A day of rest is something everyone needs and my training allows me to start with that. As part of Team Run Faster, I was one of the few lucky runners to get into the 2010 Cherry Blossom 10-miler. This is my second year running this race and I am proud to be allowed into it.

Eight weeks until the race, my training schedule is setup and I am ready to start getting into a rhythm. My training coincides with Lent - I've decided to give up sugar for the 40 days so I can focus on what is needed in my faith along with this race. I gave up sugar 2 years ago before I started hitting the pavement and lost 8 lbs along with a serious sweet tooth. This year I hope to gain focus and lose insecurities with my faith.

I recently trained for the Cloud/Snapple Half but wasn't consistent with my training and ended up skipping the race altogether. I don't fail often and not showing up is a huge failure for me. I hope the Cherry Blossom will allow me some victory.

The 4' of snow we accumulated recently is hindering my ability to run outside, which has always allowed me to get out a lot of frustration, focus on my music and push myself up and down hills. The treadmills just don't cut it but hopefully I can make it a challenge and get myself excited about jumping on one.

It's time... time to start running, time to get ready for bathing suit season and time to show myself I can beat last year's time. It's time to beat my inner demons, show myself I can get up at 6:30 every day and give myself the focus to spend time with God in these early morning sessions. I'm ready to kick some serious butt - mine.