I caught the flu and was sick as a dog for 2 weeks straight right after I started training again from the truck accident. Nothing like putting a complete halt to training…

and thus ended my 2007 triathlon season.

I didn’t have enough time to get build back into running form to be able to complete the half marathon needed for a 70.3 after getting sick, so I called up the people at Ironman and told them to cancel my registration for Clearwater. Disappointing.

However, I’m moving forward and enjoying the off season now. I’m taking the time to build back into training slowly and safely (to prevent any injury) and I’m really enjoying my workouts. I still have a friend who is training for Clearwater, and some of my other friends are starting back up now so I have some people to join in with on workouts.

More exciting news is lately I have begun baking again. I’ve always enjoyed cooking a lot, but since I found out I am gluten intolerant I haven’t baked anything in over a year. Anytime I’ve wanted a gluten free treat I have went to Whole Foods and spent pretty much all my savings to buy a cookie, muffin, sandwich bread, or pizza crust.

I decided this week to stop feeling so helpless baking with wheat substitutes and just give it a try. If things didn’t turn out perfect, who cares?? I’ll either eat it or throw it out if it’s terrible! So, I of course have to buy all these different flours and cooking stuffs at Whole Foods, but it wasn’t near as expensive and now I can make mountains of muffins and cookies and breads… which makes me very happy. I’ll have to post some pictures on here of the things I’ve made. They’re as pretty as they are yummy!

So thank goodness I am back to doing my long rides on the weekends so I can indulge in these baked goodies without too much guilt!

Training is going well, I’m enjoying myself. And I’ve picked up a hobby again (baking) that I loved and have missed for some time. It’s a great start to the off season… which means it’s a great start for my new year in 2008.

I was inducted into the East Burke High School Hall of Fame last weekend. What a pleasant surprise to be recognized for my running accomplishments in High School! Especially after my accident and my training put to a halt temporarily, this was a very nice way to remembered as an athlete.

It was very humbling and intimidating when they read off my accolades to the crowd. Here is a list of some of them:

Top 25 All Time fastest times in 4A High School 1600m and 3200m

1999 State 4A Track 1600m Champion
1999 State 4A Track 3200m Champion - photo

4A Regional Track 1600m Champion
4A Regional Track 3200m Champion

Queen City Relays 3200m Champion

1999 Herbster Classic 1 mile Champion
1999 Herbster Classic 3200m Champion

1999 North Western 4A Conference Track 1600m Champion
Alisha Little, East Burke, 5:07.92 Conference record

1999 North Western 4A Conference Track 3200m Champion
Alisha Little, East Burke, 11:10.46 Conference record

1999 Indoor Track State Champion 1600m and 3200m

N.C. All-Time Top 100 Performers at McAlpine Park
1998 State 4-A Champion
Alisha led 28 girls under 20:00 with a time of 18:13.6, fastest time all classifications

North Western 4A Regional Cross Country Campion- photo
Northwestern 4A Conference Cross Country Champion, setting a new Conference Record of 17:49
1998 Wendy’s Invitational Champion
1998 Freedom Invitational Champion

Holds records at East Burke in the:
1600 meters 5:04.9
3200 meters 10:57.1
Cross Country 17:49

Undefeated in Cross Country all season
Five time state Champion 1998 - 1999
Athlete of the year in Cross Country NW4A Conference 1998
Recruited to run at NC State Fall 1999

I have long since forgotten most of these accomplishments, and I still have never really put it all together in my mind what they all mean. People ask me all the time what it feels like to have done so much.

Honestly, I thought after all these years that I would be able to come up with a better answer… but I have to say that my answer still is and always will be “I was just running.”

I love running- I always will.

Thank you very much to the East Burke Athletic Association for allowing me to be a part of the Hall of Fame.