Early Morning Runs

I am not a morning person. Not even a little bit. Not at all.

So it's actually a pretty big deal when I decide to run in the morning before work. It's an even bigger deal when that means getting up before the official sunrise & add in that it's been a crazy cold couple of days- what the heck happened to spring?

So how big? Really big. Epic big. Seriously huge big.

So the fact that I ran Monday AND Tuesday morning this week AND am probably going to run Wednesday morning can only mean one of the following:

1. The world is ending in a non-zombie type way
2. I have amazing running friend(s)- you know who you are & yes you are freaking awesome
3. It's a busy work week & not in a fun way
4. Some combination of the above (dealers choice)

So here's the starting the week off right & a special shout-out to my little little sis, Ruthie, who ran her fastest mile ever this week! She lives in Boston & has been dealing with a lot of emotions the past week- I am so proud of her! 

I Ran for Boston & I Ran Fast

"I know as sure as I breathe that in all the depressing, bewildering hours since the attacks, that this has been the answer from runners all across our land. They have strapped on their shoes, stepped outside and in silent tribute they have run. They have run in defiance of those who would presume upon our freedom. They have run in respect for those who died or who were hurt cheering on this silly sport we love. They have run as we've always run, to test the limits of human possibility; not to defeat others, but to improve ourselves. They have run as I will run...for Boston." By Tom Foreman, CNN

I put a lot of thought into my post yesterday on the Boston Marathon. As I noted, I was devastated. It was also surprisingly hard to put into words everything I felt. I wanted to capture how much running means to me and to so many other people, to illustrate how strong distance runners are, to describe how awesome the city of Boston and it's residents are, and to showcase what an emotional impact it was that this community was targeted.

So I laced up my shoes and I went running. I ran to the White House and flew- one of the fastest non-race times I've had in awhile. Every time I got tired I thought of Boston, I thought of those injured or killed who may never be able to run again, I thought of how much running means to me, and I thought of all the races I've ran and all the ones I am going to run.

There was a movement started to wear a race shirt, black band, race bib, medal, or blue and yellow to honor and pay tribute to Boston. I wore my Nike Women's San Fran marathon shirt and as I ran I saw other runners wearing race shirts. I nodded and smiled at all I passed and many nodded back (I even got a wave from a few). I also ran into two friends and they both got sweaty hugs from me (whether they wanted it or not). Running can seem like such a solitary sport but in reality it's an amazingly connected community. As I ran I connected with myself, with the other runners, and with Boston.

I finished exhausted mentally and physically but rejuvenated spiritually. Running triumphed. Today is a another day and tomorrow and the next day will each bring new feelings and experiences both good and bad. But running will always be there and I will keep running.

Also check out Run 26.2 for Boston- another great way to pay tribute to Boston. 

Reflections from a Runner - Boston Marathon Tragedy

The Boston Marathon is "The Marathon." As a runner I have always dreamed of running Boston and even though I am not yet fast enough to qualify (and may never be) it is something I will always aspire towards.

The city of Boston is amazing. I grew up spending my summers right outside the city (Medford, MA) and exploring the history and beauty with my family. My youngest sister now lives in Boston and so do some of my best friends.

The running community is comprised of some of the most giving and committed people I have ever had the honor to know. Runners run for charities, volunteer their time, and help their communities.

I have run dozens of races in my life including two marathons. The journey of training and finishing is a joy I cannot explain. I have coached runners to meet their goals of running from a simple 5K up to the  marathon. I have mentored charity runners helping them raise the needed funds for their passionate causes. I have volunteered at races getting up at 4am to help set-up and I have been a spectator cheering from the sidelines till I lost my voice.

I personally am devastated. That this amazing community and event was the scene of such horror will not be something I forget. Around the world many fellow runners experienced nightmares last night. Many cried. Many went out for a run.

In the midst of chaos this morning blooms hope. Reports have turned to runners who finished the race then went and donated blood for the victims, volunteers stepping up, and Boston residents opening their homes to stranded runners.

I do know that the running community and the city of Boston are strong. We will keep running and we will keep racing. I will run today, for my fellow runners, for my friends, my community, and for the city of Boston.

Boston Marathon

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Boston.

As a marathon runner words cannot describe how devastated I am at this news.

Blossom Obsessed

I have lived in the DMV area almost my entire life and like most DMV natives I try to avoid the National Mall during the Cherry Blossom peak like it's some type of plague.

It's not that I don't love them, it's just that the combination of a very small space and a large amount of tourists is just too much.

However the blossoms always seem to get the best of me and I venture out (usually during a morning run) to just stare at the beauty of it all.

This year I just gave in completely. I went for a bike ride yesterday, a run this morning, and I fully intend to go for a run tomorrow and/or Saturday all to the mall just to see the blossoms. This year I am officially blossom obsessed.

The positive note is that I want to see them all and they're only around for a limited time so I biked and ran longer than I probably would just to keep looking at them  although I did slightly regret it when I realized I had to still get back.....

Cherry Blossom Ten Miler - Race Recap

Sunday I ran the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler. We've had a really cold spring so most of the blossoms had yet to fully bloom, but it was still a really pretty run and we had a few blossoms peaking out.

I ran a PR (personal record/best time) of 1hour 31minutes 39seconds, which breaks down to roughly 9minute 10seconds per mile.

I went into the race not 100% sure how I'd do. I hadn't run a race since the Turkey Trot 5k in November and since I had taken some time off due to injury I had only technically been training for the ten miler race for about 3 weeks.

Whenever I run a large race it always amazes me how many other people out there run. Thousands of runners gathered together working towards the same goal- to finish.

It's hard for some people to understand why I coach- it's a huge time commitment and I don't receive financial compensation. One of the main reasons is to give back to the running community. However I am reminded of the main reason whenever I run a PR - I think back to my high school days when I literally came in last every race I ran (I was slow and out of shape) - I never thought I would enjoy running. As I get faster and realize how much running has enriched my life I want to pass that along to others- no matter how impossible, how slow, how out of shape you can be a runner! I ran a PR! If I can do it anyone can :)

Free Runs in DC

I recently received an email forwarded from a friend of a friend who was looking to start running. There are a lot of awesome running groups and programs in DC but sometimes you're just not ready to shell out money for a formal program.

Let's face is, contrary to popular belief- running isn't cheap. If you've already splurged your monthly allowance for fitness on wicking clothing and a good pair of running shoes (please please get fitted properly at a running store- it's worth it and will help you stay injury free!) you might not be ready to also commit financially to a formal program. 

Fear not! There are a variety of free runs per week that you can just "show up for" and they will also help you down the road learn each running group's style and which one works for you.

Fleet Feet Sports, Adams Morgan:

• Wednesday night ladies run- 6:30pm start from the store. Route of 3-5miles through Rock Creek. You can also leave stuff/change at the store.
• Sunday run- 9am start from the store with varied routes of approximately 5 miles. You can also leave stuff/change at the store.

DC Road Runners:

• Monday night Footmall- 7pm start out of foggy bottom. Route down the mall of 3-6.5miles. This group is mostly Boston qualifiers, so the pace is fast but great for speedsters.
• Sunday Mid Run- 8:30am start from Fuse Pilates (Dupont). Route distances vary. You can leave stuff/change at Fuse.

Pacers, Logan Circle:

• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday- 5am morning start from the store. Route distances vary. You can leave stuff/change at the store.
• Tuesday and Thursday- 7pm evening start from the store. Route distances vary. You can leave stuff/change at the store.
• Saturday Long Runs- 8am start for the store. Route distances vary. You can leave stuff/change at the store.

Lululemon, Logan Circle

• Monday Run Club- 6pm start from the store. Route options of 3-6miles. You can leave stuff/change at the store.

*Please note there are other "free runs" in Virginia in close proximity of DC (Arlington, Alexandria). This list only includes the DC based run options. 

**In addition, there are a variety of other free runs led by other groups and stores that are not listed above. This does not mean the runs are bad (in most cases they are probably awesome), however the runs listed above are all runs I have direct experience with and would recommend. 

***Lastly, if you would like more information on any of the runs please email me or comment below and I can put you in direct contact with the run leaders/store owners.