????? miles per hour

I feel restless tonight. My brain seems to be thinking and contemplating about a gazillion things at a rapid pace. Part of me is excited that I have found a passion for something that is very good for me, but another part wants me to calm down! I'm sure I've annoyed just about everyone I know with all my running talk, but I can't help it. Running is who I am now ... it's what I do and love!

What I really want to do is talk to other runners and ask them questions such as:

* how did you get started in running? Was it an easy decision or was it tough to begin?

* Is there a certain mileage point where you begin to battle yourself at stopping or continue on? How do you get past the negativity of the left brain? What gets you to keep going?

* How in the world do you train for ultras?! And how in the world do you keep the stamina to keep going during them?!

There is so much more I want to know! I feel like a child that is thirsty for knowledge and can't get enough of it in books.

I have all these goals looming in my mind and afraid to voice them in fear of being told it's not possible. I never thought me running in any sort of race, specially a half marathon was possible, but I've obviously proved that wrong!

* Does the feeling of being a race junky ever go away?

* Does the desire to run every diminish? --- I HOPE NOT!

My mom told me after she started running a few years ago that it really saved her life. I thought that was awesome, but never really understood what she meant till I began my own journey with the activity. I have to say I agree 100%! Running has helped me immensely and I'm very thankful for those who have inspired me to begin. It's a life changing thing and I want it to continue.

My running group is doing 17 miles in the morning. The longest I've ever gone is 13.1 ... a half marathon. So when I hit 13.2 I will probably rejoice in the fact that I can do this! Those 4 extra miles will be tough, but I'm looking forward to them! To a new goal and a feeling of accomplishment.