Renee Catullo

I ran 4 km. Without stopping!

That's huge for me. I'm really really surprised.

Everyone donated, now I have to do this....

All I can say is thanks. There's been a number of times (like today doing pushups until exhaustion - the actual instructions), I wonder why in the world I'm doing this. But it's more motivating than I can say to have received so many great donations. Motivating in a "Crap, I really have to do this now" sort of way.

Training is going okay. I've been able to go about 4.5 kms last satuday, with some sort of training regime just about every day. Unfortunately that proved a bit much, and I've been pretty tired. The coach told me to drop a day next week, just so I don't overdo it. And I've been told to eat carbs, which is about the only time I've heard that in my life. Seven kms this saturday!

Ouch from yesterday and some more ouch

Wow - people have been amazing, donating more than $500 in 24 hours from my email. I'm really enjoying the messages, from Nick's ambiguous note that seems to imply he's wishing I fall over while running, to the offer of setting lions on me to make me run faster. In email I did get it pointed out that if there is an explosion, you have to run in slow motion, which only make me wish for more explosions. I also very much identify with the jokes about running. And already an offer of support at the finish line. Keep them up!

Training-wise, as the muscle soreness settles in, I'm starting to realize what i've signed up for, as well my total lack of physical ability! After yesterday's run, I did about 30 minutes of cross training today, hoping to build up a bit of muscle. Saturday is a 7 am 6 km run. I haven't told my team not to talk to me before coffee, but I suspect they'll figure it out soon. Bike riding tomorrow.

I'm running a half marathon. Seriously.

I'm training with Can Too for the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon. That's 21 km. 13 miles.

Once, I was at the vet, and the vet asked me if I ran with my dog. I responded "Only if something is chasing me". He didn't laugh.

Anyone who knows me at all knows that I don't really watch/do/care about sports whatsoever. Never have, and have absolutely no idea of what I've signed up for and whether there is the faintest possiblity of me actually achieving it. I can't promise it won't end up like that scene from The Office, where during the Fun Run for Rabies, a bunch of guys take a cab to the pub. It really does sound more like me. 

That said, I'm going to give it my best. Please keep my complete lack of mental and physical preparation in mind when you're evaluating how much to give.