OC Marathon Goals

Goals. Sometimes they're really hard to put out there. Sometimes you need to, just to hold yourself accountable.

The last time I wrote out race goals, I was feeling way under-prepared, nervous, and kind of just a wreck. That was before Phoenix, all of eight weeks ago. I ran Phoenix, attained my C goal of a strong race (pretty much my strongest race ever), and knew that if I stuck to a plan, I could totally rock at OC. Phoenix became a great mental test of where I stood, and of course physically, given that my longest run had been just 16 miles like seven weeks prior to Phoenix. All being said, Phoenix worked out okay. And then I had a full week of recovery - just walking, yoga - and by the end of the week, I was itching to get out and run. I think that's a good sign.

OC training was all of eight weeks. Eight weeks isn't a lot, but I wasn't starting at point zero either, considering I really count Phoenix as a long run to test my endurance and mental capabilities in handling another 26.2 so soon. Mind you, my first two fulls were TWO YEARS apart, and now here I am running two in eight weeks.

My major goals for training were:
- More longer distance runs (over 13)
- Strength/yoga
- Weight loss

Compared to my other two fulls, I nailed the longer distance runs perfectly. A 15-miler, 16-miler (where I could have kept going), 22 at Ragnar in 30 hours, and capped off two weekends ago with the biggest confidence-boosting 21-miler ever. I built more mileage in during the weeks, often having an 8- or 10-miler on Tuesdays, bookended by 5 each on Monday and Wednesday. Mid-week mileage certainly makes a difference.

21-miler day.

I didn't incorporate strength training (weights, really) in any form, like ever, but practiced yoga weekly at Fleet Feet and a few times, did at-home practice too. I'm proud that I've continued with it and really see what a difference it's making just in terms of my overall strength.

Weight loss was up and down. I don't keep a scale at home (mostly on purpose), but about halfway through training had dropped about 3 pounds. That was about 5 weeks ago, and I have no idea where I stand heading into race day, but I'm feeling better than I've felt in a while. We shall see what kind of difference that makes on Sunday!

With that... here we go! My goals for Sunday's race, marathon #4 lifetime and #2 of 2016.

Goal A: The Elusive Time Goal
Much like Phoenix, I'm leaving this goal to myself. It's a goal for the year, but I honestly feel like with the work I've put in the last eight weeks, it's just maybe attainable this weekend!

Goal B: A PR
That PR still stands from LA (4:52) and I know it's bound to be broken, because I am far better off than I was last year (not to mention those 100-degree heat indexes). I know a PR is in the bag, whether it's 20 minutes or 5 minutes. It's mine.

Goal C: Run a Smart Race
The highs are not super forgiving on Sunday (75 as of Wednesday night), but tolerable, especially given that we're on the coast for the race. I've definitely run in hotter weather, but am hoping I know how to take advantage and still run smart, all things considered.

There we go. Vague on purpose, but I'm hoping that I can at least come back with a pretty killer full marathon PR. Here we go, #4!

Have you run the OC full? Favorite parts? Worst parts?

30 Days Until Phoenix!

There are 30 days until my next full marathon. I may or may not be freaking out a little. But only a little.

As it does with every major race and milestone, I’m at the point where every other day, I feel ready. And every other day is filled with a lot of self-doubt.

Have I done all the work I really should have? No.

But am I conditioned and in shape to make it work? Sure.

Can I try and squeeze in one more really good long run in? Probably.

Will I? Who knows.

{Photo credit: Phoenix Marathon}

I’ve got Surf City next weekend (February 7). Am gunning for a shiny new PR to kick off 2016 with a bang! The Saturday (February 13) following, I am pacing the 2:15 team at the Mermaid San Diego Half. If I have any opportunity to squeeze in more miles, it’s then, but then again, that’s two weeks out so would I be pushing it too closely?

The mental madness of not even pre-taper is cruel. 

I felt more prepared for LA last year than I do right now, though I think I am overall in better shape right now than I was even last spring. I'm much better mentally than I was last spring, as LA training just distracted me from job searching. 

I've made a commitment these next two weeks going into Surf City (again, PR at stake) to eat a little cleaner, no soda, no alcohol, and just be a little more cautious about what I am stuffing in my mouth. If I can hang with this for two weeks, I hope to be able to continue such a plan leading into Phoenix. It's not about losing weight (though that's certainly an added bonus), but so much about just feeling better about myself and feeling as best as I can. Time will only tell!

I'm anxious. I'm excited. I know tons of folks that are going to be there (#itsgoingdownatphx is happening once again, people, and I'm ridiculously excited about it), which always make for a fun race day and calms my nerves. 

30 days to go, friends. 30 days to make more of it count. Let's go.

Fall Races 2015

I've got so much coming up in the next few months - between pacing and just running, I'm way excited about what's to come just before Christmas (and already tons of plans for after the new year!). Let's get started, shall we?

Revel Canyon City Half Marathon

November 7 | Azusa, CA

Pacing 2:10

Lexus Lace Up Palos Verdes Half Marathon

November 14 | Palos Verdes, CA

Wanna run with me? Use code laceupmegan for 15% off!

Surfer's Point Half Marathon

November 15 | Ventura, CA

Yes, another double weekend! Pacing 2:15

USA Invitational Half Marathon

November 21 | San Diego, CA

Reindeer Romp

December 5 | Chino, CA

Our Christmas 5K tradition. Love this race!

Lexus Lace Up Riverside Half Marathon

December 6 | Riverside, CA

Pacing 2:15

Wanna run with me? Use code laceupmegan for 15% off!

Holiday Half Marathon

Golden Snowflake Challenge | 5K Saturday | Half Marathon Sunday

December 12-13 | Pomona, CA

Wanna run this one? Use code HHMAMB15MJ for $5 off either race or the whole challenge!

Virtually, I'm also going to be completing the Santa Hustle Virtual Half Marathon. I'm bummed this race isn't returning to Buena Park this year, but they have tons of locations all over the midwest and southeast. Check it out and see if they're in your area! Use code MJOHNSTON15 for $5 any race, any location, or the virtual one!

Whatcha up to this glorious fall season? Anything particularly fun? Will I see you at any?

Marathon Training: One Month To Go!

So I'm running the LA Marathon in four weeks - holy crap, four weeks. I realize that I, for once, haven't recapped training once (though have been good about it on Daily Mile), and really... haven't talked about it all that much here on Run Megan Run. I guess life has other plans while I'm not blogging and staring at my computer.

But amazingly enough, the last four months have flown by, hundreds of miles down, and I'm gearing up and getting ready to hunker down, finish the last two strong weeks, and psych myself up for taper time. The last time I did this, taper really meant get-bronchitis-and-be-forced-to-sit-on-the-couch-anyway, so I am actually wondering if I'm really going to feel the taper madness.

After a super tough 12.3 miles on Saturday (re: where I didn't even make it to 13), I realize that I've got some major commitments to make in life for the next four weeks to ensure I am at my absolute best going into race day. I'm laying them out on the line to ensure you folks hold me accountable and that I follow through with my actions.

1. Stretch & Foam Roll 
This is vital - I'm guilty of not streching, even when I feel tired and sluggish, and know that I need to keep myself limber and able. I am making a commitment to stretch every morning, whether there is a run scheduled or not, and that especially after long days, I'll be getting down on the floor with the roller to make sure I'm working any tight spots out.

2. Hip Exercises
I know my hips have been wonky for awhile - my theory is that it's mostly due to fluctuating between which leg I put more pressure on to either make up for a bum left knee, or overcompensating for that fact. The chiropractor I met with after the Russ 5K started to adjust me, started to get me in place, but told me there's a lot of work to do. I'm going to start with some basic hip strengthening moves, just to keep things in place and as strong as they'll be!

3. No Alcohol 
The culprit for most of the reason that Saturday's run sucked. I don't drink a lot, nor all that often, but here on out, there's none of it. I had some fun indulging this weekend, but that's enough to get me through another four weeks.

4. Don't Miss a Run
Quite honestly, there are not many runs I've missed altogether in this cycle. Some have been modified, but overall, the runs have all been happening. But this is ultimate time, time to make sure I've got it together, that I'm stronger and tougher than I think. Skipping on a run will only be in cases where my body really just says, "Yo, chill for a day."

5. Chiropractor
Again, the awesome chiro we met with offered one free treatment for visiting her again. I'm already planning on going again in two weeks, and then plan to shortly after the marathon, too. She was amazing in talking through where my aches are, what history I have with surgeries, and how my right side overcompensates for the left and therefore a lot of the physical issues inside! I would like to make this a regular occurrence, but that'll have to wait for a regular income.

6. Water Intake
It's amazing how much better I was about drinking water while I was sitting at a desk, rather than running around all over the place like I do now. Even with substitute teaching like I have been, I need to ensure that I'm taking in my daily recommendation (90 oz) and staying hydrated appropriately through the week.

7. Portions, Diet, Whatever
I'm calling it a diet, but really, I'm sucking at it. What I really intend to do is watch my portions a little better, cut out some of the crap (I'm a sucker for dessert). Originally my goal was to lose about 10 pounds prior to race day, but really, I'd be happy with 5 because frankly, I'm just not getting there. I know I need to eat better for the way I run, but I also like to eat the way I do because I run. One long, vicious cycle. Le sigh.

There you have it. Seven major goals, projects, tasks, whatever you want to call it to ensure that I'm my best on March 15. I feel stronger, healthier, better and more capable than I did for marathon #1, and I'm excited that we're just a month out! And terrified. But mostly excited, amped, and ready to go.

What are your major focuses heading into the last weeks of marathon training? Any additional tips for me?

2015 Winter Running Plans

Something really awesome about California is that while the rest of the country's race season has come to an end, we're still in full swing! It's certainly not icy and snowy here, but plenty cold enough to give us some gorgeous and cold mornings - perfect for races!

So I've got a full agenda and am pretty excited about it, so I thought I'd share all the upcoming fun. Let me know if you'll be at any of them with me!

December 6 - Reindeer Romp 5K (Chino)
We ran this one last year, and upon discovering that every year they change the highlight color and reindeer of the year, we knew we had to do this one again. It's a local race, decently priced ($30), and supports our local YMCA. To boot, the medals are ornaments and come with adorable long sleeve shirts. Throw in a super flat, super easy 5K course, and you have yourself a deal!

December 13 - Lexus Lace Up 5K
I really wanted to do the half, but couldn't convince myself to fork over the money, even though at one point I had a 40% code and the price would have been like $55. You snooze, you lose. BUT the 5K showed up on GroupOn a few weeks ago so both Doug and I are running the 5K for a total of $39.20. Win.

December 14 - Santa Hustle Half Marathon
This is a new race coming to Southern California this year. I actually found out about the series while I was living in Georgia, and desperately wanted to go run their Tennessee race but couldn't ever get up there. So when I heard they were headed to the west coast, I was beyond excited! I'm serving as an ambassador for them this year (more on that on Friday) because I'm that excited. Doug will be doing the 5K while I run the half - through Knotts Berry Farm! - and then we'll stay and play at the park all day.

Use code MEGJOHNSTONBP for $5 off the 5K or the half! 

January 3 - New Year's Race Los Angeles Half Marathon
Doug's first half marathon! Enough said. Excitement abound. As I am also serving as an ambassador for the amazing NYR, I was given an additional free entry (I was already registered). This is a nighttime race under the lights and stars of Los Angeles just after the new year and it'll be such an awesome way to kick off 2015, with my guy by my side for his first 13.1. Woo!

Use code NYRMegan15 for $15 off the half marathon!

January 10 - Citrus Heritage Half Marathon
After the beating that this race gave me last year, but upon being offered a sweet early-sign up rate, I signed up for this again and will be a legacy runner for this half! All I am hoping for is to do a little better than last year - which, given lately, should (hopefully) not be too much of a challenge given that I am currently already in far better shape - ready to beast this course!

February 1 - Surf City Half Marathon
This is the one I haven't signed up for (yet), but have every plan to so I can get in race #2 of the Beach Cities Challenge. Further, this is home of my first full marathon and while the marathon is a little mentally beating by double-backing (twice!), I'd much rather run the half again. Monica asked me to pace her to a sub-2 for the first time, soooo.... challenge is on! Surf City, here I come!

This seems like a lot of races, never mind the fact that the first two are 5Ks, so I'm okay with that. Further, these put me smack through the middle of marathon training (more on that soon!), so what's better than rewarding long run days with medals since I'm at it anyway? Right?

Alright... do I get to see you at one of these? Let me know where!

Fall Adventures

You know, despite the fact that my days sort of drag on as I keep myself busy between daydreaming about all the races I'd like to do and job application after job application, I realize I have quite a bit to look forward to over the next few months. Not a ton of races, but enough to keep me occupied and focusing on the next great thing! 

First and foremost... 

Ragnar Napa Valley

September 19-20

So so so so excited about this - it's about half my team from So Cal and we're out to get our double medals for doing both So Cal and Napa in the same year! Holla! Excited. We are team On Ragnardays We Wear Pink and yes, as it suggests, we are all pinked out and all things Mean Girls. We're just not mean. Keep an eye out for us and our sweet magnets!

Riverside Hometown Heroes 5K

October 11

This is race #1 of the Run Riverside challenge. Since I was already signed up for the Citrus Half 2015 as a legacy runner, I figured I may as well do the other two and earn that extra medal because, duh. The cool part about the challenge is that you just have to run ANY of the races offered at all 3, so you could earn the extra bling for doing all three 5Ks. It's pretty sweet. So far, I'm planning on the 5K at each this one and Mission Inn, and then the half at Citrus. Woo!

But more than that - I feel in shape for the first time in a long while, and while I'm not focusing on speed right now so much as stamina and endurance, I'm excited that I've got a good little string of 5Ks to focus on this fall, too. My PR came last December (in the rain) when I was hardly running at all, so I feel like I've got some potential excitement coming. 

Race for the Rescues 5K

October 18

My dad's second 5K! This one is in Pasadena, all around the Rose Bowl. Dad's doing it as part of his health program at work, and I'm doing it with Molly because I can (her second 5K too!), and my uncle even signed up to walk. And it benefits local rescues. And puppies. So that's a given. 

Rock 'n Roll Los Angeles

October 26

I signed up for this one on National Running Day wayyyy back in June, so as much as I still forget about it, I'm excited to have a half coming up this fall. I hear the course is pretty flat and easy as well, so all the better. The medal got released not too long ago and I'm quite excited for it!

Mission Inn Run 5K (probably)

November 9

I say probably only because there's a 10K option too. Doug's training for the New Year's half this fall and wants to do a 10K at some point to see how he's doing, so I'm not sure if it'll be this one or the Dino Dash the week before... but at least the 5K here for me!

I've got one more half marathon pending in December - more on that soon I hope, as I've got some goodies to share too with that, just waiting on some last details! Woo hoo! 

What are you up to this fall? Any races you're particularly excited about?

Girls on the Run: My Season 1

You may or may not remember that beginning in February, I started as a coach for a local Girls on the Run team. I first heard of GOTR in Atlanta, as they were out promoting their program and 5K at almost every race I did in the area. When I first moved to LA, I thought of taking up a team in the fall, but decided I'd be better off settling into the job first and would take up a team in the spring. And I did!

If you're not familiar with GOTR, it's an organization based in North Carolina with chapters all over the country. Chapters are local areas with teams underneath - nearly 50 teams in the GOTR LA organization, for example. GOTR "teaches life skills through dynamic, conversation-based lessons and running games. The program culminates with the girls being prepared to complete a celebratory 5K running event. The goal of the program is to unleash confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness."

I've gotta be honest with you. After I attended training in January, I was excited... but also a little apprehensive. Part of my struggle in working with the current generation's college students is that they so often believe that they are entitled to anything and they all deserve the exact same things (think that age-long discussion about everyone getting participation trophies versus just the champions getting the trophy). At the end of the article is a quote that very much directs how I feel: "members felt like kids were given too many things in this day and age and it is important to teach them not everyone can be a winner." Learning that every girl gets a race bib with the number 1, and that every girl gets a medal regardless... left me struggling. I remember leaving training and telling my boss the next day that I was a little nervous about how to put my feelings aside (given the current age group I work with) and allow the program to run its course.

And then I saw the program happen. I saw our girls pushing themselves, pushing each other, and I saw the confidence come out. There were girls who could certainly be amazing runners, who want to give it all they've got every time around and are determined to get better and better. The quiet ones who don't say a peep in conversation but are total workhorses when it comes down to it. And then there's the crazy, rambunctious, hyperactive ones who just need a fun outlet to get it all out (sometimes those ones made me feel like a not-paid babysitter).

Don't they look thrilled?!

Overall, my experience was a good one. We had some difficult members on our team who often made the experience difficult for coaches and myself, but enough girls to offset their rowdiness and rudeness, at times. GOTR did work some magic for some girls, and you saw their true attitudes come out at the 5K. Our 5K was just two weeks ago, and sadly only half our team was able to make it - I was a little disappointed, especially since all the huge groups getting together - but whatcha gonna do?

I got to run the 5K with one of our quiet workhorses. She was always one of the leaders of our pack on our 'track' around the park and you could truly see her determination come out through each and every practice. Running the race with her, and allowing her to determine when we stopped to walk, how fast she wanted to go, and let her run her course, was probably a highlight of mine from the entire 18 weeks. Seeing her finish it and the biggest smile (with the cutest dimples ever, mind you) across her face was truly priceless.

I am so glad I got to join this program - it's not necessarily about getting that participation medal or the #1 bib... but truly about building that confidence. Running can do that for everyone, but certainly these girls are at a critical point when they need it most. That perhaps, there are difficult days and days where not everything will be handed to them and that as a coach, it's my job to push you just a little bit. Thanks, Hesse Park, for a great season 1 with GOTR LA! I'll see you in the fall!

Have you every coached with GOTR? What was your experience like?

Fontana Days Half: Week 3

Training: Week 3

Overall, this week was pretty fantastic - tough, but I felt good. After an extended rest day last weekend thanks to graduation at the University and Mother's Day fun at my parent's house, I was ready to tackle the week. And for the most part, I did!

Monday: 3 mi easy (10:24)

3.01 miles (10:01)
Much like last week, I tend to wimp out at the end of a work day. For whatever reason, this day felt difference and I just wanted to get out and go. Who knew?! I tried keeping it slow and relaxed, but as normal (to this day, I can't pace myself) I went out real hard in the first mile and then had no other way but to slow down for the last two. But I killed the four beastly hills on my 3-mile loop, so I was super pumped and pleased with my effort.

Tuesday: 3 mi easy (10:24)

2.0 miles (10:33)
Morning miles with the puppy - legs felt unbelievably tired after Monday evening's run, so I took Molly along to keep it slow(er). Shorter than planned, but enough to get moving with the pup to start the day!

Wednesday: 6 miles, 4 @ tempo (8:54)

3.23miles (9:34)

Despite two earlier awesome runs, this morning was really hard to get up for. Like really hard. So I finally made it out of bed at 7 am and on the day when it was supposed to be 105 degrees inland, that was a bad choice even for me on the coast. Set out for a loop and would call it a victory, whatever it was. Partial fail.

But my Wednesday night ended with a soccer game date with my daddio to see the Galaxy's reserve team in the first round of the Open Cup. Not a bad way to end my day! :)

Thursday: 3 mi easy (10:24)

2.00 miles speedwork (4x400)
After a late night out at the game, I was already planning on NOT making it up for a morning run, but figured since I had GOTR practice anyway, I'd run with them. Figures that the lesson plan for the day involved hardly any running! Bummer.

It was crazy hot on Thursday, but I wanted to stick around and at least do something. I knew there was no way I was going to last 12 loops on our sidewalk track, so I thought I'd experiment with some speedwork. First true speed workout in almost a year - and I felt it. The heat didn't help, but I managed to squeak out a 1 mile warm up (10:00) and 4x400 (1:34, 1:44, 1:43, 1:43). This time last year, I'd laugh and be angry about such a workout because I knew I was capable of better, but frankly after a year off the track... I'm quite pleased. Work to be done, but it's a start!

Friday: Rest

Rest
Happily!

Saturday: 5 miles LSD (10:24)
2.25 (9:37) + 3.33 (13:47) + 2.05 (10:06) = 7.63 mi
Woo! I thought I had more than 5 miles on the agenda (and left my calendar at home, so that's what was in my head). Going to bed on Friday night, my goal was to do the 2-mile block as a warm up, do my first-ever trail race (!), and then run another block when I got home.

Warm up block was an awesome way to get moving for the morning - it was still cool then, and felt good to get the legs shaken out. The trail run was HARD - oi vey! But more on that tomorrow! And then, despite it being stupidly hot at 10:30 am, dropped my stuff off in the house and set out for that last block. Holla. 7.63 miles on the day. More than thrilled!

Week 4, here we come! Week 4 culminates in my longest long run for this #sub2orbust attempt. Nervous, but allowing myself to go with the flow and make what I will of it. Feeling good heading into this week, so let's hope that sticks around!

3 weeks until race day!

Fontana Days Half: Week 2

I realize I never posted Week 1, as I honestly wasn't sure how far I'd get. Now that I can say Week 2 is down (and then some), I'm pretty excited about where I'm headed with this!

Heeeere we go! 

The Fontana Days Half is my new target race. As you may or may not remember, Nike last year was my goal race. I trained. I worked my butt off. #sub2orbust was everywhere - and after 90 seconds at the first aid tent at mile 7, I finished at a 2:01:33. I had it in me. I know I did. But enough about that - you can rehash it here, if you really desire.

Fontana is coming up on June 7 - so close! I'm working hard, in the six weeks I have between races (Redlands and this one). And so far, feeling good. The course looks like this:

I'm not going to lie, I'm looking forward to that helping me out. However, I've nailed most of my runs so far and am looking forward to tackling this guy. So... with that, Week 2, here we go!

Monday: 4 mi easy (10:30)
4 miles, 9:33 pace
I usually wimp out on post-work day runs, and come up with every excuse in the book. Finally got out and did this, ready to rock. I tried slowing down. I just couldn't! I turned this into a time test and did 2 miles with the pup (19:21) and then 2 on my own (18:53). Monday afternoon success!

Tuesday: 3 mi easy (10:24)
2 miles, 9:40 pace
Nothing remarkable? Legs were a little tired after Monday night's run, but pushed through and got a solid 2 in at least.

Wednesday: 5 miles, 3 @ HMP (9:09)
5 miles, 3 @ tempo (8:59)
This run was aaaaaaah-mazing. I was targeting just getting in a solid 5 miles and was going to try and push for 3 solid HMP miles. After mile 2 clicked by and hit an 8:58, I thought that maybe there was a way to pull this off and make it a solid tempo workout too - boom. Done and done! I love my 5-mile route because it is a rolling downhill, which will mimic Fontana well and get my knees and quads ready for the difficulty. Boom.

Thursday: Rest
1.14 miles, Girls on the Run practice
Moved my long run up to Friday, so was gonna go for zero, but went for a little shake-out before practice started with the girls. Easy peasy.

Friday: 8 miles (10:30)
4.79 miles, 9:08 pace

Saturday: Rest
Rest
Graduation day at Marymount! That was plenty effort for the day. :)

Overall, a successful week. Several runs were at the end of the day, and while the last few months have been nothing but excuses, I feel like I'm finally moving past that self-wall and getting out there and just doing it. And it feels amazing. Week 3, I'm ready for ya! Leggo!

Any tips as I head into Week 3? Sub 2 or bust! 

Spring Adventures

Despite being fairly quiet here lately, there's a little bit coming up on my plate that I'm pretty excited about. I'm feeling a little more on the ball than the last few weeks, but given a 4-day trip to Florida, and then a 5-day trip to San Diego thrown in the middle of all that, training was the last thing on my mind. But that's okay.

One of the things i'm loving most about being back in California is that there are plenty of races going on at all times. I had plenty in Georgia, but I feel like I've got even more out here to choose from and can't be more excited about all the opportunities there are! Of course, I'd love to add more states but I'm not sure that'll be happening this year!

So here you have it:

Ragnar So Cal - April 4-5

Team Adventures in Runderland

Ragnar DC was a blast in 2012 and I'm so freaking excited that I get to do it again! I'm captain-ing our team with HP, naturally, and we've got a hodge podge of lovely women. There are five of us that are sorority sisters, two are friends of one them, and the rest are women we've picked up via the Ragnar site and other random connections. I'm excited to have our team finally come together. More on that on Wednesday! 

Carnival Cruise - April 17 - 20Because this doesn't have to be all running, right? :) We're taking a family cruise from Long Beach to Ensenada and back. My parents, sister is flying out from New York, grandparents, and my uncle and I are all hanging out for a few days on our way to Mexico and back. I'm pretty excited to spend some family time together, and most significantly for some extra time with my sister!  

Run Through Redlands Half Marathon - April 27

This half is not entirely flat, though apparently flatter than in recent years (though I have no reference point). But it runs through some really gorgeous areas of Redlands, so I'm excited to check it out. And what better than another fabulous local race to add to my collection?

Fontana Days Half Marathon - June 7

This half is is known as the fastest Half Marathon due to the gradual downward slope of the course - there is an elevated drop of 2,125 feet from start to finish! I think this is an appropriate time for #sub2orbust, don't you?

I'm looking for a few more spring races to add to the collection. I'm really looking forward to finally getting back in this groove and that I'm actually making some leeway already! Bring it on!

What spring races are you looking forward to?

An Open Love Letter to Running

Dear running:

We've had a tumultuous relationship the last two and a half years. Some extreme highs, some definite lows, and all the while... we've been by each other's side.

Half-mary #1!

You found me when I was at my worst. Unhappy, unexcited, lonely, and desperate for some way to feel like I mattered or did something to say that I was proud of myself for... anything. A new job had taken me to the furthest state from home at that point, into a yet new territory for me and into a job that I wasn't loving. I felt like I contributed nothing, didn't accomplish much, and was just a body at a desk for the better part of my days.

I'm a marathoner!

And then I found you. You gave me something to look forward to, to strive for, to feel good about myself again. You made me feel accomplished, challenged, motivated and encouraged me to feel like I had a purpose again. Thanks for bringing me back to life!

Simply put, you filled the void that I struggled with every day for those two years. No desire to stumble out of bed, no desire to sit at a desk for eight hours on end, and no desire to feel connected to anyone or anything. Sure, our relationship was on-again, off-again, but whenever we were back on, we were on. I felt on top of the world.

Through you, I've pushed myself beyond any limits ever thought possible. From regular 5K-er to half marathoner, knocking off PR after PR, you pushed me to my best. When I decided a marathon was in the cards, you took me to a whole new place -- you led me to that special 1% club and I can't ever thank you enough for helping me see that when I set myself up to do something, I do it. I go all out, I make sure I get there, and you were my biggest supporter.

Georgia Publix ladies -- half-marathon #8!

You connected me to a group of sorority sisters, who became merely sisters by association, to friends and running companions. You helped me reconnect with old friends, or find community members who shared my passion and my drive for finding the next great race. Friends and running nerds who I could share in my victories, challenges, excitement, and downfalls with. Partners who pushed me past my  limits to do my best, encourage them at their worst, and help push others to new places too. Crazies who ran 200-mile relays with me to seek as new sources of inspiration, camaraderie, and friendship across state lines. To friends who completed their first half, their first full, or those who even ran their first 5K, I had a whole new collection of people who understood why I crashed early each night and was up before the sun most mornings. You understood me -- and helped me find others who understood me, too.

I felt like I had something to give others -- whether it was motivation, or some words of advice, or an experience to share. I contributed, I made a difference, and I was fulfilled. I'm a helper by trade and by person, and knowing that even if it was just one person I made a difference to, I felt fulfilled, purposeful, and grateful that I could impact someone in such a way.

And now here we are. You've been strung along a bit these last few months, as I've found a new job, new home, and am learning the ropes of both. Enjoying my time here, struggling a little bit, but overall an infinite change from my last home. I don't have that void anymore -- something that I found full (finally) in the last year is now full, for good.

It's not you, it's me. I'm happy. Things are good - and while going out with you every few days is awesome, we need to find a way to still share this bond and make it work. To keep me happy, to keep me sane, and to ensure that things continue along the way they're meant to. Thanks for holding me up when I was at my worst, and hopefully you'll continue to see me at my best.