"Running is a lot like life. Only 10 percent of it is exciting. 90 percent of it is slog and drudge."

- Dave Bedford, English distance runner who occasionally put in 200 miles a week in training

For me (and most runners), the races are what keep me going. To prepare for those races, you have to put in that 90% of "slog and drudge" alone out on the roads so that you can improve and race well. It is not always easy for me to get out of bed and run or get myself out on the road after a long day of work for that 90%, but I usually do it because I have a race to look forward to.

Today, David and I travelled to Boys Ranch with some good friends for the annual 5K. It was really important for me to attend, because this was the race last year where my love of running and racing began to blossom. I didn't decide to run the marathon until last October, but I credit this race with sparking my interest. Fittingly, I tied my personal best in the 5K (23:24), and I greatly improved on my time from last year. I am really happy about my time because this is a very hilly (for the Texas Panhandle) course. David had a great time of 23:03, although he was disappointed in not breaking 23:00.

I am looking forward to a good long run tomorrow and sleeping in on Monday to celebrate the long weekend!