Hard is Good

One humid Sunday in October, I was out on my last 20 mile long run in preparation for my race of a lifetime, the 2017 New York City Marathon.  Suddenly I had to pull over for tightness in  my right glute when I was at mile 17. Up until this point, the run had been picture perfect. I had even met  three of my best runner girl friends along the route and we chit chatted about everything under the sun. I figured I just had a cramp, so I attempted to stretch it out, and then hobbled the last 3 miles home.

The next few days were incredibly painful, it hurt to walk, sleep, and even bend over. I consulted with friends and a physical therapist and we assumed it was a glute strain.  The the next week it was diagnosed it as an SI joint dysfunction, so I went to PT a few times, and things started to feel better. Upon a suggestion from a teammate, I went to an orthopedic doctor to rule out any type of skeletal injury, and to confirm what we were thinking; I wanted confirmation that I wouldn’t hurt myself more by running the marathon. After X-Rays, an MRI, and even sneaking in a run I was told not to do, he confirmed my worst fears; I have a stress fracture of my sacrum. The doctor ordered a strict month of no running, little walking or standing, and no exercise. I kept calm until I left the office and then the tears flooded my eyes and lasted well throughout the day. The most important and largest race of my life, which I was 100% prepared and excited for, was now completely out the window! Living in NYC has made it worse; everywhere I look throughout the city, there are reminders of the race.  Subway posters,  signs on light posts , and even commercials on TV are haunting me. I understand that there is always next year, but after enduring a  tough summer of sweltering long runs, on top of working long hours, I wanted this to be my last full marathon until I got settled down.

So what now? My immediate reaction was obviously sadness and fear. Sadness because I will not be running the marathon, and I will also miss my Monday group, and long runs with friends. I will not be able to  get to run my favorite trails outside of the city as the autumn leaves fall.  There will be no Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, no Midnight Run on New Years Eve, and no morning runs to clear my head. I fear of losing all the fitness I have worked so hard for all year, getting completely out of shape, and let’s be honest, gaining weight! 

 

After stopping and reflecting, I am thankful that this is a temporary situation. Things could always be worse, and I will run again soon. I can use this time off of running to build myself in non-physical ways such as getting to read all those books that are collecting dust on my shelf, learning to play the guitar, and going to museums I would normally not have time for.

So yeah, this has been really hard on me. Very hard emotionally, as I feel everything like a hurricane. Hard because running is a huge part of me, even though there were numerous mornings I groaned getting out of bed at 5am to run.  It is a time when I make important life decisions, watch the sunrise, heck even meditate and pray. It is hard physically getting around now also, but hard is good. Hard teaches you to appreciate the things you take for granted, such as the three  half-marathons I accomplished this year .  I even unexpectedly set a new PR in one of them!  I ran through pouring rain at the Staten Island Half and have made many new wonderful friends thanks to my running team.  I will lose out on the many social aspects of running, like regular group runs, or catching up with friends on a run, when that's the only time we have to talk.

 Again, this is going to be hard. Standing on the sidelines of the NYC Marathon this Sunday and cheering is going to hurt in many ways. Yet, I believe every hurdle in our life has a purpose, to teach us something deeper about ourselves. With that being said, I am going to (try to) fully embrace this period of growth in my life, but also count down the days until I can run again. Here's to strength training, lots of planks, and deep water running soon! 

PS: If anyone has any insight into sacral fractures and upper body/body weight exercise that will not slow down the healing of my sacrum please reach out! 

Fall Race Plans

Ah fall, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin beers, pumpkin candles, sweaters, boots fall leaves, cooler temperatures, and now I get to experience the transition of the season FO REAL! I could not be more excited. I am ticking the days away until the cool temperatures move in and I don't die running in the heat everyday and I can frolic in the park with leaves crunching under my feet!

Fall is also the perfect time for races, especially in New York City. It's been overwhelming trying to pick and choose what races I wanted to run; some weekends have half-marathons on both Saturday and Sunday! Here is what is on the books so far:

Run 10 Feed 10: 10k in Hudson River Park September 18.
My goal for this race is to run fast.... which I don't enjoy. I am a spiritual runner; I run for the enjoyment, the way it eases my mind and brings me peace. But for this race I would like to shoot for 55 minutes or under (fast for me.)

Brooklyn Rock and Roll Half Marathon: October 8
I have ALWAYS wanted to run a Rock & Roll after only hearing the best things about it! So when I found that one was just a quick train ride away I was sold. There are live bands all along the course, and much of it is run in Prospect Park that I am excited to see!

I am hoping for this to cut my PR by 7 minutes and run it in under two hours. Like I've said, I am an endurance runner, not a speed runner so I am hoping by incorporating one speed workout a week and a tempo run that I can accomplish this! A little over a month to go!

After my January marathon, I have been thirsty for another. I went back and forth thinking about the Brooklyn Marathon and Philadelphia Marathon (both in early November) that I would have adequate time training for, but with adjusting to city life, making new friends, I decided to wait to do another marathon. It was a tough decision, but after a little bit more time I think I will be more ready for the next one and the next training cycle. Perhaps I will get into the NYC Marathon next year, or the Marine Corps Marathon instead since it holds a special place in my heart as my dad and sister both ran in. I am also considering an ultra in the near future.... only time will tell!

Keep running friends :) 

I Admit, I Have Fallen in Love...

With trail running. There, I said it, everyone knows. Trail running is like running roads on steroids.

The soft, luscious Earth squishing beneath your feet and making way for many types of landscapes; sand, grass, leaves, ponds. Deer bounding across your path and tortoises smiling beneath their shells. Chirps of birds and crickets ringing like music to your ears along with the swoosh of the trees giving way to a gentle breeze. Time does not happen here. Earth rotates a little more slowly.

Thanks to a friends suggestion, I recently took my day off to explore Lake Louisa State Park towards Clermont in Central Florida. It costs $4 to enter, and boasts 7 miles of paved roads, 20+ miles of trails, primitive and tent/camper camping, lakes to swim in, wildlife, it's fantastic. Coming 2 days post half marathon I set out for a quick easy run but by the time I was done I was shocked that I had run 8 miles. I have never gotten lost in the absolute joy of running. Road running is hard to "get lost" in. You have mile markers in your mind of where you are, traffic to watch out for, other pedestrians and pollution. Yet on a trail all that encompasses your mind is the sounds of nature, sights, and your own thoughts. It is much more primal running on a trail like our ancestors did, whom did not stop to cross streets or run according to per mile pacing. They ran out of need, and out of desire.

To me, trail running is like a slice of birthday cake at a party. The feelings of the change of ground from grass to sand, the soft roll of the Earth, the trees whispering sweet nothings, deer perking up to say hello, and a game of hop scotch hopping over tree roots is nothing short of fantastic.

Since that first date with the forest here, I have returned twice for a 12 & 15 mile run I did mostly on the paved trails to more closely mimic the roads for my marathon. But I did sneak off into the trails for a few glorious miles.

Trails however require a different shoe for your best run. I ordered a pair of Brooks Cascadias which are more minimal that my overly cushioned Saucony Triumphs to allow my feet to better grip the trails, and I can't wait to strap those babies on for a test run!

A part of me I never before knew with running is out and so happy. Trails please my soul; being alone, in nature, doing my primal thing just soothes me to an extent I cannot describe. I know my soul is happy in a cooler more wilderness climate and I hope my future soon takes me to that happy little place.

Keep running friends, hit the trails!

I Believe in Myself, and My Dreams.

As I close out a year long chapter of my life working a "career, big girl" oriented job I write this post in celebration, and understanding many things about life and dreams I did not fully understand or appreciate before. I am very thankful for the struggles of the last year, the job unhappiness, and overall new perspective that I have gained and needed from it:

Always believe in yourself, and always follow your heart. Not affirmations that I always believed in or allowed myself to think. In more recent times, through different life experiences and some recent drastic changes to my heart and mind I fully embrace these things every single day.

A year ago, I left my dream job. Yes, my ultimate dream job. I had dreamed of working at Walt Disney World as early as I can remember, singing Disney princess songs in the shower to the distaste of my family every day, planned our annual January Disney vacation to a T along with color coded itineraries, went on a behind the scenes tour of Magic Kingdom for my 18^th birthday where I cried, and even attended the University of Central Florida specifically so I could work at Disney in college. I began at Disney in May 2012 as a hostess at Cinderella’s Royal table (loved it), and 9 months later on my 21^st birthday after multiple heart breaking auditions and being turned down, I was celebrating in Disney at the time, I got the call that I would be transferring to Entertainment. My heart sang that day in a way I never believed was possible. I had the greatest job in the world where I could first hand feel the love and joy from guests, make parents cry in utter happiness, and live my greatest dreams every single day. As I walked across the stage at UCF in May 2014 I had even decorated my cap with Disney pictures and rhinestones because I was finally a full time cast member after 9 more months of waiting.

However, things changed. I put a lot of pressure on myself to “grow up”, to be serious, to not have fun if it meant not sticking to the schedules I had made for myself. Freaking out that future jobs and people wouldn't take me seriously because of my job, I furiously searched for other jobs and upon interviewing at a recruiting firm, took it with a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. “You have to do this Kelsey, you need to be serious now its time to grow up.” So although I knew it was not time, I went seasonal at Disney.

One year later today I feel like I have some great experience in what not to do in life. Don’t take jobs you know you may not enjoy simply for the titles and where they can get you. Hate sitting? Don’t take a desk/office job. I have gained a wealth of experience in two professional environments and am very thankful for both of them and what they can do for my future one day.

As of August 16^th, after only two weeks of waiting (rather than my previous torturous nine months), I will be a full time cast member again doing what I am passionate about.  I can really thank the last year for teaching me that you don’t have to grow up if you don’t want to. Life is far too short to do something you don’t enjoy for 40 hours a week just to bring home a paycheck. You should be happy and feel fulfilled in your passions every single day, not just on the weekends or your time off. You should feel HAPPY every single day, including at work. We have so little in this life time wise, why waste what we have? Read below for another inspirational article about following your passions
www.cosmopolitan.com

I came to these conclusions through running. Both go hand in hand, on runs I would pray to the universe in my darkest days of feeling lost that I would find the path created for me and that I would fulfill it. Only WEEKS after, I was handed back my beloved and precious job. I cannot feel more blessed in my life that I for one have the opportunity to have this job, and two that I am being given my second chance at it. I will do my best at it daily, on hard days remember the amazing happiness and love I feel from it, and be a positive ray of light to those that can no longer feel that what they do matters.

All in all, follow your dreams. When no one else believes in you, believe in yourself always. Conforming to society's labels of success will not bring you success in your heart. Your dreams will.

Keep running and BELIEVING friends :)

**Thank you mom & dad for always supporting me, no matter what <3

Moss Park Forest Run Recap!

Wow. Just wow. I get it now trail runner friends… and I am officially addicted! A few months ago, I found this race while scouring the Internet for a fun summer race (not an easy task in the heat of Central Florida!) So, on a whim I signed up for the “Distance Dare” trail race, which consists of a 10k run that must be completed in under 75 minutes, and then running the 5k race when it begins. I had planned to find some trails and train there… however that didn’t happen due to pure laziness and time constraints with my morning runs.

So the night before I was very nervous, full of doubt whether or not I was even capable of finishing the 10k in under 75 minutes (I can easily run under an hour on pavement), but for some reason didn’t have much faith in myself. So I ate a good pasta meal, set out my gear, and went to bed early for my 5:00am wake up!

Hopped out of bed, made some coffee, chugged a glass of water, and hit the road! I ate a banana (my chosen pre-race fuel) about an hour before the race as well as had my coffee. I only drink coffee prior to running if I can finish it over an hour before I start so it will not mess up my tummy. It was very very dark arriving to the park, very little lighting. After parking I made my way to register, put my key in my belt and we were off! The loop was 3.1 (5k) miles long, so for the 10k we ran two loops. I had registered for the distance dare and had to complete the 10k in under 75 minutes in order to be finished in time to start the 5k afterwards. The race began on the paved road, and after about half a mile transitioned over to the sand like trail. It was pretty wet and muddy from the rain the night prior, but I thought it was a fun addition :)

I felt great, and kept up positive affirmations throughout my run (I don't race with music, etc.) Before I knew it I was done and crossing the finish, in 1:00:23.7 which was a little slower than usual due to the nature of the trail and the mud! I was very pleased with my time and got some water while I waited for the 5k to begin. I ran the 5k purely to add the miles and for fun, so I took my time and enjoyed the beautiful park and scenery. Afterwards, I grabbed some fruit and checked the results... only to see that I had placed 3rd in my age group for the 10k! I was shocked... I walked to my car to get my phone for a picture with tears in my eyes. I couldn't believe that I would be getting a medal for placing in RUNNING, a sport I still don't believe I am even skilled at!

I had a nearby runner take a picture of me, walked around the park and headed out. SUCH an amazing runner's high... and I am officially an addicted trail runner :) I plan to run trails on a regular basis now, and do many more off road races!

Remember friends, if you trust and work hard and most of all BELIEVE anything is possible!

Keep running friends :)

Crosstraining... Yep Gotta Do It!

It's like a swear word to runners... cross training... ugh! We can't just run and run and run and expect to feel okay or improve! Running puts quite a bit of wear and tear on a body, and only builds minimal muscle and improved endurance. I don't enjoy cross training any more than the next runner, but I do it!

My favorite forms of cross training DO NOT happen in the gym. I avoid gyms at all costs, I do not enjoy feeling like a hamster or staring at a clock watching the minutes tick by. So, I like to take out my bike and log some miles! You get to travel, see some beautiful scenery and its a great activity to do with friends or to see new places! Find a nice trail and take water and snacks and get lost :)

I do strength training (minimal) a few days a week. I focus on my arms, back, and core and also do some squats do target my legs. I add muscle very easily in my lower body so I do limit it, and focus more on my upper body. Here are some good exercises for that! womensrunning.competitor.com/2014/10/cross-training/6-exercises-strengthen-upper-body_30865

I also LOVE Tabata! Its simple and you can pick any exercise to incorporate into a fun program! Like jump squats, jumping jacks, burpees, etc. Tabata is a series of 8 sets, 20 seconds on and 10 seconds off. Repeat 8 times and move onto another exercise! I like to do a total of 5 exercises. Its quick and VERY efficient... if you're new to it expect to be very sore the following day... or two.
Here is my personal favorite plan :) www.wayofgray.com/get-started/

When I'm sore, need a break and to relax my go to is YOGA! I love a good Bikram Yoga class, but when finances and time is tough I resort to Youtube, or making up my own little class. Having a good stretch sesh is great for running recovery and builds lean muscle. Incorporate stretching into your day, everyday! Just do it. 

When To Break Up.. With Your Shoes

Aches and pains, bumps and bruises. As runners we know that this comes hand in hand with the sport we adore. However, do you experience debilitating soreness or injury when you are not changing up your routine? It may be time for the talk.... with your shoes.

Breaking up is hard to do, but it needs to be done. I know I know, your shoes have been there for you in every invigorating run, every time your legs felt like lead they got you through it, and all the races. But there’s plenty of fish… or shoes in the sea.

Most running shoes are good for approximately 300-400 miles, all depending on you. Your body tends to tell you when its time, foot aches, arch problems, shin splints, overall body aches. Keep a log of your miles so you will know when its time to get a new pair so you are not sidelined while you are on the market for a new set.

1.       Alternate running shoes. Buy two pairs of the same shoe and alternate them on runs! They will now last longer until you need to get a new pair.

2.       Keep a mileage log, if you really love your style of shoe order a new pair when time is almost up.

3.       Get fit BEFORE you need a new pair. Go to a running specialty store, please do not go to a big brand sports store… they will sell you on price not based on what you need. A good store will watch your cadence, how you strike the ground, and fit you accurately.

4.       Wear proper socks! I prefer Thorlo Pads. They grip your feet and pad them in all the right areas, I have NEVER had a blister wearing these. I repeat. NEVER. www.thorlo.com/socks/xccu/236

Runner’s World helps us with some more FAQ! www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes/running-shoe-faq

ALWAYS get the proper running shoe for you, not what works for someone else. Some running stores even do trial periods!

Keep running friends :)

Finding Yourself Through Running

Sometimes life can feel a little hard. Its not all skipping through joyous runs, runners highs, and rainbows. This blog isn’t about finding something interesting to post day in and day out. Its about sharing my life, whats important to me, and my running lifestyle. And lately, life has been a little harder than usual.

A lot has changed in the last month, I moved apartments to a much quieter, less touristy area of Central Florida. Moving into an apartment alone is brand new for me, and I really enjoy it! Its great being able to get up and run at all hours and not worry about waking anyone else up. My space is always clean, organized, and peaceful. An important relationship in my life came to an end, I have a lot of dissatisfaction with my job and the career path I thought I always wanted, and that is causing a lot of unrest for me. I know that I put WAY too much pressure on myself, and I always have. I had my “Dream” fun job full time upon college graduation, and yet a month later I felt restless about not moving into my “Career” and without thinking through left, and have been bouncing around office jobs ever since, not happy. Moral of the story is to follow your heart not your head, and don’t rush through life.

How does this connect with running? To me, running is not my exercise. It is my meditation and my time for myself to be only with my thoughts. Here as I am pounding the pavement and huffing along I have my most intimate and real thoughts. There is no one, no technology, no media to distract my mind so that I be one with my thoughts, my real hopes and desires of life. I no longer feel tied down to anything, I am free.

Try a "naked" run. Take off your watch, leave your headphones at home. Try a new route, get lost on the path and in nature. You won't regret it :) You may just find yourself.

Keep running friends!

Eating Vegan

Day in and day out I get the question, do you get enough protein? How do you have energy to sustain a run on a vegan diet?

It’s really, not that hard at all! I believe that eating in human's most natural form is plant based, contrary to popular "caveman" and "Paleo" belief. As humans, we are not born with the tools to kill and eat animals that carnivorous animals are. We do not have sharp enough teeth, claws, and are not agile enough to on our own without tools (have you ever seen a lion shoot or stab its prey?)

As a busy 20 something running, working, and eating, I like to eat as simply as possible since I don't have a whole lot of time to cook. Some of my staples:

Fruit and as much as I want!

I start everyday with a banana, along with some blueberries or strawberries, granola and cashew milk. Ezekiel bread, peanut butter, oatmeal, and tofu scramble are some of my other favorite breakfasts!

For lunches I like salads with as many veggies as I can fit, and a nutritious and healthy dressing to liven it up. I loveeeee The Goddess and Lemon Tahini dressings from whole foods. I crave them and cannot wait to have a salad! Putting beans, avocado, hummus on salads adds a good source of protein as well as nuts. I like making hummus and veggie wraps/sandwiches, leftovers from dinner, I really don't count any sort of calorie/fat/protein I simply eat when I am hungry and I eat as simply plant based as I can.

Dinners are never too complicated; by the time I get home I am starving and want to eat asap! I love to throw together big salads, top with tempeh, make rice and bean bowls topped with all the fixings to make it "Chipotle" style, sweet potatoes, chili (I like Amy's canned chili if I don’t have the ingredients to make my own. I also like to make tofu scramble with Whole Food’s mix, a block of tofu, and whatever veggies I have to add! So delicious, filling, and nutritious! Great post run meal.

Thanks, Dandelion Cafe for your $5 Giddyup Mondays!

dandelioncommunitea.com

Here are some staples, most you can find at a local grocer, Whole Foods, or health foods store. 

·        Organic fruits and veggies

·        Kale

·        Spinach or spring mix

·        Shredded carrots for salad

·        Whole Foods Goddess and Lemon Tahini Dressing

·        Tofu Scramble Mix

·        Nuts (unsalted)

·        Dried fruit (with no added sugar)

·        Ezekiel Bread

·        Bearly Naked Granola

·        Silk Cashew Milk

·        Silk Soy Vanilla Creamer

·        Beyond Meat Products

·        Hummus

·        Tofutti Sour Cream

·        Daiya Cheddar Cheese

·        Amy’s Organic products

·        Puffin’s Cereal

·        Amy’s Popcorn

·        Kombucha

·        So Delicious Ice Cream: Coconut milk, Almond Milk

I don't restrict, I eat what I want, when I want. If I feel sore, I eat a little more protein, stretch, and rest! That's really the magic formula :) Friends, if you have questions leave me a comment! I love to share.

As always, keep running friends :)

A Florida Gal's Tips for Running in the Heat!

I read an article the other day in one of my dad's old marathon training books (beginning to piece together a training program), and came across how temperature can affect your pace and when it is too hot to run. I had to laugh….

85 degrees or higher: Don’t even bother.

So whats a girl to do who loves to run (outside) and lives in Central Florida aka heat and humidity central. Its not uncommon for a day to be in the upper 90’s and 100% humidity. Driving your car which is a moving sauna will get you sunburned, walking to the mailbox requires a shower afterwards, which leaves running to be probably not the smartest decision.

How does one run in these conditions? Dedication!

1.       Run early, or late in the day. (if you want to run outside)

Check the forecast the day before and plan your run accordingly. I like to be finished with my runs by 7:30am at the latest, when the sun is starting to cook the pavement. Or, run after dusk/dark when it begins to cool down.

2.       Hydrate! 

I like to shoot to drink a gallon of water a day. Yes, water, not coffee/tea/soda. These will de-hydrate you. Limit them. I like to also drink a NUUN tablet in about 32oz of water after a run/throughout the day. nuun.com It has electrolytes and helps to hydrate you!

3.       Wear light and loose fitting clothing.

These are my current favorite running tops: Here! loose, breezy, comfy! Paired with a pair of shorts, and a light colored hat I am all set to go.

4.       Cut your mileage. 

Since it is so much hotter, the heat puts a strain on your body to compensate and sweating more will de-hydrate and tire you much faster. Marathon training in the summer may work in cooler climates, but I wouldn’t recommend it here unless you plan to use a treadmill. I run more often, and shorter distances. This is also a good time to cross train, and maybe even try some yoga!

5. Protect yourself from the sun!

I am very pale, so sunscreen is a must plus a hat or sunglasses! Running tans are cool, running burns are not.

Remember these tips, and take it easy! Heat REALLY affects performance, don't let it get you down!

Keep running friends :)

Some Eats & Some Feels

When life gets busy, I find it even more important to make time to run. Whether it is 30 minutes, an hour, or a cross training/yoga type workout I always feel less stressed and am more productive and level headed. Work gets stressful sometimes, however I find myself cool, calm and collected when I have already hit the pavement before I even punch the clock. Running keeps my sanity in all aspects of life. I choose better food options, make sure I sleep more, read more, and think presently. I know, I am one of those runners who wants to preach it from the rooftops and tell everyone about how much I love it, and I can't help it! 

 Preach!

Running is my favorite form of meditation, my body knows what to do, I don't have to think, and I can simply focus on the world around me and my thoughts. Lately life hasn't been the easiest, but running is always there to clear my head and help me appreciate life and solve my problems. Emotions are a big thing on my mind at the moment, and from today's run I discovered this: We have emotions, we are not our emotions. Take life one small step at a time. Don't think big picture if it scares you, think of the task ahead, not even the day ahead. Thinking presently is a great way to enjoy the here and now, and also to reduce life's ever constant stresses and anxiety. 

Just the trees themselves, always there, always tall and strong. The wind may bend and blow them but they will always stand right back up.

I also thought I would share some of my eats from the week! 

 Breakfast bowl! Banana, blueberries, granola and cashew milk aka my favorite. 

 Ezekiel toast with flax peanut butter (Trader Joe's) and fruit!

 Simple veggie/hummus wrap

Vegan pizza! Daiya cheese, broccolini, mushrooms and tofu strips :) new favorite and so easy!

Remember friends, don't sweat the small stuff. And when the going gets tough, go for a run. You WILL feel better :)

Charlie and I wish you a great weekend and week ahead! Keep running friends :)

Run and Be!

Happy Friday my friends! It's been a great week in my new home, much closer to safe places to run, trails, and it is oh so quiet, absolutely amazing. I thought I would share some of the random things I eat (I almost always forget to take pictures before I dig in.)

Dr. Prager's California style veggie burger (Trader Joe's) with roasted sweet potato and carrots!

Made a healthy & vegan Chipotle burrito bowl for the boyfriend and I! Brown rice, black beans, tomatoes, avocado, Trader Joe's salsa, Daiya cheddar cheese and Tofutti sour cream! It was amazing and will be my new favorite and easy meal.

Some views post- morning run this week at my new complex :) Who else loves the morning sunrise peeking through the trees?

I can get pretty zen-ed out on my runs, today my thought was this: "You will never learn to celebrate, no matter what possessions or experiences you gain, if you cannot celebrate the NOW." www.richroll.com/podcast/the-zen-of-wude/ Thanks as always, to the Rich Roll podcast for tuning me into the real matters of life every day, and for making me life in the present moment. I recommend this to EVERYONE. Such an inspiring and invigorating man. I really look up to you Rich, "Peace + Plants." www.richroll.com/category/podcast/

Running inspires me to be the best version of myself. It starts my day with tranquility, just me and the road ahead and my thoughts. I believe you can fine tune your senses, seeing the grass a little greener, being thankful for the Earth and all her beauty, feeling your own body for exactly what it is and loving it more than you knew possible. Without running I don't know where I would be today; stuck in an endless cycle of work, going out to bars, watching TV for hours. Instead I plan my days around my runs and am a more peaceful and patient person. I like to learn, think, and feel. So get out there, and keep running friends.

Is anybody out there? I'm still here!

Hey friends! Sorry for the little break in posts, life has been very busy! In between being random, running, and work, I just moved! I am all moved into my adorable new place; closer to work and nature! I am very excited to hit the trails close by on foot and by bike. Previously my area was very congested in a touristy part of Central Florida, and now I can enjoy some peace and quiet and the sounds of nature on my runs.

A beautiful view from today’s morning run, my new little home :)

What's ahead? Insert link to runs and 5k etc.

Marine core 10k thoughts, etc?

I promise to post more and more often! Big post in the works to come, expect it out this week!

 Here's what I've been up to this past weekend:

My family came into town to help me move, and first and foremost to attend the Rolling Stones Zip Code Tour concert! My beautiful mother, and sister went along with me. We started off at our favorite... Dandelion Cafe. Amazing vegan food, all should try!

Then we hit the concert, it was amazing. My mom is a huge Stones fan (this was her 5th time seeing them) and my sister and my first! What an incredible experience, crazy to think that the classic rock era is coming to an end, these bands won't be around forever but I am SO blessed to be able to have had this experience!

Here is a silly picture of my little sister and I enjoying Epcot…. In matching dresses. Why? Because we can!

That's all for now, keep running friends!