.not just for girls....what we can learn from GOTR.

Last year when coaching for Girls on the Run for the first time, it was a tough year for me. I was going through a lot of personal things that truly affected my self esteem. But slowly through the 10 weeks this group of 15 young girls started to change the way I saw things, myself, and how I worked in this world. They saved me. I thought a lot about the lessons we were teaching this young girls and how they still apply to us as adults. Therefore, each week on the blog we will be discussing the same topics that the girls are learning about!

LEARNING ABOUT COOPERATION

We all know that we are suppose to work in groups well and that being a team player is a great selling point for any resume.  What we don't talk about is how hard this really can be! It's difficult at times to work with a group of diverse people all with different opinions and accomplish one main goal.  Raise your hand if you have even been paired in a group project with someone you don't particular get along and are not sure how to work with them! I'm sure we all have experienced this either in our schooling, work, or other areas in our life.  How did you accomplish it? Did you listen to the others, not just wait for them to stop talking so you can talk, but really listen to what they have to say and add? This is the first important step, hearing what all the voices have to say, then it's important that as a group to define your goal and how each person can have a part in that goal. When you look at the final result, if you really have cooperated with your group you will be able to see the areas in which everyone has uniquely added. Since we are all unique and add something special, it important that we let that shine through. 

STANDING UP TO PEER PRESSURE

Even though I am a 29 year old adult woman, I still fall victim to peer pressure...sigh, it is true. Peer pressure doesn't stop when you leave high school, college, or hit a certain age, it follows you throughout your life. The things we feel pressured about have changed, but the pressure is still there. Now it's about eating that cupcake, buying that expensive item you can't really afford, going out when you don't really want to, getting that trendy outfit to look younger, getting a better paying job, ..the list goes on and on.  Even though the things we feel pressured about have changed, the way we can handle the pressure is the same. What we teach at GOTR is to STOP, BREATHE, LISTEN, and RESPOND.  When you feel pressured stop, take a deep breathe (this will help calm you), listen to that little voice in your head, and then respond. This is an easy thing to do, but we all forget about it from time to time. Next time you feel pressured just remember that you do have a choice and it is one that should be respected, so stop take a deep breathe, listen to how you truly feel, and then respond accordingly. If the person respects you they will understand, if they don't understand maybe it's time to reevaluate that relationship. 

How do you work with groups? How do you stand up to peer pressure now that you are an adult?  I think these are topics that still affect us as adults and I would love for this to be a place of discussion.  I would love to have you leave comments where we can continue the discussion, help support each other, and feel safe to ask questions. 

Next week we will be talking about: Standing Up For Yourself and Gossip Hurts Everyone

.Girls On The Run (is so much fun).

Remember when I was going to tell you about one of my favorite organizations, Girls On The Run, and how how much I believe in the organization? Well, you are in luck cause now is the time to share it with you!! EEEECCCCKKKKKKKK!!! Are you as excited to learn about it as I am to FINALLY tell you about it?

First off, Girls on the Run was founded by the amazing, Molly Baker, in North Carolina back in 1996. Now it is an international organization (what!?!) with the Twin Cities chapter starting in 2011 by Mary Urban and Kori Fitshchen (thank you ladies!!).  The mission of Girls on the Run is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. They envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams (umm...are you not already falling in love with organization?) Also, an important thing to note, is that this IS NOT a running club!! We don't train girls to run and compete, we encourage girls to keep moving forward be it running, walking, or skipping! It's about setting goals and working towards accomplishing them, in your own style and time!

The trained coaches work with the girls and teach a 20 lesson curricula that empowers the girls to have a greater sense of self-awareness, achievement, a foundation of team building and enhancing their communities, all in order to help them become strong, healthy, and confident women.  Some topics inclue how to handle peer pressure, dealing with body image and the media, feeling comfortable with our emotions, and community service project. As well as the curriculum that we teach each week throughout the 10 week program (we meet twice a week ) we have interactive activities such as running and playing games. This helps the girls apply what they have learned, reflect, and express their own unique selves (as well as gets them moving their bodies).

After the 10 weeks of running and learning the program all the girls, their running buddy, and the coaches run or walk a 5k!  This is sometimes the very first 5k a girl has done (as well as some running buddies) and they worked hard to cross that finish line! I remember my first 5k, I was 25 and I struggled throughout the course but crossing the finish line I  felt triumphant and proud! This is going to be what all the girls, their running buddies, and coaches will feel when they watch the girls cross the line at the 5k!

NOW YOU CAN BE APART OF THE EXPERIENCE TOO!!! For the first time the Twin Cities chapter is opening up the Girls on the Run 5k to the public,300 community members to be exact! So now you can join 100 girls, their running buddies, and coaches in this great conclusion to the season!! Below are all the race details:

• The race will be Saturday, November 16th at 9 a.m. 
• The run will start and end near the Nokomis Community Center at Lake Nokomis
• There will be a fun group warm up before the race and food and festivities after!
• Registrants will receive a race t-shirt
• This is a fun run and will not be chipped or timed
• REGISTER...here!
• More info on the race, click here

I have one free race entry to give away (aaaahhhhhh!!!!)! To enter, leave a comment below telling me either why you believe Girls on the Run is important OR what MAKES you unique and how you celebrate it! (I hope to have a lucky winner by next week! Make sure to leave a way I can contact you if you win!!!)

GOTR: website  facebook  twitter 

.Run Sho Run.

I feel like it's been ages since I talked with you all about running, I guess that is what happens when you take most of the summer off from blogging and running! I believe that last time we talked about running here on the blog was almost a year ago, after we finished our first marathon! What happened after the marathon was we took a few weeks off, and then that turned into taking the winter off (it's cold here in MN in the winter!), and then the spring, etc.

Actually, I did do some running in the spring, it just wasn't very much! During last spring I became a coach for a Girls on the Run (GOTR) team near my home. Each week we discussed different topics and practiced for a 5k! At the end of our time together, 10 weeks or so, the girls, friends, and coaches ran the 5k! It was a cold morning and the rain was pouring down on us, but it was the most fun I have ever had running 3 miles!! I loved cheering on the girls towards their goal and helping their parents accomplish the 5k as well!  Not only did I run the 5k with my own GOTR team, I also ran the 5k for GOTR in Mankato, MN. I ran this race last year with my sister and we did it again, hopefully we continue the tradition! The best part of this race was girls had their names on the back of their shirts so you could personally cheer them on when you were running past them! Of course, I gave some people shout outs because it is a big deal that they are pushing themselves and becoming healthy!(kato time: 34min.)

In June Dave and I ran a half marathon with my friend Jenna (we ran our first half with her last year!). We ran the Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon in Duluth, MN which is partners with the popular Grandma's Marathon. As typcial Shoave fashion, we didn't train as much as we should have..but we did it!! The morning of the race was crazy foggy, you literally couldn't see your hand in front of your face! The race course is beautiful, for most of the run you are alongside Lake Superior...the only thing was you couldn't really see it with all the fog!! My favorite part though was watching runners in front of me just disappear into the fog like they got swallowed up, it literally looked like a movie! This half marathon has been my favorite so far, due to the wonderful atmosphere and energy. You have people alongside the course the whole time cheering you on, giving you beer (yes, my husband did a beer shot, a small beer bong, AND drank a smoothie during the race...and they were all from strangers!),and playing great music. I even made a friend on the race course who was running the race for the 22nd time! She watched the first ever Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon and decided she could do it, so she has every year since!! What a great inspiration! Our time wasn't that great: 2hr 48min due to elements out of our control, but we had fun and we finished, which I think is the most important!

After the half marathon I took a step back in my running and only did it from time to time. A month went by and I decided I needed to do another race AND I found one a few blocks away from my apartment AND it supported Girls on the Run!!!! Bonus: I knew a friend who was running it! The race was Esprit de She, which is a running series with Athleta and Lifetime Fitness. I can't begin to tell you how great it felt to be surrounded by 1,000 women who were there to support each other, run a race, have fun, and give a few bucks to an organization I hold dear to my heart! The fun thing is after you run your race, they give you free bubbly and the local stores give you good discounts!!!  (time: 32:01)

Last but not least, I just ran my latest 5k in September! This one, oh, this one I HIGHLY recommend if you live in Minneapolis!!! It was the O'Donovan's Mill City Suds Run in Northeast Minneapolis and it was a blast! I have never done a "fun run" before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. What I got was a lot of people, mostly dressed in fun costumes who were ready to run and drink beer...which was served at mile 2 and afterwards! My favorite costume was a group of friends dressed up as mario cart characters who ran to the theme music trying to crash and pop the others "life" balloons! They were having so much fun you couldn't help but smile! After the 5k you could grab your bbq lunch and more beer (or root beer) and join the party on Boom Island! The course was beautiful, the atmosphere was electric, and I would do this race again without hesitation! (3.37 miles: 35 min 33 sec.)

.can't have a Suds run without Suds.

RUNNING RECAP: 

Since the middle of October I have ran FOUR (4) 5ks , ONE (1) half marathon and currently am training for another half marathon next month.  When I first started this post, I truly didn't think I ran very much this last year but when I reflect on it, I feel different. It may not be what I wanted to do or as much as others do, but you know what I RAN five races this year as well as putting miles in for training and for fun! That is something to be proud of and gosh darn it, I AM!!!!

* Wanna know something exciting!!! Soon, I'm going to take the time and tell you ALL about Girls on the Run and what it means to me!!!  I'm already so excited about it!!!!!

.my first (only?) marathon.

Welll....I DID IT!!!!! Let the cheers, hip hip horrays, and angels sing because I, Shoshonna Lynn Roberts, finished a marathon, 26.2 miles!!!!! Let's just get this one thing straight from the start, this my friend was not easy. This my friend took strategy, guts, pain, and heart. I wasn't sure I could do it, I didn't train real well for it and let's face it 26 miles is a long freakin' way!

* mile 25ish *

The race we ran was the Whistlestop Marathon in Ashland, Wisconsin. It is an annual race that get's bigger and bigger each year. This year there were a total of 600 marathon runners.  This race is also a Boston qualifier...if you are a serious runner and curious. The area is beautiful, especially this time of year with the leaves changing colors, and right on Lake Superior. The race is on the Tri-County Corridor and is 98% trail, you literally only run about 2.2 miles in town! The scenery was beautiful, quiet, and at mile 20 got a little boring. Two of the big reasons we chose this race as our first race was: 1) it was on the cheaper side of races, about $60 and 2) the trail continued to slightly go down in elevation most of the race! So no big hills to conquer at mile 8 or 16, which is such a BIG blessing!!!

* about to cross the finish line*

Going into the race I was really nervous and continuously swearing at our friend Jim for getting me into this mess.  Dave and I were waaayyy under trained, our farthest run before the marathon was 15.6miles and that was just 2 weeks before the marathon. Usually you should run at least 20 miles once! Also the month before the marathon I only ran a total of 26 miles...the exact same amount I was suppose to run in one day! haa haaa...I could only laugh at how ridiculously hard this race was going to be. The day of the race was cloudly and rain was drizzling for a good part of the day. I was wet and cold to the bone the whole time. Things went pretty good for us until about mile 17/18 when our bodies starting getting really tired and the woods were getting old real fast. We started having to run a bit and walk a bit more frequently but we kept going...even when it hurt. By mile 20 we were sick of the woods and asking people when we could escape them. By mile 25, I didn't trust a word anyone said to me...people lie, they say you are getting close the being done...you aren't, it will still feel like a lifetime before you hit the next mile.  But we kept going until we crossed that finish line!

Our Time:

5 hours 45 min. 33 sec

(13 min. 11 sec per mile)

We weren't even sure we were going to make the 6 hour deadline and we beat it by 15 min!

The question is..would I do this again?

I'm not sure.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would and I'm pretty competitive. 

I wonder what my time would be if I did train for it?

Maybe, I will have to find out...only time will tell!

.progress.

Buffalo Bills Pre-Seaon Game

August 6, 2008

Vikings vs. Buffalo Bills Pre-Seaon Game

August 18, 2012

It's crazy to see these how different Dave and I look after 4 years. 

We have tried really hard this past year to be healthy and active. 

It has always been a struggle for us. 

We do well for a few months and then backslide. 

However, since living in Australia we have stayed on the right path. 

We are eating better (& smaller portions) and running. 

I love seeing our progress and I can't wait to continue being healthy. 

We do this for us because we want to be there for each other. 

* I also do it to feel strong and beat my own expectations of self * 

.urban wilderness half marathon.

At the beginning of the month Dave and I ran our 2nd half marathon. I won't lie to you I was one nervous/terrified girl when it came to running that race. I had trained some but not nearly as much as for the first half we ran. (I actually ran 30 fewer miles than last time when training) I also got some hip pain a week before the race and had to minimize my miles a lot.  But I signed up to do it and see how fast I could run it and gosh darn that was exactly what I was going to do then.

Between finishing and stuffing my face with oranges. 

I was sooo exhausted and these were the best oranges EVER!

My best friend Molly was visiting from Boston and even woke up at the crack of dawn to watch us run the race. Our other good friend (and my trainer) Jim always came out to cheer us on. Never have I had anyone cheer for me when running but now I feel like I want to race only with my personal cheerleaders. It does make a difference having someone cheer for you and high five you every so often. When I wanted to stop and walk I didn't because I knew they would want me to keep going. They even got in the car and drove down the course a little bit honking and waving at everyone. I think they had as much fun cheering for us as we had having them there.

We made it our goal to pass this guy. 

We finally did and as you can see, I'm very happy about it!

Here are some things I learned during the race:

1) Don't compare your training milages the day of the race, it will make you feel unprepared and nervous. Nobody needs those feelings when they are about to start a race!

2) Set goals. We had a goal of when we wanted to finish by before we started. This helped us make sure we kept on track while running. We also made small goals when trying to pass others, this is something I find that helps me stay motivated and moving forward.

3) It's okay if others pass you, don't let it bring you down. You never know you may end up passing them again further down the course. 

4) Listen to your body. It's okay to stop and walk a bit, nobody will judge you. Just keep moving and you will do great. 

Crossing the finish line! 

Our time: 

2 hours and 29 min. 

(11 min. 24 sec per mile)

A new personal recored for our half marathons!

* In case you are wondering I wore a lot of the same items I wore when running my first marathon. I am wearing new shorts (from Target) and a new dry fit hat, I didn't wear the bandana or running belt.  You can find info on my running gear and first marathon, here and here. *

Now we only have 7.5 weeks until our marathon. Oh...did I tell you we kind of stopped running for a few weeks after the half..haa!! SOOOOOOO...as in true Sho fashion, this should be interesting! I will have to keep you updated on the progress!

Special thanks to Molly for taking TONS of pictures of us while we were running the race. It's always great to look back at something you accomplished!

.running with a roll.

Just a little quick note: I am nervous about this post. I'm going to show you something I haven't really shown before on the blog. Soooo....if you don't want to see a little rolly polly...you may not want to look, but if you want honesty, read on my sisters!

This is what I look like when I usually post running pictures:

You get to see my running gear (proof that I ran!) and they are usually only from the waist up. This is what I feel comfortable with because it doesn't show it all...it keeps my "bad area(s)" hidden. But is it real? Not entirely, it hides a part of me and it puts out an image that is comfortable but not entirely the full picture. 

The other day when we ran 8 miles, I wore the exact outfit that you see above. It was the first time I wore this shirt because even though it fits okay, it is a little tight in the stomach area. It hugs in all the places that probably nobody wants to see, but I felt like it was a great fit for running. The shirt doesn't flop around, it stays put, it's a light color and wicks away the sweat (a must for our humid summers).  

This is the TRUE image of what I look like when running:

I know, I know you may be thinking ohhhhh...she is over reacting, everyone has rolls. I agree almost everyone does have rolls, the thing is that majority of us try to hide them. I am one of those woman, I don't like my roll coming out to say hello. I like it to be nice and hidden behind a cute shirt, tank, or dress. But, it's there, it's part of me, I don't hate it.

Yesterday while running I was a little self conscious. I kept thinking my roll was bouncing around with each step I took. When running I usually find myself pulling at my shirt to make sure it's not hugging me in the tum tum area. But with this shirt, I didn't tug at it once...I felt like, "WORLD, this is me running with my roll!" I started owning it and didn't think about my roll as a negative thing anymore. It became more of an encouragement, I reminded myself that people who see me might see me as an inspiration, thinking if she can do that..maybe I could to0. Maybe someone would take their next steps to walking more, starting to jog, or thinking about it.  And if anyone had anything bad to say about my roll all I can say is, " I am running 8 miles!" Not everyone can do it, but me and my roll......we got this!!!! 

.WIW: 1/2 marathon gear.

At the beginning of the month I ran my first half marathon (13.1 miles) with a friend! I trained for over 7 weeks for this run, the longest I have trained for anything!! No matter how hard you train, sometimes what you wear also helps you finish the race. I wanted to share with you what I wore during the race. This is a good guide for anyone who is looking to get into running or planning on running a big race.  

1. Dry Fit Shirt ( from Target, wicks away the sweat so your shirt doesn't become heavy) // 2. ADIDAS hat (had for yeeeaaarrrs! It really helps keep the sweat out of my eyes)  // 3.  Bras: 3 bras to be exact! I wear a regular underwire, a cheap plus size sports bra, regular sports bra ( just an fyi: I am a DD, so I need lots of support)  // 4. New Balance running shoes ( I just wear what the running store says it right for me)  // 5. Starter Sports Shorts ( I also have running shorts but they chaff during longer runs)  // 6. REI Wicking Underwear ( great to wear when not wearing running shorts)  // 7. Runners World Running belt ( held my id, extra money, keys, and energy chews)  // 8. FitSok running socks ( love them! they are soft, comfy, and keep your feet dry..plus they are locally made!!!)  // 9. Amphipod Arm Strap (holds itouch and has extra pockets) // 10. Bandana  ( I had a cold so I was going to use it as a hanky. I ended up just tying it around my wrist and using it as a sweatband)

Put all the elements and this is what you get!! 

I also wear my old eye glasses when I run. 

My regular ones get dirty really fast and I don't want to ruin them with my sweat!

If you have any questions about what I wore/wear 

OR 

wanna share what you wear when running

I would love to hear from you so please leave a comment!

.1/2 Marathon Recap.

WE DID IT!

It's official, I have finished my first half marathon (13.1 miles)!! WHOOOOOOOTTTT!! I had SOOOOO much fun while running the race. Dave and I ran with my friend for her birthday and I got lots of people along the way to wish her a happy birthday and sing to her. I also got to do a lot of dancing and singing while passing the miles away, I just hope I wasn't tooo annoying and people didn't want to secretly kill me!

Our Time:

 2 hour 56 min

(13.30 min/ mile) 

Since this was more of a fun run for us, we are already planning our next half marathon! I can't wait to run and see how fast we can finish the race! We are already discussing with another one of our friends which marathon (26.2 miles) we are going to run this fall. I can't believe I'm someone who is excited to run and keep pushing myself.....I used to sooooooooo not be this person! 

Wanna hear my favorite part of the race?

The night before and early morning of the race it was lightening, thundering, and raining heaps. We weren't sure if the race was going to happen due to weather and safety concerns. Dave and I woke up early, got ready for the race and crossed our fingers that it would clear up so we could run. As soon as we walked out our door to drive to the race the rain started to lighten up a bit. By the time we got to the race area it had stopped raining, but loomed overhead. At the starting line, Dave asked if we thought it was going to rain during the race. I just stated, " Do you think our parents would let it rain? You know they have connections up there!" And then it didn't rain a drop the whole rest of the day! Some might say it was weather patterns or science that kept it from raining...me, I know better. It was my mom and Dave's dad watching over us. They were proud of us for running the race and wanted us to be able to do it without the rain! It feels good to know that we are making them proud and they are always with us!

.5k recap.

Another weekend and another race for the YMCA! This weekend it was a 5k in Mankato, MN for the Girls on the Run Program. Girls on the Run is through the YMCA and is for preteen girls to learn healthy lifestyle choices, self-condfidence, and self respect through running. 

Before the race!

The weather on Saturday is kind of crappy. It was cold and rainy, but that didn't keep our spirits down. Plus as soon as it came near running time, the rain stopped, just like it was destiny. 

This was my first time running a road race without Dave by my side. 

Honestly, I now know that I LOVE having a running partner!

Due to running alone and having a million people pass me, I felt like I was the slowest person on earth. 

I just kept my head down and kept putting one foot in front of another. 

My time:

26min 44sec (8.37/mi)

a personal record (PR) for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All of the family members that participated in the 5k!

The best thing about running the race in Mankato is that some of my family members came out and walked the 5k! I was sooooooo excited and happy that they came out to support a great cause and that they pushed themselves to do the walk! 

I honestly hope that we can do this again next year and

 maybe get more strong Hammond girls out there on that route!!!

I even got to run the Kids K with my little niece before the 5k!

Let me tell you..that little girl can RUN!

At one point, she turned around and said...

"Hurry Up, Slowpoke!" 

oh...she slays me! Here is us crossing the finish line together:

Maybe we have a future runner in the family!

.10k Results.

WE DID IT!!!!

Dave and I have officially run our first 10k! WHHOOOOOOOOOTTTTT!! I'm not going to lie this sucka was H-A-R-D and I hated the last 3 miles of it with almost my whole being. But I didn't stop!!!

Our Time:

1 hr 05 min 04 sec

10:30/mile

(15 min. earlier than my goal time!!!)

As you can tell from my ranting above this was NOT my favorite race (except for our great race time results)  and I probably won't run the Y Run again.  I felt that the race lacked in some areas that affected the mental part of my race. These things were: running the same track twice, not having water available at the miles it was stated to be, and not having volunteers cheer you on. So how did I survive? I will let you in on my tip/game: I pick a person in front of me and I make it my goal to pass them. It may take me a few miles before I get close enough to pass, but I don't stop trying until the end of the race! Using this game I was able to pass at least 4 people....that's a BIG deal for me!

I'm SOOO proud of us for not giving up and having a great race time!

Now it's time to keep running and prepare for our half marathon!!

.Why I Run.

" I don't understand why people run. I only run if someone is chasing me!" 

Have you ever said this? I know that I have...TONS of times! I always thought that runners were crazy, why in the heck would someone CHOSE to run!?! Running was the thing that we were forced to do in high school in which I was always last and finished wanting to collapse....I hated it! Now, now I love running! I still think it is crazy that those words come out of my mouth, " I love running" never would my former self think this would happen. 

So, why do I run? It's simple. I run because it pushes me and it makes me feel confident. A lot of people think that just because I'm a bigger girl I run only because I want to lose weight. I can say that it started out that way, but then it became about something so much bigger than losing some pounds. Every time I would run 1 or 2 miles I felt surprised and SOOOOO proud that I could do it!! Then I slowly started to push myself with going further or a little bit faster. Every single time I pushed myself I felt great, I felt like I could do anything! 

The first time I ran six miles..I was ecstatic! I wanted to stop so many times during the run, but I didn't because all I could think was, " I am an obese woman, who is doing something that not everyone can do! I can do this!!!" and I did it! I love that feeling, the feeling that I can do something that people don't expect me to do by looking at me.  

I run because:

society doesn't think I should be able to, 

I prove stereotypes wrong, 

it makes me feel strong, 

and proud, 

I love how it makes me feel.

I run for me!

What is something you do that makes you feel proud?

p.s. yesterday I ran 11 miles without stopping..the farthest I have ever ran!!

I am totally going to kick this 1/2 marathons ass booty!!!!

.running like crazy.

Guess what! 

YEP...that picture below, it basically says it all. I am OFFICIALLY in training to run my first Half Marathon! AAHHHHHH!! I have ran a few times with one of my girlfriends who is training for one so I decided or was persuaded to run the race with her! So, Dave and I have jumped into training. We only have 7 weeks before the race, so we had to begin on week 4. 

10-Week Half Marathon Training Schedule

Week	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun	Total
1	3	Rest	3	3	Rest	4	Rest	13
2	3	Rest	4	3	Rest	5	Rest	15
3	3	Rest	4	3	Rest	6	Rest	16
4	3	Rest	5	3	Rest	8	Rest	19
5	3	Rest	5	3	Rest	10	Rest	21
6	4	Rest	5	4	Rest	11	Rest	24
7	4	Rest	6	4	Rest	12	Rest	26
8	4	Rest	5	4	Rest	9	Rest	22
9	3	Rest	4	3	Rest	8	Rest	18
10	3	Rest	3	Walk 2	Rest	13.1	Rest	21.1

So now instead of running with views of the ocean we run with views of the lake. It's not exactly the same, but at least it's still beautiful! So wish as luck as we begin to truly train for one of the biggest races I have ever done. In the past I have only ran three 5ks, so this is going to really push me! 


I'll keep you updated on training as well as inform you a little bit more on why I run. I know that back in the day I thought runners where crazy fools, really why would anyone run, now I'm one of them! 

Wish me luck..because I know I'm going to need it! 

What is a challenge you are preparing for?