Today I went for a run early before a busy Thursday. Unfortunately my barre class was cancelled yesterday, so it turned into an awkward, empty Wednesday. So I set my alarm and got out this morning to log five miles. I hit the streets with some new tunes, but Chicago’s ’25 or 6 to 4′ caught my stride. Nothing like a quiet morning, cool 40 degree temperature and a good beat to hold your stride. Now to catch another shot at barre later tonight!

Today I went for a run with my school group. Did you ever wish you worked with more people who liked running… so you could talk more about running!? Ha! My school has grown in student population; as well as, teacher runners. Today we met up for a group run to the Point. The run began with a crisp fall air and the hint of a distant burning fireplace to set the mood for the late afternoon run. Unfortunately once we got to the State Park the Park Ranger spotted us and quickly enforced the “dusk” closing time. Still we completed a solid, seven afternoon miles with a few good laughs.

Today I went for a run with the guys on a somewhat warmer morning. Despite a jammed day ahead, I really wanted to squeeze in a run before school. Sometimes it’s easier to get a good run in before a long day in order to set the mood for the day. I started with the guys and at the four mile mark I turned off to beat my husband back to the house, shower and getting a kick start on getting ready. It was a busy day and I multi-tasked to the MAX, but I’m ready to get to St. Pete’s to see my Team Ultra teammates and take on my first multi-race weekend!!!

Today I went for a run with the guys for my first sub 20 degree run for the fall. It was chilly!!! Despite checking the temperature and rummaging through cold weather gear, I still felt underdressed – mainly my frozen thighs. The alarm sounded and begrudgingly I made my way out the door. And as usual, I never regretted the run. As we started, the full moon lit the way even casting shadows from the trees. It was a pretty amazing view. Towards the end of our run, the sky began to lighten with shades from black, blue to orange. It was picturesque to see the sun rising in the east chasing towards the full moon in the west. This moment was well worth the 4:30 alarm and freezing temperature.

Today I went for a run with the school group. It rained this morning before a cold front pushed the rain through, leaving behind cooler temperatures and wind. Our goal was a progression run, instead it was an even pace with a fast mile to finish. The view from the water was amazing. A view that reminds you, despite the fast daily grind there is always time to slow down. Life goes fast enough to let every moment pass you by unnoticed. Take it in. Enjoy.

Today I went for a run and ran my 10th Marine Corps Marathon!!!!! I ran my first marathon in 2010 – the Marine Corps Marathon and today I did it again. Memories come rushing back, but instead let’s just focus on this crazy race today!!!

The impending weather lightened the mode and pressure of how the race was going to play out tomorrow. I mean, if you knew that it was going to pour buckets, it kinda makes its easier to relax and just roll with whatever happens! So here is my race recap!

This year we stayed at the same place I had stayed last year, in Pentagon City, a short walk to the start. This was perfect for a later departure in the morning and less time in the rain. We met my friends in the lobby at 6am and headed towards the Pentagon. The weather was actually not that bad! It was warm and a light rain was falling. We were prepared in our awesome rain gear, ponchos and bags on our feet. Ha! We dodged puddles and made our way through the security check in no time. Due to the time crunch of the past, spectators were no longer allowed in the starter villages making the security check a lot faster than previous years. Once we got in we found a seat on the side and hid under our ponchos. Just as we found a spot, it began to pour. We took in the crowd – people in ponchos, people in their race gear soaking wet, people hiding in spot a pots and people crouched together under plastic bags. It was a memory to remember. Due to the rain and cloudiness it did not look as if they were going to do the parachute jumps and military fly over. So, we waited as long as possible and finally made our way up to the starting line. I parted ways with my friend from work and his wife and wished them the best of luck.

Amanda and I made our way to the start, ditched our ponchos and in no time we were off! We made our way through the ups and downs of Arlington into Georgetown and up Rock Creek Parkway. We took a quick bathroom pit stop and soon enough we were lopping back down towards the city. Just as we made our way down the first downpour hit. It was raining sideways. As we made our way down I continued to search for my coworker, but was unable to spot them on the side, especially with the rain. We continued towards the mall, finally reaching the Lincoln Memorial. The Marine Band was on the steps playing away. A man in front of me made eye contact with his wife, quickly hugged her, and jumped back into step. Another man passed pushing a veteran with a sign that read, “first marathon.” The crowds were thick and loud despite the rain!

We continued towards the Jefferson Memorial and soon enough we were near the Blue Mile. The initial half of the mile is dedicated to individual memorial boards for those who have fallen in action. I read the names and high fived the memorial board for Chris S. who was the brother of a co-worker. It began to rain harder just as we hit the second part of the mile lined with American flags. The blue mile was well staffed with countless volunteers holding flags, high fiving runners, and screaming words of encouragement. It was amazing. My uncle, a combat medic from WWII, passed away in August this year. I ran this race in his honor and pinned his name, rank and branch on my back to carry with me on this journey. It was overwhelming thinking about those he had helped during WWII as a combat medic and the nightmares that carried on post war.

We continued on towards the Lincoln Memorial and then to the Gauntlet – Mall. The rain did not let up and once we hit the mall another downpour ensued. Rivers, filled into small lakes along the course that felt like we were crossing an ocean. As we hit the start of the 10k outside the Art Gallery, the DJ played on despite the fear of water ruining the audio equipment. As we looped the capitol photographers caught humorous pictures of crazy runners pushing through the rain. The crowds were still thick with supporters sharing enthusiasm for the runners and the crazy weather. We continued passed stepping gingerly around pot holes and uneven terrain that was covered by water.

We hit the 20 mile bridge and were finally making our way into the final portion of the run – Crystal City and the last six miles. The rain was beginning to let up and out of no where we began to see a faint, blue sky in the distance – was that for real!?!? We took the left off the ramp and made our way into Crystal City. Sure enough the sun came out and it became warm and muggy fast! We pushed through despite the awkward combination of our wet clothes and smushy shoes that were not drying despite the full sun exposure. We rounded the Pentagon again for the second time this morning and turned up to the final stretch. I was full of emotions. My 34th marathon and my 10th marathon were only .2 miles away. It has been an awesome fitness journey and soul defining adventure since my first run in 2010. I am thankful I had the courage to take that first step and proud of the confidence it has pushed onto me. This was weather justified that this is never an easy trek when you take on a marathon. Always earned, never given. You can never fully prepare for what happens on race day. But you can roll with it, laugh and take in the beauty of how at the end of the day “your race, your pace.” You make the race your own.

Today I went for an early run with the guys. It’s finally starting to feel more like fall and darkness consumes our entire run. My heels were a little sore from my run yesterday, so I enjoyed ruinning with Shaen and Paul at an easy pace. Excitement for my upcoming Marine Corps Marathon is building each day and the thrill of running the streets of NYC again with my Team Ultra teammates is going to be awesome. I have a solid two weeks coming up and I CAN’T wait!!!

Today I went for a long run on the Columbia Trail in NJ. Last night we artived in town for my brothers big wedding weekend. I needed to get a 16 miler in before MCM and NYC. My sister suggested I jump on the trail near her place and run the stretch I had never done before.

It was a perfect morning and a perfect route. I headed west on the trail for eight miles before turning around near the Gorge – my favorite part of the trail.

In no time I was lost in my thoughts, taking in the scenery and enjoying the cooler temps. My only complaint was after I took a pretty painful fall. Leaves had covered the spray painted rocks that stuck out on the trail and my toe caught the edge causing me to crash down and bang up my hand and ankle.

Overall I was excited to be home and more excited to see my family. After a busy few weeks at school it was nice to visit home and relax with my family. The wedding will no doubt be an event to remember – so bring on the merriment!!!

Today I went for a run while my daughter was at field hockey practice. The weather has finally cooled off some, so it was a perfect night to get in a few miles. After a busy few weeks it was nice to take an hour to escape and just let go of all the funk that begins to cling to you when busy routines consume your time. Mid week miles and a quiet moment to just be in my thoughts go hand in hand.