Yesterday I officially kicked off my training season for the New York City Marathon. I can't lie- the excitement lit a fire in my belly. I looked at my schedule for the week and while it made me a bit nervous, it also made me smile.

I've missed actual training. Missed the discipline of knowing that I HAVE to run. And the really awesome thing is that not only do I have to, but once again I WANT to. The break robbed me of my endurance, but in return, it gave me the gift of a renewed love of my sport.

My legs are fresh. My mind is clear. And true to my promise, I'm doing all of my runs outside- no more treadmill runs. I've been exploring the trails by my house. Focusing on form and not speed (not yet). It's humbling to go so slow and still fight to finish. I did 5 miles today and found myself walking a few seconds here and there after 3.5 miles. Heat. Hills. Happiness.

Exploring is fun. It keeps me from focusing on the pain of getting back in shape. I'm stopping to take pictures. Stopping to enjoy what is in front of me. It's amazing what you see when you look.

New marathon. New beginning. I like it.