I Run for Mia: Calling ALL Runners!

Good evening everyone!! I don't know about you, but I am worn out from so much holiday bliss! I love it though! With so many life changes coming about, I have been trying to figure out what I am going to do with next semester. I have been working on developing goals and what I will be doing with myself. I've been applying for jobs, planning a schedule, and thinking about my workout regimen. Yes I am, without a doubt, a planner. But that's okay; if it helps me achieve goals, it is worth it to me.

Thanks to a Facebook page called Prayers for Triston, I discovered a foundation called I Run For Michael.

whoirun4.com 

Check it out!

What this foundation does is match up a runner and a person with a disability. This runner then runs for their partner. There is quite the waiting list to be matched, so I joined in running for the "Unsung Heroes," siblings of those with disabilities. I've been a sibling of a brother with a disability for 20 years! It's may sound selfish, but I'll tell you, it's not easy. As I have grown up, I have seen and experienced things that happened to my brothers that definitely did not make sense. I've had to sacrifice and defend. But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. That is why I chose to be matched with a sibling. They need encouragement just like their siblings and parents.

I was matched up with sweet Mia from New York just yesterday. I already am getting to know her and her mom, Dawn, and I feel this match up is just perfect. I cannot wait to see this sweet girl grow up and run mileage for her.

So why not?! If you run, I really encourage you to join! This is giving back. It takes hardly any effort and gives you the chance to develop a relationship that could last a lifetime. Literally, it only requires you to run and post a few times a week to your buddy! Feel free to ask me any questions!

With the recent "retirement" from collegiate running, I feel this is an amazing way to encourage me to continue to stay in shape. I've always ran, so why not have something to actually run for and not only myself or my teammates? This partnership will give me that, as well as allow me to build a relationship with Mia and her family! It doesn't matter how fast or slow you are. It's doesn't matter how far you run. It can be anything.

whoirun4.com
Here is the link to sign up to matched with a sibling as well! www.whoirun4.com/ir4-siblings-the-unsung-heroes/

So my next challenge?

Right now, I will continue to cross train for 5 weeks. Why five weeks? Because I plan to sign up for the Lincoln Half Marathon. What?!

I know, crazy. It's fine though. I want to join other alumni from my high school in running the race with my high school coach! You may be questioning my choice. I cannot stay healthy enough to compete in a mile race, how will I run 13.1 miles?! Well, after chatting with a great friend, here's my thought process.

Training for this huge feat will consist of pure mileage. Something I used to enjoy. Yes, I've had some enjoyable runs lately, but those are far and few in between. I've always tried to get faster because I had to in order to stay competitive.  This new lifestyle will help me to stay fit, ENJOY running, and run for Miss Mia. No pressure; something I haven't had in years! My workout plan revolves around easy runs, long runs, and a ton of cross training. I did not realize I could find plans that involve so much cross training, but I did and I think it will be a good option for me to complete this goal of running this 13.1 mile race!

Everyone always says running an incredible distance like this is life changing! So here's to being smart and staying injury free! I don't care how long it takes, but on May 3rd, 2015, I will cross that finish line at the Center of Memorial Field. I will do it for my running buddy Mia.

Live & Love--
-Tash

"If God will you to it, He will bring you through it."

Last night, Tricia and I made a trip to Norfolk. As we were walking through JC Penny's, I remembered that's where I got my encouragement ring. I lost my "courage" one, and I decided to look for a replacement. Turns out Tricia had a certificate that was about to expire which she wasn't going to use. I had found some rings, but many were much too large for me. Tricia picked out the ring above and bought it for me.

"If God will bring you to it..."

Coincidently, today during my whole shift, I was struggling to stand on my foot. I went to the chiropractor to see if it was just out of place. That happened during my freshman year and it put me in a boot. He said nothing was out of place and it happened to be in the most common place for runners to have foot stress fractures.

I don't see the point of really finding out if it is for sure a fracture. Honestly, I don't want to know. I'm going to hang out in my boot for a week or so or until it starts to feel better.

I feel like since I've come to college, my body hates me. *insert slight chuckle* Honestly though. Whether or not this really is an injury, I want to be able to chase my kids around some day (in the FAR future).

I am retiring from collegiate athletics for good.

I still plan to help out with what I can and of course be the loudest cheerer at all the meets, but I just won't be competing.  (Except indoor, I'll be competing with Northwestern to have a louder tunnel during the 4x4 :) )

I put the more pressure on myself than any other person puts on me, and I believe this decision is the best for all aspects of my life.

Who knows what I'm going to do with all this extra time on my hands! If you need an extra intramural player, hit me up. ;)

To my teammates, you're the best. I refuse to move from the track table, so you'll still have to deal with me. Not sorry. I cannot wait to watch you all and be there for you in a different capacity. We'll see what happens!

The other part of my ring,

"He will bring you through it."

God put me on this amazing adventure of running in college and it has been fun, but my time is over. Soooo-- who will be joining me at Zumba with Lisa next semester?

Hope the Christmas Season is treating you all well!

Live & Love,
Tash