Running

Running the Big Easy

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Pre-Race Surprise!

Last night, I found out I was chosen to be an ambassador for InknBurn. This is  the best news of the year for me because I am completely obsessed with their clothes. In fact, it’s all I’ve ran in for the past year since I’ve discovered them. There are two other ambassadors here and I have to
find them! Even though it’s a madhouse of people, I know which corral each girl is in and I have no trouble finding them. They are like seeing a canary in a sea of blackbirds, the colorful runningwear stands out like a beacon in the night among the other runners. It was amazing getting to talk to each of these strong, beautiful women in person! I love how we are all so diverse, yet have the common bond of running and InknBurn!

New Orleans Rock'n'Roll 2016
New Orleans Rock’n’Roll 2016

Race Day!

Although it’s only 7:00 a.m. you can feel the excitement growing. Tens of thousands of runners have shown up to run the Rock n Roll race series in New Orleans and I am one of them. I’ve got thirty minutes until start time and I’m a girl  on a mission: to find my friends in this crazy crowd.

New Orleans Rock'n'Roll 2016
New Orleans Rock’n’Roll 2016

I got lucky, my friends found me as I was heading to my corral. We had such a great time! The weather started out perfect, but it heated up rather quickly. Having friends to chat with helped the miles to pass without thought. We pushed each other, made each other laugh, and watched out for each other. Running is such a great bonding experience!

The volunteers were awesome! For the drinkers with running problems, there were several beer stations, Jell-O shots, and mini martinis being handed out. For the runners with a sweet tooth, there was King Cake, doughnuts, and cookies!  For the gluten free runner, there were oranges, and I crave oranges on distance races!

New Orleans Rock'n'Roll 2016
New Orleans Rock’n’Roll 2016

The themed stations were so fun!!! It’s hard to think about how many miles are left when you have entire aid stations dressed in crazy costumes yelling out encouraging words and passing out goodies like it’s an adult Halloween.

 There were humorous posters along the course to read. Each year brings a few new ones out. This race did not disappoint.
The route took us past beautiful historical mansions, Jackson square, Cafe Du Monde (we were so tempted to stop there), and the park. It was a beautiful and fast course. The few hills that existed had little elevation.

Although I struggled with my IT band, it was something I was expecting. I knew I would not race to PR. I usually run my races alone. This time, I had my friends and they were amazing. I went to this race to meet new friends, have a memorable run in Nola, and to finish to get that jacket!

New Orleans Rock’n’Roll 2016

This weekend was all I hoped it would be and more. I’m leaving “The Big Easy” with amazing memories, great new friends, and state 9, marathon 11 under my belt. Life is good. 

Determination and Parenthood

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I was fortunate enough to not only be nominated for, but to be accepted as a feature athlete in The Democracy of Sweat. I’m honored that someone wanted to share my story. I hope that it inspires others to keep fighting for their health, and to never give up.
I was fighting for my life, and for my girls. I never imagined how my battle could turn into something that could help and inspire others. I’m happy that it can.  The article is beautifully written and offers a glimpse into my life as a runner battling Hashimotos. Here is the link to the article. You can find my story by clicking here or through the below Facebook post!

 

Hello World!

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Hello world! I am a relatively new runner. I started running in the fall of 2013. Let me begin by saying, it wasn’t pretty. I was 60 pounds overweight, and though I didn’t know it, I was suffering from Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Celiacs. I couldn’t run half a block that first day. I was slow, out of breath, and basically a hot mess. The shock and embarrassment felt at my weak performance that first time out almost ended my journey. However, I had an agenda and refused to give up. I started with the couch to 5k training plan. It was a game changer.

Over the course of several years, I went from a body that was obese and dying, to a body of a healthy, fit ultra runner. This blog is my story.

I’ll talk about running. I’ll discuss all distances and terrains, running solo and with my 12 year old daughter (who just finished a very hilly 15 mile trail race), the gear and fuels I have found to be successful, and anything else that coincides with running.

I’ll also talk about how I have managed to thrive as an ultra runner with Hashimotos and Celiacs. I’ll discuss meals and the foods I avoid. I see a medical team no less than 4 times a year. Maintenance and awareness are the keys to succeeding.

I’ll reveal what secrets running has given me. The rewards of challenging myself (and others) and seeing that challenge to completion.

I want to qualify for and run Western States. That is my dream. I hope to have my daughter by my side pacing me at all of my distance races.
She just wants to run. Well, and maybe get a running scholarship to Harvard.

It’s been a wild and beautiful ride to this point in my running career. I cannot wait to see what the next few years will bring! Thank you for joining me on this journey! Get ready to run!