It's 4:30am. My alarm goes off. My first thoughts are, "I need coffee. And then it's time to run. Ugh! But I'm tired."

Still, I get up. I get my coffee. I hit the pavement or the gym. I'm awake, happy, loving life AND the fact that I feel this way all BEFORE 8am!

Training for my very first race (Nike Women's 1/2 Marathon: October 18) and the Nike+ 10K Human Race has not been a smooth walk-in-the-park. As a matter of fact, this past week challenged me with a mild colitis flare up. I have had moments and days when I wondered "WHY" I'm pushing myself so hard. "WHY" I can't just do my 9-5, come home, eat dinner and watch TV. "WHY" I'm doing one extra thing as often as I can.

It all comes down to one simple thing: "Enjoy the Ride." I have truly allowed myself to Enjoy this Ride. When I wake up at 4:30am to run, I enjoy knowing that I'll be energized the rest of the day and feel good about all I accomplished so early in my day. When I run outside, I enjoy the views - palm trees, mountains, changing of leaves and other people in motion. I am enjoying the ride of putting myself through training and
sticking with this comittment I've made not only to myself but also to each and every Pied Piper out there!

We truly must be thankful each and everyday for the OPPORTUNITY we are given to run. The good health we have and the mindset we create to keep moving our feet is not an OPPORTUNITY everyone is granted.

For this chance - for this opportunity - for all that running gives to us, in the smallest ways on our best and worst days - JUST ENJOY THE RIDE.