I'm 36, one of three runners in my family. Although a law librarian by day, I now consider myself a runner because it is a big part of my life. I've been running for 2 1/2 years, and am trying to keep a good balance between my fitness, my work, and my time with my husband and family. For me, running keeps me centered and helps me to maintain a positive attitude, which isn't always the easiest thing to do.

I've just run my first marathon, ever, at the Peak Performance Marathon in Portland, ME, on October 5, 2008. I did it with Team in Training, thinking that if I was going to do this, I also might as well try to raise money for a good cause.

I've also been keeping a blog to keep myself motivated to keep it up. It's called Middle-of-the-Pack Girl, because that's where I run (although somedays I do slip toward the back)! I'm not out to win the race, but am out there to have some fun and feel good about myself. Running keeps me sane, and gives me something to focus on when I find myself getting stressed at work, etc.

My mom thinks all the runners in our family are crazy, but she's supportive as is my little brother, one of, if not the most positive person I've ever met in this world.

Last year, I ran a 3.5 mile race, two 5-milers, a 10K, a 7.2 miler, a 7.5 miler, two half-marathons, and lastly the full marathon.

This year, I am signed up already for the Lehigh Valley Half Marathon (used to be the Runner's World Half Marathon) and I want to do the Utica Boilermaker (15K), which is a HUGE race, with so many volunteers that there are waiting lists. Oh, and the race is usually won by a Kenyan. (Big suprise, right?)

My Lounge Favorites

• Know-How Advice: If you are traveling and need a route  
• Know-How Advice: Running Quotes  
• Know-How Advice: Shoe Guide Site  

I do not have any running logs yet.

Middle-of-the-Pack Girl

Latest from my blog...

• Claddagh 4 Miler, race report, a PR (yes!) and in shorts!!
• Some days it’s hard to be a Gump
• Wild Rover Race Series, #1 (Frozen Shamrock), race report, a PR!
• My brother, the running coach, and inspiration for me