6 years and 40 pounds ago, a very good friend of mine asked me to come and walk a 5k with her. She was, at the time, morbidly obese by at least 350 pounds. She had made some major lifestyle changes, which included nutrition, medication, and meeting with a personal trainer several times a week. She had lost maybe 75 or 100 pounds and to say I was proud would be an understatement. So even though walking THREE WHOLE MILES sounded like cruel and unusual punishment at the time, I really wanted to support my friend. I submitted my registration and promptly went to Kohl’s and bought a pair of Nikes. (I did not even OWN athletic shoes, that was just how NON-athletic I was!) The day of the race came, and we had an absolute blast. We walked, we talked; we cut up with the policeman who was nudging us along as he “swept the course.” See, we were bringing up the rear. But we didn’t care; not one bit. It took us 2 ½ hours to finish and when we did, my friend just bawled. She cried happy tears at her accomplishment and that has always stuck with me. It isn’t often you see someone cry because they’re overwhelmed with joy, and it’s really touching to witness that kind of raw emotion. To see the pride she felt; it was truly inspiring. Everyone around us had been so encouraging throughout the race. She had a huge group of supporters: friends, coworkers, family members, all who had come out to cheer her on, most participating in the 5k themselves. Seeing all that positivity and experiencing that unique situation awoke something inside of me that day. I thought to myself: your sweet friend is 250 pounds overweight and she is out here doing THIS. What’s your excuse? What have you accomplished lately? What are you doing that you’re proud of? When is the last time you cried happy tears??? And the rest, my friends, is, as they say, history. I was teaching at the time, and conveniently class was about to dismiss for summer which meant I had a nice break coming up. So, the next day, I woke up early and I put those Nike’s from Kohl’s on, and I ran to my neighbor’s mailbox. And the day after that, I woke up early, and I put those Nike’s from Kohl’s on, and I ran to my neighbor’s neighbor’s mailbox, and so on and so forth. Run, rest, repeat. And by the end of that summer, I had graduated to a pair of Asics, lost 20 pounds, and could run THREE WHOLE MILES without stopping. And I’m still running… still LOVING how it makes me feel so accomplished and proud, and how every now and then, there *are* happy tears. I encourage you all to find YOUR “running.” It could be swimming, lifting, tennis, walking. Heck, I suppose it could be ANYTHING really, even something NON-fitness related. (GASP!) But take my word for it. Life is too short not to.
Frosty 15
Trails, friends, bacon and FIREBALL!
Frosty 15
HIGHLIGHTS: Awesome Volunteers, Unique Finisher's Mug, Beautiful Trails, AND *FIREBALL*! LOWLIGHTS: Cold & Wet. The Frosty 15 is an out and back 15-mile and 15K trail race held annually on … MORE
HIGHLIGHTS: Awesome Volunteers, Unique Finisher’s Mug, Beautiful Trails, AND *FIREBALL*! LOWLIGHTS: Cold & Wet.
The Frosty 15 is an out and back 15-mile and 15K trail race held annually on the beautiful and historic Yockanookany section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail in Madison, MS. This year’s freezing temps weren’t enough to detour the approximately 100 race participants from braving the cold to tackle their distance of choice and earn their fireball and finisher’s mug!
READ MY FULL REVIEW (which includes details and pics!) by clicking on “Race Reports” located at the top of this page, OR find it on my website (RUNable.life) under the “Race Reviews” section.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon
Proves Racing During COVID *IS* Possible
Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon
HIGHLIGHTS: Excellent COVID-19 Precautions, Fast & Flat Course, Three Medal Weekend! LOWLIGHTS: 5k & Half T-Shirts Too Similar & Expensive Swag. I was *beyond* excited for my triumphant #Return2Racing at … MORE
HIGHLIGHTS: Excellent COVID-19 Precautions, Fast & Flat Course, Three Medal Weekend! LOWLIGHTS: 5k & Half T-Shirts Too Similar & Expensive Swag.
I was *beyond* excited for my triumphant #Return2Racing at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon, especially after such a lengthy COVID-induced racing hiatus! I was so excited, in fact, that I PR’d my 5k on Saturday and my Half Marathon on Sunday. Quarantine does a runner good, I suppose. 😉
READ MY FULL REVIEW (which includes details and pics!) by clicking on “Race Reports” located at the top of this page, OR find it on my website (RUNable.life) under the “Race Reviews” section.
Louisiana Marathon
LA culture meets running passion!
Louisiana Marathon
HIGHLIGHTS: Unique Course, Baton Rouge, Finish Line Party & the B2B Challenge Medal! LOWLIGHTS: Post-Race FREEZE & Expensive Swag. I have to admit … this event was a pleasant surprise! … MORE
HIGHLIGHTS: Unique Course, Baton Rouge, Finish Line Party & the B2B Challenge Medal! LOWLIGHTS: Post-Race FREEZE & Expensive Swag.
I have to admit … this event was a pleasant surprise! The city of Baton Rouge is a hidden gem and the event itself is a unique running festival that celebrates passion for the sport of running combined with Louisiana culture. #LouisianaMarathon #GeauxRunLA #HalfCrazy #BeachToBayouChallenge
READ MY FULL REVIEW (which includes details and pics!) by clicking on the “Race Report” located at the top of this page if you’re on your phone OR to your right if you’re on a desktop. Or find it on my website (RUNable.life) under the “Race Reviews” section.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon
Running & Coastal Views! RISE & SHINE!
Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon
HIGHLIGHTS: Pre & Post Race Atmosphere, Fast & Flat Course, Cool Medal & Beach2Bayou Challenge Option! LOWLIGHTS: Small “Expo,” & Expensive Swag. RISE & SHINE! This “Coastal Running Festival” combines … MORE
HIGHLIGHTS: Pre & Post Race Atmosphere, Fast & Flat Course, Cool Medal & Beach2Bayou Challenge Option! LOWLIGHTS: Small “Expo,” & Expensive Swag.
RISE & SHINE! This “Coastal Running Festival” combines two of my favorite things: running and scenic views along the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast. #RunShine #SoakUpTheRun
READ MY FULL REVIEW (which includes details and pics!) by clicking on the “Race Report” located at the top of this page if you’re on your phone OR to your right if you’re on a desktop. Or find it on my website (RUNable.life) under the “Race Reviews” section.
Magnolia Marathon & Half
A "RUNNER'S RACE" with HEART!
Magnolia Marathon & Half
HIGHLIGHTS: Unique handmade finisher medals, great finish line grub, and post-race stretching & rolling by Total Rehab. LOWLIGHTS: Hilly course but loved the challenge. In a sea of franchise race … MORE
HIGHLIGHTS: Unique handmade finisher medals, great finish line grub, and post-race stretching & rolling by Total Rehab. LOWLIGHTS: Hilly course but loved the challenge.
In a sea of franchise race series, the Magnolia Marathon & Half is truly a hidden gem. It boasts similar amenities to those found at a chain event (and many you won’t) without the corporate price tag. The Magnolia Marathon & Half offers many of the same benefits as a big-time race, but with a home-town feel!
READ MY FULL REVIEW (which includes details and pics!) by clicking on the “Race Report” located at the top of this page if you’re on your phone OR to your right if you’re on a desktop. Or find it on my website (RUNable.life) under the “Race Reviews & Blog” section.
Hattiesburg Half Marathon
A MUST RUN MS EVENT!!
Hattiesburg Half Marathon
HIGHLIGHTS: Top-notch finish-line party and FOOD. Course full of spectators and volunteers. A unique route that included the USM campus and the zoo. Raised over $200,000 for local charities. LOWLIGHTS: … MORE
HIGHLIGHTS: Top-notch finish-line party and FOOD. Course full of spectators and volunteers. A unique route that included the USM campus and the zoo. Raised over $200,000 for local charities. LOWLIGHTS: So. Much. Humidity.
READ MY FULL REVIEW (which includes pics and video!) by clicking on the “Race Report” located at the top of this page if you’re on your phone OR to your right if you’re on a desktop. Or find it on my website (RUNable.life) under the “Race Reviews & Blog” section.
The Cowtown
If you run 1 race next year-RUN COWTOWN!
The Cowtown
HIGHLIGHTS: Awesome swag. SUPER organized. Fun on-course experience. Large event but with a hometown feel. LOWLIGHTS: Finish-line food line-up was snackable – why am I always so hungry? I just … MORE
HIGHLIGHTS: Awesome swag. SUPER organized. Fun on-course experience. Large event but with a hometown feel. LOWLIGHTS: Finish-line food line-up was snackable – why am I always so hungry?
I just can’t say enough good things about this race, especially one of this size. This race management team cares about the participants and it shows. From the Mayor’s start line pep-talk and send-off, (She ran the Half too!) to downtown streets flooded with cheering spectators holding signs and offering high-fives, to swag that I needed an extra suitcase to bring home, to “high-level fun” memories being made; this race is top-notch. If you run ONE race next year, #RunCowtown!
READ MY FULL REVIEW (which includes pics and video!) by clicking on the “Race Report” located at the top of this page if you’re on your phone OR to your right if you’re on a desktop. Or find it on my website (RUNable.life) under the “Race Reviews & Blog” section.