So the race is upon me. After two years of injury, surgery recovery, illness and life changes, I'm finally back at the Teton Half. I'm nervous! The Teton Dam Half Marathon is one of the hardest races I've ever run. The first few miles are scenic and quaint. Wrapping through local neighborhoods, passing old cemeteries, with a view of the Tetons in the distance. The middle 8 are what kill me. Strait lines through farm land. A steady incline for 2.5 of those miles. It's a true test of mental stamina.

There is no feeling like crossing that finish line, though. Whether your first or last, you still cross and join with the rest of the runners who do so. You win no matter what you place, because you still put 13.1 miles behind you. You still accomplish what many cannot. You change who you are. One step closer to who you want to be.