Inagural Run

In between feedings, diaper changes, the demands of being momma, loads of laundry, etc...you get what I mean...I finally squeezed in a run! A 3 mile run with 2 brief walking breaks! Not bad for not running since February!

One thing that has changed....I don't think "scheduling" a run is in my near future. Fitting in a run, even at the last minute, is my reality. I know this will be short lived. As Nick gets older, it will be easier to schedule a run. No matter, it is great to be running...treadmill or outside....I will take whatever.

So....how do I feel after this run? 24 hours later.....my legs are sore and feet ache. Time to break out those new shoes that I bought before my injury and pregnancy news! Hopefully that will help. Dropping a few more pounds will help too! Despite my physical aches, I am mentally ready to hit the road again! Maybe yet tonight! One never knows!

Until our next run....

Redemption!

Six weeks ago, we were blessed with a beautiful baby boy named Nicholas! He is a sweet and cuddly little man. We are in love and thank God everyday for him! M loves her little brother. Though she has days when she wants little to do with him, at least that's what she says until he cries, then she is the first to run to his aid! :)

Though my days focus around feedings, diaper changes and school, it is time for momma to get back into shape...time to pick up where I left off....with that said.....it is offical! I am running Bayshore...this time the half marathon. My husband wants me to be conservative (because of my knee issues) and run the 10K. I want to run the full marathon. A compromise....the half. I am sooooo excited! And yet fully realize getting out the door for a training run will add its challenges to an already busy and hectic day! Nonetheless, I am up for the challenge and hope that my family is too!

So as I put on my running shoes on, turn on my iPod and set my Garmin....I hope to see you on one of my training runs! Good luck to all of you who have already made the commitment to run your inspirational, life changing race!

Until our next run!.....

Seeing the Finish Line

It's hard to believe that 7 months ago I was wondering if we would make it to the end!  And here we are....the last mile of the my "marathon" race.  It has been an incredible and humbling experience.  And as I sit here, I have mixed emotions.  (Perhaps we can blame the pregnancy hormones and sleep deprivation...but seriously....)  As I was reading my daughter a bedtime story last night, I realized that this was the last night I would be reading her a book as an "only child".  (Daddy and Momma take turns with bedtime routine, hoping that bedtime separation will be less significant once I go back to work!)  Our alone time, bonding time and routine are about to be changed forever.  I tear up thinking about what is to pass, but smile at what is about to happen.  I think any mom, about to undergo any life changing event, wonders how it will effect her family, her children, her life....and then feels guilty having mixed emotions knowing how blessed she is to have been given this gift.  I have appreciated the time I have had with my daughter.  The last 5 1/2 years have past quickly.  I have a hard time remembering my pregnancy, my emotions, her milestones...something I thought I would never forget, let alone have difficulty recalling.  I have spent time looking at old photographs of M as she has grown.  And as crazy as it sounds from a mom, I don't remember some of those moments, let alone how small she was and how big she is now.  She has grown into such a beautiful and independent little girl.  Her energy and spark are infectious.  And though her sass is more than I can handle some days, she has a wonderful innocence about her.  I love her more than any words could express.  My heart aches to know that her life is about to change, but am forever grateful to know that she will not walk this earth alone.  She will forever have a sibling, a partner, to live, to laugh and to dance with!  I have no doubt that she will adjust well, be a great big sister and a great teacher, playmate and second mom to her new sister or brother.

I am blessed to have such a beautiful family.  I am blessed to have the support of family and friends.  I am blessed that God choose me to carry and welcome a new life into this world.  I have not, for one day, taken for granted all that He has given me.  I know that the challenges and obstacles I have experienced during this pregnancy are nothing compared to many others who have suffered premature deliveries, life decisions, life changing diagnosis, and so much more.  I am not ignorant.  For that reason, I am eternally grateful to our Lord for granting my a blessing of a lifetime!  So as I prepare to cross the finish line, let me thank you...my supporters and cheerleaders for praying and cheering me on!  Without your support and prayers, it would have been a much lonelier and longer experience.  I see the finish line!  And I can't wait to receive and hold my medal!  Until our next "run"......

Back to School

I can hardly believe it....back to school.  Summer is over.  Well...not by calendar standards, but certainly the carefree, no need to set an alarm, stay in your pjs for as long as you want, mornings are gone.  Part of me is excited and happy to have a little alone time before Baby M arrives. Part of me finds the quiet house too quiet.  I know that in 7 short weeks I'll be wishing I had more days like these.  M is super excited to be in kindergarten.  Seems like just yesterday that we were waiting for her arrival....and now....she is a big girl, growing way to fast and blessing us each day with her wit, sass, and love.

I know this blog was intended to be a running blog.  And it will still serve that purpose.  However, I realize that being a "mom on the run" is more than just running.  As all moms know....our days are not always are own.  We hit the ground running every morning, whether it be literally or figuratively.  And we don't stop until our heads hit the pillow.  The demands of providing for our family, while balancing time for ourselves is more then we can handle most days.  But most of us would say, honestly, we wouldn't change it for the world.  My family is my world.  I live and breath to take care of my family.  It's want fuels me!  My days of hitting the road and track again are quickly approaching.  And I can't wait!!  Yes...it will add guilt back into most days....wondering why I am taking time for myself to run when I should be cleaning, doing laundry, or spending more time with the kids.  But one thing is for sure...if I don't take care of me, I can't take care of my family!

Until our next "run"...........(enjoy the pics of M's first FULL day of kindergarten!)

M and Mrs B.

Bayshore

 Before the start of the Bayshore 10K.

Finishing with a smile!  Or is it pure joy of seeing the finish line despite the pain?!

The beautiful Lake Leeneau.  A little R & R with M.

It was race day!  Well, almost!  Packet pick up.  One last event leading up to the morning of the race.  A bustling sea of people finding their number and line to collect their coveted race number and shirt.  Although, I was not running this time, my husband was.  And I couldn't help but feel the excitement and wondered if he felt it too.  I kept asking him if he was getting excited.  His reply was "I guess so."  Though bummed for him that he didn't seem more excited, it was appropriate.  My husband is NOT a runner.  In fact, he predicted that this may be his rookie appearance and his retirement race, all wrapped up in one 10K.  He was challenged to run the 10k because his friend was going to run the marathon for the second year and I, too, was to run the marathon.  We all know by now that I'm running a different race.  My husband's friend, on the other hand, ruptured a disk in his lower lumber 3 weeks before the race and had surgery recently to repair it.  Who was left standing, ready and waiting?  My husband! 

The night before the race, I found myself, oddly, going through the same pre race routine I would if I was running.  Setting out clothes for the morning, double and triple checking to make sure I had all the gear I needed, and praying that if it was to rain, that it would be a light rain.  (There was rain in the forecast.  The only question....how rainy would it be!?)  I found myself tossing and turning in bed all night, waking up almost immediately to the sound of the alarm.  Hitting the snooze button twice, I rolled out of bed, realizing that I didn't sleep well and wanted to stay in bed for a little longer.  But wait....it's race day!!!!!  Well...for my husband....not for me.  I focused my attention on getting myself and our daughter ready.  Pulling out the sign we made for daddy and unwrapping the cow bell we bought so daddy knew where we were!  M was excited to share with her daddy this experience. She even asked if she could run next year with daddy.  A true testament to the example that daddy is setting for his curious and very observant daughter.  

It was raining!  A light rain.  But it was cool too!  The light rain and relentless drizzle, dampened many of the runners, now starting the race, wet and cold.  Temperature at the start of the race was about 54 degrees.  The National Anthem blared over the loud speakers, followed by the familiar "Runners take your mark." (starting gun sounding)  And the runners were off!  We quickly found my husband in the sea of runners, zigging and zagging, trying to find their pace.  M rang her cow bell and shouted "Go Daddy."  Daddy waved and smiled.  A warming sight for anyone to see.  And a comfort to my husband, I'm sure as he started his first mile.  

For those of you who only are spectators in this sport, you don't realize how wonderful it is to hear your shouts of encouragement, while pounding the pavement.  Runners feed off the clapping and the shouting and the encouragement.  The best encouragement is seeing your loved ones on the side, cheering for YOU!  It is the BEST pick me up!  Better then any gel or cup of water!

We headed back to the track to find a dry place to sit and wait for the runners to return.  At 31 minutes and 48 seconds, the first male 10K runner was crossing the finish line!!!!  Amazing!  Almost 2 whole minutes later the second male finisher crossed the line.  The first female 10K runner crossed the line at 41 minutes.  Still a respectable time.....actually.....an amazing time!  The runners were now entering the track in groups, growing larger and larger....a constant flow of runners crossing the finish line.  I stood tall, with my camera ready and my eyes focused at the track entrance.  Then, about 50 minutes into the race, I spotted my husband.  I told M that Daddy was coming.  She was excited to ring her bell.  He rounded the last turn, I pointed my camera and started shooting.  I could hear M and my mom yelling.  He heard us...well, the cow bell.  He turned and smiled and waved.  A huge smile both on M and his face.  I could tell he was tired...glad the race was done!  He did an amazing job!  Finishing in 53 minutes!!!!

We reunited with a kiss and a hug and his first comment about the run...."This is the DUMBEST sport ever!"  I laughed, not taking offense, but laughing with acknowledgement....that only he would say those words after running and finishing his first 10K.  It is now safe to say.....he is retired from road racing....at least on foot! :)  

It was an odd experience being the spectator this time.  I have a greater respect for all the loved ones, including my husband, who get up at the crack of dawn to travel and cheer their runner on, only to find themselves sitting around in anticipation of when you may cross the finish line.  Let us not forget, they brave the traffic, the crowds and the weather, just as we do.  They are just as much warriors as we, runners, are.  

Until our next run.......

The Night Before Fifth Third

The night before a big race is invigorating! Honestly,it marks a night of little sleep and enormous anticipation! I run about every race on adrenaline! And a little caffeine! I rely on the crowd to pump me up and I feed off of every runner lining up. I love race day!!!!! And I will miss lacing up my shoes, pinning my number to my shorts, going to the bathroom a couple of times, drinking one last cup of water, checking my Garmin one last time, finding my place amongst a sea of eager runners and lastly...I will miss the rush of excitment as the line begins to move closer to the starting line and the feeling of accomplishment as I cross the finish line! To my friends who have trained so hard, who have overcome injury and emotional obstacles as you trained.....I wish you the BEST OF LUCK!!!!!! I have no doubt that you will each accomplish a goal that you never thought possible. I am VERY proud of each of you! I wish that I could be running beside, in front or behind any of you....but for this year......know that I am cheering you on and running in spirit with each of you! Cannot wait to hear of your accomplishments!!!!!!!!!!! Ready, set, GO!!!!!
Until our next run.............!

Blessings in Disguise

It seems like I have abandoned my blog! Not really. My knee injury did side line me. I have stopped training. I will not be running the Bayshore Marathon, nor will I be running any other race planned for this season. Am I sad or disappointed or defeated? If the reason was my knee, then my answer would be YES! Why? Honestly, because an old knee injury has prevented me from doing what I set out to accomplish. But I am not disappointed or sad....I'm blessed! I am pregnant! Not expected, considering we were told almost 2 years ago that we would not be able to have any more children. God had another plan. And we accept His gift and blessing gratefully!!!! Complications early on has prevented me from even trying to continue to train for the marathon or even the 1/2 marathon. As much as I would love to join my fellow road runners, I sit on the sidelines, cheering on many of my friends who will be running their first race and others who will be adding yet another race to their running resume! There will always be another race to run! But for now....I am preparing for a different kind of marathon! One that will bless us in October! I look forward to running off those pregnancy pounds during the winter months. And hope to run my first race, as a mother to two, in the spring! Best wishes and Good Luck to all of you who are nearing the end of training for your first season race! I will be thinking and cheering for you!

Until our next run........

Hope Inspires Strength

It has been nearly 4 weeks since my last long run! I miss running! More importantly I feel lost and without a purpose. I have little engery these days and my motivataion is low. I feed off my friends and collegues who are running and training for races this spring! And to my best ability, try to remain hopeful that I will join them on the roads soon. Half of me believes that I still have time to train for Bayshore. The other half of me (perhaps the more realistic half) realizes that each passing week, only means the remaining training is going to be that much tougher, if not nearly impossible. But...I'm not ready to give up! Honestly, my goal when I started training for Bayshore was to finsih the race. I think this is ALWAYS a respectable goal! Of course, deep inside you long to finsih within a certain time....that desire is quickly passing. ALL I WANT IS TO RUN THE RACE!!!!!

Some days are better then others. Some days, I don't notice any nagging pain or burning in my knee. Other days, the only way I can walk is with the help of Motrin or Aleve. Today, with the helpful nagging and encouragement of my wonderful husband, I made it out the door and into the gym. I logged yet another hour on the elliptical, burning yet another 1100 calories! Though this is the only number that makes me happy or gives me any sense of accomplishment, I do hope that the time I put into cross training will make me that much more stronger for the days ahead when I begin running again! I worry about my cardiovascular health and strength and of course my legs, too. I don't have time to ease back into training. Nor do I have time in my training schedule to have another set back! I have to hit the road full strength and even advance my schedule a bit, to ensure I'm getting in the miles I need!

If there is a positive in this set back, it is the recognition that cross training should not be taken lightly. Cross training, stretching, good nutrition and hydration is vital to a successful training regimen! The flexibility I once enjoyed in my youth is not the flexibility I now enjoy. Perhaps if someone told me that years ago, I would have listened (or not)! I look forward to testing my knee in the coming days. Maybe we will meet on the road in passing! This is a hope I hold onto tightly!

Until our next run......!

You are my Sunshine

What a beautiful day! Though the sun deceives the actual temperture outside, it is a welcome sight for sore eyes! As much as I would've love to been outside for a run, I was stuck inside on my new found friend the elliptical. Logging yet another hour, I managed to burn over 1000 calories! I would say that was a GREAT workout! With that said, I would still rather be running. Patience, I know! My knee is feeling better. I am hopeful that I can test my knee in a week or two....just in time for spring to arrive!

Until our next run......

Optimism, Realization and Rehab

This past week has left me phyiscally sore, mentally fatigued and emotionally weathered. I successfully ran 3 miles on Tuesday. But then quickly realized that my knee is far from better. A day of rest on Wednesday, left me a glimmer of hope that I could run on Thursday. Hopping on a treadmill, next to my husband, I slowly increased the speed to 5 mph. I quickly felt me knee revolt, but I was determined to try to make it work. It didn't take long before I realized that pushing myself any further only put me at greater risk of injuring myself more. I slowed to a brisk walk. Pain radiated on the inside of me knee, followed by the burning warmth, like something is ripping inside. Again, my keen sense of stubborned determination pushed me to try to run again. Who was I kidding!? I reluctantly gave up. I felt defeated and disappointed. Perhaps a successful and painless run on Tuesday set me up. I finished my workout on the elliptical, which only added more defeat (We all know how I feel about the elliptical machine.)

Determination and hope is all I have as I rehab through this injury. Hopeful that I will be able to run soon and determined not to miss this marathon. I have been obessed with trying to find a equal...a subsitute for running. Unfortunately, there is no good substitute for running. However, to my surprise, elliptical training has been used by many elite athletes during rehab, while training for a marathon. This was reinforced by my running "coach", as well.

On Saturday, I wanted so badly to run with my group. I settled for meeting my team in the morning, and streched as they warmed up. I returned to the gym, as they all braved the bitter cold for their run, and jumped on the ellipical, where I logged 1 hour of "running" on the elliptical. I'm still doing research on the best way to use the elliptical so that what I worked so hard to gain is not lost. If the equation is true.....how to equate milage running to time spent on a treadmill, I will be living on an elliptical. Good grief! The idea of "loving to hate and hate to love" is the best way to describe my new relationship with the elliptical. The next few weeks, my milage or time will be logged on this new found friend. I only hope as the new snow, that we are currently getting, melts and signs of spring appear, I will be logging miles outside....running!

Until our next run, no matter how the miles are logged......

The Agony of Defeat

Since my last post, I have battled with an old injury. It's the same knee and the same injury that I rehabbed for 3 months, a year ago. I can honestly say that I have seen my future flash before my eyes and the hope to successfully train and run Bayshore Marathon consumes my thoughts. In retrosect, I should have taken stretching and strength training more seriously. Though, as I am sure many of you have, I struggle with time constraints and a balance between getting my milage in and strength training. A few years ago, streching and strength was not much of an issue. But I am several years older and so is my body! I forget that sometimes! Over a week has gone by and no improvement, let alone milage logged. I am stretching and icing and popping ibuprofen or aleve, like its candy, everyday. I tested my knee on Thursday, but still no positive signs that I am ready to pound the pavement. Instead, I settled for the elliptical machine (3 miles)...not my favorite piece of equipment to log miles on, but at least its a workout...time on my feet. I feel my body soften and my spirits weaken. Though I try to look at this as just a minor setback, I cannot help to think of the time I am losing and the milage and improvement I had seen up to this point. You work hard, suffer sore muscles and aching legs....yet when you complete a run and journal your accomplishments...its all worth it! The idea of even taking one small step backwards seems like a huge one, especially to those of us who running does not come easy! For me....losing time means that much more time getting back what I lost and not gaining for the future.

On a positive note...I am smarter and wiser. Though it's hard to admit that I have more patience, because I don't.....I'm anxious to get up and running, I will admit that I know there is no easy resolution and time will heal! TIME WILL HEAL!!!!!!!! Maybe this will become my new mantra for awhile. Thank you to those of you who are following and supporting me! Your prayers and thought mean a great deal....and honestly keep me hoping and not falling apart! I know I am crazy for putting my body through all this again....but I need this run! I need this race! I need this....period!

Until our next run (no matter how the milage is logged).........

MILEstones!

The "Blizzard of 2011" handed me yet another obstacle.....no school! Which equates to no school for my daughter! The wind chill complicated things a bit too. Below zero didn't seem all that appealing either! So off to the gym M and I went. Thank God for MVP and Kids Stuff! The girls that staff Kids Stuff rock! M is always ready and excited when I say its time to go to the gym! It says a lot when, not only is she excited to go, but when you walk in they welcome her by name!!!!!!! They see hundreds of kids and yet.....M is not a number or another kid....she is a child they know and love!!!!! Thanks girls!!!!! You give mom's one less thing to worry about!

Now with a place for M to play...off I went to roll out the knots in my legs. If there is one lesson that you can learn from me.....take the time to stretch!!!!!!! Don't start a run on tight, cold legs. It only sets you up for potential injuries. One year ago, I found myself sidelined just as I was feeling good about running again. Four months of rehab=no 25k! Instead....I ran the 10k. Please don't take offense to this.....I didn't settle....it's not like a 10k is beneath me....I had my sights set on the 25k....the first big race since M was born. And an injury, because I DIDN'T listen to my body, quickly erased that goal! Fast forward 8 months to a year later, and here I am.....healthier, smarter, leaner and more determined then ever!

I found a treadmill and found ESPN on the TV embedded in it! I love watching ESPN when I run.....maybe because its the inspiration...watching atheletes compete! My "good" knee is sore....a bit swollen...think I twisted it while shoveling snow! Started out slow...finding myself barely into a jog when I decided to stop and stretch again......still tender, I decided to give it a try...hoping it would loosen up after a few minutes. Luckily...it did! The treadmill is not my favorite place to run lots of miles....but it worked. I required a few walking breaks....not anything I wouldn't do on race day....but I did get bored! Nature...outside...the best distraction in the world. Today, I had the distraction of watching biking girl (she has a great body...too bad she probably knows that) doing streching and yoga moves at her bike (right in my line of view)...NOT my idea of a pleasant distraction....in fact.....it was down right irritating! Then next to her was an older woman on a ski elliptical machine who looked like a Parkinson's patient gone wrong!!!!!!! Then next to me, at one point, was a young girl who was talking on her cell phone and texting! Come on!!!!! Enough of my ranting...but let us not forget why we go to the gym! That's all! Despite the awful distractions....I managed...though not pretty....to run 10 miles!!!!!! The last 2 miles were painful. I lost my focus....my body ached......my legs were trying to give up.....but my determination pulled me through! A few extra, brief walking rests conserved enough focus to finish my goal distance! Boy am I glad that's over with!!!!

Recovery after a long run is extremely important!!!!!! Stretch, rest and refuel all adds up to a faster and more efficient recovery for your next run! I believe in post workout drinks that give you a balance of carbs and protein. Your recovery and your body's attempt to heal start IMMEDIANTLY!!!! A post workout beverage gives your body what it needs and allows you to focus on celeberation and stretching without worrying about getting a meal in your stomach! Did you know that consumption of a balanced recovery meal/drink is most important within one hour of your activity ending? Your body wants and needs fuel!!!!! And it will take it where ever it can find it.....this means from your muscles!!!!!! Not the place you want your body taking fuel from! I use and believe in Endurox R4 and Accelerade! It is a scientifically proven ratio of carbs and protein that aid in refueling your body. Ok...I agree....it doesn't taste great...but it is better tasting then other protien based drinks I have tried. I even find myself craving them during a long run! Does that tell you something?! As with any gel or post recovery diet, please do your own research...talk with your doctor if you have health issues or conditions before using or trying. With anything....don't decide to try these the week or day of a race! Bad time to experiment! Do some research too. Some of your longer races, 1/2 marathons, full marathons, iron mans, etc....provide some type of refueling or post refuel as part of the race's support. If you plan on using what the race provides, use the same brand/type as part of your training. Your tummy will thank you! And...if you find that a particular refuel upsets your stomach....you're in luck....there are lots of refueling options out there. Try a different brand! If you are looking for more information about refueling or post recovery fueling/recovery....check out Runner's World. Or...ask a trainer or your running buddies. See what they use or what their thoughts are about gels/drinks. Until our next run.....!

Snowed In!

My husband and I managed to make it to the gym last night, before the storm hit! Glad we did, because the world has stopped since the storm! Ran 4 miles with very little difficulty. Could have been the rockstar I drank before going to the gym. Needed the extra pick me up. Nonetheless.....the miles are logged and now I am enjoying a day off before my planned long run for tomorrow. I did get a little workout...playing outside with my daughter and shoveling snow out of the driveway compliments of the snowplows that put it there! :( Hoping for better road conditions, otherwise my miles will be logged on a treadmill. At least I can try to simulate outside terrain using the incline....that is if I remember to or can bring myself to self inflict pain upon myself! But for now.....a well deserved nap is in order or maybe a cup of sinfully rich and comforting hot chocolate!? Until our next run......

Sore, Beaten and Battered

Today was a hard day to run.  My body is sore!  Old injuries are slowly reappearing.  I have gone back to doing exercises that I did during rehab a year ago.  I refuse to let these injuries hold me back, but also know full well that not listening to my body and haphazardly going about my training schedule could not only sabotage my goals, but could also side line me for a very long time!  After 30 minutes of rolling out the knots in my thighs and performing some rehab exercises, I managed to run 3 miles on the treadmill.  It was NOT an easy start.  Stiff and sore, I started at my normal pace, only finding myself at .5 miles, slowing the treadmill down to a walking pace of 3.5 mph.  After a short recovery period, off I went back at my training pace.  Half way through my goal distance, I find myself a little more comfortable and settling into my pace.  It was not an easy run, but I made it!  Another 15 minutes of rolling the knots out of my thighs and calfs, and I was ready to call it a day. 

Three of my favorite pieces of equipment during  my rehab and training have been a foam roller, a marathon/body stick, and bosa ball.  All three have been invaluable; from rolling out knots to improving strength and balance.  Check out Runner's World website for more information and how to use them properly!  You can find a link to Runner's World under "Favs and Raves"!

Until our next run.....!

Because I Can!

Running has been a part of my life for over 17 years. I played basketball in high school and my first year in collage, I was lost....I had no practice to go to, I had no goal to shoot for. I had classes and freedom and nothing in between. I needed something active in my life! That's when I found running! A pair of shoes and comfortable running gear and out the door I went! And I never looked back! Running provided me something that no other activity could.....peace, solitude, but most of all.....a sense of accomplishment! I'm not a great runner! In fact I started out as a recreational runner. But I soon found out that just going for a run began to loose its motivation! I signed up for my first 5k....a goal to work toward....something to get me out of bed and out the door. Though I can honestly say I don't remember my first race, I do remember my nerves, my lack of knowledge of what it takes to train properly for a race of any distance, and looking at other runners and doubting myself....I don't belong here.....look at her....look at him.....they LOOK like a runner....I don't! But I ran the race.....and years later, I still run races, I still get nervous and I still look at other runners and think.....I don't belong here....look at her....look at him....they LOOK like a runner! But what I didn't know then and now know....I AM a runner! I DO belong here! I train smarter, run smarter and though I may not look like runner.....I believe I am a runner...because the same injuries I have suffered, the same highs and lows I have had, the same mantras I repeat, the same goals I have, the same pace charts I study, the same roads I run.....are the same experiences ALL runners have had, no matter their level or experience!

Any athlete will tell you that their sport is the best because....... But as a runner, I have to say that runners are a unique breed of athletes. And with that comes a unique sisterhood/brotherhood. Runners are competitive and determined, yet supportive, optimistic, and enthusiastic! They love the camaraderie, but love the solitude! This is a group of athletes that fits me! I may not look like a runner.....but I AM a runner at heart and I LOVE every mile of it!

So why the blog? Really it's more for me....a place I can journal my runs. A place where I can leave my pessimism and check my ego. A place I can log my favs amd raves (I have too much going on to try to remember the details...like the type of socks I just bought and love!),the courses I've ran, a place where I can journal the comical things that ALWAYS seem to happen on training runs! And as much as I see myself as no professional source of information or an inspiration.....I know that I possess practical, everyday experiences! I'm just an ordinary person with extraordinary goals! I work full time, am a full time mom and wife and somewhere have to fit in training runs! At best...I will provide myself and others with a sense that we are not alone. That no matter your experience.....good, bad or embarrassing.....chances are I have and others have had the same! Remember....you are what you think you are! If you run, think of yourself as a runner! Be proud of your accomplishments...no matter your miles logged! Be true to yourself! And PS......you LOOK like a runner....no matter your size, your pace or the gear you wear or own! Thanks for joining me on this "run".