Ohhh how I've missed you

For the past year I haven't been running and running is the one thing everyone identifies with me. That's how I identify myself; I'm a runner. That's my title. That's what I do. That's what I've been doing for the last 16 years of my life. And typically one of the first things someone I haven't seen in a while asks me about is my running. So it's no surprise the shock I give people when I tell them I'm not training for a marathon this year or any other race and in fact I'm taking some time off.

I did after all run 5 marathons in just over a years time in 2007. See, I knew I was going to be taking some time away from running so I decided to squish as much in as I could, to get it out of my system! If only that worked! Instead I just gave my body a shock of it's lifetime and ran a couple really horrible marathon times.

And here I am 3 years after my second NYC marathon (NYCM) loooonging to be running in it this coming weekend. I completely blame NYCM for my marathoning obsession! Ever since the first one I ran, back in 2003, I've never been the same! And apparently there must be some 3 year rule with me and NYCM (2003, 2006), if only I realized this last year.

2003, my first marathon (i.e. the start of my obsession) & my friends and family that came out to cheer me on!

At least my year off from running is officially over! On Sunday instead of running 26.2 miles I'll be happily running my 3 mile loop! I never thought I'd be so happy to run 3 miles (other than during a marathon tapering week) - I know, I'm a bit of a running snob!

And there's nothing better than dusting off the box of new running shoes I bought for myself last year in anticipation of this day! And I'm positive they were just as happy to see me!