What's Your Dream?

I started this journey with the inspiration to run a race for my beloved grandpa. I knew I wanted to do something big. So I decided to do the same race that I ran 4 years ago as my first half marathon but as a 50 miler this time. I love my grandpa more than anything and this is how I wanted to show him that. My grandpa and I visiting on the porch like old times. This whole experience was surreal, it feels like a dream that didn't really happen. Which, I know I am extremely fortunate to be able to say that. I had many downs in my training, from ending a relationship, to trying to find a new place to live and moving, to getting injured but I made it through all of that and race day came whether I was ready or not. Mom and I doing last minute crew planning the night before! I had planned on my whole family crewing me during the race but the week of the race things fell apart last minute. My mom (Karen), nephew (Joshua) and best friend (Tiffany) came through for me though....

There is no way to express my gratitude to everyone that gave me support and encouragement for the Frisco Railroad Run 50 mile run. Mom, Joshua and Tiffany who spent their day crewing for me, to  Kaurine  and Joshua for running us into the finish, to  Lori  and  Aaron  who stayed several several hours after their days were over to see me finish, and to my Grandpa and Aunt  Janet  who waited anxiously at the finish line waiting for me to arrive. Thank you to all of my friends  back in Seattle who encouraged me every step of the way and especially  Elizabeth  who was the one who told me I could do it in the first place and to  Theresa  for continuous encouragement through all of my doubts, and to all of the other dozens of people I am missing, thank you all so much. I want to give a special thank you to Katie Wohnoutka who found me at mile 32 when I had reached a mental breakdown. My crew wasn't there for me but she got me ...

Starting out! All ready to go with the 42 degree temps! 50k or 31 miles, that is what I just ran in preparation for my 50 mile run coming up April 30th. Heading into this training run I was really nervous, I honestly didn't know if I could do it or not. I had some really great emotional support from all of my running friends and coworkers going into this run and even more support from Anthony who crewed for me the last 12 miles. Him being there, holding my water and gels for me made a world of difference.  Mile 2!  My run started off a few minutes late. I thought it'd be light enough out at 6:30 to start my run without night gear but I had to wait until about 6:40, I didn't think too much on it because 10 minutes in a 6 1/2 hour training run is barely a drop in the bucket. So I started off and before I even got to mile 2 I had to pee! Ugh! So I headed on as quickly as I good to mile 4, the Ballard Locks, which I knew would have restrooms. I hit the restrooms and ...

WOW is all I have to say when it comes to my running lately. I am working through my training plan and it is just amazing how I have changed in just over a month. Last weekend I about gave up doing my 18 mile run and yesterday I made it through my 20 mile run with a bounce still in my step! I am definitely finding my honest love for running again, and dare I say it? Loving the longer runs too! This week is kind of a "week off" so to speak. My longest run is 10 miles. It'll be nice to drop down this week and rest up a bit, because I will need it before ramping back up again in a big way! The countdown is on, 74 days before the big race. It'll be here before I know it.  Strangely, I have several other races coming up as well... Not sure how that happened when I decided this year I'd do less races than last year.  Lake Sammamish Half Marathon Hot Chocolate 15k, Pacer Blooms to Brews Marathon Frisco Railroad Run 50 Miler Mt Zion Trail Ragnar (Possible...

The Frisco Railroad Trail. My gluteus maximus is a whee bit sore... This is a good thing! I am building up the muscles in my buttocks, which is great for all of the stabilizing it'll need to be doing for me in my ultra. 50 miles on a gravel trail is going to put my butt to the test!  This weekend I ran 26 miles total. I am pretty proud of that, considering my training started in the second week of January, officially. I feel like I am well on my way! I would said I could go out and run a full marathon right now if I wanted too (after the soreness of my butt goes away lol). I feel like my training is making good progress and if I keep ramping up like this, I have no worries about the ultra.  Taking a quick break at mile 7 in my 10.21 miles on Sunday. It can only go up from here! Have a wonderful day! Keep on Running!

Today is Day 1 Day 1 of my Ultra Marathon training! My first ultra is April 30 in Missouri. I will be running the same race as my first half marathon but the ultra length this time. I am extremely nervous and excited about it. The Frisco Railroad Run , so it'll be really flat! Ha, chose the "easy" 50 mile race. Day 1 of college classes at Edmonds Community College for Paralegal classes. Which I am also really nervous/excited for. I haven't taken classes in several years. But now I am trying to take them working full time and while training for an ultra marathon.  This really is the start of a new year for me. I can't wait to get started!