If only........

Really, there are NO "if only's"...not today...not really any day...not when you can really and truly race with gratitude.  I always forget that the Army 10 Miler is also about the Wounded Warriors  - whom I have SUCH respect for (never end a sentence with a preposition)!

I was really reaching today to make a goal that I didn't think I could do.  I've been chasing the elusive "under 2 hour" 10 miler for a while now.  At least a year.  I will admit though, that until this summer..it was NEVER going to happen because I was not training to run an "under 2 hour" 10 miler.  Always in my head, but never put the effort in.

So, what did I do differently?  I wish I could say that I went to track practice and worked on speed.  But I didn't.  My hamstring has also kept me from speed work.  So imagine what I COULD do if I actually did the track/speed workouts.

I do credit the strength that I have increased with my Kettle Bell and conditioning class...and, of course...losing 41lbs...(so far)..which is free speed.

So, for now, i'll take it..I'm supremely happy with the results...and I'm damn proud of myself b/c I also no longer talk myself in to walking during the run.  I feel like my brain and heart are finally in the game.  Wahoo!

Here's to a year of learning new things (again!)...and whatever comes next October 2, 2015...will be the result of hard work and training and eating well.  Even if its a DNF, or not a PR..I want the journey to BE the story.