Running Little Rock

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Little Rock Marathon Starting Line
Little Rock Marathon Starting Line

The Little Rock Marathon has been a bucket list race for me for the last 2 years. The medals are huge! They are perfect for the bling lovers! Also, it’s known for being an all around fun race. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

I got a jump on the festivities the night before the race at dinner with a few of my Fifty State Half Marathon club members. Good food and better company made for a great start to the weekend!

2016 Little Rock Marathon
50 State Half Marathon Pre-Race Dinner

The weather on race day was amazing! It’s always a good to start with perfect running conditions! The race was a little hilly, but nothing I would consider over the top. I like hills, but they do strain my IT band a bit in it current weakened condition.

The first half of the course was a flurry of feet and activity! I got to enjoy a slice of grilled pineapple, I was sprinkled with holy water from a local priest, and I got to shake hands with the Governor and have a small conversation with him!

2016 Little Rock Marathon
2016 Little Rock Marathon

Even though I had ran the RnR New Orleans full the week before, and I had spent 30 hours in the car in the past 5 days, I still pulled a 2:20 half with all of my stopping (mentioned above) to enjoy what the race had to offer.

I took advantage of the row of couches at the split! It was a good thing, because the second half of the race had the largest hill. It reminded me of the hill at the Flying Pig, it seemed to go on forever. However, the residents came out and were vocal and supportive! It helped to make the time fly by.

2016 Little Rock Marathon
2016 Little Rock Marathon Medal

The second half of the course was quieter than the first. It was also pretty flat after the large hill. The best aid station was found at about mile 20. They offered a wide variety of snacks and a “wall” that you could sign. I couldn’t pass that up!

The last several miles were very quiet. You had a lot of time to think about what you had just been through and what you were about to accomplish. However, the run to the finish was fun. There was a beauty stop so you could make sure you looked your best after conquering 26.2, and the finish line area was alive with excitement.

2016 Little Rock Marathon
2016 Little Rock Marathon Medal

I felt this race was very well done! I really enjoyed myself! The medal is shiny, fun, and big! I would totally run this race again and you should consider it too!

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!