All Aboard the Pain Train!

Approaching the Finish Line; overcome with emotion

My mother-- who is one of my biggest fans-- is always afraid I'm going to permanently injure myself with "all this running."  

I certainly cannot explain it to her or blame her for worrying.  It doesn't make any sense when you view running solely through the lense of health or weight control.

But that isn't my view at all.  

Running is my daily chance to be free from other labels. For that hour or so, I am not Mom or Judge or Teacher.  I am a Runner.  And that is the joy.

Last month at Atlanta's Publix Marathon, I was hoping to qualify for Boston.  I didn't.  But I was a runner racing and giving it every ounce of effort.  The pain on my face as I approached the finisher's chute is proof that it wasn't wasted effort.

Ahh . . . My Bling Collection Grows . . . 

I went out there to see what I could do on that day.  I found out.  I would hate it if I never knew.

Early in the race; still feeling fine.

5:30am and who is with me?
My support crew, my cheerleader, my taxi, my sherpa.
I owe you big, Sweetie.