runner.agz

Not my day. But not every workout is gonna be perfect. Not every race is gonna go to plan! I’m learning this slowly but surely. The faster paces I chase, the harder it gets. Goal was sub 1:22 and didn’t get that. Walked twice but pulled my stuff together and rallied to the end. Thought I was gonna puke and faint. Then I stopped sweating and felt cold. I knew my body was dehydrated, especially in the humidity. I followed a friend to the end. Proud I was able to push through and find a bit of a groove.

Each run teaches us something, today was how to not give up and give in. Placed 3rd overall female and 29th overall.

Running has changed my life more than I ever thought possible! In 8th grade I “ran” a mile for school and had a 17 minute mile. I hated running. Pretty sure I walked backwards and looked at rocks during this “run.” I didn’t really start running until college when I only did it to quiet my anorexic thoughts. Did my first 5k when my husband got a free entry for us and that’s when I got addicted. The environment of all the runners going towards similar goals. Seeing all shapes and sizes and capabilities toe the same start line. It was just so amazing to me and made me high wanting more.

I went on to do my first 10k then 14k then half! My friend and I got tattoos with 13.1 and an infinity symbol. I loved the half. Never thought I’d do a full but then I did and was not happy with the time. Ever since then I’ve been chasing a new time to see how fast I’m really capable of! Never imagined qualifying for Boston multiple times, trying to run all 6 world majors or now chasing, not only a sub 3 but a 2:50-2:53!

I’ve certainly come a long way and I’m so thankful for what running has brought into my world. The friendships I’ve made, the places I’ve gone, the excitement I get to share with everyone around me!

Happy global running day!

So Boston didn’t go my way. Decided to do another marathon 4 weeks later. Coach and I chatted, we decided it was for sure possible. Got to work! First run fell flat because of heat and my no water on the run 🤦‍♀️ second run went well and the other runs! Was ready to go sub 3 today. It was warm but I came prepared! Kept myself cool by dumping water each water station. Hammy felt tight but I pushed through. About 14 miles in, the hammy felt more than just tight. I knew I’d have to make a call whether to continue and possibly injure myself and be off running for weeks-months or stop dnf and run again in 1-2 weeks. I decided to call it at 15.5ish. At the time I knew it was the right choice. As I sit here, I wish I had a crystal ball to see what would have happened 😆

Sub 3 is for sure coming. I’ll get it and more! However, today was not that day. I know future Anna is proud of me for making that call. I’ll strengthen and heal my hamstring and be ready to fight again in the fall! 💥

Had such a fun time pacing the Grand Rapids River Bank Run yesterday! 25k at 730 pace. Felt so natural, comfortable, and we had such a large group!! About 15-20 people stuck with us until about 800 meters to go!