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

"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