Where am I going!?

I know most of you know I'm still alive and kicking, but blogging has not happened in a while. Since Monumental, there hasn't been a lot to be motivational to blog about. So this is what happened...

1. I missed Boston by 3 minutes. Which is hindsight was fine, I still had a PR and I knew sub 3:40 would be tough. But still, so close. So I felt a little sorry for myself. 
2. I hurt my back early December, which gravitated to my hip causing pain with any running. So I compensated, on developed Achilles tendinitis on the other side. I was finally injury free in late March. Then I got Bronchitis. I also got Gastritis between my injuries for extra fun.
3. Partly because of #2, I gained 11 pounds. I got asked twice if I was pregnant. 😲
4. We had extended family illnesses that forever changed out lives.
5. I missed the most work ever in my professional career.
6. We have to prove our identity in person to the IRS.
7. We drank and ate to celebrate the marathon being over. Then it was the holidays. Then it was a bad day. Then it was a good day. Then we were stressed. Then we were home together. The excuses never ended.

It was a challenging time to say the least. But we had faith and each other, so we pushed on. But a lot of good things happened...

1. I learned to appreciate every mile once I was healthy.
2. I once again got to be "motivator" for the Connection Pointe Mini Training Program.
3. I got be a small part of Plainfield Rec Center's Mini Training Program and present on cross training.
4. I have the best friends in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD 🌎
5. I ran some races for 'giggles,' and had fun a long the way.
6. I was able to push one of my students along with his teacher in his first 5K as part of the Jospeh Maley-Run2gether Program
7. My family is doing awesome ☺☺☺☺

I'm happy to say I found my head again. I finally, literally got "on a program" and with the mini two weeks away...I'm getting excited. I race tired a ton, so there are very few races I truly race and rest for. It's been two years since I have been rested and raced a half marathon by myself, and so ready to get after it. Even through I am a little older and bigger then my PR 2 years ago, I am WAY smarter. 

And when you run smarter, you run happy...12 short days out for 41st running of the Indy Mini!

Jingle Bell Run: Running like crazy prom queens

I always thought we were called "crazy runner girls" for our dark-thirty wake-ups and all weather running. But after participating in my first ginger bell run with these ladies, I now know why.

The logistics of my dress were a little tricky...nothing I couldn't adapt to run 6 miles in it : )

It was a long 6 miles with pit stops along the way...

Shockingly, we didn't run fast, but we were the best dressed group! Lots of cheers (and stares) along the way were had. Happy Holidays!

Heroes Health Hope 5K: Running with new friends

Being a pediatric Occupational Therapist, I've always wanted to combine my love of running with helping others, and being able to push an athlete was the perfect match. Sadly's I've been a selfish runner over the  years and this year I'd learn to be a little selfless. Now that I've come to the point in my running  life where I have learned to get back to the sport, I was blessed to finally be able to run for Joseph Maley foundation in the Heroes Health Hope 5K this fall.

My kids were super excited to be volunteers for this race! Sadly, fall was truly here and Judie didn't last long in the cold!

I was so honored to run with Miana! Being a first grader just like my son, we had had tons to talk about! And she was a tough cookie being a frigid morning.

It was a short and sweet run through beautiful Eagle Creek Park in the fall! A perfect little warm down from Monumental. Hoping to run more races with this wonderful group!

For more information on the Joseph Maley Foundation Run2gether program visist Joseph Maley to find out more!