My Running Journey

I wanted to share my running journey with you all! Growing up my brothers were always doing sports like cross-country, wrestling and soccer. We always went to support them and enjoyed cheering them on.  It wasn’t until high school that I was able to participate in sports.

I played soccer and ran cross country. I started running to stay in shape, in preparation for enlisting into the Marines. In 2001 I graduated High School and enlisted into the Marines. During my time in the service, I continued running to stay in shape, but I can honestly say I didn’t always enjoy it. Running at someone else’s pace and someone else dictating the distance made it less enjoyable.

In 2014, I got out of the service and began the next chapter of my life.  I started signing up for local races with my running group that I joined. I ran my 10K! Crossing the finish line of that race was one of the best feelings. After that race I wanted to run more and more.

In October 2014, I started training for my first Half Marathon! Crossing the finish line of that race was one of the best feelings. After that race, I wanted to run more and more. Running started to become my form of therapy. Life has a way of humbling you. As a new single mother of two girls, I don’t get a lot of free time, so I used this to release my stress while including them. I truly looked forward to my weekend long runs. I ran several races that year and signed up for my 1^st full 26.2 Mile Marathon.

I started training that summer and in October 2015.  I completed my 1^st Marathon Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) in Arlington, VA and completing this was one of my biggest accomplishments. I decided it was time to take the plunge and sign up for another! I made friends with the people from my running group, who were also training for races too. I always had someone to run with and help keep me accountable. I went on to Run the MCM in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. Each year having its own obstacles and challenges with life/training. Then came COVID in 2020 and 2021.

I continued to run through the pandemic mostly doing virtual races. I completed my 1^st Ultra Marathon 50K (31.07 miles) in Nov 2020. This was my first and last Ultra haha. This year the live race is back after two years and I will be running my 8^th Marathon on Oct 30, 2022. This race holds a very special place in my heart as a Marine Veteran. It is such an amazing experience! Runners come from around the world in all shapes, sizes, ages, and ability.

Running has taught me if I’m disciplined and consistent, I can do things I never thought I could. I will be running in support of Team Blue!  We run to remember! Run for the fallen, for the fighting, for the families, and for those who can’t.

Semper Fidelis