That tea sounds so good.

Im glad you are feeling better. You can join me in the trying to sleep better/more club. I ahve been having wicked insomnia for almost 2 weeks now and I've resorted to taking Tylenol Nighttime Sinus just to fall asleep. What's bad is I tend to wake up after three hours all groggy but my mind going a mile a minute.

Mojodiva on 10/28/04 @ 04:38 AM

Hope you start feeling better soon, with no loss of motivation! :-)

neca on 10/28/04 @ 04:57 AM

Glad to hear that you are feeling a bit better. Hope the fatigue goes away soon - that's a pain...

Laura on 10/28/04 @ 04:59 AM

I hear from confirmed sources that Tincture tastes like ass.

Chippy on 10/28/04 @ 07:57 AM

indeed, Chippy... you're sources are good. Tincture tastes like ass... but it WORKS!!!

brenna on 10/28/04 @ 08:05 AM

You are making the absolute right decision and you know it! Do not feel bad- feel proud that you are able to not let pride get in your way. A lot of us do and just get in trouble because of it.

YOU ROCK!

(thanks for the cheery note at my page, sweetie)

Mojodiva on 10/26/04 @ 12:13 PM

Just wanted to comment on the before and after photos...

ROCK ON! Great job!!!

Mark on 10/27/04 @ 07:47 PM

I like it!
But Im easy to please.

Mojodiva on 10/23/04 @ 03:35 AM

Lovely. We all need a little change every now and then.

Lee on 10/23/04 @ 04:27 AM

I really prefer the colors...much easier on my old eyes.

Plus, the lexypic at the top of the page...

Jim aka V-Dub on 10/23/04 @ 12:35 PM

Count me as a yay.

Kudos and laudations on the changes. Me LOVE the colors, banner, and of course, your pic.

BD

BD on 10/23/04 @ 09:00 PM

Very very sharp and great photo too!

Mark on 10/27/04 @ 07:44 PM

Books eh? How about Chris Carmichael's Food for Fitness? Or something silly like the Shopaholic series? Or reading some fun kids books with the boys? The Narnia series for something old skool?

I guess you'll have a bit more time to study too, young lady! (hahahahaha) You could read up on some midwifery stuff...or nutrition???

Laura on 10/22/04 @ 10:46 AM

I love books. We have a couple thousand of them. We have a library. Its weird, but I love it. What are you interested in reading, genrewise?

Richard on 10/22/04 @ 04:05 PM

so this thing is it like 'coupla weeks then see where we're at'? or what? I mean open-ended knitting-and-crossword-puzzles-and-eating-grapes-while-recumbent-on-a-sofa is gonna kinda suck isn't it.
I dunno brenna I think I need a timescale here ... (j/k)

rach on 10/22/04 @ 07:27 PM

oh yeah I forgot to say I BOUGHT A PAIR OF RYKAS!!! went on their maiden run this a.m. the roominess of the toe will take a bit of getting used to. man my feet are BIG ... but so far, me likey muchly.
Thanks for the tip.

rach on 10/22/04 @ 08:51 PM

hahaha... yeah Rach, it's a two week lounge on the couch, take yer' vitamins and we'll test again on November 2nd to see if you've cleared it from your system... so it could possibly be longer than 2 weeks!! (SUCK!)

Way to go on the Ryka's... the toebox size was what drew me to them, that and the fact that the HEELS actually FIT!!! Good luck with those!

Brenna on 10/22/04 @ 10:24 PM

I don't have any book recommendations because I haven't read a book in ... ages, it seems. I just wanted to send you lots of hugs and TLC and get better soon wishes.

I've never had CMV, but I did develop mono WHEN I WAS PREGNANT with my son. My immune system SHUT DOWN. I was hospitalized for weeks throughout my pregnancy. I was the sickest I've ever been in my life for NINE months! All of that and I actually listened to the docs and did what they said. So don't take this too lightly, girl. Do what they say. REST. And get better soon so you can start kicking some major ass again. *Hugs*

Lee on 10/23/04 @ 04:25 AM

I was really bummed to read the CMV news. Very bummed. I'm glad to see that you are able to focus on the positives. Yes, keep resting and get well. Do what you need to do. Pretty soon you'll be purified and rested. Then watch out world!

BD

BD on 10/23/04 @ 08:52 PM

I had CMV. It sucks. Don't do what I did and overdo it too easily. I can't really speak, because I had it bad: I was in the hospital for a few weeks, because I got it at the same time that I got measles (confused the heck out of the doctors, needed infectious disease specialists, etc, to figure it ou) but this was years ago when I was around 17.

But anyway, I didn't really believe that I should take things as easy as I was told to. But I wanted to get out and do things. Kicked my ass for about 18 months - I didn't have the strength to do much, and for a few years my immune system was, as the phrase goes, really shitty. I used to catch every single cold, flu, etc going around.

So, please, take it fricking easy. You'll be glad that you did. Or at least you'll be really sorry if you don't.

Richard on 10/22/04 @ 04:09 PM

OH crap! Thanks for sharing that tho, Richard... I haven't talked to anyone else whose had this virus and known it. You are reinforcing my leaning toward not running the half tho... I do NOT need to be immune system compromised.

*sigh*

Brenna on 10/22/04 @ 05:34 PM

well that's for shit. so sorry to hear that Brenna. and yeah it's always just when you've decided on a new plan and feeling all up and jiggy along comes something to
knock
you
down

bleaargh.
gotta be sensible here tho and get well, get strong and well the plan will just have to - wait.

rach on 10/22/04 @ 07:17 PM

Rowing HIIT is puketastic! In the good way! Kind of.

(psst...BD is clearly a loon...our kind of loon, but still.....)

Jim aka V-Dub on 10/20/04 @ 06:49 PM

And mad as a hatter. So you did it Jim? Sounds like it. And you lived to tell the tale! Going back for more or surrendering?

While I'm here, I'd like to comment on Lexy's 10/18 post. Perhaps I'm reading more into it than is there, but it seems like there's the hint of implication that running caused the increase in appetite, weight gain, and muscle loss. I'm no staunch defender but it seems a bit much to heap upon running as a form of exercise. I mean, calories burned are calories burned, whether it's through lifting or running. And I would expect the appetite to be even greater while lifting because you are both exercising (thus burning calories) and building mass. If you eat more than you burn, no matter how you are burning it, then weight goes up.

And as for muscle loss, well, you probably gained some in the legs but it wasn't offset by the lack of lifting. No lifting, no muscle. Running had nuttin' to do with it (except the shift in time commitment). But you can maintain muscle quite nicely in short workouts with heavier lifts and fewer reps. So you didn't have to lose muscle while running. Or am I full of crap here?

Regardless, I think the best thing we can do is be honest with ourselves. That's how we can create meaningful change. So an earnest question. Was it really the running that caused the appetite and weight gain and muscle loss? Or was it something else? I have my opinion on the answer. I think I know because I've been struggling with related issues over the past week. And I think you give the answer in your 10/20 post.

If I've overstepped here then tell me so. I'm not trying to lecture you. And I'm working out some of my own issues by replying.

Have fun with the rowing. I'm going to update my blog and get the shoes. BTW, I have a question for you. It's in my reply to your comment to my post "LexySmash" (thanks for visiting).

Hasta,
BD

BD on 10/21/04 @ 08:48 AM

The main thing is to keep progressing, and to have a good time while doing so. I hope that you meet - and exceed - your personal fitness goals, no matter how you get there!

Richard on 10/18/04 @ 09:00 AM

I came to a lot of the same conclusions while training for a marathon. Running for 4 hours kinda shoots the rest of your day, then you have to plan every other workout around that one run... I totally understand. At least you've tried it an KNOW it's not for you. How many people even try it?

neca on 10/18/04 @ 09:08 AM

You're not alone in your sentiments about long distance running... I feel the exact same way.

Laura on 10/18/04 @ 09:28 AM

Yeah, the whole point of making exercise a lifestyle is finding things that are enjoyable. So I think your decision is completely justified and wise.

Megan on 10/18/04 @ 10:02 AM

Yeah, like *I'm* going to come out in favor of running...but the point, I think is that you wanted to do this as a change-up...and you did...and it worked out better than you thought it would (you have, you know, exceeded expectations [yours] at every turn)

My knees will throb a goodbye...

Until, of course, we start doing skwatz...(!)

Jim (a.k.a. the Mighty Slug of Thunder) on 10/18/04 @ 12:02 PM

I think it's really cool and brave that you made this post about not doing distance running. It's so excellent, because it continues to show that you know that one size doesn't fit all. You're certainly progressing in all these different avenues of your life. It's great to know when one isn't right for your overall plans.

Best of luck with weight training. Can't wait to see what the Lexy reboot brings!

Chris Brogan... on 10/18/04 @ 12:08 PM

i guess i'm the one naysayer on this. i think it sucks dinger you won't be doing distance anymore, but more for my own selfish reasons than for any that relate to the quality of your training and where you are emotionally concerning your fitness. i had great notions of you joining up with my motley running crew and maybe, just maybe, doing a marathon one of these days.

but you're right-- distance running takes a HUGE amount of time, training, and cognitive processor cycles. to commit to all of that when you're not even enjoying it seems like a poor use of your limited time. and pain ain't good for nobody, nawsuh.

i am glad you'll still do the half. i'll be there with you every step of the way!

hollie on 10/18/04 @ 12:23 PM

Brenna, I hear ya. I'm finding distance running really time consuming and sleepy-making (which is why I took a month-long break from it while getting used to being back in school). But I like it more than I liked swimming and lifting weights, so I'm gonna try to stick it out. I think Megan's right- enjoyment is key. There are so many things you love to do that aren't distance running, so there's no reason to focus solely on that. Have a good time at the half-marathon :)

nuni on 10/18/04 @ 10:57 PM

Thanks for the acknowledgement in one of the recent posts. Very nice of you. Makes me want to drop by more frequently. I can't believe I read your ENTIRE archive in the last week (when I should have been sleeping). I have a lot of respect for what you've accomplished.

I think it's great that you tried something new but when it didn't fit you knew when to say "enough". If you don't like running long distances then don't do it. There are too many different paths to fitness and I agree that the most important thing is to enjoy what you do.

I'm not a runner either (yes, I know I ran a marathon, but trust me on this). There are things I've learned to love about running but I'm not sure if I'll keep running long. As a side note, if you are experiencing pain then it could be the shoes, stride, footstrike, method of training, or one of many other variables. Many of these are controllable, correctable, or alterable. Because my knees used to hurt when I ran any distance over 3 miles I used to think that I couldn't run longer distances. Wrong. My knees hurt because I was in crappy shoes that didn't meet my particular needs (pronation) and my stride and footstrike were all screwed up. After correction my knees never hurt again (never that is, until the marathon). Of course, it is also possible that there's a real physiological reason that you are experiencing pain (yes, I hear you Jim) and if you keep running you'll do real damage.

The most important thing is to do something that feels right, something you enjoy. I love biking and rollerblading, and during winter, indoor rowing. So I plan to do a lot of those activities. And I'm going to get back into lifting again as soon as we can move the wine out of the basement area where the weights would go (but we do have some nice 2000 Bordeauxs!).

But whether I'm biking, running, lifing, or rowing, I still have to remember to put the shoes on. Three days ago I wanted to exercise but it was rainy and cold. Actually, I didn't want to exercise. I wanted to take a nap. But I hadn't done much since the marathon and I was feeling sluggish so I thought I should move my butt. I was a little worried about some residual knee pain from the marathon so I decided that I should hit the Concept II rower instead of running. Unfortunately, I kept finding excuses and I procrastinated until the workout was not possible anymore. The next day, my birthday, I began to do the same thing. Finally, I got mad and told myself: "Just go upstairs and put the f----g shoes on. Then row only as far as you want to. But put the shoes on and sit down. NOW." I put the shoes on. I'd been running a lot and I hadn't rowed in a while so I wasn't sure what I could do on the rower. Well, on my 43rd birthday I set a personal best 30 minute row. I was scorching fast. Well, it was fast for me, anyway. No, I take that back. I was fast for real -- 75th percentile for males at my age on the Concept II rower log. I'm still happy about that. And I was becoming lazy today again but I made myself put the shoes on. Putting the shoes on is the hardest part because you are fighting a universe of inertia. It's the moment when you make the commitment to move and do something about your current state of affairs.

On a different point, hey, if you want to feel the burn while doing cardio, here's something "fun" to try. See if your workout place has a Concept 2 rower (it can't be any old rower, it has to be a good one and Concept 2s are the best). If it does have a good rower, then try this:
1. 5 minute warmup (very slow pace)
2. 5 minute HIIT cycles
-2 min sustained high intensity (HI) breath-sucking, lungs exploding, maximum pace
-2 min med-slow pace (whew, recovery)
-1/2 min HI pace (when did two minutes ever go by so fast?)
-1/2 min slow pace (change grip if you wish)
3. Repeat 2 for 5 cycles if you can (25 minutes never felt so intense). Don't worry if your HI pace drops over time. Just kick it up as high as you can sustain.
4. 5 minute cool down (very slow pace)

If you try it, let me know how you like it. If you are a non-rower, please try not to whimper when discussing the experience. :-)

It works the forearms, biceps, quads, and hamstrings while providing a peachy keen-o cardio workout. And no knee pounding.

Damn. Now I'm gonna have to set up my own blog or I'll fill yours with my drivel. Sorry, don't mean to trespass. Hope you don't mind if I drop a longer post in the comments. Tell me to stop and I will.

BD on 10/19/04 @ 09:14 PM

Bravo. running has its place in any w/o schedule: but not exclusively.
sing hey for the pump and grind. Deadlifts, anyone? :)

but no. I don't believe you gained weight w/ all that running? tell us it ain't so.

rachel on 10/20/04 @ 02:43 AM

I love your honesty, Brenna... and I agree, if running isn't fun (for the most part) and rewarding, if you start to dread it every day... then it's not for you. Goodluck with your half!

Dani on 10/20/04 @ 05:18 AM

Quite honestly? A combination of option 2 and 3.

The thing is, it will be of no use to them - no matter what you do - if they don't want TO HELP THEMSELVES. I learned that the hard way, through my own journey. It doesn't make it any easier to watch someone you care about completely destroy themselves, though. Does it?

Lee on 10/16/04 @ 05:19 AM

Hope the 12 went well!!!

Dani on 10/18/04 @ 04:32 AM

Yes, known many people like the person you described. I agree with Lee, you do 2 and 3. You can't rescue everyone but if they are a real friend and you are a real friend then you can't turn away. So you do what you can. But in the end, they have to choose to make the change. And you can't stay or they'll drag you into their maelstrom.

I had to walk away from several friends after high school because all we ever did was complain about the world and get intoxicated. I was working a low paying deadend job and getting wasted every night. What a great path to a bright future. I decided to make a change. We had a long heart-to-heart one wasted afternoon. I tried to get them to see what we were doing to ourselves but they wouldn't or couldn't change. After that we followed different paths. I'm still friends with one of them. See him from time to time. Such a promising person, such unrealized potential. And he lost a wonderful person in his life, a true light; she would have changed his world. But he couldn't step out of the dark world he was creating for himself so she had to leave and go on her way. Well, he is lumbering along, making his way through the world. But he could have done so, so much more. The other friends? Not sure. One ended up in drug rehab but it didn't stick. The rest I know nothing about.

You see it all the time, everywhere you look. All they have to do is decide to make a change. And it would happen. But they can't or won't. No, you do what you can. Shouting doesn't help. You just lay it on the line. You can put your hand out. But in the end, they choose their destiny. And you can't feel guilty for the choice they choose to make.

BD on 10/19/04 @ 10:17 PM

You say:

"... if I were to turn around tomorrow and say, "Ya know what? One pullup will do, that's good enough..." the trailing end of that thought would ALWAYS be "for now." and in the back of my mind it would NOT EVER actually BE "good enough" for me."

I say:

AMEN, Sister!
You aren't alone in your hypocracy.

Lee on 10/13/04 @ 04:11 AM

I have looked better than I do now. I have been fitter, trained harder, been more consistent, eaten better ... I have been able to plan and then carry out my plans... IOW I once did all the things that I'm finding real hard to do right now.
I did it then, so I can do it again. but you know what?
I wasn't happy with myself THEN. It was never 'good enough' and so I must conclude that it never will be.
I don't know what my point is, even. except, I guess I think I know what you mean. and ... I'm sorry!..lolxx

rachel on 10/13/04 @ 04:25 AM

Yes, you deserve it. And if being about "ME" isn't enough to motivate you then consider this. By taking time away from others to workout you are giving time back to them. And it's higher quality time. You are also giving more to "THEM" by taking care of "ME". By taking care of yourself, you are also going to be around for them many more years, you will have more energy for them, and you will be happier around them.

I don't know you and I don't know if this will matter but I had an older person who had had a heart attack tell me the following when I was about 18 years old:
"Remember, you are going to have to spend time on your health sooner or later. Either you can spend it becoming healthy or you can spend it in a wheelchair or in physical rehab after surgery or in the hospital or in lost time from work, or even in the daily difficulties of doing the simplest tasks. Either way, the time will be spent. How much better would it be to invest it now in a higher quality of life? "

You don't know me either. But perhaps sharing my story will keep you going through the rough patches. A year ago I was 5'6" and weighed 210 lbs. I couldn't run 2 miles and when I ran I would pant and I ran about 15 minutes a mile. I decided to do something about my poor health and I trained. I fought weather, illness, work, life demands, and even wasp stings, to make time to take care of myself. On 10/10 I ran 26.2 miles at 10 minutes mile. Yes, I ran a marathon. In the process of training I lost 40 lbs., lowered my blood pressure, and gained a huge dose of energy which has benefited our son and my spouse/partner in life.

When my sister couldn't believe that I had run a marathon I asked her what she thought might be harder than running a marathon. She didn't know. I told her "training for it." The consistency is the hardest part of all. Here's the secret: just put on the shoes. That's the hardest part. After that you just go! And if you run, the eating issue is less important. First, you burn it off. Second, when you exercise you feel less like binging. Third, you probably eat more regularly, reducing binging. Fourth, you feel good about yourself so you are less likely to binge. But you probably know all this. What you don't know is that I have a short, thick body. Not at all built for running. So if I can run a marathon then you can do ANYTHING!

YOU DESERVE HEALTH!

P.S. I found your website because you mentioned running with Hollie. I found her website inspirational as I trained for my marathon.

BD on 10/14/04 @ 01:40 PM

Despite my previous comment, it really is about you. It is, should be, and always shall be about you. And you KICK ASS! I just looked at your side-by-side comparison. Holy shit. Go you!!!

BD on 10/14/04 @ 08:58 PM

Its far from impossible, but everything's a trade off. You like the idea of being more fit. You like the reality of curly fries. Trying to say that either one of those desires will "go away" is futile, and bound to lead to disappointment. The real question is, which do you enjoy more? Maybe its worth a little pining for curly fries to try out that sub-20% body and see if its more enjoyable? Or not.

For a more vitriolic commentary on this perspective, not that you're in the same boat by any means, check out http://www.santanacody.com/bloomingfig/id80.html . Certainly I don't agree with her completely - and don't have to - but she makes some interesting points about "acceptance."

Richard on 10/12/04 @ 05:44 AM

As for the magazines, I've quit reading all of them. Shape, M&F Hers, etc. They drive me nuts lately...all the ads, how to fix my makeup after a workout... I find the "20 minutes to Great Abs" stuff silly now...I'm just trying to workout as much as I can, as best I can.

I don't think dumping the mags is admitting defeat, at all. You've done so well this past year, look at all that you have accomplished!

Hope you work it out...

Laura on 10/12/04 @ 06:04 AM

I agree with Laura. I find women's fitness magazines in general to be counterproductive. They just make you worry and fret about not keeping up with some nameless superwoman, not being good enough or disciplined enough or perfect enough. I say toss 'em, and create your own definition of "enough".

Megan on 10/12/04 @ 06:11 AM

One of the things that trips us up...if I can conflate our mindsets...is that there is this huge positive reaction to our transformations...but nothing really in *maintaining*it...so while we fight with entropy and gravity and legions of curlyfries (and corn dogs), the fitness models (or freshman) are staying 19, and finding new and innovative pharmacology and genetics.

My biggest problem is that I lose sight of what I have when I look at what I want. I can resist the siren call of consumerism, but only if I start wanting to be that 5%bodyfat genetic freak. These constantly moving targets...it's not like I wanted another PhD once I got the first one (well, an MD, but that's not important right now), but I always want another inch on the biceps, or a visible ab, or whatnot. Just keep piling them on the plate, and keep the plates spinning....

we have all these metrics chasing us, and as we put one behind us (the number),another jumps up (the look)...I have no useful advice,as anything I'd say would be hypocritical.

If you can keep the magazines as a positive, then keep getting them; otherwise, they're just another series of papercuts. *shrug*

I think I'm just babbling. Dub shups now.

Jim (a.k.a. the Mighty Slug of Thunder) on 10/12/04 @ 11:08 AM

Oh, Brenna. I wish I had the answers for you. And for me. And for all of us, really. Your questions, your concerns, your worries are not yours alone. I don't think there is a single one of us who doesn't share them with you. Too bad someone can't just hand out all the answers to us as we need them, huh?

Whatever decision you come to about your fitness, please know this ... I think you are a PHENOMENAL woman just the way you are. You don't have to be it all and do it all to be the best YOU.

Sleep on it. For as long as you need. Make the decision that fits *you* best. Keep your priorities in check and don't sacrifice them for anything. That's all any of us can do for ourselves.

* Hugs *

Lee on 10/12/04 @ 06:47 PM

I used to read those fitness magazines. Sometimes there are some inspiring aspects to them... like all the before and after blurbs. BUT sometimes I feel like all their little articles (6 weeks to a bikini body, 20 minute abs) are geared toward people who have little fat on their bodies and just need to tone up... that certainly isn't me and it frustrates me to think that there are people out there for whom those plans can work. I try to embrace the things my body can do and be happy with that, but I know that there will always be body parts other people have that I will want... I just hope one day it'll click that no amount of exercise and diet will change my body to that. Good luck finding your own answers.

Nicole on 10/13/04 @ 08:47 AM

Wow, I'm impressed. Way to go on your run. Bodies are so amazing!

Nicole on 10/10/04 @ 08:21 PM

Cool! And you seem to be very good at locking on to your target pace, which can be so hard to do. Looks like you surprised yourself as well. And you know what? Not so far from now, you'll be able to turn out 10-milers without them being a really big deal. That's even weirder.

Richard on 10/12/04 @ 05:47 AM

... and I hope you remember that, young lady, next time you're tempted to take any advice of mine, lol :)
that's awesome running, girl. well done you!!

rachel on 10/12/04 @ 06:05 AM

*cough-free vibes*

yeah, you oughta get yourself some manner of water totin' device for runs that are more than an hour long. i've tried a buncha different things and the one i swear by is the fuelbelt. it's inexpensive compared to a Camelbak, doesn't bounce, and you can carry more than one kind of liquid with ya.

www.fuelbelt.com

FitRight up in the city you live that shall remain nameless should carry 'em. they're about $30 for the four bottle.

sadly, Fuelbelts are also the most dorky-looking contraption on God's green earth. good thing the dork look is so hot in the running crowd this season...

hollie on 10/07/04 @ 03:54 PM

eeewww. yucky and sucky indeed. hope you're good 'n' better real soon. And (you might want to stick your fingers in your ears at this point): I strongly advise against running with a chest cold (with or without Fuelbelt)
xx

Rachel on 10/09/04 @ 02:26 AM

oh my goooood...

BRENNA!!!

i can't believe... but this... you...

THIS IS THE MOST MARVELOUS THING! those last five miles, from the wonderful high-fiving at the PFit cheering station, to being totally blown away when i turned around and saw all you guys running along with me, to mark brenner talking to everyone and sweet barb and brett and OH MAN! i'm almost without speech to properly express how thankful i am that you were there and how floored i am at your kindness for doing this for me.

you bet your SWEET ASS i'm running that half with you!

THANK YOU!

*hugs*

hollie on 10/05/04 @ 08:01 PM

Thanks for sharing Hollie's inspiring pictures...made me smile!

Dianna on 10/06/04 @ 07:06 AM

Dude...it doesn't even look like she's breathing hard, not to mention breaking a sweat.

Kathy on 10/06/04 @ 09:48 AM

woot, fabulous photos they made me feel like I was there! Brenna thnx for sharing.

rachel on 10/09/04 @ 02:21 AM

i keep reading this post over and over and... choking up.

for anyone who ever wondered what kind of person Brenna is, i can say without hesitation that she carries in her chest a heart of gold. having her out there today, cheering me on, running every step of those last difficult miles beside me, showed me the strength of her character and her unflagging kindness. i had NO IDEA she would run me in, so when i turned around and saw her there, it was the most tremendous and uplifting surprise. and at mile 21, i certainly needed it.

thank you so much, Brenna.

PS. i sure look like a goober. BUT A GOOBER WHO PRed TODAY!

hollie on 10/03/04 @ 08:03 PM

Truly inspiring!!

Lee on 10/04/04 @ 04:37 AM

That's totally cool! Very cool of you to do that for Hollie. That's why she's smilin'!

Jon in Michigan on 10/04/04 @ 06:03 AM

Woohoo! Hollie rulez!

Jim on 10/04/04 @ 09:18 AM

So inspiring. You're BOTH awesome!

Kathy on 10/04/04 @ 09:12 PM

Oh, I forgot to say...who looks that fabulous after running 21 miles? GOOD GOD!

Kathy on 10/04/04 @ 09:13 PM

You guys are awesome! Way to go, Hollie, on your second marathon. Hope it was an easier time this go around. Brenna, great job and what a wonderful thing to do!

Annalisa on 10/05/04 @ 10:32 AM

What a freaking fantastic smile...

Mojodiva on 10/05/04 @ 05:57 PM

You GOTTA check my post from today. Did Hollie go to the Victoria marathon to cheer for anyone?

Mark on 10/11/04 @ 08:52 PM

YAAAAAAAY! i'm so glad you're gonna be out there! still planning on keeping your location a surprise? ;)

i'm jumping outta my skin over here, man. i've been resting and carbo loading and downing water like a crazyperson. my legs are READY and want to get this show on the road already.

oh yeah-- maybe some logistical stuff'll help. my race number's 3201 and i'll be wearing a navy blue and white "run with paula" singlet, black shorts, and a pained expression.

i'll keep my eyes peeled for ya. can't wait to run up, hug ya, and slather you in MARATHON SWEAT! hee! now i gotta head downtown for packet pickup and the expo.

see you tomorrow!

hollie on 10/02/04 @ 09:16 AM

Actually... I'll probably be near the p-fit cheering station, but I promise you won't be able to miss me!!!

Brenna on 10/02/04 @ 03:50 PM