My name is Terri. Before I started this blog, the longest distance I’d ever run was 7.1 miles, and on a treadmill. In October 2008, I ran a full marathon – Portland, ME marathon as part of Team in Training. I’m not so sure I’d do another full marathon due to the time commitment the training takes. Also, I really love the 5K, 5 Mile, and 10K distances. They clearly are the distances at which I feel strongest. I’ve also run a 15K race, and about 4 half-marathons. I am toying with the idea of doing a few halves again this year.
Dork alert: I earn a paycheck as a Foreign, Comparative and International Law Librarian at a very large academic law library. In my off time, I’ve dabbled with trying to write a novel, but am taking a bit of a breather from that pursuit for the time being. That’s because now I’m getting into rock climbing!
My life has seen a lot of changes over the past 8 months, and while it’s been difficult at times, I think in the long run, it’s all for the better. As I said to a friend the other day, this is the most confident I’ve felt about myself in a long time, and I definitely feel more self-aware. Overall, I’m usually pretty happy with my life. I try to not let myself get hurt by others, but I also realize that feeling things is a part of living. I let myself go through the motions for too long in my life. Pain, good or bad, lets you know you’re alive. It’s how you deal with the good and bad times that helps you to define yourself.
A few years ago, I think I was somewhat addicted to running. When someone would ask me to get together, I’d become stressed or anxious fearing that I’d not be able to get my run in for that day, and I’d find myself making some excuses as to why I couldn’t meet up with them. So, now, I find I’ve turned into a very-early-morning runner. I like the fact that by 7 a.m., I’ve already run at least 4-5 miles. Even if I end up having a bad day, no one can take that time away from me. I find that running has changed my outlook and helped me to stay positive.
This blog is my way of staying honest with my running plans, as well as having many “virtual running partners.” It helps me to stay motivated and put in the work. I may occasionally veer off of the topic of running – I hope you don’t mind. But, you might be amazed what kind of tangential items I can somehow relate to running.
Oh, and a recent thought that has started to take shape in my mind…I am considering going through the RCRA certification program. Don’t know that I will ever use it to get paid (wouldn’t that be nice?) but I think I could learn a lot from it, and maybe it can help me mentor newer runners. My brother has finally been able to join together his love of running and his means of getting a paycheck, and he seems pretty happy with it. I aspire to be like him!
One of the regular writers for Running Times wrote that running is the lens through which she looks at the world – that is very quickly becoming the case for me. I’m no longer obsessed with it. I do feel it’s important to have balance, and I like the positive outlook and friends it’s helped me to acquire along the way.
Middle-of-the-Pack Girl 
April 6, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Terri! You know I saw that email from you saying you have a blog and I thought, that Terri, I never know what you are going to do next!@ I can’t believe how we haven’t talked in forever and a day. I’ve just read all your posts, and now I am a little caught up with you, but not enough! congrads on the blog and the races and the great week with your sister and her family and your dad. I could recommend some places to go in DC. I have a blog too, Ter, did you know? I don’t write everday but it is donutsathome.blogspot.com
CALL ME!! -love andria
May 11, 2008 at 12:22 am
Too Cool! Now I can read the blogs of two former colleagues and keep current on (some) goings-on. You and AKM are awesome by sharing your blogs. Maybe one day I’ll take inspiration from you and launch mine publicly.
July 31, 2008 at 9:26 am
Thanks for the wells wishes on a quick recovery Terri. I am going absolutely crazy not being able to run. #1 because I miss it like you couldn’t believe and #2 the fitness I worked so hard to gain for the marathon will be mostly gone by the time I am able to run again. I started water running and although it will help a little bit it is no substitute for the real thing. Keep up the good work and someday we’ll get to run together ;-). Thank you again, Corey
August 1, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Terri,
Thank you for adding my blog to your list. I hope it helps. If you have a question – drop me a line. If you’re curious about something… most likely someone else is too. So, I enjoy researching and writing about stuff.
BTW It looks like you’re from MA? I grew up in Leicester and all my relatives are still back there. My brother also runs and he is in North Reading.
Keep up the good work!
Coach Dean
September 25, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Thanks for commenting back. I forgot to mention in my comment that I dig your music selections! I run to a lot of the same things. Interesting day job-my husband is an attorney and one of our good friends is an associate director at a law school here in Oklahoma City. Wishing you well!
Rock on!
Erin
December 1, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Hi Terri,
First off, great blog. I have been checking-in on your Middle of the Pack Girl blog over the last few weeks and thought now may be a good time to reach out. You are doing an excellent job of creating community and interest with your writing.
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Do you think you would be interested in trying it out and posting a review about it on your site/blog? If so, all I need is your name and mailing address and I’ll mail you a full-sized container of ProWash to experience for yourself.
Thank you for your kind consideration and I look forward to hearing from you. Keep up the great work with your site/blog!
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Ryan
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+ http://www.forbes.com/businesswire/feeds/businesswire/2008/10/13/businesswire20081013005146r1.html
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December 3, 2008 at 11:59 pm
If you ever come to run the Boulder Bolder, let me know… I’m about 20 minutes from where they hold it… 😉
I always have thoughts about wanting to run… I just don’t know how to get started… I don’t know what’s wrong with me. !!! 😉
Instead I practice and play piano… That is a de-stresser for me…
March 30, 2009 at 6:18 am
I love your site. Keep it up !