Monday, April 22, 2013

Boston Strong


It’s taken me some time to write this entry. Perhaps because it needed a lot of reflection and- quite frankly - it hit close to home. The events that occurred at the Boston Marathon were gut wrenching. I learned of the events about two hours after they occurred while assisting a participant (work). I remember seeing the yellow banner that flies across Yahoo during breaking news “Boston Marathon bombings”. Instantly I thought of my friend, Giselle who was running the event. My stomach and heart sank. I texted her quickly to ask if she was alright and waited for the response. It was only a matter of minutes when she responded but the anticipation made me sick. I was anxious to speak to her and when I finally did the emotions just flushed out, I was relieved.
         Now, I have to imagine that times a thousand for those who were there, seeing the chaos, and wondering “Is my loved one okay?”. Unfortunately, that response of “no” came back over 140+ times. We lost 3 individuals who were there to share in an event that is the epitome of the human spirit and physical endurance and another 2 during the suspect’s capture.
            What occurred next was anger. Anger that for even a fraction of second I thought maybe I shouldn’t run any event this year.  But I have to run, I run now for those who gave their lives, for those who lost their limbs, for those injured, for those traumatized, for those who stand determined to keep running.
            I will keep running- I won’t and can’t live in the fear of what may be. If we do so, they have won and succeed in what they set out to do. My heart goes out to you Boston. But I will say this, you as a city have inspired strength. The images that came out of Boston were not just of terror but of support. While some ran away others ran towards the explosions to help those injured.  You came together in midst of chaos. Runners after running 26.2 miles began donating blood! Strangers took strangers into their homes, offered a warm meal and a place to lay their head. From the running community, I thank you. I thank you for showing that they can’t win.
            For those who did not complete-You will be back next year and with a fervor that only you can generate. Many of us (hopefuls) will make our attempts to it, and if we can, we will be there. I will still step out and hit the pavement with a new fire under my ass. Yes I said it. We are pissed that someone could take such an event that welcomes all, internationally, and try to literally blow it up. We are pissed and we will show our defiance. So watch out - because you just ticked off a group who knows what pain feels like and still continues on for 26.2 miles.


Boston, I’ve got nothing but love. 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Registration for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend starts today!!!

Click here for more information


I really wish I could! But for those who can take TONS of pictures... yes?!!
January 8-14, 2014

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Disney Running Board

Sometimes I need a visual motivation, or a "wonderful thought, yes, any happy little thought" so here are mine. This is was I see when I visualize running Disney.

Monday, April 1, 2013

It all started with a mouse...

Nope, I wish I could say it was such, but it wasn't. My first marathon was a full 26.2 in Huntington Beach called Surf City aka Pacific Shoreline in 2004 at the age of 20. I have had a love and hate relationship with running, but a passion for fitness since as long as I can remember. I started teaching group fitness classes in high school, I was racking up about an average of 13 miles a day by 2004 and topping it off with three cycle classes a week, 2 kickbox classes and anything else I could dabble into. My knees were done. My doctor said that if I wanted to continue just walking by the age of 40 I would need to bring it down. I removed the running for about a year, and then went back into it in 2006 for the inaugural 1/2 marathon at Disneyland. Who wouldn't want to run for the mouse?! Who hadn't dreamed of doing a race in DISNEYLAND?! I was back in. To make a long story short ( I'll add bits and pieces of it in later posts) I was back into running, planning the next big run when a funky kind of Plantar fascitis arose in my left foot. It feels like a tear in the arch ligament right from the ball of the foot to the end of my arch and it HURTS when I run. I've been to several specialists and finally decided (with the ok from the doc) to just get back into it. I won't be able to run serious mileage or speed but I'm getting there. This is my journey to my first Disney Run since 2006 with the Family Fun 5K. I'll post tips, workouts (with modifications- because this is what I tend to do myself) and reviews of past runs. Hope you like, and remember ...
M