Post Boston Marathon Tension=a body and mind that won’t relax.

Relieving tension after the Boston Marathon

Have you ever woken up and all of a sudden you can’t turn your head and it feels as though every muscle is wound up into a tight knot. That is where I am at the moment. . . Since the Boston Marathon my back has been in a complete spasm. The combination of racing 26.2 miles (at an almost PR pace), then shortly thereafter experiencing the shock of tragedy, and sitting in the cold for what seemed like an eternity–scared and both mentally and physically exhausted has left me more tense than I have ever been. As last week went on the knots in my back began to spread down my spine and behind my shoulder blades as well as up into my neck. I finally went in for an hour and a half massage hoping to find relief when I realized on Friday that I could not turn my head. Although the massage was good, the knots failed to release. Next stop the chiropractor for some adjustments. Perhaps something is out of alignment? Coupled with the sadness that I am feeling and the stress of knowing how the timeline of events was too close for comfort for me I cannot seem to get my body to relax.

My prescription:

• A stop at the chiropractor for some adjustments, perhaps a good crunching will restore balance to my mind body and soul.
• Some easy miles on the trails.
• Some quality time with my foam roller and my stick.
• Perhaps some swimming.
• Some intense stretching and yoga.
• Writing: To relieve the stress I have been writing (very cathartic).
• Checking in with my family and friends often. I am so thankful for all of the love and suport that I have felt from all of my family, friends, and my local and online community.
• Spending copious amounts of time outside working in my garden, hopeful that the Vitamin D will help to boost my serotonin levels.
• Playing with my kids–Laughter and being silly with my kids is absolutely some of the best medicine.

Perhaps then my back will relax . . . and my mind and soul too?????

#RunForBoston at the White Mountain School (Photo from Paul Hayes of the Caledonian Record)

Over the weekend I joined in the #RUNforBOSTON event at the White Mountain School. This event was organized by my friend Nate Snow, Assistant Head of School and Athletic Director at the White Mountain School.  I was very happy to be able to join in the running of this event after being witness to the horrific events that unfolded at the Boston Marathon last week on a crisp blue sky day that should have been one of celebration. It was important to join together with some of my closest friends to run and remember and to be thankful for everything that we have in our lives.

Running is an essential part of who I am.  My closest friendships have been formed on the trails and in the mountains. When we run we share the details of our lives with each other both through talk and silence and we always support each other, challenge each other and lift each other up when life is difficult. The running community and our country cannot be fearful in the wake of this tragedy. We must unify and stand together and support each other the way that athletes do.  Nate Snow, the #RunForBoston event organizer said, “the power of sport and the power of community can triumph over acts of violence.” 

My Dad has reminded me that we cannot dwell on the “What ifs” from that day but be thankful for everything we have and to continue to support and love each other and help those who need it.

I will continue to #RunForBoston and to Remember and I will continue to think about the courage of those affected by this tragedy. I hope that you will do the same. Be #BostonStrong!

Begin each day with a Grateful Heart.

I ran the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15, 2013.

As I process this tragedy and as the terrifying events continue to unfold I feel that it is important for me to share these feelings as a part of the healing

Here are some of my words written to a friend who also witnessed the horror at the Boston Marathon.

“I am ok. Still in shock. today it hit me that I ran right through there. Not ok about all of that. My husband could have been right there watching when it happened. I am struggling to come to terms with this and feel completely heartbroken by all of the stories of all of the people. They are people just like us. People celebrating the accomplishments of the friends and loved ones and just out enjoying a beautiful day. I was one block away. I was still regrouping from my race finish. Still kind of out of it. It was about 20-30 minutes post race. I was standing with another young woman. We were putting on warm clothes. The sound was horrific. So loud and the smoke was a clear indication that something was not ok. We both felt a sinking feeling and then the sirens began. At that point I had already spoken to my husband and my parents and had been on a super high from posting a requalifying time. After the explosions I couldn’t get through to my husband again but new he was on the T. I was terrified. What if there were more bombs on the trains. I went to the family meeting area. Still alone. My phone died. That’s when I lost it. I was sobbing into the arms of a complete stranger. What had happened? Why? Was there going to be more. Were we safe. While we stood there andI frantically tried to reach family some young men ran through screaming, “EVERYONE needs to GET OUT NOW!!!! Go to MASS General, people are dying.” I was afraid, panicked. Thoughts were racing. Was something else about to happen, was there a bombing at the hospital. “What the %&*#!!!!” I sat for almost four hours, stiffening up, waiting for my husband, petrified, but thankful for gracious strangers who offered me assurance and warm clothes, thank you Annie . . . wherever you are. I was shivering, out of fear, and cold, and exhaustion. I sat with a mom, Annie for a long time who was trying to find her daughter who thankfully was ok. Finally my husband found me as they were about to evacuate everyone to the Boston Common. I was relieved to see him but stunned. I am thankful that we were not closer. One cannot help but question how fate chooses where you will be at any given moment.

When we found each other we had 3-4 miles to walk back to the car, an eerie walk with street blocks off and the sound of sirens filling the air, an ambulance, police car, or fire truck around every turn. I felt numb, shell-shocked, and just numb.  I am trying to process this but don’t understand.

What a horrific tragedy that we were a part of and will forever be united by . . . I was so worried about you and everyone that I knew and did not know.”

May there be peace for those still suffering . . .

#BLOOMSforBOSTON

#BLOOMSforBOSTON–#runforboston, #bostonstrong, #boston2013, #bostonmarathon

Please plant the colors of The Boston Marathon to remember those affected by the terrible boston tragedy and share your pictures on Twitter and Instagram to the hashtahg- #BLOOMSforBOSTON 

PEACE

Processing  the events of the Boston Marathon. . .

I ran Boston. I ran a strong race. I finished strong. When tragedy struck I was shocked. I didn’t understand. I feel helpless. I feel heartbroken. I wish there was more that I could do. That could have been me. It could have been my husband.  All of the people who are suffering and who have been lost are just like you and me and our children and our families and our friends. We must do what we can to unite in this time of grief and time of working to understand and to heal.

Remember Boston 2013

Don’t get caught up in the small everyday challenges. Be thankful. Celebrate your loved ones and friends. Experience life. Take everything in and hold your loved ones close. Be friendly to the people that you don’t know. Share a smile, a laugh or a hug.  Pay it forward. Share your strength with others and pray for the people who are suffering this horrific series of events.

Be #BostonStrong. #ChooseLOVEnotFEAR. 

The One Fund-Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino have announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, Inc. to help the people most affected by the tragic events that occurred in Boston on April 15, 2013.

 Ways to Help the Victims of the #BostonTragedy

Ten Ways to Support Boston-Another Mother Runner

Post Boston Ways To Help and Get Help-Mommy Run Fast

Tragedy in Boston: How to Help-CNN

From the RUN for BOSTON Facebook community . . .

#RUNFORBOSTON

“Friends – Please read carefully . . . 

1) You can run anytime today. Morning, lunch, afternoon, or night.
2) You can by yourself, with a few friends, or with a whole group of people.
3) Wear yellow or blue, the colors of the Boston Marathon
4) Before or after your run, take a picture with a sign that says “Run For Boston” and includes 4/17 and your city/state.
5) POST THAT PICTURE ON THIS FACEBOOK PAGE sometime tomorrow.
6) Keep being people who change the world!

#RUNFORBOSTON today.

#RUNforBOSTON

No words. I ran the Boston Marathon yesterday. In shock. I was one block away . . . Hold your loved ones close and send prayers to the families deeply affected by this terrible tragedy.

#runforboston #prayforboston #chooselove

Boston Marathon Race Outfit Preview

What to wear to a marathon:

It’s the final countdown. As Boston Marathon Monday closes in I am packing my bags for the big day. Part of final race preparation is choosing the race day outfit. On race day I want to be comfortable. During a 26.2 Mile race (yes, this marathon is 26.2 miles . . . haha!) there is nothing worse than dealing with “wardrobe malfunctions” such as nasty chafing or having shorts that ride up.  During training leading up to the race I have perfected my race day “look.” to one that is comfortable and will stand up to the rigors of running a long distance.

In addition to standing up to the miles, I am also staying true to myself and wearing fun bright colors and of course a fast “Gym Girl Ultra” Skirt from Skirt Sports (Skirt Sports was kind enough to provide me with this outfit–Gym Girl Ultra Skirt, Wonder Girl Tank, Long Sleeve Shirt, and Arm Warmers– for me to wear during the Boston Marathon).  My other marathon outfit staples are SLS3 Women’s Butterfly Compression Socks and a Sparkly Soul 5/8 Inch Silver Headband along with My Brooks Adrenaline GTS (#runhappy)

What is your favorite Marathon Race Outfit? Do you have any pieces of clothing that you must wear during a marathon?

If you are running the Boston Marathon on Patriot’s Day good luck and hopefully I’ll see you out on the course! 

Marathon TAPER TIME!

I am in full on marathon taper for the Boston Marathon. My legs are achy. I feel as though I have arthritis when I get up and move. I am starting to have race day stress dreams. Marathon Taper is tough because all I want to do is get out and run especially now that the weather is warming up!

This cartoon totally shows what a typical stress dream might be for me leading up to a race  during marathon taper  What a nightmare! A marathon with no finish!!!!!

I have ants in my pants. I just want to race already!!!!!!

Beware of Tapering Runner (Thanks Races 2 Remember for the picture!)

Thankfully I was able to get in some amazing running last week during our Florida vacation to help calm the nerves as well as to stretch my legs on some gorgeous trails right in the Ocala Forest. .I even had a nice confidence booster when I took my husband out for an 8 mile trail run (his longest run ever!). He ran behind me and said he couldn’t imagine running a whole marathon at a pace faster than the easy pace we kept on our run. He said I looked strong and relaxed. PHEW! Thankfully I did not forget how to run while we were on vacation.

Don’t be fooled. This trail run may have taken place during the taper for the Boston Marathon but I am strong, confident and ready to run and kick some a$$!

If you want to keep track of my progress on Boston Marathon Monday you can follow me using this cool app:

Boston Marathon Runner Tracker

My BIB Number is : 15056

Boston Marathon BIB Number 15056–I’m “All in for Boston!”

IN Refresh – Ignite Naturals 100% plant-based electrolyte drink

Climbing! I faced my fear and found new inner strength

Face your fear head on and you will find strength and determination!

2 weeks to go until the Boston Marathon! I’m ready to put my training to the test! With 2 weeks to go of taper training I am working on mental toughness. Part of marathon success is the ability to work through the hard parts of the race. We’ve all been there whether during a workout or a race, those moments where you just want to stop, when you feel that you can’t push any further, when fear of the pain of a hard effort begins to convince you that failure is imminent.

Don’t let the bad attitude or fear creep in!

Last week I decided it was time to face one of my fears. I am afraid of heights. All of my friends climb and several have access to an incredible indoor climbing wall at The White Mountain School. I haven’t tried climbing since college which let’s just say was a while ago. I only tried once but was too afraid to do it again.

Why do we sometimes let our fears control what we do?

I have decided it’s time to face my fears head on.

Last week I went climbing and I loved it! The first time I was a little hesitant but being with friends I felt safe because my trust of them is so strong. I started up the wall not wanting to look down. I felt nervous, not sure of my footing or the holds. My friends encouraged me and I began to feel more at ease. My adrenaline was high. I made it halfway up the wall the first time. When I came down I was shaking but proud because I had faxed my fear. After taking ten minutes to chill out and to calm my nerves I was ready for more.

The next route was a bit easier. My friend Joanna told me not to overthink it. I am physically strong. The goal is to believe it and to trust yourself. When I went up the climbing wall the 2nd and 3rd times I went all the way to the top! I ended the evening with some “playtime” on the wall doing some traversing.

It was empowering! It was exhilarating! Mission accomplished! I faced my fear and found new inner strength.

What have you done recently to go outside your comfort zone? Do you have any fears that you want to face?