It's been a long time since I have posted here. I lost motivation to write. My running has been slowly improving, but you can only say so much about putting one foot in front of the other repeatedly for an extended length of time. After a while it gets old.

 Since I began my journey I have considered myself a wannabe that strived to have the coveted title of "runner." But I never thought of myself as someone who is defined by running. I never achieved a feeling of confidence. Just pain from various joints and muscles I didn't know I had.

But today I had a breakthrough, possibly with help from my new friend 5-Hour Energy. I realized about 2 miles into my run that I was thinking about other things. I lost a couple of miles somewhere out on the 205 bike path. I had heard about this phenomenon, but only ever experienced it driving to and from work. Once I remembered what I was doing, I did a quick self-check, adjusted my posture to relieve my knee pain, and sped up the pace a bit. 

My realization came at about mile 2.5, when I was contemplating whether to turn back or go further. I felt so great that I decided to keep going. I was actually enjoying my run! It was at that point that I realized...I am a runner! Not only am I performing the act of running, but I am emotionally involved, physically capable, and enjoying it! Was this a runner's high? 

The term "runner's high" is rather vague to me, so maybe I will never know if I have actually achieved it or not. But after running seven miles on a day when work was tough and I wasn't quite sure if I would even make it out the door, all I wanted to do was call my mommy and tell her how I did so she would be proud of me. Some things never change.

And I thought long and hard about this new feeling I had, and realized...I am a runner! I have allowed myself the title. Never before have I allowed myself the self-worth of holding such a prestigious title. But I am now in a place where I feel I deserve it. Congrats to me, somebody please pat me on the back. 

Last weekend I ran the 15k Shamrock Run (9.3 miles) with a couple buddies. My goal was to finish without walking, and without injury. It was the farthest I have ever run. And I did great! I had told myself beforehand that if I did well in the race, that I would sign up for the Race for the Roses on April 3rd. It's a 1/2! So, since I did so well in the Shammy, and my run today was a success as well, I suppose I have no excuses. Maybe this time I will actually do what I came here to do, to report to nobody and anybody that I had accomplished my goal, the title of this blog, My Attempt at a Half Marathon. Wish me luck!