Let's start by "re-capping" the original reason for my starting this blog, the great 100 Day Challenge. I would be lying if I said that completing the challenge was easy, it was far from that. It required making time, commitment, and dedication. It also required me saying at times that I couldn't do something because I needed to get my workout in...something that not everyone always understands. I would also be lying if I said I wasn't proud of myself. I was and I am (and I am already planning my next challenge). Unfortunately despite being proud of myself, my emotions about completing the challenge were very overwhelming, I started and discontinued several blog posts since that time as I felt I just couldn't find the right words. I am not going to talk much more about that topic (as I still can't seem to find the right words) but I will say (rather proudly) that I DID IT! I made the time to work out every day for at least 30 minutes for 100 days straight! And in the end it truly felt GLORIOUS!
After completing my 100th Day workout!
Moving on. Where have I been for the last few months and what have I been up to? Well, we'll start with me running a half marathon dressed as Wonder Woman. Yes, you did read that correctly. I dressed as Wonder Woman to run the Long Island 1/2 Marathon last May...as a fundraiser. I set out to raise a set amount of money for the LI2DAY, a cause that is very much near and dear to my heart, and I far exceeded my goal amount. I had announced that if I reached said amount I would dress as my favorite comic book character, a very well known icon, for the race. Not only did my sister and boyfriend do an amazing job with my costume (Kelsey made the tutu and Phil designed and created the shirt), but it was such an amazing race for me! As many of my running friends know the crowds are always such a sign of support and love at races. The individuals cheering that day used my costume as a cheering tool, and it felt wonderful. The best was when a little boy (maybe about four years old) got all excited when I ran by! Cutest thing ever! Here's a picture of what I looked like the day I ran...
Not only was the race amazing (and the pancakes afterwards DELICIOUS), but I got such a wonderful response to both the costume and the fundraising that I said if I doubled my amount by the week before the LI2DAY (a 2-day breast cancer walk that my sister and I participate in every year), I would dress like Wonder Woman for Day 2 of the walk. So, lo and behold, the costume made yet another appearance! The LI2DAY, a 35-mile 2-day breast cancer walk, where 100% of what we raise goes to the cause (and stays on Long Island) takes place every June. This past year was my fourth year participating, and it was awesome. Kelsey and I embraced the Wonder Woman theme and Phil created a series of Wonder Woman shirts for us to wear throughout the walk. It was a great weekend...one in which I realized how strong I have truly become. I finished the walk in great spirits, almost no blisters, and very little soreness (the soreness I did have was from sleeping in a tent between the two days). We are already planning for the 2014 event!!!!
Kelsey and I at the finish line of the LI2DAY! 35 miles for BUSTS!
Okay, so since completing my 100 Day Challenge I ran a 1/2 marathon dressed as Wonder Woman and participated in the 2013 LI2DAY. I also participated in a wealth of "fun" runs this summer. I did the Glow Run in June, an amazing Dirty Girl Mud Run in July, and the Color Run in September. While these were all amazing experiences, I have to say that the mud run was really eye opening for me. Not only did I complete obstacles that just a year ago I may have walked away from, but I felt stronger than I have in a long time and challenged myself in new ways. It was a WONDERFUL experience and I will definitely be back for more mud next year!
Post Mud Run glory!
In the month of August I also completed my first trail race. I really loved this course and the whole 'trail' experience. Once I finish marathon training (oh, whoops...getting ahead of myself), I will be looking to do more trail training. I guess I'll just need another pair of running shoes! I also participated in the Cow Harbor 10k. This is a HUGE race (over 5,500 participants) that has quite a lot of hills! I was very happy with my performance and really enjoyed the crowds. Tomorrow I will take on another half marathon and then this is my last race until Philly (keep reading).
Now that I've recapped all of my "events" since completing the challenge, I need to mention the one big thing that I have been working towards. As a reward for completing the 100 Day Challenge I registered for my first...wait for it...full marathon. Yes, on November 17th I will be participating in the Philadelphia Marathon where I will take on 26.2 miles. This training has taught me so much about myself, discipline, commitment, and strength. I am fitter than I have ever been, challenged myself in new ways, and run FURTHER than I ever thought I would (we'll discuss this further in a future blog post). Marathon training is equally as emotional as it is physical and while I'm terrified (as I should be) of the mileage I will take on, I am incredibly excited and enthusiastic about the task.
So, that brings us all up to date! I'm happy to be back! The next few posts will be all about my training leading up to race day...what it has taught me, how I'm feeling, and as the title says, where I will be going from here...
