In 10th grade, I entered sophomore PE with much fear and trembling.  I did not want this class to ruin my 4.0 gpa, and I was not “athletic.”  I started doing push-ups and sit-ups every night in order to get a good grade in PE.  I also started running (1 mile or less), so I could pass my fitness test.

I got an A in PE, but more importantly, it showed me that I am capable of doing physical activities and that I like those activities.  It gave me a firm foundation to return to later in life.  This is one of the reasons that it is so important St. Joe’s delivers a well-rounded curriculum with PE, music, library, Spanish, and art.

When I was student teaching, I started running for stress relief.  I met my husband in college classes, and he became my first unofficial “running coach.”  I started to do races (like Bloomsday in Spokane, WA), and I really fell in love with running.

I ran my first half marathon after Evelyn was born (6 years ago) to get back into shape.  I had nightmares the whole night before about coming in last place.  I was pleasantly surprised when I did NOT come in last place, and I started running more and more.

January 1, 2013, I started a runstreak (running at least one mile, EVERY day).  I am on day 1,207 of my runstreak.  The consistency of running everyday led me to want to run a marathon (something I had never considered before).  I ran my first marathon in 2013.

Boston 2016 was my 4th marathon.  I began training in January 2016, and leading up to the race, I had run over 600 miles.  The energy of the event was amazing.  I got to see Adrianne Haslet, a 2013 bombing survivor, who completed the marathon this year.  It was motivational.

I am back from the race, and I am grateful.  I am grateful for legs that can run.  I am grateful for time with my husband, sister, and brother-in-law.  I am grateful for grandparents who cared for my children while we were away.  I am grateful for all of your support and encouragement!