Again a Runner

📣It's OFFICIAL!📣 I have the great pleasure of announcing that I will be a part of the Brooks Running Collective, class 2024! 💙🎉

This will be my second year with the team. I had the best time last year making unforgettable memories with so many new friends, and I'm over the moon to be able to do that all over again.

The purpose of this group is to share our unique journeys and promote active and healthy lifestyles. Road to happiness looks different for everyone, but I think incorporating running/walking into your life can be an awesome way to help you get there. It's all about feeling free and meeting amazing people along the way!

Stay tuned for another year of raucous fun and excitement! 🏃‍♂️💨
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2023.09.24 Berlin, you were every bit as flat and fast as advertised. You were wonderful! Thank you 💙

Every marathon has a story, and I'll be sure to follow up with a more detailed account once everything sinks in. For now I'm just happy to have completed another milestone in my journey, and everything went without a hitch.

I ran into some friends from the IG running community after the race which always impresses me because of how big and small the running world is at the same time.

Huge congrats to all the participants, and big thank you to the volunteers. Time for some rest, then 🍻🍻🍻!
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2023.09.09 The drought is OVER! Finally a PR, and a pretty damn satisfying one at that!

I love the half marathon, as it's my strongest distance. And I love THIS half marathon, the Hidden Gem in Flossmoor, IL. Great course, mostly shaded with only gentle rolling hills. Unbelievable community support - school band, cheerleaders, and enthusiastic residents in their yards! Deep competition (I was 25th overall). Perfect tune up race before fall marathons.

The weather was completely ideal. The goal was to maintain 5:50s throughout, which would put me right around my previous PR (this race last year). I linked up with a couple of guys early on going for the same pace, and we just worked together, taking turns leading. It was beautiful partnership. Part of why I love running is because even when I'm competing "against" other runners, we all want each other to succeed. Cooperation, first, competition, second.

I still felt pretty good at mile 10 and knew I'd PR at that point. That's a great feeling. I went slightly faster and was definitely working it to the finish line, but I didn't red line it, partly bc Berlin is in just 2 weeks, but also that's just how some of my best races feel. Cool and in control. Solid 1 min PR, and I couldn't be happier.

Shout out to who totally encouraged me to go for 1:15 (check her out, she is truly incredible). This one is for you, Rachel!

This was a tremendous validation of my training volume this cycle. I'm feeling incredibly confident going into the marathon. Recovery is the sole focus now.
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Next major goal: Sub 2:42 marathon. I'm coming for you, Berlin and Tokyo!
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2023.06.01 HUGE UPDATE!!! I'm officially running Berlin Marathon 2023! This will get me my 5th star and one step closer to my goal of running all six World Marathon Majors.

Due to the rising popularity of these races, it's become increasingly difficult to get in. Heck, getting registered is as much a battle as the training and the racing! The good folks at WMM organization decided to help us along with a separate smaller lottery for those with a requisite number of stars. It was a last ditch effort to get in this year's race, and I was selected! Praise Almighty! Of course, I did pay for and run three virtual HM's to get extra entries, but it was worth it!

Anywho the grind continues. Today was an easy run in the heat. Lots of sweating but I felt pretty good, especially in the later miles. I couldn't wait to get back and share the good news with you all!
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Next major goal: Sub 2:42 marathon. I'm coming for you, Berlin!
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2023.05.21 It's race day, baby! Blazing sun and dusty trails made for a tough but fun run. Spring Trail Chase 10K in beautiful Lemont, IL.

A lot of fast dudes showed up today, in addition to the usuals suspects. I started off right on goal pace and was with a good pack of 4 or 5 guys. I would have loved to stay in that mix but didn't quite have it in me today. I had to slow down and lost the pack during mile 3 and was in a bit of a no man's land. I just focused on keeping the effort level up and not continue to slow down.

Matt passed me up in the next mile, which I was thrilled about. At least one of us was having a good race today! I did my best to keep him in my sights. One more guy showed up in the last mile and passed us both, kudos to him for a nice finish. I was in danger of going over 36 min and managed to muster up what I had left to finish with some dignity left. 😁

It was a 10K PR for me, so I can't really complain, but 30s faster would have been nice. Still, any day I can wake up and do what I love is a great day. I know I have to build some more before the next race. Nothing to do but keep grinding away. Cheers, folks!
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2023.03.25 Super excited for tomorrow's !

It's the largest 8k race in the world! The race was SOLD OUT so it should be pretty wild tomorrow. I'm feeling ready!

Give me a shout if you'll be there tomorrow!
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Next major goal: crush 2:45 marathon. I'm coming for you, London!
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Help me make wishes come true for children in need!
Make-A-Wish UK Fundraising page link in profile.
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2023.03.23 I'll be running through the streets of London just one month from now! I can't believe it's already so close. I'm so excited to be a part of this experience and get my 4th ⭐!

My fundraiser for Make-A-Wish UK Foundation is ongoing. I'm a little over halfway in meeting my goal. Thanks again to all those who have helped me get this far! If you'd like to contribute, please check out the link in my profile. Any amount is welcome, and I'd be eternally grateful! Bless you, friends.
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Next major goal: crush 2:45 marathon. I'm coming for you, London!
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Help me make wishes come true for children in need!
Make-A-Wish UK Fundraising page link in profile.
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2023.03.03 Feel good recovery run. The snowstorm missed northern Illinois, so we didn't get the 5-6 inches that were forecasted. Thank goodness.

Not much else to say today, other than it feels good to feel good. I could definitely use more sleep, but in terms of aches and soreness, things have been pretty good. Not zero, but pretty good. Just gotta keep keeping on.
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Next major goal: crush 2:45 marathon. I'm coming for you, London!
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Help me make wishes come true for children in need!
Make-A-Wish UK Fundraising page link in profile.
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2023.01.26 COVID strikes! I've been getting my butt kicked for the past three days which is super unusual, so I finally tested myself and sure enough, it was positive. First time. I haven't been this sick in years!

So unfortunately I'm gonna have to skip on the F3 Half Marathon. It isn't the end of the world, I guess. I gotta focus on getting better, so I can get back to it.

Stay healthy friends!
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Next major goal: crush 2:45 marathon. I'm coming for you, London!
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Help me make wishes come true for children in need!
Make-A-Wish UK Fundraising page link in profile.
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