the last semester...

So I'm about 2 weeks into my last semester as an undergrad, or maybe ever, depending on what I decide to do next year!  It's a bit...unsettling...to not have any definite plans yet.  But, onward is the only way to go so that's what I'm doing.  My schedule is probably too easy and it definitely gives me too much free time.  I've been training an average amount so far this semester, which, given the amount of free time I have sounds lame, but since it is the beginning of the semester and I'm still figuring out the swing of things, I'm okay with.  I'm trying to find new ways to get my training in though, other than just going to the gym.  For example, when I was in Israel, one of my favorite parts was the hiking.  It was so incredible being outside, getting fresh air, seeing beautiful scenery and still being active!  Unfortunately, there's no where in Florida that can really compare to Masada or any of the other places we hiked there (because really, when's the last time you saw a beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert like this: Ein Gedi ??)  So, Dana and I decided that we missed hiking and would find a place to go somewhere in Gainesville.  And we did!  Monday was a day off from school for MLK Day, so we went to the Morningside Nature Preserve east of Gainesville.  It was so beautiful and they have some really great trails, of all different lengths.  The weather was perfect and it was such a nice way to work out!  I will most definitely be going back there!

The only problem I have with the beginning of the semester, especially the spring, is that people come back with this "I'm going to work out all the time" attitude, which usually fades by February.  In the meantime though, the gyms are crowded all the time, which seriously cramps my gym schedule.  I'm just going to have to work around it...

This weekend my brother Ira and nephew Seth are coming for a visit!  We have a really fun weekend planned, with a UF swim meet, basketball game and a campus tour, in honor of their first visit to Gainesville...I hope the weather cooperates!!

Rewind

Since the last time I wrote, which admittedly was too long ago, I've been around the world and back.  Literally.  And I am sorry for the lack of scintillating information about my life and training stories.  But, with the end of my last fall semester of college, a mini-trip to St. Augustine (ghost tour and all), winter break starting and a 10-day most-amazing-time-of-my-life trip to Israel, you'll have to forgive me!  I won't write about every single detail, or even the big ones here, because that's not what this blog was created for.  But, please ask me if you're interested, because I love nothing more than recounting my adventures!

And now it's 2010.  I started this year in an airport in Israel, and I can't even imagine where it will take me.  My last semester of college has started and I am just trying to wrap my head around that, while still focusing on classes and finding a job.  And training of course!  

EXCITING NEWS!  I officially registered for the Disney Princess Half Marathon yesterday morning!  And then had a bit of a panic attack.  I have just 60 days (give or take) to train for a half marathon.  Which I haven't trained for all winter break (with the exception of a few awesome, seriously intense hikes in the Israeli desert).  Oh my gosh.

But I did go to the gym yesterday and did 30 minutes on the elliptical.  And then I went again today and did 30 on the stairmaster and 30 on the elliptical.  I'm planning on running tomorrow morning for probably 30 minutes or so, maybe more depending on the time.  It's not going to be easy, but I will do it.  I am so motivated, not just to do the race, because I'm already registered, but to finish it.  To prove to myself that I can do this. 

I am so excited about this semester.  I have a good feeling! :)