2020/2021 Year in Review

Are you still there? I know I have been MIA since January 2020, and so much has changed since then. Let me give you the abridged version. First came the COVID-19 pandemic that caused us all to reevaluate what was important in life. The first weekend in March 2020, my husband and I stood shoulder to shoulder in our corral for what I suspected would be our last Gate River Run 15K. He and I have been running that race together since 2012, but I will post more on that at a later date. He had just accepted an out-of-state position which meant relocation for our family. Little did we know that just one week later, our lives -- as well as the lives of everyone in our nation -- would change forever.

After a whirlwind of the Spring Break that would never end, our introduction to online learning, a VPK graduation golf cart parade and a farewell parade -- complete with a yard sign -- we found ourselves in our new RV trekking cross country towards the Lone Star State. We were greeted by 102° F temps followed closely after by a literal whirlwind of a storm the nearly blew our trailer off its supports. Thankfully, I linked up with ladies from BGR! Dallas and was able to "Burn Off the Crazy" (and the COVID-19+ pounds I gained) from the move. One thing I quickly realized was how hilly TX was compared to FL. My calves did not appreciate our new terrain, and I found myself taking longer walk breaks. I still kept moving though, because I subscribed to a #goalsOVERexcuses mindset. 

We welcomed a new family member at the end of 2020. He was supposed to be my running partner, alas, his foster mom said his previous vet advised against it. Instead, he became my walking partner and helped add steps to my day.

2021 began with kids' first experience with snow. The next month was Snowmageddon, and the entire state of TX was covered! The snow started falling on Valentine's Day, and, when we woke up the next morning, the power was out. I had never experienced "rolling blackouts" before, and, by the time the week was done, we had frozen pipes in our bathrooms. Several of our neighbors had pipes or water heaters (in their attics) rupture, which took months to renovate. It also turned out to be a deadly experience for many throughout the state.

On a fitness-related note, my husband gave me a Peloton Bike+ as a Valentine's Day gift because I was still struggling to adjust to running in the hilly streets of TX, and it was either too hot or too cold to ride my road bike on the trainer in our garage. Plus, CG was transitioning towards charging for virtual workouts since more people were returning to in-person workouts, and I was not yet ready to go back to being out and about. I was a bit nervous about clipping into a "bike that goes nowhere", but once I did, I was hooked! I connected with the BPR community (IYKYK) and fell in love with the rapport of fellow riders. There were "swarm" rides a few times a week, and the joking that went on within the group was unparalleled. I ended up joining a group of early morning riders who dubbed themselves the #WafflehouseCrew because of the time and intensity of the rides. Before the year was over, I had set and broken several PRs, hit multiple ride milestones, and even tried my hand at an 100-mile PeloFondo. Here's the year-end wrap up:

Happy New Year 2020

About this morning: The Little Miss and I set out to continue the WaveMasters Society Polar Plunge tradition for my 8th — her 2nd — time. The water was a few degrees cooler than it was last year, but the weather was about 20° cooler, so I knew it would be a challenge.  Fun fact: I spent the past week sick in bed, and this was only day 2 of quasi-wellness (still coughing) 😬

We gave ourselves about 10 minutes to get acclimated (disrobed) before it was time to plunge. She got about thigh deep in the water before she tapped out! I picked her up and tried carrying her until I was a little over knee deep, but she 👏🏾 was 👏🏾 done 👏🏾🏳️ We headed back to the other half of our family where I wrapped her in a towel before tagging The Mr. in so I could complete my mission. 

I found a clear path and waded back out farther than usual, because I was on a mission this year. I caught a couple waves and swam around for a bit, because, even though the water was so cold that it hurt, the pain was a reminder that I was alive. I’d survived another year and knew at least a handful of friends and family members who were not as fortunate. I kicked myself for leaving my goggles in the bag with my family, because I wanted to stay out there longer and reflect, but, for the first time since 2016, the whole family was together again, and I had to put them first. So, I caught one more wave and swam — eyes closed, of course — back in

Camp Gladiator

Several months ago, during a trip to Walmart, there were tents set up at the entrance promoting Camp Gladiator (cg). Unable to avoid eye contact 🤣, I ended up having a 10-15 minute conversation with the gentleman there while one of his female associates kept me kids entertained (that probably sounded worse than it really was). I told him I’d seen a few of their camps around our neighborhood and had a handful of friends who were avid campers. My son’s behavior brought our conversation to an abrupt end, and I managed to “escape” with my wallet unscathed 😆

 The. Very. Next. Day, I picked my son up from school, and there were several silent auction items remaining after our school fundraiser. Guess what was sitting there just waiting for my bid… ? If you guessed a Camp Gladiator gift basket, then pat yourself on the back! I scored a free session, plus four free weeks of camp, a shirt, water bottle and sunglasses 😱 Well, in true me fashion, I waited 3 or 4 months to take advantage of this deal, because, kids 🙄 (pronounced: anxiety). Thankfully, I finally gave it a shot, and I am hooked❣️

Why am I telling you this? I’m glad you asked! Camp Gladiator is having an amazing deal! You can get four weeks of an amazing fitness program for ONLY $25 with my referral code (Psst, it's normally $189)! I just signed up, and I want you to JOIN ME! You in? Use my $5 off referral code: 3M1FZNG or click here to sign up.

I'm a Group Runner and Proud of It!

A friend and business associate of mine shared a "Runner's World" article today that was written by a woman who preferred running solo. The subtitle read, "Listening to your inner introvert can make you a better, stronger, happier runner." My friend was in total agreement with this runner. I, however, disagreed . . . strongly. I know it may be hard to believe :sarcasm: but I am an enormous introvert. I would even go as far as to confess that I struggle with social anxiety. Oddly enough, the only time I feel most at ease is during a run. 

Starting off my 40th Birthday with a run 

Running distracts me from the fact that I'm actually around and talking to other people. It seems to be the only thing that helps me overcome the crippling anxiety of leaving the house, driving and being around people. There are days where even going to a "restaurant" without a drive-thru is out of the question when I'm by myself. The thought of having to get out of the car and talk to people is too much to handle, even if it means being "rewarded" with a meal. Yet, I will drive all over town at odd hours of the day just to go for a run with, and sometimes without, my best running friends.

Post-race picture with :gasp: strangers

On the rare instances that I find myself running "alone," -- I usually am pushing a stroller, so I am hardly ever truly alone -- I am on high alert. I am constantly preparing myself mentally for someone or something to jump out of the bushes, or a car to lose control, jump the curb and wipe me out. It may sound like a strange notion, however, where I run on early Tuesday and Thursday mornings, we have encountered streetlights and bumpers laying across the sidewalk on at least two separate occasions. Also, the bike lane sign has been mowed down by cars a few times now, and one morning, we witnessed a driver headed southbound in the northbound lane. So, you see, my hyper-vigilance is not entirely irrational.

Am I the only socially awkward/anxious person who finds solace in running with friends? Which do you prefer: solo or group running?

Best DAMN Race Jacksonville 2019

My first race of 2019 is in the books! BGR! (Black Girls RUN!) represented, as usual, but the NOC (Nocatee) was running the streets as well. My main BRF (best running friend) dragged me to a new half marathon PR, even though it was far slower than her PR. #goals

Happy New Year 2019!

Another year, another Plunge; however this year, I wasn't the only one in my family going in. My six-year-old decided she wanted in on the action! She's usually quite timid and full of "I can't do that; that's too scary" statements, so when she expressed her interest in joining me, naturally, I was skeptical.

Boy, was I wrong! Not only did she wake up early on her own, but the slothful movement that typically plagued our mornings was absent, as she quickly donned her swimwear -- shoes included -- and climbed into the car. She chatted nervously the whole ride there, and I could tell that, no matter the outcome, this would be a day to remember. 

We arrived a little over an hour and a half before the Plunge to secure "prime" parking across from the Seawalk Pavilion. We then purchased the annual WaveMasters Society Polar Plunge shirt and posed for the traditional pre-Plunge picture.

Although it was warmer than last year, it was still pretty chilly, so after we set our towels down, we did a calf deep trial to test the water. She was hooked and wanted to go in deeper, but I figured it was best we wait. If it was too cold, I was concerned she would not go in when it was time for the actual Plunge. We ran into several people we knew while we waited, so the time flew by quickly.










When it was Plunge time, we joined the crowd and walked closer to the water. I held her hand and explained our plan: first, the Lifeguards would sound an alarm. Then, the crowd would run into the water. I warned her that most people would be screaming, but it was okay, because they were having fun. I told her we would wait until some of the people started to come out before we ran in, because I didn't want her to get trampled. As I explained the process to her, I noticed a few people around us watched and listened too.

Then, it was go time! We held hands, ran towards the ocean, and once the water her about thigh-level, she started to scream and tried to climb me like a tree. I scooped her up and proceeded forward until I was waist-deep. She had calmed down by then, and I explained to her that we were going to wait for a wave and then submerge. They had done similar exercises in a pool during her Summer swim classes, so I knew she would comfortable with it.

When the perfect wave came, I began a short countdown, and *swoosh* we were done! I asked if she was ready to get out, and she replied with a resounding, "No!" We remained in the water for at least 5 more minutes before she opted to play in the sand just on the edge of the ocean, so she could still catch some waves if she wanted.

Needless to say, it was a very proud moment/day for me, and I look forward to future Plunges with her.   

AdvoCare

Well, I finally did it! I set aside all my insecurities and self-doubt and became an independent distributor of AdvoCare. I have been using their products for a couple years now and am now the fittest and fastest I have been in my 10 years of serious running. Now, I can take my passion to the next level and earn money while helping my cohort reach their fitness goals. Ask me how 😉

"Since 1993, AdvoCare® has been a world-class nutrition company specializing in health and wellness, weight management, vibrant energy and sports performance. Navigate through this site to learn more about our cutting-edge nutritional supplements as well as the opportunity to earn income by sharing AdvoCare products with others.

Our products are formulated by an elite Scientific and Medical Advisory Board with over 200 years combined experience in pharmacology, toxicology, nutrition, sports performance and pediatrics. We have a multitude of product endorsers that includes professional athletes, champion amateur athletes, and acclaimed entertainers."

https://www.advocare.com/161212137

#TogetherWeWill

It's time, once again, to kick off my 26.2 with DONNA Fundraising, and what better time than Breast Cancer Awareness Month? This will be my 10th year -- wow -- participating in this event, and, aside from bringing attention to a great cause, the awesome crowd support, and the amazing feeling of a block party in motion, it's easy to see why:

Noxgear

Happy Fall, y’all! We are now entering my favorite time of the year. No, not because of the changing leaves, approaching holiday season or any of the other more traditional reasons non-Floridians give for welcoming Fall. For me, it’s the less sweltering temperatures and slight drop in humidity that makes running, cycling, and even walking, more bearable. Of course, along with these "cooler" temps come shorter days/daylight hours which can leave an evening athlete in the dark.

As an early morning runner, I understand all too well the struggle of trying to balance high visibility with comfort — who knew clip-on lights bounced so much and headlamps caused headaches? — and I recently found the answer: Noxgear. Now, I had seen/heard of Noxgear a while back through the Jacksonville Galloway Training Group I was a member of, but, for some reason, I hadn’t actually tried it until several months ago. What first got my attention was the variety of colors available, but what I didn’t know was that, not only is each Tracer360 vest capable of producing 8 different colors (I usually select a color that matches my shirt), but you can also change from solid to flashing lights with a just a press of a button!

I’ve received numerous compliments and inquiries since I started wearing my Tracer360, and now, I want to share Noxgear with you! As of today, I am a member of the Noxgear Ambassador -- #noxgearamb -- family. What exactly does that mean to you? Well, by using coupon code: KayDub978 on the Noxgear website, you will save 35%. :in announcer voice: But, wait, there's more! On Tuesday October 16th only, the coupon code discount will be increased to 42%! 

Oh, I almost forgot to mention, there is also a visibility vest for our canine friends. After all, their safety is important too. Stay safe out there!

Best DAMN Race Jacksonville 2018

My first race of the year is in the books, and it was a fun one! I set out to take it easy and was blessed to find Susan Haag’s group. If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her, just know that her presence alone = instant Pavement Party 🎉🎊🎈

It was a cold start and an even colder finish with a downright disrespectful, bone chilling headwind in BOTH directions, but we were having so much fun, I hardly noticed.

 

 

There were so many sole mates from the Jacksonville Galloway Training Program, Moms RUN This Town / She Runs This Town, friends from PRS and sole sistahs from Black Girls RUN!… It was like a family reunion 

✌️❤️

🏃🏾‍♀️

Run The Year 2018

From the Run The Edge website: "Run The Year 2018 is a fitness challenge to run or walk 2,018 miles in the year 2018." Since I ran almost 1,500 miles in 2017, I formed a "Dynamic Duo" with one of my BGR! Sole Sisters, and we will split the 2,018 miles. 

This year is off to a slow start due to almost freezing temperatures (see above screen shot from The Weather Channel app). I, personally, love this weather for running; however, my neighbor/running partner has circulatory issues which are exacerbated by cold weather. Wish me luck . . .

Another Year . . .

. . . another plunge. Happy New Year! This marked my 6th consecutive year of taking part in the WaveMasters Society's Polar Plunge. It was a cold, rainy and windy day. I went out for our regular Monday morning bridge run and ended up cutting it in half, because the cold rain and wind gusts were brutal! When I got home, The Mr. was getting ready to hit the beach with me, and I let him off the hook. It was too much to expect him and the kids to endure those conditions just for me and my thrill seeking. By the time I'd changed out of my running clothes and into my swimsuit, he'd already climbed back into bed. I kissed him and the kids goodbye and headed back out into the elements.

I stuck to my usual routine of arriving early for prime parking and bought my shirt. As I headed back to the car, I ran into a couple who said their friend, an experienced surfer, backed out of going in for the plunge, not because of the cold, but because of the >20 mph winds, and I started to get nervous. I decided to head back towards the beach to see what exactly I was getting myself into. The surf was the choppiest I have ever seen, and the tide was pretty high too! It dwarfed the beach immensely, and I really started to worry. There was a little less than an hour left before the plunge, so I decided to collect my thoughts in the car.

What am I getting myself into?!

As I sat in the car, I decided to check out Facebook's "On This Day" feature, and there were Polar Plunge pictures from the past 5 years. I looked at my friends and how our group dwindled a bit each year until it was just me in 2017 and again today. I sent my husband pictures of the surf, and we joked  for a bit. A large truck pulled into the parking lot next to me, and I watched the driver get out and head toward the Pavilion. Several minutes later, the driver returned with a shirt and climbed back into his truck. I thought he, too, was going to hang out in the parking lot like me, but he started his truck and drove away! Shortly after that, I received text messages from my sister, and she encouraged me to stick to my plan. As I went back and forth between conversations, the parking lot began filling up. Before I knew it, it was 15 minutes before the plunge, so I hurried out to the beach to find a good spot.

Seeing all the other people on the beach gave me the motivation I needed, and I was ready to go, even though there was a little over 5 minutes until plunge time. It seemed I wasn't the only one with that sentiment, because I heard several people say the same thing. One guy even ran in waist deep and splashed around minutes before the official time. I snapped a couple selfies, undressed, then found a nice bystander to snap a "before" picture. Then, it was time to go, and go we did! I ran in waist deep and waited for a big wave before ducking down under the water. It was about 10° warmer than the air temperature, and it was quite invigorating. I splashed around for a bit, then decided I shouldn't press my luck any further and got out. As I redressed, I met a man who was on his 26th or 27th Polar Plunge, and he told me about how his kids started going with him as early as 8 years. His wife usually comes along and brings his coffee, but she was out of town today. He still had his coffee though.

I opted for a slideshow instead of my usual pre-plunge photo. Enjoy!

On another note, I'm kind of sad to see 2017 go, because I think it was one of my best years in a long time. I know, 2015 blessed us with a new child and a new home, but 2017 was about my personal accomplishments and rebuilding myself after the devastation of 2016. There were several PRs (including a couple half marathon PRs and a sub 30 minute 5K), I completed my first sprint triathlon, I trained for a century (Hurricane Irma derailed those plans), and I fell just shy of running 1500 miles! I will do my best to get you caught up on all that. I, literally, have several drafts waiting for me to complete and publish, if only I can find the words/time to get it done.

How did your first day of 2018 go? What are your goals for this year? Until next time . . .

Happy Birthday to MEEEE!!!!

You know you've got a keeper when he buys you fitness-related things for your birthday ❤️

On another note, there is a massive hurricane heading up the state. We're not quite sure where she'll end up, but we're going to head west. :sigh: Another year, another evacuation. I was supposed to do my first Century at the Endless Summer Watermelon Ride in a couple days, but with Irma approaching, it was canceled. I pray we are all spared.  

Transformation Tuesday

In January of 2016, I posted a picture of myself poolside after my first Adult Stroke Class and announced my goal to complete a sprint triathlon by May 2017. Sadly, there were other plans for my life. 

A couple months after my declaration, my father experienced complications after a stem cell transplant. After a nearly 3 month battle towards recovery, his body, literally, failed him. He died July 1st. Exactly 2 months after my stepmother called me about my father, my mother called to tell me that her time on this earth was limited. A few weeks later, I became an orphan. Just when I thought 2016 could not get any worse for our family, my beloved Pug (my original baby), died the day after Christmas.

I tell you all this, because, as crazy as it may seem, running kept me sane through it all. Those who follow my personal Facebook page have seen my effort, and my aunt -- my mom's youngest sister -- once asked me what I was running from. I didn't have an answer for her at the time, but have since discovered my reason. My mom was my biggest cheerleader, although virtually, and had often called me her "shero." I continued to hit the pavement, because I knew she would want me to. It's also where I felt/feel closest to God and converse with Him often. There's a point here, I promise you 🙂

Putting in QT on the bike trainer (Photo credit: My 5 year old)

January of this year, I renewed my goal of becoming a sprint triathlete. I put my Christmas gift on the bike trainer and started to rack up some serious miles. I even participated in a couple IronKIWI virtual events. Although, I did not reach my May deadline, I still achieved that sprint triathlon goal Father's Day weekend during the Life's A Beach Triathlon! 

A BGDB Shero (green/blue) and I (in red) heading into the water (Photo credit @SouthernStoneEvents)

Starting Garmin/Leaving Transition
(Photo credit @SouthernStoneEvents)

Sprinting Towards the Finish Line
(Photo credit @SouthernStoneEvents)

One of our local BGR! Ambassadors said, "We all have life circumstances . . ." In my case, I run to burn off the crazy! Stay encouraged friends!

CycloFemme

May 14th was my first Mother's Day without my mother. She's been gone nearly 8 months now, and I was told the "first" of every holiday would be the hardest. I've spent pretty much every Mother's Day with her over the past decade, so I knew I had to do something special. I considered visiting her memorial site, but figured that wasn't something I was ready to do yet. Instead, I sought out something to take my mind off her absence -- as if that were even possible -- and happened upon CycloFemme. "What is CycloFemme," you ask? According to their website, it is "a Global Celebration of Women created TO HONOR THE PAST from the shoulders of those who stood before us, for the freedom to choose and the chance to wear pants. TO CELEBRATE THE PRESENT with strength and courage, voices raised, moving together. TO EMPOWER THE FUTURE of women everywhere, the backbone of positive social change." Anyone who knew my mother would agree that this is something she would stand behind and would definitely encourage me to take part in. 

The ride closest to me was hosted by Open Road Bicycles' St. Johns location. I was quite anxious about it being an emotional Mother's Day and worried about riding on the road while tackling my longest ever cycling distance, so it was a bit of a relief to know that I wouldn't have to add a lengthy drive -- especially while transporting my bike -- to my list of concerns. It was also nice that a couple Sheroes I knew from the Jacksonville chapter of BGDB and one of my Jacksonville Galloway Training friends would also be there.

I arrived early to allow myself time to talk my anxiety down. As the rest of the group started to arrive, I put on my brave face and tried to be social. I thought I was doing a pretty good job until my Jacksonville Galloway friend arrived and gave me an extra long hug. She mentioned my Facebook post from earlier that month about how I wanted to fast forward to August and avoid Mother's Day, Father's Day, my dog's birthday (he died the day after Christmas) and the first anniversary of my father's death, to which I teared up and almost fell apart.

After that, we were divided into two groups: the 25 mile group and the "Tour de Neighborhood" group, the difference being speed, as we would be covering different distances in the same amount of time. My friends and I were e received our ride instructions, discussed our route and learned that we would ride :gulp: in a paceline. Again, I had to talk my anxiety down. Although I saw cyclists in single pacelines on nearly a daily basis, this was my first group ride off the Rail Trail. Not only do I have to deal with cars, but I now have to ride in a paceline and lead at some point?! Thankfully, our ride leader had given us an out, so if our turn came, and we did not want to lead, we could just fall back to the end of the paceline. That took the edge off. Once, I learned we only had to lead for a minute or so, I was ready for the challenge. I sent the route to The Mr. and was ready to ride, "but first, let me take a #Selfie!"

Pre-ride Selfie to psych myself up

There was another group ride newbie, although, she was quite familiar with the route and rode it often on her own. We made a nonverbal agreement to stay together in the back of the pack, so when her chain fell off as the ride started, I stayed behind to help her get it back on. I started panicking internally, because no one in the group saw what happened, and I was afraid we would fall too far behind. Thankfully, the other group had not left yet, and their ride's leader had the presence of mind to tell me to catch up to the group and let them know she was still coming. I'd lost sight of the group at this point, but remembered the route, so I pedaled hard until I caught them just after a red light. 

I started to relay the message of our left behind newbie to the ride leader as she fell back to take her place at the end of the pack when, suddenly, there was a chorus of "slowing[s]," before our paceline scattered and came to a halt. It turned out that one of our riders had a flat tire, which gave us an opportunity to see an on site tire change. Ironically, I recognized the rider from a tire changing course we'd taken at Open Road Bicycles' Avondale store. After the quick, but informative, change, we headed back out on our ride. 

Post-ride picture from Open Road Bicycles' Facebook page

We ended up going 15 miles, -- my longest ever ride to date -- and, after we finished, I found myself going back out with a smaller, but faster, group who wanted more miles. I surprised myself a lot that day: Not only had I ventured way out of my comfort zone by riding on the open road, I also rode 30 miles in a paceline, and, when my time to take the lead came, I arose to the challenge and led for a couple miles. I think my mom would have been proud . . . 

Happy New Year 2017!

Good riddance 2016! I am glad to see you go, but am devastated that my parents and my dog joined those whose lives were lost during your seemingly endless 366 days. As much as I would love to steal back my loved ones and bring them into this new year, I have to set my feelings aside -- for now -- and do my best to carry on, one day at a time.

So, Day 1 started with the Polar Plunge 🏊🏾‍♀️ I've been plunging with my running buddies every year since 2013. Over the years, our number has dwindled. Last year, I encouraged one of my BGR! Sole Sisters to run and plunge with me since our usual group decided to pass. The Mr. and the kiddos usually come too since we celebrate our plunge with breakfast at Beach Diner. This, however, was the first year that I have been solo. At first, I was pretty bummed, but chose not to wallow in self pity and, instead, "shifted the prism." I saw a new year with new beginnings and embraced the solitude. After all, here was the opportunity for the alone time I so desired and everyone always told me I needed. I took lots of pictures, even video, so I could look back on how I "survived" without the perceived security of familiar faces. I spent extra time in the water to reflect on the past year. I submerged myself three times in remembrance of my father, mother and dog. Every time the sting of the cold water washed over me, I acknowledged the pain of each loss and continued to kneel until I was ready to accept their absence. It was a liberating experience, so much so, that I went back to spend a little more time in the water, this time to celebrate the new year.

Oh! I also met a fellow blogger who asked to photograph me for her blog. I'm looking forward to reading her thoughts on the Polar Plunge.

After I got home, The Mr. prepared a traditional southern New Year's Day meal of Hoppin' John, collard greens and cornbread which was timed perfectly for my uncle's arrival. He was passing through on his way back home from visiting my grand/great uncle and stopped by to break bread with us. It was nice having family visit, even though it was brief. One of the thoughts that often triggered an overflow of emotions was that neither of my parents got to visit our new home.

By the time our visitor left and the children were down for the night, it was too dark for me to safely get any miles in for the IronKIWI 140.6 Challenge (more info to come). So, I ended the day with a little QT with my Christmas gift and the dreaded bike trainer for 10.17 miles powered by the first 17 songs in Act I of "Hamilton," because 20.17 miles was too much for me 🚴🏾‍♀️ Happy New Year!

Christmas gift from The Mr.: Fuji 2.0 LE - 2016

I survived Day 1, and I'm still smiling

Be The Finish!

I have been participating in this race since 2010, but I never truly "got it." I mean, my mother was a cancer survivor, but I seemed to have repressed the memory of her battle, probably because there were so many other things happening at the same time (my parents divorce, my father's remarriage, and the loss of our home during Hurricane Andrew to name a few). I saw survivors at the races and heard stories of those we'd lost, but, for some strange reason, it never truly resonated with me until now.

2016 has by far been the most difficult year of my life. In the past 3 months, I lost both of my parents, and cancer played a role in their deaths. In honor of the DONNA's 10th Anniversary and in memory of family and friends lost, I am asking for $10 donations to help The Donna Foundation support families as we work to FINISH this disease. I am also taking part in the Inaugural Booby Trap Challenge. Let's make 2017 our best year yet!

The Booby Trap Challenge is the DONNA 10K, 5K and either the Full or Half Marathon

"Oops! . . . I Did It Again"

Yes, I am channeling Britney Spears (I even pulled up the YouTube video to reminisce), but it's the perfect way to describe my little late night race registration relapse. You know how you hear about a race, pull it up on your browser, realize it's not in your budget, yet keep the window open for days weeks until you either find a discount code, approach the price increase deadline, or simply run out of rational reasons why you shouldn't register? Oh, that's never happened to you? Weird . . .

Anyway, the newest addition to my 2016 race calendar is the Psych Ed Connections Turkey Trot 5K/10K. Cons: I haven't decided which distance I'm running -- it's just three days before Space Coast -- and it's their inaugural race, so I'm not sure what to expect. Pros: It's close to home, it beats driving to Mandarin for the Thanksgiving Classic (although I have not run that race since I started the Big Bang Series in 2013, I still got up early and cheered my friends on), partial proceeds benefit Youth Crisis Center, and there is a parade after the races. Sounds like a winner, eh?

"It's time, once again . . ."

Every February since 2010, I have run 26.2 with Donna The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer. Subsequently, every year since 2011, I have begun my fundraising efforts with "It's time, once again for the 26.2 with Donna National Breast Cancer Marathon!" 

Well, today, ladies and gentlemen, registration is open, and :say it with me now: it's time, once again, for the 26.2 with Donna National Breast Cancer Marathon! In 2017 they will be celebrating their 10th anniversary, so we're in for a real treat. In addition to their usual Family Fun Run, 5K, Relay, Half, Full and 110 Ultra Marathons, they have added an Anniversary 10K and, what I suspect will be my new personal favorite, The Booby Trap Challenge (10K, 5K and either the half or full marathon)!

THIS is why I run:

First Coast News' Video from 2015 Race

So, who's running with me?!

Testing, testing . . .

. . . is this thing on?! 

So, last week during a seemingly endless Facebook scroll, I stumbled upon what appeared to be the perfect shirt for me. For those who may not know me -- presumable all of you -- I have had an obsession a love affair with the sport of running since a coworker, now dear friend, of mine roped me into marathon training back in 2009. Prior to this training, my running experience consisted of running, usually two weeks at a time, when I noticed I needed to lose a pound or ten, but I figured it would be a great way to jump start my new decade.

To make a long story short, I joined her on this journey and ran my first training 5K July 25, 2009, as shown in my profile picture. Over the next 16 months, I ran my first 5K race, marathon, 15K and half marathon (in that order). Gone is the occasional runner I was in my 20's. In her place stands the medal-obsessed marathon mom who, this season, stepped way outside her comfort zone and took on the roles of co-leader of a local Jeff Galloway Training group and Group Run Lead of a pilot group for a local chapter of Black Girls RUN!

None of this would be possible without God's grace, and I certainly owe a lot to my husband for allowing me a morning of stroller-free running on Saturdays, so I can enjoy my long runs without distraction. Now, sit back, relax, and watch me burn off the crazy . . . 

The inspiration behind my new motto