Wow.
The past few months have been a freaking rollercoaster of emotions, but the past two weeks have been all on the up! Two weeks ago, I accepted an offer for a new job that I start tomorrow, Ashley came back for a visit, my mom and I saw Newsies and then I followed the star of Bethlehem to the Runner’s World Half Marathon and Festival. (Disclosure: My travel, lodging, some meals, my race entries and some awesome swag were provided by Runner’s World. All opinions and sore abs from laughing are my own.)
I smiled when I finished the three races. (Yup, 3. 5K, 10K and a half-marathon. And a three-mile shakeout on Friday and 6 miles before the half today.)
I cried when Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray spoke, about the Boston Marathon bombings and a touching story about a disabled woman who ran her own version of the Boston Marathon a few years ago.
I nearly cried during the half today at my fatigued legs and lack of mental resolve, but then I pulled myself together.
Photo credit: Jocelyn
My heart filled seeing friends who’d moved (also Erica, who I did not get a picture of) and seeing friends freaking kill it in the races and friends who were coming back from pregnancy or injury.
I met former pro swimmer Summer Sanders, who may be the most down-to-earth famous person I’ve ever met. I walked up to her and went to shake her hand before this picture, and she gave me a hug instead.
We are new BFFs.
Katy was the best roomie a girl could ask for; we laughed our heads off and had serious talk late into the night, and there are few people I know with a heart as big as hers.
We visited the Runner’s World headquarters and hung out in Bart Yasso and David Willey’s offices.
And, in 31 miles and nonstop talk about running this weekend, I solidified my love for the sport and the people it attracts.
Every single person I interacted with this weekend was so inspirational. We all run for different reasons, and we all have obstacles that can stand in the way of our training, but we just keep going out there and fighting for it.
AND NOW I’M IN TAPER TOWN. I came home from the weekend to find this gift from my sweet friend Lacey.
Just two more weeks until the New York City Marathon, and the hay is in the barn, and it’s time to rest up these legs.
And not a moment too soon. My calves are crying mercy.
I’ll be posting more about the weekend over the next week or so, but I wanted to get up a taste of this wonderful weekend.
Thank you so much to Runner’s World for inviting me and making this all possible!
Why do you run? Why do you love running? Would you ever do back-to-back-to-back races??
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The idea of back-to-back races has always intrigued me, but I've never had the courage to do it. Nice job!
It's gotta be easier than an Ironman :) The 5K/10K back to back were fine, but the half was really tough both physically and mentally.
Nice job on the races! Started running to get healthy but kept going because I like the feeling of accomplishment. I saw the RW Festival for Boston in June so considering the 3 back to back races!
That's what kept me going! The RW Festival in Boston looks like an awesome time, too!
@Theodora: I am signing up for the one in Boston. You should totally come do it! :)
This weekend sounds like an absolute blast. That is a crap ton of miles to do in one weekend. Back to back to back races sounds fun (and tiring) to me. I'd even settle for back to back races. I'm excited to hear more about the races and weekend.
You guys looked like you were having so much fun!!! This sounds like an absolutely amazing weekend.
Good luck today!!
It was so much fun! I miss you, please come back!
Sounds like an absolute blast! Congrats on getting to the taper. Can't wait to be in NYC for the marathon in two weeks to cheer everyone on!
It really looks like you girls had an amazing weekend! Such an accomplishment to run all of those races and miles. I really don't know that I would run back to back races. I never gave it much thought before! It has got to be tough on the mind and body, quite a challenge. Be proud and rest up.
It was most difficult on the mind, though my legs are pretty exhausted!
Congrats on a great weekend of racing. Congrats on the new job! Loved reading this. Taper Town is lucky to have you before you crush NYCM!
First, congrats on the acceptance of the new job!
Secondly, I was so so excited to see you were attending this as I had a feeling that you'd get so much out of it. You just look so happy in all of the photos. Try (!!) to enjoy your taper - you're going to rock that marathon.
I LOOOOOOVE this post. Love it.
First, I love that you got a job!!! I hope it is awesome and I am so excited for you. GOOD LUCK!
Second, I love that you got to have this weekend experience. Running is such a huge part of your life and having a few days devoted to all things running and feeling so much love for it is probably the best push you could get as you go into your taper and get ready to race.
Hugs!
So happy to hear that things have been on the up and up! Loved following all this fun on instagram!! What an amazing weekend!