thinking for this blog is that I might turn it into more of a health and fitness blog -- post the latest fitness news, healthy recipes, etc. (in addition to runners news and events).