Latest and greatest from Grease

Per David's request, we're "switching gears" on this blog, so to speak. Rather than this just being a blog about running and/or other fitness activities we participate in, we're going to use this as a family blog. Since we do a lot of running/biking/rock climbing/etc, there will still be a lot of that, just with other stuff in between.

To kick us off, this post is about Grease. I'm in it. At the Rockwall Community Playhouse. If you haven't heard, I'm playing Patty Simcox, the preppy, pretty, goody-goody, snobby cheerleader who has eyes for Danny. A very fun role, too. Patty may be a supporting character, but she's a little more "over the top" than some of the others, so she's been very fun to play. The cast is FANTASTIC, with ages ranging from 14 to...mid 30's? I'm amazed by their talent, too. It has been an absolute pleasure to work on the show, and when I say work, I mean WORK. It is so worth it, though!

For a sneak peek, here are some photos David took at rehearsal: http://www.flickr.com/photos/allisonkrewe/sets/72157604787596721/

We've had our share of ups and downs, with plenty of drama and angst sprinkled in, but I am positive that by opening night our crowd will be getting a great show.

Day 1... of the rest of my life.

I figured it was time to post again after finishing the marathon. Everything is back up to snuff and if anything I'm faster an ever. I ran a half on Saturday at a faster pace than my fastest race-half (~9:26 pace on this run), and I did it alone. I've never really enjoyed the act of running until now, but damn if I'm not a convert. I feel like the balls when I'm in the latter half of a long run. Booyah world. But, I also feel like I'm not all that I can be. So, a set of goals if you will...

• Goal weight: 175lb - currently at 191lb (9lb heavier than a year ago)
  
• Goal BF %: 12% measured through the feet - currently at ~16.5% (10lb of fat loss)
• Goal Mileage: 20 miles/week - currently at 16 miles/week (25% increase)
  
• Goal 5k: 22 minutes flat at 7:05 pace- current best 25:54 (15% decrease)
  
• Goal Half: 100 minutes flat at 7:38 pace - current best 127 minutes (21% decrease)

This is my starting point. I'll try to update twice a week to see where I manage to get.

Marathoner... made.

WE MADE IT!

Ashley and I finished the 2008 Big D Texas Marathon at 4:52. Not the fastest time in the world, but seeing as we both battled weeks lost due to foot injury, I have to say that we rocked! The run went really well... no upset stomachs, no trips, and no permanent pains or injuries. I don't think we could have asked for more.

Oh, and that wall I hear talk about? It's there... right around 18 miles. First the thoughts of not being able to finish sneak in, then that little pain in your knee starts to worry you. It goes on and on until suddenly you're around mile 21 and you realize you've got less than a mid-week run to go... and that's all it takes.

Round two? Bring it on.

The joy of a straightened knee

I began physical therapy today for my knee and am proud to say that after just one day, I can almost completely straighten and bend! This is a major improvement from Sunday, when my limping caused a pain in my calf so excruciating that I spent most of the day on the couch. The therapist is a jovial, heavier-set Italian guy from New York, and he seems like he'll be fun to work with. He even has a "therapy" dog, Roxy, a sweet golden who hangs out with patients. After 15 minutes on the bike and another 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercises to work my knee, therapist Roger stretched out my knee. The knee stretching consisted of pushing done on my knee when straightened and bending my knee as far as it would go. This was by far the most painful thing I did all morning, but I have to admit, I felt so much better leaving there than I did when I walked in.

Roger also gave me the go-ahead to start dancing this week. He's convinced I'll be fine in no time at all. This, of course, makes me feel ECSTATIC.

I only wish I could join David and Ashley for 26.2 this weekend. Yep, it's THIS WEEKEND. You two had better get to carb loading!