I can already that the second time around is going to be a lot different from the first. For example, when Tracy and I went for our long run on Sunday (only 15K, let’s not get crazy…it was not even technically Day 1 of training!), we were both like, huh, this is EXHAUSTING and remember how bad it gets? Because yes, that is the benefit of having done this all before. The pain is not speculation. It’s remembered. I can’t decide if we are awesome or stupid. Probably the latter. On the upside, I truly am looking forward to getting back into the running swing of things. Christmas this year through us all for a routine loop (thanks eight pound weight gain!) and getting back into some kind of routine, for a planner, seems ideal. I’m not sure that my motivation this year is what it was last year (and my sponsorship sure ain’t), but, we will see what we can do.

And there’s more of us! Last year, Mom and I raised money for Cancer Prevention Now! and we’ll do that again this year…but with more troops! Court (who’s still my ex-boyfriend if you only read this blog but in real life is very much my real boyfriend again…OMG DRAMA), Meg and Scott, and Carolanne are all doing the half marathon while Craig, Tracy and Matt are, like me, doing the full. I am pretty excited to swap running stories. Yes, I said it. I cannot wait to talk about running. I also cannot wait for the Ottawa Race Weekend. Even with all the running, it should be a great time! I am so incredibly proud of all of them for running. Especially the new runner’s. I’m a bit worried, too. Court already keeps a decent pace and part of what makes me happy is knowing that I can run The Loop (7.5K with a hella uphill) faster than they can. What.if.they.get.faster?

I’m going to say it right now though. I’m worried about my hip/ass/leg thing. Is it piriformis pain? Is it an acetabular labrum tear? Is it just lateral hip pain? I have no idea but with all the reading I ‘ve done, I should know. But I don’t. I did one long run (26K) before Christmas and since then…nagging pain. To me, it feels more muscular than joint (my knee was very much sharp joint). Which both reassures me (muscles get better!) and annoys me (muscles nag!). I think CrossFit has been helping as the pain has certainly decreased with what is a total strength overall increase. Here’s to thinking positive! After all, today is only Day 1 of training…there’s four months to go!