Go Big or Go Home

The last time I posted an entry here, I was contemplating my next fitness adventure.  I had come a long way with fitness, and I learned great deal about how strong I really am when I put my mind to it.  While I didn't write about it, I did complete my first sprint triathlon over the summer, and that was a true challenge, especially in the water!  I belong on land, that's for sure.  Which brings me to my next challenge, a challenge that is 100% worthy of documenting every step of the way.  On April 21, 2014, I will run the 118th Boston Marathon in support of the Greg Hill Foundation.  This will be the longest race I've ever run, and what a year to be involved.  My hope is to chronicle my training, all the ups and downs, right through race day.  I also hope to share bits and pieces about the foundation and my sponsors, already so supportive one week into training. I hope you'll join me, because support and encouragement will be vital to my success.

The Greg Hill Foundation

My training and race will be dedicated to the memory of Chad Lebouf, a husband and father, son and brother, a friend taken too soon in a car accident almost two years ago.  Chad was known for living life to the fullest, and he was the definition of a devoted family man.  He worked harder than anyone I know, and when he was home, he was Dad, 100%.  When he left this world, he left behind an adoring wife and three children, the youngest only eight weeks old.  It was devastating.  The Greg Hill Foundation, after hearing about the tragedy, held an on-air fundraising campaign, shared their story,  and gathered donations from people to help provide help to Amy and her children immediately.  The foundation then matched the donations for a total of $13,000.  Immediate help, because when tragedy strikes, some needs can't wait for insurance, can't wait for those affected to figure it all out.  That's what this foundation does, and I am honored to support their continuing efforts.  You can click their logo on the right if you'd like to make a donation.  Every little bit helps, and every donation truly makes me feel as if my team of supporters  is getting bigger!

Luv You Health, Inc.

I cannot say enough how proud I am to be supported by this company.  I discovered them this past summer, and I've been a loyal customer from bite #1.  Luv You Health makes all-natural, organic, vegan nutrition bars that are packed with protein and nutrition, and they taste amazing!  Though I could eat them all day long, I use them primarily to refuel after a long run or intense workout.  They come in two flavors:  PB&J and Chocoholic, and I can't even pick a favorite.  They both rock! 


Luv You Health was started by Chris Henderson and Jessica Sowards, essentially to solve a problem.  Chris is the lead guitar player for the band 3 Doors Down, which puts him on the road often.  They both were tired of how hard it can be to find nutritious snacks with a schedule as that hectic, so they started making their own.  These snacks came out so delicious, they wanted to share them, and Luv You Health was born!  I am so pumped to have them on my side for this adventure!  You can click on their logo on the right to check out their site and try the bars yourself!

Training

I was a late addition to the Greg Hill marathon team, so my training has just started.  The team coach, Rick Muhr of The Marathon Coalition, created a modified training schedule to help me get caught up, and I was off and running, literally.  Over the course of last Sunday through Wednesday, I ran 19 miles.  Typically, there would be a rest day in there, but with the impending snow storm, I decided to move my weight training day to Thursday, when I knew I'd be home anyways.  Today was supposed to be my first training day in Boston with the team for our long run, but the cold temps are at the dangerous level, and it isn't safe.  Tomorrow I'll do my long run around here, planning on 7-8 miles.  After my first official week, and I am feeling great.  My lower back is a little tight and sore, but nothing inhibiting.  I have a feeling my chiropractor and I will be getting reacquainted over the next few months!

To those who are supporting me already, I cannot thank you enough.  This is a little scary, I'm not going to lie, but with a strong group of supporters cheering me on and Chad looking out for me along the way, I got this!

:) Kelly