Closing in on 1000 miles!

Nearly there! 942 as of today!

Enjoying every moment..

Today I am at 702 miles for the year.  I woke up at 4:11 a.m. this morning, and met up with Kim at 5 a.m. to walk 2 miles.  I look forward to my morning walks and runs, either alone or with friends.  It is a wonderful way to clear my mind, catch up with a friend, and appreciate the beautiful world around us.  This morning I couldn't stop looking up at the stars.

Looking back, looking ahead

It's hard to believe that 4 years ago this week I started training with Team in Training for my very first Half Marathon (Disney Half in Jan 2010.) Prior to this, I was a casual walker.  Did not stick to it much.  Now four years later, I have completed 6 half marathons, many 5K's, gone through 4 pairs of running shoes.

I have enjoyed every moment of it.  It is such a joy to train, push myself, and fellowship with other runners and walkers.

Now I look forward to my next race - the Women's Running Series in St Pete's.  This is my 3rd time to participate in this race.  But this year, I am thrilled to doing it with several of my close friends - Vickie, Vicki, Karen, Kim, and Jessica.  We have been training together for several months.

It's August 3 and I have completed 524 miles so far this year.  Yes, I am behind for my 1000 mile goal for this year, but looking back, I am thrilled that I have stuck with it for 4 years straight.

I thank God for His grace, strength, and mercy.  Philippians 4:13

I am already dreaming about turning 40 next year and celebrating with another Half.

I am up to 518 miles this year so far.  Yes, I am behind as far as where I should be this time of year.  However, I know as we draw closer to the Half in November, I will be racking up the miles on Saturday long runs/walks.

199 days to go

It's warm here in Florida.  I had a rough week last week, not feeling well at all.  So I took the week off from running.  This week I am back at it.

Best 5k in some of the worst conditions!

I ran the Maya Matters Helping Kids Kick Cancer 5K over the weekend.  It started out cloudy, but by half way through it started raining, thundering, and even some lightening.  I was soaked.  But I pushed through.  Seeing the families out there running and walking to raise funds for relief for families with children with cancer was inspiring.

I finished in 35:52, my best 5K race time so far.  I was thrilled!

Just run.

You know that old saying, "never say never?" Well, not too long ago, I would often tell others that I could "never" run, or that I never ran.  Fast forward three years, and I have been running intervals for over a year and a half.  Now I am running more than ever before.

Small steps, trying to run a mile without walking - check.  Run 2 miles with minimal walking - check.

I am learning that while I have said "never" in the past, I am not letting my former thoughts about myself slow me down.  Just run Julie!