Michelle Runs With It

What an incredibly perfect day to run a marathon! Despite being very nervous about the crowds, the mileage on asphalt, the lack of consistent training, I went in with an attitude of gratitude. I also went in knowing this race wasn’t about me. It was about honoring those that put their lives at risk for our freedom, even when leaders are not doing the same for them.  I hadn't run over 15 miles since my last marathon in April. Signing up for Marine Corps Marathon was a way for me to have something exciting to look forward to. After a rough summer, a busy back-to-school/dance/life season, and a reflective adventure in Arizona, I actually dreaded the expectation I put on myself to run a crowded road marathon. Then I flipped my negativity. I was showing up to the track once a week with Tracy for the Detroit Free Press marathon training (which she crushed by the way), this race was going to be Arielle's first marathon, and her training cycle was BEAST! My excitement for Arielle was a...

Find friends who say YES! “For a little while we are again able to see, as the child sees, a world of marvels. For a few moments we discover that nothing can be taken for granted, for if this ring of stone is marvelous, then all which shaped it is marvelous, and our journey here on Earth, able to see and touch and hear in the midst of tangible and mysterious things-in-themselves, is the most strange and daring of all adventures.”  -Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire A bucket list National Park, a bucket list trail adventure, and some of the best kind of peer pressure led my dear friends, Lori and Karen, and I to reach out to another amazing strong friend, Amy, who had just completed this with her sister. And the planning begun… Our original plan was to conquer the infamous Rim to Rim to Rim hike in two days. We would hike down from the South Rim, across the base of the Canyon, and then hike up to the North Rim to stay a night at the North Rim Lodge. The North Rim is an isolated, landma...

Despite being the 3rd person to sign up this year, I didn’t know if I’d be able to run it. I was supposed to attempt my first 100-miler last weekend but after running the @runjuneteenth 3 years in a row because it is my favorite race & community and stands for everything I believe in, I was going to at least try. When my mom was diagnosed 4.30 with terminal cancer and I became nearly a full-time caregiver (on top of a full time job, mom, and coach), I dropped from Old Dominion 100. My emotional well-being still isn’t where it should be, but this race, this community motivated me enough to show up. And I am so SO glad I did ❤️ The history of this course along the Civil War Defenses put the hills & humidity into perspective. No complaining. Today, I found joy in the small moments - running with incredible friends, cheering on others, being cheered on by others, searching for sticks, meeting new friends, and expressing gratitude to be able to do this. Thank you, Freddie, volunteer...

It's a rainy Friday, the one before Mother's Day. I'm at home trying my best to focus on work while also staring at my mom sitting on our couch in pain. Although if you asked her if she was in pain, she may subtly roll her eyes and say, "oh, it's just a little discomfort probably from my bed, the dew point, sitting too long." Then she'll smile. She's tough.  She's also barely eaten anything since she moved in. Every time we eat, or talk about making a meal, she'll muster up some energy and say, "oh, I guess I should have something, too." Whether we cook, warm something up, or order in, she'll enthusiastically agree to whatever it is. Then she'll pick at it, move the food around with her fork, and may take a couple bites. She'll smile.  She's tough. As petite as she is, her weight loss is noticeable. It's really noticeable when I hug her, which I try to do multiple times a day. She's fragile but she'll hold ...

If you ever lose faith in humanity, go experience the 26.TRUE Marathon in Boston. It’s diverse, it’s supportive, it’s accepting, it’s JOY … it’s what this world needs and everything we want to raise our daughter to embrace, to spread and to be. The vibes Pioneers Run Crew brought on Saturday were fire!! Running is an intimidating sport. It can make you think you have to be a certain body type, have the right gear, be a certain speed, and live somewhere safe or have $ for a treadmill or gym membership. Running is supposed to be inclusive and bring joy, make you feel worthy just the way and where you are.  After hearing about this event from Alison M. Desir's book "Running While Black," I began following the Pioneers Run Crew on Instagram . Alison talks a lot about the exclusivity of the sport. Races that require qualifying times, ridiculous registration fees, routes that intentionally avoid certain neighborhoods, and not seeing yourself reflected in photos, social media a...

Official Time: 12:31:31 ( a 50-miler PR) I did it. I’m not sure how, but I crossed the finish line yesterday of the Bull Run Run 50-miler. It had been an intimidating race from the moment I shared with others who had run it in the past. I heard all sorts of stories - the infamous Do Loop, the rolling hills, the unpredictable weather, the tough cutoff, the rocky sections that might trip you up later on. I also heard about how it was one of the most beautiful races with the BEST volunteers. I chose to keep the latter in my mind!  Although the “BRR” makes me think of cold weather, and years past it has snowed and stormed and apparently gone through all 4 seasons in a day one year, yesterday’s weather was not what anybody was prepared for. It was hot and humid with cloud coverage most of the day … until the sun came out at 3:30pm and scorched your left side as you ran along the waterline of Occoquan River.  It being early April, I was not acclimated to 90% humidity. For a few mile...