Did you miss me?

CAUSE I MISSED YOU!

Okay pinky promise that I will not disappear again.

Kevin and I spent a super amazing vacation up in Acadia, Maine! Tons of amazing rock climbing and I absolutely loved every minute of it. Kevin as always was a total champ and you can see all his amazing pictures by visiting his blog! (Oh yes, I've turned him onto blogging).

He's so sassy he was made for this! I mean, come on, look at that face.

I had some great climbs up there! It was absolutely beautiful and we got to climb some cliffs on the coast! The views were insane. I worked on some of my first ever traverse problems! They were much different than anything else I had climbed before, and seeing as I haven't been climbing very much in the past year I wasn't expecting much to come from it. But there was a huge crack that made my hands pretty easy so I got to focus on my feet. 

Then I started working on a V2 that definitely had a reaching section. I ended up having to half reach half dyno to a jug that ended up tearing my pinky one sweet flapper. But I was super dedicated once I got that jug and topped out a few moves later! Don't worry, I left my blood on top of the boulder!

From then on it was cake! And I got a few more good climbs before we went home!

We also did some regular mountain climbing!! And from us to all of you: GO TO ACADIA! Or honestly any national park. Climbing, hiking, swimming, bird watching, WHATEVER YOU WANT!! Just get out there and enjoy nature's beauty and your nation's gift.

xx

M

(and K)!

My poor poor feet/toes

Say a prayer for my poor tootsies everyone! All my 100s of miles have finally caught up to my feet/toes, but let's begin with my feet.

The battle against my stress fracture (R) continues and now I am having additional ankle issues and outer sole tendons stresses. Ladies and gentlemen, pardon my French, but it's a shit show.

My left foot was holding on a little better, but alas I am back in the land of plantar fasciitis. You won't know the pain unless you'd had it. Plus it feels like I the tendon that runs along the arch of my foot is knotted and tight.

Horrid, y'all. Simply horrid.

And real quick with my toes: pulled ligament on my left foot, one bruised toenail, and on the right foot I have a split toenail on my big toe which makes weight baring and running pretty rough.

I spared y'all the pictures! (Now promise you won't tell Kevin how bad things really are?)

xx

M

Review!! Nike Women's Half Marathon!

On Sunday April 27, 2014 myself and 15,000 amazing women (and a few men) ran through the streets of D.C. on a half marathon course that began at 7am. It was an amazing weekend and I loved the whole thing! I didn't have high personal expectations going into the race, because I was in the middle of an upper respiratory infection at the time of the race, but I was still so excited!

My weekend actually started early Saturday morning (the day before the race) when my boyfriend and I drove a little over an hour to the metro stop that we took into D.C. It was only my second time riding the metro and, yes, even though I'm 20 I was scared. Thank goodness I'm dating a boy from D.C. who helped me make sure I was going on all the correct trains and getting off at all the correct stops the entire weekend. I have no idea how other people maneuver the metro without a personal tour guide.

When we finally got into D.C. we checked out the expo, where I got my packet, race shirt, and saw my name along with all the other runners placed into a huge mural on the side of the Nike Georgetown store! (I didn't take a picture of the entire wall, my mistake!)

It was so cool! I loved how they made us all into one unifying display! I didn't take many pictures when I was at the race expo or race because I was doing a lot of just taking in the atmosphere! BUT something I did see that was completely amazing was Joan Benoit Samuelson and Shalane Flanagan! If you know me at all you know that these women are in my top 5 for favorite all time runners (Flanagan being #1!). Here's the picture!!

All in all the expo was really nice to be at! I would have liked to see more accessible free goodies. I mean they knew it was 15,000 women, they should have had more than 15 people working at the free fun things if they are going to so boldly advertise it. I did some shopping at the Nike store and grabbed an awesome neon tank and black spandex! I love them both (yes I'm wearing them right now). The cool thing about shopping at the Nike store was that you didn't have to wait in line to check out! You could just find an employee and they could check you out with you just standing there!! 

I also volunteered at the Nike T-shirt distribution later in the afternoon!

Then Kevin, the boyfriend, took me out to dinner which was definitely nice. I was a little out of place at the restaurant seeing as I was in running clothes, but it was still great prep for the race! (Of course, I had pasta).

I ran the whole race with my GU Energy Chews (watermelon (: my fave!!) and SaltStick tabs! I felt solid the entire race and I really think that's because I was fueling my body perfectly the whole run.

I loved running around D.C. and all the little treats Nike had for us along the way. We got the typical water and Gatorade, but there was also a whole mile where they handed out little chocolates!! Yum! The entertainment on the course was pretty good, but I wish they had compared song lists (I heard Happy 5 times and it was horrible). My favorite band was scream-o one! It was a marching band... PLAYING SCREAM-O! It was such a great pump up (: The entire race was amazing, but I think the best part was crossing the finish line under 2:00:00 and hearing my boyfriend yell for me at the same time. Made the whole thing worth it.

Oh and of course my finisher's medal:

OH YES IT'S A TIFFANY'S NECKLACE.

SO GOOD.

SO SO GOOD.

I was so excited to have my first piece of Tiffany's, but after I finished all I wanted was to find Kevin and head back to our hotel and a shower. In fact I barely relished in the finish the way I usually do (I think Kev was more excited than I was!). We walked through the Finisher's village and one awesome thing that Nike did was have a line of clothes that you can only buy if you ran the race! I got a red long sleeve zip with FINISHER across the back. The way I figure it: If you're going to run for 2hrs and feel terrible you might as well get a shirt that brags for you out of it!

All in all it was brilliant race, and I highly suggest it to all the women out there (The San Francisco half is opening registration soon!!)

My official race results:

Review! BlenderBottle! (Courtesy of BlenderBottle®‎)

This isn't going to be like a standard review (in that it will probably be more of a rave/rant and a lot shorter)!

I got my first BlenderBottle years ago and I loved it! I used it as much as I could and the little guy was such a tank! (Oh yes he is still around!!) But I've been in some correspondence with BlenderBottle and they ended up sending me this little beauty!!

I LOVE IT. Having a taller Blender is definitely a HUGE plus! (If you want my exact one you can click here and get the 28oz one!)

Company:	5/5
Affordability:	5/5
Quality:	5/5
Usage:	5/5
Overall:	A+++

I literally don't have a negative for them. It's true love.

Saturday's Run Pictures! (4/5/2014)

Rocks in my Nikes -_- bane of my existance

Beautiful little run around the trails by my campus! Every run there feels like the first time (: I was rocking the Nathan Vaporshape and my Nuun visor! Both made the run infinitely better!! I CAN'T WAIT FOR A REPEAT (:

(And of course I was running on SaltStick and GU!)

UPDATE!! (Disney, Upcoming races, and SPONSORSHIPS! Yay!)

HI EVERYONE!

I've been away far too long and I'm offering my deepest sympathies! (College has been crazy, but that's hardly an excuse for all you lovelies.)

Personally it was a bit rough around two months ago, but after one break-up (Bye Zach!), three hour long talks with my best friend (Hi Mae!) and about seventeen long runs (Sup Nikes?), I feel amazing! Don't let speed bumps turn into road blocks!

However right after the break up I went on an AMAZING trip to Disney World! And met some amazing people:

I also got to help out a little around the park (YES I'M A DORK)!

I finished the week with some time (and yoga) on the beach!

All in all it was a great week and I got to meet some really great people! But the best part of the trip was that I spent a lot of it getting to know a guy from back home, Kevin, over the phone. Our whole romance was a little unexpected, but after a month of dating it's getting pretty serious. This is our first picture together... it screams romance:

Okay so maybe we're both extremely dorky, but who cares? I really like it, and he seems to really care about my running which is a little unheard of for a non-runner! Overall he's just great and he's coming to my next race! WHICH IS IN 9 DAYS Y'ALL!!!!!

CHECK OUT MY RACE SCHEDULE HERE!

BUT THE BIGGEST NEWS!!!!

I'M NOW OFFICIALLY A SPONSORED ATHLETE!

YASSSSSS I am currently sponsored by GU Energy Labs until the end of 2014 (: I'm so excited! This is such an amazing experience and I can't wait to try new products and represent one of my favorite brands !!

Review! SaltStick Caps Plus (Courtesy of SaltStick Co.)

After much too long of a wait... HERE IT IS!

I have been training on my twice-a-week long runs with SaltStick® Caps for the past month and a half and I really like them! I tried out two types: SaltStick® Caps and SaltStick® Caps Plus, and definitely preferred the Plus, which you can get here!

SaltStick® was nice enough to send me samples, and was extremely patient while I logged my 100 miles on their product. It was easy to find someone to personally talk to, opposed to talking with a computer (which you all know is my pet peeve). 

Price wise you are paying high for a high quality product. However I've learned that skimping, money-wise, when it comes to what you are fueling your body with during a long run is just stupid. While SaltStick® is $29.99/100ct it's about 30 cents a capsule and 100% worth it. However, despite being justified, it is a steep price.

I have a tough time with salt when I'm running, but the Plus were just fine with my stomach! (So long that I didn't take them on a completely empty stomach). They are easy on your stomach because SaltStick® has added sodium citrate to this capsule and it helps to soothe you. Another thing I really liked about the Plus was the small amount of added caffeine, it was a nice little & subtle boost during my run! And I actually didn't take them with a gel, instead just an electrolyte tab!

Overall these are really great! And I highly highly recommend them (: They are definitely my salt of choice now! (sponsorship in the future? *wink wink*)

Company:	5/5
Affordability:	3/5
Quality:	5/5
Usage:	5/5
Overall:	A

Key Features! (from SaltStick.com)

• The ONLY electrolyte capsule formulated to closely resemble the electrolyte profile lost during activity: sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
• Only 1 capsule per serving. Suggested use: 1 capsule per 20-60 minutes during activity
• Buffered salt composition that helps digestion and absorption
• Sodium citrate soothes the stomach
• Each capsule contains 190 mg sodium, 53 mg potassium, 14 mg calcium, 7 mg magnesium, and 100 IU Vitamin D plus 30 mg caffeine
• Caffeine is a legal ergogenic ingredient that increases alertness and reduces fatigue
• Vegetable-based non-GMO capsule composition; Bio-available active ingredients. GMP production in a facility registered NSF Certified for Sport®.
• Fully soluble ingredients allows option of easy preparation of a custom caffeinated electrolyte beverage with a pleasantly mild salty taste
• Contains only WHAT YOU NEED. No: herbal, trace, questionable components added. Vegetarian and Gluten free.
• No sweeteners- no high fructose corn syrup, no sweeteners of any kind
• Does not contain any World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) or International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned substances
• Unique formulation is patent pending; Engineered by a Ph.D. chemist who is also a pro triathlete
• Saltstick® Caps uniquely includes vitamin D that helps the body absorb and utilize calcium.
• Great for effective rehydration during international travel, hiking and effects of alcohol and unfamiliar foods.

Well that was not the plan

I got to the gym and was extremely tired after being kept up til 3am (!!!) by an undisclosed individual. So I decided a strength work would be better than endurance, so I worked my legs, back, and arms. It didn't seem like an intense workout when I started. But by the end of it I was already sore.

Like seriously sore.

This girl was wrecked... and I run 10+ miles for fun!

It's all thanks to the personal trainer that my beauty queen housemate has! (I was there to support her, and she was there to kick my butt). After our arms I did the "Ab Burner" from my Nike Training Club app. I can only imagine how rough tomorrow will be.

IN TOTALLY AWESOME AMAZING SUNSHINE NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I finally finally finally entered/paid for my NWHM and my Baltimore 10 Miler!!!

Only one more big race fee to go! (200 for a 5k, 13.1, and 26.2) 

xx

Molly

Review! Nuun Hydration Tablets

Go to the store, right this second, and grab yourself some Nuun. You can get them online by clicking here! I LOVE THESE LITTLE BABIES! Order them today and they'll ship out to you within a week (: -- how great is that?

I love sports drinks, and I need them for the electrolytes, but a lot of time they can get difficult to carry, they can get expensive, and if you have food dye allergies (like me) they can get tricky. Nuun is different because what you are buying are the tablets to make an electrolyte drink. Nuun+16oz H2O+2minutes = an electrolyte enhanced drink! 

They are fast dissolving (none of that shake-the-bottle dance needed) and they taste amazing! A lot of flavor and a little bit of fizz. I hand them out to my friends like candy and trust me, we're all obsessed.

I don't know a lot about the science behind Nuun, I just know how they make me feel. They are great for the standard after run slump, but they are also my new substitute for coffee! While Nuun doesn't contain caffeine, it does contain a lot of electrolytes, which gives your body a boost! I love everything about Nuun, except their price and website. They are a little on the steep side (even though they are still cheaper than an average energy drink), and their website is difficult to maneuver. When I was looking at their products they didn't have a lot of the clothes/apparel that they had in graphics all over their website. Slight false advertising there, but it doesn't change the fact that Nuun is outstanding, and I highly recommend them!

Company:	3/5
Affordability:	4/5
Quality:	5/5
Usage:	5/5
Overall:	B+

FIX YOUR FEET! (21 free days!)

CLICK HERE

From Runnerworld.com !

I'M SO EXCITED!

TONIGHT I'M GOING TO A HUGE RUNNING EVENT IN 

GEORGETOWN, MD!

IT'S FOR THE NIKE WOMEN'S HALF MARATHON!

There will be a group run, music, FREE GOODIES, and an after party!!

Come out tonight! 

Nike Georgetown, 3040 M St NW (Washington, DC)

Thursday, 2/6 at 6:30 PM

When shopping for supplements...

When shopping for supplements the biggest advice I can give it to do your research. Don't just trust the guy on TV because he happens to have made a work out routinue that went viral, or the person at GNC because they're in uniform. While some people like those know their stuff, they tend to be the exception and not the rule.

Protein powder, salt tabs, recovery drinks, and electrolyte tablets are expensive. Trust me. The bill can add up quickly. So I have a list of a couple things that I like to keep in mind when I go shopping. 

Do both general and specialized research. It's as easy as just googling something broad like "essential vitamins and minerals" to get started. The problem comes with doseage and when to take what. For example, iron is vital for all people, however women from around age 15-45 need more iron than other women, and women in general need more iron than men. Make sure that in addition to the broad research that you dig a little deeper to find specialized doseages for your sex and age. (Google your age to the nearest 5, ie: 44= google 45, to get more results!)

Evaluate your goals and what products will best help you accomplish them. Runners (and most women) want lean muscles. Lifters (and most men) want large, powerful muscles. Competition lifters tend to want huge muscles, but aren't always concerned about their functionality. Look for special training plans, nutrition, and supplements for your goal. For example, I'm an endurance runner, so I need lean, powerful muscles with tons of stamina. So I personally op to take casein, which is a slow releasing protein, after I work out. My brother is a lifter and he tends to take whey protein. I don't know any of the science behind whey, so I won't even attempt to explain that here.

There is tons of free literature out there to help you figure out exactly what you need  to achieve your goals. Make sure to double and triple check everything, and if it sounds too extreme there's a chance it is, so keep digging!

Consider the "race day" or "competition day". When I train in my long runs I take salt tabs every 45min-1hr. Granted that's a little more than most people take in the cold months, but I personally found that I like it. I've found that my body needs around 450-550mg of sodium per hour to be up to par. So I train with those same levels (even though it's in the winter) because come race day I want to be used to running with that salt regiment. 

When training for your big day, train in the same way you intend to compete. This is more for racing, because I know competition lifters have a slightly different procedure on comp day. There's a phrase "nothing new on race day" ad I endorse it 100%. Race day is not the time to figure out that your stomach hates your gels, or that your salt tabs don't have enough mgs, or that your socks give you blisters. Prepare and plan and you'll have a great race day.

Happy running everyone!

Snowy days and the dreadmill

It's been snowy and a winter wonderland at my school for over a week now, which means a week of running inside. I know I could still run outside, but the idea of it truly scares me. I have reflective running gear but it doesn't really stand out against the bright white snow, and I never run in dark clothes.

So I've been running inside on the treadmill and it's just rekindled my disdain for long runs on a glorified hamster wheel. The only thing I like a treadmill for is to make sure that I am nailing times/splits during a workout. Other that that, I'm really not a fan.

So I've been running on one for a week and let me tell you, it's been rough. On mid distance runs (5-8 miles) outside I don't run with water. I stay hydrated enough during the day, and I just don't need it. But after only 2 minutes on the treadmill I reach for my water bottle, and I continue to do that in 2 minute increments for my entire run. That is why I don't like the treadmill, because I honestly feel like it makes me a mentally weaker runner. Instead of spending my run focused on my pace and internally training myself when to accelerate, reduce, or maintain my speed, I push buttons and then adjust my stride. It doesn't make me focused, it makes me lazy.

Another issue I have is finding the correct pace. Outside I can run around an 8 min:mile on a long run, inside it's at 9:40 min:mile. How is that possible? I honestly think it's because when I'm on the treadmill I shorten my stride without realizing and I cannot move as fast. And if I set the treadmill to 8 min:mile it's too fast. Because in a real 8 min:mile pace I naturally fluctuate because 7:50 and 8:30 as the terrain changes.

I really cannot wait to get back on the road and trails this spring. It's always so nice to run outside, it's like mentally stretching your legs or taking deep breaths. It has a calming feature that gym treadmills lack. 

Cold-Weather Running Gear

Source: glassphotography.com

Ah winter running. The most wonderful time of the year. Nothing says "yuletide" like frozen extremities and a thin layer of sweat between you and the jacket that is too thin in the beginning of your run and too thick at the end of it.

I personally have had my fair share of cold weather days, including on race where I competed in shorts and a singlet, while running through 4 inches of snow and sleet. Cozy!

Yep that's me. I was near frozen to death after that 6k, my normal skin tone is a lot less reddish, blue, I promise. I made quite a few mistakes that day that I vowed not to make again. Namely, I run in pants now. There are tons of different things you can buy to protect you from the winter chill, and I'm going to start at the bottom.

FEET

Traction. While we all love our running flats lets face it, they slip and slide as soon as things get slick. Snowy trails? Forget it. I don't want to risk spraining, or worst, breaking my ankle. These are Kahtoola MICROspikes. A little on the expensive side at $64.95 a pop, but absolutely worth it. They come in red and black in a variety of sizes. They are intended to be kept in your pocket or running pack and taken out and slipped on for snowy or icy spots!

Warmth. Most running shoes are extremely breathable. Which is nice in the summer, and troublesome in the winter. These are Drymax Cold Weather Running Socks and I love them. Fairly reasonable in price ($11-15) and I love the higher rise. In the winter a lot of times that little piece of ankle that shows gets really cold, personally when that happens it's similar to having a rock in my shoe, annoying and uncomfortable.




LEGS

Warmth and protection. In general I'm a huge fan of SportHill. They divide they're clothes into three zones based on the temp you'll be wearing them in! (How smart is that?). These are the Saga II Tights for women. They come with 7" zippers and gripper elastics around the ankles. They come in 7 sizes (which includes 2 length options), and are not only are they warm they are also windproof up to 35 mph! Tons of bang for your buck (the newest model is $109 when earlier models are cheaper they lack the leg zipper and other details).

UPPER BODY

Warmth. Placed in Brooks "Extreme Warm" category the Brooks Utopia Thermal is such a good investment (men's version: Brooks Utopia Softshell). Both versions come in a solid black, which is the little black dress of runners. We all need the classic black thermal (I'm wearing one right now). These are priced from $75 to 150 (men's). 

Warmth and visibility. Being warm is just as important as being visible. Especially because a lot of the coldest runs are at dusk and dawn. This is the Women's Nightlife Ess. Run Vest II (men's version: Men's Nightlife Ess. Run Vest II). These Brooks vests are set a $75 and absolutely worth it. Place in their "Warm" category these vests are perfect to pair with my next piece of running gear.

Toasty arms. Complete with thumb holes and a key pocket the Asics Thermopolis LT Arm Warmers are great for runs that are going to start cold and end mild. Once things start to get warm just roll them off and stow them in a pocket. They can even be used as a base layer under a running jacket! They also come with gripper elastics so you don't have to worry about them riding up. These little babies are right around $24 (which is pretty standard for arm warmers)!

No numb fingers! If you're looking for thin mittens that are still super warm the Saucony Ulti-Mitts are made for you! At $45 it seems a little pricey for "just" a pair of mittens, but that's exactly what they are not. These little babies are mittens are a 3 in 1 miracle. Not only do they have the classic mitten to glove conversion, but they also have a convertible thumb and fore-finger option, that come with silicon grips. When not in use you can fasten them together with their magnet fasteners and stash them in your pocket!

HEAD

Warm necks and face. A gator is a must have for cold weather running. You need to protect your neck, cheeks, and if it can can convert into a balaclava that's just icing on the cake! The Mountain Hardware Hardface Stretch Convertible Balaclava can do all of that. It might be a mouth full to say, but it's definitely affordable at only $35. Comes in black and grey.

Ears. Sometimes it's chilly, but not chilly enough for a balaclava. That's what ear bands are for! The Brooks Infiniti Headband  is only $18 and uni-sex. The cut of the headband allows it to be worn like a headband while still fully covering your ears. If things get too steamy simply cuff up the ear covering section! The best part? It comes in 8 colors! So there is absolutely one in your favorite color!

HEY ALL!!

This is Molly coming to you live from the middle of my run! You might be wondering: Molly, why are you blogging and not kicking your butt into hire gear? Well I'll tell you.

While running with your dog is a beautiful thing, it does not work with my little pup, Dory. 

This is Dory.

I took her out for our first run together today, and I figured we'd start slow. I would run two miles with her, loop back to the house and drop her off, and then continue my run.

We are approximately 7 MINUTES into our run and Dory had to stop. She didn't have anything to do, just wanted to sit. She's 18 pounds and I couldn't move her. So we sat for 20 minutes. Then I decided this would not work, at least not today. So I picked her up and figured I could carry/jog her home. She loves being carried like the little diva she is, so I wasn't worried about her. And I thought "Hey it's only 7 minutes, right?" Wrong. 

I am not a carry things and run without your arms girl. I need my long swinging willow arms to push my legs, and instead they were wrapped around a hot, furry sausage that was trying to lick my face.

So the reason I'm blogging? Because I'm also walking, whilst balancing my pup on my hip. I have a mile left to go. And I know Dory isn't going to walk any of it.

Moral of the story? Have a dog that likes exercise, not a diva that likes sleep.

This is Dory after exercise lasting more than 4 minutes.

She is pretty cute though...

Be Smart, Be Safe, Be Strong: Tips for Runners

Source: thegreatillusion.com

Here are a few tips that I try to stick to when I'm running, just to keep me safe and focused.

1. Invest in a RoadID. My motto has always been to be proactive and not reactive. The time to get a RoadID and make sure that you are covered in case of an accident is before one happens. I waited until after I was almost hit by a truck. No one wants to think about the dangers that accompany running (biking, swimming, etc.) but they are there and you need to be prepared.
2. Brush up on safety tips. Again, be proactive and not reactive. You can look at my safety tips by clicking here.
3. Go watchless. We've all been there. You start a run, feel sluggish, get cotton mouth, and look down to see that you've only been running 3:27. It's incredibly discouraging. While your watch can be an incredibly useful tool in training, it is not necessary if you are just running for distance. 
4. Psych yourself in. There's a phrase: Running is mental. And it's completely true. Sometimes when you're running you can psych yourself out, your body can feel tired or heavy and negative, "I can't do this" thoughts start to creep up. It can happen in a short run or a marathon, distance doesn't matter. When this happens ask yourself this "If someone's life depended on it, would you stop?" Asking yourself questions like this seems very dark, but it prompt a psychological response and awakens your Phase II of running. It's your Phase II that carries you through most of the race.
5. Train smart. Follow the 10% Rule: Don't increase your mileage by more than 10% a week. R.I.C.E.: Take care of and prevent injuries with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Have a good training plan that includes a taper before your race and race smart! Follow the nothing new on race day rule! Make sure you've worn all the clothes you're going to wear, and make sure you've used all the clothes and products before the gun goes off.

My Phases of Running

Phase I: Body

25%. Your body will carry you to the race, and most of the way through it. In the beginning of your run it's all you think about, it's all you use. Your body is a combination of your cardio, stamina, and strength, and it's accumulation over your months of training. Your body is your sprint off the line and your powerhouse. It's extremely vital to be prepared for race day!

Phase II: Psychological/Mind

60%. There is always a point in the race when your body runs out, there is always be a part of a race where you doubt yourself, and when that happens you enter Phase II. There is a phrase that running is a mental sport, and that's absolutely true. This is when you have to ask yourself if you are truly exhausted, or are your legs just tired. Think outside of yourself. "If someone's life depended on it, would you stop?" Asking that question fights back at the negative thoughts that might be cropping up in your mind. It creates a psychological battle. And nine times out of ten, you can keep going. (This does not mean that you should fight through an injury).

Phase III: Heart

15%. The very end of your race. When you've conquered the mental, your energy is nearly out, and you have to think about why you are running. For someone else? For yourself? Use that to find your energy reserves and push in to the end.

Update!

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you in on some updates! I have a lot of samples and goodies heading my way, so be prepared for lots and lots of product reviews!

I'll be reviewing:

Nuun Electrolyte tablets

Hammer Electrolyte bars/gels/tablets

Hammer Nutrition Casein

RoadID apparel

Halo Headbands

Nathan VaporShape Hydration Pack

Thermotabs Salt Supplements

....and maybe more!

So check back soon!

ALSO I am currently shopping for my first ultra and I have found quite a few that I'm very interested in, so my training is getting kicked up a notch and I might be writing more entries about my training, on a day-to-day basis.

RoadID!

I emailed RoadID the link to my review and they are so nice! The owners responded and are sending me a free shirt to thank me! They even made sure to send me sizing info informing me that the sizes run small! 

So thank you, RoadID!

Such a great company.

Family, Friends & A Strong Running Foundation

I love my family. I grew up with an older brother and sister and two younger sisters, both my parents were supportive through my life and allowed me to pursue an educational path that they didn't love.

I'm very thankful for having people like that in my life and I often wonder what would happen if I didn't. Where would I be? Would I have the same confidence when jumping into the great unknown? I'm not sure that I would.

While running is an individual sport, there is always a team in the background. Someone with your drop bag or someone waiting for you at the finish line. 

At my first marathon my boyfriend came too. He drove me there, held my things, took my picture, met me at the end, and drove me home. But I was out there alone for five hours (including check in time). Parking was atrocious so I just had to jump out of the moving car when we got close to the start. The second I shut that car door it sunk in.

I was alone.

I didn't have my phone or anyway to contact someone I knew. I was by myself and while it was terrifying, it was also exhilarating.

I immediately had to do what I was trained to do. Rely on myself. I found my way to the start, stood in my place, did some stretches and tried not to think about my family or friends, I wanted to focus. I thought about the 26.2 and how I had it broken down in my head and what my game plan was. I thought about when to take Gatorade and when to take water, everything was on me and on the race.

But once I crossed the start line my entire plan faded, and all I could think of was who I wished I could share this experience with. I thought about my parents. I wished they could be there with me. I thought about my friends and all the messages they had sent supporting me.

I thought about the races I had run with him and the way he's pushed me to be a better person. I thought about how he stood by me when I decided I no longer wanted to be a collegiate runner and how he motivated me to continue training even when it was extremely difficult.

I trained by myself, and so I thought I was prepared to race by myself. In fact I never doubted the idea of running this marathon alone. Any time I told someone I was running it they would always ask me who I was running it with and when I told them it was solo they always got a faint look of shock and horror. Like I was crazy for doing it, but I didn't feel crazy, I felt ready.

Despite my race day doubts I truly thought that my legs were strong enough and that my cardio was strong enough and that I had the stamina to succeed. But my legs cramped at mile 18, my cardio was weak at mile 20, and my stamina was worn out with 5 miles left in the race.

But I never stopped. And I never walked. Because I never stopped thinking about who mattered most to me and who had helped me get to where I was. My body didn't carry me through that race, my foundation did.

I run to find my limit, but as long as I have my foundation, I'm not sure I have a limit.