Lose Yourself

We had a long team run yesterday morning. It was a big group of really nice people that came out, and we did 8 miles. I felt great. The extra training runs during the week have kept me in good shape. I used to be down for the count all afternoon after doing anything around 8 miles in the morning, but I felt good all day following this one. I was in the "lead pack," as my coach, Gary, calls it. I cannot believe that my pace would be considered fast, but I guess it is compared to the rest of the group. I felt proud that I had a good pace, but I'm more concerned with just finishing. I also like being with the big group better than leading anyway, so hopefully we'll all gel together soon.

It's so cool to run with people who are new to running. There are two awesome women who hit new milestones on every group run. Can you imagine going from running 1-2 miles ever to doing 8 miles in a matter of weeks?? I am astounded by them.

We had a nice rest of the day visiting Victory Brewery with our friends, Alison and Derrick. Derrick is starting to train for his first half marathon for Team Challenge, another great organization that benefits the Crohn's and Colitis Society. We talked gear, GPS systems, and other running stuff over some hand-crafted, yummy beers. I hope he has a fundraiser at the brewery!

One week from right now, I'll be finishing up a half-marathon. I can't believe it's been a year since I did this race for my first Team in Training event. It was such an amazing day. Seeing Michael cheer me on, meeting my coaches near the finish line (and bawling my eyes out), and then the best part was when my mother-in-law and sister-in-law drove over to Philly to meet me right after the race. It was such an emotional moment for me. My mind had been so focused on my physicality, and that moment reminded me why I did this. As I shared the largest omelette in the universe with my new family, my teammate Michelle and her husband, and my best friend in the world, Michael, I felt such a sense of accomplishment that had nothing to do with athleticism. WE made a difference in the fight against blood cancers. That day, that moment would hopefully change the future of these diseases. That was a day I will never forget, and I look forward to repeating.