13.1

I'm going to run a half marathon. I know, it's January and I'm making a fitness commitment. Ugh. But hear me out, 'cause I've been thinking about this for a while.

I've been itching to start running again for a lot longer than my guilt-trip-inducing December romp through Christmas cookies. Maybe it's nostalgia; I grew up playing competitive soccer, when I was 10 my mom and I started running together, and just after junior year of high school my now-husband asked me out on our first date-- jogging capped off with chicken nuggets in my parent's kitchen. Me and running have some good memories together.

It's also about having a tangible goal that I don't have to ask anyone else for permission to acheive. I'm not afraid to say it: I'm in a lull with projects. Applications are going out, and I'm waiting. And I've heard a lot of "no" in the past months. All artists go through slow times and "no" times, and while it feels muddy, I want to use this time well. I want to reinvigorate and grow. And so I run.

Today I began week two of training. It was icy and cold... and I loved it. I got to work some thoughts out, craft a few new schemes, and the endorphins gave me a nice boost. So far, I'm really enjoying this challenge, and it's helping me strive for rigor and focus in my life in a very literal way. Now, my big challenge is going to be to keep myself from spending money on a bunch of fancy gear!