reflection.

I can't believe that it has almost been a year since I ran my first marathon. It was one of the toughest, most rewarding things I have ever done. I was able to run in honor and memory of those who have battled blood cancers and I believe that is what truly got me through all of the training and the race. I still think back on the experience and it will be something that I will absolutely never forget.

This time last year I was gearing up for a 20 mile run. This year, I am proud to say, I am gearing up for a 12 mile run. I am slowly building back up to 20 miles and I cannot wait til that day. I am preparing to run the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville, Alabama on December 12th. I am in about my 8th week of training and I am so excited to be training for my second marathon. I am doing this with several other friends, who I met while training last year. I am so thankful to have friends that are willing to do a second marathon!

In the past year, I have completed two half marathons, Myrtle Beach half in Februray and Greer half in April. Both were awesome experiences, but I didn't train as well as I needed to, but definitely made me respect 13.1 miles a lot more than I did before! Myrtle Beach was very flat and was a great run, Greer on the other hand was super hilly and super hot! But I am glad that I did both and am now on my way to doing another full! In October I will be doing the Greenville half marathon and am looking to improve on my time. This training season has gone very well and I feel great on the majority of my runs. This time in the training last year, I think I was running out of steam. I am glad this year is completely different and am sure that my body is more used the strenuous running. So here's to many more runs until December and my 12 miles this weekend!

I was also so inspired by how great running made me feel, I am now volunteering to coach a girls running program called Girls on the Run. It is a self esteem building program for girls ages 8-14. We train them to run a 5k race at the end of 12 weeks and also teach them life lessons about self esteem, respect, and healthy living. I am coaching elementary school girls and so far am really enjoying it. It's so different than coaching soccer, but I am hoping I will be able to combine both to be a much better coach and mentor for girls.