The Dark

Kate Mihevc Edwards used to run for no particular reason, except that she loved it. Then, she discovered the world of competitive running in college and ran numerous half marathons and 13 marathons -- three of which were Boston. On her son's first birthday, she went for a run, like always. As she returned home, her heart rate skyrocketed to 300 bpm. She was later diagnosed with a rare heart condition that sidelined any hope of returning to running.Meanwhile, she left her career in marketing and studied to be a physical therapist and board-certified orthopedic specialist who practices running medicine. She has over 15+ years of experience working with high performers, CEOs, runners and athletes of all levels, from recreational athletes to Olympians. She is the founder of Precision Performance Running Medicine Clinic in Atlanta, GA, the RUNsource app and co-host of the Interdisciplinary Case MIles Podcast. She is an integral part of the multidisciplinary team supporting Atlanta Track Club Elite. Dr. Edwards has served as adjunct faculty at Emory University School of Medicine and is a published author and speaker, contributing extensively to education, research and the advancement of sports medicine for runners. Follow her at: @katemihevcedwards @FBrunsource @precisionpt_atl

Saturday marked the first time I've done what I call "Big Boy" trail races since last November.I was not especially trained for the hilly terrain, but gave it a shot.It was embarrassingly slow, included a downhill tumble, and I considered quitting a couple of times. Mind you, it was "only" a 5-mile (actually, 5.4-mile) distance.I finished, humbled but determined to keep going through challenging things instead of giving up.

I'm signing up for races all over the place. I guess that means getting out of the house and actually running.Strangely, a memory came up on Facebook the other day. It was a photo of me and Orly (Hundo) with Normita looking on as we wrung out our socks midway through a 20-miler. I mentioned that I went out later and got in 3 more miles. (!) Those were the days when I was training for a 50-miler.I look back on that time and realize it likely won't happen again. But, I'm grateful to have had the ability to get through almost three 50s.

I arbitrarily decided to start the seventh season of the podcast because...why not?This week, I give some pro tips to beginners, share the experience of running my first trail race all year and why I think my two listeners (/s) like what I do here.

I did my first race of the year on Saturday. Wasn't great but wasn't awful. Emboldened, I've signed up for a few more races in the upcoming months.It's about time.Plus, a raccoon update and watch the video below for me doing "push ups" at Camp Eagle in 2016.**photo shot in 2017 at Mission Trails in the RGV at my going-away run. I found some race flags and decided to wear them.**

Geez, Louise, it's been a wild few days. My car began vibrating like it did last year when the front control arm/bushing (listen to me talking like I know what I'm talking about) cracked. I fear that the rear version is faulty and did not feel great about driving up to Killeen for last night's Hill Country Strong race. Putting the car in the shop on Wednesday after my summer class (Podcasting!) ends. Meanwhile, I look back at another time when another car failed me on the way to a summer race and the resulting drama about that.As if that wasn't enough, it's been Wild Kingdom around here. A couple of weeks ago, a squirrel got stuck in my chimney but found its way out. A few days ago, a family of raccoons moved under my house. They're cute, sure. Not fun though as they scamper under my bedroom and tub at night. I have a trapper coming by tomorrow to estimate the cost and remove and relocate them somewhere in the wild. I definitely don't want them killed. It's not their fault.And, I had to go three rounds yesterday with health care folks in order to get a prescription they claimed was a duplicate.I got it, but, boy, what a process.I did run-walk a mile 30-30 today and fast hiked another. It's humbling to return to the start, but here I am. Grateful to have that ability, to be honest.

The Kerrville flood remains a horrific piece of Texas/national history. I have signed up for a couple of races to help give back to that community. I even kicked in some extra at HEB's fancy Central Market to help. I also signed up for a race in San Antonio next month called Poker 5K. I misremembered the name of the org benefiting from this. Also, a big shout-out to my dear friend, PJ Izaguierre, for all that he is doing for the recovery effort. He had to move the Colorado Bend race to another venue, marked it, and it got flooded. Undeterred, he found a new place and I hope to see you out there on Saturday night!

I have been gutted all weekend by the news of the floods in Hill Country, my playground. I weep for the families of lost children and my former police-reporter sensibilities kicked in this morning when I thought of all of the funerals and small caskets.It's a little too much.There are a lot of factors that played into this disaster.Most are political, unfortunately.I can only hope this unites us to work toward our best interests instead of those that benefit the few.If you wan to help, sign up by the end of the day today and all proceeds will benefit the victims.

I feel like I'm stepping into the confessional: "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last podcast was two months ago."Ha ha. I haven't really been running. Hiking, sure. I'm beginning to wonder if this is what my future holds. I'm determined to try running again. I signed up for a half marathon in December, so I have that on my radar. Contemplating doing the 25K at Wild Hare in November because I've "just" been doing the 10K the last couple of years.I feel compelled to do one of the summer races and volunteer, but it seems like my schedule has been filled with work and travel and not much time for those activities. But, it's only July, so there is time.

I've been making concerted efforts to return to running and volunteering, but sometimes life gets in the way. That said, I am determined to do the inaugural half marathon in December at the San Antonio Marathon.I also take a little time to get political, if you will.Not sorry. I am honestly concerned about what is happening and if you never hear from me again, I've told you why. Not crazy about the idea of being thrown into a prison but I am a childless Cat Lady who is outspoken and teaches journalism. I know I could be a target.Otherwise, life goes on.