I hope you all had a wonderful holiday week(end). Mine was filled with food, family, crazy dogs and lots of driving.
We drove to and from Rochester, and also a side trip to Ithaca so my brother-in-law Tim could visit Cornell (he applied there early, send him good luck vibes!).
![IMG_3076[1]](http://www.lizruns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/IMG_30761.png "IMG_3076[1]")
In the end we put almost 1300 miles on the car in 4 days and I will never get in a car again. Ok, that last part might be a lie.
The highlight of the week for me was The Race for Grace 10K. I ran the race with Neil, my brother-in-law Matt and their Aunt Veronica. 
Neil and I had a game plan in place – start off slowly and pick up the pace around mile 4. I’m happy to say we executed it perfectly.
It was easy to start out slow because the crowded start. The weather started off a bit chilly but we warmed up after the first mile or so. I tried to play “rabbit” and stay slightly ahead of Neil so he had something to aim for. We put on our headphones at mile 4 and sped up. By the end we were almost at a full out sprint. I even felt nauseous for a second – normally I wouldn’t push myself through that kind of discomfort, but there was no way I was letting Neil beat me I wanted to finish together.
Our official time was 56:10 – I must have started the Garmin late, but I pushed the lap button when we crossed the first mile marker.
Even though this is not a PR for me it was the happiest I have felt after a race in a long time. Not only because I raced with Neil, but everything went accordingly to plan. Plus I pushed myself out of my comfort zone even if it was only for a moment. I’m learning that whenever I race without a time goal in mind I have more fun because I’m not disappointed if I miss my goal. 
On Sunday, I ran 10 miles to prepare for my upcoming 15K and half marathon. I had no time goals and I don’t have real ones for these races. It was sunny and beautiful and I ran around some of my favorite parts of DC. I finally feel like my love for running post-Chicago has returned.
I’m glad your love of running has returned! Sounds like you had a good Thanksgiving weekend.
Good luck with the 15K! I think I’m going to have to miss the run (boooo). After a convo with my doctor, he wants me to rest because he’s worried about my joints
I hope you have a good run on Saturday and I can’t wait to read your recap.
Are you doing Hot Chocolate 15k? I will see you there, if so!
Congrats on…loving running again! I know exactly how you feel. It nice to run, just to run, no goals or anything. I went for a 5 miler this weekend and left my Garmin because if I saw how slow I was going it would have upset me and made me feel like a marathoner has-been.
Have a great run on Saturday!
Congrats on the fun race!! Those are some sweet negative splits
I love this lady! So awesome. Congrats on the finish, but more importantly on the happiness
UGH. that much time in a car would make me super stabby. i’m so glad you are loving running again.
Glad you had a fun race and your love for running has come back!
Hey Liz! I just found your blog through Sarah’s. Love your “About me” page- I can totally identify with you!
I have to say, also, that I think it is totally rad that you and your husband eloped (I kinda wish I had!).
Good luck with the 15k Sunday… I know SO many people running it (and thought about doing it too, but it’s a far drive from my house that early in the AM).
Hooray for hot chocolate!