I have to ask myself.....

.....what is it I am running from? I remember venturing into running and not knowing what to expect. I was an athlete most of my teen years. Suddenly I was approaching adulthood realizing my sporting days were over. I never liked running. In fact, one of my nicknames was "U-haul" as I was SO slow around the bases. I recall running with Mom, Dad riding the bike with Tommy strapped in the child seat many years back.....in some way running was always there and I am not sure what took me back.

None the less, I found it....or it found me. I started slow and short sometimes running once around the neighborhood.

Today I ran 20 miles at an 8:10 pace. I have come a very long way.

Running is a friend I count on most days to be there for me. I count on running to help me through troubles, to help me solve problems and to allow a bond with myself and my surroundings. There are days that are hard, days that are easy and days I ask myself, "Why are you so loyal to this?". One thing I know is how strongly I am pushed, from where, I don't know. Some days I believe it's because I want to USE what I have.

I CAN run, so I do.

I am battling a fairly serious injury for the first time in my running journey and for the first time I am scared. I realize for many years I have taken my dear friend running for granted. I didn't know I could be so attached to something.....the thought of not running brings tears to my eyes.

I feel guilty for taking you for granted.

I feel guilty for not appreciating you enough.

For every pain-free run, I should thank you.....and I haven't.

I'm now less than a month from my attempt at becoming a Marathon Maniac. I'm finding myself very cautious and reflective. I am filled with fear and will continue thinking only positive thoughts about recovering and staying well before this journey.....