Run For Dignity. Days for Girls Virtual Race

We are at it again! For the Love of the Run is launching a new virtual race to raise money for Days for Girls International. You can register here: www.racevirtually.com

For those who don't know how a virtual race works, here are the basics:

Register for the race. You can run or walk wherever you want, whenever you want, with whomever you want or you can simply go it solo. You will be supporting a great cause and you will get a sweet medal for your running accomplishment! We suggest getting a few friends together, committing to a date and running together. Challenge each other or enjoy the run together, either way make the best of the run. Pick your favorite trail, park, or plan a route and run the distance of your choice (marathon, half marathon, 10k or 5k). Just be safe, have fun and enjoy your run!

After registering we will send you a custom numbered bib via email for you to print out and wear on the day you run your race. Obviously wearing the bib is not mandatory, but it's a fun way to take part in the run. Also, if you take a photo wearing your bib we will add it to our photo gallery. Actually, bib or no bib, if you want your race day pic in the gallery we will gladly add it.

When you have completed your race submit your results using the "submit your race results" link at racevirtually.com.

Don't forget that ALL registered participants will receive our custom medal and will be entered in our random prize drawings.

A Journey To Health and Half Marathon

Do you remember your first race? Your first half marathon? Your first full marathon? Even if you haven't run your first half marathon or full marathon YET, if you are a runner, you are probably a sucker for an inspirational story about.... running.  We have been thrilled to watch a transformation right before our eyes over the past year. 

Dear Boston Marathon Supporters (a letter to you from the mother within me)

If the Boston Marathon means anything to you at all, I am writing this for you. Even if you only watched the race from your smart phone, computer, tablet, or television, please read this note. Even if you will never qualify for Boston, or don't even know what I mean when I say "qualify" this is for you. If you were there, whether miles away or right at the finish line, this is especially for you.

Dear Boston Marathon Supporters,

You did not deserve this. In an instant you were robbed of your joy. Without warning, you became victim and witness to something no one should experience. I hope you are now in a place where there is some comfort and some solace.

You don't have to be strong right now. You don't have to decide that you are going to show the attacker(s) you aren't afraid by running a race every other weekend as proof that they didn't scare you. There's no shame in crying and obsessing and making a list of everyone you know who might have been out there and checking on them to see if they're ok. You are allowed to be relieved and happy for awhile, in spite of this tragedy, upon discovering that your friends and loved ones are safe. You are allowed to feel angry, betrayed, ripped off, and hurt- even while others are less fortunate than you right now. All of these things still hold true even if you don't personally know anyone who was in Boston on this horrific day. I am so sorry this ruined your spirit and excitement. I am so sorry this happened to you.

It's ok if you are wishing you could do something to help, but you aren't sure what you can do. It's ok if you are doing nothing to help right now. If you need time to process this, take it. You don't have to be a tough guy or a hero right this second.

Tell someone how this is making you feel. Talk to someone/e-mail someone/text someone, or tweet or facebook rant. Whatever you need to do. Get it out in the open. You do not have to mourn or suffer alone.

Set down and take the time you need for sadness, fear and anger, but do not let any of these own you. Set down and acknowledge the presence of these emotions and allow them into your world for awhile, but make a promise. In the name of those who were lost, all who were injured, all who were eyewitnesses, and all who ran their hearts out and were brought to a screeching halt, promise that you will rise and run and continue to believe in this sport. Promise that you will someday soon stand at a finish line and cheer for friends and complete strangers in the wholehearted way that only runners understand.

It's ok if you're down right now, just make sure you never ever count yourself out of the sport you love the most because of one horrifying act.

I love standing at the finish line waiting for you just as much as I love crossing the finish line myself. So no matter which side of the line you and I are on, I hope to see you very soon.

With love and hope,
Tina

Seven Things I Learned The Hard Way As A Runner

I started thinking of all the random things that I learned AFTER running a handful of marathons.  In November 2011, I wrote a list of what your mother never told you about running marathons, I had only run two of them.  Now that I have planned my sixth marathon, I have more to add.  Opting not to follow these suggestions won't kill you. But why make unnecessary trouble for yourself?

1. Wear sunblock for every long run, even on a cloudy day.

My NJ Marathon "tan."
Hey, at least I'm not Snooki-orange.

Race Day Ready Giveaway #6- Handana!

November has been a strange month.  It feels almost non-existent.  It has flown by with impressive speed.  That is particularly odd to me because time usually goes quickly only when you are dearly trying to preserve it.  This month has been a mad rush of trying to get back to regular routines.

Here on the NJ Shore we are balancing getting back to reality, helping one another, and providing comfort and consistency to a place that was shaken by a hurricane.  Just when you trick your mind into believing things are getting back to normal, all it takes is a little walk down the street, a facebook post calling for volunteers or donations, or a news article showing unimaginable damage that is so beyond repair that it looks as though the only solution is a giant bulldozer.  It's going to be all right.  We have to believe that, and we do.

As far as running goes, for us, this should be dubbed a good month:

1.I have a new half marathon PR

Rounding the bases at the Trenton Half Marathon finish line.
Look at my hands.  Weird...