Race Week

It's finally here, Race Week! Sunday is approaching and soon I will be running my FIRST half marathon! I realize many people run, many people run half marathons, many people run an entire marathon. This though, this is MY first half. It's a big deal to me.

Training for a race is similar to waiting for a baby. You put time and effort into it. You wait anxiously, though you are also okay with it coming not so fast. You want to be sure that you are ready. Before you know it, it's here! It is time! Then the sweating begins. The heavy breathing. The hard work. Then, before you know it, it's over.

I was pregnant with Wesley when I decided that I was going to make it a goal of mine to run my first half marathon. Now he is 8 months old and it is race week! That went by fast!

I am ready. I feel I have trained well. Sunday I made a new PR for myself by hitting 13.0!! I am saving the 13.1 for race day. I hadn't intended to yet at this point it seems only appropriate that I do. I have a goal to finish under 2 hours and feel that is attainable at this point. My pace has gotten better and I feel strong on my long runs. I am going to keep in mind that the bottom line is to have fun and enjoy my run, that is the ultimate goal!

It's pretty awesome how a few years ago running even a mile seemed to take such effort. The thought of running past 5 miles was an accomplishment within itself. And now here I am, doing something pretty big. I am doing it for me, for my family, because I am fortunate that I can.

I would like to send good vibes out to each and every runner this Sunday. Whether it is a leg, half, or the entire marathon, I wish you a happy run!

To all the volunteers and workers for this event, THANK YOU!

Happy Running! 

Run, Forest, Run!

The Vermont City Marathon is vastly approaching! T-minus 1 month and 14 days until I do my first Half Marathon. I get to do this event with my father, splitting the marathon. I am excited! This became a goal of mine last year. I had wanted to run in the relay last year but our team didn't get picked. I was pretty bummed about that since even pregnant I kept to running. It was then I decided that I wanted to train for a half after I had Wesley.

I love this event! It is one of the most inspiring events I have ever been a part of. It brings me to tears each time. There is such a unity of people. A rush of adrenaline just watching some of these folks. Everyone has the same goal. Each person wants to finish, to complete their leg, their own personal journey.

Last year I was at the finish line waiting for my father to come through (that crazy man was running the entire marathon!) and I remember this girl coming over the finish line. I am not sure if she was running the half or the whole but none the less she was crying. I was so touched by her emotion and happiness that it made me cry. She had completed her own goal and you could see how intense that was.

Then there are those people in their 60's, 70's, even 80's that run, even if it is a leg of the marathon! Let's not forget about the wheel chair racers who start of the race every year. Their strength and determination is remarkable. These are the people I look at with admiration.

Athletic, skinny, overweight, old, young... it does not matter! Everyone gathers together to RUN!

It means something different to each person. A dream, a goal, or maybe just for the hell of it. The reason doesn't matter. What matters is the unity of the run.

Running for me means solace at the end of a day. It means strength, determination, and a goal which I have become passionate about. I run for ME! It is something I can call my own. Running brings me comfort. Running gives me strength.

In just 4 days we come up on the 1 year anniversary of an heartbreaking tragedy. It will be the one year anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombing.

This post is for each one of them who ran that day. For each life that was affected by this evil act. One thing is certain, just as all these people came together to run, a community of people came together to help heal and overcome.

On the 15th, that is Tuesday, get out there! Run, walk, skip! Which ever you choose. Just do it and do it in memory of those affected by the events of April 15th, 2013. Be thankful that you can! We are all blessed to be able to run or walk. It is a gift! Each day is a gift. Stop, reflect, and be thankful.

Happy running!