Sweet 16: Marathon Training

The process of marathon training is not one for the faint of heart or lacking motivation.  This task requires a lengthy commitment and dedication that will challenge and test any runner.  I knew this when I began training for my first marathon on the heels of my 25K in May.  My 18 week marathon training plan was going to push me to mileage and extended paces I had never attempted before.  

The Sweet 16 Route

Running six days a week, with two quality workouts, I wrapped up my eleventh week this morning, and I must say, it was a very different my most of my training runs.  Not only did I run the first of three 16 mile runs, but I raced my first back to back races ever in the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival run (I did the 5K and 10K).

Leading up to this long run, I have been combating loneliness on most of my runs.  There aren’t many local runners who want to join me on my quality workouts (speed and tempo runs) at my pace...and I don’t blame them.  Sweating it out for eight or more miles as the mercury climbs and the humidity thickens is not what I’d call fun.  But the work must be done, and I must do it.  So far I have varied my routes as much as I can within the limits of childcare arrangements and taken to listening to the backlog of podcasts on my iPhone.  I have longed for company on my long, easy runs.  

As an attempt to lure other runners to join me for a stretch of what is one of my longest runs in my training plan, I decided to change up my route and run around Muskegon Lake.  I checked the distance, following the Lakeshore Bike path, beginning at one side of the channel around to the other side.  The distance was the 16 miles that was penciled into my training log.  Next step...find some others willing to get up and brave the warm morning.  I threw the invite out to my run groups, hoping that my easy pace of 8:30ish would be tempting for a few.  

Starting Point: Steven & I at the Muskegon Lighthouse and South Pier Head.

Only my boyfriend Steve joined me for the entire distance (he is in the earlier weeks of a marathon training plan), but we picked up a several other local runners for varying distances along the way.  Their smiles, hellos, and conversations helped the miles fly by in quick little chunks.  Catching up with Alana, Heidi, Colin, and Shawn was a bonus to the sunny, long miles around Muskegon Lake.  With them also came offers of ice water (yes please!), sunscreen, body glide, gels, and words of encouragement.  (Side note:  Heidi, Colin, and Shawn all ran the Kalamazoo Marathon this past spring.)  

Heidi, me, and Alana during the first six miles.

Colin and Shawn joined me at the half way point in North Muskegon

Finished!  We made it around to the other side!

As Steve and I approached Muskegon State Park, we were greeted by a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan.  “Hello my friend,” Steve said as we made our way over the last of the backwood dune hills and into the state park.  Until this run, I had never been in this part of the park before.  I was stunned by the beauty of the dunescape that surrounded us:  gently rolling dunes blanketed with marram grass, patches of milkweed and other native flowers dotting the roadside, a calm and majestic water as far as the eye could see.  Carlo and Sofia awaited us at the end of our sweet 16 miles with water and smiles.  

I couldn’t be happier about how my highest mileage week yet ended:  a wonderful long, slow run.  

Steve, me, Jack, Sofia, and Carlo before we headed home!

Race Recap: Nike Women's 15K Toronto

Ever since I began running longer distances, the Nike Women’s race series has been on my bucket list.  I had expected it to stay there for a while because the reality of a single mom on a school teacher budget traveling across the country (or internationally) for a fairly pricey half marathon just wasn’t realistic.  I willingly put dreams of a Tiffany finisher’s pendant off to the side and focused on other running goals.

Then along came a day in March, and word spread that Nike was adding a race in Toronto!  Practically a hop, skip, and a few hours of driving away!  Excitement persuaded reason to take a leap of faith.  So I entered my name in the lottery, fingers-crossed that I have the chance for an international running adventure.  

Early April, I receive an email that made me squeal with glee:  I had an entry into the Nike Women’s 15K Toronto race!  I couldn’t believe it!  A rash of text messages and emails went out, bombarding my inner circle with my good news.  A few hours later, after I began to plan out and coordinate the logistics of this mini runcation, reality set in:  I was going to do this race and most likely, I was going to do it all by myself.  Toronto was not only going to be my longest road trip to date (is that sad for an independent woman in this day and age??) but my first solo international trip (yes...Canada counts...my passport was required!)  

The week leading up to the Nike Women’s 15K Toronto race was flooded with last minute travel arrangements, emailed updates from Nike, packing, and weather checking.  I am fortunate to have several family members who live near Toronto and many emails and messages later, my cousin Kristin helped me find a place to stay.  Arriving in Toronto in the mid-afternoon, I had just enough time to roam about the expo and pick up my packet.  

The Women’s Village was set up on Queens Quay West and chalk full of exciting things to see.  The Crystal Palace (a floating barge in the harbor) hosted multiple classes and exercise opportunities leading up to race morning.  Nike had a very impressive shop with race specific apparel, shoes, running analysts, etc.  The pounding music only drove my excitement to be at this event even further to the edge.  Walking along and exploring the vendors and sponsor tents gave me the chance to stretch my travel stiffened legs and hook up to the complementary WiFi.  (Sidenote:  When doing an international race, check with your cell phone carrier about an addon for international data and minutes.  I overlooked this detail and was at the mercy of Tim Horton’s and Starbuck’s free WiFi!)

Downtown Toronto as seen from the Centre Island Dock.

My Canadian cousins, Deb and Eric, put me up at their house for the night prior to the race.   A few shake out miles and a shower later, we sat down for dinner.  It was lovely to spend the evening catching up and listening to family stories...the ones that only come out decades later once everyone has found the humor in the incidents.  I laid out my race gear and pinned on my bib, a la Flat Courtney style and crawled into bed.  The excitement of my journey and the long car ride had wiped me out.

Flat Courtney

Waking up at the crack of dawn, I quietly dressed and packed while my hosts brewed a pot of coffee.  One cup and I was on my way back to downtown and Queens Quay to catch my 6:00 am ferry.  I had my fingers crossed that I could navigate back without assistance from my GPS on my phone.  Only making one wrong turn, I had little trouble finding parking and following the obvious tide of women runners heading for the docks.  I lined up in my queue and waited with anticipation and the fervent wish I had stopped somewhere for another cup of coffee.  As the sun dawned upon Lake Huron and the Toronto Islands, ferries transported participants and spectators.  I was greeted by a fantastic drumline as I made my way to the starting area, where I met up with fellow Oiselle birds, Carly and Lauren.  There was plenty of time to walk about, find bathrooms, check our gear and warm up before the 9:30 am start time.  

Being in the first half of marathon training, I honestly had no idea what to expect of myself as far as a finish time.  I did not allow myself a taper for this race, instead letting it count as tempo run.  My hope was to beat my prior 15K time of 1:06:13, but other than that, I simply wanted to race well and strategically.

Oiselle Birds ready to fly!  Myself, Carly, & Lauren representing!

A cool, steady light rain began just as I entered my wave corral.  I joined a huddle of runners jumping up and down to stay warm as the announcer pumped everyone up and counted down the start.

This was an amazing course for being on a small island, alternating pavement, dirt, and grassy paths...even an airport runway!  (Yes...planes were taking off as we ran on the neighboring runway!) The drumline that greeted us off the ferry was on the course, as well as a church choir.  It was interested to see a course marked out in both kilometers and miles.  And I could guess if my fellow runners were Canadian or American by where their GPS watches beeped!  One of my most favorite sights on the course was running past the pink lighthouse.  My other was the last mile of the race when I came to the boardwalk along the southern part of the island.  It was slick from the rain, so I wasn’t able to push my pace as fast as I wanted to, but the views of Lake Ontario were breathtaking.

Here is the preview of the course Nike released:

Nike Women's 15K - Course Preview
Your training got you here. Your best will take you home.Get your sneak peek of the Nike Women's 15K Toronto course.
Posted by Run Nike Women Series on Sunday, June 7, 2015

As with most races, the best part was the finish line:  Olympian Joan Benoit Samuelson was high-five-ing finishers!  A very sweet and unique ending to a race that gave me a new PR: 1:05:54!

And yes, I got my Tiffany blue box with my race pendant.  

Overall, this was an amazing experience.  There were a few hiccups, as there are with any first time race.  I don’t believe it was necessary to have the runners on ferries as early as 6:00 am when the race began at 9:30 am.  The course was a slow one, even though it was pretty flat.  The combination of pavement, dirt and grassy paths, several turns, and a slippery boardwalk did not allow for blazing fast times.  

In spite of these minor issues, Nike did put on a wonderful event from start to finish.  The entry fee and travel was worth checking this race series off my bucket list.  

From Veterans to Newbies: A Gazelle Girl Half Marathon Recap

Even two weeks later, my memories from my seventh half marathon flood me with emotions.  The 2015 Gazelle Girl Half Marathon & 5K was the best one yet...and largely due to a few amazing women.

Liz, Donna, Amanda, & myself. (Photo courtesy Becki Mueller)

After one of our group runs, my sole sisters Liz, Donna, and Amanda all decided to begin training for Gazelle Girl.  For Amanda and Donna, this was a giant step in their journey as runners:  a commitment to train for their first half marathon.  For Liz, it was a chance to push herself in her training and guide other runners to a new distance.  I happily chimed in, saying that I would rally troops and have a cheering section for them along the course.  The Gazelle Girl Half Marathon is a perfect first because of the spirit of the event:  to empower women.  I loved that they chose this race, also my first half marathon three years ago and Liz’s first half marathon last year, as their first.  

At first, I was dismissive about running the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon again.  I had yet to run the same event more than twice and I was hesitant to load up my spring race calendar with a half marathon only a few weeks before my second attempt at a 25K.  (Remember how I promised myself to fix my racing problem? Heh...well...I tried.)  But as the chilly winter weeks wore on, and I was asked about training advice and my experiences, I began to ask myself, “Why not run this one? Why not keep the Gazelle Girl streak going?”  So I plunked down another spring race fee and joined in the fun, witnessing their journey together with a sense of joy and honor.

Training through another harsh Michigan winter, Liz, Donna, Amanda, and I cemented our friendships as only running hundreds of miles, through thick and thin can do.  

Here is a recap of their training and their 2015 Gazelle Girl Half Marathon experience:

Why did you run the 2015 Gazelle Girl Half Marathon?  What were your motivators?

Amanda:  II remember the moment when I said that I would run the race. I fully expected that I would back out, because I had no faith that I could actually do it. But through slow and steady training runs, I began to see that it was possible. I was motivated by pride first of all. I didn’t want to be the only one in our little group to not do it.  The more time I spent running and thinking, I realized I was doing it for my fitness, for the friendships I’ve made through running, and for my spirit.

Donna:  I ran it to push myself farther than I've ever done before. I wanted to prove to myself that I am a strong woman.  Once I set a goal, I seek to achieve that goal. I was motivated by my friends, and by myself, to complete my first marathon surrounded by women of all ages, fitness levels & abilities.

Amanda, Donna, & Liz at the Gazelle Girl 2015 Expo.

Liz: Gazelle Girl 2014 was my first half marathon.  It was such an exciting, positive event and a life moment that I knew I had to do again.  There is nothing like joining 3000 like-minded women to achieve goals that at times feel insurmountable, on the journey to the finish line. I also ran this for myself- my health, my sanity, my life.  For this race I was motivated by besting my half marathon time from the fall, the sense of pride of being a “half marathoner”, my girls/training partners, and my boys in my life.

Tell me about your training process.  You did both group and individual runs...how did those help you?

Amanda:  I wanted to follow the Gazelle Girl half marathon training program but found that I couldn’t do it with my schedule. For about half of the winter I did speed work on my treadmill once a week, the Wednesday group run, and the weekend long run. But I found that my Monday speedwork ended up getting pushed to the wayside more often than not. The long runs with the group were highly motivating. I did a few solo long runs and they seemed so much harder.

Donna:  For the most part, I followed the Gazelle Girl half marathon training program.  However, I usually only ran about 2-3 days a week on average.

Liz:  I feel like I have been perpetually training--always running and ready for any race opportunity.  But with each long distance event, I usually restart my training from the beginning of the training plan and adjust it to best fit my life’s schedule.  I followed the Gazelle Girl Low Mileage plan- completing a day of speed work (usually on the treadmill the majority of the winter), a group run on most Wednesday nights, and a long run on the weekend.  Some weeks I was able to run more than others.  Group runs are hard at times being a slower runner and a walk/run method runner.  Sometimes those runs are the ones that create the most self-doubt in my running experience, but on the flip side can also motivate me and push me to run faster and harder/farther than I would have solo.  I loved my long runs with my training partners.  After training last year solo on the long runs- due to I was the only runner at that pace training for Gazelle- it was so nice to have someone with me to share those hours/miles while working on achieving 13.1.

Liz, Donna, & Amanda on a winter training run.

What was the best piece of advice you were given for your training?

Amanda:  There were so many! I think the equipment that helped me the most was the foam roller. But advice about the metronome, timing Gu fueling, handheld water bottles, etc. all helped immensely. The run/walk method wasn’t really “advice” but it kept me running the long distances. I try to tell myself that I can do anything for a set amount of time.

Donna : I believe the best advice I received was to be introduced to metronome running. It help improve my form, which in turn decreased aches & pains.

Liz: The one thing that I did change from my previous training was the use of a metronome.  I have found that to be really helpful with my running form and cadence.  Listen to your body and know your limits.  Don’t let pride create injuries--know when to stop and recover.  Compare yourself only to yourself as a runner.  All miles are better than no miles, the hardest part is getting out there.    

Race Prep:  What did you do?  What did you wear and eat?

Amanda:  I tried to eat healthier the week leading up to the race and drank tons of water. The morning of the race I had a couple of cups of coffee, an English muffin with peanut butter, and lots more water. I wore capri tights, a loose fitting tank top, and arm sleeves. I made sure that I didn’t wear anything that I hadn’t run in before.

Donna:  I tried to get more rest the 2 days prior to the race. On race day, I only ate a piece of toast with peanut butter. I wore a loose tank top & capris, with a pair of arm sleeves.

Liz:  I hydrated more than usual for the entire week prior and more each day closer to the race.  I tried to rest as much as I could during the week.  I ran some easy miles throughout the week to keep my legs fresh for the race.  I made sure the night before to have all of my gear out, bag packed so I was ready for the morning.  I wore a tank, capris, and sleeves for the race.  I ate an English muffin, lots of water with Nuun, and had half a can of diet Mt. Dew morning of the race.  

What were you thinking and feeling in the moments leading up to the race?

Pre-race prep in the VIP tent.

Amanda:  I couldn’t believe the fact that I wasn’t nervous. I was just excited. I had trained hard and well, and I felt complete confidence that I could do this. I’ve never had that feeling before a race before.  I usually have terrible race anxiety. The atmosphere of the event helped, as did being with my “training group.”  I keep going back to the fact that I was just so excited to be a part of this event.

Donna:  In the week leading up to the race, I felt prepared and ready to achieve my goal of completing my first half marathon. This was the first race I have not been nervous about. The day of the race, I remember being at the start line and feeling happy to embark on a new journey.

Liz:  I remember being excited to be here at the moment that we had trained all winter for together.  I was calm and not too worried about time or pace for this race as I had completed a half before and my end goal for this year was my next race (Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K).  I wanted to enjoy this experience and take it in creating memories.  And truthfully I was hoping that I wouldn’t finish too far behind everyone else.  

How did you feel during the race?  What was the most memorable moment for you?  What was the most difficult thing you had to overcome?

Amanda:  I felt great for the first 10 miles or so. I was enjoying looking around at the scenery, looking at the other runners, and being cheered on by spectators. The last three were difficult for me, mentally. I felt so close to the finish line, yet so far away. I had a few moments of self doubt, not that I couldn’t finish the race, but that I wasn’t going to meet my goals and was going to be disappointed in myself. I dedicated every mile to someone in my life that helped me get to where I was and I really just tried to think about that person and honor them to get me through the tough times. The most memorable moment for me was at mile 11. A woman running just in front of me passed the mile marker, turned around with her arms in the air, and yelled “I’ve never gone past 11 miles before!” All of the racers were exhausted, but we all cheered and clapped for her and it buoyed our spirits for a few minutes. It was a total “we are all in this together” moment. I felt honored to be part of her moment.

Donna:  I felt good the entire race. I did not have any moments of self-doubt, and each mile I ran was dedicated to someone special in my life. The most memorable moment was probably when I was running my last mile; the mile I dedicated to myself, and realizing that I had done it. I was actually running my fastest mile of the race, and I felt emotional, excited, and truly like I was flying. The most difficult thing I overcame was the guilt I felt when I kept on running & my friends were behind me. I was torn as to waiting for them, or running my own race.

Liz:  I felt pretty good during the race.  I put my faith in my training.  The first eight miles or so, my gals and I were running pretty close together.  It was nice to be doing this with them.  At a water station, I needed to fill my water bottle and they continued to run.  Once my bottle was filled I continued running.  I was behind.  That was difficult at first; only because I felt disappointed in myself for not keeping up with them. Shaking it off,  I knew that I was going to have to rely on my solo training from the prior year to finish strong.  I felt good and was running strong.  It was time for me to run my own race.  Every once and a while I would get a glimpse of one of my training partners and that would be motivating, because I wasn’t as far behind as I thought.  Just after mile 11, I saw one of them and I thought I could catch up to her if I pushed it.  When I finally caught up, I felt relief and excitement knowing we could finish together.   Turning into finishers alley, with all of the crowd cheering, is such a motivating and blissful way to finish.  It also helps when you see the finish clock and know that you are smashing your time from the year before and are going PR.  That was an awesome moment!  Another fantastic moment on the race course was when I was able to see a dear, dear friend who lives out of state cheering me on- her hug and cheers were priceless in helping me strive to keep pushing!

Rocking it at Mile 4! (Photo courtesy of Tracy Dorton)

How does it feel to now be a half marathoner?

Amanda:  Amazing. I never knew that I could accomplish something this big and this physical. I’ve never been an athlete and NEVER been any sort of runner. To be able to say I completed a half marathon, with the desire to continue doing them, is a huge badge of honor for me.

Donna:  It feels amazing!  I have been on cloud nine since, and it has given me an even bigger urge to push myself to do a marathon before the year is over.

Liz:  I am still amazed to think that I am a half marathoner x4.  I never in my wildest dreams ever imagined that this is something I would do and now it is something that I can’t imagine not doing.  I love it!  I am a distance runner.  

What is the next step for you on your journey as a runner?

Amanda:  The Fifth Third River Bank 25K will be another first for me in few weeks. I’m looking forward to crossing that off my bucket list, then see where running takes me. I am definitely planning to keep running and am excited to do more half marathons. After the River Bank, I plan to work on speedwork and endurance.

Donna:  I will be running the Fifth Third River Bank 25K in a few more weeks. I am looking forward to a new race, and a new distance.

Liz:  In a few weeks I will be running my second 25K.  I am excited to be participating in this race again this year.  I am excited to run this year because I am feeling stronger and healthier as a runner for this race.  This distance and race has my personal goal for this race season..  After that, I intend to bring my training back a bit and work on speed with no major races planned for summer.  I am planning on running another half in the fall.  

Donna finishing strong the final mile. (Photo courtesy of Carlo Pozzobon)

Amanda & Liz crossing the Gilette Bridge. (Photo courtesy of Carlo Pozzobon)

What did you walk away from that race with?

Amanda:  Pride. The knowledge that I can really do something of that magnitude. Gratitude that my body allowed me to do it. Gratitude for the people in my life that helped me make it possible.

Donna:  Pride. Inner strength. A desire to never give up on myself. 

Liz:  Joy.  Pride.  A PR!  Wonderful memories.  Satisfaction of a job well done; knowing that all the hard work training through the winter months had paid off on race day.  A hopeful feeling that I will be able to achieve my goal at River Bank….  Some amazing friendships that have been developed over the many miles we have traveled on this journey together.  

Their words...their journey...sums of the spirit of the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon and 5K so perfectly. Separately and together, each woman overcame challenges and went on to improve their wellness, strengthen each other, and had fun doing it.  The four of us have our sights locked on to new goals and another race:  The Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K.  

Post-race with these amazing ladies!  Off to celebrate.

More race pictures of these amazing ladies.  (Stellafly did an amazing job of covering both races and posting free images.)   

Donna running strong around mile 11.  (Photo courtesy RAE Anglen for Stellafly)

Amanda pushing herself on the Gazelle Girl course.  (Photo courtesy Rudy Malmquist for Stellafly)

  

Liz crossing the finish to set new PRs.  (Photo courtesy Bryan Esler for Stellafly)

Running...Running My Life

Life has a funny way of getting in the way...of running.  Sick kid, graduate work, parent-teacher conferences, out of town travel…’rolling with it’ was the only way to maintain my sanity over the last few weeks.  At first, it seemed like a burdensome task...rolling with it.  I didn’t want to roll with anything...I wanted to run!

My mileage peaked at an all time high of 42 miles three weeks ago, accompanied by an achy left knee and twinges in my right shin.  I intentionally eased up on my mileage the following week to a much more manageable 28 miles, rationalizing that there was no reason to be logging marathon mileage before I even begin training for that milestone.  After a brief recovery week, my plan was to keep weekly mileage between 30 and 36 miles a week, except for the week I taper for the Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K.  

While away on a work conference, I reconnected with a colleague from my middle school teaching days.  She is one of the track coaches in my district and I was offering to run with the distance group a few times, maybe evening doing some speed drills.  “I don’t know how you do it.  How do you run, juggle work and family and graduate classes?  Where do you find the time?” she asked, shaking her head.  I began to think perhaps life wasn't getting in the way of my running.  Perhaps I was getting my own way...of my crazy, hectic life. I took this as one of many recent signs to slow down and reevaluate.  

In that crazy, hectic life, I am faced with the daunting task of finding time for all my runs.  During this weekly Sunday night ritual, I am analyzing my training plan, our family calendar, and my lesson planner and writing it down in my training journal.  While this is not a exactly stressful, being the Type A personality I am, feel obligated to complete each and every workout.  Missing a run make me feel like a slacker...even if it was for a highly legitimate reason such as work obligations or a sick child. Inevitably, I consult all of my planning tools, searching for a time to ‘make up’ that run.  

A peek at my Believe training journal

What I should have been doing was cutting myself (and my training) some much needed slack. Why was I so worried about making up a run?  Missing a workout or even two at this point in my training is not a dealbreaker for reaching my goals.  If anything, I am dancing along the delicate line of overtraining...something that I sincerely want to avoid again.  I am not going to lose any of my fitness by missing a run.  As long as I adjust my training to focus on the quality of my key workouts, the overall quantity of mileage doesn’t need to be a stressor at this point.  (“Stop being such a worrier, Courtney!”) I am more than trained for my first big races this spring.  If anything, I need to focus on staying healthy and not training harder.  

What did I do to celebrate this little epiphany?  I went for a run...a fun, slow shakeout run where I allowed myself to enjoy the sunshine, melting snow, and time to have fun at the beach...in March!  I even spent time taking some running selfies on the remaining ice along Lake Michigan.  

After that run I am resolving to become less of a worrier about my training...and more of a warrior. After all, there is a lot of life to live.

A Runner’s Top Ten Signs It’s Spring

Two weeks ago, I was on a long run and observed some very faint glimmers of spring here in West Michigan. I was almost certain it was all going to go back to being a frozen wasteland again, until I ran this past Sunday and last night. Now I'm 100% positive spring is on it's way...and here's why:

10. Easiest 5 lb weight loss ever...no more bundling up for sub zero temps!

9. Winter running tights begin to show their wear & tear...potentially popping seams on the next long run.

8.  Shorts & capris become legitimate outdoor apparel options again.

7.  Headlamps are no longer needed for late afternoon runs! (Thank you DST.)

6.  Hurdling and dodging snowdrifts turns into hurdling and dodging gigantic puddles.

5.  Howling winter winds yield to the melodious chatter of birds returning.

4.  Wondering if that is a patch of black ice or just wet pavement.

3.  Boston...every runner begins talking about the Boston Marathon.

2.  Gels and water bottles are no longer a frostbite hazard on long runs.

1.  Seeing bare pavement elicits whoops of glee and miles of smiles.

My #TeamChemistry

This week, Oiselle posted a #TeamChemistry Instagram challenge.  I have participated by posting #TeamChemistry pictures of both of my running groups (Run Muskegon and the Grand Haven Running Club) as well as two of my dear running friends, Liz and Donna.  

Without these people in my life, I would not have been able to keep up my running and focus on my original #TeamChemistry teammate: my son Cole.

If you were a fly on the wall in our house, you’d hear:

“Mommy, we are a great team.”  

“Cole, we are going to do (insert activity) because we are a team.  This is how we work together.”  

“That was some great teamwork!”

“Mom, we are the bestest team ever!”  Yup...we are.

Since we lost Collin, my late husband and Cole’s father, to cancer almost three years ago, Cole and I approach life as a team.  We on this crazy road together, through thick and thin.  Honestly, I don’t know how I would have made it this far without Cole.  My little blessing tolerates my need to run and the time it takes me away from him.  Offers to ride his bicycle along side me (we will be working on his endurance over the next few years), bring tears of pride and joy.  Cole has even caught my running bug having completed his first 5K at age 5 and running in the Color Run, Milan’s Miracle 1K, and the Ugly Sweater Run.  I, in turn, spend hours building Lego sets, becoming a pseudo Star Wars expert, and learning to play Minecraft.  

He is my reason for running, for pushing myself.  I know my son is watching, and I, as his only parent, am his leading role model.  I want him to know what the journey of pursuing a dream, a passion, looks like...and not just the end with all the achievement and celebrating.  But the deep, gritty, and raw moments that are inevitable.  I want him to see this so that when it is his turn to chase a dream, Cole knows I will be right there with him, supporting him unconditionally.

So...to my little heart...Happy Valentine’s Day!  Thank you for being my wee wing...my teammate.