Michelle Runs With It

06.18.24  @runjuneteenth is a VIBE!! It’s free, accessible, supportive, and DIVERSE!! This was the race’s 5th year and it has grown larger, making an even greater impact on the communities it represents. With a 3am alarm, April, Beth and I headed to Anacostia to run along the Fort Circle Trail to the sites of six Union Army forts built during the Civil War. They played a significant role as African Americans escaped slavery in Maryland came to the forts, seeking protection and employment from the Union army. 📸 Credit: @sarahtruittphotography This was my 3rd year running these lush trails in the middle of the city, finishing strong up the Green Monster, meeting new friends, enjoying tasty BBQ and an excellent DJ! I will continue to spread the word of this incredible event and its mission. So who’s coming with me next year?

06.09.24 Our first @hcstriders Women’s Distance Festival 5k today was such a memorable experience! Team Running Swifties loved seeing so many strong women and young ladies out there on the course. Whether they were racing, trying to set a PR, encouraging their family or friends, or just wanting to cross the finish line with a smile on their face - everyone was so supportive! This was Fiona’s 7th 5k and 9th running race - each with its unique challenges and victories. Today we listened to Taylor Swift, did a mix of intervals and fartleks and ultimately, thanks to the advice of Striders President Bill Brown, Fiona took off after the last turn to the finish line! So proud of her!! Thank you, Striders, volunteers, and the running community for showing Fi what it’s like to be embraced and celebrated for reaching your goal regardless of what that might be!!

  Whoa. What a freakin day. I knew it would challenge everything I thought I had figured out about myself and ultra distances, but a tough course, with new rules, self-placed expectations, minimal support crew, and unknown competition?! I wanted an adventure with a large side of learning experience and @moremileslastonestanding Backyard Ultra delivered! When it’s up to you on how much time you leave to fuel, use the bathroom, hydrate, change clothes, etc. it can get real dicey. Run too fast (guilty) and you’ll wear yourself out. Run too slow and you won’t be able to do any of the above…or worse, you’re eliminated.  I slept terribly, per usual, the night before. However, I slept  8-9 hours /night every day leading up to race day. While driving, I listened to music including Cake’s “The Distance” which woke me up.  I pulled in to Camp Manidokan  at 6:00 . The sky was lit and tents were up. I parked and went to the registration table to find out where to setup. For...