After I stitched the binding on my overdue quilt for Margaret’s Hope Chest, I ran a couple easy miles in the direction of one of my 2010 goals. I want to run the Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K here in Grand Rapids on May 8, 2010. I had this same goal last year about this time, then gradually fell off the training schedule and ended up making a race apron and settling for running the 10K. It’s was an amusing disappointment.

But this year, my friends, it’s going to be different. This year I’m going to have expert help and public accountability. I’ll explain the details in a later post, but I just wanted to give you all a heads up that training for the 25K officially started today for both beginners and veteran runners. According to the training schedule runners could do a short run or take the day off. So if you didn’t run today, you’re right on schedule. Just a tad on the hyperactive side, I opted for the short run. Big surprise, eh?

In all seriousness, I ran today because I need to get back into an established routine. Like many of you, I’ve been very busy lately and a bit under the weather and I haven’t been running as much I’d like. I felt myself starting to slip. The jeans still fit, but I miss feeling strong out on the track. And I’ve missed having scheduled time to put in my ear buds and tune out the world for few miles every day. I’m a better mom and wife and overall happier person when I have that time to blow off steam and think while moving at a brisk pace. It’s important that we all make time for ourselves, especially when things start to get nuts around the holidays.

I survived my first 25K in 2007 and recommend the challenge. You can download the the training schedule if you’re interested in gearing up for the big race that includes 10k and 5k options. It would be awesome to have a few artists and crafters to pound the pavement with. I find it’s easier to run with people who get the apron bit. Are you in? (Note: Race aprons are completely optional.)