It always makes me sad when people tell me how they used to be passionate about their sport of choice in high school.
My sport of choice is long distance running and cross country. I ran in high school, I ran in college (see photos), and I run now.
My passion will never run dry.
Run for the Animals
I ran a 7K yesterday for the ASPCA and I did awesome!
I came in 24th place out of 50 runners and I came in 1st place in my division.
I love racing and I love helping animals… double win!! =)
During the fall semester of my senior year as an undergrad, I was a top finisher (and MVP) on my cross country team. I ran in six NCAA races, in which I was required to run a 5K (3.1 miles) in each race. <3
It was 60 degrees today and I was able to run outside!
Peace out treadmill.
Running by the sand dunes <3
OBX Glory
Last year, during the first week of November, I ran the OBX half marathon, which was my stepping stone towards running the OBX marathon. This year, during the first week of November, I reached my goal.
On November 13, 2010, a day before the marathon, I ran an 8K (4.9 miles), which served as a training opportunity for me. I came in 71st place out of 666 runners, with a race time of 00:39:52. I came in 3rd place in my division (females, ages 20-24 years) and I came in 16th place out of 426 female runners.
Cori, my persevering beauty, also did amazing! She ran the entire course and was determined to finish even with pain in her knee and hip. She came in 323rd place overall and she came in 155th place out of the female runners. Her race time was 00:52:22.
On November 14, 2010, I ran my very first marathon (26.2 miles) and it was momentous. Moreover, half of the race was a trail run, which brought back glorious memories of my cross country days. I chose to run the OBX marathon as an alternative to the NYC marathon because the OBX marathon is artlessly genuine. The people are exceptionally kind and the atmosphere breathes life into my soul. I didn’t want to run my first marathon in vain; it had to take place in the Outer Banks.
I ran the first 13 miles with no walking breaks. According to my split time, I ran the first half of the race in 1:53:30. I paced myself for the first 6 miles, and then increased my pace with every impending mile. I felt victorious and unstoppable. I knew, without reservation, that I could finish the marathon under 4 hours. I ran my hardest, only taking walking breaks at water stations. Defeat, however, almost claimed me as a victim. As I ran towards the bridge, with only 6 miles to go, I experienced an excruciating pain from inside my sneaker. My middle toe on my right foot developed a blood blister, which popped and bled. I tried to ignore the pain, but it became unbearable. On the 22nd mile I forced myself into a timeout. There was no medic in sight, which meant I had to think of a quick and temporary solution; I obtained toilet paper from a nearby portable toilet and wrapped my wound. I continued to run and limp the last 4 miles towards the finish line.
Out of 1661 runners, male and female, I came in 969th place. Out of the 717 female runners I came in 339th place. In my age group, 20-24 years (32 female runners), I came in 16th place. My race time was 4:34:01.
During my last mile I didn’t limp at all; instead, I sprinted to the finish line. What is more, during that last mile, West Coast Envy by The Starting Line came on my iPod. The lyrics danced through my veins, providing me with the resilience and perseverance that I needed to finish the race.
Overcoming an obstacle and still coming out on top was a remarkable triumph. Crossing the finish line and being greeted by my mom, Cori, and Maddy was purely inestimable.
Run First, Candy Later
Happy Halloween!
Today I ran a 7K (4.3 miles) for the 7th Annual Run/Walk for the Animals in Blooming Grove, NY. Out of 83 runners, male and female, I came in 44th place. In my age group, 20-29 years (11 female runners), I came in 1st place. My race time was 0:33:45.
No mater how many races I run, the Annual Run/Walk for the Animals will forever be my favorite. Moreover, I was able to celebrate my favorite holiday by running and helping animals!
Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a lion or gazelle - when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.
