So I went to Eureka Springs this week to run the most challenging course I have done so far. It was pretty much up hill for about 2.5 miles and then straight down for the last half. And that is no exaggeration whatsoever! The first hill goes straight up - turns left and goes up and to the right some more! Then a very brief hilly section before the straight up incline leading to the historic Crescent Hotel. (can you say "butt-kicker"?) It was very tough...  I had to walk for a few feet on the second incline...and I hate walking during a race! I felt like I was crawling along, barely moving at all. Then after conquering the hill I almost never caught my breath! Sheesh! And just about the time I did, the course shifted and went straight down Benton Rd! It was almost as difficult to hold myself back as going up the hill had been!  I crossed the finish line in just over 35 minutes. That's not too bad actually, for an old lady. My PR is in the 31 minute range so I really fe...

Next week I will go to Eureka Springs and run a 5K. I would love to try the 10K, but I'm not sure that I could handle that on the hills. Actually, I am sure that just a 5K will kick my butt pretty good! I don't want to be too sore after because it'll only be a month until the Chicago half marathon. So there ya have it. The two biggest things that I am apprehensive about! (as far as running goes!)  The Chicago half has a strict time limit. I can do a half marathon - did one in May. But I need to shave about 12 minutes off my time. That's quite a lot in the running world! And so I am forced to embrace the treadmill once again! lol! Actually, it's not too bad. It's right here and I can hop on it any time I want to! I enjoyed being able to run on Sunday this week!  So here is where the pep talking begins. I must tell myself things like you can do this. It sure feels like an uphill battle. But I am determined to make it. I'm going to beat this thing! I have ...