Chug-along-chica!

Thankyou for the picture, it's really wonderful. I love pavement artist's pics. As for the running, sometimes you just have to bite your lip and get it done.

I always feel like running is a chore..well not always but a lot of the time. I'm sorry it's not as fun right now. Maybe running Painters will actually perk you up. It really isn't going to be so bad. I was thinking about it this way. You'll probably run less in the days before and after and so it will be like your same mileage for the week just most of it in one day...does that help? Maybe not but don't be nervous(if you are) It's really going to be fine and you'll find some new friends and have a good time.

have a great day...I'm looking forward to seeing you and Sasha is working on a surprise for you. :)

Lybi: hum, chore, bore, hard core, running lore? Well, you have many commando points in the bank. Time to use some of them on an adventure run, no watch, no time limit, just smell the roses, stop several times during the run and appreciate life and running. Stop whenever, enjoy the view of nature. It could be 20 times in a couple of miles. The chore of running will quickly disappear. Not every run has to be about splits, the pits and impressing other bloggers. We ultimatly run for ourselves.

Stay Cool, B of BS Rools out

I always get the "running chore" after I reach a big goal - race, distance, etc. I started rewarding myself after I reached the goal with small things: new songs from itunes; new socks; a night of no work or laundry. It really makes a difference for me. Good luck and keep at it, it always gets better.

A 15 mile run alone through the snow is definitely a chore for me, I do not look forward to it. Probably not any less than for anybody else. In fact, any distance through the snow when it is cold at any pace would be a chore.

However, progress can never be made in running if it does not feel like a chore at times. The secret is to learn how to develop the power to run regardless. People who only run for fun never reach their potential. More important, something happens to you when you break out of the "run for fun" trap. I noticed the changes in our bloggers that have gone from "run for fun" to hitting serious mileage. Something began to change in the way they talk. More mature, more precise, less fluff, more substance. I think this is reflective of some change inside that happens to anybody overtime as they voluntarily perform large amounts of hard work for a purpose. Sure, there are many other ways to work hard, but in our society of convenience where we are no longer required to perform hard physical labor just to make ends meet, distance running at a serious level is probably one of the most reasonable ways to bring back into our lives what hard labor gave our ancestors.

Good points, Sasha. I really do want to obtain the capacity to be more consistent, hard working, and patient (long suffering!). Sometimes I forget why I am running. The races really are not the point at all. The races are the fun part. Becoming the best I can be (and not just at running) is the point. You are a good reminder though, just the way that you are.

Thanks Jody! That does help.

You too Brent, Sarah, and Ian! I look up to all of you, and value your words. And Ian, you have a special ability to give a good kick in the rear. Any time someone half way around the world gives a kick, it gains strength over the ocean. Got it! I'm going to go run right now!