I belong to a group called Go Run.  It is a group that is organized and headed up by two fabulous ladies – Julie and Phyllis.  They take care of us every Saturday morning and get us prepared for whatever races we may be participating in.   

The new training season began June 30th.  On my schedule presently is the Gulf Coast Half Marathon in October, Pensacola Marathon in November, and the Houston Marathon in January.  I have not registered for Rock-n-Roll New Orleans (February) yet but I am thinking long and hard about it.  

A new season… a new running schedule… a new outlook on training…

I trained hard last year for the Houston Marathon.  That was my big race.  I wanted to finish in 5 hours or less.  However, that did not happen.  Although I finished the Houston Marathon, it was a disappointment for me.  After the race, I went back to my hotel room and laid in bed.  My friend, Karen, came over to visit me – she had also run that day.  I remember saying I would never run the Houston Marathon again.   My hamstring was killing me – during the race it hit me and at about mile 20ish, I thought about quitting.   I thought about it briefly.  DNF.   Those 3 letters caused panic to set in.   Long story short, I crossed the finish line. 

Now the new training season is here.   I have my training schedule.  I have glanced over it.  I have not studied it – yet.  I hear the voices in my head:  what should I do different this training season?   what did I do wrong last time?  how can I finish in under 5 hours?   Questions, questions and more questions.     And I have no answers right now.

I do know that I have had two great long runs the past 2 Saturdays.  I also had a fun time running with my friends at the 4 on the 4th race. 

I want to approach this training season with excitement and commitment.   I want to finish the Houston Marathon this time and have that euphoric feeling that you get when you have had an excellent run.   I need to just run.  Stop thinking, and just run.

Happy Running !