I signed up for another race on Saturday. It feels like forever since I last raced. Right now I feel like I need a boost. Racing does a great job at renewing my love for running. I also signed up to train with a group for the half marathon in March. I think it'll be a good thing...to help me stay accountable. I've been pretty good about getting my runs in the past two weeks, but that's only because Chad has been so wonderful about making sure I don't talk myself out of it. The cold weather was putting such a damper on my desire to run, but I think I figured it out. I look like a ninja, but I'm a warm ninja. My sweet husband bought me some running tights for our anniversary, and I also wear a full head gator. It's nice, and no one knows who I am.

One more day off, then race day. I'm hoping to sustain at least a 7:30 minute mile. That'll put me right where I was before surgery. Right now an 8 minute mile is very comfortable. For race day, I should be able to push a 7:30, or faster. Next week I'll be hitting it hard, being sure to get all my work outs in.

We went to NY for Christmas and I met the cutest guy in the gym there. (Chad, don't freak out! You're still my dream boy!) He was about 70 years old and has ran 50-60 marathons. Amazing. It was so wonderful to talk to him...very inspiring. His advice to me was to be sure to hit the long runs on the weekends. He said that was the most important thing. I'll take that advice, and I hope I'm in as good of shape as he is at 70. There are some pretty incredible people out there.

I still want to trim down about 7 more pounds. My goal is to just focus on the training and fueling my body...I believe everything else will fall into place. I also hope I can be a good example to my kids, and they will gain a love of exercise too!