"There is something so universal about that sensation, the way running unites our two most primal impulses: fear and pleasure. We run when we're scared, we run when we're ecstatic, we run away from our problems and run around for a good time. And when things look worst, we run the most"I can't believe training has already begun! A few months ago, I was feeling spontaneous (if you know me well, you know this is unusual) and signed up for the lottery for the Marine Corps Marathon. I'm all about planning and knowing what my next step is going to be- my ultimate goal was to run my first marathon between 26-27, but I guess I'll be early for once! After being accepted via lottery to the Marine Corps Marathon, I was approached by a friend and coworker, who was also accepted via lottery, about the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Team, Team Momentum. Although I was already officially registered for the race, Team Momentum gave me the opportunity to train with a group of passionate runners, fundraise for a cause, and hold myself accountable throughout training.
As of today, I'm already over 50% of the way towards my goal! The support I've received from my family, friends, coworkers, and team has been incredible. MDA's mission is to assist families with health care services and day-to-day support, fund research breakthroughs worldwide, and fight back against dozens of life-threatening muscle diseases. Not only am I able to help raise money for MDA, but at the end of July the team has the chance to participate in Sponsor Day at MDA Summer Camp. MDA Summer Camp creates a safe and accommodating environment where children with neuromuscular disease are able to participate in activities such as horseback riding, arts and crafts, and swimming. Fundraising is an incredible experience, but seeing the direct impact of your fundraising makes it that much more meaningful.
Last Wednesday was our first track workout and to be honest- I had NO idea what I was getting myself into. Yes, I've always loved running, but I never ran track or cross-country in high school or college. My lack of knowledge was evident when coach Courtney said "Ok so we're going to do 800s!" I think Courtney knew immediately that I had no idea what she meant. After explaining the work out, we discussed my typical pace, which can range anywhere between 8:00-8:45 minutes depending on the distance, and sent me on my merry way. I had just gone to spinning that day, and since I clearly had never done an 800, I tried my best to pace myself (not my best skill). I felt great and my final 800 was under 4 minutes, which I was extremely happy about. We will see how next week goes!
Saturday morning my alarm went off at 5:30 A.M. - ask anybody, specifically my boyfriend, and they'll tell you that I am NOT a morning person. However, when I dedicate myself to something, I'm all in. I made myself breakfast - most important meal of the day - laced up and made my way to the park to meet up with the team. We met up and began at 6:45 A.M. with a quick stretch, and 7:00 A.M. started my first long run. Not being a morning person, it makes sense that I naturally hate running anytime before 10:00 A.M. With this in mind I took off slow and tried to let my music pump me up. After a mile and a half, my teammate David and I were at the same pace. I was so excited that I wasn't on my own, mainly because I knew I'd get lost. David and I took a little detour and ran roughly a 6.5+ mile loop. We both had the same mindset- it wasn't our greatest run, but we definitely felt accomplished that we'd run in the morning. I'm glad I'm not the only one who dreads anything before 8:30 A.M.
I'm excited to see how training plays out. I think track workouts will help me learn to pace myself- which is something I've always struggled with. Although everyone talks about beating their PR- with this being my first marathon, I don't have one! I guess we'll say my goal is to finish!
