What’s next?

So fresh off my best run ever I’ve decided to join Team LIVESTRONG once again and run my second marathon. I loved Chicago so much the first time around I want to do it all again.

This time though I’ll take some high expectations with me.

Once again inspiration will fuel my run… honoring so many incredible individuals as I run through the streets of Chicago. But… I am also setting a goal to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

If you take a look at my 2012 time you would probably laugh at the thought… how in the world could she shave 26 minutes off her time? Yes that’s correct, twenty-six precious minutes is what I need to erase between the start and the finish. But… 2013 is a whole new year. Keeping healthy will be key as will be smart training….

It’s a lofty goal but I’m up to the challenge. And yes, I am now bound to it since I’m making it so public. But really… what better accountability is there than that?

[My most recent run was a Half Marathon on a somewhat hilly course in Austin, Texas… I bettered my previous PR by 6 minutes which was set on a flat course in Kansas City in April, 2012.  I finished this race, the Austin LIVESTRONG Half Marathon this past Sunday @ 1:40:43… beating my time at last year’s event by 15 minutes]

GO time!

The day has finally arrived. I’m putting it all on the line… today I’m going the distance to prove to cancer that it will never win.

This race is about so much more than you can imagine. It’s about being that inspiration… that glimpse of hope… to so many fighting cancer.

Simply put, today I run for those who can’t.

I’ve been looking forward to this run for weeks now. I’m running for 30 incredible individuals whose lives have been forever changed by cancer.  Loved ones and friends, and individuals that have beat cancer… and some who have sadly run out of time.

My dear friend Lori is on this list… she has become my inspiration for so much in life, because of the way she lived hers.

So with a course known for its hills I’ll be relying on a lot of prayers and a lot of inspiration. Those I’m running for… and the stories of teammates who have beat the odds.

When I toe the line this morning, I plan to run with purpose. Yes I have goals. It’s important to have something to strive for… I am a competitive person so I will be running a race. But it’s definitely not all about me. I’ll be running through the streets of Austin kicking cancer right where it belongs.

See you at the finish.

what’s your finish line?

So after training for weeks upon weeks and crossing the finish line… I find myself asking where do I want to be next? And… how will I get there?

Do you ever ask yourself or think about what lies ahead? Do you have goals… a race, a new job, conquering a fear, more time with your spouse, your kids, your friends? Your finish line could be so many things… but then once you cross, shouldn’t there be a new goal, shouldn’t you find another?

I find myself looking to the next big thing. The LIVESTRONG Austin Half in February… or becoming a cyclist… a swimmer… or competing in my first triathlon in May… perhaps another marathon and a century-ride @ the LIVESTRONG Challenge next fall. I know I’m ready to start working toward my next goal now; I’m not too good at sitting still. No post-marathon blues for me.  I had already moved on before I ran Chicago… my eyes were on my next target.  Sure I take time to enjoy each day… but I still need to focus on what’s ahead!

Right now I’m trying to rest an injury (which is so incredibly hard for me…) trying to find the willpower not to wake up 3-4 times a week and hit the road running. I am trying my best to only hit the weights, core and cardio workouts, swimming and cycling for the next few weeks.

I came across a great quote which is so true for every aspect of life… “Ask yourself if what you’re doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow.” Can I spend time at the pool, teaching myself good form, endurance and efficiency so when I do register for my first triathlon and hit the open water, I’ll be ready? Can I take time off from running so once I get my run back on, I’ll be 100%?

Whatever that finish line is for you, find your love and your passion. Discover what truly makes you happy and go for it. Because once you put in the time, effort and hard work… crossing the finish line will be one of the best feelings in the world!