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

#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:

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 . . .

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