20 days

I have 20 days to prep for a 5k run that bridesmaid Kari talked me into. That means I'll be hitting the pavement even after I devour my favorite dish on Easter Sunday: Ham, and Mom's cheesey potatoes.

I vow to run the whole 5k and keep up with Kari, a regular runner and mom to almost two-year-old Keegan. The first time she and I went dress shopping I said I would immediately start my workout regimen, but of course I didn't. I actually enjoy working out, but during the winter I'd rather sit on my couch watching The Sopranos. Just being honest.

But now the weather is getting nicer, so I have zero excuses. Plus, I don't want to be one of those brides who gets fit just for the sake of getting married. I'd like to get into shape asap and maintain it throughout my life, even after I have children.

Today's workout: I took Marley for a two-mile jog. My ears really started to hurt near the end. Anyone familiar with this? I seem to remember that happening in my cross country days when we'd run in the bitter cold. Maybe it's my head getting used to the activity. I expect to wake up with a sore arm tomorrow. Let's just say Marley has a deep seeded interest in squirrels. There are times I even forget that I'm running, because I'm too busy pulling 70 pounds of dog in a direction he just doesn't want to go. It makes for an interesting route, however. I never quite know where my run will take me, because it's dicatated by Marley. When I see another dog coming, we take a different route. God for bid we run by another dog and just say a quick passing hello. Instead, Marley has to shake his rump like a fish tail and wrap himself and me around the other dog's leash. Last summer he drug me across the pavement and I said I'd never take him with me again, but ... I'm all about second chances.

Marley, my disfunctional running buddy.