The thermometer read 27 degrees with a very steady wind when I got up at 6AM to run 16 miles this morning. As usual, the team met as 7AM but started this morning off with a hydration clinic led by a long-time marathoner and endurance athlete.

Although it was cold and windy, the 16 mile run wasn't too bad. I felt really good through most of it but I thought my hips were going to break in two around mile 15! I just kept telling myself, "pain is temporary - glory is forever," a mantra our coach told us. Repeating a mantra definitely helps get me through the hard parts of our runs.

Next weekend I will be running my first half marathon (13.1 miles) around White Rock Lake. Alex, my sister, my dad, Charm & Sawyer (my parents dogs) and my in-laws will be there to cheer me on. I am a little nervous but as long as I remember to keep an easy pace at the beginning I should be fine. That way I can pass everyone a few miles in!!! Until my next entry...