Running This Fall

It has been a fun year of racing this year. It started in Evansville in March at the Run Of Luck 7K. After that there were 3 races in Jasper, Herrin IL, Loogootee, Shoals and Bloomington for about 40 miles worth competition this year. Looking at the schedule of upcoming races, you'd think there would be plenty of opportunities but there aren't. Next week there's the Persimmon fest 5K in Mitchell. After that, it looks like I might have a chance for a race around Thanksgiving and one around Christmas. Still it looks like the season is winding down.

Most of my practice runs through the week were confined to the track last winter. When I broke away for the road ways on February 27th, I never really cared for running there anymore. For the most part I head for the track only out of necessity; night runs, tired legs and feet, warm ups or time limitations. This winter I hope to stay on the roads as long as possible but I know there will still be days of lap-counting.

I started logging runs on October 9, 2006 and so my perspective about these daily runs has changed. When I started running I hoped to dabble in a run or two through the year. I never imagined I would have raced so many times through the year. Now that I know what it feels like, I approach my second year of running with a better idea of what to expect. Still there is another goal out there that will nudge me out of my comfort zone... the marathon. As I run under brilliant leaves and clear blue skies, followed by snow covered branches and chilling north winds, I keep in my mind that it is all part of the experience to mold me for my first 26.2 mile quest for survival.

Running this fall my feature very few starting lines but I have made up my mind that I am going to enjoy the journey that leads me to a mountain I once thought I'd never try to climb!