Next weekend is almost upon us and I'm very much looking forward to my 28th birthday. I've been trying to figure out how I wanna celebrate it. I know, I think I'll fly to Texas and run a marathon that's what everyone wants to do on their birthday. Alright all kidding aside I am ready for what lies ahead. Looking back at 2011 I haven't been able to pinpoint what that year meant to me. I experienced some of the most amazing highs with my run at Houston in January, one of my best friend's wedding, screaming at Ben while he shattered his pr in the Barcelona steeple putting himself on the World Team, swimming in the Mediterranean and above all saying yes to the love of my life. On the flip side there was also a dark 4 months for me that I couldn't run and didn't know if my health had blind sided me again and I wasn't meant to do what I love. During this particular injury I was able to truly find that balance that I believe every athlete needs. Thanks to the awesomeness of Lauren Fleshman's track season and her tiny photo on the cover of Runner's World Picky Bars began to sore. We had built this company from scratch with our hearts and it now, with the help of Jesse, Lauren and the Picky team resembled a full fledged viable entity with Picky Eaters from all over. I quickly learned the world doesn't stop when you get injured, you only stop yourself from being productive in any other part of life. Running is part of who I am, not what I am.
Blogs have always been tough for me to write because sometimes when I think about what content to include I'm filled with a million ideas (many you don't wanna read). Why is what I have to say important? Perhaps because there's someone reading it thinking their life had a similar trend or you just need a quick break from your routine and get to peek into someone else's soul. If anything I hope to entertain, encourage, and provoke thought to those reading.
On to the juicy stuff- what has the last 3 months of my life been like? I moved into a 300 sq. foot studio in a garage which seemed perfect at the time... until my old fiancee came to crash the party and moved in. But seriously that has been a game changer. I moved away from Ben 2 years ago so we could pursue our professional running careers and I was more than taken care of by the McMillans, Team US AZ and of course Adidas. Living in Flagstaff also put me within a 2 hour drive to John Ball who has single handedly gotten me to the starting line. This guy will never take credit for his gift and he will even make you feel bad about trying to thank him. Back to Ben- we finally crossed the finish line of long distance and I have faith and courage that it has been worth it for us to be apart. My marathon build up has been full of 100 mile weeks, 25 Diablo Burgers, windy tempos, keeping Redbox and Harkins in business, YMCA employees wondering if I live at the gym, Picky bars post every workout and laughable exhaustion. I could not have done it without the support of Flagstaff and those I might not even know. Lastly I'd like to thank my friends and family who's invites I've turned down, birthdays I've forgotten, holidays missed, and continued support in my selfish pursuit for the Olympic Trials Podium. In the word's of Dr. Stan Beecham "Are you nervous for this weekend-no. I'm excited and ready for the opportunity."
More athlete blogs for Olympic Marathon Trials
Blogs have always been tough for me to write because sometimes when I think about what content to include I'm filled with a million ideas (many you don't wanna read). Why is what I have to say important? Perhaps because there's someone reading it thinking their life had a similar trend or you just need a quick break from your routine and get to peek into someone else's soul. If anything I hope to entertain, encourage, and provoke thought to those reading.
On to the juicy stuff- what has the last 3 months of my life been like? I moved into a 300 sq. foot studio in a garage which seemed perfect at the time... until my old fiancee came to crash the party and moved in. But seriously that has been a game changer. I moved away from Ben 2 years ago so we could pursue our professional running careers and I was more than taken care of by the McMillans, Team US AZ and of course Adidas. Living in Flagstaff also put me within a 2 hour drive to John Ball who has single handedly gotten me to the starting line. This guy will never take credit for his gift and he will even make you feel bad about trying to thank him. Back to Ben- we finally crossed the finish line of long distance and I have faith and courage that it has been worth it for us to be apart. My marathon build up has been full of 100 mile weeks, 25 Diablo Burgers, windy tempos, keeping Redbox and Harkins in business, YMCA employees wondering if I live at the gym, Picky bars post every workout and laughable exhaustion. I could not have done it without the support of Flagstaff and those I might not even know. Lastly I'd like to thank my friends and family who's invites I've turned down, birthdays I've forgotten, holidays missed, and continued support in my selfish pursuit for the Olympic Trials Podium. In the word's of Dr. Stan Beecham "Are you nervous for this weekend-no. I'm excited and ready for the opportunity."
More athlete blogs for Olympic Marathon Trials
so well spoken, running is fun and at times it almost consumes our lives but there is more to our personalities, we have actually lives and interests outside of running, even if we just find time for it when we can't run. Best of luck in Houston, chase the dream. It's not selfish, it's just that more people want to be your friends because you are something special!!! :)