Corporate Challenge

Last night was the Corporate Challenge. It's one of the biggest races that Rochester has and this year about 11,000 runners and walkers participated.  It was really cool seeing all of the local and national businesses there with their colorful race shirts.

I was really lucky to represent SPX, my husband's company in the race.  It was a beautiful night, perfect for running.  Not too hot, and cloudy.  Plus, the kids were home with Grandma and Grandpa, giving my husband and I some time to just be together, before and after the race.

Another awesome part of the evening was that Pina was there too. She's amazing and I'm so happy that I was able to run the entire race with her.

How as the race?  IT WAS TOUGH.  It was 3.5 miles long and I felt real confident leading up to it.  "I just ran 4 miles on Saturday and it was a great time.  3.5, I got this!!"

Well, that was not really the case. Since 11,000 other runners were there, squeezed into a small space outside RIT's campus...when it was time to start, PACE was thrown out the window.  I basically just ran, so I wouldn't get run over.  Forget starting slow at a nice speed.  At one point I looked at my watch and saw we were running at a 10:15 mile pace, and I panicked.  I wasn't even at the half mile point and already my nerves got the best of me.  Damn Watch!  I immediately started the mental battle in my head. At that point we approached an incline and I had that to overcome.

By the time we got to the 1st Mile check point, I hated life.  I hated that I was so overwhelmed with emotion, anxiety and that my breathing was all over the place.  Pina knew this, and coached me through it... however I just couldn't get it under control.  She is the ultimate role model when it comes to breathing, and I owe her so much for that!!!

"What happens after the 2nd Mile" ...Pina asked as it was in the horizon.  "We become MAGICAL", I exclaimed.  I needed that, even if I didn't believe my own words.

It was a struggle the entire way for me.  "Magical" never showed up, even when the crowds of runners diminished and I was in a comfortable space.  There were walkers to pass and faster runners still whipping by me. I couldn't stop looking down at my wrist to check my pace or distance.  Damn Watch.  I felt confused at times, and disconnected with my own comfortable running body that I've grown into. I blame that stupid first mile that although was a personal best, started me off on the wrong foot.  I blame my watch and my brain for creating all these negative thoughts that distracted me from all the positives that were going on right there in front of me!  Enough with all the doom and gloom...

Let's go there... the amazing positive moments of the race:

~ It was the first time I saw and heard my husband cheer for me as I approached the finish line.  Honestly, that's what I thought about as I huffed and puffed the whole way through.

~ My average pace was an incredible 12:53 min/mile. SO CRAZY!

~ I learned a valuable lesson, and overcame the challenge by running the entire time, even when I just wanted to stop!  I was put into a situation and the training I've done so far helped me, which I'm just grateful for!!

~ Lastly, but certainly not least, I was able to be there with such a positive person in my life, who pushed me to the end.  She's AMAZING, and I'm just so lucky for everything she's shown me.  The encouragement she's gives at just the right point when I'm about to breakdown out weighs anything I've ever experienced. The fact that she kept putting me first, when I told her to run ahead, makes me hold back tears.  For this is what true compassion and friendship is all about.  "Learning to RUN" didn't just give me the ability to run!

No Boundaries starts in 15 days, and I'm so much farther than where I was when it ended a month ago. Pina and I both are!!  I'm so proud of her.

I can't wait to gain more training and experience, to ultimately give back as a future mentor.  I have some big shoes to mimic, and I can't wait for that opportunity!

River Runner

Oh, the River. Or should I say the Islands. I could even say Cape Vincent, Lazy Acres or Millens Bay. All mean the same thing. It's the place we dread leaving on Labor Day, the place we dream about on cold winter days, and the place we can't wait to start each summer at.

My mother-in-law and father-in-law have been sharing this special place with us for 8 years. We are so lucky to have this getaway place to enjoy boat rides, family and fun! I love the memories my kids have been able to make and it warms my heart knowing they have so many years ahead to create many more.

We are here to celebrate Memorial Day as well as our first trip up, down, over... whatever direction it really is. It's the start of our summer however we look at it!..And, its pretty exciting!

Today I woke up with the plan to run 4 miles. The route I was going to take is a route my mother in law and I always walk. We've spent many hours walking this two mile loop... talking, pushing the kids in strollers, and enjoying the view. When I woke up today, I was pretty excited to be able to RUN it for the first time!

If you would have asked me last year, if I had ever dream about running this loop, let alone twice, I would have laughed so hard. I thought about that during today's trek.

Ready.  Set.  Run.

It was really foggy this morning. I was happy that I had my reflector strap so it could provide some sort of protection during the gloom and mist that filled the air.  This was a new condition for me to run in. Immediately there was a film of moisture all over my body. I wasn't hot nor cold. It was kind of weird but added to my adventure.

The fog made the long road ahead of me eerie and mystical in a way. I was able to only see a few feet in front of me. Mailboxes we're hidden until the few seconds before I passed them. I paid close attention to the sound of the birds and trucks and cars along the main road. Sometimes it was a bit intimidating when I couldn't see the vehicles passing and only able to hear them.

When I approached the hill that I ultimately had to do twice for the first time around, I tapped in to one of my favorite Mentors words of advice. "Small steps. Don't rush". After that was over, I had a small gradual incline for a little ways and then it turned flat. After the first complete loop I was immediately more motivated and assured myself I could do it again.

Around mile 3, I passed another runner. She looked younger, was slimmer and had a very warm smile. We said "Good Morning" and went on our way. At that moment, a smile came across my face. I thought... "Hey, I'm just like her. A runner!!"

For years I have seen so many people run along that road while I walked past them. That small interaction with a fellow runner, where it may seem so insignificant to some, made me again remember that I too am just like her! I don't know when it will become easier to realize that.

When I was close to my finish, I ended up seeing that same girl again. She was at that point walking, and I had less than a quarter mile to go. We smiled at each other and I took that as if we both were saying "Great job!" I know, I know.. that's corny.

When I heard that last and final beep to alert me my run was done, I couldn't believe my eyes at my lap time.  My last mile was the fastest mile I ever ran. 12:16. Not only that, I shave off  a few minutes  from last week's 4 mile run.

What an amazing morning, in one of my favorite places, doing something I'm becoming to love. I'm looking forward to doing it again tomorrow. Now, all I have to do is coordinate my morning run with my husband's so we can be with the kids..

4 Miles Down

The thing I love most about running is that the experience can be completely different based on what you're looking to achieve.  
For example, if you want to run alone and have the chance to connect with your inner self, you can.  If you want company, you can make plans to run with someone.  If you want to escape what life is throwing you in that given moment, here's your chance.  If you want to run faster or the farthest you ever have, YOU can set that goal! The scenarios are endless!

For me, it's something I must do.  If I tell myself  "we're doing this and here's why..."  it's more likely to happen!  Having a schedule is really helping me stay focused until NoBo 2.0 starts!! 

You can set your mind on what YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE and then create the environment to make it happen!  

Today, I wanted to run 4 miles, and I knew I didn't want to do it alone! 
I'm grateful for joining No Boundaries not only because it's given me the gift of running... but it's also introduced me to a great community of fellow runners.  FOUR miles today seemed easy to accomplish because friends were there to enjoy it with.  Did I need them there for a sense of security?  I think so.  Did I want them there to celebrate afterwards at our finish?  Absolutely!   

What moves me today?  Friends.

Since I've begun running, I've been able to connect with new friends. It's amazing to share similar goals by doing the same thing, at the same time.  They could be a complete stranger who is running the same pace at a organized race, or someone close to you.  You may all be at different places, but you can experiencewhat you want to gain during that single run, together.  And, it makes the finish more exciting when you can celebrate their achievements along with yours!

3.5 and still ALIVE

What a picture perfect morning. I woke up to the sound of birds chirping and a slight breeze through the window. I'm so happy that Rochester is finally able to celebrate spring!

3.5 miles couldn't have been planned on a better day. I was a bit nervous, but confident. I told myself that if I wore my blue NoBo 'Running Changes Everything' shirt, I could do anything! After the 5K race two weeks ago, I look at this shirt as my Superman cape. It's all a mental thing, but it works.

I set off to the industrial park behind my neighborhood with my watch and water. Even though the sun was out, and I was excited to run farther than I ever have, I hated the beginning of the run. I wasn't fond of the middle, either. By 2.5 miles, my mood had changed and my body welcomed a sudden burst of energy.

"Oh hi, Adrenaline.  Nice of you to finally show up. Perfect timing!"

For the next 4 minutes after I felt like I could conquer anything! My breathing was spot on and my legs were so in the moment. I even looked at my watch and noticed my pace was slightly faster. Only by 4 seconds faster, but hey!

Around the industrial park loop, I faced one side with wind and one side with direct Sun. I hated the wind while I ran through it, but so wished it was there when I was in complete sun. It was a battle, but I was able to talk my way through it. In order to log 3.5 miles I needed to complete 3 loops around, factoring in the distance to and from the house. The first loop was the hardest, and once I knew I could do it, the next two didn't seem as bad.

When I got home, I celebrated this 3.5 milestone with a long deserving stretch and walked in my front door proud! It was great morning run and I'm feeling ready for whatever today will bring... (after a shower of course!)

What moves me today? The feeling of wanting to do it again!

Pressing Rewind

I wonder what it would be like if I had the chance to sit and watch myself, my life, over the past five months.  I wonder if there would have been a key moment when I noticed a drastic change.  Where I woke up one day and suddenly I was different.

Sure, I cut my hair a little shorter, dyed it darker, but that's not what I'm getting at. 

Yes, I started a running program in February and my schedule changed.  Yes, I started to refrain myself from that Friday night glass of wine (or two) so I could peel my body (a productive body) out of bed Saturday morning by 7:00am  (if not sooner).  Yes, I drudged through successful and sometimes unsuccessful 5K homework sessions in the SNOW and COLD. I understand that through all those monotonous activities, something was brewing.  Something I didn't realize nor expect.  If I could sit next to that same person who was at 5K NoBo Orientation in February, I don't think I'd recognize her. Maybe from the outside, sure... but not on the inside.

I certainly feel different today and I am making choices I NEVER thought I would. But when did it happen? 

I woke up today excited to run in the sun (again) and it made me feel happy the whole day through. It was like I wanted to wear a pin that said "I ran today" so everyone knew it, and maybe they'd go out and run and feel the same way too.  Heck, maybe I'm on to something and if given the chance to be a NoBo mentor I can incorporate an "I ran today" pin to the participants.  That could be cool... right?  I could ask them "did you wear your pin proud, today?" to encourage them to do their homework!

SEE!  This is what I'm talking about.  A full on tangent, inside a blog post about something so random, so far from anything I used to be or think about. 

I'm different, but I'm so happy.  I think I feel more self conscious about how excited I am after a run rather than how I run now.  I just want to rejoice after a workout and tell everyone, even though I know I will get the crazy looks from people. I'm pretty sure It's not the "ever so talked about runner's high", but more of a sense of pride and accomplishment.  I feel like I have to reiterate the fact that I'm not looking for "congratulations" or that I'm trying to rub it in to anyone who make take offense.  It' just pure and innocent happiness I want to share with anyone who wants to feel the same thing!
And, don't get me wrong.  It's not like I was unhappy before.  It's just that running has given me so much that I NEVER expected in such a short amount of time.  It's given me something I never knew I wanted!  I don't know how to describe it, and maybe that's why I wish I could go back to see that turning point.

But, is it really that important?  

NO, I guess not.  All that is important is that it's happening... even without the rewind button!

Running with the Sun

This past Saturday, I met up with some new running friends for an "unofficial" NoBo group workout along Durand Eastman park. The forecast called for rain, however the beautiful sun shined bright over the lake as I pulled into my parking spot. It was so inviting and brought me comfort as I prepared for the three miles that were coming next.

I look at the sun so differently these days. Maybe it's because I longed all winter for it to show it's face and warmth during NoBo workouts. If the sun is out, I feel guilty if I'm unable to run and desire to get out there ASAP.

The sun changes my plans, shapes my thoughts and touches my inner soul. When the sun is out during a run it's like there is nowhere else I was meant to be.


I've always loved being outside, but I feel a deeper connection now that I've started to run. I can't hide if the sun is out and it's an invitation to let go of all my insecurities. Inside and out. People I pass can see everything I used to try to cover. My thighs, my jiggly arms and backside.

They are all exposed. Everything is.

My thoughts are not excluded either. They linger all around deep inside my mind while I run and I'm given a chance to sort them out. Sometimes if they are sad or stressful they escape my soul in the form of tears.  Again, I'm exposed, but it's okay. The release is a soothing experience.  Wiping them away, along with the beads of sweat is such a powerful feeling.  They're gone!  

If I think about something happy or things that have recently happened that have brought me joy, it's like I get to re-live them again. These thoughts seem to explode and create an even more meaningful experience as I run.  The sun captures it all.

Now, sometimes it's not this deep connection.  Sometimes I'm just waiting for the end where I can rejoice about the fact that "I JUST DID THAT".  And that's okay too.  It's just so much nicer if the sun is out!

Yesterday as I pulled into the JCC, the plan was to lift some weights at Body Pump. However, the sun was out and calling my name. I took that sign as an opportunity to run outside along the property while my son was at sitter service. Its been something I have thought about doing for a while and was so happy I took advantage of that chance. I can't wait to do it again!

2.5 miles, alone with my thoughts in the sun and it was so peaceful!

Runners Runners EVERYWHERE

So, today was my daughter's preschool field trip to the Seneca Park Zoo. Luckily the rain held off and the kids all had a great time.  I got to see some of the moms and dads that I have grown to know over the past two years. Some even greeted me with a hug and congratulations for completing the Flower City Challenge race on Sunday. It was so nice and really unexpected. Some even commented on the picture from facebook and asked me about it. I still fought back tears as I was able to tell my story and reiterateHOW AWESOME NO BOUNDARIES AND FLEET FEET TRULY IS!

Well after lunch it was play time.  I'm standing at the playground, trying to keep and eye on both kids as 50 children of all ages charge the only slide in the park.  Out of nowhere, this woman approached me and said "Awesome job on your race this past weekend".  I took off my sunglasses, said "Thank You" and tried to figure out how the heck she knew I ran on Sunday. Did she hear others say congratulations to me?  Should I know her?  Was I just blanking out because I was focused on my son jumping off the tunnel platform?? I was so confused.

It was those first few awkward seconds of trying not to be rude, while still being engaged in the conversation (especially since she was throwing me all these compliments).  How the heck did she know me?  Was she another fellow NoBo'er?

After a few more seconds of shutting my brain off to the 10 questions I was asking, I started to listen to her go on and on about No Boundaries and how it changed her life, too! 

She told me how she saw my picture on the Fleet Feet Facebook page, saw my name and that it sounded familiar.  She then realized that I was the registrar for her daughter's preschool and when she saw me standing on the playground she needed to come and say "hi".  (Aha, that's how she knows me, she's a fellow parent, andrunner!) 

She went on about how last winter she did the 5K program, then stayed on for 2.0, 3.0 and then felt stuck about what to do next. She feared that if she stopped a running program, she'd lose everything she worked so hard to gain.  (JUST LIKE THE WAY I FEEL RIGHT NOW).  She told herself that the HFM program had to be next on her list and signed up.  Sunday she completed her first half marathon! I was so proud of her, and yet I just met her two minutes ago.

By the end of the conversation I hugged her, congratulated her on her success and realized that I could be just like that in a year. ONE YEAR, CRAZY! I was truly touched that she took the time to come talk to me.  We exchanged numbers and now I have yet another person to go run with.  An instant friend!  How cool!

There are so many inspiring stories that unfold in front of you when you least expect it... AND RUNNERS for that fact.  They are EVERYWHERE!  It's crazy to think that I'm part of this whole new world now, too!  I love it, and would not change a thing!!! What a happy day!!