recommitted

I haven't been too good at multitasking lately, and this weekend I vowed to change that.

One of the main reasons for my tunnel vision is my painting. It's going astonishingly well and when I'm not actually painting, I'm thinking about painting. Above is the start of my third painting of the semester-- the first in the 7th Heaven band series. It's at its beginning blocking-in stages, but you can get an idea of the composition and subject. I've never painted a guitar before. I'm extremely pumped about this series. I had critique on Tuesday on this work, Burning Bright and Vertigo. All were well received and I couldn't be happier with the direction my artwork is headed. And I just got a couple pictures of Teresa to work on for the runners series. My cup runneth over with ideas and positive energy.

What's been suffering-- my running. I was able to luck my way through a new PR in Shamrock Shuffle last weekend despite insufficient training. I will not be able to do that for the longer races. After she runs the Boston Marathon, Teresa has volunteered to train me for the summer/fall-- she's already devised a personalized marathon training schedule for me. She'll come with me for long runs along the lakefront and will give those pep talks that never fail to motivate and encourage me. That's what makes her the best runner I know... she has tremendous running ability but she excels even more at being a generous friend. No one is more in my corner.

I have Race to Wrigley 5K coming up in April. Small race, but a new one for me and I'd love a PR. May will bring Soldier Field 10 Mile which is our favorite race EVER! Looking forward to running it with Teresa, Vince and Becky and having Sue and John along for support. Nothing's on the schedule for June and July so far, but Sue's planning her comeback and I'm honored to run alongside of her for that, whenever it may be. August 1 brings Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon-- another first time race for me. I fear the heat, but maybe it'll be okay. Then there's the big dance.... 10/10/10. Chicago Marathon.

There's always a reason not to run. I'm soooo behind on my reading for the two book clubs I belong to. I want to have a long chat with mom on the phone. The Hawks are on and soon it will be playoff time. Almost Easter and I have to make greeting cards for the family.

THERE'S NO REASON I CAN'T DO IT ALL!! I just have to be better at time management. I've done it before. I can do it again.

So I pulled myself away from the tv yesterday and did a 4 mile training run. This morning I forced my Sunday-attitude butt to the gym for a fast mile, then a 13.1 mile ride on the stationary bike, followed up by a nice soak in the hot tub. Once the habit is launched, it'll feel so good that I won't want to slack off. And that, ultimately, will make all other aspects of my life-- painting, relationships-- all the better. What could be more exciting?!?