Do things alone. Especially if it makes you uncomfortable, or you think you hate it. Double especially if it's something you've never done before.
Example: Actually take your aunt & uncle up on their offer to visit them on Martha's Vineyard "whenever". I went from my desk in downtown Boston to docking docking on MV in 3 hours. All it took was a bus ride feat. catching up on House of Cards and a quick ferry ride on a beautiful night. Maybe I just got lucky, but it was so easy I would do it every other week if I could always take 3-day weekends. Going to visit the island was also the first time I was out of my training routine. I'd be there on a Saturday, a dubbed long run-specifc day. Was it really rude of me to leave to go run for 2 hours? Maybe I'd just wake at like 5am and do it before anyone else really got up...no, definitely not doing that. I'm the luckiest girl, because my aunt and uncle (and amazing cousins) couldn't be more supportive of me. I got driven and dropped of to part of the gorgeous bike path that goes through the island and picked up when I was done (!!) Completely unnecessary and kind, and really took some weight off my shoulders as to where the hell I was going to go. I got to run past my cousins' high school, the MV Sharks (Go Silver Knights though) stadium, and realize that Martha's Vineyard really doesn't look anything like I thought it would. It reminded me of New Hampshire so much more than Massachusetts... everything was green, lots of dirt roads and felt like a little slice of paradise disguised as any other New England town...that happens to be surrounded by water on all sides. I ended up going 8mi strong and looping back to the store my uncle and cousins were working at. Honestly, it was pretty perfect. Took Sunday as a rest day. We did some walking around Oak Bluffs, but mostly relaxed on the beach but treat yourself, right? Final thoughts: Why I never took a summer during college to live on MV and waitress/bartend, I'll never know. But I will definitely be going back. Pretty sure they host some great half marathons...
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The B.A.A 10k today marked the *official* start of my marathon training. 20 weeks until race day and I wanted a strong finish to be first along the road. I also knew that I would PR my 10K time (I mean, the last time I ran a 10K race was Fall 2015...I'm much faster now), so of course I wanted to set myself up for success and a strong start. I had no idea I'd run faster by 11 entire minutes, but I guess that's what happens when you don't stop and walk twice, like last time. All and all, it was a great race and a beautiful morning. Granted it probably would've been even greater if it wasn't already 75 degrees at 8AM but hey, beggars can't be choosers. Post-race I usually try to pick a stand-out moment for me: a notably strong finish, a point whenI wanted to cut my pace but dug deep and stayed steady, or when I listened to my body and did dial it back to make sure I'd actually finish. Today, it was right around Mile 2. Super early into the run, but the heat was already getting to me and I was kicking myself for not wearing a hat. I was wasting a lot of energy bobbing in and out of the pack. The course wasn't terribly narrow, but the streets of Back Bay are only so wide and there were a ton of runners. I was trying to figure how I could keep my consistent, slightly uncomfortable pace without constantly needed to dodge people, and all the thinking was definitely making me run slower. I usually think I'm pretty good at multitasking but I guess running & thinking just wasn't going to happen for me today. Then who do I see on the see up ahead, clapping and cheering on runners but my running/career/life inspo and mentor from work. I immediately cut diagonally to go for a quick hug-turned-boost before I think she even realized who it was charging at her mid-race. After that, I was really off. I stopped trying to strategize mid-race, stopped doing complicated long division in my head to calculate potentially pace times for a specific finish time, and just ran. The rest of the race I let myself enjoy the energy around me. Embrace the sun beating down on my back up Comm Ave. Not thinking about the sports bra burn line I was getting by the second. Yes, attempts of mental math at every mile marker still happened...but I stopped trying to do rocket science. So there you have it. I felt a great kick at the Public Gardens to finish strong, and even got a high five from Meb at the finish line! Marathon training has officially begun. Final thought: It's crazy how much you can get done before 10AM if actually just get your ass out of bed. If you’ve already donated on my fundraising page, thank you so much. Your monetary support to the AFSP and virtual support to me means the world, and look out for a training run that I will do in your name! If you’re still thinking about donating, also thank you! You’re sticking with me and you want to learn more, and that means a lot to me too.
You’re probably wondering where money donated to a suicide prevention fund actually goes, I know I was. Choosing a charity that you trust and understanding where funds go takes a lot of time and research. Luckily for you, I’ve done it for you! This is where your generous donation to the AFSP goes: Finding better ways to prevent suicide The AFSP funds research to improve interventions, train clinicians in suicide prevention, and advocate for policy that will save lives. The AFSP is the largest private funder of suicide prevention research and studies that the group has funded provides most of what we know about suicide in the U.S. and has changed the way we educate about prevention. You can read up on the studies that focused on:
Creating a culture that’s smart about mental health Too many people at risk for suicide do not seek help. The AFSP seeks better ways to reach those who suffer, and encourage schools, workplaces, and communities to make mental health a priority. Using the latest science in suicide prevention, local AFSP chapters work with schools, communities and workplaces to educate on mental health and suicide awareness for each setting. The AFSP also has an Interactive Screening Program, used by mental health services at institutions of higher education, law enforcement agencies and workplaces so individuals can anonymously participate in a brief screening and communicate with a mental health professional to receive recommendations, feedback, and support for connecting to available mental health services. Bringing hope to those affected by suicide The AFSP offers programs for loss survivors and resources and outreach groups for support, as well as volunteer opportunities for loss survivors who find meaning in supporting others. The foundation also reminds individuals who have lost a loved one or are struggling with suicidal thoughts themselves, that they are not alone, and that someone is there to help. |