Running for Something More

There are many compelling reasons to run – fitness, fun, friendship. There are equally compelling reasons to sign up for a race – to compete, to challenge yourself, to keep motivated. Almost every runner’s reason to be in San Francisco this summer is some amalgamation of the above factors. For my first marathon, I wanted to prove to ... More

TSFM Social Running

Running is often considered a solitary sport. Sure, there are great running groups you can join, but inevitably, at one point or another you will be out running alone. You might be an evening runner, an early morning runner or a lunchtime runner. Whatever time you prefer, or can fit into your busy schedule, it can be hard to find someone to ... More

Miles With Mom: My Reason to Run the San Francisco Marathon

It’s rare that I’ll be truly inspired by an athlete. I can appreciate the awesome feat that he or she might have completed, but it’s rare that I will look at him or her and say “wow, you make me want to do this.” Mirinda Carfrae, Mia Hamm, and Natalie Coughlin are three who have, at one point or another in my life, inspired me to ... More

How a Runner is Born

“I didn’t plan on running today, but those cops came out of nowhere!” And just like that, a runner is born.  Everyone’s story is different - some are born to run, some are born out of necessity.  I started my journey out of necessity 16 years ago.  I had embarked on my weight-loss journey in January 1997 by joining my local YMCA ... More

Lessons From the Mid-Pack

I freely and openly admit it. And I am pretty proud of it. I am a mid-pack girl.   For as hard as I have trained I have never been the one that will be up front in any race. I will be the be the gal that is slow and steady, but gets to the finish line with her head held high. I have have had countless people ask me the question; “Why do I run, if I know I will never compete?” My answer is always almost the same, its not about the competition (though I like getting faster than my last time), but it has been about the things I have learned along the way have been well worth the training, the pain, the blood (yes, I say blood), sweat and tears.... More

Ultra Running for the Everyday Runner

Ultra running…a daunting, challenging, and very rewarding distance. What is an ultra marathon? It’s a distance that exceeds the standard 26.2 mile marathon. It can range from 31+ miles to the century distance of 100 miles. To many people, the distance seems impossible. From 31+ miles to a 100 miles, all at once? Before you dismiss ... More

Going After Your Crazy-Ass Goals

Runners are a funny group of people-- funny, in the sense that people will quickly label us crazy, inspiring, driven, motivated, stubborn, type A, and maybe even selfish all in one breath. That's quite a list, but I honestly think it's to our advantage that we have all of these, or even some of these, characteristics: and especially when it ... More

Finding Your Happy Distance

When I tell people that I like to run, most people usually ask, “what’s your distance?” While this seems like a simple question, it took me a while to find what I call my “happy distance.” For me, this means a distance where I feel like I am pushing and challenging myself, but where I still enjoy the act of running the race. It is a ... More

Staying Motivated

I love running. Most days I'm happy to get out and run. But heck, let's face it. Running can be hard, and some days it sucks. All you think about is your warm bed, your achy legs, the bad weather, etc. The excuses stack up fast and suddenly you have missed your run for the day. I definitely have those days and I wanted to share some of the ... More

Training with Run365

It's July 29, 2012. I am proudly holding up my medal for completing the San Francisco Marathon (picture credit goes to Erin Sheehy, previous director of the San Francisco Marathon Training Program, also known as Run365). The Biofreeze San Francisco Marathon (TSFM) might have been my second full marathon, but it definitely felt like running ... More