What a tough 9 months I have had. But, all of the ups and downs have led me to this marathon and I am hoping to draw strength from all my 2011 running and fitness experiences to help me reach my goal of 5:59 on Sunday in Chicago.
I loved the Biggest Loser competition and through it all I lost some pounds and met some terrific people.
After a difficult meeting with my surgeon on February 15th in which they informed me that the tumor they removed was cancerous, I returned to St. Joseph's hospital March 30th for a second throat surgery.
I recovered really well this time as we discovered that I am allergic to morphine and therefore didn't have it and felt so much better - i.e. didn't puke a million times in recovery or in the car on the way home. This time, I stayed at home and followed doctor orders to rest for 4 weeks.
I decided to make sure I kept active while I was off and walked almost everyday.
The Olympic Fitness crew decided to run a 10km race to celebrate all their achievements on May 1st and I met them on race day. Not a great idea as I was still not 100% and had not run for a long time. I had been walking daily but that did not prepare me for this race and I sucked with a 1:17.
May 30th my friend Glen talked me into running another 10k race and this time, I felt amazing and set a PB of 1:13 and I wasn't last. Felt great to set a goal and hit it.
Part of our marathon training called for several 30km runs so Lish and Lindsay told me of a race in Toronto at night called the Midsummer's Night Run. I ran the race but it was really hot and scary running at night, alone, through Toronto parks that I didn't know. Was almost last with a time of 4:22 but had lots of energy at the end to pass several people. Great weekend away with the girls too.

No matter what happens next weekend I know that I am stronger and made some great life choices this year. I try to live by the motto, "It's all good" and even have a "Life is Good" sticker on my car.
If life isn't good then what is it?