In the beginning, there was nothing.... (cue bagpipe music)

Running and bagpipes. two hobbies consuming more and more of my life. I'm not GOOD at either one, but I'm getting there, one step at a time (pun intended). This blog is going to be my running log, race/ run review, progress report, and journal, all rolled into one. It's not going to just be about running, and it's not going to just be about bagpipes, and it's not going to be a place that i just log miles. I'm hoping to give an insight into my life as a whole. On that note, lets talk about my running plans. In short, I'm registered for my first ultra marathon: the Marquette Trail 50 in August (www.marquettetrail50.com). I have run exactly one marathon (Chicago Marathon in 2008), and, before last year, haven't really been running since. I'm the type of person who needs a BIG goal to work for, or I have a hard time sticking with a training program. Hence, the 50 MILE RACE..... Other than that, My summer is just going to be training runs. I don't have any other races scheduled, though I may jump in on a trail half or full marathon. I've heard some good things about the Running Fit races here in Michigan. I'm trying to avoid road races, as they are not very comfortable on the body, plus, train like you fight. Training thus far: It's been a brutal winter here in Mid-Michigan, and the trails are, for the most part, not passable. So I've been spending a lot of time running on treadmills and on indoor tracks. I'm eagerly anticipating the spring thaw, so I can start hitting dirt again! I haven't run into any real issues yet, structurally. Though, mentally, it's been tough getting up for my morning runs. On top of that, I came down with influenza in January, and was out of commission for almost the entire month. That set me back a little in my training. More importantly, it got me worrying a lot about staying on my training schedule. So far, I haven't had much issue with staying on target since then. The miles were a little painful the first few weeks, but I'm feeling good now. Once I start running outside, I'll be posting some pics of the trails, interesting sights I come across, etc. I'd start now, but the inside of the YMCA isn't all that exciting for anyone. Until then, keep running!