I hope I am encouraging. I try to be honest though. Kinda a take the good with the bad. Like... I KNOW you can do this... but be aware that there are sweepers. (if that makes sense) I think anything you can do to perhaps get yourself ahead of them even before the race is good. (no matter how fast of a runner you are) The medal is very cool and if that is what helps to motivate you then you need to keep that in your sights.
Trust me I know those sweepers are going to be around, I just dont want them around me! That medal is going to be my reward and an symbol of getting back under control and accomplishing something that I never dreamed of doing...until I met you!
Ya know... I looked on active.com for races in your area and I couldn't find ANYTHING! Running USA...again nothing. No one runs where you live?
You have to think where I live...a city of 180K in the middle of no where...Dallas is 6 hours, Denver is 6 hours, Ok City is 4 hours, Albuquerque is 4 hours...the closest is Lubbock at a little over an hour. There is a very active running club, but most of the races are 5K (about 1 a month)...
It gets hot in the summer there, so I would highly recommend shooting for a 10k in late spring. Maybe April/May? I know that July seems to be a popular month for races, but in July I would worry that it would be too hot for you.

maybe that is why I am not finding races I wish I had a better suggestion. I would just google and look on active. Maybe you could travel a bit to one?
I really do not think I will be ready in April/May? I am hoping to do a full out 5K in May without walking. That is my goal. Not worried too much about the heat, there are a lot in the mountains in June/July...but I think the terrain would kill me...I will find one. Denver is a much better option in June/July than Dallas.
Yay! Another ToT runner/and veteran. I too want to improve upon last years time

I also want to get more pictures with characters (I have none from the 2012 race)
Turning 40 wasn't a big deal to me... but somehow just having turned 43 makes me see that 50 will be here soon and THAT scares me. Funny thing is... I am probably in the best shape of my life. My 43 year old self would whoop my 23 year old self easily!!!
I will say a prayer the transition goes smoothly for Boo.
Thanks...he is pretty easy going so I am sure he will be fine...it is me that is nervous.
Way to go getting more activities in!!! I am very very impressed.
And...on the day after ache. That will get better. I promise. Yesterday, dh said to me "oooh, you are gonna be sore tomorrow" after I got back from my 8 1/2 mile run. He was shocked when I told him that I wouldn't be. I think he almost didn't believe me. I told him that unless I injure myself I really don't' experience that day after pain any more. And... as expected... nope, nada... not sore. Even my hamstring that has been giving me trouble isn't hurting...weird, I just now realized that. Now.. the pain I do get is right after. My bunion was on FIRE after my run. I couldn't wear the shoes I wanted to cause it made it worse. Feet are better today though.
I wonder if what helps to keep me from getting those day after aches is that I use bio freeze after I run and I also after a long run I wear special socks. The socks are amazing for helping to keep the blood flow going right and the bio freeze...

you must get some. I hate the smell, but I found some in a bottle with a rollerball (I hate to touch the stuff) and it has a disappearing scent.
Ok...I am just rambling at this point.

I need to go to bed