Now I'm Just Half Crazy....

It's the Friday before 2015 Delaware Marathon, and I find myself in a strange place....

Last year, I ran the Delaware Marathon, my second marathon, and I finished it 29 minutes faster than my first marathon 6 months before.  I instantly knew I wanted to do it again.  I felt strong after that run- like I could just keep going. I hosted Mother's Day at my house, and was even able to pick up the clutter and sweep my floors, all not even 1 hour after I ran TWENTY-SIX point TWO miles.  I knew I could do it again, and I could do it even better.

After much conversation, my husband and I came to a not so mutual decision to sit out the 2014 Philadelphia Marathon.  We "agreed" that maybe it was a chance to give my body - but mostly - MY FAMILY- a much needed break from training.  At that point I knew my next best option was to wait for May and run Delaware again. 

Much to my surprise, I arrived home from Trick or Treating on Halloween with my family to see that I had WON my entry into the marathon!  I was going to be running the 2015 Delaware Marathon... FOR FREE.... I was really shocked and a little speechless.  So without a second thought, I registered for the full 26.2. 

Healthy Selfie with AJ that won my Bib...

I started training in January with a tough schedule hoping it would help me to run this marathon stronger than the last two.  It was a little more intense then the last two training schedules I had picked, but I was willing to give it a try and I began training with magnificent force.  I was shocked to see that when I actually tried and applied some effort into my running, I could go much faster than I had thought.  My pace dropped from a 11:00MM to much closer to a 10:00MM, even dropping at times below that.  I loved finishing a run and seeing that it was yet again another personal best.  I even went WAY out of my comfort zone and ran with a local running group and found that maybe I DO like running with friends I even made myself a new running buddy....

And then it happened.... WINTER HIT.

AND IT HIT HARD.

Last year I posted about how difficult it was to train for a spring marathon through wicked snow storms.  My training took a major hit for the 2014 Delaware Marathon, mainly because there was snow on top of snow on top of snow on top of ice all winter.  This year the snow wasn't nearly as bad, but the frozen temperatures made it difficult for me to keep my momentum up.  Slowly, I started skipping runs, loafing about and losing my commitment to running another full marathon.  I struggled to keep myself on schedule.  I even stopped running an entire week telling myself I would make up for it on our sunny vacation.  I figured I'd run long on our Costa Rica trip and when we returned the weather would be perfect.  I still had time to get back to it and run the full.  I only had to change my goal from finishing in 4:45 to JUST finishing. I knew I could run 26 miles, but I started to think maybe I didn't want to.  I hated the thought of quitting.  It sent me back to when I believed I wasn't good enough or capable of seeing a commitment through.  I couldn't quit now!  I insisted to myself that I keep training.  If I could run 12 this weekend, I could keep going.... If I could run 16 this weekend, I can totally keep training for the full.... At some point I stopped actually enjoying the journey.  I never wanted training for marathons to get in the way of my LOVE for running...yet that is exactly what was happening.  It became more about I HAVE to run 16 this weekend, instead of I can't wait to....  it wasn't fun and I certainly wasn't enjoying myself.  I noticed I had been beating myself up, and that is when I realized I needed to make a decision. 

I knew I needed some sort of validation. I asked my husband, my running buddy and my two best friends - all indescribable sources of support for me - their thoughts on me dropping down to the HALF marathon.... And not one of them shamed me.  They didn't tell me I was quitting.  They didn't make me feel like I was doing anything wrong at all. As a matter of fact, they simply pointed out that a HALF MARATHON was still a huge accomplishment. All I needed was their approval and the email was sent.  I was now going to add a Half Marathon to my journey of races.

The burden had been lifted and I was enjoying myself again.  I found new paths to keep my spirits up and started realizing how beautiful a run could really be.  I wasn't so focused on speeding up, but more focused on the glory around me.  The clouds, the little critters, the birds, the sun... everything looked so much more amazing when you aren't rushing through.  I looked forward to my runs each day, and even increased the amount of times I was running a week.  Just in time for spring to break....

So here I sit.... just a few days away from my first half marathon, and I can't find what emotion I am feeling at all.  Am I scared?  Of what?  That I won't finish with a good time? PLEASE - been there, done that.  The pain?  I have run for 6 hours and 7 minutes... a 2 hour run isn't going to hurt nearly as much.  Failure?  Not an option - I will toe up and finish this race with every bit of effort I have. 

Maybe it's the regret of the change.  Maybe it's because I probably could have continued the training for the full marathon- and finished, and maybe even reached that 4:45.  Maybe not.  I don't really live my life on regrets and I don't intend to start now.  If I did, I would have never made it this far.  I am writing this post today, simply to remind myself that life is but a journey.  I am sure there will be many full marathons, half marathons, maybe even an ultramarathon on my journey...but if I NEVER run another race again... I will be able to proudly say I have run TWO full marathons and ONE half marathon in my life.  And for that... I am truly grateful.

Take Two

It's here.

Marathon #2.

This time has been a very difficult journey.  A lot of it riddled with questioning my reasoning - or lack thereof - to run a spring marathon right after a fall marathon.  I see several posts per day on social media from folks that will run multiple marathons a year - even monthly - but I am not that person. 

While I enjoy running, and the fact that I am able to endure training for a marathon, my love really comes afterwards.  I love the accomplished feeling I get when I finish a long run, or beat my own time, or just get out and run even though I didn't want to.  I would like to believe I am in the majority of the running community - that I am cursing the mere existence of running while I am in the act of it and start singing it's praises when I am finished. 

 ….Then again - that may put me more in the minority....

Finishing the Philadelphia Marathon was incredible. The fact that I trained hard, stayed committed, fought for a charity and crossed that finish line was such an unbelievable accomplishment.  I never wanted that feeling to end.  I wanted to soar on that run as long as I possibly could.  

My first run after the marathon was about 5 miles long, with my best friend, on Thanksgiving, and was filled with gratitude.  I am truly blessed that I have had the world's greatest cheerleaders by my side through all of my ups and downs in life. And the ones who didn't laugh when I told them I thought I was suffering from "post-race blues" or balk at me for signing up for the Delaware Marathon-just a smidget over a month after finishing Philadelphia. 

I mean, really, I HAD to run Delaware, right?  I am a proud, born & raised Delawarean.  How could I not be a part of the Delaware Marathon Running Festival?  I was now a MARATHON RUNNER – you know!?!  To run 26.2 miles on my own turf just seemed like a dream.  And after convincing my husband that the full was the right one for me, he hesitantly registered me as a surprise Christmas gift.

With all my glory – I began training.  I thought the winter was the wall that stood tall between me and my training – However, I was my greatest stumbling block.  Between the snow, cold weather, lack of motivation, shrinking self-confidence and the stresses of everyday life, I really didn’t think I would make it.  I had no good excuse to not train.  My body was strong and healthy – unlike training for Philadlephia, where I constantly was being sidelined with injury.  Don’t get me wrong – I trained.  I ran my heart out, and beat my pace on most – if not every run – this time.  And I always feel such gratitude and joy when the run is over.  I am prepared for this marathon – just fearful.

Over the last 18 weeks, I had seemed to forget why I started all of this in the first place.  My temporary memory loss is in direct correlation to my overwhelming fear of running this weekend.

So here I sit. 

I am not sure where the nervous energy or anxiety is coming from.  I would expect to feel some fear, but this is just torture.  People say you fear the unknown.  Well, from my experience, I didn’t fear the unknown.  I felt confident going into the first marathon.  I knew that I had my angels sitting on my shoulder to help me get through in one piece.  Now that I know what it feels like to actually run a FULL marathon?  Now, I am afraid.  It’s like having a baby.  You forget the pain until you are ready to push again.

T-Minus 3.5 days before run time….

I can only listen to soft rock or apparently my anxiety spikes,  I don’t have the mental capacity to make any rational decisions, I may be a little short tempered, and I may seem a little MORE flighty than usual. 

All I can do now is try to calmly focus on the whys.  

Why did I start running?  To quit smoking. 

Why did I keep running?  I kind of love it.

Why did I run an entire marathon even though I had never run more than 6 miles before registering for it?  To honor my dear Marilyn and to remember that she is always there-surrounding me with a bond that goes beyond this world. 

Why did I register for yet another marathon?  Because I’m a badass – that’s why.

Looking Back and Looking Forward....

Here I go again -

I am pretty sure I promised I wouldn't put you all through my training for the next marathon....well I lied, kind of.

The motivation that I had training for Philadelphia has not translated into the training for Delaware. 

I keep remembering the thoughts and feelings I had during the training for a fall marathon through the brutal heatwave.  Waking up at 5AM just to get my run in before the temperature hit 100 degrees, knowing that I HAD to run with WATER, and that a run after work was totally out of the question.  Complain, Complain, Complain - SWEAT, SWEATY, SWEATIEST.  Yet today I would pay good money to be able to train in that mess...

I am already half way into a training program for a spring marathon, and have yet to run over 10 miles, to follow an exact program, or to even successfully run two full weeks in a row.  What stops me, you may ask?  The Winter Wonderland I find myself living in. 

I have never been a fan of winter.  And snow has been a recurring nightmare for as long as I can remember.  YES, NIGHTMARE.  I don't like to play in it, I don't like to drive in it, I don't even want to look at it.  Hate is not even a strong enough word for how I feel about this winter.

Here and there, I get up, get dressed-over dressed-and I get out.  Some runs are really good, some are really bad.  It takes so much more effort to run in the cold, and lately, I just haven't had it.

I am sitting here, during yet another snow day, and the answer hit me.  I signed up for the first marathon with gusto, with spunk, and with a purpose.  I was running in honor of my Marilyn and raising money for a cause I feel so close to and so strongly about.  I had so many supporters and angels to carry me through those horrid summer days.  It's much easier to run on the wings of an angel than in the mind of a quitter.

I still have support from those who love me and are close to me, but this time is different.  There is no charity, it's not my first time, and mostly - I'm not talking about it.  I signed up for this marathon because I thought it would chase away the post race blues.  I didn't plan on documenting my experience like I did before.  I didn't need to fundraise, so I haven't had to flood Facebook with endless pleas for support, and surprisingly, I don't find the urge to bring every conversation back to running/training/marathon/miles/shoes/feet/exhausted/empowered/running like I did the first time around.  Instead, I find myself dreading the topic, which makes me sad, and worse, FULL OF DOUBT.

I love running.  I love training.  I want that feel good back.  And if that means I need to continue with my blog, then so be it.  I will take it easy for you Facebookers that had just about had it by November, so if you want to follow along - sign up for post updates. That way we can all spare the world my tales of soaring and sorrow.

Marilyn held my hand through everything while she was on this Earth.  She taught me to not be a quitter, to be strong, courageous and to believe in myself.  I won't let a few million snowflakes make me lose sight of that.  She was proud of me - and now I'm going to be proud of myself. 

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
― Dr. Seuss

In the End...

It's been well over a month since I crossed the finish line in Philadelphia,

and even longer since I have written about my journey.

I have missed my blog.

 

 

 

I can now officially tell you what it is like to run a marathon....and trust me - it ain't easy. 

 

As soon as we pulled into Philadelphia on the Saturday before the race, you could feel the buzz.  So many people were wandering around with their race packets and their families.  I have never felt a part of as a runner as I did walking through the convention center.  Knowing that I was going in and picking up my bib for a full marathon gave me a certain pride that I can't really describe. My hub, mother-in-law, son and I all walked around and visited the little booths, buying small tokens to remember this weekend.  I was already basking in the glory of all that was Marathon Weekend.  I had yet to feel nervousness, anxiety or fear of what I would be doing the next day. 

 

A couple hours after arriving in Philly was the Team Lung Love team dinner.  Two of my very best friends-my lead cheerleaders-joined me, my husband, mother-in-law, and my son for a yummy pasta dinner with the rest of the team.  That is where the fear and insecurity kicked in.  I didn't talk to any of my teammates, but in my mind, they were all far more experienced than I was, and I didn't belong there.  Of course, I kept those thoughts to myself, but if you know me, and my loved ones do, something definitely changed in my demeanor.  I couldn't find the words to express how I was feeling-all I really wanted to do was cry.  I kissed my friends goodbye, knowing that I would see them the following day, cheering me on, and walked back to our hotel room with my family.  I slept in bed, awkwardly, with my son's foot in my face, my husband at the foot of the bed, and my Momma Michele crunched up on the other side.  But I slept good.  I woke up ready to go bright and early the next morning.

 

My hub walked me down, stayed with me awhile, and when he left, I realized I only spoke a handful of words to him.  While I stood in what seemed to be the longest line ever to use what seemed to be the nastiest bathroom ever, I felt so alone and afraid.  Anxious.  I just wanted it to start.  Not be over-just to start. 

I waited about an hour between the horrible potty line and the oh-so-dreaded wait for my corral to go off.  I met a lovely Georgia woman who had just beat breast cancer and was also running her first marathon to keep me company.  Once I was running, I felt good.  Most likely because I knew it would be over in some hours.  I ran fast, I ran slow, I walked, I limped, I danced, I sang.  There was very little I didn't do, and that was only in the first half.  My knee, a huge curse for me through this whole journey, started to bother me just short of 10 miles.  At some point, I thought, I should just finish at the half-I couldn't possibly continue on-and then my phone vibrated.  My cheer captains, my "coach", and what could easily be called another mom in my life, were all waiting for me at the halfway mark.  I only had to make it 3 more miles to see their smiling faces.  When I realized they were right around the corner, I knew I didn't have to stop, that I was going to keep going, regardless of fear or my own self doubt, I was going to finish every foot of the 26.2 miles I set out to run.  My loves took pictures of me coming up to them, they hugged me, they helped me and then they cheered me away from them.  My only regret is I don't have a picture of their beautiful faces waiting for me.  No picture of me running can replace the looks on their faces and the way it made me feel at that 13 mile marker.  To know that they loved me that much.  I needed them right at the moment, and there they were.

 

And so I was off....made a friend before the 14 mile mark who helped by giving me Icy/Hot for my knee.  **Note to self and to all other runners out there**.....make sure you don't open your bottle of water with Icy/Hot on your hands-you can imagine why.  I'm sorry I had to experience it to learn my lesson.  That terrible taste lasted for at least 3 more miles, and by then my knees went numb along with my feet. The rest of the run is a slow blur.  I walked an equal distance to running in the last 6 or so miles.  I was tired, I hurt, I really thought I was never going to finish.  I would text my loved ones every few miles so they knew where I was, and they would respond letting me know I was almost there, and they were waiting for me.

 

 

 When I reached the opening to the finish line - right before the 26 mile marker - I heard the sweetest sound ever.  The amazing woman I call Coach - yelling "Baby Girl!!! Baby Girl - you're doing it!!!" That alone could have catapulted me over the finish line, and with a hug and a few encouraging words, she was gone.  At 26 miles, my friends were waiting.  The jumped into the race and ran with me, crying and laughing, all of us in sheer amazement that I was going to finish.  Once they left me, I rounded the corner and saw the most glorious of all visions....my family holding a sign for me, smiling ear to ear.  My six year old son was able to give me flowers, grab my hand and run across the finish line with me.

 

 

I found out that when you are one of the "back of the packers", you have certain privileges that the faster runners don't get.  While the crowd definitely dies down quite a bit before you run towards the finish line, you get to have your own personal cheering crowd of strangers motivating you to keep going; your family has time to see you across the start, then go have breakfast or lunch with plenty of time to see you cross the finish; no one cares that there is a little boy holding hands with his mama on the path because there may only be one or two other people crossing with you; and finally, when you are coming to an end - EVERY photographer is right there to snap every precious picture of you.  Because of that last privilege, I have wonderful memories in print of my girlfriends' short run with me, and a mental picture of the photographer who jumped into the race, just to snap a perfect picture of me and my baby crossing the finish.

 

Six Hours and Seven Minutes it took me from start to finish.  That there is a very VERY long time to run/walk/cry/laugh/dance/sing/wanttothrowup/pause/runagain.  But I'd do it again, in a second.  Thirty-seven days after I finished my first marathon, I was registered for my second.  Maybe this time, I'll spare you all the details.

 

I am thankful to Bryan, Tyler, Michele, Caitlin, Nicole, Susan, Meg, Mary & Mike for being my cheer squad.  I love you all.

And, a very special thanks to all who donated to Team Lung Love for Lung Cancer Alliance for me and for all of my teammates.  I am so grateful to have been a part of the fight against Lung Cancer and to honor my friend, Marilyn.  I miss you more everyday.

On the Wings of an Angel



"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another"

― Walter Elliott

***Disclaimer - I am in the process of moving and about to run a marathon - so if any of this makes sense, I will be shocked.  Please forgive me, I believe I lost my mind somewhere along my 20 mile run***

 

Years ago, a good friend of mine told me I have commitment issues.  At the time, I believed her.  I was an amazing starter.  I had big plans, but no follow through.  I couldn't stay in a relationship. I couldn't stay in a job.  Diets never lasted more than one day - maybe even only an hour.  I couldn't quit smoking for more than a morning.  She was right.  I had major commitment issues.  At the first moment I realized that whatever I was committed to might require some work, I bailed on the idea.  And I stayed that way for quite some time.

Through the years, I have worked through some of my insanity.  I have been in the same relationship for many years.  I have held my current job for about 3 years - at least 2 years longer than most of my jobs.  I have not smoked in over a year and my diet is fairly healthy, most of the time. 

I have seen my greatest improvement with my lack of commitment in the relationships I carry with my friends.  Never in my life would I have imagined having such deep, true friendships.  I have been blessed a million times over.  The ones who I still hold very close, are the ones who stayed by my side during darkness and in light.  I am forever grateful to the women I call my sisters.

I am happy to say that after 24 weeks of my newfound commitment to training, I will be running the Philadelphia Marathon this Sunday.  I forced myself throughout my training to never think about the end.  I wouldn't allow myself to think about actually running 26.2 miles.  I thought if I fast forwarded ahead that I would get psyched out and quit.  So, I promised myself to quietly keep my eye on the prize - fundraising and running.  It was only pure shock and amazement when I hit my fundraising goal a month ahead of schedule - AND continued to raise money to this day.  When I say that I am overwhelmed with gratitude, I am simply understating the way that I really feel.  No words can describe the feeling I have.  I have committed to training, to running 4 days a week - sometimes more, sometimes less, raising $1,500 for Lung Cancer Alliance, putting my body and mind through tasks that seemed impossible and unimaginable - and I did it.  Now, imagine how you would feel....

I know that none of what I have done has been all on me.  I have been gliding on the wings of angels from the very start.  When Marilyn was alive, her and I would walk multiple laps around our park.  We would talk and laugh and figure out our own life's mysteries while clocking miles and miles.  Never had I ever thought that we wouldn't continue to have those moments for years into the future.  The day after I run the marathon, will be the three year anniversary of losing Marilyn.  I know that Marilyn has been with me throughout this journey, and that we will run this marathon TOGETHER on Sunday.  She has been my heart and soul throughout this path.  I believe that there are certain bonds that will not end with death.  I believe that Marilyn is always with me and I am blessed to see her in my dreams, to be able to visit with her, hear her voice and feel her hugs - even if it is only in my sleep and only for a moment. 

Luckily, because of the support I have received and the love that I am given, I am feeling extremely calm, even peaceful.  When I would allow myself to look ahead to the marathon, I always imagined I would be scared, nervous - a wreck, but I'm not.  And it is just one more reminder that I have extra help.  Between flying with my angels, and a support group that is second to none, I am ready. 

Commitment is a funny thing.  When you feel like you want to quit, when you are beaten, broken, down and out, but you continue to move forward on sheer commitment-the reward is priceless. 

Race day is almost here - but I'm still taking donations!  I am running this marathon with Team Lung Love for Lung Cancer Alliance to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Lung Cancer.  No donation is too small.  Thanks to everyone who has already donated!

Please consider donating to the cause by clicking here.****  

 

 

 

 

Hope Springs Eternal



One definition of Hope is:

 "the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best"

 

 From the very beginning, Marilyn was always giving me hope.  She gave me hope that my future was going to be brighter than my past.  Brighter than any dream I could have ever dreamt.  I even have a bag and a scarf with the word "hope" on it - both gifts from Marilyn - get it?  GIVING me HOPE.  

 

If I had never had the pleasure of knowing such a remarkable woman, I definitely would not be running a marathon next month, I would have never thought I was capable of raising enough money to run on such an incredible team for that marathon, and I would have never believed I was worthy of all the other extraordinary moments that have happened and are happening in my life. 

 

Hope is the root of everything for me.  Without hope, I would be lost.  Without hope, none of this would be possible.  If I've learned anything from Marilyn, I have learned that if you have hope and you keep hope, nothing is impossible.   

 

Even after her death, she is still giving me hope.  I can hear her loud, boisterous voice telling me to hang on-to hang in there-and that no matter what-everything will turn out for the best. 

 

There are days, like this morning, when my hope is wavering.  When I feel doubt or believe that I cannot accomplish my goals.  When I just need to know that I am going in the right direction and that everything will work out.  And without fail, when I need her, she is there.  I found a rose today, all alone, surrounded by empty stems, and all I could think was-this is my hope.  It was my Marilyn telling me to hold on-just like that rose was holding on for a little while longer. 

 

"Hope springs eternal in the human breast;
Man never Is, but always To be blest:
The soul, uneasy and confin'd from home,
Rests and expatiates in a life to come".



 

****Don't Forget, I am running this Marathon with Team Lung Love for Lung Cancer Alliance to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Lung Cancer.  No amount is too small!  Thanks to everyone who has already donated!  Please consider donating to the cause by clicking here.****

 

 

 

 

For the Love of Running

May 2008
My Angel

 I know why I run, but sometimes I ask myself "how did I get here?" 

It is nice to have kept reminders of my journey up until this point...

  

2010 UCGKHG5k Run/Walk

 My first 5k was in October 2010 - with my very best friend and inspiration...My finish time was 37:51.  I am pretty sure you can never forget your first time (winky face).  I couldn't believe I was going to run 3 WHOLE MILES!  I didn't really know what to expect, so I showed up with makeup on and no music to run to.  That was the longest 3.1 miles of my life.  Caitlin finished (in record time, no doubt) and met me at the end to help me get to the finish.  I can only remember wanting so badly to throw up when it was all over.

 

 Marilyn passed away less than a month after my first 5k.

 

Miles for Moo Moo

 The next time I was to run a 5k, was also a run that was organized in memory of Marilyn - called Miles for Moo Moo 5k Run/Walk.  I had the pleasure of assisting the "chairperson" with putting together this emotional run.  Lots of work and effort went into honoring such a beautiful woman who we both loved so much. 

I ended up staying back and not running the 5k, but was able to be there to cheer on everyone who came out to support us.

 

Shortly after Miles for Moo Moo, I started a new job with a boss who had a passion for running that ran right along side of mine-and started our joint journey of running 5k's all over the place...

Two months after starting my new job, I ran my second 5k, with the hill of death.  There is probably a reason we have no pictures to commemorate that moment...Although that second race was pretty rough, it really kicked started my love of running.  HELLHILL was quickly followed up with my first Mudrun with Team Dirty Dames.  That first mud run was one of the best times I have had in my life.  Best group of girls to be on a team with.

2011 Mudrun-Team Dirty Dames

 Later that year, I was facing my first winter 5k. It was December 16, 2011 and called the Jingle Bell Run.  Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, etc were all present for the event.  I was dressed in red and green and had jingle bells attached to my shoes.  This was the first race I brought my youngest son to, and the first time he crossed a finish line with me.  The moment I rounded the corner and saw his little face cheering me on, was the moment that I realized I could do anything.

2011 Jingle Bell Run

 2012 proved to be a pretty busy racing year for me....now I say racing - but I mean running in races, not so much in the competitive terms.  I think I was deprived of the competition gene.  As a matter of fact, the more it feels like a competition, the less I want to do it.

 

February 2012 I ran in the Polar Bear Run for the Plunge - the day before plunging my poor body into the Atlantic Ocean for the first time - all in the name of charity, right? April 2012 was my first Run for the House Ronald McDonald charity run.  September 2012 brought on the second Mudrun with Team Dirty Divas (same teammates-just sassier).  October 2012, I ran Making Strides Against Breast Cancer for Chuck's Angels.  Although I was extremely doubtful of my ability to run more than 3.1 miles, I finished my one and only 10k on Thanksgiving morning. I wrapped up the year running the Jingle Bell Run with First Choice and friends for the second year in a row.

 

 

2012 Run for the Plunge

2012 Ronald McDonald Run for the House

2012 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

2012 MudRun Team Dirty Divas

2012 Jingle Bell Run
 

2012 March for Babies




2012 Thanksgiving 10k

This year started with the decision to run the Broad Street 10 miler.  In preparation for this impossible distance, I signed up for March and April 5ks-which led to me running my heart out on May 5th at the BSR in Philadelphia.  I didn't break any records.  I didn't even meet my own personal goal.  But I did find out what I was made of.  I signed up for the marathon before I ever stepped foot on the 10 miler's course. 



2013 Broad Street Run

 

2013 Cherry Blossom 5k

2013 Ronald McDonald Run for the House



And here I am.  This journey of running has been a long and bumpy one so far....but most juicy love affairs are, aren't they? 

 

****Remember, I am running this Marathon with Team Lung Love for Lung Cancer Alliance to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Lung Cancer.  No donation is too small.  I am super close to my goal!  Thanks to everyone who has already donated!

Please consider donating to the cause by clicking here.****