Dream Big: Reviving my Marathon Dreams!

I think a trick was played on me last weekend.  I ran the Whidbey Island Half Marathon in 2013 and was in awe of the views, loved running to along the water at points along the course and the weather was just about right for a long run.  But, I remember the monster hills at the END of the half marathon.  Yes, I said the END!  At least when hills are in the beginning, you can get them over with and regain your energy for the rest of the race along the way.  So, remembering this, I thought "they have a 10K, I'll just sign up for that and avoid those horrendous hills on the half."  So, I set out my Skirt Sports Outfit, my cute, flirty vixen capri and eclipse tank.  Isn't it cute?  www.skirtsports.com I thought I was so smart skipping those hills this year.  You can start laughing now!  I hid in a little coffee shop near the start to escape the chilly air and overheard someone talking about "the hills" and she had a 10K bib on, so I c...

And the 2016 Seattle Marathon Ambassadors are...10 Inspiring Runners and ME!!! I was on my way to the Hollywood Half when I noticed an email from the Seattle Marathon and I screamed!  I had applied to be an Ambassador because running makes me happy and I love encouraging others to reach their goals!  I thought this would be a perfect fit to support beginning runners, runners coming back from injury (like me), and those who maybe took a long break from the marathon distance (like me).  I'm coming out of a 10 year retirement and I'm 40!  So, now, I have the honor of representing a great race in Seattle and gain a little motivation for my own training as well.  Completing this race will help me qualify for Marathon Maniacs, which is something that seems outrageous to me at the moment.  My journey to be a maniac will start in Portland in October, take me to New York City in November, and finishing at the Seattle Marathon during Thanksgiving weekend. I h...

First 13.1 of 2016....Hollywood Half Marathon This weekend was Hollywood Half Marathon weekend and my confidence was wavering quite a bit due to wondering if my foot and sciatic issue would keep me from finishing.  I tried to psych myself up and think happy thoughts but also remind myself to take it slow.  I had only trained up to 7 miles for this one because my injuries have been so annoying, my motivation was low and adding in rest was necessary but derailed my typical training plan. The night before, Auntie Pam, who lives in the area made a perfect dinner...Kale Salad and Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs.  I think it was my lucky meal because I had no stomach issues on race day and felt better than I had in a long time the morning of a race.  I ate my typical half whole wheat bagel with peanut butter and drink my Ideal Lean pre-race watermelon ice about an hour before the race.  Thank goodness the hotel was only a few blocks from the start, so it mad...

Celebrating Small Achievements This weekend I had a small 5K on the agenda...no traveling needed and a nice 2 laps around Capitol Lake sounded like a great idea.  It is fairly flat race, just minimal inclines at certain points, but no hills at all.  Prior to the race, I was a little nervous because I've been having some foot pain this week but all seemed to go well, until I hit the patch of muddy grass we had to run through.  This change of surface really took some energy out of me and I started to feel shin splints coming on, which I haven't had in a really long time!  After the jog through the mud, I had to stop and walk for a little while. Energy was kind of low throughout the rest of the run but finished pretty strong with about a 10 min/mile pace the last few tenths of a mile.  I was disappointed with my time because I'm still 5 minutes slower than my normal 5K times.  But, there is more to running than time.  It is a huge mental game and I know...