Yesterday, I had the pleasure and pure joy of being a cheerleader at the Philadelphia Half-Marathon/Marathon, specifically going to support my dear friend, Ms. Lindsay Brown, who completely ROCKED her first half-marathon - CONGRATS! Lani and I traipsed around the city to catch her a few times throughout the race and it was so great to see her looking so fabulous every single time (and it was pretty funny recognizing the same people again and again.."THERE ARE THE TURKEYS! Zebra pants! CINDDDDY"...and yes, each time I thought it was our Sindy, not a crown-wearing impostor!). We even ran to the finish line and got to see her cross (ANDDD hear her name! We started screaming and the people around us thought we were maniacs), and it honestly made my whole heart smile. Big events such as this make me really emotional, and it's honestly a wonder I didn't cry (tears of joy!) throughout the entire event. Watching so many people, friends and strangers alike, accomplish so much moves me. I think the feeling of pride I had when I finished my half-marathon and I feel that for all the people who run by me and get to feel that too! It's funny, because I don't say things like with the intention of them sounding like "Ohh look at me!;" it's more like "Look at me; I wasn't carried across the finish line via stretcher!" I've said from the get-go that I took on the half-marathon as a way to prove to myself I could set a big goal and hit it. When I think about that fact, and of all the people who have set that same goal, in addition to all the people in my life who have overcome challenges big and small - it's amazing. It's what puts life into perspective for me and (attempts to!) keep/s me grounded.
Once again, big MAZEL TOV to Lindsay - I knew you could do it...and do it so darn well! Congrats!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
rumors and allegations
As you may have read in the local paper or seen pop up on your newsfeed, there has been recent discussion about my participation in the world famous New York City Marathon, which took place last weekend. The below pictures were even posted on the cover of the New York Times this past Monday following the race:
I'm here to set the record STRAIGHT:
Yes, I did attend this amazing event and yes, it would be believable to think that I would look this happy after running for multiple (and consecutive!) hours, and yes, some may call me a "marathoner," if you will. I mean, I DID, in fact, run .5/26.2 of the event!!!!!!!
But really - I'm so glad I was able to head up to NY last weekend to witness this MASSIVE event - some almost 45,000 people representing over 100 countries! I was THRILLED to be able to root on one of my biggest supporters during my half-marathon training (speaking of, it was so awesome seeing the over 200 runners who ran for Team Hole in the Wall - WOW!). And all kidding aside...I saw Jared from Subway fly by me as well! What a weekend!
So the pictures? If all that wasn't enough, I had the great fortunate at cheering Sindy on one-on-one during one of the last miles through Central Park. It was really awesome and a lot of fun, and somehow I managed sneak my way into a few of the professional pictures...so it's unofficially official!
Otherwise, a really good lesson learned about the power of cheering, especially towards the end. I am even more excited for the Philadelphia Half/Marathon coming up next weekend!
CONGRATULATIONS again to SINDALA!!! I'm so proud of you!!!!!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
why hello!
It's been a while, and I haven't forgotten about you, dear blog! I have a lot to write about, but it all comes down to this:
"When I think about running, it feels like the best 45-minute investment I make in a day. It's enjoyable, it makes me feel better, and it's probably paying dividends way into the future. Running is a really easy choice." - John Fixx, son of running legend Jim Fixx
I have really worked, this past week, to make time to run, and to make sure I am "fighting through" the ughhhh moments to get dressed, stretch, and get going, because I know once I do, I really love it and feel great!
More to come soon....NYC Marathon! Philadelphia Half&Marathon! Hope Express Training! Oh my!
"When I think about running, it feels like the best 45-minute investment I make in a day. It's enjoyable, it makes me feel better, and it's probably paying dividends way into the future. Running is a really easy choice." - John Fixx, son of running legend Jim Fixx
I have really worked, this past week, to make time to run, and to make sure I am "fighting through" the ughhhh moments to get dressed, stretch, and get going, because I know once I do, I really love it and feel great!
More to come soon....NYC Marathon! Philadelphia Half&Marathon! Hope Express Training! Oh my!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Good luck Tina!
Of course I am up at this early hour in the morning for no great reason....and aside from the fact that I went to bed super early last night (working is just so tiring!), I think I just be really excited for my boo TINA, who is running her first half-marathon this morning in Baltimore for the American Cancer Society. wow wow wow is all I can manage to get out right now! I am so excited for her...and may actually head out for a run rather than get back into bed (it's still undecided, because bed is still calling...but if nothing else, a run will be weaved into my day somehow in her honor). GO TINA!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
now and then//135 miles FTK!
For about three weeks now, I've "enjoyed" (I do use that word very loosely) the aftermath of the half-marathon, allowing my body and mind to unwind and relax. While I've tried to not detach myself from my routine completely, it certainly has been busy and my running sneakers have remained in the closet more often than not. Nevertheless, I think it's important for me to stop and digest still, rather than keep going without getting it. When I look back at my post from the day of the race, and I still think, "Did that really happen?"
My time-out is drawing to a close, however, and I'm SO excited about it. Last week, I was selected as an alternate runner for the Hope Express (fka Thon Express), a 15 person relay covering the 135 miles from Marathon Avenue at Hershey Medical Center to Penn State's Dance MaraTHON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the WORLD! THON raises money, year-round, for the Four Diamonds Fund, which funds research and serves to battle and CONQUER childhood cancer. Each runner will run three 3-mile legs and the event will take place in the 24 hours leading up to the start of THON, February 18, 2011.
I'm so excited to FINALLY have the chance to be a part of Hope Express. With my half-marathon behind me, I feel it's a challenge I'm super excited to take on....especially since, as an alternate, I won't know if I will be running until possibly right beforehand. The idea of preparing for something that could not happen would have originally FREAKED me out (re: commitment? forgetaboutit), but if this year has taught me anything, it's that I can do it. Just after learning the news that I will be part of the team as an alternate, runner's world so appropriately sent me this quote (I just love them and their timing!):
"Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you were meant to be." - George Sheehan
THON was a huge part of my undergraduate experience at Penn State, and I am thrilled to be involved in supporting the Four Diamonds Fund again by being a part of the incredible Hope Express team.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
detox
No, I haven't forgotten about you bloggy boo. I think this time apart is important. At times, I'm worried that we're over, despite the progress we've made in our relationship, but today, as I was finally working on my thank you notes to all the amazing people who supported me during my training (I hate that my appreciation is so delayed...no reflection of how fortunate I know I am!), I realized how amazing not only race day was, but training overall. Just because we're taking time apart doesn't mean I won't come crawling (or running...but more likely crawling) back. I recently received two really awesome quotes, one just before the half-marathon and one just after...
"The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself - the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us - that's where it's at." - Jesse Owens
"Obstacles are those frightening things that become visible when we take our eyes off our goals." - Henry Ford
Even now, it's hard to remember, to believe I reached what was once just a goal of mine, and that sums it up perfectly. I think we all too easily get overwhelmed with the idea, scared of failing. It's important to keep our eyes on the goal, even if the goal is simply making time to just run at all, and not get distracted or overwhelmed by all the other things.
"The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself - the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us - that's where it's at." - Jesse Owens
"Obstacles are those frightening things that become visible when we take our eyes off our goals." - Henry Ford
Even now, it's hard to remember, to believe I reached what was once just a goal of mine, and that sums it up perfectly. I think we all too easily get overwhelmed with the idea, scared of failing. It's important to keep our eyes on the goal, even if the goal is simply making time to just run at all, and not get distracted or overwhelmed by all the other things.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
got 13.1 miles?
After nearly SIX MONTHS of preparing, mentally and physically, today was my half-marathon!!! It's still hard for me to wrap my brain around this fact, even after it's come and gone. Let's take a look back:
I woke up this morning around 6AM, before my alarm even went off! I put on my already laid out outfit, my favorite running short and my Team Hole in the Wall jersey, gunk'ed up my toes, gliding up my body, and packed my bag! I threw on a long sleeve, because it was chilly! My parents came to pick me up EARLY, which is a big deal for them...I can see they got up before their alarm too! They dropped Ryan and I close to the start of the race and parked the car. Ryan walked around the start area with me, which I was so thankful for. Talking to him = less time alone with my thoughts and nerves! We ran into another person running for HITW, which was awesome! She was a nurse at camp and I saw her run by me during the race....kudos to her! At about 7:45, we met up with Meaghan, who dropped back to start the race with me...another huge point of thankfulness! Having her at the start line meant, again, I didn't need to be alone with my nerves. The waves went pretty quickly and the crowd moved fast up to the start line...I didn't have much time to think about. Before I knew it, we were running!!
Meaghan's parents were not too far from the start, so we saw them, and then saw my parents and Ryan shortly after (although they almost missed us...video to come!). The loop in the city went pretty well. I was honestly mildly dreading it, because the one time I ran it with Ryan, it bombed....so luckily it went great! I ran with Meaghan the whole time, and aside from knocking some guy's glasses over, it went well! While I had originally predicted a 10 minute mile, I didn't go into today with expectations of that...I wanted to make sure I'd last the whole time, so I hadn't expected to keep up at that, but running together had me doing it, which was fine! We ran past both sets of our parents again, and headed past the Art Museum up Kelly Drive. After some gu, I encouraged Meaghan to go ahead of me. I wanted to slow down a little bit, and while I was sad to see her go, I was SO incredibly thankful for the pleasant surprise of running almost half of it with a friend!
Just after we split up, I saw Lani on the sidelines...SCREAMING her face off at me, since I apparently didn't hear her! I'm not sure I would've even seen her had I not been going to the side to get water. Kelly Drive went well....I started to play the numbers game in my head, which I've been working all training to stop. How many miles have I gone? How many more left? How far until the next milestone in the course? It was hard to fight it, and I honestly couldn't just go quiet otherwise, which was a little stinky. I crossed the East Falls Bridge, which was definitely a great feeling. It was about half way over that I realized- Holy smokes (that's not really what I said to myself...)! This is actually about to happen!
I crossed the bridge and hit mile 10. Everything after that point was the furthest I had ever run, and I tried to keep reminding myself of that. I knew Rachel and her sister were somewhere along the course, and it was nice that they were further along the way than I had originally expected. It gave me something to look forward to and keep my eyes out for...although word to the wise: be cautious of how much energy you exert showing any supporters how thankful you were. I sorta went crazy and had to catch my breath afterward!
The end was a little hazy. There was a really good band I appreciated, but it came and went fast. Again, I couldn't stop myself, but it was a game. How much longer? How much further? I know that doesn't help, but I was starting to feel the miles and was ready to cross the finish line. Leading up to the end, the sidelines got thick with people and I couldn't believe I had made it. I just kept moving, and to my surprise, was even able to pick up a little bit of speed...honestly, anything to get me over that line that point!
My finish line photo isn't up yet, but as many of you know, it's something I had been looking forward to for a long time now....and fingers are crossed it's a little something I can keep me with (proudly) as a reminder of this incredible journey and amazing day!
There is still so much I want to and need to say about today and everything, but it will come later as I continue to digest it all. In the meantime, here are a few pictures from Janny and even two videos!
I woke up this morning around 6AM, before my alarm even went off! I put on my already laid out outfit, my favorite running short and my Team Hole in the Wall jersey, gunk'ed up my toes, gliding up my body, and packed my bag! I threw on a long sleeve, because it was chilly! My parents came to pick me up EARLY, which is a big deal for them...I can see they got up before their alarm too! They dropped Ryan and I close to the start of the race and parked the car. Ryan walked around the start area with me, which I was so thankful for. Talking to him = less time alone with my thoughts and nerves! We ran into another person running for HITW, which was awesome! She was a nurse at camp and I saw her run by me during the race....kudos to her! At about 7:45, we met up with Meaghan, who dropped back to start the race with me...another huge point of thankfulness! Having her at the start line meant, again, I didn't need to be alone with my nerves. The waves went pretty quickly and the crowd moved fast up to the start line...I didn't have much time to think about. Before I knew it, we were running!!
Meaghan's parents were not too far from the start, so we saw them, and then saw my parents and Ryan shortly after (although they almost missed us...video to come!). The loop in the city went pretty well. I was honestly mildly dreading it, because the one time I ran it with Ryan, it bombed....so luckily it went great! I ran with Meaghan the whole time, and aside from knocking some guy's glasses over, it went well! While I had originally predicted a 10 minute mile, I didn't go into today with expectations of that...I wanted to make sure I'd last the whole time, so I hadn't expected to keep up at that, but running together had me doing it, which was fine! We ran past both sets of our parents again, and headed past the Art Museum up Kelly Drive. After some gu, I encouraged Meaghan to go ahead of me. I wanted to slow down a little bit, and while I was sad to see her go, I was SO incredibly thankful for the pleasant surprise of running almost half of it with a friend!
Just after we split up, I saw Lani on the sidelines...SCREAMING her face off at me, since I apparently didn't hear her! I'm not sure I would've even seen her had I not been going to the side to get water. Kelly Drive went well....I started to play the numbers game in my head, which I've been working all training to stop. How many miles have I gone? How many more left? How far until the next milestone in the course? It was hard to fight it, and I honestly couldn't just go quiet otherwise, which was a little stinky. I crossed the East Falls Bridge, which was definitely a great feeling. It was about half way over that I realized- Holy smokes (that's not really what I said to myself...)! This is actually about to happen!
I crossed the bridge and hit mile 10. Everything after that point was the furthest I had ever run, and I tried to keep reminding myself of that. I knew Rachel and her sister were somewhere along the course, and it was nice that they were further along the way than I had originally expected. It gave me something to look forward to and keep my eyes out for...although word to the wise: be cautious of how much energy you exert showing any supporters how thankful you were. I sorta went crazy and had to catch my breath afterward!
The end was a little hazy. There was a really good band I appreciated, but it came and went fast. Again, I couldn't stop myself, but it was a game. How much longer? How much further? I know that doesn't help, but I was starting to feel the miles and was ready to cross the finish line. Leading up to the end, the sidelines got thick with people and I couldn't believe I had made it. I just kept moving, and to my surprise, was even able to pick up a little bit of speed...honestly, anything to get me over that line that point!
My finish line photo isn't up yet, but as many of you know, it's something I had been looking forward to for a long time now....and fingers are crossed it's a little something I can keep me with (proudly) as a reminder of this incredible journey and amazing day!
There is still so much I want to and need to say about today and everything, but it will come later as I continue to digest it all. In the meantime, here are a few pictures from Janny and even two videos!
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