Final Thoughts Before the Half

When I first considered a return to running, I actually did it because I realized all the health problems I was having were 100% my fault. What a humbling notion! Throughout my 40's, I had played around with exercise classes, here and there, but none of them stuck. The only sport I had really ever enjoyed in life was running.

But I was out of that game for so long, and I knew how much it would hurt to return, I didn’t think it was ever going to be a possibility for me again. Plus, and let’s be 100% honest here: I am inherently lazy, I was more than 25 pounds overweight, and I was getting old. And those are some bad odds, folks.

But as life will often happen when you let go of control, I found that I was surrounded by people I really liked, and many of them had one thing in common: they were runners. Inspired and envious of their stories teamed with my humble realization that I was my own worst enemy: I started out with the Couch to 5K program and on October 1, 2011 returned to running with my first 5K.

Funny thing about running, it is a solo sport and you can plan to do it for yourself – but in truth, it is one of the most inspiring and connected sports out there. Without the support of family and friends, many runners would return to the couch. My family is my motivation: I want to set a good example and they inspire me by their amazing courage to tackle new adventures. My friends, and there are so many, are my inspiration: runners are a giving and supportive group and I have met so many beautiful people through this return.

And so here we are, one day away from my first ever half-marathon. I have to say, I am proud of myself because I will finish this race one way or another. But more than that, I am filled with joy because I know more than 3,000 other women are feeling the same way I am RIGHT NOW. They have logged the miles, felt the self-doubt, and depended on the support from others to get them through this most united solo-sport that has ever been created.

Salute!

Assignment: Put those bad thoughts away – run your race like you life your life: Full OUT!

Mind Blowing Thoughts:

It has been my history, that houses with lilac trees in the yard have always been the ones to feel most like home.

It is completely possible that I am beyond the age I often thought my friends parents were back in the day. That age, by the way, was old: very, very, old and I do not feel THAT age.

Spring brings out the most diversity in clothing options. This is not always a good thing nor is it ever a horrible thing, but it is a fact.

Assignment: Thursday means cupcake day in 2013. Best resolution I have ever made (and kept, so far). Never too late to set a goal for 2013 . . . what will it be?