The Big Sur Marathon was an amazing experience. I got to spend 4 days with some of the best folks out there - I love my Tedy's Team. I ran every step with one of my teammates, Jackie, and we crossed the finish line carrying our Boston bib numbers. It was an emotional and amazing moment. The views along the course were breathtaking and worth every mile. I will say that the course lived up to its reputation of being difficult, especially the two mile long hill from 9.8 to 12, but the time ticked away faster than any run I have ever done. If you're looking for a challenge, a vacation, or your next course - this is the one! Thank you so much for all the support each and everyone of you provided to me over the 2013 Tedy's Team season.
April 15th was like stepping over a threshold and through a doorway that you can never return. Life changed that day for so many of us. I'm choosing to use that day as motivation to go forward living my life to help and inspire others, but also to enjoy every day with my family and friends. Sure there are still days that I get angry, I probably will for the rest of my life, but none of us should let those feeling take us over.
I invite you all to join me in making a difference, and some of you already have. Last month my friends Travis and Erin, along with their two children, and my Aunt Jane helped me work a water stop at the Central Mass Heart Walk. We had a blast cheering on the hundreds of walkers, including Katie, Paige, Amy, Evan and Owen. It's a great way to teach our children that giving their time to others can be fun and a way to encourage physical activity.
Going forward I have joined a committee for the American Heart Association called My Heart, My Life. As part of my membership I've committed to getting a local company (or more) to becoming a "Fit Friendly" workplace. I'd ask that any of you reading this reach out to me if you feel your company would be willing to hear about the program. It's free to all companies that join and a great way to encourage your employees or co-workers to get fit! I'm also hoping to get involved with the Uxbridge School System to recognize National Eating Healthy Day in November. I'm really excited about the possibility of helping the American Heart Association with their mission. If anyone is interested on how to get involved please let me know!
Outside of that I really want to continue my involvement with Tedy's Team. I've taken on a commitment to raise $11k in the upcoming 2014 Season. I'll be running the Falmouth Road Race, Las Vegas Marathon, Boston Marathon, and the Nashville 1/2 Marathon. On top of that I'll be using the Chicago Marathon as some training. I'm hoping to go beyond my 11k and make it to 15k and then some! With your help I know I can make it. I'm trying to come up with new ideas to fundraise, so if you have any suggestions I'm game. For now I'll be continuing with the football pools, the annual drawings and the bowling tournament!
I came up with one new idea during my 10 miler today. I'm looking for someone that'll sponsor me starting in July and continuing through the Nashville Half at the end of April. I'm asking that sponsor to donate $1 for ever mile I run between July 1st and April 26th, 2014. That sponsor can donate after each run, or at the end of every month. If interested let me know! It'll be great motivation for me to make those training longs a little longer!
Finally, I wanted to say that I've learned if there's something you want sometimes you just have to go for it! I recently reached out to someone that I've idolized for a long time and asked if they'd be interested in doing a short run with me through Boston. I heard back within a few days and so far it looks like a go. I don't want to go into too many details because I'm not 100% confident that it'll happen, but if it does I promise everyone will hear all about it. I bring this up because if there is anyone out there that has ever held back for any reason, don't! If it's not going to hurt anyone, and it's something you've always wanted, go for it! You only live once!
As I start my training I plan on returning to the blogging world more frequently, with a little bit more about the run and the training and a little less of the group hugs.
