oops

I knew Saturday was going to be more grueling than usual. Why? First, I am not really a runner and have yet to discover that zone that the real runners all talk about. You have heard of it – “all you can hear is your feet hitting the pavement and you are one with the road.” Not so much that way for me. I run because I have been given this incredible second chance at a lifestyle infused with fitness and I don’t want to waste anymore of my days not appreciating that precious gift. I love the feel of pushing this God-given machine to new heights, knowing that doing so will give me even more chances as challenges along the way. Running is not about a “time” or how perfect my run was. Running for me? It reminds me that for most of my life I would never have even dared to sign up, let alone lace up actual running shoes and do it . It assures me that I can do most anything that I put my mind to – even those things I once thought were impossible. And, it is also a t...

As you know, I discovered I had gall bladder disease while training for this year's Pear Blossom Run (an annual mile run that commemorates spring in the Rogue Valley). I was determined to participate - though not willing to push myself physically and create even more setbacks. After 3 weeks, when I began to run again, I discovered the pain from my right ab muscle being cut up to remove my gall bladder and had to use a brace around that muscle to do it. I was slow at getting back, but oh so determined. Guess what? In all of my drama and life changing events...I forgot to register for the race. March 15 was the deadline for a shirt, and April 5th (Tuesday) was the last day to register. I tried to register on my lunch break at 11:45. Registration closed at 11:30. This race meant so much to me...I was heart-broken! I felt frantic...what could I do? Run without a number? Just go be a spectator? First...I cried my big-girl disappointed tears, then, I called the ...