So much time has passed, so many things have changed, life has had so many twists and turns. The one constant through it all? Running. Yes, running. I haven't stopped, haven't looked back, haven't quit, haven't made excuses...I just keep running. I've had a few people refer to me as "Forest Gump" and hear their cat calls as I run past them..."Run, Forest, Run!" I don't mind. I haven't put life on hold to fit in my running, I've just kept my time commitment TO running. Since moving to NC 18 months ago, I think I've run in about 5 full marathons, 5 half's, and several 5K's. I'm no super star, I don't win in my age group, but I find peace in running and you certainly can't put a price on that. :)
I've learned so much about running over the years, but I've also learned so much about myself and what I'm really made of. I've learned what I'm capable of and what pushes me, what drives me to compete and what holds me back. My marathon finish time is still about 3:59-4:14, my half's around 1:46-1:50, but that's okay for now. One day I will qualify for Boston when I feel like I can push myself hard, when I feel healthy enough to run Yasso's and fartlek's, when I am ready to conquer my biggest stumbling block---my mental state of mind.
I'm glad to be back, glad to be writing.
