Oww.

One thing I've found I love about running is that the running community is such a supportive one.

I remember my first 5K in September (it feels like so long ago). I really wanted to run the whole way, but I was too new at it and on two separate occasions had to slow down and walk a bit. On both occasions, other runners passing by turned around and said "don't slow down, you can do it!" Being used to more competitive sports and activities my whole life (I narrowly survived the flute section), I was a bit floored that others would take a moment to push me to better myself.

The cool thing is that we all have different goals. Some enjoy focusing on upping their speed in shorter races. Others strive to run crazy long distances. My goal is to run a half marathon and, well...finish. What we all have in common is that we are our own biggest competitors. We just want to meet our own goals and do it better than we did it the last time.

I read a blog somewhere about the camaraderie among runners and the "runner's wave." I thought that was pretty cool. I seldom pass another runner in my community, so I don't get to experience it first-hand often. I was glad I'd read the article one Saturday morning, though, as a man was passing me on the sidewalk. He waved and stuck out his hand and caught mine in a high-five. Had I not read the blog, I wouldn't have understood, would have left him hanging, and would have taken him for a creep. Instead, I thought it was neat. Here we were, two random souls passing while the world slept, momentarily acknowledging and encouraging each others' efforts and pursuits, whatever they may be.

Why am I writing this blog? Well, I might as well because I can't get up:

Yes, MapMyRun indicates that I ran almost 9 miles 2 weeks ago and almost 10 miles today, but it's a bit off (the GPS in my phone is probably the culprit). I'm hoping that I ran 8 miles 2 weeks ago and 9 today, but there were definitely points in both of these runs where I knew that my miles were being called too soon. Like today, when the 4 mile mark was called as I'd been idling for about a minute waiting for a crossing signal.

Whatever my actual mileage, it was the longest I have run yet, and I am SORE. It's a good sore - I worked hard for it. It's not the kind of sore, however, that motivates me to attempt to get up off the couch.

My favorite thing is that, when I come in the door, Macy runs up to me and greets me by saying "Mommy all wet running?" I can't say I don't sweat.

I am happiest to report that I can significantly drop down my mileage for the next two weeks before I shoot for 10 in 3 weeks! I'm starting to think that I might actually be able to pull this thing off.

Many thanks to those who have been so supportive, and all the best to YOU in whatever you are hoping to accomplish!