Ya'll, training is almost over! Here's a sum-up of what I've been up to...

http://gifninja.com/animated-gifs/309507/d/c32be8e9

Let's go for a run, whaddya say?

I didn't really think this would be the case, but during the few months I've been training for this half-marathon, I've really started to enjoy running.

On just about every outing, at one point or another, I hit that "runner's high," where I feel like I'm floating down the course, like I could go faster or further, just forever. It's a rush.

Now, the sparkly moments like those NEVER happen in the first mile or two. On every single run I've had, no matter how far it is, I always spend the first mile or so fighting off my own mind and body, which are vehemently trying to dissuade me from taking any more steps. Every reason I can think of for stopping in my tracks occurs to me, from "I should be home with the babies!" to "Ugh, my foot is tingly. Maybe I need a rest." to "It's too hot/cold/humid/buggy/loud/quiet/crowded/deserted/bright/dark to run right now. I should do this later!" all pop into my head, one after another. But if I just ignore those thoughts and plod on, I'll find the high moment somewhere down the road.

My race is two weeks from tomorrow. And my last big run before that race is tomorrow: 10 miles.

Wish me luck as I strike out to find the floaty moments tomorrow!

Ya'll, I'm really excited about this announcement...

Johnny is throwing a fundraising dinner for me! And YOU are invited!

Most of you know that my husband, John, is executive chef at Home Restaurant in the West Village. Well, the restaurant kindly offered to let John and I host a fundraising dinner there next Wednesday night, Aug. 29, at 8 p.m.

Four courses, with wine pairings. $100 per person, and all proceeds go to LLS!

Seating is limited, so email me at typingelbow@gmail.com if you're interested in seeing the menu.

Special thanks to my dear Chef, Home Restaurant and Steve Krupinksi for designing the fun invitation!

Wow! This weekend was a big one in my training schedule!

For the first time in my life, I ran six miles. Six miles!! That's nearly a quarter-marathon! Woo hoo!

I even ran so long that I needed to eat something (a block of firm strawberry jelly, which tasted much better than expected).

My two running buddies, Katie and Brooke, kept up the conversation and pounded it out with me. It was so awesome that we even named our little running group: A Herd of Turtles.

So when you see us chugging down the paths of Brooklyn, feel free to give the turtles a cheer!

And, a footnote: Chafing is real. Biiiiig bottle of Body Glide = ordered!

This is getting serious.

1. The marathon coaches just increased my mileage. (I'm running 4 miles tomorrow.)

2. NYC is having a heatwave. (I'm running 4 miles in 100-degree heat tomorrow.)

3. The coaches are concerned we might get bloody nipples! (No, really. They sent us all to look at this picture.)

and

4. I haven't raised even $500 yet... I'm at less than a fifth of my goal! Toss me a few bucks to help me beat cancer?