I didn't keep up that 7:03 first mile pace, but I finished in 22:27. That's a 7:14 pace. Not bad for an icy day with cold winds and a bruised foot. :) I also finished 3rd in my division and 6th female overall. Only 133 ladies ran, but I'll take what I can get!

5K Race Against Cancer Results
Race Photos

Next up: Bill Rodger's Jingle Bell Fun Run this Sunday with my mom - who's flying in from Oregon! She's not a runner but I'm hoping she enjoys the slow controlled pace that they apparently enforce for this run. The free drink afterward will help.

There's still time to register if you haven't. The fee is a little steep at $37, considering it's not a timed run, but it does include a free shirt and adult beverage, and part of the portions go to local charities.

> Register for Bill Rodger's Jingle Bell Fun Run

My "sister" Kim (plus one) are on board to run 175 miles from Woodstock to NYC with me! Nine more people to recruit and two vans to book for the Ragnar Relay this May. Woohoo!

I've wanted to try a relay since I learned how much my mom loved Hood to Coast a few years ago. But whenever I mention it to my Boston friends they think I'm nuts. My friends from NY, where I grew up, are another story. Kim is a Manhattanite who seems just as excited to run this relay as I am.

I would register for it right now but we another equally big challenge to figure out. Our team name. Any suggestions?

I don't have the results back yet, or the photo my husband took of me freezing at the starting line in my capris and too-thin running jacket, but I felt good running today's Holiday 5K Against Cancer.

I could not feel my legs on the windy, icy cold Boston Esplanade, so I went out fast and didn't acknowledge blood flow until I heard the brave volunteer at Mile 1 yell out "7:03!" That's great for me, though I knew I'd lose it. Didn't help that we were warned about an iced over turn between Mile 2 and 3.

The ice wasn't the toughest part though... What was harder was running against the Back Bay runners. These are some highly determined people who will run wherever they want to run, no matter who's coming at them. I almost had a head on collision with a woman who insisted on running the same ice-free patch of concrete -- right at me. The big difference, of course, was that she was not running a race! She could have eased off for a sec to let me pass, but no. Rather than have a throw down during this holiday season -- a time of joy, peace and happiness -- I risked the slippery step and dodged around her. Guess it comes with the territory. :)

All in all it was a great little race with some brave volunteers. Thanks to Race Menu for organizing the event and to everyone who came out to help. I can't believe how supportive everyone was on such a cold day! You guys and gals rock. THANK YOU! I'll be back next year.

I'm a little more than 2 hours away from running the Holiday 5K Run Against Breast Cancer on the Esplanade, and I'm still nursing a dumb injury from yesterday.

You know how it feels to roll your ankle? How about rolling your ankle when taking a large step from the bottom of the flight of stairs, just to make sure you have ALL of your body weight on it? I actually rolled it so bad that I bypassed my ankle completely and now have a gigantic bruise on the TOP of my foot. It's almost impressive.

Luckily I had all day yesterday to ice and rest it, so it is much better already. I'm just nervous to see how it feels with my sneakers on! Either way I'm running this 5K. Yes, I'm a stubborn runner.

If you're in the Boston area, there's still time to run this race. Registration near that Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. Race starts at 11:00 am.

More Details: Holiday 5K Run Against Breast Cancer

The days are short, the work hours long and the holidays are fast approaching. All the more reason to finish 2009 running strong.

About this time last year I was ramping up my mileage for my first marathon: Big Sur. I'd only run short road races and half marathons prior to my decision, and frankly I was bored with running. It was time to go all in and achieve a lifelong goal.

Run. A. Marathon.

Why Big Sur? The website sold me. On the top of the BSIM homepage, you'll see the quote:  "If we were told that we could run only one marathon in our lifetime, Big Sur would have to be it." - Bart Yasso, Runner's World

I took Bart's word for it. Just in case I decided not to run another.

Fast forward a long winter, dozens of days running in rain, sleet or tripping over frozen snow, and a lot of anticipation. Not only did I finish Big Sur, but I finished it strong, and I had one of the best experiences of my life.

Now the year is ending and I can proudly say I've completed not just one, but two marathons, three half marathons and several road races. I can't wait to destroy my times next year and keep thriving off my newfound running inspiration.

Everyone needs a little push. After 20 years of running, I finally found the push I needed to pursue my full running potential -- and more. I'm also studying to become a personal trainer and a running coach. I love the new path I'm on and I can't wait to see what's in store for me in 2010.

Until then, I've got two road races left and a 16 miler to train for in January. I hope you, too, find your inspiration and finish the year running strong!