And the Journey Begins

Tuesday, Dec 25th: Happy Birthday Jesus and Merry Christmas to all. What a magical day it was. I started my day opening presents with my husband and daughters. My husband outfitted me with some cool running gear. After a hearty breakfast, I set off on my first training run. I've been pretty busy the last few weeks, between getting ready for the holidays and weekend commitments, so I had very little time for long runs. Christmas was the start of what will become my routine for the next 16 weeks. I will pour my heart and soul into every run because that's just what I do. I don't know how to do it any differently.

The air was chilly that day but it felt great to get out and run. I ran 4.83 miles at a 9:19 pace in 45 minutes. What a great start.
                                           

Geared up for my 1st run

Wednesday Dec 26th: What a tough day. Every one woke up so late. By the time we ate breakfast, it was lunch time. So, I went into my basement and completed a 45 minute Cross Core Combat workout by Tapout XT. This was a great way for me to get some cross training in and workout some non- running muscles.

Thursday Dec 27th: We got our first snow storm this day. So, off to the YMCA I went to run on the indoor track. Don't ask me how many laps I completed...I don't keep track. When I was complete with my 45 minute running sessions, it turned out to be 4.68 miles at a 9:36 minute pace. I felt great.

Recovery drink waiting for me

Friday Dec 28th: I felt like "blah" today. Didn't know why, I just did. But, I managed to get in a 45 minute  cycle workout. Injury and near death illness will be the only thing to keep me from a workout session.

Saturday Dec 29th: I was up early, 6am early. It was still dark out but, by the time I drank my coffee, ate my bagel, and got dressed, it was starting to get brighter. There was snow on the ground but the roads were pretty clear to run on. The hardest part was getting out the door. Leaving a warm house is never easy but, once I began the trek, all was well. I love how it seems as the whole world is sleeping. I get to enjoy the beauty of the snow that had fallen. Everything was asleep for the winter. It was very peaceful. I ran for 60 minutes which translates into 6.3 miles at a 9:31 minute pace. Week one is history. Only 15 more to go. Soon enough I will be toeing the Boston Marathon starting line.

The solitude of a winter run

Thank you for stopping by.

Have a great New Year!

The Year in Review

What a stellar year I had. It started with my first race of the year, the Delmar Dash 5 mile race on April 15th. It was my first ever 5 mile race and I felt strong. I finished in 38:45, 7:45min/miles. What a great way to start my running season.

Almost a month later, I ran the Mother's Day 5k. I finished in 23:36, 7:36 min/miles and took first place in my age group. I was looking to PR but I went out to fast and could not keep my speedy pace. I learned that day that I had to start  learning how to pace myself so that I run much more efficiently.

A week later, I ran the Rensselaer Rotary Run 5 mile race. This was a great race because the starting line was at Green Meadow Elementary School, 2 minutes from my home and on familiar roads. I ran this race in 40:16 and received a trophy for 3rd place in the women's division.

3rd pl women's division

Now it was time for one of my bigger races of the year, Boston's Run to Remember Half Marathon. This was the race I had been preparing for since March. I used the Delmar Dash 5 miler, Mother's Day 5k, and the Rensselaer Rotary Run 5 miler as a confidence builder leading up to the half marathon. This half marathon haunted me because I had stomach distress in 2011 during the race. So on May 27th, I concord the Boston's Run to Remember Half Marathon and finished in 1:52:38. Not my best time, but I finished and had no GI issues during the race. As I reflect back on this race, I felt great during the race, but I think I raced too many times prior to the half marathon. As a result, my performance was not the best it could have been.

After the Boston's Run to Remember Half

So with just under a month left until training began for the Mohawk Hudson Marathon, I managed to squeeze in a few more races. I ran the Freihoffer's 5k. For once, I ran to help a friend finish her first 5k and in remembrance of a fallen Officer (Lt. Finn), not to race it. It felt good to run for fun and help someone else. I finished the Freihoffer's 5k in 29:39.

Just for fun at Friehoffer's 5k

On July 4th, I ran the Firecracker 4 in Saratoga and finished in 32:20, 8:04min/miles and placed 1st in the female public safety division. What a proud day for me.

1st Pl female public safety division

Four days later, I traveled to Utica for the Boilermaker 15k Road Race. What a hot race. I thought the sun would stay behind the clouds that day but 4 miles into the race, the sun made an appearance for the rest of the day. I finished in 1:16:33.

Close to the finish at the Boilermaker 15k

The Firecracker 4 and the Boilermaker were training runs. They were early enough in my marathon training that they did not have a negative impact. After the Boilermaker 15k, I focused on training for the Mohawk Hudson Marathon. The only other race that I ran during training for the Mohawk Hudson Marathon was the Zooma Half Marathon in Cape Cod. It was my first tapering runs which you can read about in one of my earlier blogs.

The Mohawk Hudson Marathon was the icing on the cake that I had baked all year. I finished in 3:45:40..........  I also ran the Albany County Sheriff's Run 4 the Hill 5k on November 3rd. It was a tough, hilly course but I finally PR'd with a finishing time of 23:04, 7:26min/miles, and a 1st place medal in the female public safety division.

1st Pl female public safety division

Finally, done for the year. Although I did sign up for the Stockade-athon, I did not run it because of an injury I felt creeping up. So, I made the right choice to sit that one out. I am so happy with all of my performances this year. I trained hard, ate right, and stuck to a three day training plan.

Stay tuned, one more month and my training begins for the Boston Marathon! I will be posting updates on how my training is progressing.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! And, thank you for stopping by.

The Stockade-athon that wasn't

Today was my last race of the year. But, I actually did not run it. Last night my right heel was bothering me. It felt achy and a bit tender to the touch. So I took some ibuprofen and iced it. When I woke up about 2am and limped to the bathroom, I pretty much knew I would not race in the morning. My alarm went off at 6am and I arose shortly after. The preset coffee maker was brewing the morning coffee. I ate my bagel and drank my coffee. Then I got dressed and left the house shortly after 7am.

I arrived at Central Park in Schenectady and collected my bib and long sleeve shirt. I went back to my car and sat for a little while thinking this is not a smart idea. I can walk but my heel was a bit stiff. Still I pinned my bib to my shirt and started my garmin watch. I tried to go for a short jog in the parking lot but every time my heel struck the pavement, I felt a pain shoot up my calf. That was it... I called it. The race that hadn't start was already finished for me.

I reminded myself that I have nothing to prove. I didn't want to take the risk of causing an injury that could have been avoided. So, as I've been doing all year, I listened to my body. It told me this morning "hang it up." The Stockade-athon happens every year. I shall have another chance to run it next year and many years after that.

As I sit in my living room typing this, I am relieved that I did not attempt to race this morning. A younger and naive version of me would have probably taped her ankle until there was no pain at all and dragged it on a 9.3 mile race. But, like my husband joked... even this Superwoman needs to know when to rest her cape. Even though I know I did the right thing, I don't feel happy about it. Running means that much to me.

In another month or so I will begin training for the Boston Marathon. I had to make a smart decision today and not run. Boston means more to me than any other run right now. Time to rest up for a bit because what's about to happen in the next five months is going to be one of the biggest and best experiences of my life.

Thank you for visiting and stay tune for updates on my Boston Marathon Training!

Albany County Sheriff's Run 4 the Hill 5k

What a hilly 5k! Today I ran the "Run 4 the Hill 5k" put on by the Albany County Sheriff's Office. For the past 21 years, the Albany County Sheriff's Office has sponsored the Annual Hilltown Program. This program provides numerous families from the rural areas of Albany County with toys, food and a little Holiday spirit. For more information on the program or to make a donation, contact Kathleen Taylor at (518) 655-7811.

This was the first ever hilly 5k for me. Most of the 5k's I have ran have been pretty flat... maybe a soft rolling hill here and there, but not actual hills. Well, the name of the race is Run 4 the Hill 5k. It was good to get out and race after the Mohawk Hudson Marathon. Although, I'm starting to really love my longer distance races. I never imagined loving long distance running. I was a sprinter in high school and disliked running anything over 400 meters.

Today was pretty cold and windy but I went out and set an new PR of 23:04; 7:26 min/mi. And I received a medal for 1st place female in the public safety division. I did not let the hills get to me mentally. I have a love/hate relationship with them and no matter what, I always make it to the top. I also met a bunch of great people... one of the many reasons I love to race.

1st Pl female public safety division

Coming up next Sunday, the Schenectady Stockade-a-thon 15k race!

Thank you for visiting!

Boston Marathon 2013

Today, I confirmed my spot on the 2013 Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team. I'm running on marathon Monday! I've been holding onto this possibility since a week after I ran the Mohawk Hudson Marathon.

I am running in memory of Jennifer Lynne Kennedy, who passed away at the age of 16 on November 15th, 1999. Jennifer was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and was treated at Dana Farber during her illness. The Kennedy family has relayed to me the high quality of care that Jennifer received. I want to raise funds to continue the outstanding research and care offered by Dana Farber.

Not only is this cause important to the Kennedy family, it touches me in a very personal way. My dad was diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer. He is one of the lucky ones. The cancer was caught at a very early stage and did not spread. He was treated with radiation and is now cancer free.

It's a win-win for me. I get to raise funds for a very important cause and my prize at the end of it all is to run one of the biggest marathons around. The Boston Marathon! What a "once in a life time" opportunity for me. And, I thought I couldn't top the emotional high I felt when I ran the NYC Marathon in 2011. I think Boston is definitely going to top that.

If you would like to make a donation to my cause, you may do so at:

http://www.rundfmc.org/2013/sheilac


Every dollar counts.

Thank you for your visit

Mohawk Hudson Marathon Recap

Sixteen weeks ago, I began a training program to run my second marathon. Half way through that training, I wrote about how amazing I felt and how great my training was progressing. Within days of reporting on my progress, I came down with tendinitis in my right ankle. Panic and thoughts of the worst possibilities swirled in my head. I knew that I would have to take care of the ankle. Which meant no running. So for two weeks I nursed the ankle.

With six weeks away from the marathon, I had three weeks of heavy training miles and three weeks of tapering. The first three weeks I could have not gotten through with out the help of a very special group of women... SRM, Strong Running Mamas and mostly Mrs. Tamica Kenyon. I can't thank Tami enough for pushing me through some of the toughest training miles.

For the last three weeks of training, I could breath a little easier. This is where tapering began. I got to cut my training miles back a bit and start recovery for the marathon. So, I decided a few months back that I would register for the Zooma Cape Cod Half Marathon as a training run. Felice, one of the ambassadors to the race and also a SRM, would be running as well. [On a little side note, Felice, whether you know this or not, when I joined your group of SRM, you were my inspiration.] I was thrilled to be running with Felice. Again, this was supposed to be a training run! Not a training race! Right. My inner competitiveness could not be contained. So, I gave it all I had! I came out with a personal best of 1:46:41 and a second place finished in my age group! What a great way to build my confidence for the marathon.

Felice and Me

Finishing with a PR

With two weeks left, I had to recover from the Zooma Half Marathon. So, that meant take it easy! And, I did. I was seasoned and in tune with my body. I have learned how to listen to it. In the mean time, anticipations were building. "I'm going to run my second marathon!!" I'd think to myself.

Without giving it much thought, I decided I would sign up with a pacer on the day of the Expo. The 3:45 pacer! So many thoughts went rushing through me. What was I thinking?! I ran my first marathon in 4:46:13. I felt much faster this year...but over an HOUR faster??? I had so many doubts...

Melissa and I Marathon morning

Marathon morning is here. The weather is perfect for running. My nervous energy and adrenaline are off the charts. They have been since I made the big decision to go with the 3:45 pacer. I literally want to throw up. I need to calm down. But, that won't happen until the race starts.  I tell myself, "you can do this". I anticipate the start. Here we go. And the journey begins.

The pacer, Ludo, is great. He starts off pretty easy and picks up the pace, easing the group into an 8:30 to 8:35 minute/mile pace. Ludo is very engaging with the group. He talks to us the whole time.

Keeping the group on pace. This is great! I'm running an 8:30 min/mi and conversing with a group of people. I am comfortable. I am doing it! I'm on pace and I feel great. My breathing is easy. My legs feel fresh. Omg, I'm really doing this.

3:45 Pace Group

Almost half way through, I pass SRM Melissa Hasan and we give each other a high five. What a boost! It was also nice to see some familiar faces along the way. Like, Melissa's husband and her sweet baby girl, Mia. I remember some of the course from running a 20 miler with Tami. So, I feel very comfortable. We get to the half way point and I'm still with the 3:45 group. The group is still pretty big. About 20 people are running in this group. It was great. Runners were exchanging jokes making the time fly by. What a blast I am having. I'm with a group of about 20 runners. Running a marathon at a 8:35 min/mi pace and I'm half way done with a 26.2 mile race.

I ask myself, "how do you feel?" Breathing, check. Legs, check. No cramping. I'm good. I gel twice by the half way point and I take in some salt and electrolyte caps. I'm still on pace. That's great because here come some of the hardest miles.

We are now almost at 20 miles and I still feel pretty good. We are in familiar territory, Watervliet. Soon we will be back on the bike path. I was told to look down when I got to Watervliet. Aww, how sweet...a little motivation written on the bike path in chalk. It gave me the biggest smile and the drive to keep going. I consumed some more gel. At this point it really doesn't go down very well. I start feeling like I have to throw up. So now I start to plan in my head how am I going to throw up and keep moving? That's right, because there is no way I'm stopping now. I kept the feeling at bay. Now the pacer, Ludo, is breaking the race down one mile at a time. This is going to be the longest six miles of my life. I stay with the group until about mile 24. I see Tami along the way and it puts a smile on my face. I'm two miles away from the finish but my legs are tired now. They feel so heavy. I start to lose pace and the pacer along with the group. I find myself alone. Which is difficult at this point because I want to stop so bad. Now it's time to run with my heart.

I kept repeating it in my head "When your LEGS get tired, RUN with your HEART." "Dig Sheila, and what ever you do DO NOT stop." I knew at this point that I would not hit 3:45 even but I sure as hell was going to try and come in before that clock read 3:46. I near the boat launch and there is my husband and girls. I think I wave but I'm not so sure because as I'm starting to kick it in to the finish, which I can't see but I know is near, and I start to zone out. Now I'm running with my heart! Everything is numb and I keep pushing harder and harder to the finish line. I see it, I see the finish line. One more big dig. At this point everyone and everything is a blur and I push through the finish line. And, into the arms of two EMS personal. They (along with my co-work and boss lady Sgt. Morgan) hold me up and walk me around for a few minutes. My body felt like jello and I almost crumbled to the ground a few time. I was so disoriented. Now I know what it feels like to run with my heart.

Near the finish!

There was a bit of confusion on my part about my time. There were a couple of computers set up nearby under a tent. I gave my bib number to the lady and she plugs it in and it spits out my race time.
3:46:02. Later that night I find out that 3:46:02 was my gun time. My net time was 3:45:45! I did it! And, as I write this the tears start to build up in my eyes because I still can not believe I ran that time. Although, my body is letting me know that I did. I'm still in awe at what my body and heart allowed me to do yesterday.

A finally though,

3:45 was my B plan. My A plan was to run just under 4 hours.

Thank you for letting me share :^)

8 weeks down... 8 to go!

Hello, it's been a while. Eight weeks ago, I began marathon training. When I started training for my second marathon, I gave it little thought. But now that I am half way done with training, I'm starting to get a bit nervous. I am not sure of what. I'm not sure if it's the little training (only running three times a week instead of five or six) i'm putting into this second marathon or if it's the fact that I feel fantastic! I'm lean, not injured, and I haven't missed a workout. I've managed to keep the inflammation down on my right knee, due to Plica Syndrome. The bone spur on top of my right foot has little affect on my running and the calcium deposits on my right heal are not uncomfortable at the moment. Ice and anti-inflammatories are my friends these days.

On days I don't run, I do a bit of high intensity interval cross training. Tap Out in my basement and Crossfit Beyond in Albany. The high intensity interval training helps with the development of my cardiovascular system while keeping me injury free. It also helps strengthen smaller muscles not used during running.

Or, maybe I'm nervous because in just over a month, I am traveling to Cap Cod to run the Zooma Half Marathon as one of my training runs. I have high expectations for myself, of course. I plan to PR.

Question: has anyone out there tried EFS (Electrolytes Fuel System) by 1st Endurance? Has it worked for you? All opinions welcomed.

So, now onto the last 8 weeks of training. Which I hope go as smoothly as the first 8 weeks.

Thank you for stopping by :>)

Boilermaker 15k

Another hot boilermaker! I asked myself, "why am I waking up at 3am to endure the hot and humid weather of a well known and popular 15k?" Because I love every minute of it! Even when I'm cursing the hills of such a tough race, I enjoy the fanfare, the music, the many water stations, ice and popsicles along the way. It's one of the few longer races that I don't need to carry water.

The first four miles are up hill. And, what goes up must come down before the course levels out. But, don't be fooled. There are a handful more hills on the way to the finish. The first 5k go by in 25:43. At the 10k mark, I'm 50:57 into the race. Only have 5k to go and the race becomes a mental fight to the finish. So I break the last 5k one mile at a time. Where oh where is the finish line?!? Finally, 1:16:33.

Another good race. This year, so far, has been simply amazing.
Anybody out there run the Boilermaker 15k today? What was your experience like? Please share!
Thank you, please stop by again soon ;)

Firecracker 4

What a wonderful day! I started it off with the Firecracker 4. A four mile run through historical Saratoga. The gun went off at 9am. Boy was it hot! Over three thousand people came out on independence day to run including myself, Elise, Gail, and Melissa (strong running mamas). There were many people sporting red, white, and blue. I even saw Elvis, in full costume. That person had to be hot. I past the first mile in 8 minutes, I reached my second mile in 16 minutes, but soon came the first of two hills. I slowed a bit and reached mile marker three in just under 25 minutes. I have to say that the sprinklers set up by many of the residence of Saratoga helped keep me a bit cool. So now I'm down to my last mile and I know there is another hill up ahead. I just don't know when it's coming. 3.5 miles in, now I see the hill with only half a mile left. I try to relax and keep my pace. In .5 miles I will be finished. Now I can hear the announcer with the english accent at the finish line. The banner that says finish is in view. I sprint, I'm done. What a great race! My official time was 32:20, average pace, 8:05. I did well enough to earn a 1st place medal and American flag in the female public safety category. How proud am I to be an American on this 4th of July.

Hitting The Reset Button

It's the beginning of 2012 and I have some work to do. First, I had to lose some weight. The weight that I gained during my injuries and training for the NYC Marathon. And, I did. I lost 13lbs. Thank you very much!
Official training began in March for the Boston's Run to Remember half marathon. I decided to go back to a three day a week running schedule with three days of cross training and one day rest. I like the less is more concept.
To build up my confidence, I decide I would run a few shorter races.
Nothing hurt, I lost weight, my workouts were going well, so I wanted to see how well I could race. I ran the Delmar Dash, a 5 miler, flat and fast. And, to my surprise I ran it better that I thought I would. 38:45 @ 7:45min miles!! Talk about confidence builder. I was back on track and loving it.
I would go on to run a 5k (23:36), and another 5 miler (40:16) all before the half marathon.
On May 27th I ran my half Marathon in 1:52:38. Not my best, but not bad. I didn't get sick and had a steady pace through the race.
A week later, I ran a 5k with a friend who was running her 1st race. I ran to encourage her to finish.
So, so far this year I have raced five times without injuries and I feel great.
Next on the calendar is the Firecracker 4, The Boilermaker 15k, and The Hudson Mohawk Marathon.
I've definitely hit the reset button this year!!! Yay!!!

Time to Heal and Move On Part 2

So, now it's time to focus on ING NYC Marathon. I have to forget about my last performance in Boston. Did I forget to mention in my last post that I also was having tightness in my right hamstring? The tightness was partly because of the Plica and mostly because I did not stretch often enough. Training for  the marathon was underway. I struggled with my right hamstring but manage to get through all my runs. Then about six weeks out, September 4th to be exact, I was involved in a car accident. Thankfully, I was not seriously hurt. I did suffer a sprained ankle. I jogged a lot in the pool during the week and managed to keep running my long runs on the weekend. I refused to let the Plica, the tight hamstring, and the sprained ankle get in the way of running my first, my dream marathon.

I made it to the start and finish line of my first, my dream marathon. What an experience! What a rush! Even my husband and children joined in on what is one of the biggest marathons of all marathons. Above, my husband sharing a beer with a marathoner at mile 21. A runner asked him for a beer because of the carbohydrates.... so, he thought if one runner wanted some, maybe more runners would like a carb boost. About 20 runners stopped and had beers with him! Maybe Corona will endorse me next time?

 Finally, I could let go of that breath that I was holding most of the year. I finished my first ever marathon. I struggled with running in 2011. And, despite finishing a half marathon in May and a full marathon in November, I felt... like crap. I started the year hurt and that hurt never really disappeared. It nagged me throughout training. My weight crept up on me. Time to learn and grow from my experience. Now with two years of running under my belt, I could compare what worked and what didn't. I vowed not to make the same mistakes again, and, I haven't!

Time to Heal and Move On Part 1

Well, it is 2011 and I now know that I have Plica Syndrome. I am aware that the only thing that will heal me is time. So, for the first three months of the year, I did not run! In March I began training for the Boston's Run to Remember half marathon. I struggled in the first few weeks; still feeling some discomfort. But, I got through twelve weeks of training and made it to the starting line in May. In the back of my mind, I still held onto the success I had in 2010 and was disappointed in myself when I finished in just over two hours. Yes, I know many of you will say, "that's great, you finished!" Well, considering that two miles into the race... I suffered stomach distress. It was the worst feeling ever. At mile three I hit the Porta-potty. I was never happier to see one of those things in my life. So I continued on what felt like the longest race ever. On the way to the finish line, everything imaginable bothered me. The gel from my hair running into my eyes stung so bad. The music in my ears became noise. This is my punishment for changing my routine the morning of my race. My legs felt so heavy. In two hours and three minutes it would all be over! I felt like crap at first but then the more I think about it, I could have quit at mile two but I didn't. I took care of business, adjusted my goal, and kept  running to the finish line. Not my best finish, but crossed the timing strip despite all the things that bothered me during the race. And, most importantly, it taught me not to change ANYTHING the morning of race day. It's over. Time to put it in the past and keep moving ahead. Now time to focus on the ING NYC Marathon 2011.

My Great Start Ends Bad

When I began my running in 2010, I never dreamed that it would lead to running a marathon. I started running to lose baby fat! Not to run anything over a 5k. So gradually in 2010 I went from a 5k to 15k to my first half marathon with ease. At the end of the fall running season I became a member of the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club. I decide to run the clubs winter series to keep motivated through the cold season. So I ran the first winter series 15k in the freezing rain! What an awful experience! With that awful day came an injury to my right knee ;(. I was in a lot of pain. I thought for sure I tore something. After a month of waiting, I final had my day at the the orthopedic. He examine me and took an X-ray. He said in laymen's term that I had Knee Plica syndrome.
What is plica syndrome of the knee?
The plica on the inner side of the knee, called the "medial plica," is the synovial tissue most prone to irritation and injury. When the knee is bent, the plica is exposed to direct injury, and it may also be injured in overuse syndromes. When the plica becomes irritated and inflamed, the condition called "plica syndrome" results. Anti-inflammatory and ice for this girl. And, no running! Oh no! This how I ended my great year in 2010.
Stay tune...

Welcome To My Blog!

Hello, I am excited about starting this Blog. I hope to help others with any questions on running, physical fitness, and nutrition. No, I am not an expert on any of the subjects nor am I formally trained BUT I do have A LOT of experience. Here's a little glimpse into my fitness background.
I was a HS track star for Linton HS A.K.A Schenectady HS. After I graduated in 1989, I joined a local gym and started pumping weights. I was approached by one of the trainers about competing in a Powerlifting bench press meet. I benched 135lbs in my first meet ever! For the next three or so years, I competed in several Powerlifting competition. I have over two dozen trophies taking up space in my basement from my competitive years. I'm proud of each and every one of them. I gave up Powerlifting due to a change in careers but at my very best I bench pressed 225lbs, deadlifted 400lbs, and squatted 350lbs! From Powerlifting, I moved on to just lifting weights to stay in shape. In 2004/2005 I played Professional Women's Football for a Team named Albany Ambush. I was named rookie of the year in 2004 and in 2005 I was named Defensive All Pro Player by the Women's Professional Football League. I stopped playing football and had my first daughter Gabriella in 2006 and my second blessing, Brooke Lynn in 2009. In 2010, I decided I was going to run off the last of my baby fat! I lost the baby fat and then some, and at the same time I gradually went from running a 5k to the Boilermaker (15K), and finally to my first half marathon at The Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival. Which I proudly completed in 1hr 48min 43sec. Since then I have completed The Boston's Run to Remember twice. Last year in November I ran my first/dream marathon, The ING NYC Marathon! What an amazing experience! So far this year I've have raced two five milers, one 5k, one half marathon, and I'm signed up for the Boilermaker 15k, Firecracker 4, and the BIG ONE, the Hudson Mohawk Full Marathon.
In my next post I will talk about how my great start in 2010 ended in injury and then a struggle through 2011. Hope you enjoyed reading my first post! Thank you!