I run. Anywhere.

Here I am again, ready to celebrate a whole year that was filled with so many great things. Honestly though, I have so much to look forward to in the new year, there is absolutely no looking back now! 

This morning I went on a run in the foothills of Albuquerque. I was blown away by the beauty of the New Mexican desert. Since I am posting photos daily on Instagram @journey2MY1stMarathon, I want to try to start running in more scenic spots, instead of always where it is easiest. 

The drive was only ten minutes long, and I found a nice little parking lot where I could park. There were trails in every direction. It made me wonder why I hadn't ventured out to begin with!  Of course, I had to stop for a few seconds for each picture, but this is the first thing I was able to see. 

I absolutely loved the view, but let me tell you, trail running is a whole new beast that I would love to tackle. I am more of a road runner, only because it is most convenient, but I truly truly appreciated where the trail led. Convenience though wasn't the only reason for staying on the roads...I am also a BIG CHICKEN. At one point in my life I wanted to be a detective for the FBI, and my dad told me that it wouldn't workout because I was afraid of my own shadow. So, then my dad bought me a can of mace, and that wasn't enough to give me courage, so he bought me a stun gun...anyway, do you think that I carry it? No, I don't like carrying anything when I run. Anyway, this is why I stay on the roads=people can see me and I can call for help if needed. I do run in Albuquerque, where our crime rate is through the roof! 
Anyway, to get back on track...with my husband there the sky will be the limit! I will be able to explore new and beautiful places in Albuquerque! 

Today's run was much slower than my six mile run on Sunday, but I was okay with that. Our training schedule only called for three miles, so I didn't mind stopping here or there for pictures. Three miles at this point is a very easy run, and I don't feel like it hurts to stop. Man! I am so lucky to be able to say that...and it is only easy because I have been "running" now for a couple of years. 
So, on Sunday, near my house I hit a maximum elevation of 5,448, with a gain of only 209 ft. 
Today, I hit a maximum elevation of 6,033, and gained 303 ft. 
Let me tell you though, it felt like I was a thousand feet higher in elevation up there. :)

I really look up to Dorothy Beal, and by following her on Instagram (mileposts), it has helped push me to go further. I want to be that inspiration for other runners who are just starting out. I want to be someone who can tell them, start one mile at a time, and you will get there because with all my heart that is what I believe. 

Let's see what our minds can push us to do! Please let me know what you are training for, or what your goals are.

“The sky is not my limit...I am.” 

― T.F. Hodge, From Within I Rise: Spiritual Triumph Over Death and Conscious Encounters with "The Divine Presence"