If I put it here, it must be real, right?

I've taken things slow, started back from scratch twice when I needed to.

I've trained smarter. My stress fractures, a blessing in disguise... forcing me to cross-train. 

After a lifetime of hating it, I eventually fell in love... it was all about running, usually 5 days a week. I've learned runners don't all come in one shape, or one size. I understand that perhaps my body isn't designed for running that many days a week.

I've learned to listen to my body, take rest days when needed.

I've had to remind myself that bones heal stronger than they were before.

I know that running is much mental, if not more, as it is physical.

I know that when I want something bad enough, I will do whatever I can to get it. While I wanted to be a marathoner back in 2009, it wasn't my day. Not because I didn't want it, but because my body wouldn't let me fight anymore to get it. I came close, dammit, 6k shy of the finish line.

So, looking ahead 7 months... 215 days to be exact, 2 years and 2 weeks later...

I will have my second 'first' marathon... with the hopes that this one will end differently.  

May 29, 2011.  

Deep Breath.
Ready, set, go. Let the training begin.