It's not a cape, it's my running skirt

Happy New Year! Each year I like to reflect on my journey as a runner. This year I celebrated 9 years as a runner. I started running in 2011 and haven't stopped since. This year brought new challenges. I'm older and it's harder for me to get up and run in the morning. I also started working at a job I have to commute longer and report to the office earlier. Additionally, I was sidelined for nearly the entire month of October while I recovered from a concussion. I initially wanted to run 1,000 miles in 2019, and I fell 225.39 miles short. I'm still very proud of every run I was able to get out and do, even the short, hard ones. I'm also using this data to set goals for 2020. I've got to adjust my goal based on the upcoming Presidential campaign cycle (I work in politics) and my wedding in June 2020. I'd like to run 600 miles in 2020. What's your running resolution?

Disclaimer: I received the  BUFF® Tech Fleece to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a  BibRave Pro  (ambassador), and check out  BibRave.com  to review, find, and write race reviews! I'll admit it, when I got my BUFF®  Tech Fleece headband I thought that there was not way that this headband would keep my head warm. I run outside all year round and have always opted to wear winter hats (think adorable pom-poms and varies craft breweries written across the front). But I was sure wrong. Between September and November the temperature steadily dropped and whether it was a little chilly, or snowy my head was kept warm (and sweaty smell free). Not only that, but as a gal with a larger forehead, I really liked the width of the headband. It also blocks UV rays so it keeps my scalp protected! The headband also keeps my hair controlled so I can still feel stylish if I need to run errands pre or post run. I was also concerned ab...

Late last month I took a spill off a boat and hit my head. It was pretty scary. I ended up in the water under the boat. My fiance had to throw the boat into reverse just to avoid hitting me. I must have briefly lost consciousness because I don't remember where or when I hit my head. When I got out of the water I had a small cut on my nose. Other than a little blood, I had no other visible injuries. I was shocked when I didn't end up with two black eyes. Because I didn't exhibit any of the typical characteristics of a broken nose or concussion I assumed nothing was wrong and went about business as usual. I kept running, driving and going to work. Even though I had a persistent headache and my nose and part of my face was numb I decided not to listen to my body and keep going. By day four I knew something had to give. I went to Urgent Care and they - of course - sent me to the hospital. At the ER I was diagnosed with a concussion and, luckily, an x-ray ruled out any ...

Disclaimer: I received a pair of OOFOS Women’s OOahh Sport Slides to review as part of being a BibRave Pro . Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews! I was working in Washington, DC in 2013 when I learned that a family member was diagnosed with cancer. I moved home to help my family and saw first hand how difficult the treatments are for patients, and how heartbreaking cancer is for family and loved ones. For a time, I even upended my career to work for a non-profit with a mission to find cures for cancer. Cancer made me feel powerless, and I'm not a doctor so I did whatever I could to exert whatever power I had.  Running helped. When I raced I raised money to fund cancer research. I wore shirts that promoted organizations that supported my cause and every step I took made me feel like I had regained some of the power that diagnosis took away.  When I found out that OOFOS donates 3% to...

I ran my first 5k race eight years ago today. I decided to celebrate by doing a 3.11 mile recovery run this morning. While I was running I reflected on the runner and the person I've become since I took those first strides all those years ago. I've gone for more than 1,000 runs. Each step has made me a better person. I use running to exercise my body and mind. A former colleague of mine recommended it when she noticed I was carrying around a lot of toxic energy. My self confidence was at an all time low. I took everything personally and was quick to anger. I still struggle with my self confidence and anger at times, but when I run I have the time to ask myself why I'm feeling the way I am. Sometimes it's even easier than that. While I'm focused on form and breathing my mind is working away and I often finish running with a resolution even when I didn't know I was looking for one. I'm going to keep running and keep challenging myself. Eight years, 1,000...

I ran my first race - and half marathon - of 2019. I didn't train for it the way I should. I also scaled back on my running a lot after starting a new job and recent engagement. It was a hot day, and suffice it to say, I wasn't ready. I finished the race, but I didn't run the whole time, which is usually my goal. My time was also a lot slower than I wanted it to be. For the first time in almost a decade of running I crossed the finish line and broke down in tears. I was embarrassed of my time, ashamed that I didn't put the time into training and just flat out exhausted. I wore my medal around my neck and it felt heavy with the guilt and shame I was carrying. But as the day wore on that medal served as a reminder that I should be proud. I made an effort to get out there and take on a race, even if I wasn't 100% ready. There were people who wanted to sign up for the race and didn't, there are people who aren't able-bodied and couldn't. I crossed the ...

I was part of a political training this past week. From the word go, nothing seemed to be going right for this training and there were people counting on us. We could have called it a day and refunded the training participants money, but instead we chose to power through and see what we could accomplish together. It wasn't perfect, but we were still able to deliver for the training participants and we all learned something. That lesson applies to a lot of things, and that includes running. Some runs and races I start out all wrong. Too fast, too tight, too sore. What matters is, when the wheels fall off do you walk away or do you power through? The trainings I give, and the runs I do when I struggle and overcome obstacles often mean the most to me. I learn and I do it better next time.