The 2018 Boston Marathon was nothing short of memorable thanks to the torrential rain, freezing temps and heavy head winds. Just like any trying experience that has pushed me to new limits, I must ask -- what did I learn? I learned the significance of being mentally, not just physically, strong. That adaptability effects my success on race day and in life. Looking back at 2018, I ran a half marathon …
hustle
Blue Ridge Relay 2018
In the early morning, before dawn, I run. This is just like any other day, Helen. Completely alone, I squeeze the sweaty silver flashlight in my left hand and slender can of pepper spray in my right. My deep, heavy breath the only sound as I run sprint through the pitch black mountain road towards Pensacola, NC. This is not any other day. This is my third leg of the Blue Ridge Relay. Let me …
Boston 2018: Together Forward
We weave in and out of runners cloaked in full body ponchos, dodge massive puddles, grit our teeth through 30 mph head winds while the freezing cold, driving rain soaks us to the bone. The smile never leaves my face. This is the Boston Marathon. The words “Together Forward” cover marathon banners around town all weekend. How telling, foreshadowing, really. You see, together forward is …
Visualizing Boston
I’m boarding a plane to Boston. My heart drops into my stomach. It’s here. Boston weekend is here! I’m standing at the start line. Adrenaline rushes through my arms, legs, all the way to the tips of my toes. You worked so hard to get to this very place. Soak it up. The crowds, the course, the energy. I’m pushing through mile 25. You trained for this, Helen. It’s all mental toughness now. You know …
Keep Calm and Taper On
Here we are... 12 days away from the Boston Marathon. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hold my kombucha while I jump up and down and twirl in circles and check the weather 47 times every two hours. IT IS TIME TO TAPER!! What do you know about the taper? Runners have a love-hate relationship with the taper. Tapering is when you take the last 2-3 weeks before race day to gradually decrease …