It's a Race!

Next weekend I'll be among thousands, geared up and ready to run the Phoenix Rock n' Roll half marathon. I've been training consistently for the last couple of months and today I did my final long run (eleven miles) in preparation for the race. I could have kept going today so I know that I'm ready! I'm ready for the live music, the energy of the crowd and a long run outside at sea level! I'm also ready to see my best friend Allison and Brett's brother Brandon and his family. They just had a baby in October and we can't wait to meet her! Brandon and Denise are the best. I truly wish we lived closer because I love them so much.

I asked Brett around Thanksgiving if we could make the trip and he said YES and then NO and then YES again! I just kept training regardless....hoping things would just work out with his work schedule, money etc. Luckily everything did, and I registered a couple of weeks ago and got my first pair of ASICS. My foot has been fine. The muscles are still sore around the joint of my big toe, but it doesn't bother me when I run. Faith and sweat, that's what it takes haha!

I'm ready to be in a warmer climate for a few days. This time of year in Idaho just about kills me. The negative and single digit temperatures have been brutal lately and we need some sun! Winter seems to be a six month endeavor around here and it has been exceptionally cold this year. I think Brett is going to have to tranquilize me to get me in the car to make the trip back! I better tell him.

I'm also excited about the health and fitness expo. There are going to be some amazing runners there that I've only read about. Writer/Runner John Bingham is going to be there--I have one of his books! Maybe I can get an autograph. Several Olympians will be there too! Ryan Hall and Deana Kastor are just a couple of elites that will be at the expo and at the race! I wonder if Ryan Hall will already be past the half marathon mark by the time we start an hour after the marathon. It would be really amazing to see him whiz by.

So now that I've proven that I'm a huge nerd...I just want to say how grateful I am that I get to run in this race. I was depressed after my surgery about my physical fitness backslide and I was lacking the motivation I needed to get back into a regular routine. This really did it for me. I'm so happy that I can run. It's hard some days, especially on a treadmill, but I love it so much.