Bold Moves
I ran my 15th career half-marathon (HM) in June, the Hospital Hill Half-Marathon in KC, Missouri. It’s a very hilly course and it’s ususally quite warm so this is a race that I run as a tune-up up for my fall marathon. It’s also fun to participate in a race with a rich history that gives out great race swag. This year, all participants received a very nice backpack! But the most unique thing about this year’s Hospital Hill was…..
Despite the seemingly endless grip of winter, spring race season is finally here! This year will be slightly less aggressive for me compared to last year’s 7 half-marathons and 1 full marathon. Why? Well, it’s not entirely by plan. That hamstring injury in late December set me back quite a bit for off-season base building and forced me…..
“What is the effective range of an excuse, Cadet?!” “Zero, Sir!” Simple exchange between upperclassmen and Plebe (freshman) at the Academy that has stuck with me through the years. Yes, there can be reasons but very, very rarely are there excuses. Pretty much never.
And so as we continue to be gripped by a frigid and…..
Now that I’m finally past my hamstring injury and getting back into my running we end up with Polar Vortex 2 and now snow. Sigh. Six inches of snow would normally mean retreating to the treadmill but thanks to Hubby, the new snow gave me an opportunity to try my “screw shoes.” A runner…..
2013 was a great year and I am looking forward to an even better 2014! Running isn’t the center of my life but it certainly serves as the consistent thread that weaves through my 3 life priorities: Faith, Family, All Else. Running is a lifestyle for me and as the saying goes, “It’s cheaper than therapy!”
I made…..
My endurance running journey started in October of 2011 when I ran the KC Marathon with Team in Training. I’ve been hooked ever since. I am blessed with a supportive family but I think they fully expected that I would be a “one and done” after that first marathon. Afterall, that was my initial game plan. Yet…..
How cold is too cold to run? Well, apparently it is NOT 12 degrees because that was the temperature for the Gobbler Grind race start on Nov 24th! I dressed well, but it was still very cold! The race has gotten bigger each year and we were quite happy to huddle together at the start but…..
After my first marathon, I was absolutely thrilled with finishing it regardless of the time. It was a huge deal! I discovered from that first marathon that I like running endurance races and I rediscovered my love for writing. So that first marathon launched more races, more races supporting LLS, and publishing my first book.
After my second marathon…..
If you know any runners, then you’ve probably heard them talk about their “running mantra.” They may even have more than one. It is basically a short motivational statement that you say to yourself to get through a really tough part of the run or race. It helps to overcome both physical and mental barriers. The human spirit is an amazing thing. We repsond to positive affirmations, no matter where they come from. So why not come from you?
During…..
Holy Inferno Batman, it’s freakin’ hot out here! That is what went through my mind, among many other hilarious and some not printable thoughts, as I battled the heat & humidity to get my 20 mile training run in this weekend.
There is a psychological phenomenon that is called the “fight or flight” instinct. It is a term to describe how we react when we are confronted with personal danger. We often think of this in terms of being attacked…..
