I had a blast yesterday at the L.A. Marathon and although I’m a slowpoke I was still upright as I crossed the finish line. I had some doubts if I’d finish it this year, since I just wasn’t feeling strong with my training and the weather was warm yesterday in the 80s. I did come in about 20 minutes slower than last year but I was completely thrilled just to complete the race and put on a tiny surge to my trotting pace on the last miles, which are utterly miserable any way you cut it. I’d love to break the five hour mark at some point but it just seems really daunting at this point, maybe next year. The event itself is just so much fun though, with an incredible energy and an amazing crowd to cheer you on for miles and miles, and a course that goes by so many well-known L.A. landmarks. It just feels like a big L.A. lovefest and I hope to do it again next year.

One of the main reasons I keep running is that it’s a great way to keep the weight off, and as the decades pass it becomes harder and harder not to bulk up. If I didn’t work out I’m sure I’d be ten or twenty pounds heavier than I am now. So I’m no great athlete by any stretch but it does help with my vanity. ;-) I also tend to have better moods and just generally feel better about things if I stay active. I had a mild injury last September and didn’t run for an entire month and just felt awful. It was like withdrawal not getting my endorphin fix. It’s tough to get out to the gym or hit the track but I force myself even though I could totally be a couch potato. Anyway, it was an awesome race yesterday and will definitely be one of the high points of the year once again! Yay!