Where do I start when talking about myself? Running is clearly a big part of my life, but not the only thing. I was born and raised and still reside in Upstate, NY (No, it's not anywhere near NYC). I work in finance by day and can usually be found running around a bar or restaurant working part time a few days a week as well(to fund the next running adventure). When not running, I'm usually hanging out at home with my boyfriend and our two dogs. We lead a pretty simple life, but in the best way. We love our time together, with friends or family as well. I try not to take anything too seriously, and I try to be as positive but also as real as possible. I don't want to sugarcoat anything, or pretend life is always awesome. All things considered though, I'm a pretty lucky person and know I have a LOT to be thankful for. I also write under the alias Barley over at Salty Running, where I am the resident beer drinker and numbers nerd.
How did I get started with running?
Well I have been a runner as long as I can remember, chasing cookies and boys and whatever else. I started running track in 7th grade and I never looked back. Although I was not a distance runner by any means. My love for the sport gained me some recognition in college at the national level, being named All-American will always be one of my most proud accomplishments. But I was a much different runner back then, hell I got mad if coach made me run anything more than an 800.2007 |
After getting sick in 2009, having my world turned upside down- I ran my first 5k. You can read more about that here, it's more about how I got started in 'distance' running (5k definitely used to be distance for me) and how I used running as a tool mentally and physically.
In 2010 I ran my first half- marathon, and was officially hooked. I continued to run MANY races varying from 5k-13.1. But I decided in late fall of 2010 that I wanted more- here enters the crazy decision to run a marathon. I was convinced I would be one and done, and I was okay with that.
In March 2011 I ran my first marathon, I wasn't sure if I would do another, but the "one and done" was no longer a certainty. I went on to run 2 more marathons in fall of 2011.
In spring of 2012 I was in a pretty bad car accident, and luckily only came out with bumps bruises and a broken foot. I struggled a lot with recovery but ended up coming back stronger than ever. I had to come back from nothing after months off- but ended up coming back with my first BQ and a huge Marathon PR in November of 2012.
If you want to know more about my marathon journey (well, at least the first 5),
this post is all about that. You can read about the rest over on Race, Paces & Places.
As for becoming a Triathlete.....
In 2013 I challenged myself by starting to break into triathlons.
It's still a new adventure for me, but something I have really learned to enjoy.
I did my first multi sport event ever in the spring, followed by my first triathlon, and then my first half-ironman that summer. Eventually I plan on doing another half as well as a full-Ironman. Someday.
Bottom Line
As you can tell, I love this whole one foot in front of the other thing. It's a huge part of my life and I don't hide that, nor am I ashamed of that. It's a passion that I don't ever see fading, nor would I ever want it to.
Thanks for Reading!
~ Laura
~ Laura
I have the same goal of running a marathon in all 50 states :)
ReplyDeleteI was SOLD on your blog when I read your Alias reference :)
ReplyDeleteThat was the GREATEST SHOW....I would love nothing more than to be a secret agent running around in awesome outfits and kissing sexy spy men ((yummm Vaughn!))
Oh my! One foot in front of the other!! That is EXACTLY what I tell my athletes, and continually remind myself, I have NEVER seen anyone else reference that! Amazing!!!! I think we are going to be fast friends…..I related to everything on your about me :)
ReplyDeleteHA! I love Alias too! :-)
ReplyDeleteI would like to get into tri's at some point but I am not sure when I'll be ready! So glad I found your blog.
Hi! I think I have come across your blog before, but am not sure how much I read and am pretty sure I have never commented. Reading this though sounds somewhat like me!!! I love foods that a 5 year old would love....spaghetti, goldfish, bagels pb&j :)... ect, ect :). I also happen to LOVE ALIAS! A spy would be an awesome career...second to my dream career of being a running shoe tester :). A marathon in every state = cool!!!!! We just moved to MD a month ago. Your marathon time is awesome!!! I am working at getting mine down. My half pr is 1:32, my 10k is 41:40...my full is 3:30. I would love to get it to 3:15! I think my next marathon will be Baltimore :). Look forward to following your progress too!!!!!
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