Level Up

Still going.

Still running.

But we're at a new level this round.

I got to the top of the scaffolding at the finish line of the half marathon in May.  During that race, though, I got hit by a bunch of barrels and was, like, see-through and had...like, well, only one life left....  OK, OK, I don't remember that much about Donkey Kong, but if I could play the metaphor out, it'd be summarized with - - I have made it to the next level.

I'm back to training (for *half* of the Columbus Marathon in October).  

I'm stronger.
I'm faster.
I'm less fearful.
And it's exciting!

And.... it's totally part of my life.

Friday, my co-worker asked, "You got plans tonight, Joyce?"

My response:  "Let's see, tomorrow is 9 miles, so that means tonight I have to go to the grocery store for some bananas, yogurt, Gatorade, PowerGel, do some laundry, and get my gear ready for tomorrow's run."

Co-worker: *blank stare*

Yeah.

I'm that person now.

And I love it.

I texted my friend this scenario.
How cuckoo am I??
The response:  You got a passion.

So in this new level, I've gotten a little faster, I have a little more ambition, and passion.

I'm OK with this.

So the 9 miles this morning....
It was a great run.
There were TONS of long distance dudes on the trail getting their long runs in this morning.
I was with the big dogs out there.


Some highlights:

• My turn-around point

I love the Lane Avenue bridge.

• I got to give an awkward thumbs up to a hero of mine.  

• The sunrise.

(No picture. That one was just for me this time.)