Day 57 - New Furniture

Today was a rest day, but not really, because it was my first day back at my internship, which meant the day was actually pretty crazy. How I wish I could tell you the stories... Alas, I cannot.

I can show you the piece of furniture I got today for my sitting room.

The Bianchi

After I raved about my time on the trainer while I was in NC for break, my dad offered to bring it up to Baltimore for me. I'm definitely looking forward to using it, though for tomorrow it's back to running.

Until then...

Day 28 - Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

Things that happened today:

1. A relaxing morning reading, just me and my [amazing] heated mattress pad. I'm reading "Counterfeit Gods" by Timothy Keller, and I'd definitely recommend it.

2. Church. A blessing, as always.

3. Friends for lunch and another chance to fix that delicious chicken paprika I mentioned a few weeks ago.

4. Library time. It is finals time, after all.

5. 45 minutes of cycling for my cross-training. Nothing to write home about.

6. More library time.

This week will be busier than normal as I attempt to wrap up academic things in order to close out the semester. I'm confident it will all get done, but I'm not confident that I'll get enough sleep while getting it all done. Oh well. I'm hopeful that this week's runs will prove a respite from the busyness, rather than an added stressor.

Hope you're all well!

Day 7 - Cross-training and the Pursuit of Glory

Today's scheduled run: not a run. Cross-training!

I have successfully completed the first week of marathon training. Only 17 more to go!

The weather was perfect for a run, but I headed to the gym instead to get in some cycling. The gym on Sunday afternoons is just the way I like it -- empty.

I spent an hour on the bike, covering 14.25 miles and alternating between reading Tabletalk and watching the Ravens game. If you saw my earlier tweet, you know that I could see the game on television as well as see the stadium out the window. Of course, I couldn't see any of the on-the-ground action from where I was sitting, but I could see the lights and the rows of fans all decked out in their purple garb. It's a pretty sweet view, and I'd rather be in the gym watching than out there with all of those crazies.

An hour on a bike that's not going anywhere is even less thrilling than an hour running in place, so I was thankful to be able to read. I'll leave you with this piece from Montaigne (AD 1580), as quoted by John D. Currid:

"Of all illusions in the world, the most universally received is the concern for reputation and glory, which we espouse even to the point of giving up riches, rest, life, and health, which are effectual and substantial goods, to follow that vain phantom and mere sound that has neither body or substance."

 Something to think about as I pursue the "glory" of completing a marathon.