Finding motivation at IM 70.3 Cuse

I'll be the first to say that training can be hard. 

We put in long hours, hard workouts, push ourselves to exhaustion--

because we love it. 

Don't get me wrong: I don't love not being able to get out of bed in the morning, having to take ibuprofen and wear compression gear like a job...but I do love the thought of pushing myself to that point.

This past weekend, I was struggling with frustration and emotions. 

I had to keep reminding myself why I am tri-ing

Not every workout is going to be great, 

and your motivation will fluctuate...that is life.

Training for Musselman 70.3 has been no exception.

There are days I love it, and days I struggle.

But either way, I still keep the goal in mind and keep pushing forward.

There are days I doubted my ability to even complete my first triathlon, but I did it.

There are days I doubt my ability to complete 70.3 in a few weeks.

But then there are days it just clicks.

The workouts come together, slowly but surely my confidence has been growing. 

Do I think I will podium? Not a flipping chance & I am A-OK with that!

Do I think I can make my time goal? Possibly.

Do I think I can finish? You bet your ass. 

This past weekend I went and cheered at Ironman 70.3 Syracuse.

It required a super early wake-up and a semi-long drive but it was worth it.

My friend Katie came from California to compete, as well as some local friends that were doing it. 

These are all people who have done nothing but support me, encourage me and being there for them was the least I could do.

The weather was brutal; ungodly heat, blazing sun with little to no shade, and it's already a hard course to begin with.

Early morning, before the parking was completely full

Transition

 I got oddly excited seeing transition....only a few more weeks until Musselman when I'll be in there getting all of my stuff set up.

Walking down to the swim start

 After the swim, we watched everyone get on their bikes and then Deb and I ran around for an hour. She wanted miles in and I needed time on my feet so it was a nice slow hour of running in the sun. Just having great company to talk to while doing some easy miles was much needed.

After Deb and I's run we went in the water with our running clothes on to try and cool off. My Saucony Run Lux II Shorts were dry super quick after getting out. Light material and hot day helped with that.

Deb's hubby Tom going through transition

Katie about to Dismount

 Being at the dismount line for T2 was extremely helpful. First of all we got to see everyone and cheer our hearts out. Secondly I learned A LOT. Just watching what worked and what didn't (lots of stumbles and falls) was huge. Transitions are going to be important for me to make up the time I am going to lose on the swim. 

How can you NOT cheer for this girl. She was hot and tired, and knew she was going to be slower than her goal but was still smiling. This was her second 70.3 representing QT2 Systems and she did amazing. Katie has always been motivating and inspirational to me, she is an incredible friend and athlete.

Baking in the sun waiting for everyone to come through... glad I wore my Saucony's to kick around in all day!

I owe Katie a ton right now.
Being there for her was easy, and one of the best things I have done in a while.
It was a reminder to me that Musselman is going to be hard, it's going to hurt and I can't control it. I can't control the weather or whatever may happen but I can control how I react to it. Learning to adjust and adapt is huge, and that might mean changing my goal for the race depending on how things play out. 

Just like that weekend I spent at races (but not racing), this was much needed.
Being around friends and athletes, watching every little detail trying to learn things I don't know, and just soaking everything in was huge.

Everyone has seen this...

Well I'm going to add a few things..

If you're looking for...
Motivation
Faith
Inspiration
Helpful tips
A fun day
Great company
Wonderful atmosphere
A boost to get you through training
Something to snap you out of a bad mood
A reason to try harder...

Go watch a marathon, or a half-iron....or hell...even a 5k.

So with less than 3 weeks to go now, I am feeling good.
My workouts have been decent-sticking to the plan.
I've been getting more comfortable in the water (not faster).
I'm really working on fine-tuning my cycling.
And well..running is running. My love.
I am mentally preparing myself, because I don't plan on throwing any temper tantrums during the race...if it isn't my day then fine but I'm going to finish anyways.

Tell me something that has motivated you lately?

Run your own life

Happy National Running Day!

Thank you to this community I love so much,

for giving me fabulous friends,

crazy competition,

never ending support,

and roads I can call home:)

Running has taught me so many things..

To stand up for myself

To Run my own life 

To do what's right for ME

To fight for progress

To love myself and what I am capable of

To push my limits

To find my comfort zone and leave it behind

To dedicate myself to my goals

Running has taught me,

that NO ONE can tell me how to run my life but me, 

NO ONE can take away the things I have accomplished,

NO ONE can put me down and keep me there,

NO ONE can beat me in the race for myself,

This is MY LIFE

Happy National Running Day 

I will be celebrating today by.....RUNNING (weird. I know).

Visit here to get the "National Running Day" Badge/Bib, and to find ways to celebrate today!

What are you doing for National Running Day?

What has running taught you?

Hollie's fast and I'm a Celebrity on a roll....

I can't believe it's Friday already, I know it was a 4 day work week, but still!

I was originally going to post my Wineglass Sub-3:20 goal post today but 1. it's still 20 miles long of a post and 2. I have some fun things to catch up on here instead....


First and foremost, I need to send a SUPERSIZED shout out to my best friend Hollie. It's no secret how having this girl in my life has made me better. She inspires me and supports me and we have so much fun together. While on a run one time, Jen and I were trying to tell Hollie how awesome she would do in a marathon (she's going to demolish any of my times, and I am A-OK with that!). Hollie applied for the 2013 NYC Marathon with her super-speedy half marathon time. SHE GOT IN.I can't tell you how excited I am for her, NYC Marathon being her first...EPIC. Heather and I are going to road trip down and make sure she hears our cheers over the thousands of people around us. I can't wait to watch her kill it and show NYC what she is made of!

 Let me tell you, some people describe celebrity status as movie stars, musicians, Pro-athletes....not in my book (okay yes, but not today)....because this week I became a celebrity (in my own book) with Saucony (and we all know how much I love them...) and with a Runner's World writer.

Remember when I bought my new Kinvara 4's a week early, and had to joke around with "getting them home safely?", Saucony decided they liked that photo too...so much that they shared it and posted it themselves.

The FB post: almost 3k likes, and 243 shares....and that isn't including the twitter post  with retweets and favorites.
This gets celebrity status in my eyes. Thanks for showing the world I am a Saucony Fanatic, something I am definitely okay with everyone knowing.

 And my second celebrity status came from Runner's world writer Meg. I seriously wish I had her job; but that would imply that I could write properly, and that people want to read what I write. But anyways, fact is...she liked my "Flashback Friday" Post I did which talks about my journey as a marathoner (Marathons 1-5). She liked it and shared a link to it on her blog (her blog that probably gets 20k hits a day...). Today she posted "Friday Faves", which shows the cover image of the Boston Edition of Runners World (sweet!!), she shares the "prancercise" video which has been going viral, and a small link to my blog post (yay!!). Thanks Meg!

Love this cover shot!

My workouts this week have been really good, and to be honest I couldn't be happier about my motivation level. I had said many times the last few months that I just was unmotivated and really struggling with training, good news is....I'm on a roll right now and motivation is definitely not lacking!

I'm really working on mixing things up right now, as the next 6.5 weeks are heavy duty tri-training time, and after that its 12 weeks of marathon training for Wineglass!

Wednesday night I did a tri (kind of), that was a longer distance than the actual tri I will be doing Sunday. (Sunday being my first official tri!).

1000m swim, 65 minute bike ride, and a easy 4 mile run...

Last night I swam at the pool, and then headed to Conesus Lake to visit 2 friends of mine so I can borrow her wet suit for Sunday. Her hubby talked me into getting in the water with him to swim, so 2nd swim of the night and in open water!

1st Swim in the lake of the year! We didn't really need the suits, water wasn't that cold but it helped to practice with the suit for Sunday.

Then last night when I got home I continued my #RWrunstreak by running 8 miles in the heat and humid night time. Sweaty is the only way to describe it.

I'm really happy with how I recovered from the marathon and how I have been getting back into the swing of things. It makes me excited for the races I am doing this summer and fall, bring it on!

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Who is racing this weekend?

Any tips for a first-timer at a tri?

Have you ever had a huge motivation boost happen all at once?

Fun & Necessary Weekend

I hope everyone had a fabulous Memorial Day long weekend!

Let's see here, quick recap

Friday: 16 hour day between both jobs

Saturday: 5 AM wake-up, played support crew/cheerleader at Sehgahunda Trail Marathon at Letchworth State Park.

Sunday: 3:45 AM wake-up to go to Buffalo to volunteer/play bike support & cheerleader for the marathon. 

Sunday night: Dinner & movie date with John

Monday: Brunch on Seneca Lake with my soon-to-be in-laws.

Monday afternoon/evening: Cleaning and catching up around the house

It was a fun but busy weekend, 

which required a few naps to get me through :)

Here's some snapshots from the weekend.

Saturday

Most relaxed race start I have EVER seen. Maybe there is something to this trail running/ultra thing.

John rode his mountain bike along for a while, but I was able to get to all the checkpoints in my car, so he ended up just riding with me most of the time. We had so much fun being there, his best friend Mark was running and I ended up seeing at least 10 other people I knew!

Here's the thing about trail races/ultras that has me intrigued and wanting to jump on the bandwagon (we all know it wont happen soon though), they have cookies and chips and fruit at water stops. And people just stop and chill out and stuff before hitting the trail again. Beyond awesome, so much less stressful I'd imagine (but so much more work, I know!) It was fun and inspiring watching all of the runners, knowing they were putting themselves through a hard course and were having so much fun doing it.

Sunday

I was having bike issues Sunday morning riding from the marina to my volunteer spot. My rear derailleur was all messed up and my chain kept flipping in between gears. Luckily, the water stop that was about 50 yards from my volunteer point was manned by the Buffalo Triathlon Club. 2 gentlemen were kind enough to help me get the derailleur straightened out before the runners came through. And they also came and helped me man my station when traffic got bad and runners were on course. The corner that I was on, was the only road in/out of a big condo complex....they weren't able to leave because 7,000 runners were coming through. Most people were just frustrated and mad but let it go, one woman tried to ram through us, she literally got inches from us and was hanging out her window threatening us and revving her engine at us because she didn't care if there were runners she was leaving. That was fun. 

Left my car at the Marina, and rode from there to my volunteer point...I refused to get rid of my coffee so it made the short trek over...I only lost a little bit!

I was pleased that my volunteer shirt matched my bike. This matters.

After the last runners went through my spot (I was roughly 3 miles in) I got on my bike and headed over to mile 12.5 to cheer on the runners coming through again. Since I cut the course, I got over there quick and was able to get there before the lead runners came through, so I got to see everyone all over again which was cool. At this point I did also have a cop ask to search my backpack (there was a big crowd there, I wasn't going to argue, even though he legally can't unless they have reasonable suspicion). Apparently I look like a terrorist on wheels with a volunteer shirt on, but hey they were just doing their job. I saw it happen to a few other people too, I know the cops are just trying to keep everyone safe.

One of my favorite parts of the day was cheering on Heather, saw her at 3 and 12.5 and she looked awesome both times. I knew when she passed me the second time that she was most likely going to make her goal of sub-1:40 half! We caught up after her finish as well which was awesome. She is also doing Wineglass in the fall so we definitely will get some training runs in together this summer!

 After catching up with Heather I found my Aunt and Uncle and told them I was going to head on back half of marathon course to cheer on my cousin Krysten. I followed the course and finally caught up to her around 17 and she was looking awesome. I kept riding forward a bit, stopping and cheering and seeing if she needed anything. I saw her at least 10 times in the last 9 miles of her races and it was awesome. I knew how bad she wanted a PR and I was glad I could cheer her on, I know how much it can help. She got her PR, and man did she earn it, she ran an awesome race and smiled the entire time I saw her. 

 I watched her finish and then rode back to the marina to get to my car. Riding along the water was so pretty, I have run this half a few times, and this part was always my favorite being by the water.

Apparently taking a photo while riding will make it curvey.

So I decided to stop and get a real one. Gorgeous day, a little windy/chilly but the sun made it better.

I know I know, this photo tells you how much I HATED riding around on my bike :) Seriously though, I had such a fun morning cheering everyone on and riding my bike around. In all I got about 25 miles in (stop and go) which made it a good workout :)



Dinner and a movie with my man Sunday night was a nice way to end the day. We went and got food, and some ice cream and got to movie early. Sitting there watching the pre-movie trivia things was impossible, have I ever told you I am marrying Tony Dinozzo?

Okay, not really. BUT my fiance is just as much a movie trivia nerd as Tony is on NCIS.

Moving on. We saw Fast & Furious 6, it was typical action packed movie. Lots of fast cars, big fight scenes and a whole lotta things that just couldn't happen....but it was entertaining all the same.

Brunch with John's family was really good yesterday. His parents just came back from Florida for the summer so it was cool to have the whole family back together. We ate a ton of food and caught up with each others lives. I'm really a lucky girl marrying into such a welcoming family.

Cleaning and getting things done around the house was not as fun, but necessary yesterday. BUT I did do something last night that was FUN AND NECESSARY, I went for a run. This was only my second run since the marathon (I really took recovery seriously, I needed the week break more than anything). I went out with no ipod, no garmin and no distance goal. I ended up running 6.22 miles at a hair over 8 minute pace, I was super pleased because it felt smooth and steady. I can't describe how good it felt to have my Kinvaras back on and hitting the road with me. Volunteering/watching 3 races last week did wonders for my motivation, 7 weeks until Musselman 70.3 and 19 weeks until Wineglass Marathon. I'm working on my sub-3:20 plan for Wineglass, can't wait to share my thoughts with you and hear what you think :) That's for another day though friends.

For the record, this weekend included a nap each day, those early wake-ups caught up to me!

How was your Memorial Day Weekend?

What did you do that was fun, 

and what did you do that was necessary?

Volunteering is the Best Way to Recovery

As the time passes since Sunday's marathon, my legs are reminding me less and less what I put them through. That's not to say I am recovered fully, but I can actually go up and down stairs now without it taking 20 minutes.

Now, this wasn't my first marathon so I knew what to expect. I knew what I needed to do after the race: REST, REFUEL & REPAIR. Basically take it easy, increase intake of high protein foods, re-hydrate, stretch and foam roll a TON, all those typical things. This is a littler different than the other marathons I have done, mainly because I don't have the time to recover as properly as I should. I have more races on the schedule and triathlon training really needs to become a priority at this point. So you bet I have been making a huge effort to recover as safely, but quickly as possible.

A few weeks ago, Fleet Feet sent out an email saying they were in desperate need for volunteers for the Corporate Challenge. I knew it was a few days after the marathon, and I wouldn't be running so I figured "why not?", little did I know it was one of the BEST choices I made.

I checked in and got my shirt and flag and made my way to my post about 45 minutes before I knew the race would be starting. I chatted up some of the cops driving around, and some of the other volunteers making their way to their posts. Finally around 7 I heard the first bang go off for the start (there were 2 starts, this was the championship for the Corporate Challenge so the first wave was all of the international participants). I watched them come through I cheered and waved my flag. Then I heard the second bang, and knew that within a few minutes I would have 11,000 people running at me.

My volunteer post before the crowds.

Hey humidity, thanks for the Afrobun.

My official flag that matched my Nickelodeon Orange colored shirt
 (y'all know exactly what I am talking about)

Sure enough, after a few minutes I had the leaders flying through. I was screaming and cheering and having a great time. I saw so many people I knew, I put aside any feelings for anyone or anything and if I knew your name it was getting yelled. I was so pumped, I got a million high-fives, a ton of thank-you's and even a few hugs (love love love seeing one of my favorite women running right at me to stop in the middle of a race to hug me, thank you Mary W. that made my night!).

Start of the race: Photo from Democrat &Chronicle

I cheered and yelled and smiled and waved and did everything I could to be a good volunteer. I was dancing and making jokes and yelling out the company names as I saw them on peoples shirts. You couldn't wipe the smile off my face, I loved every second. Although I did fail miserably at one aspect of my job. I didn't know how far into the course I was. Yep, I have run a million races and didn't think to find out exactly how far I was. I figured I was roughly a mile and a half in but wasn't sure. Epic failure, I know.

After about an hour of cheering and yelling, the last few walkers came through. I made my way slowly back to the volunteer tent and handed in my flag. Within seconds of getting in my car the rain came down. Phew. I sat in my car for a few minutes just thinking. That was so much fun and something that I really needed.

Seeing all the runners/walkers out there doing something I love to do, feeling the energy of 11,000 people...was amazing. I seriously think this is something I want to do after all my big races, find one to volunteer a few days later. I know how much those volunteers helped me on Sunday, and I loved knowing I could cheer and help others even at a 3.5 mile race. I am even more excited to volunteer at the Buffalo Marathon this coming weekend. I signed up a few months ago because I knew my cousin and lots of others were running. (Don't worry I will find out how far into the course I am before Sunday!).

I went home last night with a renewed motivation for this thing I love. I can't wait to get back out there, feel that energy and excitement and be around the amazing people of the running community.  Volunteering again later this week is only going to strengthen that motivation, and I am really looking forward to it.

So when you're recovering from a marathon, or any race....

rest, refuel, repair and VOLUNTEER! 

Have you ever volunteered before?

What are your go to recovery tips?

Mental Inventory Day

I think some of you might be realizing why I titled my blog "Catching my breath"

My life is busy and hectic (and I love it), and constantly on the go.

With Seneca 7 relay this past weekend (recap here!),

Race season has officially started!

With that said, now more than ever am I going to be 

"catching my breath".

Between life, work, studying, wedding planning, training and racing....

whew, I need to catch my breath.

Heading into such a busy time, is kind of scary for me.

I don't handle stress well (At least I admit it)

I am getting better about it, but it takes work.

I wanted to take a little time to do an "inventory" 

this will be mental inventory,

tomorrow I plan on doing a gear inventory!

 Things that I am happy/excited about right now

Race season starting makes me happy, and overly excited.

I love the rush of racing.

I love the adrenaline pumping and the heart pounding with every step I take.

I am even more excited for race season this year, 

because last year I was on the sidelines and missed a bunch of my favorite races.

I am excited about the fact that we have most likely found our wedding reception venue!

Finding a place we love, 

that has the things we were looking for,

and a place we can afford,

now that's a win!

I am excited to have a renewed sense of motivation with my running.

Everything about Boston this year gave me motivation to run strong again.

Saturday I ran with Hollie and Jen which gave me new found inspiration,

these 2 women are amazing, and I could only hope to be half as fast as they are.

Sunday doing the relay (and we kicked ass) with an amazing team, 

reminded me why I LOVE running so much.

I don't know what the trigger was, 

but I am happy to be a loving runner again.

Things I am nervous about

My first Duathlon is this weekend. (5k run, 20 mile bike, 5k run).

I'm lacking experience on the bike, 

I've never done a transition,

if I get a flat, I'M SCREWED.

I really don't want to fall.

Cleveland is 24 days away.

Although this is #5, 

and I don't need a BQ (already have it),

this race is getting me worked up.

Studying for my Series 7 Exam has me anxious.

There is massive amounts of material, 

and I want to (need to) make sure I know it forward and back.

My hamstring is really bothering me. 

I got a massage last night and she spent 35 of the 55 minutes 

working on a racquetball size knot on the back of my leg. 

"sometimes you have to put the elbow into it"

if that describes how 'relaxing' it was.

I can't get injured, I can't get injured.

Good news, it's not an injury it's a problem (there's a difference)

and I won't let this be an excuse for anything.

List of some Irrational fears I have right now

(I know they're irrational, so tell me to snap out of it.)

My foot is still damaged 

(I had phantom pain in my left foot last week, same foot that I broke this time last year)

[I know it's not, it's just my mind playing games]

Saturday is going to be my first DNF

(That's how unconfident I am going into my first duathlon)

[I'll finish, even if it takes me forever]

Cleveland is going to be my worst marathon time

(This training cycle has been crap, good thing I already have my BQ)

[1. I'm still in better shape than I was for my first, 2. who cares if it's my worst?]

I don't have it in me to be a real triathlete

(I'm bad at sticking to plans, I love running more than the other 2 disciplines, biking and swimming don't come as easy to me therefore I will suck at them)

[stupidest irrational fear EVER. I know I need to work hard, but I will get there!]

10 things I am grateful for right now

1. My fiance: I'm a very lucky girl to have him. 

2. I have 2 jobs, this is a blessing (and a curse).

3. I have the ability to run, I must use it.

4. I can pay my bills, and put food on the table.

5. As much as Series 7 studying stresses me out,

 I am grateful for the opportunity to make this a career

6. Real friends that I have. 

They support me, don't control me, encourage me 

and make me want to be a better person.

7. My family. Great role models for parents, 

& overjoyed for my sister and her husband with their new baby.

8. My health, I feel I take my body for granted far too much, I need to be grateful for it and appreciate all it allows me to do.

9. Caffeine: for without it I wouldn't be able to accomplish all that I do 

10. Making mistakes and second chances...live and learn and do everything you can to better yourself, admit when you are wrong, and stand up for yourself when you're right. No one is perfect, nor will anyone ever be, the only thing you can control is YOURSELF.

What I can do to help myself?

Stick to my to-do lists to make sure I get things done that need to be

Stretch more: hard worked bodies need it

Make time for myself: no phone, no computer, no studying, just ME.

Forgive myself: for mistakes, missed workouts, things like that...it's not worth holding on to.

Stand up for myself: I AM IN CONTROL

Stay committed to my goals: It's going to take work but it will be worth it in the end

Support myself & not belittle myself: I need to stop being my own worst critic

Ask for help: I can't do it all alone, this much I know!

true story.

Have you taken a mental inventory lately?

What are you excited about?

What are you nervous about?

Any irrational fears you have ? -->>

What are ways you help yourself?

#BostonTribute Blog Posts

The support in the running community for Monday's events has been inspiring.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't doubt the ability of our 'family' to unite and stand strong, 

but what I have seen is more than I ever could have imagined.

The #BostonTribute runs, the race shirts EVERYWHERE (saw them while running yesterday, at Starbucks, on the street, driving, couldn't help but smile)

The last 2 days I posted about Boston:

Boston: Through the Looking Glass

(This was prior to the attack, writing about my journey to BQ, and the spirit of Boston)

Letters on the Run

(My post-event response, a series of letters I wrote one to runners, spectators, non-runners, event staff, and even one to the monster behind the attacks)

Today will be about Boston, 

but I want to spotlight some of the blog posts I read yesterday(and today).

I read so many and honestly I can't remember them all, 

these are just some that really inspired me. 

(If yours isn't mentioned and you want it to be, 

please leave a comment or email me and I will gladly read it and add it)

Hollie & I a few weeks ago

Hollie (@fueledbylolz) is a very near and dear friend of mine, and she is wise beyond her years. 

She is an incredible runner, athlete and person.

Although she has never ran a marathon (YET!!!) she has more respect for the distance and the process than most people I know.  

Her post on Boston yesterday:

Looking at Boston Through a Crystal Ball

It's a wonderfully written piece that shows how well she does understand, regardless of going the distance yet.

For the record, she could go that distance any day, this girl runs circles around everyone! 

Mark Proposing @ Finish Line

Mark (@Marathoner)

Mark took up running years ago to replace his habit of smoking, which is amazing in itself.

Since then he has run plenty of races, including many marathons. Although I have never met Mark, I found his post to really hit home to me.

His post yesterday:

What Marathon Finish Line Means to Me

It was a great post about all the different feelings we get at the finish line, including some personal ones (He proposed to his wife at a finish line! cue the aweeeesssss)

Jamie (@Couch2Ironwoman)

Jamie & I: December 2012

I have met Jamie a few times, and even ran a half-marathon with her. She is an inspiring young woman with big goals that I know she will reach! Her and her Hubby Mike train together which is wonderful, they are 2 amazing and sincere people.

Her post yesterday:

Reflections

She talks about her day Monday from excitement to watch, to fear and waiting to hear from people. I think we can all relate, waiting to find out if our loved ones were okay, was emotional and taxing.

Dave & his daughter

Dave (@MVNUSID)

Dave is another blogger I have never met, but have found him to be a cool guy with a good story. He focuses on the adventures he has in running, and how they have changed his life and formed connection with the running community (running family!)

His post yesterday:

No Words...

His post goes through how his day unfolded on Monday (as we all did), and how it affected him.

Mindy's #Bostontribute

Mindy (@MindyBobe aka Road Runner Girl)

I read her blog regularly even though we haven't met, she's a fabulous lady, I mean look at the awesome running skirts she has!

She posted yesterday about Boston, but today her post got me a little more.

Her post today:

Runners United for Boston

Yesterday she asked for her readers to send her pictures of their Boston tribute, and today's post is all of those pictures. She really highlights the amazing community we share as runners.

Kristin (@Stuftmama)

Supporting Boston #blue&yellow

Kristin's blog is a regular read of mine, love reading about her fitness story, yummy things she cooks, and pictures of her adorable twin sons. Kristin was supposed to be running Boston this year, but had to cancel due to injury. She clearly had some emotions heading into Monday with not being able to be there, but so much more after everything unfolded.

Her posts
Boston I'm Speechless &

I ran for Boston

Even though she wasn't able to be there as planned, she "ran for Boston" and focused on how lucky she is to have her family, and she will bounce back from this injury.

Jen (@hellofitnessJen)

Jen's fitness journey is nothing less than inspiring. She has a lot going on in her life, and is working towards "getting back on the bandwagon" of fitness, and inspiring people along the way.

Her post today:

Thoughts of Boston

She puts her thoughts into words, claiming that they are "all over the place".

In all honesty though, I think we are all the same way, how can we think straight with the things that have happened? Great post!

Laura (@mommyrunfaster)

Laura is always putting out good reads, and I'm secretly happy she will be moving to the North East. Hopefully there will be a meetup! She has a ton of running and life knowledge that keeps me reading for more. Certified coach, awesome mom, great runner, and so much more.

Her post yesterday:

Reflections

She talks about her reaction to Monday's attacks, how we must not let the negative emotions consume us. We need to be compassionate and move forward together!

Erin (@Morninggloria)

I have never read anything on this page before, or by Erin but her post yesterday was wonderful. I found it through a link shared on Facebook and I was glad that I did.

Her post Yesterday:

The People Who Watch Marathons

My favorite quote from the post:

"If anyone thought this attack would discourage the runners or the watchers, they've clearly never been to a marathon."

Luau: #bostontribute

Luau (@Luau)
Luau always has posts that hit you, in a good way. His stories are inspirational and heartwarming. He is on a journey to raise awareness for Autism and doing running and inspiring in the process.
His last few posts about Boston are nothing less than I would expect, as someone who has run Boston and someone who is from Boston, he offers a special perspective.
Devestated-Boston
Beware the Angry DoDo

I read so many yesterday and today, I can't remember them all and I am sorry for that. I will most likely keep adding to this, and again please let me know if you want yours on here.

Thanks again to the running community, 

for being inspiring and compassionate.

Thank your for being family to me, 

and giving me a place to belong.

Whether you were there or not Monday, 

we were all affected by this, 

and the best thing we can do 

is be grateful and count our blessings.