I wrote a post this morning and Ecto (my blogging software) ate it, which is fun.

I also wrote a post for work about how I took an hour off my marathon time. I’m really proud of both accomplishing that, and the post. And I talked to my buddy Mr. Bart Yasso for the piece, too. Go read it.

We’re about 2.5 weeks post-marathon, and my credit card has gotten the best workout of all.

I tried really hard after the marathon to not sign up for more races. I really did. I gave myself a good week…

And then I just couldn’t help it.

I have entered so many lotteries that I better buy a lottery ticket to pay for all of them if I get in.

I’ve also verbally committed to friends (and just need to put credit card number to screen) for some more races. I just need to put a bib on and go. I love races.

Here are the start lines I plan to toe soon:

Dick Meighan 5K (aka Turkey Trot)

I ran this one last year, and it’s just a solid little local 5K in Upper Saddle River, NJ.

Prospect Park Jingle Bell Jog

I ran this one in 2011, and it’s totally worth the running the hills and hacking a lung up in the cold to say you ran with bells on.

Ted Corbitt 15k

I hate this race. I ran it in 2009 and 2010, and both years, I ran way slower than any other race I’d run around then. My PR pace for that race was a 10:26. My marathon PR pace is a 9:01. So…yeah. I think a PR just might be possible here? But I hate the race…

Hot Chocolate 10K

This is the same weekend, so I likely won’t do both, but this one sounds fun. Let’s be real, were it not for the whole PR thing, I would just do this one and not even consider that damn 15K, but…

NYC Half Lottery

I ran this race in 2010 and 2011 and loved it. Then, it became way more popular and more expensive, and I got disillusioned and started running the D.C. Half instead, but let’s be real: running through a closed-down Times Square is magical.

Cherry Blossom 10-Miler

Last night at #runnerhappyhour, Abby turned to me and asked if I wanted to do the lottery for this. I guess they have a team option, where you either all get in or none of you get in. “Sure,” I said, putting as much thought into it as if she’d asked me if I wanted another drink. Obviously the answer is yes to both questions. I’ve always wanted to run this race but never wanted to deal with the lottery. Also, my current 10-miler PR pace is 8:58. Again, given my marathon PR, I think I’ve got this one.

Nike Women’s Half

This race is expensive and crowded…but I hear it’s fun.

I think I have enough races on my mind right now to keep me occupied.

What races are you signed up for/in lotteries for? How long do you give your credit card a break for after your goal race is over and you want to sign up for all the races?

Wow.

The past few months have been a freaking rollercoaster of emotions, but the past two weeks have been all on the up! Two weeks ago, I accepted an offer for a new job that I start tomorrow, Ashley came back for a visit, my mom and I saw Newsies and then I followed the star of Bethlehem to the Runner’s World Half Marathon and Festival. (Disclosure: My travel, lodging, some meals, my race entries and some awesome swag were provided by Runner’s World. All opinions and sore abs from laughing are my own.)

I smiled when I finished the three races. (Yup, 3. 5K, 10K and a half-marathon. And a three-mile shakeout on Friday and 6 miles before the half today.)

I cried when Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray spoke, about the Boston Marathon bombings and a touching story about a disabled woman who ran her own version of the Boston Marathon a few years ago.

I nearly cried during the half today at my fatigued legs and lack of mental resolve, but then I pulled myself together.

Photo credit: Jocelyn

My heart filled seeing friends who’d moved (also Erica, who I did not get a picture of) and seeing friends freaking kill it in the races and friends who were coming back from pregnancy or injury.

I met former pro swimmer Summer Sanders, who may be the most down-to-earth famous person I’ve ever met. I walked up to her and went to shake her hand before this picture, and she gave me a hug instead.

We are new BFFs.

Katy was the best roomie a girl could ask for; we laughed our heads off and had serious talk late into the night, and there are few people I know with a heart as big as hers.

We visited the Runner’s World headquarters and hung out in Bart Yasso and David Willey’s offices.

And, in 31 miles and nonstop talk about running this weekend, I solidified my love for the sport and the people it attracts.

Every single person I interacted with this weekend was so inspirational. We all run for different reasons, and we all have obstacles that can stand in the way of our training, but we just keep going out there and fighting for it.

AND NOW I’M IN TAPER TOWN. I came home from the weekend to find this gift from my sweet friend Lacey.

Just two more weeks until the New York City Marathon, and the hay is in the barn, and it’s time to rest up these legs.

And not a moment too soon. My calves are crying mercy.

I’ll be posting more about the weekend over the next week or so, but I wanted to get up a taste of this wonderful weekend.

Thank you so much to Runner’s World for inviting me and making this all possible!

Why do you run? Why do you love running? Would you ever do back-to-back-to-back races??