It's Been Longer Than Expected

I haven't written in almost 2 months. I guess a part of me just hasn't had much to say. Another part has a ton to say. Then there's the part that is scared to say anything.

The winter took it's toll on me. I've been super depressed and anxious for such a long time that I don't know how to go about living without it. I keep telling myself to go outside and enjoy the sun and the warmth that we've waited months for. The thought makes me so stressed that I stay inside.

When the Black Cat race got cancelled a huge part of me was relieved. I wasn't running...at all. It took away some stress and negative feelings by not having it.

A few weeks later I did go up to Salem to take on the Nutty Irish 5k Cocoa Run. I enjoyed myself even though it was snowing and had some harsh conditions to go through. The run was on a golf course. A golf course that was covered in snow. (Keep in mind as snow melts and it gets cold again it turns to ice.) There were some steep hills to go up and down, but we did it! I let Carrick finish ahead of me for his first 5k. He's been training a lot better than me so I was fine taking my time.

Our next step is the Expedition Everest Challenge next week! I'm in desperate need of a vacation. I'm excited to experience Carrick's first trip to Disney with him! It's going to be a great time.

Last week I went into Boston to participate in the run group She Runs Boston. I've never gone to any sort of group runs, but I gave it a shot. I was alone so it was a little weird because I didn't know anyone. I chose to do the 3-mile run. I haven't been training so I didn't choose the 4-mile group. They believe in a no one gets left behind mentality which is awesome. If you need to walk, you walk. If you want to run a 7 minute mile you go! I got to talking with a couple of girls about half way through as we did a run-walk. They were newer runners and none of us had a time limit on ourselves. I can't go back for 2 weeks, but this is something I want to try to go to consistently.

And yesterday was the Boston Marathon! I headed to the finish line so I could catch the elite runners finish. This is something I've set out to do, but always miss by minutes. The weather wasn't going to be so great and I didn't have any close friends running so I wasn't planning on staying there for long. It was great to see the wheelchair athletes and the elite runners finish. They are super speedy! It was a wonderful day in Boston regardless of the weather. I'm so proud of anyone who participated in the marathon! It is quite the accomplishment!

Cancelled Races Are All The Rage

Tuesday I received an email that the Black Cat 10- or 20-miler was going to be postponed. There is so much snow everywhere it is causing major safety concerns. A lot of races have been cancelled lately in the area so I almost expected this.

Yesterday we got word that the event is cancelled.

I can understand the reasoning why. I've wanted to do this run for awhile now so I'm slightly disappointed, but it's okay.

While refunds are not being provided, they are offering a discount code towards any of their other races. They are also allowing you to pick up your bibs, shirts, and extra merchandise that you paid for.

A part of me is really relieved. I haven't been training since completing the Dopey Challenge. The weather is not helping either.

The next thing up on my list is a 5k, happening in Salem at the end of March. I'm looking forward to doing that run. It will be the first run for Carrick and the first time that Nate will be with me running, not just watching.

I'm looking forward to getting outside and running. Hopefully some snow will melt away so that is more available for me.

Last Run of 2014!

On Saturday, 12.13.14, I went up to Newburyport, MA to participate in the Ladies Night Out Run, Wine, and Chocolate Event. Danielle had mentioned this race to me at the BAA Half and got me interested. Somehow I talked my cousin into signing up for the run as well and from the moment she picked me up she was saying she hated me. As we got closer to Newburyport we noticed that it looked dark. The weather wasn't showing anything, but it started to snow. (Like big flakes of snow!) I wasn't too worried (I did hear something about hate again though).

We arrived in Newburyport and easily found a spot to park right near the start/finish line. Bib pick-up was inside Nicholson Hall. This was also where the after party took place. We got to stay inside and use a real bathroom and stay warm until the start. Just before 3 pm we were ushered outside for the run. We had been told that the race would be un-timed, but there would be a clock at the start/finish. I remember the clock showing :30 when we crossed the start. My cousin and I stayed with Danielle the entire run. My ankle gave out on me right after we crossed the start line, but I could keep going. While running I could tell that I've been lazy. (Nothing like your body reminded you what you'd like to forget.) My calves tightened up, but felt better as I kept going. My ankle did start to hurt a little, but I could deal with it. We crossed the finish line somewhere between 33 and 34 minutes. I can't remember the finish time to save my life, but I did look. After you crossed the finish line you received a red carnation (unless you were the first one to finish than you received roses). Once you got back inside Nicholson Hall you received a wine glass with a piece of chocolate. The party felt really crowded, even though the only people that were allowed in were the participants. We stayed for just a minute and didn't indulge in the wine or appetizers or even the chocolate fountain afterwards. I had a Christmas party to go to in Plymouth so we made our way back to the South Shore. Would I do this run again? I would, but only with someone else.

What else is going on? Besides working and the holiday, not too much. Preparing for Disney and the Dopey Challenge. Starting to build my race schedule for next year!

I signed up tonight for the Black Cat 10M & 20M. I'll be doing the 10 miler. If I was doing a spring marathon than the 20 miler may have worked, but 10 miles is enough! The run benefits the Allie's Scholarship Fund. Allie had gotten killed crossing the street at the age of 15. You can read more about the scholarship by clicking the link.







There is another race that I always wanted to take part in. It seemed fun and different. There were rumors that the race was over in 2014. Then it appeared on a list for 2015. The rumors started that 2015 would be the final year of the race. Sadly the race will not happen after 2015. I am super excited to say that I will be taking part in the final running of the Expedition Everest Challenge!

This is a night run in the Animal Kingdom park in Disney World. Animal Kingdom closes early so to be there at night is really cool. Not only is this a 5k, but also a scavenger hunt and an obstacle course! After you hunt for the yeti on the course you are let into a post-race party! I will be running this as a team with my friend Carrick. Might as well visit Disney for the first time and do the last running of this great race! This is the race that usually is open to register until almost race day. This year was different though. In just over an hour the race sold out! 

I'm excited to see what 2015 has in store for me!