Counting Blessings and Taking Stock

The proverbial rush of the holiday season has died down for me now that I am on Christmas Break from my teaching position...and my running is going on a brief hiatus due to an overuse injury (shin splints).  Having met my yearly mileage goal of 1,000 miles last weekend, I am giving myself a small break to heal and reflect...but not without having a few last group runs to celebrate, despite my injury and gimpiness.  (Yes...I’ve joined another running group...more on that in a future post!)

Festive running apparel, complete with lights!

Monday night found me with a small group of dedicated Michigan runners braving cold rain, wind, and two passes over a drawbridge at night.  (I have found running over this drawbridge on a walkway wide enough for only one person and only six inches and a railing between me and traffic at night to be epically thrilling!) This fast-paced group has a ‘get-it-done’ mentality that matches my own training philosophy.   

Tuesday, I joined Run Muskegon for a Sweaty Santa holiday run complete with festive running gear and Christmas lights.  I had been keeping an eye out for brightly decorated houses along our running routes to make as destinations for the group the past few weeks.  The anticipation of this group outing brought out the youth in me as I prepared to done my holiday apparel...complete with tinsel garland, lights, and jingle bells.  I figured running in the dark required reflective gear and lights of some kind...why not make it festive for tonight?

Run Muskegon crew

Cheers to running friendships!

Afterward, the Run Muskegon group convened at our watering hole, Pigeon Hill Brewery, for a pint, some pizza, and cookies.  While the group has grown and changed in the year I have been a part of it, I am profoundly thankful for the friendships that have been forged through our love of running.  As I spend today icing and stretching, I am given the opportunity to count the many blessings running has brought into my life (and my son’s as well).  There are individuals and families that are dear friends, no longer mere acquaintances, and whose friendship extends well beyond worn out shoes and training plans.  I am beyond glad that I chose to continue to be a part of a run group...because there was a brief period I considered going back to solo running exclusively (due in part to personal conflicts).   This choice also led me to seek out another running group, Grand Haven Running Club, where I will continue to create new ties with more runners who are even more dedicated and crazy than I am about running.  

Life is funny.  I feel a bit like a phoenix rising who has been rising from the ashes for a few years now...smoldering, still singed around the edges from lingering fires and flare ups...but still rising, overcoming, growing.  And all with the help of family, friends, and running partners...so many blessings.

Merry Christmas!  Happy Holidays!  Run happy and often!  From one runner to many, many other...

A Runner's Christmas List

Have a runner on your Christmas shopping list?  Are you completely clueless what to by your pavement pounding, trail blazing, half (marathon) crazy friend or family member?  Below are a few suggestions for the perfect running gift.

Running in the Mitten’s Top Ten Gift Suggestions:

10) Gift certificate to a local running store
Shopping local is usually the best bet for running gear and shoes.  Specialty running stores, like Gazelle Sports, offer expert advice because their employees are runners too! They understand why we need three or four different pairs of running shoes!  (Trail shoes, race shoes, training shoes, winter shoes…)

9) Yoga/Pilates/Gym trial membership
Cross training is an integral part of any training plan and winter is the perfect time to incorporate this often overlooked component.  A trial membership lets your runner test out some new classes before fully committing to a gym or instructor.

8) Mittens/gloves
I love these Frosty Run Gloves *Reflective from Lululemon.  They are warm and fashionable, but still functional for nighttime running with their reflective accents.  AND they have snaps to ensure the search for a missing glove doesn’t derail an outdoor run!

7) Fuel
Not a gasoline gift card...but whatever gu/chew/food your runner prefers.  I use HUMA gels because I love that I can pronounce every ingredient on the package and they don’t give me ‘race stomach’ like other gels do.  Picky Bars are another favorite...again, all natural ingredients that are thoughtfully concocted by athletes for athletes.  And your runner really is an athlete.

6) Fleeced running tights 
Not all winter running tights are created equal.  Fleecing on the inside adds a layer of warmth for any cold weather run.  Look for tights that have pockets and reflective accents such as the Reflective Locks Run Tight by Oiselle for Title Nine.  Or my personal favorite, the Oiselle Moto Lesley Tights. 

5)  Reflective gear
Winter harkens shorter days and longer nights.  Chances are the runner in your life is pounding the pavement in the dark.  Why not light up their run with some reflective gear to keep them safe?  The Tracer360 Visibility Vest

4) A foam roller 
These are game changers for recovering after tough training runs and races.

3) Socks 
And not your boring white athletic socks!  A nice pair of wool running socks shows that you understand running is tough on feet.  There is nothing worse than running with frozen and soaked feet.  Wool socks wick moisture away and keep feet warm.  

2) Reflective running vest  
A vest offers more versatility than a jacket during winter runs. Runners warm up after a few miles and jackets can be too warm.  A vest is a nice compromise.  Again, reflective details are always a welcome bonus for any winter running gear!  I recently purchased this vest from Athleta.  I wanted something other than the typical neon yellow and pink that is common for reflective gear.

1) A race entry
Longer distance race entry fees can be pricey, so a gift like this is always welcome. Even better if you offer to be there cheering along the sidelines or as a running buddy.

 Good luck with your Christmas shopping!

*All of these suggestions are my own.  I am not receiving any swag or samples from any of the companies or products mentioned above. 

Ugly Sweater Run - Grand Rapids 2014 Recap

It’s not very often I run just for the fun of it, let alone pay for a run that isn’t timed.  So when I saw the Ugly Sweater Run was coming to Grand Rapids, I was dismissive at first.  

Usually, my son and I choose to participate in the Whoville Dash, but the cost is very high and we couldn’t run together, so I had to be sure to arrange for someone to watch him while I ran.  

I was bummed not to have a holiday run this year, and Cole has been showing even more interest in wanting to run with me, so I looked into the Ugly Sweater Run a bit more.  I am so glad I did!

After hunting through a few Goodwill stores to find some ugly Christmas sweaters, we eagerly awaited the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Knowing my son really hadn’t ‘trained’ for a 5K, I mentally prepared myself to have patience in abundance. 

 

Calder Plaza, smack downtown Grand Rapids, is the hosting venue for many outdoor events in the area, and the Ugly Sweater Run chose well to start and finish the race there.  Christmas music was pumping through loudspeakers and hot chocolate was flowing as participants lined up for pictures in front of the many festive decorations scattered throughout the plaza.  We picked up our swag bags and hats, bumping into a few runner friends from home, then made our way to the race corral. 

Photo courtesy of GameFace & the Ugly Sweater Run

“Snow” was falling as the announcer released the first few heats of ugly-sweater-wearing runners.  The feeling all around was festive and merry!  Cole was chomping at the bit to start running...and I gently reminded him that three miles was a long way.  “We need to pace ourselves buddy!”  It didn’t take too long for us to have to slow to a walk and begin the run/walk cycle to get us through the course.  Reining in my own personal frustration not to be running, I encouraged Cole to set his own pace and listen to his body.  He happily chatted throughout the streets of downtown Grand Rapids.  By the end, his little legs were weary, but he powered through straight to the finish.  So proud of my little guy! 

Ultimately, my goal of running with my son was achieved.  It wasn’t fast.  But it was a meaningful experience for both of us.  It kicked off our holiday season perfectly.  

Photo courtesy of GameFace & the Ugly Sweater Run

PS...he still wants to be a runner...perhaps this spring and summer will hold more mother & son runs together.

Still smiling!

Transcending Borders & Boundaries

Recent Italian transplants, Carlo and Sofia, had a few of our RunMuskegon members over for a pasta dinner this weekend.  I first met Sofia and Carlo a year ago on a November run group night.  They quickly became regulars, and went on to take part in several West Michigan races.  Usually we’d talk and share race stories over a pint after a group run.  So when the invite came, I jumped at the chance to get to know my Italian friends better.  

Sofia and I at the 2014 Katty Shack 5K in Grand Haven.

The food was fabulous...authentic Italian in every way from a mouth-watering puff pastry filled with zucchini and ricotta, scrumptious orecchiette with broccoli, a spinach salad, right down to the post-dessert espresso with chocolate.  Every bite was as warm and inviting as Sofia and Carlo welcoming us into their home.  Conversations flowed with the red wine, laughter and stories filled the room.  Surrounded by my runner friends, I felt truly fortunate and thankful for these individuals in my life, and in awe of how we came together.

Sometime between the salad and dessert, Sofia brought out a photobook of her 100K trail race (Magraid Trail Race) she completed in Italy before moving to Michigan.  She was part of a two woman team that ran side by side over the course of three days.  Flipping through the photos, she described the experience, I discovered this petite Italian woman was definitely a force to be reckoned with.  

Sofia & Carlo (in the blue) at the Old Boys Oktoberfest Race series.

As I listened to Sofia describe her 100K experience, I marveled at how running transcends borders and boundaries. Much like music and mathematics, which are considered to be universal because you don’t need to understand the English, French, Spanish, or (in this case) Italian it is spoken with...you only need to open yourself up and the passion easily communicates the meaning.  Our need to run extends across the world.  

Runners just ‘get’ other runners.  Especially runners that have trained and raced long distances.  The determination, intention, the sheer pure grit to reach a goal of that scale...it is identifiable in others who have it too.

Perhaps that is one of the underlying chords that ties running groups together.  Despite being a hodge-podge collection of people from widely differing backgrounds and lives, we understand each others’ journey...because we are on that path too.  We speak the language of runners...through the rhythm of our pounding feet, the beep of GPS watches, smiles and grimaces, high-fives, and pats on the back.  

Whatever it is that allows us to overcome language barriers, I happy it exists...especially now that I have my sights set on an international marathon in a few years!  Viviamo. Amiamo. Corriamo.

Say It Isn't Snow!

The fluffy white stuff came a bit early this year...and stuck around.  I went for a quick run Monday afternoon thinking that I needed get as many warm, outdoor runs in before the ground was cloaked in white….little did I know that quick two mile run would be my last snow-free run of the year.  I ran the bike trail that skirts Muskegon Lake, taking in the changes I have seen it go through over the past year.  All the boats are out of the harbors now, snuggled and winterized in their warehouses.  The foot traffic on the bike trail has dramatically decreased with the dropping leaves and temperatures. Once winter comes, most of the sections of the bike trail nearest the water become too hazardous for runners and pedestrians.  The plants are now brown and dried up, no longer colorful or green, leaning haphazardly against each other and on the ground.  A far cry from the autumn wonderland I so enjoyed just a few weeks ago.

Weather for my run group’s Wednesday night session felt frigid, but it was truly nothing compared to what we survived last year.  Nonetheless, the temperatures and wind chill were unexpected this early in November and marked an abrupt end to fall running...even if the snow wasn’t swirling quite yet.  Lit up in our assortment of reflective gear (and sharing it with some of our newer members), we took off to the streets and sidewalks of downtown.   A few snowflakes licked us as we ran in the dark, now pounding the pavement of the downtown neighborhoods in Lakeside, but not enough to coat the ground.

Concerns about how the snow, cold, and ice will slow down my times down again floated through my mind as I debated which layers I was going to wear.  Summer was a struggle for me, seeing my times and paces affected by heat and humidity, autumn brought redemption and speed that I am counting on to keep me on track to meet my 2015 goals.  Another epic, frozen winter like last year...that will put any all-season runner to the test.  

By Friday, it had snowed enough for a few inches to stick.  I seized the chance to run outdoors after school, even though I was incredibly nervous about running on my own.  I didn’t know what to expect on the snow-covered bike path.  While the scenery hadn’t changed much, the terrain had.  It was difficult to see where the pavement’s edge was at first.  During the first 800m, my footprints were the only marks marring the freshly fallen snow.  Eventually my tracks joined those of a rabbit, zigzagging across the path.  Occasionally, bird track would dot the sides of the trail, near low, scrubby brush.  Further down, I joined the walk of a dog and his owner who had also decided to brave the snowy trail before me.  Rounding a bend and trekking closer to the bridges, I recognized the footprints of another runner.  Smiling because I was proud of myself for noticing the tracks were different from that of the dog-walker, I knew I was no longer ‘alone’ on the bike trail.  Even though there was not another soul to be seen for my five mile run, I knew that others had ventured before me, as would others after me.  

Funny how comforting that was.  Despite being alone, I took solace in the knowledge that others sought the trail; I had company of sorts...others who perhaps sought a physical release of energy, a jaunt with nature, or just an excuse to play in the snow.  For example, once I turned back toward my Jeep, I began to ‘play’ a bit in the snow...first running only in MY footsteps...then in the other runner’s, comparing my nature gait to his...then ‘skating’ along the path (quickly running, then sliding with both feet on the icy/slick spots)...and finally kicking up as much snow as I could when I came to the bridges that cradled a snow depth of four inches.  I am positively certain that anyone who would have come along while I was ‘funning’ (having fun while running) would have had every right to believe that I was crazy...or an over-sized kid.  But then again, maybe they also would have smiled and joined in the fun with me.  

  I settled for my Oiselle Moto Lesley Tights, Lux Funnel Neck, 

a Brooks Infiniti Half Zip, a hat and some gloves.  I’ve been 

breaking in my Brooks PureGrit trail shoes that I am 

intending to use while logging my outdoor winter miles.

That is what I am going to try to hold onto this winter...making running fun, even in the middle of Polar Vortex 2.0.  Those long runs, with seemingly endless miles across frozen roads and trails, could be so much more enjoyable if I seek the joy in my surrounds and have fun with it.  2015 holds two major goals for me:  a time goal for the Fifth Third Riverbank Run 25K and my first marathon.  Winter is just beginning.  Weather experts are saying its going to be a long one.  So here is to more ‘funning’ this winter!  Bring it!

By the way...so far the snow hasn’t slowed me down much. My average pace is still below 8:00 per mile.  #justsayin’

   

Running Through the Curves...and Overcoming Obstacles

Pulling on my tights for the first time in seven months, searching for my running mittens as I tried to pump myself up for my first really cold run of the fall.  It was below freezing and I hadn’t needed to bundle up for a run in a long time.  Good thing I had packed up my summer running gear, switching it out for my winter clothing.  Layering for cold runs has always been a concern for me, as I tend to warm up very quickly and dislike tying jackets around my waist or worrying about shedding layers and losing them.  

Yesterday was an amazing run.  There was some concern about the wind coming off Muskegon Lake and the windchill slowing me down.  But after the first half mile, my legs were warmed up, settling into the familiar cadence and rhythm of a long run.  Along the bike trail I chose to log my ten solo miles on, I was greeted by the cardinal who has been a constant presence this fall.  Leaves crunched and relented under my pounding feet.   I felt strong. I felt fast.  The first five miles sped by as I took in the solitude that enveloped me as I made my way out to Lake Michigan.  A brief pause along my favorite boardwalk, I finally felt at peace, free from the emotional hurricane that had been the driving force of my paces for the past few weeks.  

Earlier in October, my life took a major curve: a personal betrayal and the resulting fall-out sent me into a tailspin.  I was struggling to make sense of what had happened and sorting out the shattered pieces of my broken heart.  Running has long been one of the ways I process through stress, anxiety, anger, and grief.  I have pounded the pavement while seething vivid, red.  And while seeping deep, aching grey.  But for the past few weeks, the emotional rollercoaster I have been on has been a canvas of colored emotions: disbelief, betrayal, hurt, confusion, self-doubt.  

And I turned to it again, despite the sense of betrayal and distrust that had been clouding my runs.  I have actually had to force myself to get out and run.  I haven’t had the desire to and that was concerning.   Anyone who knows me well enough realizes the importance of running in my life and my need to ‘just run.’  

A lack of sleeping, eating, and desire to run did not stop my legs from churning:

5.3 miles 41:52 (7:53 pace)

3.3 miles 25:14 (7:38) pace

5.0 miles 38:04 (7:36 pace)

4.1 miles 29:55 (7:17 pace)

6.2 miles 46:04 (7:25 pace) GR marathon relay

4.0 miles 29:32 (7:23 pace)

6.2 miles 44:31 (7:10 pace)

9.2 miles 1:10:11 (7:37 pace)

3.0 miles 23:01 (7:40 pace)

5.0 miles 36:49 (7:21 pace)

10.0 miles 1:16:35 (7:39 pace)

There were even several sub 7:00 minute miles toward the end of each of those runs.  And every one was a negative split.  I would like to think that the cooler weather as a small part in my speedier, more consistent times...but I know myself better.  And even though each one of these runs was driven by a swirl of negative emotions, by the time I was done, I felt better.  Less hurt, less angry, more confident in my decisions and newly chosen path.  I am choosing to look back at what I had and cherish the love and the memories that I was fortunate enough to experience, rather than focusing on the end.  I was lucky to have love in my life again, even if it wasn’t meant to last.  As with most life-experiences...the beginning and endings are often rough and rocky...but the middle is the best part.  

Keeping this in mind, I continue to put one foot in front of the other, from looking forward to new running goals and new opportunities to become involved in my community to planning out my last year as a graduate student and spending quality time with my little one...who isn’t so little anymore.  This too shall pass and the future awaits, bold and bright, for those willing to work hard and be patient.

Old Boys Oktoberfest Half Marathon Recap

This recent change in West Michigan weather from hot and steamy to crisp and fall-ish as given my running a major boost.  The end of September marked the beginning of my last taper for the year...on September 27th, I will be running my fourth half marathon of the year at the Old Boys Oktoberfest Half Marathon.  

Up until now, I didn’t care for tapering...it interfered with my very heavy spring race schedule (three half marathons and my first 25K within 11 weeks) or I just didn’t want to give up my mileage.  I tried a two week taper in before my first half marathon of the year...it wasn’t pretty.  That was about the time I heard the term ‘taper tantrums’ and it fit my running-state-of-mind perfectly.  

To taper for Old Boys, I decided to return to my tried and true one week taper, running my longest training run two weeks prior to my race, with an 8 mile long run a week later.  Surprisingly, I relatively mellow...could be my allergy medicine talking.  Or focusing on seeing some of my family members for the first time in almost two years!  Or the fact that I am walking on marshmallow feet, babying my right Achilles tendon that flared up a bit after a beach 5K I ran the prior Friday night.  

Other things were definitely keeping the racing nerves at bay.I didn’t want to risk anything stopping me from running this half marathon.  It was the first half marathon that most of my family had the opportunity to attend.  (Did I mention my brother was also getting married a few hours after I would be completing this last half marathon???)  A majority of my family lives out of town, therefore has never had the chance to watch me finish a race.  I was secretly hoping for some flashy signs and familiar faces somewhere out on the course...a girl can hope, right?  The days leading up to Old Boys gave me hope that I could run the course no problem: my heel felt looser and almost ache-free.

Group Shot! RunMuskegon Participants

Race morning began with my rituals: a breakfast of coffee, a banana, and peanut butter toast chased by water; gearing up in my Oiselle Flock singlet, Mac Roga shorts, and my favorite Zensah compression leg sleeves; and a few dynamic stretches to warm up.  It was a chilly morning, very similar to the weather of my last long training run in which I had run the race course in record time.  I knew that I had a very good chance to break through my goal of 1:45:00...as long as my Achilles could take the pavement pounding.  

My running group, RunMuskegon, met at the starting line for pictures.  Some of us were course veterans, while others, like my friend Ryno, would be running 13.1 miles for the first time.  We huddled for warmth and support until it was time to file into the starting corral.  The only thing I was nervous about was starting out too fast...a bad habit of mine.  My game plan was to start out around a 7:30 to 7:40 minute pace and try to maintain that for as long as I could.  Everything went so smoothly for the first six miles.  I saw the first group of loved ones waiting to cheer me on at the two mile mark, before they had to rush off to a soccer game.  My dad and son met me at the six mile mark along with a small crew of friends who had cowbells and posters.  I was feeling great!  Up until this point, I was running with a girl who was a collegiate cross country and track runner...and I was keeping pace through the rolling hills that surround Spring Lake!  

Still smiling at mile 2!

But just before mile seven, my right heel began to ache.  Dully at first, and then the rest of my leg began to tense up.  When I stopped to take my fuel (Huma Gel in Apple Cinnamon), I took a few seconds to stretch my calves, in the hope that loosening them up would help keep me on my goal pace.  I also slowed up a bit, wanting to hover around an 8 minute pace.  I knew that I needed to run at least that to have any hope of attaining a personal record.  And knowing that I usually hit a wall around mile ten and the race course became more hilly in the last half, I needed to soldier on.  

Instead of dwelling on the increasing discomfort in my lower right leg, I turned toward reflecting on the scenery, truly enjoying the beauty of the morning and the course as I followed the curves and turns around Spring Lake.  Eventually spectators began to appear on the course again, and I used their cheers to bolster my energy.  Some of them were even for me!  More friends had found spots at the park in Ferrysburg before the course swept over the bridges.

The most difficult part about the Old Boys course is the end.  As you complete the last hills, hiking up the bridges that connect Ferrysburg, Grand Haven, and Spring Lake, you run past the brewery where runners and their families were already celebrating finishes.  But YOU still have a mile to compete before the finish line appears.  Mentally, that is a downer...so close, but still a ways to go.  

As I rounded the last turn, my Achilles hurt bad enough to affect my stride.  I stopped looking at my GPS watch and really had no idea what my time was until I saw the clock at the finish line.  I almost cried when the red digits appeared...I was still within grasp of my goal...I could still do it.  Mustering everything I had left, I sprinted (or at least what felt like sprinting) to the finish line.  I could hear cheers from my run group friends as they saw me coming down the chute...they knew what I knew.  I was going to do it!  I finished those 13.1 miles with a PR time of 1:44:52.5 (8:00 minute pace), jumping across the finish line with tears in my eyes.  

Colin & Ryno cross the finish line!

While waiting for my friends Liz, Colin, and Ryno to finish the half, the tail end of my cheer team showed up to cheer me on...but I had run a bit quicker than anticipated, so they missed the finish!  We were still able to pose for pictures with all the signs afterward!  (Yes...I got my flashy signs and many smiling faces!)  My favorite moment post-race was seeing Ryno finish his first half marathon.  Our fellow RunMuskegon member, Colin ran with Ryno the entire time, finishing it off with a pat on the back as they crossed the finish line.  That moment says everything about our run group:  we support each other and cheer each other on.

I walked away with a new half marathon personal record as well as a third place age group finish! Celebrating my achievement with loved ones and friends, I grabbed a pint of Old Boys Oktoberfest beer. 

Next up:  Grand Rapids Marathon Relay October 19, 2014.

Introducing Running in the Mitten

I have decided to share my adventures and trials as a runner (more on those later...).  For now, here is my runner's story...

I've been a runner on and off for most of my adult life, beginning late in high school with one season stints in track and cross country. I picked running up again when I went back to college to pursue education and ran up until I was eight months pregnant with my son. I unsuccessfully tried to return to running while pushing a crying infant and eventually wiggly toddler, but someone just didn't like simply sitting there while I ran. As a way to scratch my 'Gotta Run' bug, I coached a local Girls on the Run team for two seasons. But life got in the way...in a very abrupt and life-altering way...that led me to choose NOT to run...and then right back to it again.

A little more than a year after graduating with my degree in elementary education, I was facing a lay off when I received a phone call on a day I will never forget. I remember so much about March 18th, 2011: what I was wearing, what I was doing at the exact moment I was summoned to the office of the middle school where I was an English teacher. My husband was at the doctor's office to get the results of some testing he had done earlier in the month...but they wanted me there when he heard the results. An incredibly fast car ride home led us to an examination room and a cancer diagnosis: at the age of 30, my husband was diagnosed with stomach cancer. The next few days were a whirlwind of scheduling and planning a trip to Mayo Clinic. All the while, I was fighting the urge to lace up my shoes and run. I briefly toyed with the idea of packing my running gear that hadn't been touched in months, but dismissed that as frivolous and selfish.

A few days later, found myself in the stairwell of our hotel after learning the news that my husband had a very grim prognosis...several months to a few years. My urge to run was almost primal. I wanted to run...and run away from everything that was tearing my life and my family apart. The stairwell was the only escape I had found where I could shed a few tears in private, so I could at least appear strong for Collin. But I was terrified to run. I was afraid that if I began running, I wouldn't stop. That I would end up running away from a fight that I had made a vow to fight. I couldn't live with myself if I ran way, so I chose to give up running and channel all my efforts in to fighting for Collin's life and my family.

I didn't go cold turkey. I ran a few 5Ks to raise money for cancer research, but I never trained for them. It hurt for a few days afterward, but nothing that really mattered as much as the chemo side-effects I nursed my husband through. But finally, thirteen months after I 'gave up' running, Collin told me to go for a run to burn off my frustration. So I did. And I found a refuge from care-giving and cancer and teaching and every other excuse to which I had clung. Even as Collin lay dying in the hospital, he told me to pack my running shoes 'just in case' I needed to run for a bit. I did pack them. But I didn't use them that night. Instead, I sat for hours watching his last breaths.

In the few days after his death, I had very little motivation to do much other than care for our son. But my sister Erin and cousin Sarah showed up and went running, practically dragging me with them. And I haven't stopped since. Pounding the pavement around the apple orchards and asparagus field that surrounded my home became my grief therapy. My anger and frustration at the world and my 'only-parent' status fell off my shoulders and fell miles behind me.

Spring turned to summer, autumn, and eventually I was faced with a question: How would I run in the winter? I had toyed with the idea of running on a treadmill over the winter months, but couldn't quite stomach it. And then I saw a Facebook post about a half-marathon for only women: the first annual Gazelle Girl Half Marathon. The longest race I had ever run was a local 10K just a few months before. I thought to myself, "If there was ever a time to be crazy, might as well start now." So I signed up, bought some cold weather running gear and never looked back.

On April 13th, 2013, braving heartache, self-doubt, snow, sleet, and a flooding Grand River, I completed the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon in 1:55:57...under my goal of two hours. A few weeks later marked the one-year anniversary of my late-husband's death and a one full year of running. But I was no longer running for therapy or grief. I was running because it was my 'me-time' and other women in my life began running because they saw me running.

Now I have completed five half marathons, a 25K, more 5Ks and 10Ks than I can count, and my racing bib rack is overflowing.  I am also a member of the Oiselle Flock, a sisterhood of runners spanning across the country.  This is a far cry from the widow I was two and a half years ago. Running helped me piece a shattered life back together; rebuild myself as a stronger woman, mother, teacher, and friend. I don't even think about how vastly different my life would have been without running...