Runners

I am constantly amazed and impressed with the people in my life.  Last year I ran my first Half Marathon thanks to my friend and SK sister Jenna, who inspired me by her own Marathon Journey.  Today, she ran the Chicago Marathon, her 2nd Marathon since setting out.  She also flew halfway around to do it, coming all the way from her new home in Australia. She was joined her running buddy Rich and they were able to cross the finish line together. Additionally (though they didn't know each other) my friend Krissy also ran the Chicago Marathon, her first Marathon.

Locally, my friend Matt ran his third Half Marathon today (the Biggest Loser Half in Seattle) and has a new PR of 2:21 (unofficial); I remember encouraging him to come and run his first 5k with me last year and I'm amazed at how much he has pushed since then.  His wife/my friend Becky also ran her first 5k today, the start of another runner, perhaps?

Congratulations to all of you, what amazing achievements!!!  Thank you for continuing to inspire me and all the others you have touched on your journeys!

Golden Tidbit:

Wings. For your shoes. Only $12.95 at Shwings.com

Golden Quote: "The thirst you feel in your throat and lungs will be gone minutes after the race is over.  The pain in your legs within days, but the glory of your finish will last forever." -Unknown

Boston, we stand with you

I've been thinking all weekend what to post today and I think that the only appropriate thing is this.

Boston, we stand with you.

Turning the finish line of such a momentous achievement into a horrific event is beyond comprehension. I feared that runners would be scared, not want to congregate, but have happily seen the opposite happen day after day. I have seen running group after running group posting on Facebook and Twitter this week, running together for those who can't, running in solidarity, or running/walking a symbolic 26.2 minutes.  

We are a nation that always gets back up, stronger and more determined.  America keeps going.

Thank you to all the first responders out there, I admire your courage and bravery every day.

Golden Feature:

Giving is golden.  

If you are able, please make a donation to the Red Cross, or think about donating blood.
You local blood banks will always need your help, and god forbid they need it. Please be on the watch for scams, donate directly to the Red Cross here.

Golden Tidbit: "I always loved running.. it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs." - Jesse Owens

Marathon Support Crew

We had the chance to cheer on my friend Stephanie on her first Half Marathon on Saturday.  If you've ever run a Half or entire Marathon, you know that those silly signs that people hold up can be the encouragement you need to get up the hill, keep running, or just get you over the wall.  I decided to have some fun with it:

@Approx 3 miles: Run Now, Wine Later

@ Approx 5 Miles: Hey Girl, keep running! This guy will be waiting for you at the Finish Line (her fiance)

@ Approx 8 miles: Don't worry, tomorrow you won't feel your feet at all!

We also ran into another friend (Jessie) right off the start line, who was very excited to see us:

"Hey, I know you!!"

We weren't the only ones with the motivational sign idea, we saw this around the 8 mile mark:

But most importantly, Steph finished her Half Marathon, and she was greeted with her Half Medal and of course, roses (what girl doesn't love getting flowers?!) Welcome to the Half Crazy club, Steph!

Golden Tidbit:

We had some chase music as the Mobile Support team and Charles introduced me to the song "Gold".  Clink the word Gold and it will link you to iTunes, the song is just $1.29! (doesn't hurt that Macklemore is a local Seattle Artist, too!)

Golden Quote: "You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can't know what's coming." -Frank Shorter