What an incredible year of personal growth it has been for me.  We moved across the country last December to a place where we did not know a soul.  At the beginning of the year, I decided this would be a year of new discoveries and attempts at new things to help me figure out what makes me smile and incorporate those things into my life.  It is amazing what happens when you allow yourself the opportunity to grow by stepping out of the comfortable little box in which we all tend to put ourselves.

Since we moved to a place that has heaven weather, I really wanted to get my workout on OUTSIDE.  We started hiking and had so much fun, saw incredible scenery and got our butts in great shape.  If you've ever heard me talk about p90x and Insanity, you know I HATE CARDIO.  I'll do wall squats all day if it means I can avoid plyometrics.  : )  Well, considering I can't hike everyday for my workout, I had to find another so I thought I would give jogging a try, even though I hate jogging.  My first run was in January and I couldn't run even a half mile without stopping and gasping for air, but I loved the way it made me feel after.  I started flirting with the run a few days a week because I thought it was ridiculous I couldn't run a mile.  I began to feel better and better and discovered I was in a battle of wills.  It was my mind against my body and my mind told me all the reasons why I should not do this while I was flirting with this run.  I would push myself further than my mind told me I could go and it was a rush.  Little did I know, I was hooked.  I started running 1-2 miles every couple of days and then in March I thought....I wonder if I could run a half marathon or even a marathon.  It seemed crazy.  I had never run more than 3 miles, but could I ....

I mentioned it to several people and they all told me I need to chill out and do a 5K.  : )

Then I met someone who told me I could do it.  (thank you Oscar)  Sometimes, it takes someone to believe in you before you let yourself believe in yourself.  He told me about a marathon in October and assured me that if I follow a training schedule, I would be able to easily complete a half marathon.  Balls to the walls - I signed up for a half marathon when I had never even run further than 3 miles.

That race is now just 9 days away.  I ran 30 miles last week.  I RAN 30 MILES LAST WEEK.  Holy Crap.

I am going to continue to train and run a full marathon in February.  I am in better shape than I have ever been in at age 42 (will be 43 just 2 days after the race) and I am confident that I do not have to get squishy just because I am aging.  I mean if that doesn't get you on your feet to holler, C'MON!

This experience has taught me so much.  It's not just about running!  It's about taking on things that look so overwhelming and not giving up.  No matter what your mind tells you, no matter what your loved ones tell you, no matter what...if you want it and are willing to let go of the fear, it's yours.  I set a goal, but didn't realize the real payoff would not be completely the race.  I feel like I already have seen the payoff with all the work I've put in to make my dreams turn into a reality.  I got up to that stupid alarm no matter how I felt, if it was raining or scorching hot, I ran.  Man - if we can incorporate a 'training schedule' for all our dreams, we would be unstoppable.

Can you tell I'm on fire?  : )  I want this to encourage you.  You don't have to become a runner to experience this.  Start putting deadlines on your dreams and open up a whole new world.  The cool thing is - it is never too late.  xo

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT ME IN THIS RACE
--I would love to raise as much money for this amazing charity as possible. Up and Running Again trains and conditions people who are living in homeless shelters as well as at-risk youths to run marathons, provides them with running shoes and pays their race registration fees.

Click here to support me completing this crazy dream of mine by donating to this incredible group.  A huge thank you to all of you who have already done so.  I know we can make some more dough for them in the next week.