I'm happy to say, in the face of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Sandy, I braved the Wicked 10k at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront this morning. The winds were SO harsh! There were a couple of times when I walked with my head down so my hat didn't blow off!

It was a pretty draining race. There were about 9,000 participants, so lots of folks to bob and weave around. I finished the 6.2 miles in 1h:09m:41s, which is a pretty decent improvement from the spring which was 2 minutes slower. I am confident that I could of completed it faster had the winds not been so harsh. Maybe 3 mins faster.

I also decided that, unless I lose 30 lbs, I won't be doing a half marathon. I was BEAT after that 6.2 miles!! The thought of carrying an extra 25 lb plate for 13.1 miles is not motivating!!

I'm going to keep running meanwhile and will be doing the Shamrock 8k in March (going for speed on that one) and the Elizabeth River Run 10k in May.

***flashback to blog written 06/30/08***
"Okay, I had to slow the pace WAY down, but I jogged for 14 minutes, which at a 14 min mile pace, makes it a full mile! I figure the important thing is that I hung in there for the mile, not how fast it was. I know speed will improve with practice and weight loss. "

I was 32 and weighed 235 lbs. How's that for change folks!? Can I get an AMEN!!!??