Last night I ran my 15th 5K! (it was my 17th race overall) It was a wonderful experience. Although it was so hot I thought I may get to experience what it's like to throw up during a run. I got very nauseous toward the end, but I figured since I wasn't dizzy I wasn't about to pass out so I just kept on going. I thought maybe I would throw up and add it to the unique race experience list! lol! But then I didn't...almost disappointing as it would have made such a great story later... oh well.  I had a lot of emotions going into the race as I thought back about that first 5K. It's been such an invigorating, addictive journey! I started just to survive...and now I survive just to run! My legs just feel strong - I cannot really explain it any better than that - they just feel good under me. I thought of all the accomplishments that I've managed to do over this two years of racing... Of the 15 5K races I've placed 6 times. I don't think that's too bad! I...

That's right - this morning was my first half marathon! And I actually met all my goals.. I am very happy with myself and my performance in the race. I was so scared! I kept thinking about how until today I've only run 10.5 miles and I'd have to gut it out - and gut it out I did! First the weather was terrible. It was raining the whole race. There were two lightning strikes downtown before the race so they had to move the start time. I started slow and just kept going. I did okay and before I knew it I was half way done. That's no biggy - because I've done a 10K before. I talked myself through the whole thing in a crazy sort of way...After I got to mile 9 which is where I figured I'd start having challenges with my attitude and thinking...I started working it backwards. I told myself I only have 4 miles to go. And I do more than that on my regular daily running.   Basically, I ignored the fact that I had already run the 9 miles. Then at ten I was like I have a...