“You must dare,…

20 Nov 2013 Leave a comment

“You must dare, and dare again, and then dare a little bit more, and go on daring.”
― Justin Cotillard

My life is a series of steps in an uphill climb to my highest human potential.  I attain one step, pause long enough for a dose of encouragement and keep climbing.  Now that I’ve completed the ING New York City Marathon, my dream has expanded to include all major marathons aka the World Marathon Majors.  These are a series of marathons consisting of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world: Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, Virgin London Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, BMW Berlin Marathon and the ING New York City Marathon. 

Dreams evolve, Goals change and new visions arise all the time in our ever-changing world.  One’s ability to adapt, evolve and embrace the new day with the opportunities and blessings that present themselves says a lot about one’s character and moral obligation  to impact our world in a positive way, for all intents and purposes, leaving here much better than you found it. 

Quote by Lori

Smiling through the Pain

17 Nov 2013 Leave a comment

by Lori in Competitive Running, Marathons Tags: , , , , , ,

NYC-Marathon-PhotoI did it! We did it! I preserved through 26.2 miles of pain and completed my first marathon in a time of 4:26:30.  On one hand it’s disappointing, my time that is, but on the other hand, I’m thrilled that I didn’t give in to the pain and stuck it through to the finish line.  It feels awesome enough that I have no regrets, strained ankle notwithstanding, and look forward to my next attempt with much anticipation.  I get it! I get what all the hype and fuss is about when people talk about The New York City Marathon and why it’s considered one of the best if not the best in the world and a must run for competitive and non-competitive runners alike.  I mean, it’s not everyday one gets to run through the most amazing city in the world among a star cast of athletes and be a star yourself as over 2 million spectators cheer you on.  It was an amazing feeling and I credit the crowds with providing the momentum and inspiration for all finishers.  We couldn’t have done it without them.  With that said, I have to pay special tribute to the Brooklyn spectators..they rocked! That was the only part of the race where I was able to leave my pain somewhat behind and connect with the crowds, which wasn’t bad, because it meant that for just over half of the race I was there; body, mind and spirit.

 CONGRATS all around, especially to all FINISHERS!

NYC-Marathon

Now that’s it’s all over, what’s next, you may ask.  Well, since I didn’t make my qualifying time for Boston 2015, I’m giving it a go once again at the Miami Marathon on 2 February, 2014.  Hopefully injury-free and in top form with nothing but beautiful scenery and a pretty flat course accompanying me.  Of slight concern is the weather, as it’ll most likely be MIAMI-HOT but I’ve run in temperatures like that before, I’m a Caribbean gal after all, and so I just have to prime myself for this.  I feel so excited and know that having run New York is just the beginning.  The sky’s the limit or more likely the World Marathon Series! Stay tuned for more on that.

Ready, Set, Breathe, Go!

02 Nov 2013 Leave a comment

by Lori in Competitive Running, Fitness, Marathons Tags: , , , , ,

I’m ready! I’m in the best frame of mind; calm,  have the right attitude; winning,  and a super-excited Spirit.  I’m eating well today, hydrating, resting up, lightly working out my ankle and plan on relaxing with some movies later on and then turning in early.I’ve done my checklist, got my stuff together and I’m ready!

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I think I have a great plan: slow start for the first few miles, up the ante a bit from mile 8 thru 20 (medium-pace), power up the last 6.2. Gatorade stations are my best friends, I’m sipping at every station except at 4 mile intervals when I’ll have water & my power gels.  Also, I’m totally making use of the fruit stations at mile 20-23.   I’m all about breathing and taking it all in..the race of a lifetime with the most amazing views and awesome cheer crowd in the world.  I’m ready. New York City, here I come!!!

Faith-filled or Foolish

30 Oct 2013 8 Comments

by Lori in Fitness, Health and Wellness, Marathons Tags: , , ,

IMG_3583As a runner, you pretty much dread getting hurt but what you dread even more is finding out you can never run again. In 5 & 1/2 days I will face the run of a lifetime.  It’s all that I’ve thought of, breathe, worked at, and been able to see, for at least two years now.  I should be thrilled; jumping and running up and down with glee and in preparation, instead I’m thrilled in a boot and doubting my sanity as I press ahead with plans to run on Sunday.

I’ve had so many of my friends, family and concerned well wishers advising me to put it off – ” there’ll always be another race, it’s ok to miss this one” they say.   I don’t know if it’s ego, tenacity, faith or foolhardiness but there’s something in me that won’t let me give this up.  I just can’t quit! Even with the thought that I could suffer a greater set-back, that I could cause further damage..irreparable damage even, does not give me pause. The more I consider it, the more I am convinced that I’m neither reckless nor crazy; what I am is a runner who knows my body and my limitations.  I also know the hard work I have put in to arrive here and I trust the God who has made it possible.  The latter reason being the one above all else that has me convinced I am going to do this, that if God has brought me to this point, He is totally able to take me through and beyond; too, I’m by no means pursuing this in a haphazard manner, I am diligently utilizing all avenues to ensure I am fit and ready to race; yet I cannot say what will happen on race day.  I pray that I will have an amazing race here in the most awesome city in the world! Now to turn these nagging little voices into encouragement & optimism, because all I can afford right now is positive energy.

A Runner’s Nightmare

23 Oct 2013 Leave a comment

by Lori in Competitive Running Tags: , , , , , , , ,

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It’s been nine days since the Staten Island Half  and my ankle injury.  I am trying to have patience, be faith-filled, faithful and calm and not freak out but I  don’t know how good of a job I’m doing.  Twelve days before the biggest race of my life and I can’t run! How do I deal with that? The crap that’s doing laps in my mind when I can’t – do laps that is.  What will I do? What should I do? These are just some of the questions I’m living with these days.

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Fear, uncertainty, disappointment, anxiety, pain and a host of other little monsters are vying for first place in my mind.

Yet, I’m unshakeable in my conviction that I’ll be better and running in the company of some 40,000 plus runners come Nov 3.  That being said, I’m reminded of how we sometimes and unintentionally take things for granted: ourselves and our abilities, other people, things and situations – not really considering how fragile, transient and fickle it can all be.  I mean who really thinks about all of that when things are going well? As is often said, why borrow trouble? But the truth is, everyday, each moment, every gift and ability we have and each person in our lives should be  treasured, as it’s all part and parcel of who we are and what we’re about.  Imagine having to do without a piece of yourself, eventually you adapt sure but you’re never the same.  So for now, I hold on to my faith and pray that when it’s all I have left that’ll be enough; staying preoccupied in a whirlwind of doctor’s offices  and medication – doing my part as I not-so-patiently wait on God to do His.

The Staten Island Half Marathon

21 Oct 2013 Leave a comment

by Lori in Competitive Running, Marathons, Running

Last Sunday I ran the Staten Island Half Marathon.  What should have been a relatively easy run and a PR accomplishment turned out an extremely painful experience.  I suffered an ankle injury on mile 7 that not only slowed down my pace a great deal but had me limping through the last two excruciating miles.  Unfortunate is an understatement; I could go all drama queen on you and say it was far more catastrophic in my world, as I failed to qualify for the New York City Marathon next year.  I did PR though, limping across the finish line to a new time of 1:36 and missing the qualifying time by six minutes.  Drat.. was all I could think through the haze of pain and tears brought on by a pain far more potent than that of my ankle. And, as I could hardly kick myself..too painful.. I had to  be consoled with the thought that I would eventually be proud of me, after the pain and disappointment ebbed.

In spite of all that went down on Sunday, I have to say that something pretty special happened out there on the course and when I crossed the finish line.  It reminds of one of the reasons why I run; the camaraderie of the runners, their encouragement, the cheers and support of the crowd motivating me to press on, to not give up.. I’m in awe. Had it not been for them, I would not have made it across that finish line. To the special soul who hugged me from behind and encouraged me along.. what a beautiful thing to do.. and to all who came up to me after the race and congratulated me on my determination and finish, you guys are my inspiration. You rock!

Here’s to you…

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Preparing for the Marathon

10 Oct 2013 Leave a comment

by Lori in Competitive Running, Fitness, Health and Wellness, Marathons Tags: , , , , ,

IMG_2441So I’m in! What does that mean? What does it look like?

Honestly, it means a lot.  I dreamt about it sure, I’ve talked and thought about it but I never really thought I would be given the opportunity of running it.  Back in the day, I know I sound ancient, but back home in the islands, we’re bombarded by western media, fashion, culture even and so we think of the United States and it’s like.. that place, we love to hate.  Truth be told, you really want to visit but not to be seen as wanting to.  Anyway, to think that after all these years of having this dream of running the New York City Marathon on my peripheral mind, that I’m actually here, loving it and running it!!! Way cool!

On the other hand, running is no strut on the catwalk.  Competitive running , even some-what competitive (me) demands so much commitment and determination.  I call it, “the sport of the mind” because a lot of preparation begins there.  I’ve written my goal, I tell it to myself daily and even have alert reminders on my phone and running buddies to keep me focused.  It’s like having another job minus the monthly paycheck.  My reward will be 26.2 miles under my shoes come Nov 3 and my medal stating so!

Some idea of what my crazy starting schedule looks like : 5/7 days of running, avg of 50 miles p/wk, strength training 2/7 days, high-intensity cardio, yoga and toning classes 3/7 days p/wk.  I’m also considering joining a  running group that’s doing training runs for the marathon as I feel this is important in acquiring a support base to help with mental and physical preparedness.  Now all I need is more hours in the day; if you can help in this regard, please let me know.

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