View From the Back Forty

I. Am. A. Runner.  I am not a fast runner, and I don’t win races.  But I am a runner.  I have completed 9 half marathons, 1 marathon, and many other small races.  I hope to increase my half marathon count by two more this year.  After finishing my last half marathon. I hear people say all the time that the only time they would run is to run away from something.  While I get that sentiment, I like to run through things.  I started running shortly after our oldest son was born.  A friend asked me to run a 5K, and I knew that I would have to practice a little to even be able to finish.  The next year the same friend asked if I would run a half marathon, I ran it not having a clue what I was doing.  After the race I thought I would never do that again, but I have been hooked on running ever since.  I have also struggled, at times, with my place in the running world knowing I am not likely to win a race in my running career, until I can out last my competitors (maybe).  So why