As medical students, it feels like we are always in training. After all, we don't have our MD's yet, and even then we still train during residency. At the moment, it seems like we always will be in training…that's why it's called the "practice of medicine," right?

Lately, some of my fellow students have begun another type of training – for the Dexter-Ann Arbor 5k, 10k, and Half-Marathon that takes place in early June. In addition to being a beautifully scenic route, this race is quite popular at UMMS. (And it's not just because the Office of Medical Student Education historically pays our entrance fees to promote fitness among students) and that popularity may even grow as a result of the new house system.

This year has marked the introduction of M-Home, where students and faculty alike are sorted into houses, now called Fitzbutler House, Salk House, Hamilton House, and Sanford House. Each house then hosts events to promote cross-class mingling and collegiality. For example, my house (Fitzbutler) has played Quidditch and even whirlyball in friendly rivalries against other houses.

Now, we are going to begin training for the Dexter-Ann Arbor run together. We started with a seminar about exercise physiology (some of the material was similar to that in coursework but with practical applications) and soon the training runs will start.

In my case, I will probably pass on this additional training this year. Why? Well, I completed my first half-marathon about a week ago (Ann Arbor Half-Marathon) and followed that up with the Trail to the Victors Big House 5k a few days ago. I might hold off from racing for a bit longer, but I definitely want to do another one in the future.

My mom did the half-marathon with me; my whole family did the Big House 5k.