Connie O'Reyes

So! Lots and lots to tell you! This will probably be the most poorly written post only because I’m still so excited I can’t form thoughts properly, so bear with me.

Remember last week when I wrote about how I wanted to run a marathon, then ended up eating chocolate-covered bacon? No? Well go read it (scroll down to the next post) and come back so you know what the heck I’m talking about.

Caught up? Ok! So yes, I posted that here and also on the RedEye Royalty page, which if you don’t know, is the website for all the Royalty of the RedEye Chicago newspaper. Basically they are the people who comment/send in stuff/communicate with the paper on a regular basis.  Remember? I got in last month? Ok good.

So I posted my blog, knowing in the back of my mind that if I SAY I’m going to run a marathon, that I better be able commit and actually DO it. But even though I get winded running for the train in the morning, I figured if I say it “out loud” then there’s no backing out. 

Then, like a day or two later, Steph, the awesome RedEye web editor, sent me a message asking if I would be interested blogging for them about my experience training for the marathon!  She said they were interested in a “regular-girl-gets-fit” blog, which was the nicest way of saying, “Hey fatty, want to write about getting fit?” I could imagine.  My response- uhhh YES! Getting paid for writing is one of my New Year’s Resolutions, along with getting fit- a two for one!  So then we talked, I told her what I thought would work and what wouldn’t.  Then like minutes later we met and before you know it I was getting my picture taken for my banner!

So what exactly just happened? Well, to put it simply for those that aren’t into the internets (hi mom), I am going to be a columnist for their website. If you go to www.redeyechicago.com you will see all the official bloggers on the right column, which will soon include me!  The title of my blog will be “Marathon Missfit” (Do you get it? misfit? Miss Fit??)

This all happened so fast that I can’t even wrap my head around it yet. I’m going to be a writer? For real? ABOUT FITNESS??!! AHHH! This is intense. It didn’t really hit until last night when I went to an event for the entire ChicagoNow website- which is where the RedEye’s website is located. There were a million famous Chicago bloggers there including some of the RedEye bloggers, all of whom were SUPER nice. I felt so cool!  I did my very best trying to conceal my complete dorkiness, but I”m not sure if they were entirely convinced.

AND, I already met two people who offered to train me/help me train and close to 10 people who want to run with me. The editor suggested I start a running club, which I plan on doing once I, umm, can at least run a solid mile.

If you’re still confused, I’ve compiled a list of Q&A that I created based off the few people I told which includes questions I know no one is mean enough to ask, except maybe my sister. If you have more questions let me know!

Q: You are the laziest person I know, why are you writing about a Marathon?

A: That’s precisely why. Because I’m the average, non-runner who a lot of people can relate to as opposed to a Jillian Michaels/fitness pro type that looks intimidating.

Q: But, don’t you have to, work-out?

A: Yes, and probably diet as well.

Q: They must be paying you.

A: They are! I’m a freelance writer!

Q: How much?

A: Not enough to quit my day job. But it’s a huge deal. One of the bloggers just published a BOOK, another is a Chicago social lite, and the rest are all famous/do super cool stuff as well. I intend to copy all of them. ALSO: I get more based on the number of times people view my site. So click every hour on the hour!

Q: How often do you have to write?

A: At least 3xs a week, more if I can.

Q: Will you still keep C is for Connie?

A: Yes! But probably won’t get to write as much, after all, no one’s paying me to write here, and I go where the money goes. JK

Q: So when’s this “Marathon”?

A: October 10, 2010. The Chicago Marathon.

Q: And how many miles is that?

A: 26.2

Q: You’re dead.

A: I know.