I woke up feeling somewhat better... I don't have a fever, but my throat and nasal symptoms persist. Since my symptoms were all from the neck up, I figured it would be safe to do my run after all!

This is a huge deal for me; there was a time when I would take any excuse I could get to avoid a workout. Today, however, my desire to change is outweighing my desire to make excuses... so I got up at 7 am on this frigid morning, I put on my workout gear, and got myself to the gym, determined to reach my goal of getting in three runs this week. My cat (sleeping from the comfort of my electric blanket) looked at me like I was crazy, haha.

And you know what? I feel better having run. Getting more oxygen into my system and getting my blood flowing might actually help me fight off the rest of this cold faster.

Know what else? I like what I see in the mirror. Yes, I've lost a few lbs, but that's not even what I mean. My face looks radiant... my skin is clear and glowing, and there is just this aura -- the vitality and beauty that comes after I've been running consistently for a few weeks. I forgot about how it happens, but running really does make me feel good about myself.

I'm so glad I could get back to this point after such a long hiatus. I hope I never forget how good it feels.