Onward and Upward!

Now that the big, bad Portland Marathon is out of the way, the question is: What’s next?  The answer is: More running (and a few other athletic pursuits)!

I had been so tunnel-vision focused on my first full marathon that it seemed like the end-all be-all for me.  But that isn’t true!  I now have a calendar full of events to keep me focused and diligent in my training efforts.  Here is what 2014 has in store for me thus far:

• January 11: Nookachamps Half Marathon in Mount Vernon, WA
• February 2: Half Ass 25K (15 miles) in West Seattle, WA
• February 8: Snow Shoe 5K race in Cle Elum, WA (tentative)
• February 11 and 17: Jump rope fitness events at local elementary schools
• March 8: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon in Redmond, WA
• March 23: RainMan Indoor Triathlon in Seattle, WA
• April 6: Bridges to Brews 10K in Portland, OR
• May 4: Vancouver Full Marathon in Vancouver, Canada (another full marathon!!) 

Here’s hoping that I remain injury-free as I work on improving my speed and maintaining my endurance in the months to come!  Be on the lookout for race updates.

Girls on the Run

I was instructed not to post any pictures of participants
 online, but here I am at the start of the much-anticipated
 final 5K(in 23-degree weather, mind you!)!  You will
note that everyone who takes part in the run is #1.  Love it! 

I found a great way to combine my newfound love of running with a meaningful volunteer opportunity: Girls on the Run.  This afterschool program for girls in 3rd through 5th grade strives to “inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.” 

My role as a running buddy was to serve as a cheerleader/encourager/coach for one girl during two 5K’s (a practice race and a big event with all of the girls/buddies from around the county).  It was fun to interact with elementary school girls and watch how they were able to motivate themselves to finish a full 5K.  It seemed so daunting at first!  It’s a great program with lots of important lessons for young ladies, and I enjoyed my small part in it.  The experience reminded me of the goal-setting, challenges, lessons, and rewards of my own running journey!