"Run away from something or run toward something. Just keep running."

That was my status on Facebook one day. It is still cold here in Kansas so I am doing all of my running in the gym, on the treadmill. It is not fun but I am logging the miles. I have signed up for my first half marathon of the year, and it is 11 weeks (gulp) away.

I really haven't run regularly since my last half marathon in November. My Sweet Soldier came home in December, and, well, we can all make excuses for why we don't do the things we should. The fact is that I just didn't do it.

But I am glad to be back in the swing now. For me, running clears my head and keeps my body fit, so I guess you could call it a win-win situation.

When I began running, I chose songs to listen to that were particular beats per minute. Having done aerobics for a lot of years, knowing the beats per minute helped me manage my breathing, heart rate and general expenditure. I knew exactly where to place the songs with higher beats per minute in my playlist, and somehow, as if by magic, my feet and legs would carry me away with renewed zeal, even at mile four.

Now, I have been able to transition to listening to music that I love while I run. I am a big fan of Dave Matthews and "Everyday" is loud coming through my iPod. It is the first song on my playlist and it is perfect for me.

Pick me up, oh, from the bottom. Up to the top, love, everyday. Pay no mind to taunts or advances. I take my chances on everyday.

There are days, many days, when I don't want to run. And, my motivation has been waning even more since my running buddy went back to work. There are days that I start and at 1.5 miles, my brain wants to tell my body to stop. Then there are the conversations in my head: “Push the button, Sarah. I'm not pushing the button. You need to slow down, Sarah. No, I don't. You can't do it, Sarah. Your running partner isn't here. Forget you! I'm doing it!"

It is usually at that moment that I press the up arrow to make the treadmill go faster!

You know, it is one thing to cut a negative person out of your life, but it is another matter entirely to be your own negative influence. That is what I will spend my time fighting.

Without my running buddy I am learning how to be self-sufficient in my running. It is as if she pushed me out of the running nest and since she reads this column, thank you! Thank you for making me go it alone! I am excited to push myself outside and out of my comfort zone! For me, that is what running is all about!

Strength and Courage ... sby