Louie G Rocks My World!!!

Before I discuss my run last night... I want to talk a bit about my little brother. Well... scratch that... let me give you a little back story regarding my family first. I come from an extremely musically inclined group of people. There is not a soul in my bloodline that can not carry a tune (though some would like to say they cant... but they can) and not 1 person in my immediate family that doesn't rock the guitar among other various instruments. (That is... besides myself, and I prefer to take advantage of/focus on my natural abilities: my pipes. I tried to play the guitar for a while, but that -unlike the other members of my herd - does not fall into the "natural" category. But let me make something clear: I have some impeccable pipes.... I'm just sayin'.) Growing up, some of my fondest and frequent memories take place somewhere sitting around listening to someone (usually my dad) jamming on an acoustic and others singing harmonies for hours on end. My family has got it goin' on.

Okay... so fast forward... My little brother, Luke, AKA: Louie G, has inherited the music gene and ran with it. He is a guitar playing genius as well as an incredible singer and song writer. Because of these abilities, he has been noticed by some very influential people. He has been signed by a prominent record label in the contemporary Christian music industry. His Producer is my cousin, Zachary, who is a complete genius when it comes to writing, mixing and producing all types of music. His Executive Producer, Troy, was influential in DC Talk, Audio Adrenaline, Rachel Lampa, & Blue Tree's music careers. They are looking to go in a secular direction and have decided to use Luke as their muse. YEAAAH!! My BEAUTIFUL, adorable, preppy, church going, 18 year old little brother has a side of him that is part Justin Timberlake part Lil Wayne part Jack Johnson/John Mayer part AWESOME! Though he has a very broad & eclectic range of music abilities and genre interests, the music he will be putting out is Hip Hop.

So why do you care? And what does this have to do with running? I am BIG on running with my IPod and I love upbeat music, especially something with rhythm and bass. Luke's first single is now on ITunes and I want to encourage all of you to look him up (Louie G) and download his song, "She's So On" Featuring Chalie Boy. Check out the Widget above to get a glimpse of him. Such a little hottie.

As for my run last night... bit of a downer. I met Carmen & Misti at the hike & bike trail and we were to embark on a 4 mile run. I was immediately introduced to the fact that my pace is WAY slower than Misti's and Carmen's. Which I don't feel so bad about... Misti has been running 6-7 miles every day of the week for years now. I have not. To even try to hang with her is ludicrous. I am no superwoman... regardless of what I would tell people otherwise. And Carmen did have a head start when it came to training for this thing, plus I am not sure how tall she is but I will venture to say she is every bit of 6'.... maybe....The girl has legs for days. I am 5'4" with short legs. So I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say that I was a little overwhelmed which I think affected my performance. Plus I had just started (sorry gentlemen) which probably affected my performance. Oh yea, and I ran 3 miles the day before and yesterday was supposed to be a short day, which MIGHT have affected my performance. Am I just making excuses? Maybe. But I was so tired at 2.5 that I stopped at 3 miles and started stretching. Misti completed her 4.5 shortly after - girl is fast! Then... guess what: the burning sensation that was in my shins at that point did not go away. I'm thinking one dreaded and horrific thought: SHIN SPLINTS!

Question: What the hell do I do now?!

As I am typing this (and not working) I am consistently raising my foot high and lowering it, trying to strengthen them as we speak. Freak mode began last night... panic mode is sure to ensue soon. HELP!!

I have a short run (alone) (2 miles) scheduled for tonight... I'll let you know how it goes. In the mean time:

• Hit up ITunes and buy Louie G's song


• Have a great day and enjoy your miles!