May...the Challenging Month Ahead

Easily, May is my busiest road racing month of every year. I have a few races coming up I love - my hometown KDF Mini Marathon and Northeast Indy's Geist - while trying to add in some others before the weather gets too hot. This is the time of year where all the training, hard work, and dedication culminates to produce results. Some may be average or I may get a PR here or there; regardless of time, running these races, seeing the volunteer and fan support, and spending time with my wife seeing new places, makes memories we can enjoy the rest of our lives. 
I really cannot express how much I love running. There are so many aspects that are enjoyable and rewarding. Sometimes I feel doubt, pain, or fatigue during a race - each make crossing the finish line feel like I just reached the top of Mount Kilimanjaro! Or just the opposite, when I feel so good and I find that groove, and I wonder what it would be like to fly. Or when I approach the finish line and look at the clock and realize a PR is about to be set. That moment, that feeling, is irreplaceable and indescribable! There are moments in life that mean more to me, like when I said "I do" to my wife or when I told her "I love you" for the first time; but when it comes to running, those are the feelings for which I run.
Through June 4th, I have four half marathons ahead of me:

 
Each of these races are special to me in some way. This will be my fourth consecutive KDF Mini Marathon in my hometown, Louisville KY (a new route this year) and my third consecutive Geist Half, in Fischerville, Indiana - one of the most beautiful courses I've witnessed in my time as a runner. Pittsburgh and the Downhill @ Dawn are two states that will be added to my goal (PA & NC). 
I have trained and steadily ran the good race, whether in life or on the road, and I hope to do it for many more years.

Please do not forget the special cause I am running for in the KDF Mini, Saturday. My goal is to raise $1,000 by April 30^th. Your generosity is much appreciated by our team, but more so by the children you are helping. 

Go to my fundraising page http://www.firstgiving.com/JamesRunsForKids

Thank you and god bless.


HAPPY RUNNING!!!!!
http://jamesrunsthenation.blogspot.com/