A Tribute

Over the years I've run with hundreds of people.  I've been lucky enough to also run with probably around 20 dogs. 

One of my all time favorites was the Max.  I've written about him before.  Max is running all he wants now.  He was laid to rest today.  If there's a dog heaven, he's there with Shorty, eating steak, chasing deer, squirrels, bunnies, you name it.  Both of them are laying in the sun with as many tennis balls as they want surrounding them...sticks too.

Max was a Beagle.  He could never run in silence with my two dogs.  He had to have his nose buried to the ground howling all along the way, the howls were louder once he caught a scent.  Max was an excellent runner.  When Max was 8 and 9 he would run around 10 miles a day with us when we watched him.  Didn't phase him at all even though he wasn't used to running like that on a daily basis.  When Max was 11 he could run 5 miles a day with us....no issue at all.  He was happy as could be, a little slower, but still loved it.

When Indy was a new runner, just before he turned 1, I'd pick up Max on a Saturday morning and take him and Indy on a run around Max's neighborhood.  We'd head over to George Mason's Field House area and I let them off leash.  They'd sprint chasing after geese.  On Holidays, there was a Golf Course behind Max's house.  I'd take my dogs and Max on the golf course and run with them.  The Golf course was beautiful and Christmas was one of the only days in the year where we could get away with running free in that beautiful scenery.  There were so many more running memories with Max, too many to list.

Maxy was a great runner and a great friend.  The boys loved him, I loved him.  We all loved him.  He will be so missed.

Pictured:  Maxy during a run and then below, Maxy AFTER a run.

If The Running Shoe Fits....

I was talking to a friend about running shoes last night.

I'm not convinced when people say "I can't run, my knee, back, ankles, etc, hurt."  Many times, yes, that's the case.  But more often than not, you just haven't found the right shoe.

It can sometimes take three to four shoes before you find the right shoe.  I've tried Nikes, New Balances, Brooks, you name it.  The most expensive new and shiny ones, I've tried.  The cheapest $30 on sale at Kohl's, tried it.  I've tried cross trainers, minimalist, barefoot, trail.  Sometimes certain shoes would give me pains in my legs I hadn't experienced before wearing them.  Sometimes I would notice soreness after running that I would probably attribute to the shoe.  For years I settled on New Balance light weight.  They seemed to be what I needed so I stuck to them.

Until I came across a pair of Asics.  As soon as I put them on my feet I knew.  I bought two pairs of those shoes at Boston Marathon.  My first Asics.  I could have gotten along just fine without discovering these.  My New Balance shoes weren't awful.  They got me through plenty of races, lasted long enough, they were affordable.  But then I came across these Asics and there was such a noticeable difference.  They really fit, a friend of mine said they should "kiss your feet."  And that's what I felt when trying them on.  And running in them felt like my feet were hugged tightly and protected, but not too tight that I couldn't breath, just enough to feel safe but not restricted.  They didn't weigh me down, they have a solid construction, and they've actually lasted longer than other shoes I've had.  And it's Not necessarily because the other shoes were bad shoes, there was just another shoe out there that worked better and made more sense.

So, if the shoe fits, then wear it, but if it kisses your feet, keep it.

Breaking Records

Yesterday I broke a record.  Not a speed record, or a distance record, or a steps record, but still a record I worked hard to achieve.

The 'How Many Dogs I Have Run With' record WAS.....3.   The present 'How Many Dogs I Have Run With' record is now......4!  I'm so proud.  :)

I promised Carter I would write about Max.  Max is Carter's Dog Uncle.  He is his grandparents' beagle and is less than a year younger than Carter.  When Max first was brought into their house, Carter spent a few days a week at that house and spent his days rolling around the floor with Max.  I would pick him up in the evening and he smelt like dog.  He has known Max his entire life.

Max is also 11.  He is a great dog.  Max is an older dog but loves to run.  He stays on leash on the trail while my dogs are off leash because if he didn't, he'd take off on a hunt.  So, I think he pretends to not be on leash and just howls along when he catches a scent while we run next to eachother, sniffing and running sniffing and running.  Max is an only dog child, so when he comes to our house he is with his two other dog family members.   I think Max loves to be around Quesi and Indy, I think he feels like he's part of the pack....he is.

Then there's Cooper.  Cooper is a 6 year old Golden Retriever.  He is my neighbor's dog that I run on the trail every afternoon on my lunch break.  Cooper is not your typical Golden.  He is VERY high energy.  Since starting to run with Cooper in March, it looks like he's lost about 10 pounds.  When I open the door to his house to pick him up for our run, he is always right there waiting as if to say, "It's about time, let's go!"

So, there I was, three crazy dogs running off leash, and one dog running with me on leash, crazy chaos in dog heaven.

I think 4 is my limit, though.

Max with our crew.  Nice of them all to smile for the camera. :)

Cooper and Indy teamed up on the trail.

THE Zone

I mentioned before that to improve you have to get out of your comfort zone.  Mediocrity lives there.  No one wants to live with mediocrity.  

Then there's another zone, the opposite of the comfort zone.  It's THE ZONE.  The place where focus and intensity and discipline live.  There are times where it seems impossible to push myself.  There are days where I don't want to have to be disciplined with my nutrition and diet.  Days when I can't bear the thought of that extra work out, or that long bike ride, or that speed/interval training run.  Then, something clicks.  Maybe it's because I'm only about a month away from an important race, maybe it's because I've been in a rut long enough and now I'm mentally and physically ready to push myself harder.  I don't know HOW it clicks, all I know is WHEN it clicks.  When I go from a normal fitness routine and into THE ZONE.

When you're in The Zone, all of the sudden, everything just seems easier.  Logging insane weekly miles is not a big deal, I'm not tempted by junk food that normally I couldn't say no to, when I would usually dread a long run on Sunday morning, I all of the sudden look forward to it.  Extra cross training I normally would avoid, like weights and bike rides and swimming, are thrown into the mix.  I have no idea how or why it happens, but being in The Zone is a great feeling.  I don't know about you, but the only way for me to get there is to set an end goal for myself, lay out a plan, and tell myself that veering from that plan is NOT an option.

It seems easy, but sometimes that follow through is the hardest part.  I know I've failed with the follow through.  But I've failed plenty of times and will continue to fail plenty more.  Keep trying.  Keep striving to be in The Zone, because when you're there you don't want to ever leave.

There's No Place Like Home

Running far away is great, but there's no place like home.

When life is challenging and it's been a long day and my brain is fried from the million things on my to do list, the one thing I love to do more than anything else in this world is to take all my running feet on the trail behind our house and run.

If I were to come home and go straight into running errands or cooking dinner or any number of responsibilities, I would feel exhausted and lackluster.

This 2.2 mile run with all my favorite people in one of my favorite places really brings me such joy.

Don't Forget Your Shoes!!!

No matter where I travel, my running shoes are one of the first things I pack.  In all the years I've been running, wherever I'm going, I always bring my shoes.  That's one of the best things about being a runner.  Minimal equipment needed.

Also, travelling can make or break a running routine.  It's really easy to fall off your regimen if you forget your shoes and you're away from home for a few days or a week and by the time you get back home to your shoes you've slipped far enough you can't get back up.

There are things you can only see while running in new places.  You cover more ground than if you're walking and you go slower than if you're driving.  There's really no better way to discover a new place than to run in it.


TOP 5 RUNNING EXPERIENCES IN FAR AWAY PLACES:

5)  Running with Rob Barrish and Tim Curtin in New Orleans, LA, before the sun rose.

4)  Running with Larry Gamache in Las Vegas, NV, in the heat of June.

3)  Running on the beach in the Outer Banks.  Always without shoes and always on the part of the sand that's the hardest right next to the water.

2)  Running in Boston during Boston Marathon weekend.  I discovered the banner below perfectly waving in the sunrise...amazing.

And the NUMBER 1 Running Experience in far away places IS......

Running on the Scout Trail at Goshen Scout Reservation.  The trail is a five or six mile trail around the camp.  It's wooded, hilly, beautiful lake and mountain views, goes through all the cub and boy scout camps on the reservation (which means you never know the surprises you'll run into), and is just filled with the spirit that is Scouting.  Lots of fun.

My Family Is First...I AM My Family.

I'm not perfect, I make plenty of mistakes.  However, over the years I have learned lessons to keep fitness a priority in my life (Not necessarily health, I have/had my vices...that's another story) especially after having kids and dogs and jobs and house and all sorts of excuses to put fitness on the back burner.

I'm proud to say, though, that today I am healthier than I have ever been in all my adult life.  One of the major reasons is that I figured out in the beginning of motherhood that, no matter what, I had to build running into my life.   BUT, I didn't want to disrupt my family responsibilities.  How did that work, though, when it seems that our whole lives should be devoted to our babies and household?

Our family should be our top priority.  Our family should be the most important part of our lives.  But what many mothers fail to understand is that WE are a vital part of our family.  US, ME, MYSELF, I, MOM, COLLEEN.  It's just as important to make sure that I run as it is to make sure my sons have dinner to eat and clothes to wear.  It's just as important to make sure I have time in the morning to do something beneficial to ME (run, in case you didn't know), as it is to make sure my sons get to school on time.

My family comes first...I AM my family.  Mom guilt is Strong, man.  It has a tendency to make us feel like we need to sacrifice our own health because of all the other obligations.  Not true.   Mom is just as important as Child.  If Mom is healthy and fit and has a constructive outlet for stress (running, working out, whatever physical activity you choose) than the whole family is better for it.  There are many other layers to this, but this is the first.

So, as a working Mom I wanted to spend as much time with my little ones as I could, I realized I had to start working out in the morning.  Before having kids I exercised in the evening after work.  I knew after having Aidan that that had to change....morning was the only option.  That alarm clock HURT...it was physically painful.  But, after a couple months, the pain stopped.  It became easier to wake up and go to the gym or hit the sidewalks, and because my little one was asleep while I was out, I didn't feel guilty or feel like I was missing out.  It was something I could live with and knew I could make part of my day to day routine.  SO IMPORTANT.

Moms, you're worth it.  Your family (and YOU!) deserves to have the healthiest/happiest/most stress free person in their lives....not that this is the 100% solution...but we have to start with our bodies...Maslow says so.

The Beginning Of a Dog-Running Era - A Tribute To Indy

He was so small when I first saw him.  He followed me around and wouldn't leave our sides.  He woke me up with a paw on my chest every morning at 3:00 a.m. and I'd pick him up and run him outside before he had an accident.

We would walk around our cul-de-sac and every time we passed our house he would stop and sit completely still as if saying, "I'm not moving.  I've walked enough and I'm not going any further."  As you can see in the picture below (manual photoshop credit goes to Carter) he really just wanted to lay down and snuggle.  Cutest....puppy....EVER.

Our first dog.  As a puppy he wasn't wild and crazy.  He's always been fairly tame (unless you count the 28 chocolate cupcakes he ate, or the bannister he chewed off).  He was very true to his golden retriever-ness.  Noble, happy, loving, and stoic.

As he grew, his stamina did with him.  We would walk an hour every morning.  Speed walk because the vet said large dogs shouldn't run until they're around 9 to 12 months old.  At 10 months old I thought we'd give running a try.  The puppy energy in him was very happy to run.  We started with a few miles, slowly increasing to five or six.  By the time he was 1 and a few months old he was full on marathon training with me.  That was 2009 and we haven't stopped since.

Dr. Indiana Jones Herklotz was and is the best companion (in running and in anything else) anyone could ask for.  This is a picture of him as I write.  On the floor next to me.  He's 7 now and has shown some signs of wanting to slow down but pushes through and is always waiting by the front door in the morning, ready for our next adventure.  If I had to guess he is hoping for a deer kill, a run in with a fox, a squirrel or raccoon chase, a trail to sprint on off leash, a friend to run into, a river to jump in, a tree branch to grab and chew on (all things have happened in the years we've run, and most likely will happen again).  Wherever our feet take us, he remains my constant partner in running...in life.

Here Comes The Sun

Training for a race involves a weekend long run.  The summer heat can make a long run not so pleasant so I try to leave as early as I can.  Getting up at 5:00 a.m. on a Sunday isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it does have it's advantages.

Today's sunrise was brought to you by the color pink.  The sunrise is the beginning of a new day.  The opportunity to start fresh.  A chance to tell someone you love them.  A chance to forgive, a chance to hold on, a chance to let go.   A chance to start working toward your dream.  A chance to finish your goals.   A chance to heal.  A chance to help.

If you haven't been up to see the sunrise in a while, do it.  Get out.  See it alone and really appreciate to yourself that you're alive, or share the sunrise with someone you love and talk about what you will do on this new day that will make it better than the one before.

Here comes the sun and with it the chance for excitement, peace, laughter, fulfillment, change.  Savor every moment.

Comfort Zone

Thermostat must be just right....not too cool not too warm.  Weather to go outside must be just right....not too humid, not too cold, not too windy, rainy, snowy...etc etc.  Must sleep 8 hours at least to be rested, can't get up too early.  Food can't be too spicy, coffee isn't fresh enough.  WHERE IS MY SMART PHONE!!!!??????  Everything has to be comfortable.

After running the Richmond Marathon in 2012 I was at a table talking with some friends.  My performance in the Marathon was ok, I think I finished in 3:58, but it wasn't where I wanted to be.  I wanted more.  I told my friends this, and one of them said "The only way to get better is to get out of your comfort zone."  Wow did that change everything and what a difference some perspective makes.  That race was my 9th Marathon I think.   Each one of these marathons was the same story, I trained the same way.  A few runs during the week and two months before the marathon, I'd throw in a weekend long run.  That's it, nothing else.  But I really took what he said to heart.

I started to run longer distances, log more miles during the week.  I incorporated speed work into a couple runs a week.  I put myself on a clean diet to lose weight and gain speed.  I really got out of my comfort zone.  The workouts were hard at times, but the most challenging workouts gave this huge rush of accomplishment.  And, what do you know, by my next Marathon, 10 months later, I improved my time by 25 minutes!

It's easy to get caught in your Comfort Zone, no matter what you're doing in life.  And if you stay there, you may be ok, you may get through, but will you ever reach your potential?  Will you ever understand your own strength?  Will you ever really feel ALIVE???

One Foot In Front Of The Other

A few years ago, I ran this Marathon that is tagged as "The World's Toughest Road Marathon".

https://vimeo.com/55475468

That's the video description and video of the course.  Over 7,000 ft. of elevation change in 26 miles and three mountains to run up.

I was intimidated to say the least.  Will I be totally miserable running up these mountains and not be able to finish?  How badly will it hurt?  Will I be able to control my breathing while going uphill?  I talked to a friend about it a few days before the race and he said, "just put one foot in front of the other.  Don't think about the mountain you're climbing, just think about each step and stay calm."

It's easy to look at a big task and be afraid that it's too much.  When you're looking at the bottom of a mountain and thinking, "wow, I have to climb this and two more AND run 26 miles total" it can seem so stressful and overwhelming.  But, what if we just stopped looking at those big mountains and mileage, and just put one foot in front of the other.  I had trained for that run, I was physically ready.  I had put the practice in to be able to complete it.  So, if all prep work is done, then mentally, just take apart the big challenge and complete one step at a time until you finish.

Don't get caught up with the 20 pounds you have to lose or the big project at work you have to complete or the kitchen remodel that has to be done or the house that needs to be cleaned or the promotion at work you want.  Just keep moving to your goals by putting one foot in front of the other.  Don't stop, keep going.

The Wall

About 11 years ago, I decided to run an 8K race in Fair Lakes.  The furthest I'd ever run at that point was 3 miles.  It's hard to believe, but I was really nervous to run a 5 mile race and wasn't sure I could finish.  Almost makes me laugh now just thinking about it.

I got to 3 miles that day and it felt like I couldn't run anymore.  I'd told myself that I had to finish so I stuck it out and about a mile later something happened.  The tired went away, the pain was gone.  I felt like I could run forever.

I talked to my Dad about that experience and he said, "that was The Wall and you broke through it."  That was a big concept for me to grasp.  So, let me get this right.  You are moving along and pushing yourself and all of the sudden it feels like you can't move any more.  You want to quit.  You start doubting your ability and your confidence starts to fade.  But you see the goal you want and you keep going regardless of how much it hurts.  You move past what you Thought your limit was and you discover that The Wall wasn't your limit at all.  That you're capable of more than what you thought and if you keep going you'll get to the finish line.

That was one of my first life lessons running taught me, not THE first.  That story is for another time.

New Blog Post, New Mission!

It's been a long year, that's for sure.

I meant to keep the run blog going, but got caught in a rut and couldn't get out.  Most of you who have read my blog know already that the Tuesday after running/swimming/biking in my first half Ironman - which was also the Grand Finale of a huge racing year for me and my other running feet, my amazing furry running partner was hit by a car and killed.  That was June of last year, and it does make me sad to say that I really never recovered.  

June 10th marked the one year anniversary since that awful day and I look back at the pictures and posts from last year's blogging and cause and all the positive emotions and memories that were created by those experiences and I want that feeling back.  Not just for myself, but for my other running feet and all the people who supported us.

So, what better way to get out of this rut than to tell the world, or at least my world, about what has happened in the past year and how I plan to take those tragedies that have occurred and turn them into my motivation to be stronger than ever.

The challenge is simple.  Running has never been an issue so not challenge there, but consistently sitting down to write about it has.  My relationship with running is probably one of the most important relationships of my life.  Running has been my best friend, my worst enemy.  Some of the best moments and worst moments of my life have happened while running.  Running has taught me lessons I apply to life.  Running has gotten me through break-ups, depression and anxiety (I'll go into that at another time), brought my closer to friends, hurt me and healed me.  So, with all that said, the challenge is to make sure to write about it every day until June 10, 2016.  The second year anniversary of Shorty, my beloved running partner, dying.

Victories are sweet….Defeats are agony

Yesterday morning I thought I had nothing to worry about.  I woke up, grabbed my gear and got into the car ready to run my final marathon for Zachary and everyone who has supported 10 Races for 10 Years.

I arrived at the Start juuuuuust before the race began.  The rain and wind made travel a little slow.

I put on a long sleeve shirt over my tank top and went to the start.  The gun fired and we were off.  I felt great.  The first 6.5 miles there was a tail wind at my back and I was averaging just what I wanted, about a 7:40 min/mile…maybe a little faster.  I felt so good I took off my long sleeve shirt and ran in just my tank and shorts.

We turned around at that point and headed back in the direction we came from and the headwind hit me like a ton of bricks.  I was the first female runner and wanted to keep my lead…just as I did the last marathon I ran in November.  So, I pushed through the headwind, and the pouring rain, but started to get cold.  After 10 miles, my hands started to numb and I began to tense.  Getting to the half-point, a woman shouted to me "you're my first female marathon runner!".  That was a fun support.  I thought, I can push through the cold!  I am on pace to finish the same time I finished my last race, I got this!

After 13 miles though, I lost feeling in my hands and by the time I reached 14 I found it hard to take in a breath.  I also felt a sharp pain under my knee that I've never felt before.  So at 14 1/2, I ran off the course and stopped.  Not wanting to scare anyone (and to be alone in my defeat) I ran a back road back to the school where we started.  The 1 1/2 miles distance I could normally run in my sleep was agony.  I was freezing and I wasn't going fast enough to keep my heart rate up and keep myself warm.  Not to mention the feeling I had of letting everyone down who have supported me, of letting Zachary and his family down.  I was stronger than this.

I got in the car and felt defeated.  I've run 14 marathons and have finished all 14.  I looked in the mirror and my lips were totally purple.  Looked down at my purple hands and couldn't believe that it ended like it did.

Once I got home, though, I changed into dry clothes, and thought, this is not over.  I have to finish what I started.  Fortunately Carter had a birthday party at the Lifetime Gym, I had to pick him up at the end.  I drove to the gym and jumped on the treadmill.  After running a mile, the pain below my knee was unbearable.  I was so upset.  I stretched it and rolled it for half an hour, went back on, and started again at a slow pace.  I ran for an hour…still falling short, but running about 6 miles, but it was all the pain and fatigue from that morning would allow me, given that I still had a full day of events ahead of me.

So, in total, I ran 23 miles for Zachary yesterday.  Each one of those miles brought something new to it.  My Dad, who's birthday was yesterday, told me that the reason we are here is to learn.  I've learned so many times when to keep pushing, to not give up.  I learned today, when it's time to stop.  The next lesson I will learn is how to go from all the wonderful things that have happened to me and my running this year, to what happened yesterday, and then getting back to the feeling of VICTORY.  I started my first of these five marathons in June and I will have another race, a half Ironman, in June this year.  I want this to be my final race for Zachary, to end MY part of this adventure on a high note.

We will hold a family/friends/community 5K this Sunday at 4 and I look forward to seeing you all there.  I consider this event to ALSO be a victory.  Everyone coming together in honor of Zachary and his family, in support of Child Abuse Awareness Month, and to raise money for Marley's Mission.

Thank you for everyone who has been a part of this year.  You have made all of this worthwhile and I wouldn't change it for the world.  Stay tuned!

It's Unanimous....The Best 5K We've Ever Run

Color Runs are great, sure.  A trail race is a blast, absolutely.  But how cool was it to run this 4th of 5 5Ks for our Remembering Zachary Project??!!.  10 Races for 10 Years has been SUCH an experience.

Last night, we ran the Snowman Stampede, a 5K race through the Bull Run Park's Festival of Lights.  The race began at 5:10, obviously just at dark, and this is a little of what we were able to see the entire course - it's blurry but taken while running, so I hope you understand.  :)

Rewind, before the start, we met up with two Herklotz Clans.  Aidan and Carter's Grandparents, Lynn and Bob and the boys' Aunts and Uncles and cousins, Chad, Jennie, Addison and Collin.  They all walked/ran the Mile Reindeer Run while the boys and I ran the 5K.  I hope they enjoyed themselves, they did look pretty goofy...er, merry.

Carter felt running for Zachary that night.  He was able to run a Personal Best himself with a 29:59 finish time.  He crossed the finish line feeling so proud of himself, a feeling he will hopefully be able to carry with him through other pieces of his life.  Aidan ran the entire race as well without stopping, a strong accomplishment considering the two hard hours at the gym he had spent just that morning.  After the race we spent time at the Holiday Village at Bull Run, played some fair games, had some hot cocoa, and ran into some pretty amazing running friends we've met along the way.  

I wouldn't change these experiences for the WORLD.  Our last 5K race for Zachary will be in March.  We would LOVE to be able to share this experience with even more friends and family and community.  Look out for a TON of updates, prizes and more, we want everyone involved!!!

Oh, and, yes, we had a picture taken of the three of us....by Santa...well, a racer dressed up as Santa.

Running for Zachary Continues! Virginia Run Turkey Trot with My Little Turkeys

This Holiday Season I'm truly thankful for many things.  The same things for which I'm thankful are the same things that keep me too busy to blog in a timely fashion....I'm faulted, I'll admit it.

But I'm catching up now and that's what matters.  :)

Aidan, Carter and I have run not one, but TWO 5k races since I last blogged.  Both unique, fantastic experiences we were lucky enough to share with family and friends.  This blog is about our 3rd of 5 5K Races we are Running for Zachary's 10th Birthday Celebration.  Our 4th was run last night...more on that to come.

Thanksgiving Day - Aidan and I arrived at the Virginia Run Turkey Trot site where we volunteered to help with the race set-up at 6:00 a.m.  It was a balmy 25 degrees that morning.  Aidan woke up at 5:30, much earlier than most kids his age would wake up on a day off from school.  We volunteered until very close to the race start and then then kid went out and ran a 3 mile race.  He is the best.

After volunteering, we met up with Zachary's Mom, Chrissy, and her daughter Kenzy...Aidan and Kenz have been friends since before birth and still are.

I ran the race with her and the boys followed behind.   It was a cold day, but Kenz was on FIRE.  She was determined to push herself, a quality that is so important for a young person to know and understand and EXPERIENCE.  This is one of the major focuses of what I want to accomplish with our Remembering Zachary adventure, for kids to be healthy and strong and to understand they can always do MORE than what they think they can.  I told her Zachary would have been so proud of what she was able to accomplish.  We crossed the finish line together in 30:50.  A personal best for her.  Her Mom texted me this beautiful letter she wrote when they got home.  What an amazing Mom.  I would be proud to share many more races with Kenz in the future.

Never In My Wildest Running Dreams....

Last Sunday was the 3rd Marathon I ran in honor of Zachary's 10th Birthday.  It's amazing what happens when you take the energy from the people you love and shove it into the passion you've always had for something.

Over the last five months, since deciding to run 10 races for Zachary's 10th Birthday (5 Marathons and 5 5K's with my sons and family/friends) my running went from being something I did for myself and by myself, to something I've been able to share with so many people in my life.  I went from running with just me and my dogs, to running with my boys, my boys' friends, my Scouts, my own friends, and then sharing it all with you, people who take the time to read this, and most importantly, running with Zachary.  And, much to my surprise, my running is better than it has ever been.  

This one is from a couple weeks ago.  I took my boys, scouts and my Dad on a sunny fall two mile run.  A very memorable morning.   These boys now have developed a saying that I hope they remember for years to come:  Walking is for Woosies.  Yep, not the most PC, but hopefully something that keeps them running when they could just walk.  

This is from Sunday's race.  There's something to be said about spending a few hours on the trail, by yourself, pushing your legs and heart to move faster than what is comfortable so that you can make yourself and the ones you care about proud.  Because just going out and running a marathon for Zachary and those that have shared running experiences with me isn't enough.  I feel an obligation to do better than what I thought was my best, and that still doesn't feel like enough.  I beat my personal best Marathon time by 44 seconds on Sunday, 3:32:50.  I was the 2nd fastest woman in this race and although I was proud of myself and what I accomplished, I want to do more.  I'm excited about what the next two marathons will bring.  What limits I can push, what self-developed boundaries I can cross.  The sky is the limit when the love from other people is on your side.  

This week the boys, dogs and I will be training for the Virginia Run Turkey Trot.  Our 3rd of 5 5K's we are running for Zachary's 10th Birthday.  We hope you will join us.  If not, there are two other 5K races, schedule and information here: http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=261373

Run or Dye Trying! 3 1/2 Races out of our 10 are now in the books!

The 1/2 is because Carter was unable to run this VERY awesome 5K with Aidan and me this morning, his mean soccer coach (Todd) made him play his last game of the season.  So, we have a color 5k set for Baltimore on 11/17 and will get to 4 RACES COMPLETED at that point.  That means 6 races left to run after that for Zachary's 10th BIRTHDAY!

Until then, Aidan and I had an amazing time at the Run or Dye 5k at RFK Stadium.  A site where I had  run many a marathon was now turning into a location where I'd run a 5k with my son.  The love of running continues!

Two Races in ONE DAY on 11/17!  I'll be running the Potomac River Marathon and drive over to Baltimore to run THE COLOR RUN with Carter right after.

For those who would like to support our cause, here's an explanation of what we are doing and why we are doing it and how you can get involved!!!!  http://10runningfeet.blogspot.com/2013/09/10-races-for-10-years-remembering.html

IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ALREADY, OUR NEXT RACE AFTER NOVEMBER 17TH IS THE VIRGINIA RUN TURKEY TROT!  COME JOIN US FELLOW NORTHERN VIRGINIANS!

10 Races for 10 Years - Our First 5K TOMORROW!

Tomorrow is our FIRST 5k for the Remembering Zachary Project! 

The boys and I have run on the trail with the dogs, 10 running feet together, about once to twice a week, when other sports activities and homework don't interfere.  I love these times.  Having the five of us together, sharing the hobby I love most in this world.

Doing this for Zachary is what excites me most about this project though.  Raising money for Marley's Mission is a plus too.  It all ties in together.  :) 

 

 

 

Unfortunately I haven't had the time to spread the word like I initially planned, but that's ok, we still have 5 months of running left!  Here are the details of 10 Races for 10 Years!


10 Races for 10 Years
5 Marathons
5 5ks
By March, 2014 to celebrate Zachary's 10th Birthday

• Zachary was tragically killed when he was 14 months old. He would have been 10 this March.  We want to honor his life and celebrate his 10th Birthday by running 10 Races for 10 Years.
• Our goal is to come together as a family and invite other neighbors/friends/family in the community to celebrate with us.
• This Project is about celebrating Zach's life through physical fitness, community, and family togetherness. Coming together to raise money and awareness for amazing people and such a worthy cause.

Run with us and/or Sponsor us! $.10 or $10 per mile or per race, whatever you want to give.
http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=261373


All donations go to Marley's Mission: http://www.marleysmission.com/
Marley's Mission is a non profit organization that provides equine-based therapy to children who have experienced trauma.

Here's our race schedule!

Five Marathon Races to finish by March 2014

1) ½ Sauer ½ Kraut in Philly – June 15, 2013 –FINISHED
2) International Peace Marathon – September 14, 2013
http://www.oarevents.com/events/2013/Trail_Running_Rampage_2013.shtml
3) Potomac Marathon – November 17, 2013
http://www.safetyandhealthfoundation.org/marathon/
4) Seneca Creek Greenway – March, 8, 2014
http://www.senecacreektrailrace.com/Default.aspx
5) Rock N Roll Marathon – March 15, 2014
http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/usa?gclid=COf7uNCC1bgCFcqf4AodL0sAOg


Five 5K Races to finish by March 2014

1) Glory Days 5K – October 12, 2013
http://www.prraces.com/glorydays/register/
2) Virginia Run Turkey Trot – November 28, 2013
https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Centreville/2013VirginiaRunThanksgivingDayTurkeyTrot
3) Commitment Day 5k – January 1, 2014
http://www.commitmentday.com/washington-dc/
4) Run for Haiti – March 30, 2014
http://www.prraces.com/runforhaiti/
5) To Be Announced

Angel Wings Took Me To The Finish Line

    10 Running Feet....and a couple pairs of hind paws.



I ran my 2nd of 5 Marathons for Zachary on Saturday.  A nice 26.2 mile race on C&O Path.  Also happened to be a Boston Marathon Qualifying Course.

I couldn't believe my eyes when it was all said and done either.  Was I really capable of that time?, I thought as I looked down at my Garmin.  Running through the finish line I was in awe.  Amazed that I not only was able to acheive my goal, but I far exceeded my own expectations.

3 months ago, June 15, I ran the 1st of 5 marathons in Philadelphia.  I finished that race in 3:46, which I considered to be a huge victory.  How did I improve my time by 13 minutes? I wondered after the race finished on Saturday.  Something even stranger, which I'm just realizing as I type, I improved my time by 13 minutes from my last race.  I was the 13th Marathoner to cross the finish line and it was my 13th Marathon.  Who ever said 13 was unlucky clearly didn't plan this situation.  (One EXTRA SPECIAL number coincidence.  Zachary's Birthday was March 4...3/4...take a look at the picture next to you....I think there were Angel wings flying me to the finish line). 

The truth is, I know exactly how I finished this race with my best time ever.  A few things.

1)  I trained my butt off.  Running faster, longer runs throughout the week.  Running 55 to 60 miles per week for 5 months.  Running sometimes 3 times a day.

2)  My diet, although sometimes there were failed meals/days, was ridiculously restricted to a ton of robust green vegetables (kale, brussel sprouts, zucchini, mushrooms), chia and flax seeds, soy and fish.  Throw in some wine and dark chocolate for good measure and balance and that was my food life.  Exciting huh?

3)  Having a purpose that went beyond myself.  Running for Zachary's memory and doing this for him and his family has been a powerful inspiration.  More than I expected it to be.  I'm very grateful for this experience and happy that it's just the beginning of 8 months of being able to celebrate his life.  From now until March (well, if I get into Boston Marathon - fingers crossed - then we'll continue into April) I am beyond thrilled to give and receive such positive support and encouragement in so many different ways from so many different people.  This is what makes our world a better place to live and what makes the impossible turn into reality.

NEXT UP?  The Glory Days 5k at Bull Run Park with the 2 sets of smaller running feet, Aidan and Carter.  They will be running their 4th and 2nd 5K races (and the furry feet if they let them in).  There's still space to register.  It's never too late to make a difference in your life, your kids' lives, your community's...you name it.  Come join us! 
http://www.prraces.com/glorydays/

Don't forget, you can donate to support our project too!  Click on the link below to go to our Donation Page. 
http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=261373

Colleen