Getting there faster than ever.....505.43

So I crossed the 500-mile threshold on Saturday.......by doing so on June 16th, I made it through one month earlier than ever.  Not that simply piling up mileage is a goal, but it's only natural that as you go through marathon training, you're going to (as they say on a certain reality-based weight-loss show on NBC) "put up some big numbers".  As I'm now training for another marathon, my mileage numbers are going to go up and up (providing I don't get injured or sick along the way!), but I can't help but look at this latest achievement with a little bit of pride.  While it may not seem like much to some, to me, it represents the result of hard work and care.....a certain amount of attention and dedication.......and a fair share of sweat and tears.  Ok, there haven't been any tears, but PLENTY of sweat!  :>)

It's mostly about the progress, though.......being able to run longer and more often means that I'm progressing in my abilities as a runner.  As I continue to define and redefine my goals, the ability to progress is giving me the confidence I need to move my goals forward.  So by hitting a mileage milestone quicker than ever make me feel great.....makes me believe that I can do almost anything I set my mind to doing......well, maybe I won't be able to run quite as fast as I'd like, but I know that I can run longer than I ever thought possible, so I guess that's ok!

I've had a wonderful Father's Day, and I hope all of you did as well.  Tomorrow will be an interesting day, as it's both the final day for my school year, as well as a true milestone birthday.  I'm turning 50 tomorrow.......it sounds so OLD to me, yet I've never felt better.  Maybe it's working with kids every day....maybe it's the running......maybe it's a combination of the two, but I think it's keeping me young.  Having a young son helps IMMENSELY.....although I have a feeling that when he gets a bit older, he's going to start AGING me, but at least I've got a few years to get ready for that.  Still, when my AARP card came in the mail a few weeks ago, it served as a reminder that the clock is running!!!

So here's to all the fathers out there......and here's to saying a big healthy SCREW YOU to getting older!  Not that it matters, but I now get an extra 5 minutes added on to my Boston qualifying time!!!!  YES!!