{Spring races are coming…}

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Just signed up for the newly named Grandad Half Marathon! Registration prices for the events go up tonight at 12:00 a.m., so register now.

This race is nostalgic for me for two reason. One, this was my first half marathon EVER! I can still remember the beautiful route from Trempealeau to Onalaska along with all the emotions of my first long distance race. Two, the race takes place in a city filled with so many memories. I spent my college years (all five of them, well, I guess you could say eight of them if you count my master’s) falling in love with my husband, building friendships old and new, traveling 3rd street (bars), and running its trails. I suppose I did some studying while there, too.

I’ve done this race every year in some format since 2008. I’ve ran the half marathon numerous times and done the marathon relay with my husband. What can I say, I love running and I love La Crosse! You might say the company in La Crosse isn’t too bad either. Here’s to nostalgia!

Just the beginning…my future husband and I-September 2002

Sadly, I wish I had a few friend photos to post from the early days, but alas those photo albums are put away. I mean there wasn’t Facebook back then folks.

Alabama-State #12 post to come soon!

17Feb2013

{Motivation}

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As I finish putting my race gear together for my second race this weekend, I decided to pull some extra motivation from an idea I’d read about some time ago. Tomorrow I will run my race and dedicate each mile to someone in my life who has been an inspiration, a support, made an impact, or been there for me throughout the years. These inspirations will help carry me the last 26.2 miles of my double weekend. So…if you feel your ears ringing tomorrow, you know why!

Race reports to come!

30Jan2013

{2013-Goals}

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Perfect day to set some goals!

So, I’m a little behind in setting these. It’s not that I wasn’t thinking about them. In fact, I’ve been thinking about them like crazy. I just haven’t had the chance to put them down until today’s snow day. I don’t believe in resolutions, but I do believe in making goals and working to accomplish them no matter the time of year. Most of these goals involve fitness and running, but not all.

1) Cross train at least one day a week. I finally signed up for that spinning class I’ve wanted to do, but always said I was too busy for. Who’s busy at 5:15 a.m. any way? At least I’ll have somebody to do it with. Nothing motivates like a workout buddy.

2) Beat my yearly half marathon number. Last year I ran 4. This year I’d like to run at least 5.

3) Explore local races I’ve never done before. There are many hidden gems out there. I like using the website Running in the USA to find races from 5k to marathons by state and date.

4) Continue lifting one to two times per week. I don’t like doing it, but I like it after.

5) Do bodyfit five days a week. It is 12 minutes. Everybody has 12 minutes in their day. Stop making excuses!

6) Complete my double weekend (1/2 marathon and full marathon on Sat. and Sun.) in February with minimal setback in training.

7) Start making smoothies with veggies and fruits.

8) Read more.

And the one I’ve been going back and forth about. To be honest, I’m just not sure about #9. Do I have the heart to take on another high milage and intense training cycle? Do I want to put in the time it takes to run fast and long? I guess we will find out.

9) Qualify for Boston.

10) Enjoy the simple things.

What are your goals this year? Do you want to finish your first 5k? Set a personal best in a certain distance? Commit to walking four days a week? Whatever they are write them down and go for it. We can all do more than we think we can if we just begin! Putting your goals on paper and sharing them is the first step in reaching them. So go grab a pencil or sign up for that race!

28Dec2012

Thanksgiving & Thankfulness

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Thanksgiving & Thankfulness

Thanksgiving Countdown

With Thanksgiving being yesterday, I’ve spent a fair amount of time reflecting on what I am thankful for. The list I came up with in the days counting down to Thanksgiving included the expected with family, friends, and pets at the top. Something that kept coming up was running. Running has given me so much that I decided I wanted a way to better document my journeys and goals in the sport of running.
Three and a half years ago I had just finished running my second marathon in Madison. The next day I immediately wanted another race, another goal to train for. I’d recently been reading books about famous runners and their life journeys with running. I was inspired by Bart Yasso’s travels around the globe and determination in overcoming adversity in so many ways. I was amazed and intrigued by Dean Karnazes expedition of 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. I wanted a goal, a dream, something to work for throughout life that would combine my love for running, traveling, and exploring new places. It was then that I decided to run 50 marathons in 50 states by my 50th birthday. Here is where I will document my journey and story of sneakers and stilletos.