This is what happens when you blog at 1AM

Some of my plans for the new year and my fitness have left some people saying, "Really?"  I was going over with my mom that I was planning to race a half marathon April 22nd and then pace one on May 6th, two weeks later.  She thought it was too much too soon but I know I can do it.  When I race, I race but when I pace, it is usually at a speed that is +4 minutes slower than I am.  I can enjoy a pace like that and not over exert.  It usually works out well.  

Seems like a good motto to me.

When I am pacing, I have time to enjoy the sites and take in the scenery.  When I am racing, I don't.  It is simply about a goal, a time I want to achieve: a finish.  Pacing, on the other hand, is so rewarding.  I still have in my head someone's comment to Dina & I in September of "Thank you - I watched you the whole race & when we were close to finishing, I knew it was time to kick it in so I could beat you - my goal time."  That's what pacers are for.  To help someone cross the finish line faster than they had planned or just at their plan.  Boy, I bet if my mom knew Kara or Alyssa who are both doing 50 milers this weekend (okay, Kara's is 50.2 and Alyssa's is 51.5), she wouldn't give me a hard time.  I have been enjoying following them on Twitter and I cannot wait to see how they do!  You've got this girls!

This year has changed my life.  I am not sure if I opened myself up more to the world and saw what it has to offer but something changed.  I have so many blessings in life and I am so fortunate to be able to say I have friends who not only share a passion with me but would be there if I need them.  I celebrated my upcoming 37th birthday with a few of my MIT friends the other night and I received a handwritten card from LeDawn that said I had inspired her.  It touched me that she felt that way because everyone I have met this year has inspired me. 

I have been watching my friends post what they are thankful for on Facebook every day during the month of November.  I haven't posted anything yet but I thought I would write about what I am thankful for here.  I am thankful that I feel more connected to people; thankful for my health, my family (especially Steve who is quietly my biggest supporter), my friends and thankful that my paths  have crossed so many awesome people.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!  Enjoy your holiday & your many blessings in life.

Anything you're feeling particularly thankful for this holiday?  Who have you drawn your inspiration from?