No pressure...it's just for fun...

Tomorrow is the NYC Half. When I signed up for it, I had intended to try for a PR. That was before my diagnosis of overtraining syndrome. I am feeling quite bummed that I am not up to speed, that I have lost so much fitness when I had so many goals I wanted to accomplish this year.

I had to take most of December and January off due to my CK constantly going up following exercise. Plus repeated episodes of tachycardia. When I was finally feeling better, I was left with one month to train for NYC and two months to train for Boston. That meant I also had to simultaneously build my mileage back up. With little time to do so, I realize my build-up was done a lot quicker than I should have. However, I listened to my body and opted for some easier runs or cutting out my cross training and/or weight sessions. I am determined not to get injured.

As of right now, I can't even decide how easy, or how hard I want to run tomorrow. Part of me wants to push it as hard as I can, but part of me just wants to enjoy the race. My current tempo pace is the same as my marathon pace from October, so I know that if I opted to race, I wouldn't be able to run faster than that. I wouldn't even come close to a PR.

I may not have my speed back, but I do have most of my endurance back as evidenced an amazing 20 miler last weekend. I went home to Vermont and ran to a friend's house the next couple of town's over. I started at 6:45 a.m. I didn't realize how cold it was until I stopped to take a picture of the newly rebuilt Bartonsville covered bridge (my favorite part of running home, which was destroyed by hurricane Irene). My iPhone decided it was just too cold to function and powered off...along with my music. This was after 5.5 miles. I had to keep going. I quickly realized that running without music allowed me to set my own pace in a smoother way and that I ran more comfortably. I also soon realized that my water was frozen in the tube of my hydration pack. Lucky for me (I was freaking out a little) it only took an hour or so for the sun to melt it. So, I ran and ran, feeling free...and getting many funny looks. I don't think people are used to seeing a little running person with a backpack on a small highway. Oh well...I finished those 20 miles of rolling hills in close to an 8-minute pace...with a smile.

The only thing that is keeping me motivated to race tomorrow is the company of one of my favorite running buddies. We ran the San Blas Half marathon in Puerto Rico together last year. The heat and the hills were torture, but his company made it a fabulous run. Not to mention he is a fantastic athlete. Here is a little conversation we had after he ran a sub-6 minute pace in the hilly Coogan's 5k a couple of weeks ago.

I love friendships that are mutually inspirational!

I realize it's probably best to take it easy tomorrow given the high volume of last year and the resulting burnout. On top of my inadequate training going into the race. I have nothing to prove at the moment, so I shouldn't put so much pressure on myself to perform. I should just enjoy the race. So my goal of a 1:25 in NYC and a sub-3 in Boston aren't in the cards this time around.

Off with a bang, onto a thud...but what a year

I have attempted to write this post multiple times over the last few weeks, but the app on my iPhone crashed and then it crashed on my iPad. So alas I have been forced to re-write it repeatedly. Hopefully it still has the same passion it did when I originally wrote it...

This has been my best racing year yet! A couple weeks ago, my club (VCTC) acknowledged me for my efforts, by rewarding me with the 30-39 AG award for the year, in one of the most competitive age groups. I couldn't be happier! I finally earned it! In 2010, my first full year as a member, I tied with another great athlete in the 20-29 age group. Then in 2011, for the same age group, a mistake was made as my race times were misplaced in the slew of statistics being analyzed. Of course mistakes happen, and there were so many amazing accomplishments by my teammates that year, as with every year. Coach Ken felt horrible. I always say everything happens for a reason. The award means more to me this year than any other year! I had the honor of of winning in a year where two people, who had great influence on my running, were also recognized for their unbelievable years.

Jill Staats:
My New York City mother. I love this woman and her family...I mean who doesn't love her wonderful husband Norris. From the moment we met at my first VCTC post-Saturday run ritual of breakfast at Short Stop, there was a connection. Maybe it was easy because I already knew her sister who was one of my professors at Columbia. Or maybe it's just because she really lives up to her title of being the "mother hen" to the ladies of the club. Jill is always there for you no matter what. She was the one who talked me into signing up for my first race only two months after I joined the club, the Fred Lebow 5-miler in January 2010. Well this amazing women had the most amazing year, which ended with the award for Female Runner of the Year!

Jill placed 1st AG fourteen times, 2nd AG six times, and 3rd AG twice in distances ranging from 5ks to half marathons. She also improved her AG PR to a whopping 82.12% at the 5th Ave Mile. And to top of a fabulous year of racing, she was nominated by NYRR for their 60-64 AG Female Runner of the Year. What a well deserved honor!

David Isaac:
I am sure I David previous my fateful first race in Central Park, but my first memory of him is when he ran up next to me and asked if I wanted company. I of course, jumped at the chance since I had no idea how I would make it through 5 miles at blistering cold temps. That was the beginning of a lasting friendship, where we trained together and raced together throughout the year. Well until I got too fast and needed to train at speeds David was unaccustomed to. This year, however, he has made great headway in catching up to me.

David set ten PR’s in 2012, ranging in distances from a 5k to full marathon. He worked hard to crush the 4-hour marathon mark, dropping his time from 4:02 to 3:53 and then went back out to run 3:45 only six weeks later. And for the bling lover that he is, he won his first AG award, 1st place none the less, in a December NYC Runs 10k. And best of all, for me that is, we can run together again!

I couldn't be more proud of my teammates!

Now for my year...
I dabbled in triathlon, ultra running, and of course, marathons and road races in 2012. Like David, I also set ten PRs. I ran a 19:40 5k at the end of my first triathlon only three weeks after a marathon, earning fastest female runner. Then three weeks after that accomplishment, I ran my first 50 miler, finishing in 8:47:59 and placing 2nd OV, but 3rd finisher. That's right!...I beat all the guys but one! Then at my second triathlon, a race in the middle of marathon training just for fun, I came in 1st OV. I also placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd OV in three different 5ks throughout the year, one as part of a long run and another just 45 minutes after a 5 mile race. However, the 1st place that meant the most was during my tune-up half marathon in September, The Bird-in-a-Hand Half. After running this beautiful hilly course through Amish county, I was handed my award by none other than Bart Yasso, who informed me I have a very bright future. That was definitely a highlight! Finally came my quad smashing marathon in St. George where I ran it in 3:01:25, a 22 minute PR.

Of course, all good things must come to an end. I finished the year with overtraining syndrome. I'm not sure if it had as much to do with my training as it did the high level of stress in my life. I often bite of more than I can chew....full-time work at a busy clinic, part-time grad school, and training...oh, and I can't forget my family and friends. Still, I couldn't be more proud of myself and am confident I will be back stronger than ever! I couldn't do it without the support of my friends and teammates!

Overtrained...fatigued, foggy, failed

The last few months have been treacherous. After my marathon at the beginning of October, I took a 10 day break from running, but still cross trained my heart out with spin, stairs, elliptical, weights, and yoga. Once I started running again, I felt sluggish and couldn't get my speed back. My quads were heavy and didn't want to respond. I tried to take it easy, reminding myself of my fabulous marathon. I had worked hard and was rewarded, now was the time to reward my body for its efforts.

Then in early November, I went home to meet my niece and something clicked. I love running the dirt roads in Vermont! I felt free! My speed returned with ease. I ran faster than before. Running long runs faster than I should, but unable to get my body or soul to slow down. On my return from Vermont, I headed to Tucson for a conference. More great scenery to take in. More hills to run. Again, I ran faster than I should. 

I got home from this trip a few days before Thanksgiving, feeling like I was getting sick. I was registered for a turkey trot, so decided to rest a bit before the race. On race day, I still couldn't shake the fatigue and body aches, but made my way to the starting line ready to will my legs through the 5 mile course. I felt fine until mile 3, when my quads decided they were done. I couldn't feel them anymore. I ran with my heart, not allowing my legs to stop, all the way to a PR and 2nd AG finish (there was some fierce competition for a turkey trot).

After the race, a dear friend gave her opinion on my symptoms. I was over trained and should monitor my resting heart rate. So I dutifully checked it every morning for the next few days. It had gone up from 52 to 56...not too bad, but still a sign that I needed to rest. I had another race a few days later. I had no desire to run this 5 mile race around Central Park, but felt obligated to run as it was a points race for local running clubs. As one of the top women in my club, I needed to help them score in the final race of the year, which would determine the winning team overall. So, I planned a much needed break to begin after the race. Well, I should say after the 5k I did minutes after the 5 miler...what can I say? I have an addiction. 

The 5 miler was horrible, my legs were done and my heart didn't want to run, but the 5k was great! That probably has to do with the fact that it was my husband's first race. I wanted to get done as quickly as possible so I could cheer him to the finish. My heart took over that race, not allowing me to stop. No PRs that day, but one of the best racing days yet as I shared the sport I love with the man I love.

When I got home from all that racing, I planned out a 10 day juicing cleanse. I figured cleaning out my system and boosting my body with a mega dose of nutrients would aid in my recovery. I engaged in minimal exercise, only doing yoga and one slow 5 mile run a week, mostly just put of socialization. I felt great initially, but then started to feel worse. 

I was trying to study for my microeconomics final, but couldn't concentrate. I couldn't focus. I would doze off studying, head bobbing, only to give up and go to bed...but couldn't fall asleep. I was exhausted all the time. I had a burning knot in my shoulder that brought tears to my eyes. My muscles ached and cried from fatigue. Massage did nothing but make it worse. And the headaches were never ending. All this, on top of a lack of appetite. For those, who know me well, I love to eat. I ended up going to the doctor's, something I rarely do, but was scared something serious was ailing my body. She did a battery of tests to determine the cause, ruling out Lyme's disease, lupus, thyroid disease, etc. While I waited for the results, I continued my futile attempts at studying.

The next day, she called me because the lab informed her that one my tests had a critical value. My creatinine kinase, or CK, was 1660, four times the upper limit of normal. CK is an indicator of muscle break down and although, mine wasn't high enough to result in rhabdomyolosis, it had to come down. I was prescribed full rest until further notice. No cross training, stretching, massage, or sauna...just plenty of fluids and relaxation. All this just in time to head to Vermont for the holidays. After a stressful semester and a few months of chaos at work due to displacement by the hurricane, I was ready for a break and looking forward to running at home. Oh, well, now I would just have to spend all my free time relaxing with my niece. Oh, and as you might have guessed, I pretty much failed that final. I was horrified, but still passed the class with a low B. Even if I had not been sick, I still would have struggled as economics is not for me. And to think it was an elective...I guess I wasn't thinking...

After a nice break in the country, I was ready to run, but of course a snow storm forced us to stay a little longer, causing me to miss my follow-up appointment just before a long holiday weekend. So, I had to wait a few more days. When I finally saw her, my labs were back to normal so after 20 days of inactivity, I was finally able to work out. Slowly....

I am working hard to get back to where I left off, but it seems to be progressing slower than I expected. I get nervous that maybe I didn't rest long enough as it can take months to recover. I keep getting muscle aches, but those might be due to starting up again. Maybe a massage will help, and more foam rolling. What bothers me the most though, is that my heart rate continues to be elevated, both resting and through out the day. I have been monitoring it during my workouts and it seems to slowly be coming down. I'm trying to be patient. I'm trying to be easier on myself. But it's not easy for this over achiever.

In retrospect, one might look at all my training and racing for the year and consider that the culprit. I ran my first 50 miler, my first tri, and then another one, 2 marathons, 3 half marathons, and 8 shorter races, all intertwined within 10 months of nonstop training. I think I probably could have handled that alone, but then you add a full-time job and part-time school, both of which add another degree of stress with and of themselves. Clinic has been exceptionally busy. I am constantly pressured to meet deadlines for grants, while also providing the best clinical care possible. Then we were displaced due to the hurricane, greatly affecting our productivity, and increasing the pressure once we were allowed back into our offices. Finding time to focus on a subject that didn't completely make sense, something extracurricular, became very difficult. Yet, I am a perfectionist and place a great deal of pressure on myself to do well in school. On top of that was family stress. My little sister was having her first child. I was becoming an aunt. I wanted more than anything to be there, but was stuck in New York due to my hectic schedule and then the hurricane. What I am trying to say is, I think the excessive stress I endured the last few months was toxic and played a large role in my over training syndrome. It's not just about physical stress that the body endures, but also mental stress.

Moving forward, I am learning to take time for myself. To sit in the present moment, breath, and just be. As my favorite mantra goes..."So Hum"....I am all that is.

Here are a few signs and symptoms of over training syndrome to look out for:

• changes in blood pressure
• changes in heart rate at rest, during exercise, and during recovery
• increased frequency of respiration
• decreased lean body mass
• reduced appetite
• nausea
• gastrointestinal disturbance
• changes in sleep pattern
• constant fatigue
• complaints of muscle and joint aches and pains
• muscle soreness tenderness
• depression
• decreased self-esteem
• decreased motivation, lack of desire for sport
• loss of coordination
• difficulty concentrating
• headaches
• swelling of lymph glands
• increased susceptibility to and severity of illness, colds, and allergies

Gobble, Gobble...Wobble, Wobble...and Run

I have been feeling really run down lately. I can't decided if I'm coming down with an illness or am completely over tired and in need of extensive rest. I came back from a lovely conference and running adventures in Arizona, refreshed from a very relaxing Swedish massage, only to find that my legs feel like lead.

I did a 5 mile turkey trot last week, only a few days post-return, and although it was a PR, I wasn't happy with my performance. The calculators and my other race times suggest that I should be able to run faster. I did the 5 miles in 32:30, which is a 6:30 pace. But I ran 4 miles over the summer at the end of a tri at a 6:14 pace. I went out close to my goal pace during the trot, despite some hefty hills, but then started to slow after mile 3 as my legs ran out of gas. My hips were burning and my quads were lifeless. I can usually sprint hard to the finish, but not on this day. My legs were dead. Don't get me wrong, I'm still proud of my improvement, but I just can't seem to race my potential in short distances, and feel a bit frustrated. I don't know if it's not warming up completely (it takes me a while, especially in the cold) or residual fatigue.

Well I have another shot this weekend. So I have been focusing on rest, taking naps and trying to go to bed early. As well as trying to run slower (I realized I was running all my runs a bit too fast post-marathon). I have also focused on caring for my muscles, taking epsom salt soaks, stretching, rolling, and massaging out the kinks. In fact I got the most painful massage today. Really, I thought I was going to die. Unfortunately, my back was so knotted, my legs didn't get as full a treatment as they needed. I find massages in the states to be lacking in the leg department. If only I could find a place as good as the blind masseurs of Thailand. No one can beat 2 hours of torture for $20, with an ending of complete relaxation. I left today with a burning back and grimace on my face. I suppose I will give up on massages.

I am also focusing on my diet, which has been horrible lately. So after the best Thanksgiving meal I have had in my life...no really, it was the best! My husband and I were invited to the home of one of my nursing school professors, who happens to be the sister of a dear running friend. Besides great company, who can resist a menu of creamed mushrooms and brussels sprouts, caramelized onions and string beans, apple salad, roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, and of course turkey...all after loads of brie and fig jam and followed by apple pie. Just thinking about it makes me excited for next year!

Anyways, as you can see I had a smorgasbord and now it's time to get back on track. I'm skipping the Paleo diet this time around though, because I really missed and felt deprived without dairy (yogurt/cheese) and peanut butter. So I am going back to my low-carb regimen of eliminating grains, potatoes, and anything with a high glycemic index. I know it's counter intuitive. I run for endurance, so I must need carbs, but eating this way teaches my body to burn fat instead of carbs for fuel, which allows me to sustain a constant energy level for a longer period of time than relying on carbs alone. I am hoping that eating this way will allow my body to feel better, perform better, and lose those extra pounds I gained over the last few months. I want to lose the weight and run faster, but most of all, I want to feel better! I think eating a crappy diet has had a huge impact in my recovery and fatigue. So good-bye sweets, good-bye chocolate, and good-bye french fries.

Finally, after this weekend's race I'm planning to take some extra recovery time. I thought I had taken a few weeks off after my marathon, but after some prodding from a running mate, realized I only took 10 days. I think my body needs a bit more recovery to prepare for Boston training. Besides it will be just in time for a marathon of studying for finals. Hoping some more rest will ease the fatigue and allow me to be fresh come January when my training will ramp up again.

Mountain Lions, Scorpions, and Rattle Snakes...Oh My!

I had the privilege of going to Tucson last week for 5 days...all expenses paid at a swanky resort. Yeah, I had to work, but I also had the opportunity to have lots of fun...

The first day was filled with travel, lectures, mingling, eating...and relaxing in the hot tub. Day two we (my colleague, Rebecca, and I) opted to skip a drug rep lunch for a more enticing adventure...a hike/run in Sabino Canyon. She wanted to walk/run, while I had plans to run/run, so on arrival we inquired on the best trail to take. We were immediately advised that we shouldn't run alone or with headphones as there have been more mountain lion sightings this year. "Oh hell no!" As someone who watches too many episodes of "I'm Alive" and "I Survived", I am horribly afraid of running into a mountain lion. I think I am more afraid of mountain lions than bear. I mean, it's jut a bit creepy...mountain lions stalk you and wait for the perfect time to attack, and you will never know they are there... And, although I was advised by a friend that I should be more worried about the rattle snakes and scorpions, I felt it was easier to tackle and avoid these little beasts compared to a giant ferocious cat. So, while Rebecca chose to adventure more slowly on a less traveled trail, I opted for the more populous tram road.

I started out very cautiously, eyes and ears attune, afraid of what hid in the bushes. I even stopped one time after hearing a rustling that was...just birds...heart pounding through my chest. But shortly enough the joy of the run took over...passing other tourists and racing the tram...rolling hills that gradually got tougher and tougher to climb as I approached the peak. At the top, I rested briefly to enjoy the view and then flew back down. The climb up was tough, but the reward of flying down was fabulous! I stopped at the trailhead Rebecca took, but was advised by another runner that if I was afraid of mountain lions, I shouldn't take that trail. That was all I needed to hear to keep me away, so I called Rebecca and told her I would run to the starting area and come back to meet her at the trailhead. I ended up doing that a couple of times as I was having so much fun running and didn't want to stop. At one point, I was asked by an older man, "Are you done yet?" as I passed him for the umpteenth time. I simply smiled and replied "Nope!", and off I went. When I finally decided to stop, I had completed the most enjoyable ten mile run I think I have ever had...if only I had the time to keep going! But alas, it was back to schmoozing and networking with conference goers.

Day three was packed with activity. It was the day of my presentation, so my nerves were shot. I had planned an early evening run to relax before the end of the day. My presentation went well, the lectures were stimulating, but I was tired. Rebecca and I decided to take a short nap prior to heading out for another adventure. After resting a bit, we headed out, with map in hand. The nice thing about the resort was Runner's World created a 3.3 and 5.5 mile route for runners, all documented on a handheld map. The bad part was that it was initially confusing to follow, which wasted precious time. We ended up running on a pseudo dirt trail next to the main road, followed by smaller residential roads. I started out at my usual pace and gradually got slower as I ascended a steady one mile climb. The funny part was I didn't realize at first that I was climbing because it was such a gentle slope. I had wanted to run seven or so miles, but by the time I completed two, the sun was setting. So I turned around, to fly down the hill and head home, faster and faster, trying to beat the oncoming darkness. Then into the hot tub with a little sangria. Fabulous ending to the day!

I was determined to run farther on day four since my measly four mile run on day three seemed like nothing. So I opted to skip the morning activities and headed out with the same helpful map, this time understanding the route. In order to add some mileage, I crested the mile hill a couple of times, being rewarded doubly with the amazing view and the flying run back down. I ran around the residential streets in solitude, as there were very few people out. Again I felt free and light hearted as I had a few days before in Sabino Canyon. I didn't want to stop, but knew I had to get back to the conference. I tried to take in all I could from this final run in Tucson.

On our final day of the trip, we got up early and relaxed at The Red Door Spa with a lovely massage. What a nice way to prepare for the long journey home.

I will leave you with a little advise in case you should ever run into a mountain lion...

Running Home...my niece, dirt roads, and covered bridges

Hurricane Sandy prevented me from getting home as soon as I wanted. You see my niece was born the morning of the storm...breach and via c-section. Luckily, I was able to get away this weekend, only 10 days later, to meet her and congratulate my amazing little sister. I am do proud of her!

World's next speedster!

You would think given her choice of entry into this world, my niece would be a terror. But she is the sweetest, calmest baby...nothing like her mother, who was a wild child. I am not one to really enjoy babies, but I couldn't get enough of her. I spent my days cuddling with her, preparing her new home, and of course running. I can't wait until she can run herself!

My sister has been living at home and was about to sign a lease for her new apartment when she went into labor. And of course after surgery she has not been allowed to do any lifting...or much of anything. So after my daily runs, I helped her to clean the new place...scrubbing the floor on my hands and knees, cleaning the cabinets while climbing the counters, and shampooing the carpet. Then we started moving what was packed and setting up her kitchen, bathroom, and part of the baby's room. She still has some work to do...wish I could have stayed to help finish up...but at least we got a good chunk done. And I am pooped...that was more tiring than my running!

And now for the running part...Every morning I would get up and head out for a run on my favorite dirt road. The weather was beautiful. The cow manure was fresh (yeah, I'm the weird one that enjoys the smell). I ran hard and pushed myself with hilly runs, hill repeats, and short sprints. I have been feeling lethargic since my marathon, so it was nice to get some speed in and not feel too spent afterwards. On my second day home I decided to go for a longer run towards where my favorite covered bridge once stood, destroyed by hurricane Irene only a year ago. To my surprise, it was being resurrected. This little piece of history was important enough to the community to have it replaced. In the wake of Sandy devastating many communities in New York and New Jersey, it was a relief to see how much progress could be made in only a year. Soon enough their little pieces of history will also be restored.

Pre Hurricane Irene

Post collapse caused 

Resurrection

Sorry...I couldn't resist another pic of her cuteness!

Sandy's Marathon of Destruction...NYC's Marathon of Hope

This week has been one of mixed emotions, confusion, and shame. Hurricane Sandy came through the beautiful city of New York, and not only demolished entire communities, displacing thousands of residents, but created a divide through much of the city. At a time when people should have come together for the better good, prevailed against the hardship, they instead attacked the runners. Why? Because the NYC marathon was scheduled to run less than a week after the storm. Despite the catastrophe the New York Road Runners (NYRR) president and NYC mayor decided that the marathon would be good to boost the moral of the city. This became the hot topic. A divide between people who agreed the marathon should go on and those who argued against it.

I found myself feeling guilty that I thought it should be run. Not only because of what the marathon means to so many people, but because I truly believed that it would bring positive attention and uplifting energy to those in need. However, I don't think it was handled well. And because of this, people against the marathon verbally attacked the runners. We were labeled as selfish and arrogant. Words that I never associate with my running community. Because running is more than just a fulfilling physical activity, it's about being a part of a loving community, a team of people who are there to support you.

Victims of this terrible storm tried to take that away. I admit, that once I realized the extent of the devastation, I thought maybe the route should be changed, but continued to believe we could bring about a positive experience for the entire community. We could band together and support the communities in dire need, just as we do our running families.

There was extensive new articles, blogs, Facebook comments, and Twitter feeds, but the following quote from Long Run Pain: A Staten Islander's View on Why the Marathon Should Not Have Been Cancelled resonates the most with me:

"That the marathon became the focal point of worst natural disaster in New York City history is a disgrace. As a native Staten Islander and as a runner, I couldn’t be more appalled (and I wasn’t scheduled to run Sunday’s race).

Of course, this was never really about the marathon. It was about anger. We had just been devastated by a terrible tragedy. We were upset. We needed someone to blame.

To see ourselves as the victims of a randomly cruel universe didn’t offer much comfort. Existentialism is unsettling...

I’m not concerned about the runners. They’re disappointed, but they’ll adjust their training and find other races to run. Dealing with adversity is what we do.

No, I’m worried about the rest of New York. Our propensity to point fingers, our inclination towards anger, our tendency to be destructive rather than constructive.

I’ve seen how the marathon can represent New York at its best and I’m saddened to see how it’s become a symbol of New York at its worst."

~Mike Cassidy, an Olympic Trials qualifier, is a native of Staten Island with a marathon best of 2:18:52. He was 22nd overall and the sixth American at the 2010 ING NYC Marathon in 2:24:05.

In the end, the marathon was canceled, but that didn't stop the thousand of runners who had trained for months from running. Almost immediately groups were assembled to run through Statin Island with full backpacks in stow and deliver much needed supplies...the Marathon of Relief. An activity, I wanted so dearly to participate in, but couldn't get there due to transportation issues...and still feel guilty about. At last count, I believe a thousand runners disembarked for this destroyed Island, putting aside all the negative comments made about them in order to help.

Another massive group of runners decided to Run the Marathon Anyway. They were not running for themselves, but for the charity they had raised thousands of dollars for, or in the memory of loved ones with a devastating illness. They were determined to see the end of there journey for a cause, to see the fruition of there blood, sweat, and tears. But, they too banded together to collect massive amounts of donations, items highly needed by Sandy victims. And these are just the large organized events. Local running clubs, such as my own, the Vancourtland Track Club, packed a few car loads of supplies for donation.

You see, all this was done by so called selfish runners. But we are not selfish at all! And I will no longer feel ashamed for being a marathoner in the wake of the storm. I will stand tall and run proudly.