FINISHED PARIS MARATHON...WHAT'S NEXT?

So I finished the Paris marathon, and I'm glad I can say I did it! It certainly was not one of my proudest moments in my running career. I still had jet lag, my training leading up to the event was sub-par at best. I let too many outer elements affect my training. I crossed the START line 20 minutes after the gun went off and then like an idiot tried to catch my pace group. which I did, and then at mile 18 it was pretty much over. I struggled from 18-26.2 miles but some how managed to cross the finish line in under 5 hours. I was disappointed to say the least. But I learned a lot, and will not make the same mistakes again. But I did have a fantastic vacation in Paris.What a wonder city!
I've said it before, "Life is like a marathon". You get out of it what you put in! You can't make up for lost time, or days past. You must be consistent, stay the course, stay motivated and just simply put in the work it takes to meet your goals. It's not going to happen on it's on. Also having fear & worry cripples you. Going out too fast; trying to "catch up" doesn't work in a marathon or in life. You must pace yourself and have a good game plan. Once you have your plan don't panic if something goes work, stay the course, slow & steady. And lastly FINISH STRONG! Dig down deep when things are tough, when you are in pain, focus on each step you take, and enjoy your journey. The end will come soon enough.          
So now I am faced with the question of What's next? I need goals, I like goals, I like achieving them the best!
I've been a bit lost since returning from Paris. My running has taken a back seat to my business, my newly adopted dog "Aragorn" and trying to get my life in order. I sit here today not sure what my next step is.
I do have the Warrior Dash this Sunday. A crazy idea. I am not in shape for it but will be the Warrior none the less. After all you get a free T-shirt and a Warrior Helmet! check out the website to see just how crazy I am. http://www.warriordash.com/
So I'll go and have fun with my friends and continue to think about my next accomplishment. Hmmm.........
Another marathon? A half? My first Triathlon? A long hike on the Appalachian Trail? or maybe something really out there. I'll keep you posted, let me know if you have any suggestions that might peak my interest.
Until then stay safe and live life, Remember you can not rewind a single day!
In Health,
Melody

Florida trip and Expos coming to a close.

Well it's been over 5 weeks since we packed up the truck and left the snow of North Carolina for Sunny Florida, which actually turned out to be pretty cold. It's been a busy trip with barely time to see our friends.
The Expos all went very well, with Gasparilla in Tampa and The Princess in Disney topping the list. We met many nice people and sold tons of jewelry to help our customers commorate their Milestone.
My training for Paris has been more difficult than I expected. Standing on my feet for very long hours at expos every Friday and Saturday then doing a long run of over 18 miles on Sundays has been challenging. But some how I've managed to get in most of my weekly mileage and get in a half marathon, which I amazed myself by setting a PR.
So this Friday we take the long drive back to North Carolina and continue my training and 2 more expos before flying off to Paris. ING Georgia on March 19 & 20 and the Knoxville, TN marathon the following weekend. I still have a 20, 21 and 22 mile long run to look forward to. But I know it will all be worth it once the plane lands in Paris, I celebrate my 50th birthday and run my 5th marathon on April 11th, then let the vacation begin!!!
I am still raising money for Logan's run rescue, a great animal recue organization in N.C. So my run with be for the dogs. I know that even though I have not raised as much as I would have liked, that the money will be well spent on helping my four legged friends. I will miss my brother, sister-in-law, Christine and my other friends but I am ready to get home and settle back into a daily routine.
Have a great day!
"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today"
James Dean