My sport is your sport's punishment

 

I love that feeling after a workout and your endorphins are doing whatever it is that endorphins do that make you feel so good. I have that feeling right now. It might also help that it is a gorgeous day here in good 'ol Seattle. :)

Speaking of workouts and endorphins, I have something to share that I wasn't really planning on sharing I think because deep down I don't really like accountability. Here it is: I am training for the Seattle half-marathon in November, with a "practice" half in September. I realize that doesn't sound like a big deal to a lot of people, but it totally is for me! I've been a runner my whole life and have never done an official half-marathon (or full, obviously, but that doesn't even sound fun to me!) I was training for a half a few years ago, but quit because of a calf injury. And since then I've been afraid of doing one because during my training, I started to hate running. And I love running! So why am I changing my mind all of a sudden? I think it's because since that time I've learned how to challenge my body (and my mind, for that matter) in so many different aspects, and have loooooved the process. Perhaps I'm a little wonky, but there you go. So I am running these not just for fun (although I'll love it) and not just for the t-shirt (though that's pretty exciting), but toward a goal that I can sweat my pa-tooty off for. So the big question in all your minds is probably, "What's your goal?" My goal is to run the September race in 8-minute miles, and the November race in 7:30-minute miles. Yikes! The hubster and I ran a 13.1 about a month ago and our pace was 8:21. So is my goal doable? I think so. Is it going to be a huge challenge? Uh, yep. Is it scary as hell??? YES! :)

So, if you find any running inspiration you'd like to send my way, please do! My bestest bud from college gave me a great women's running book a few years ago and I've been diving in! That's where I read that a goal should be attainable, but challenging enough that there's a chance you won't reach it. I concurred, and so my goal was set.

Oh, and one minor caveat I haven't mentioned is that ever since Darrick and I rode our bikes to Portland during the STP, I've had some pretty intense knee pain. I'm currently in physical therapy (and yes, I'm still training), so if you have the gift of healing, I'd appreciate it if you'd send a little word Upstairs for me. :)

Goooooooooooo TEAM! Woo!