I know all you runners out there will know what I'm talking about. So many things going on these days, full, busy work days, Relay for Life around the corner, holiday weekend (long run opportunities), garden to tend to, house to clean, blah, blah, blah. Yet all I can think about is throwing on my running shoes (in desperate need of a new pair) and getting out for a run.
So keeping this post short and sweet. Time to buckle down and get my work all done this morning so that I can get out and run!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Then, I watched; Now, I run.
Things have kind of come full circle. I can remember as a kid, maybe 12 years old, my big sister would let me come along to the park with her. I would sit in the car and watch as she ran the park. During that time, I never, ever, ever had a thought that I should actually get out of the car and run with her. Oh, God, no! Why would I want to do that? I would rather sit and wait and hope that we could could stop for ice cream or tacos on the way home!
Wow, have things changed....completely. This past Saturday, my sister and I ran a 5K together, AND it was the very first time that we EVER ran together. What a great feeling!
No longer am I that kid sitting waiting, watching. I was running along with my big sister.
What a great one to add to my "running memories scrapbook"!
Wow, have things changed....completely. This past Saturday, my sister and I ran a 5K together, AND it was the very first time that we EVER ran together. What a great feeling!
No longer am I that kid sitting waiting, watching. I was running along with my big sister.
What a great one to add to my "running memories scrapbook"!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Making the Switch
I've been thinking about this for a while, even chatted a bit about it with Heather over at http://www.willrunforcoffee.com/. I think it's the right time now to "make the switch".
This blog was created a few years ago while I was still on my journey to lose the weight. It was one of the most helpful tools for me. The fact that there were so many people out there blogging about the very issues I was dealing with on a daily basis, being able to read about how they deal with the struggles and getting advice was key for me, and I met so many great people.
In a few weeks, I will be celebrating 3 years at goal. My blogging posts have slowly transitioned from being about the journey of losing weight and maintaining to more about my love of running, skating, being active. Although I love the blogs that I currently am following, I find myself looking for new blogs to follow that are about living a healthy, active lifestyle, and specifically, running.
So over the next few weeks, I will be making the switch, possibly giving this blog a new name, a new look, and adding new blogs to follow. Maybe I'll even make it official the day of my 3-year anniversary at goal.
I am very excited about the life ahead of me. I have set some new goals for myself, one very important one, which is to run my first full marathon. Funny, when I first started running, that was something I said I would never be interested in, and yet, here I am.
In a conversation with a friend the other day, something came out of my mouth before I even had time to think about what I was saying. It went something like this. "You know, it took me 47 years for me to figure out what I wanted to do with my life." Heck, now look. I'm there, and I have every day for the rest of my life to make it happen!
This blog was created a few years ago while I was still on my journey to lose the weight. It was one of the most helpful tools for me. The fact that there were so many people out there blogging about the very issues I was dealing with on a daily basis, being able to read about how they deal with the struggles and getting advice was key for me, and I met so many great people.
In a few weeks, I will be celebrating 3 years at goal. My blogging posts have slowly transitioned from being about the journey of losing weight and maintaining to more about my love of running, skating, being active. Although I love the blogs that I currently am following, I find myself looking for new blogs to follow that are about living a healthy, active lifestyle, and specifically, running.
So over the next few weeks, I will be making the switch, possibly giving this blog a new name, a new look, and adding new blogs to follow. Maybe I'll even make it official the day of my 3-year anniversary at goal.
I am very excited about the life ahead of me. I have set some new goals for myself, one very important one, which is to run my first full marathon. Funny, when I first started running, that was something I said I would never be interested in, and yet, here I am.
In a conversation with a friend the other day, something came out of my mouth before I even had time to think about what I was saying. It went something like this. "You know, it took me 47 years for me to figure out what I wanted to do with my life." Heck, now look. I'm there, and I have every day for the rest of my life to make it happen!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Broad Street Run - Such a Great Race!
I have to make this post kind of quick this morning. Have lots of work to accomplish today, plus I'd like to get a short run in today.
So I ran the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia on Sunday. 40,000 runners all running down Broad Street. Amazing! And it was so much fun! From start to finish, there were people lined up on both sides of the road cheering everyone on, from people on their rooftops (who looked like they were still partying from the night before), ladies still in their bathrobes on their front step, church groups, high school groups, bands, friends and families of runners. It was awesome!
I have enjoyed every single event that Aimee and I have run, but I really feel like this is my favorite. And she is "the best running buddy ever"!!
And what a great run we had. My goal was to finish under 1 hour 50 minutes, which would get us under the 11 minute mile pace. We finished at 1 hour 45 minutes, 10.30 pace! Felt strong the entire way. My foot is doing much better, hardly any trouble at all the entire race!
It was strange to run in such a crowd. It seemed like it never thinned out that much at all, other than the initial shoulder to shoulder at the start. At times, it got a little treacherous. Those water cups crushed on the street can get pretty slippery. And the concrete median in the middle of Broad Street can creep up on you and if you're not careful, you'll trip right over it!
I have never seen so many people in one place at one time. There were kids running, looked like maybe 8 and 10 years old. There were seniors running (what a motivation). There were couples running, and large groups all running together.
I ran in memory of my dad, who died of cancer. I had a picture of him pinned to my hat and one pinned to my fuel belt. As we were running, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned a man was running next to me. He pulled a laminated picture out of his pocket to show me that he too was running in memory of his dad.
I think this was my favorite running event so far. I was difficult to get in this year. Hope next year I can get in as well, because this could be an annual event for me.
Some pics:
So I ran the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia on Sunday. 40,000 runners all running down Broad Street. Amazing! And it was so much fun! From start to finish, there were people lined up on both sides of the road cheering everyone on, from people on their rooftops (who looked like they were still partying from the night before), ladies still in their bathrobes on their front step, church groups, high school groups, bands, friends and families of runners. It was awesome!
And what a great run we had. My goal was to finish under 1 hour 50 minutes, which would get us under the 11 minute mile pace. We finished at 1 hour 45 minutes, 10.30 pace! Felt strong the entire way. My foot is doing much better, hardly any trouble at all the entire race!
It was strange to run in such a crowd. It seemed like it never thinned out that much at all, other than the initial shoulder to shoulder at the start. At times, it got a little treacherous. Those water cups crushed on the street can get pretty slippery. And the concrete median in the middle of Broad Street can creep up on you and if you're not careful, you'll trip right over it!
I have never seen so many people in one place at one time. There were kids running, looked like maybe 8 and 10 years old. There were seniors running (what a motivation). There were couples running, and large groups all running together.
I ran in memory of my dad, who died of cancer. I had a picture of him pinned to my hat and one pinned to my fuel belt. As we were running, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned a man was running next to me. He pulled a laminated picture out of his pocket to show me that he too was running in memory of his dad.
I think this was my favorite running event so far. I was difficult to get in this year. Hope next year I can get in as well, because this could be an annual event for me.
Some pics:
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
CANCER/RELAY FOR LIFE/CAN YOU HELP?
CANCER - what an ugly, ugly word. What a horrible disease.
Like most of you, I have family and friends affected by cancer. This year, I am participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, 6/1-6/2. It would be so great to be able to raise $500 for Relay for Life the very first time I participate. I am halfway there. If all of my FB and Blogging friends would donate just $5, I can reach that goal.
You know I'm all about reaching goals these days. So can you help? Will you help? Just $5? Let's create a world with More Birthdays, Less Cancer!
Did you say yes?!!! I heard you! Great! Just click on the link below:
2012 Relay For Life of Delran NJ: Mrs. Maureen P. Emmons - The American Cancer Society - 2012 Relay For Life of Delran NJ
Like most of you, I have family and friends affected by cancer. This year, I am participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, 6/1-6/2. It would be so great to be able to raise $500 for Relay for Life the very first time I participate. I am halfway there. If all of my FB and Blogging friends would donate just $5, I can reach that goal.
You know I'm all about reaching goals these days. So can you help? Will you help? Just $5? Let's create a world with More Birthdays, Less Cancer!
Did you say yes?!!! I heard you! Great! Just click on the link below:
2012 Relay For Life of Delran NJ: Mrs. Maureen P. Emmons - The American Cancer Society - 2012 Relay For Life of Delran NJ
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Why I Am Running the Broad Street Run
A while back, a friend emailed a note to me indicating that Philly.com was asking people to submit their stories as to why they're running the Broad Street Run on May 6, 2012. I wasn't sure at first, but then thought to myself, "Why not?" And so I began to write, and I submitted my story. However, there are so many wonderful, motivating, inspirational stories out there, I'm pretty sure that my story will not be published on Philly.com. But that doesn't mean I shouldn't publish it here on my own blog. So the following is the story I submitted.
***************
Why Am I Running the Broad Street Run?
I have the desire, the strength, the confidence, and there is just no stopping this gal, so I am running the Broad Street Run! It may have taken me 40-some years to find running, but there is no turning back now. It has changed my life, and each day, it gets better and better.
It is very hard for me to remember a time when I was not overweight. I was always overweight, and not just a few pounds, but seriously overweight. About ten years ago, my journey to a new life and a new me began. I have since lost 75 pounds and kept it off for almost three years now. Running was key to getting to my goal weight and to maintaining that goal.
If anyone had told me during the first 40 years of my life that I would be a runner - and that I would actually enjoy running, I would have said they were losing their mind. However, that is, in fact, what has happened.
It began when I decided that I would challenge myself to see if I could run a mile. I went out to the park, got on the track and started to run. Well, honestly, it was more like a fast walk, and I had to stop at about the halfway point so that I could breath, but then I continued on and finished the mile. I was really proud of myself that day. That was the first time I had stepped out of my comfort zone and I had done it. From there, I never looked back. I began to run a few times each week, just trying to go a little further, a few more steps.
I ran my first 5K that year. Even then, after feeling so great about accomplishing that goal, I didn't really consider myself a runner. I remember often saying oh, yeah, I'll run 5K's, maybe a 10K once, but that's as far as it will go. But the more I ran, the more I changed. I became much more confident, outgoing, no longer hiding behind the food and the weight.
About two years ago, I met someone who would turn out to be not only a great friend and mentor, but my running buddy. We began running together on weekends, starting out at about 3 miles and adding distance every week. At 8 miles, she told me, you know, if you can do 8 miles, you can do a half-marathon. So we signed up, and in October 2011, we ran the Atlantic City Half-Marathon. I can't remember ever feeling so good about myself. It was the best day ever!
Last month, she took me for my very first run on Kelly Drive. That was such a great run , and yes, I couldn't help myself. I ran up the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum after running 8 miles! What a great place to run! And because my father was from that neighborhood of Philadelphia, that first run on Kelly Drive has special meaning, and it will always be a favorite for me.
We're now registered to run the Bucks County Half-Marathon in April, the Broad Street Run in May, and yes, I have decided that I want to go for the big guy and run my first full marathon in 2012.
Running has changed my life. It was like a door opened, and when I ran through it, I discovered so many more things that have just enhanced my life so much, new friends, new activities, and an ever growing self-confidence.
I will be running the Broad Street Run in memory of my father, who died of cancer in 1995. My father was always very concerned with my weight when I was growing up. I can remember him repeatedly telling me to take the weight off while young, because it would be so much harder as I got older. Sure wish I understood that then. It makes me sad to think that he never got to see me take the weight off, that he's not alive to witness what I have and continue to accomplish.
So, Dad, this one's for you! I love you and I know that you'll be there with me on May 6th as I run down Broad Street and cross that finish line.
***************
Why Am I Running the Broad Street Run?
I have the desire, the strength, the confidence, and there is just no stopping this gal, so I am running the Broad Street Run! It may have taken me 40-some years to find running, but there is no turning back now. It has changed my life, and each day, it gets better and better.
It is very hard for me to remember a time when I was not overweight. I was always overweight, and not just a few pounds, but seriously overweight. About ten years ago, my journey to a new life and a new me began. I have since lost 75 pounds and kept it off for almost three years now. Running was key to getting to my goal weight and to maintaining that goal.
If anyone had told me during the first 40 years of my life that I would be a runner - and that I would actually enjoy running, I would have said they were losing their mind. However, that is, in fact, what has happened.
It began when I decided that I would challenge myself to see if I could run a mile. I went out to the park, got on the track and started to run. Well, honestly, it was more like a fast walk, and I had to stop at about the halfway point so that I could breath, but then I continued on and finished the mile. I was really proud of myself that day. That was the first time I had stepped out of my comfort zone and I had done it. From there, I never looked back. I began to run a few times each week, just trying to go a little further, a few more steps.
I ran my first 5K that year. Even then, after feeling so great about accomplishing that goal, I didn't really consider myself a runner. I remember often saying oh, yeah, I'll run 5K's, maybe a 10K once, but that's as far as it will go. But the more I ran, the more I changed. I became much more confident, outgoing, no longer hiding behind the food and the weight.
About two years ago, I met someone who would turn out to be not only a great friend and mentor, but my running buddy. We began running together on weekends, starting out at about 3 miles and adding distance every week. At 8 miles, she told me, you know, if you can do 8 miles, you can do a half-marathon. So we signed up, and in October 2011, we ran the Atlantic City Half-Marathon. I can't remember ever feeling so good about myself. It was the best day ever!
Last month, she took me for my very first run on Kelly Drive. That was such a great run , and yes, I couldn't help myself. I ran up the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum after running 8 miles! What a great place to run! And because my father was from that neighborhood of Philadelphia, that first run on Kelly Drive has special meaning, and it will always be a favorite for me.
We're now registered to run the Bucks County Half-Marathon in April, the Broad Street Run in May, and yes, I have decided that I want to go for the big guy and run my first full marathon in 2012.
Running has changed my life. It was like a door opened, and when I ran through it, I discovered so many more things that have just enhanced my life so much, new friends, new activities, and an ever growing self-confidence.
I will be running the Broad Street Run in memory of my father, who died of cancer in 1995. My father was always very concerned with my weight when I was growing up. I can remember him repeatedly telling me to take the weight off while young, because it would be so much harder as I got older. Sure wish I understood that then. It makes me sad to think that he never got to see me take the weight off, that he's not alive to witness what I have and continue to accomplish.
So, Dad, this one's for you! I love you and I know that you'll be there with me on May 6th as I run down Broad Street and cross that finish line.
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