Heppy belated Valentines day, everyone!

This year was the first year that I refused to think of February 14th as Singles Awareness day. I'll be honest, it took some effort to avoid the inheirent bitterness that comes with being single on the most popular day about romantic love in our country.

I took a different perspective yesterday. Yesterday was all about loving me. I wore my favorite shirt, put on some jewelery (which I rarely wear) and just took care of myself. I tried to remember to smile all day. I tried to think consciously about my own happiness. I started my day as my own valentine.

The work day was long, not gonna lie. Though, it was productive. It was good.

By 5:15 I had to leave and go to meet up with the runners. After 30 minutes to go less than six miles I finally got there. I wore pink. I wore a smile. I decided to challenge myself. There were two options for this 'romantic' valentines day run - 4 miles or 6. For a moment, a brief moment, I considered doing 4. After all, it was 3 mile Thursday, I should stick to my plan?

I have never, never been so glad not to stick to plan.

I knocked out the 6 miles with the help of a very patient Full-Marathon trainee in just over an hour. 1 hour 04 minutes. Seriously!

I'm so proud.

SOOOO PROUD.

After that run when I sat in my car and looked at my watch and saw how far I'd gone, thought about how I felt, and realized that I'm SURE I could have kept going - let me tell you, Running became my valentine.

Running gives me the most amazing gifts, too! It makes me strong. It makes me confident. It introduces me to the most amazing people. Running inspires me. Running gives me more reasons to love myself than any other person could. Best Valentine ever.

Someday, when I'm a confident runner - when I'm sure I won't struggle to complete a distance, I'll be there, in the back, with people like me now. I'll be there hanging with them so they won't be alone - just like that trainee did with me last night.

I'm feeling inspired.

This morning the scale graced me with 185.7.
Today I've also been graced with sunshine.
Today is a good day.

I hope you all are having as beautiful day as I am.