Good fortune.

Saturday morning, I rolled out of bed at 6:00 so I could meet some friends for a 14 mile run at 6:45. Super early for me, but I did it. And I'm glad I did.

First, we met at the bike path, which is flat, so my legs were ever so grateful for the break. Second, I got to run with Melissa and I'm always happy to do that! And, third, I met a very inspirational runner who proves that a) you're never too old to run fast and b) limitations are only limitations if you let them be.

The runner in question is a 64-year old woman named Sue.

Sue started running when she was 58 -- after she'd had breast cancer and a mastectomy. She ran a 5K and was hooked. She's since run several marathons -- under 4 hours -- and some 31-mile ultras. She's super nice and she shared tips with Melissa and me.

And she's fast. Not just fast for a woman. Not just fast for a 64-year old. Not just fast for someone who's overcome cancer.

Just plain fast.

It was a pleasure running with Sue. The run reminded me that I'm fortunate to have found an activity -- running -- that I love. I'm just as fortunate to have the ability to do it and to have the support system -- family and friends -- to make it possible and more enjoyable. You never know what can happen in life, so why not make the most of it?

Which is what I did on Saturday.

I already told you that I ran 14 miles with friends. But when I originally made the plan, I wanted to run 10. Melissa told me she and another running friend, Jenny, were planning on 14.

Well, why not run 14? I thought. I ran 12.5 last weekend so 14 would be fine. Go for it, Happy Runner.

So I went for it and told the group I was in for 14. And here's what the run looked like:

Mile 1: 9:41
Mile 2: 9:44
Mile 3: 9:28
Mile 4: 9:27
Mile 5: 9:29
Mile 6: 9:31
Mile 7: 9:38
Mile 8: 9:44
Mile 9: 9:47
Mile 10: 9:35

Just before mile 10, Jenny met up with us and then we hit the turnaround. Jenny needed some water, and the others needed a walk break (don't blame them -- Melissa and Jenny had run 9 miles the day before!). I needed to keep going and did. Since I was no longer talking, I picked up the pace and made the most of the last 4 miles:

Mile 11: 8:23
Mile 12: 8:13
Mile 13: 8:24
Mile 14: 8:38

Total negative splits, right there.

What a great run! A perfect start to the weekend that included a super fun 40th birthday party with good friends:

Allison, Monique, Stacey, me, Janis at Bridget's house for her husband's 40th birthday party!

Making the most of it. On the run and off!

Did you make the most of it this weekend?

Hope you all had a great weekend!


~ Felice