Pay It Forward.

An email popped up in my inbox today looking for race volunteers for the Runner's World 5k/10k on Saturday. After a few minutes of thinking "dear god... 5:30am is early", I registered. The Hershey Half Marathon is Sunday, so I'll be leaving for Hershey early Saturday afternoon but I thought about my favorite races. The one thing every great race has, is excellent volunteers. These people sacrifice hours of their weekend to help fuel the energy and excitement of the race. Without the help of volunteers, these events wouldn't be possible and I'd never find out if I had the mettle to medal. I'm giving back to pay it forward. So thanks to all the volunteers and community members who cheer during those long races. Anyone want to get up Saturday?!? No?? Don't worry... I'll be there making sure someone's first race, is their favorite race.

For Love and Chocolate

It's always hard to get moving after months of inactivity. A long run could hurt in places you forgot you could feel, lifting makes you hurt everywhere, and all of this exercise creates an overwhelming sense of fatigue. Two weeks ago I only logged maybe 22mi. The entire month of September, I may have logged a total of 85mi. Last week I ran 44.35mi. This week I've put it over 33 mi (plus whatever I run today). You may be saying to yourself that I'm crazy, no one should increase their milage that much in a week. I know when I've been lazy and I know when I'm working it. 40 miles or so is working it but not overdoing it. I'm like a Clydesdale. I'm built for work and endurance, definitely not a show horse. By running 5-6days a week, I'm forcing myself to stay accountable. I bought a running dairy. I've starting running with people and registered for what I'll call "training-races". Baby steps may be the difference between staying motivated and letting the wheels fall off again.

Yesterday I participated in the Under Armor Baltimore Running Festival with a total of 27,000 runners.  Together with three other girls, we complete the marathon relay. I was responsible for about 7.3mi of the course. With the excitement of my fellow runners, I decided to cover two legs of the race. Those 13.27mi were exhilarating. Just being a part of the energy and camaraderie of the occasion was truly a moving experience. The energy from the strangers cheering on the streets and the runners focused on a common goal was contagious. I've never had the marathon itch so bad in my life. I can't wait to try my hand at it in March. For now though, I'm going to focus on baby steps.

Next Sunday I'm running a "training-race". I'll be running my third Hershey Half Marathon. I won't be tapering for this, it'll be built into my regular schedule serving as a really, really fun run... with chocolate. Who could say no to that?!? I've been with this race since its inaugural event, so obviously I can't. Have no fear, they don't hand out the big candy bar until the end. I'll have to work for it. Next weekend, I run for love and chocolate. Wish me luck.

A New Beginning

In five weeks, I embark on a journey of self discovery; a journey that will be paved in sweat, blood, and perseverance. Dating back to the time of the Greeks, the marathon has become almost a right of passage for most runners, a testament to find out if you truly have the mettle to medal. Anyone can run a 5k but the marathon requires a hardened, seasoned athlete to finish. Training for a marathon is masochistic and I'm catching the sickness.

I've never been a great runner. When I line up at the start of a race, you'd never pick me out as someone to watch for. I'm tall and bulky for a runner and at times in my life, I've even been in the heavy weight class. Regardless of my physical appearance, in my chest beats a runner's heart, my legs feel that itch to stretch and move, and I "get it" when a New Balance commercial plays. I am a runner and its time to find out if I have the mettle. In five weeks, I'll begin the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project. 19 weeks later I'll be running the DC Rock and Roll Marathon. It won't be luck pushing me across the finish line in March, it'll be hours of sweat, blood, and sheer determination. No luck about it, I'll be prepared and ready to give it everything I have. 

This year has been a tumultuous journey with continuous set backs. I'm ready to overcome anything thrown my way. They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step...  I'm lacing up my shoes and giving it every step I have. Many of these steps will be run solo. With the support of great friends and family, I'll never be running alone. Bring it.