Some seasons of my life I would consider myself a runner.  Others, not so much.  I think just by making that statement I am not a runner.  I mean runners long to run.  They need to run.  They live to run.  Me, not so much.

I run to stay in shape.   I run to train for a race.  I run to feel better about eating 3 cookies or 2 plates of nachos the night before.  I ran in high school because I was good.  I didn't love it though, and so the burnout was sure to come.

I have been very guilty of training for a race only to quit running after the race until my next training begins.  That is not a runner.

I ran my first half when we lived in TN.  It was the Nashville marathon and so much fun.  Of course Aaron was out of town, but my parents were in town to cheer me on. That race was tons of fun and inspired me to do it again.  That's the funny thing about races.  When you finish and cross the line you are so inspired that you would sign up for the next one right then.  At least that's how it has been for me.

I ran my second half in Murfreesboro, and of course Aaron was out of town and no one was there to cheer me on!  My training stunk, but I made it.  We had just started our adoption for Amos and I immediately left the race to go to a car wash that we were having to raise money for the adoption.  I was beat that night!

My next half I didn't run.  I watched.  I felt like a loser for not running, but had so much fun in the freezing cold cheering on my friends.  They raised a butt load of money for a fabulous organization in Haiti and it was fun to run around Disney World with Paige!

Aaron and I ran the Austin half this past year and had a blast.  I for sure don't want to sound like I'm bragging, but I did beat him.  Of course he had a hurt knee, but still I beat him.  I would never brag, but I did have to wait a while for him at the finish line.  I mean he had a hurt knee and all!

Now I'm training again.  This time I'm running a half that has a purpose! All the money raised from this race goes towards adoption.  Now that's something I can run for!  I love it!  The race is in October and in New Braunsfels.  Yes it will be hot and  hilly.  Should be fun!

I'm trying so hard to break 2 hours.  I have ran 2:07, 2:09 & 2:11.  I need to break 2 hours.  I want to so badly.  My new training requires all kinds of runs where each mile is at a different pace.  I have never done this before, but am up for the challenge.  I ordered myself a new watch and it came in the mail today!!!

It's a Garmin watch and apparently it can do everything.  I can't wait to sit down and try it out and then get on the road and run with it!  I'm so excited!  I have had many people tell me that they LOVE it!  I'm hoping that I do too!  I'm also really hoping that it brings my training to a new level.  I'll let you know how it goes.