Hail at the Track

I was so excited this past summer about the fact that I was turning 30.  Most people dread the day.  Not me.  I was in celebration mode.  I made it to 30 feeling great...better than ever actually.

Now that months have past and before you know it I'll be 31, I'm wondering why in the world I thought turning 30 was so awesome.  I thought the whole "it's all downhill after 30" line was just a bunch of baloney, but I'm starting to see the light.  No! Not that light.  I've still got a long life ahead of me. (God willing)

Not only is my skin starting to show signs of aging (which is really freaking me out), but my health just isn't the same.  Sometimes I feel like I'm just falling apart, literally.

Over the past few weeks I have had the stomach virus, suffered major allergies, developed severe acid reflux, and have a bad case of post nasal drip.  Then, this past weekend, while on my 20 mile run with Wear Blue: Run to Remember, my knee and foot were bothering me from the start of the run cutting my run short.  I ran just under 14 miles and had to take naproxen, stretch, and ice for the rest of the weekend.  My knee was hurting so much I could barely walk.  What is going on??? 

Well, I do have to say that the whole knee issue was my fault.  I didn't get enough miles in the week before and hadn't been stretching.  My IT Band and hamstring complex must have been really tight causing the knee pain.  But still! 

I'm glad to say, however, that with my treatment, my knee is feeling 100%.  All I had to do was RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate).  Added some stretching and I'm all better.  It only took 2 days.  I'm really glad I stopped running when I did because I could have done serious damage.

I had a speed workout at the track planned with WB:R2R on Tuesday and wanted to make sure my knee was ok, so I hit the gym for a 2 mile easy run on the treadmill.  I wound up doing a tempo run to test out different speeds to make sure I was REALLY fine.  I finished that run feeling great and ready for my track workout.

While at the track, it started hailing.  I thought it would be a short storm that would last a minute or so, but nope.  It hailed for a good 10 minutes or more.  All our wear blue runners toughed it out and finished the run.  Thank goodness I had a hoodie because those little pieces of ice were hurting my face.

Even with the hail it was a great workout and a great evening with my wear blue family.  We had laughs and great conversations.  Running with great company is always awesome.

Run with a Purpose - Wear Blue:Run to Remember

I am currently in the process of writing a blog all about motivation.  I will talk about what motivation is, the different types of motivation, and how I keep myself motivated.  Contrary to popular belief, no one is motivated to do things all the time.  I don't always want to go out for a run...but that doesn't mean I won't go for a run.

One of the things that is keeping me motivated right now is the reason why I run and the group of people I run with.  When we found out we were going to be stationed at Fort Lewis I was excited about the adventures it would bring.  One year ago I read an article in Runner's World magazine about Wear Blue: Run to Remember located near JBLM (Joint Base Lewis-McChord).  I searched for the group on the internet, but searching for Run to Remember brought me back many search results.  Luckily, I keep all my Runner's World magazines and went looking for the article.  I quickly found the article and their website.

I wasn't too fond of the move because I love the beach and warm weather, but knowing I would have an opportunity to run with WB:R2R (Wear Blue: Run to Remember) was very exciting for me.  Not only was I going to be able to participate in a running group, but I would be surrounded by people who were running for a cause...and a cause I am passionate about...to run for the Fallen, for the Fighting, and for the Families.

Wear Blue: Run to Remember Mission:  Create a living memorial for the service and sacrifice of the American military.

The the very first day I ran with this group, I felt a part of something.  I was embraced, accepted, and included.  To be honest, WB:R2R helped me get through my husband's first deployment.  Not just because of running, but because of the friendships I formed and the sense of community you feel in the group.

WB:R2R Goals are to act as a support network, create a living memorial, and bridge the gap between the military and the community.

It didn't take me long to see that they are meeting all of their goals.  Being a part of Wear Blue gives me such a sense of pride.  Not only because of the message we carry with us when we run, but because they are truly an all-inclusive group.  Everyone is accepted.  No matter who you are, you are welcome to join.  Whether you are related to the military, a friend of a service member, a gold star parent or wife, or just live in the area, you are welcome.  In reality, you don't even need to live in the JBLM area to be a part of Wear Blue and be a part of the community.

WB:R2R is branching out to other areas in the US, but if there is not a group in your area, that doesn't mean you can be a part of the group.  All you need to do to be a member is Wear Blue during your races.  It's that simple.  If you are interested in getting your very own Wear Blue: Run to Remember shirt, click here.

Every Saturday, before we push out for our runs, we make a Circle of Remembrance.  In that circle, we take a moment of silence for the fallen, call out the names of the service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice that weekend over the past 10 years in the Global War on Terror, and call out the names of the service members we all run for.

When my husband arrived to his unit, he met the father of SPC Thomas F Duncan III.  My husband was moved by the conversation and SPC Duncan became his Ranger in the Sky.  I run in his memory every Saturday and every race.  He made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety of me and my fellow residents of the United States of America.  You can learn a little about Ranger Duncan here.

I ran the AMICA Seattle Half Marathon this past November with WB:R2R for Ranger Duncan and for all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Running past the Mile of Remembrance was very emotional.  The video below demonstrates what I'm talking about.



If you would like to learn more about what WB:R2R is all about, click here.

To become a member, simply click here and fill out the form. (Remember, you don't have to be a part of the military or affiliated with them in any way.)

If you are not a runner or walker, but would still like to support WB:R2R, you can help by purchasing merchandise or making a donation.

I will be wearing blue during my first ultra marathon in July and am honored to serve as a living memorial for Ranger Duncan.  If you would like to know more, please visit wearblueruntoremember.org or comment below.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about WB:R2R and your support.
Andi