Thank you <3
All the feels
Today’s post is short, sweet, but very important to me <3
This weekend is a big one for me…My first marathon in FIVE YEARS.
I am excited to celebrate on Sunday- no matter what.
I am proud and grateful for this cycle but I am not the MVP of this running gig-
The real MVPs are my family and friends <3
Thank you for supporting me every step of the way.
Thank you for encouraging me to not give up and keep going.
Thank you for reminding me how strong I am.
Thank you for providing time so I can get in all the miles.
Thank you for the texts, calls, gifs, funny jokes and going to so many races. The races are time consuming and sometimes boring but I always tear up with joy when I see your faces.
When we train for a race, we put in the work, but our loved ones do, too.
Training is tough but mentally and physically and if you are lucky to have a support system then it makes all the difference.
So, to my family and friends- thank you. From the bottom of my heart
Go call your people, and tell them thank you <3
Race Day Dos and Don’ts
some advice from me to you
The TCS New York City Marathon is an iconic, bucket list race for so many. Athletes from all over the world come together and run through 5 boroughs while absorbing the rich and diverse communities.
I had the opportunity to participate in this marathon in 2016. I was hoping it would be the best race of my life, but it wasn’t. Looking back, however, it taught me so much about myself as an athlete and person.
*This race taught me I am strong, and determined and can do challenging things.
*This race reminded me that I have an amazing support system who believes in me.
*This race inspired me to be more present and mindful while on the course and during future training cycles.
This marathon taught me the dos and don’ts of Race Day, too.
Here are some of my Do’s and Don’ts- I share this a lot, but what works for one person, may not for another. Each runner is unique and different- So, I hope you find some tips as you prepare for your next race.
DO Your Research- research the commute and mechanics of getting to the start line. Oh yea, and listen to the tips, too. I knew going into the NYC marathon, I would have to take a subway, ferry, and shuttle bus. But, I didn’t correctly process the amount of time that it would take to get there. 4 plus hours. Yikes.
DON’T eat your breakfast 30 minutes before you start- I know better but I didn’t follow my own advice- I shoved a bagel into my mouth once I realized I didn’t time things well. As a result, I had a stomach ache a few miles into the run.
DO eat something substantial 90 minutes before you begin- Eat something filling and easy to digest…. Make sure it is something you’ve had before- nothing new.
DON’T eat anything new on the course- my energy was low around mile 18, so I thought it would be a great idea to start eating snacks the spectators were giving out. Then, I felt dehydrated around mile 20, so decided to let a Nuun tab dissolve in my mouth….I’ve never done that before- yikes!!!!Please, don’t do any of this!! Bring your own snacks, and hydrate the same way you’ve been while on your training runs.
DO go into the race with an open mind and flexible plans- Create a plan A, B, and C. As soon as my original plan of a PR was not going to happen, I shut down. I didn’t have a back up plan.
Here are my plans for my April marathon…
Plan A- Complete the marathon in 4 hours 30 minutes
Plan B- Finish the race in under 5 hours
Plan C- Finish the race with a smile on my face
Most importantly…
DO CELEBRATE- your journey, training and race day. You are participating in something magical. No matter the distance or your time… you are doing something FOR YOU- Get after it and have fun. YOU GOT THIS.
No matter what happens at my marathon (plan a, b or c), I plan on celebrating every mile with a smile on my face.
What’s on your list of dos and don’ts? I’d love to hear about them.
Race Day Essentials
My Race- Day Essentials
IT’S MARATHON MONTH!!!!!
The marathon I originally signed up for has been postponed until June. As soon as we were notified, I hopped on the internet and found a small (and LIVE) marathon that is in a few weeks- YEAH!
It appears this event is taking super safe precautions- which I am here for.
I have been putting in the work for 4 months. I didn’t come this far, to only come this far. I am ready and excited.
I want to push myself and celebrate this training cycle with other athletes who want to do the same.
Do I hope earn an epic PR? Yes, I do. Am I expecting it? If it were any other distance, I’d say yes, but I cannot predict or control the beast of the marathon…yet.
What I do know is that we can control certain things that will help us feel successful and prepared to crush a race.
We can control:
The training runs
How we fuel our bodies leading up to the race and on race day
Listening to our bodies
Preventing an injury
Preparing ourselves for race day (this took me a long time to learn- stay tuned for next week’s post)
Making sure we have all of my essentials with us at the race
I always bring a disposable bag of important items.
Besides my phone, headphones, hand sanitizer and some cash….
I have 5 go-to essentials that I bring to each race.
Breakfast/snacks- I eat 60-90 minutes before I start a race, but I always bring extra snacks incase I get hungry before or during the race. I bring snacks that are easy to digest and that I’ve had before (banana, gummy bears, crackers/pretzels)
Depending on the weather, and time of year, I bring extra clothes. I get cold easily, so I like to layer up and shed before it starts or shortly after. Most races welcome the extra clothes because they donate to those in need. <3
Water and electrolytes- I bring disposable water bottles, and nuun tablets (again, nothing new)
Toilet paper- sounds funny… and maybe strange-- but I always bring a roll with me… to every race…. There is nothing worse than not having any when you get to the porta-potty. I got this from my mom, but I get a little creeped out by touching the public bathroom TP. I don’t take the roll with me on the course (that would be funny). I usually leave it behind or pass it on to the next person in line. Sharing is caring.
My hydration backpack- THIS IS NEW FOR ME--I haven’t brought this to previous races, but I definitely am this year. With new restrictions, and to prevent germs from spreading and getting too close to others , I want to make sure I have my own water. This will be helpful for me, because I need to get better at staying hydrated.
What are your go-to essentials? What is your favorite snack to bring? I’d love to hear from you. Share your ideas here or send me an email.
You’re Invited
Hey Athletes and Happy Friday!
Are you working remotely? If the answer is yes, then listen up.
If the answer is no, still listen up :).
With so many of us working remotely, chances are that our commute time has decreased and/or is non- existent. Most of us are (probably) happy that we do not have to deal with bumper to bumper traffic, or wake up earlier to get out the door. But, we may be missing out on optimal time to enhance our mental health by leaving our home to recharge.
Here are some benefits of getting outside:
- Improves your mental health which is SO IMPORTANT RIGHT NOW
- Creates a routine and a schedule
- Differentiates your role at home.
- Soaks up some much-needed vitamin- D
- Improves your physical fitness
- Provides time just for YOU
I believe it is so important to get outside and break up your day for you.
What do you love to do outside? I love getting up early and starting my day with a run- I feel rejuvenated and prepared for the day. I am motivated, and can get more accomplished.
So, I thought it would be fun and exciting to create a fun (and free) venture-
No matter if you are working from home, working at an office, or not working at all- YOU ARE INVITED to join the COMMUTER CREW!
During the month of April, I encourage you to “commute” at the beginning, middle or end of your work day at least once a week.
“Commute” in a way that feels good for you- run, walk, bike, the list goes on.
We start Monday, April 5th, but you can start whenever you are ready.
Click here for your digital tracker- You can track your progress via social media- put a check mark, emoji, gif, whatever you want each time you “commute”. Share it on your stories, posts, send me a screenshot… anything goes.
Use the Hashtag #Commutercrew2021 so we can connect and motivate each other.
I CAN’T WAIT TO CHEER YOU ON!!!!!!
See below for some additional information.
Should I replicate my commute time/distance? You can- for example. If your commute is typically 4 miles, then you can walk or jog, or a ride a bike for 4 miles. Or, if your commute is typically 30 minutes, you can walk, jog, etc for that length of time, too.
Do I have to replicate my commute? NO! 10 minutes is perfect!
What if I am self-employed, leave my house to work, a STAHM, or not working? ALL ARE WELCOME- join us!!! You can still reap the benefits of getting out of the house and doing something for you.
However you can create time to get outside is perfect for YOU.
Is this a competition? No, the only person you should compete against is yourself. This is an opportunity for us to come together and cheer each other on.
Can I participate more than once a week? Of course!! Complete your commute every day that feels good for your mind and body.
I’m Ready
Is it just me or is anyone else excited to participate in a LIVE race this year!? (Of course when it’s safe)
I miss the expo, race day jitters, the announcer sharing stories as the crowds gather and the porta-potties...okay maybe not the porta-potties…
There is nothing like toeing the line with so many athletes who are about to experience the race in their own way… celebrating their hard work, chasing a PR, checking something off their bucket list, raising money for a charity, pushing their limits, the list goes on.
As the announcers countdown for my corral to begin, I love pumping myself up with my favorite songs (including college throwbacks, of course).
I try not to go out too fast, but it’s difficult to hold back because of the adrenaline rush. My favorite things to do on the course include saying hi to my family (the best!), reading funny signs, and watching spectators as they cheer everyone on- it’s so special.
Crossing the finish line is extremely special, too. One day, I hope to volunteer and distribute medals at the end of a race.. being a pacer would be cool, too.
When I take a step back and look around, it’s quite an emotional site.
Running can feel like an individual sport, but races bring every type of runner together. It’s so powerful.
My marathon is in April- I envision all of these things on my training runs. I imagine the people, the atmosphere, the positive energy and the celebration.
I challenge YOU to visualize yourself completing a race on your next run. Picture yourself as a participant absorbing everything around you. Then, visualize yourself as a spectator watching you kick some butt on the course. This is an amazing way to mentally prepare for your next live race.
What is something you love about races? What is your favorite race? I’d love to hear from YOU.
Reply here or
Leave a comment on my Instagram Post
Can’t wait to connect :)