On Sunday, I accomplished something I never thought I could do – I ran 11 miles in two hours and three minutes. When I began Fleet Feet’s No Boundaries program last July, I wasn’t even sure if I could run a 5K. I thought to myself, “Okay, you signed up. That’s the first step.” I ran the Pittsburgh’s Great Race 5K in 31 minutes, and I was so proud of myself afterward. When I saw that Fleet Feet was offering a training program for either the half marathon or full marathon, I hemmed and hawed about it for days.
No way I can run 13.1 miles. You are out of your damn mind.
After I shook those “I can’t” thoughts out of my head, I signed up for the training group, and I have no idea why I ever thought I couldn’t do this. Now that I have an 11 mile run under my belt, I know that I can run the Pittsburgh Half Marathon this May 4. I am going to do it. Even more so, I am going to run the Pittsburgh Half in two hours. That’s my goal. Whether or not I meet that goal, I’m going to be proud that I crossed that finish line.
Cancer is something that my body does. Running is something I choose to do.
When I cross that finish line in just over a month, I hope my mother is looking down from wherever she is, shouting, “HUFFMAN RULES.”
Get Up Swinging 
This is incredibly beautiful, especially the last line, which gave me chills. You have been an inspiration to me in so many ways, including running after breast cancer. The Pittsburgh Half Marathon? You can and you will. 11 miles is AWESOME! I am running my first 10-miler this coming Sunday, with plans for a half-marathon this December (also the month I turn 30). Thank you for sharing your journey. I think of you when I run. Running for me is both relaxing and addicting, plus so much more. When my feet hit the pavement it’s just me and my body and the world. I never want to stop, even when my body hurts. You are incredible, Lara. I am so excited for you and your accomplishments! You will ROCK that half in May! Keep workin’ it, girl!
And you inspire me, my friend. Seriously. You have reminded me time and again not to focus on the negative, but also focus on the positive. I am also glad we’re both runners because the running bond runs deep. It’s a great community to be involved with.