Make It Your Passion

Nothing makes me happier than when my friends come to me for advice on running and races. Today, I got this text from one my best friends (Kelly Geb):

"Soo I have decided today that I want to try a mini marathon. Since you are the master... :) Is there a mini one in Fort Wayne or where do I begin?"

Where I do begin? I remember asking that same question nearly a year ago.

***

I decided I needed to lose weight about this time last year. I had actually been waiting to lose weight fo years, but this time I was ready to take action. No diet pills. No gimmicks or crazy workout DVD's that I could barely keep up with...I would do exactly what you NEED to do in order to lose weight...eat a healthy diet and exercise.

After asking countless of healthy, fit friends and family members about how they maintain their weight, I kept hearing the same exercise: running.

So I tried it. My first time was an epic failure. I don't think I went 50 seconds without stopping. I felt like I was going to pass out because I couldn't breathe. I didn't know how I could go a minute longer. I think I finished my mile that day in about 14 minutes. But I was inspired. I wanted to do it; I wanted to keep going. In order to make sure I stayed on track, I told my friend I would do a mini marathon with her that Fall.

Mini marathon? 13.1 miles? How in the world will I ever do that if I can't even run for 50 seconds, let alone more than 2 hours in a race?! I didn't know the answer, but I was inspired to find out.

Where did I begin? I began by making it my passion.

I blogged about running.

I made a goal to run, bike and walk 2,011 miles for 2011. 

I asked my friends who ran for advice.

I started following runners on Twitter like @cubicledad (who inspired me to start fundraising for the American Heart Association)

I started reading running blogs like See Meggie Run (she is incredible - you absolutely must read her blog- you will be inspired for LIFE!).

I bought running magazines, like Runners World.

I went to movies about running, such as Hood to Coast, which is an incredible documentary that features 4 teams competing in the world's largest and longest relay race.

I bought better running shirts and pants.

Rocking my running clothes!

I got fitted for running shoes (SO IMPORTANT).

My hubby fitting me for my shoes, which are from the best shoe store ever (Esmond's Shoe Store).

I ran with the best personal trainer ever (and cutest).

Rain or shine; Bandit and I braved the run.

I signed up for any race I could get my hands on.

After my first mini marathon with my running partners, Sabrina and Brittany.

Nothing beats running with both family and friends; this one was for my mom's bday! :)

While this wasn't my best running performance, I was glad to participate in the largest mini marathon in the states.

 I signed up to join the American Heart Association's Start! Running Team and raised nearly $800 for heart and stroke disease research and education.

Simply put, I made running my passion. Right from the beginning...

So, I sent her links to races in her area and the training schedule that I use. And I text back:

"Seriously- make it your passion :) Buy good running shoes, get amazing running clothes, buy body glide because you will chaff in places you never knew you could chaff. Buy books or magazines or follow blogs about running and races! You will love it and I promise crossing that finish line is one of the best feelings in the world!"

Oh and good music and headbands can help with long runs too. But as Brad King will tell you, sometimes its just nice to listen to the sounds around you, smile at the people who pass you and have converstations with those runners along side you.

Much love,
Ashley

504 Miles & An Important Purchase

Last night, I hit 504.5 miles for the year. Obviously, I am behind in my 2011 mile goal. I should average 5.5 miles a day or 170.5 miles per month.


As of June 1, I should be at 852.5 miles. But with my training schedule, injuries and life getting in the way – it was hard to keep up. I need to catch up by348 miles. I think I can do it. For the next three months, I am going to try to run and bike more…averaging 9 miles per day. Now, I know that number sounds high– and really it is. But in 30 minutes on the bike, I can complete at least 5-6 miles. I can do this. I will do this.

Last night, I did think about giving up on my 2,011 mile goal. I won’t lie. I felt like I would never catch up, learning that I was so many miles behind. But then my friend Sarah Frey told her husband Dusty to post this video on my wall. It inspired me to keep going – stop making excuses and keep going.

But in order to keep going, I made an important purchase. A purchase that I felt was necessary after one of my co-workers and friends lost his brother-in-law this past weekend. Zach was running in the Chicago half marathon last Saturday – he was extremely healthy and according to the articles I read, running 13.1 miles was a breeze for him. The heat that day Saturday was unbearable. I believe they eventually stopped the race because it was so hot.

Unfortunately, Zach passed away while running in the race. It was his passion, he loved it. He died doing what he loved, but that doesn’t remove the sadness from the situation. His death really opened up my eyes about the importance of listening to your body and stopping when weather conditions are not favorable. I am not sure what Zach’s cause of death was, and while I never had the opportunity to meet him – I am inspired to continue raising money for the American Heart Association until I hit $1,000.

His death also made me realize the value in purchasing a Road ID, which is a wrist band that I can wear that lists my name, information and 3 emergency contacts. I also included my mantra, “Brave the Run!” I understand the wrist band won’t save my life, but it will help any rescuers talk to me by name and contact my family immediately.

If you are interested in purchasing a Road ID, I’d encourage you to do so. You can receive $1 off your purchase by entering in this code at check out: ThanksAshley5785965 – Also, a portion of all purchases go a charity of your choice (you can select from 10 charities). What are you waiting on? Get your Road ID today….

Please be safe and listen to your body- only YOU know when you have pushed yourself too far and need to slow down.

Much love,
Ashley

13.1 Miles: A Lesson of Acceptance

There is a certain peace about 5 a.m. in the morning that I can’t explain (mainly because 99.9% of the time I am sleeping during that early in the morning). But as I kissed my husband goodbye and asked Bandit to give me some good luck, I was overwhelmed with relaxation. I walked outside, and the sky was still dark. I saw an older man walking alone in a bright orange vest. Was he warming up for the mini marathon? Maybe. I smiled.

I met my friends / running partners, Brittany and Lexi, in Fishers. I ran inside to get Starbucks – nothing fancy, just a bold coffee. We hit the road discussing our expectations, worries (well my worries) and funny stories.

I didn’t really get nervous until we got downtown and I started seeing everyone. Hundreds of people – all walking towards the start line- which was filled with thousands of people. All the while, I was still looking for some suspicious activity as the news reports questioned the safety of runners after bin Laden’s death. I could have worked for the FBI that morning because I was looking in every hotel window and down every grassy knoll.

When the gun went off, I reminded myself not to get too excited. I was in corral V – and I was warned it would take at least 30-45 minutes just to reach the start line. By the time we crossed the start line, it was 28 minutes into the race. (But our time didn't start until we crossed the start line).

We started to run, but quickly turned it to light a jog. There were so many people and it was very hard to pass anyone. So we just took it easy.

The first person I saw performing on the side of the road was a man with a megaphone talking about Jesus. It took me back to my Ball State days – I wondered if it was the same man, and kept running. The next few bands I saw were awesome. There were even kids – totally rocking out to songs like "TNT". Another band was singing about breathing – and that was the first time I thought of the people who’ve passed before me. The people I am running and raising money for through the American Heart Association. I’m breathing, I’m alive. I threw my arm in the air as I passed them and yelled, "Thank you!"

I was doing pretty good until about mile 5. That's when I noticed I was asking for walking breaks more often. My back started hurting pretty bad, but I tried to fight through it. Lexie started to press against my back and rub.

"I am not sure if I am helping or if I am just pushing you along," she joked.

Once we got off the track, we stopped for fruit snacks and a stretch. I mentally told myself to "lock it up" and I tried to take myself to a positive place.

"THIS IS AMAZING!" I said. "I feel great- these fruit snacks are really hitting the spot and this stretch feels great."

But that burst of positive excitement was short lived. I quickly reached behind me and grabbed my back; It hurt so bad. 

We didn't even run half a mile and I was already wanting a break again. I felt awful for them. I really wanted Britt to get a personal best and Lexie to enjoy her first race. I really wanted a personal best, but more importantly - I wanted HER to get one if she physically could...I knew I probably wouldn't hit my best time.

"You guys.." I said. "Just go. Please just run ahead of me and get your personal best. I'm not sure we will make it." 

"Ashley, stop it!" Brittany said sternly. "If we wanted to run ahead of you, we would have stayed in our corral. We are staying beside you and we will finish together."

I didn't accept that answer.

"Brittany," I said. "Seriously- if you can do better - do better - I just feel so bad and guilty - I want you to.."

"Ashley!" Brittany said. "Stop it - you are making me mad. I've made my decision."

At that moment, we crossed the 10 mile marker. 

And it was settled. We would finish together. But it was also during this moment that we realized we would not be getting a personal best. In fact, we would be cutting it close to even reach our time at the last race.

And I got really sad - How would I explain that I did better at a race when I was limping in pain, had bruised ribs, and scraps on my body?  

We walked the final 3 miles, but made sure we were always running before and slightly after a mile marker. When we weren't talking, I was trying to answer that question in my head the whole time.

We got to victory mile. It didn't feel like much of a victory for me. I felt defeated. Weak. Discouraged. I was holding back tears the whole time. I felt like I let not only myself and running partners down, but everyone who donated. I told myself I should have trained harder and gave it more. 

We ran the final quarter mile.  I'm not sure what I looked liked when I crossed the finish line. I wanted to smile through my pain, but it was even harder knowing I didn't have my husband to run to and friends to hug on the sidelines. Thank goodness I had Britt & Lexi there to make me smile and laugh. Our afternoon was a little crazy after the race, but looking back - I can't help but smile. I'm so glad they never gave up on me....

If I would have wrote this blog immediately after the race, it would have been awful. I was miserable - not only did I feel sore physically- I was an emotional wreck.

But the moment I reached for my phone, I couldn't help but be inspired! SO many people left comments on my split time status updates! I had messages of encouragement and pride written on my wall. People told me I was such an inspiration and that I did such a great job. YOU ARE ALL AMAZING. Thank you so much - for every comment, text and phone call - you all truly made a huge difference.

When I went to lunch at McAllister's, the manager gave me a discount for wearing my medal in. He didn't ask me what my time was once. He simply gave me a big smile, huge high-five and told me great job!

Even better, I came home to an inspiring video my husband left me. He reminded me that I  can't beat myself up after every single race. You'll always have a better or worse time- it gives you motivation to do better in the future. With tears streaming down my face, he closed by saying this:  "Nobody cares about the time you ran - no one donated money to you beating your last time- everyone is proud of you and that is what everyone thinks." ♥

Later that night, I went out with my friends for Delanie's bachelorette party.

And I proudly wore my medal out all night long.

I view those 13.1 miles on Saturday as acceptance. I am accepting that I have my work cut out for me in the future. However, I am also accepting the fact that I accomplished something huge. I still beat 10,000 other people. I still finished. I still ran / walked / limped with heart across that finish line.

Much love,
Ashley

Words With Friends Contest

The love and support I’ve received from my family, friends and even complete strangers during my journey to complete this half marathon and raise money for the American Heart Association have been unbelievable. My initial goal was to raise $500. Within a month, I hit that goal – so I increased my goal to $700. I am happy to report that because of your loving donations, I have not only met my goal – I have exceeded it! I have raised nearly $750 for the American Heart Association.


Now it’s time to have fun and pay it forward to you everyone who has supported me and my goals through monetary donations, kind words and hugs! While taking a shower last night (where all brilliant ideas occur because you have no paper to write them down), I thought of a contest that combines four of my top loves:

• Writing

• You (my amazing and loving supporters)

• Starbucks

• Justin

The Words with Friends Contest is simple.


1. Write down an inspirational message to me for race day. It can be funny, inspirational, sweet, encouraging, etc.

2. Once you come up with your message, write it on a piece of paper, a larger sign, pizza box, etc. & take a picture of yourself holding up the sign. Include your family, friends, hamster, fish, dog in the picture – I don’t care. Take the picture inside or outside. Take it jumping in the air or running. The more creative, the better.


3. Post the picture on your Facebook page or Twitter account & tag me in the picture.

4. Justin & I will judge the inspirational / hilarious / motivating posters. The top 3 will win Starbucks gift cards and ALL pictures will be posted on my blog to celebrate your thoughtful messages.

I am really looking forward to seeing your messages! You truly have NO idea how much it means to me. I know that when I am running 13.1 miles on Saturday morning, I will smile and think of each and every message from you all. If you haven’t learned by now, I am actually the true winner of this contest – because I get to keep your love and messages forever.

Much love,
Ashley