I have this crazy idea that despite what all the training plans say, I HAVE to run the full 13.1 to make sure I can do it. That whole the race fever will carry you, I just don't believe it. So Sunday I have 11 on the books but was planning on 12. I started with a couple of girls I always have fun running with. Julie is game for adventure and Jessica just makes me laugh. If I can run and laugh, I know I am doing ok. They didn't have as many planned. Julie had six and Jessica had gotten there an hour earlier for her 12 so they both only did six with me. BUT IT WAS GEORGOUS! After cold, rain, sleet and yes, even snow, I was ready to run on such and amazing day. Julie had the bear mace at the ready, but all we saw were butterflies and bunnies. It was too pretty to just do 11 or 12 so after my 6 I went back for more. I went out 4 with the intent of stopping at the 12 marker on the way back, but I just kept going. It was warm but not hot. Peaceful, but not too quiet with other runners and bikers sharing the path. So I did it. The whole 13.2 and now I can assure myself I can do it. Flying Pirate, here I come!

You have a bad day. You're lonely. You're angry. You name it and running seems to make it better. Even when you are happy, it makes your happier. Endorphins rock! And best of all, when you are done, all the crazy thoughts make sense. See, I'm really not crazy! (Shhh! Don't tell her its the endorphins talking.) Lately, there have been a lot of ups and downs for me. I only work part time and I have a hard time with that as part time work is part time money. Sure, I get more time with my daughter, which is awesome, but then I feel guilty because I do work part time and want to work full time, and working part time I can't buy her everything I want, but working full time I won't have time to buy her everything I want...you can see the crazy. You don't even have to come close. Throw in a bad day at work, or more friends moving away (we're Navy) and the inadequate feeling of only two BA's and no master's (yep, going for broke on the guilt train) and what's left is running. My five miles last night, in the cold rain, felt GOOD. I left feeling crappy, wanting to cry a little, angry and I was definitely having a "fat" day. After mile 1, I had a grove. By mile 2, my breath was even and I could feel my legs work. Better yet, by mile 3, GPS confirmed I was still running at the same pace, a pace a little faster then normal. By the time I had gone over the bridge, to the stop light, back through the neighborhood twice and finally hit mile 5, I felt...normal, even keeled, almost...dare I say it?-sane. My legs felt strong, my head was clear, I was breathing fine and the world was back to normal. Running might not be a complete cure all, but it sure works wonders for me.