1st Wk: Annadel Half Mrthn Race training

Coach Marc giving us a pep talk before we head for the hills

I am loving running.

Who knew I would ever admit this?

Don't get me wrong. The first couple of miles sometimes hurt.

Sometimes ALL the miles hurt.

My hamstrings ache. My calves feel heavy. My achilles tendon pops and jumps. There are other hurts here and there.

Believe me... running .... is much harder than it looks.

But once I run. And I am done.. it feels GOOOD!

I am in the middle of WEEK ONE for another half-marathon training group up at Annadel Heights again.

I believe the race date is April 17th... Palm Sunday.

I can't fathom what this new training has in it's pockets. I am just going out there and giving it my best.

The first practice run wiped me out.

The pace was much quicker than I'm used to running. We ran 5 miles. But I was in the midst of all kinds of runners. Infact.. 125 runners. Mostly fast runners, so I huffed and puffed trying to keep up the pace, lagging behind in a deafening way.

And when I got home and showered.. I felt hungry all day. And cold though temperatures hit in the low 70s.

I am ready for anything. I just want to be positive and healthy and pain-free and optimistic and hardworking and kind.

Wow. That's a long list.

I just want to be able to stand and feel painfree when it's all done. When the race is over, I want to feel good and strong and brave and powerful.

Anything is within my grasp. Right!!?

HA!

Funny I am adding kindness to the list, but the more I run and converse with other running buddies.. the more I want that in my life.

I am taken back sometimes at runners who are particular who they run with. "I will not run with that person and I will run with this person".

Too much to keep up. I don't want drama. I just want fun. And friendships. And adventures.

And I'm on that path.

Here goes.