Marine Corps Marathon (MCM)

Last year I ran the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) 10K and after seeing all the Marathon runners, I knew I wanted this race to be my first. I had over 13 weeks of training and wasn’t even expecting anything but to finish. I was injured the last 4 weeks but I was determined to push forward. With a lot of stretching, KT taping, icing, heat cream, massages, and Epsom salt baths and let’s not forget WINE; I felt confident I could finish.

The night before the race was a good day. A friend of mine, Polly, made sure I got there safely to my hotel, made me stretch, and eat. If she wasn’t there I know I wouldn’t have prepared myself the way I should.

Race day, I felt good at the start. I do have to admit that the 1st 6 miles were miserable. I was trapped in the crowd and just upset having to constantly slow down not having anywhere to go. That’s expected at the start but for 6 miles it was just too much to overcome.

My watch died right before mile 20 and I was furious. This is where I usually take the gear up a notch but I couldn’t tell my pace or how far I was from completing the miles. I had no motivational music and the mental game just wasn’t there anymore.

The last 6 miles were rough. I felt as if my body was going to fall apart and I had numbness in my hands. I did as much as I could and I pushed as hard as my body would let me. Despite it all, I wanted to finish under 5 hours and that I did. I’m thrilled and proud of my 1st Marathon. MCM was a great experience overall but you really have to bring your mental game.

Anthem Richmond Marathon

After 2 surgeries, injuries and almost 3 months of recovery; hard work and determination truly have paid off. You would think that after running the MCM I would have had enough. No, five days prior to the Anthem Richmond Marathon I signed up and ran 13 days after the MCM. I did this race to challenge myself. Yes! A challenge indeed! I wanted to prove to myself that I am stronger than everything negative that’s going on with my body. Never will I doubt me again.

I took the advice of someone who has such a positive look on life. She said “Enjoy and rock your journey. Take some pictures.” I absolutely enjoyed it even during the hard parts. In the end, it was either finish or give up on everything I’ve worked so hard for. Life is not easy sometimes but it will destroy us if we don’t live. Live life to the fullest and get out of your comfort zone. I decided I’m just going to LIVE LIFE, running!