Lessons and Connections

Fun Fact:  I am totally outrunning my iPhone at this point.  My last two long runs have totally drained my battery, probably because I'm using the Runtastic App to track my distance while also using it to pipe music into my ears. Looking for a solution to that one ...any and all advice accepted!

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Every single week, I learn things about myself as a runner.  They're all little things, but I think they all add up to help keep me moving toward that ultimate goal.  Here are a few things I learned this week:

• This run, this Boston Marathon journey, is not only in memory of Chad LeBouf.  This effort, and every bit of heart I put into it is also in honor of Amy LeBouf, Chad's wife.  I wish she'd never had to reveal the strength she has inside, but her strength inspires me.  If I can muster half of her strength, I can run this marathon, and every training run between now and then.  She is simply amazing.
• It takes my body 2-3 miles to warm up, and if I can push through that with good form, I will feel strong and able to keep going.  Those are important miles for me.
• When you are running in 17 degree weather, I need more layers on than I had this week, and I need to account for wind.
• Gatorade and sport beans will freeze 6 miles into a 7 degree run, but you can shake the Gatorade into slush and you can defrost sport beans in your mouth.

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One of the coolest, and unexpected, parts of this journey has been the connections I've made with some people I may never have met had I not taken on this challenge of running the Boston Marathon.  One of those people is Mike Karpenko, a fitness professional in California who also happens to be a big fan of Luv You Health bars.  I connected with Mike, and he gave me some great advice on fueling and hydrating during the long runs and the race itself.  He was very encouraging, and it was so uplifting that Mike, a total stranger, took the time to help me out.  As a rookie marathoner, I appreciate every bit of information I can get, and I think when you get little bits here and there, they stick with you.  I took Mike's advice yesterday, and I definitely think it's a strategy that will work for me, so long as I can keep it all from freezing!  If you're doing anything fitness related, I'd highly recommend you look him up.  He's on Twitter (@MikeKarpenko) and you can find him on Facebook and Instagram, too.

 

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For this week's Luv You Health prize giveaway, I'm looking for you to give me some shout-outs that I can carry in my heart along the course on Marathon Monday.  Imagine you are along the course somewhere, and imagine that you see me, maybe looking a little ragged.  What would you shout out to keep me motivated?  Use the contact form on the right and keep me moving! One person will be selected from all comments to win a Luv You prize!

 

 Don't forget, you can click on The Luv You logo to check out their products, and you can also click on the GHF logo to donate to my marathon fundarising efforts.

 

 

Have a great week, and hope for a little warmth up in the Northeast!

 

:) Kelly