Today is the day, and “oh and…”

January 15, 2017January 14, 2017 cupcakesandmiles2 Comments

Today is the day…

Today is the day I take my test to become a certified running coach. I am beyond excited for this new chapter in my life, and cannot wait to help others discover their own love of running.

Oh and… I’m becoming a certified running coach.

A couple months ago, after much consideration, I applied for the Marathon Running Coach certification program through the NAASFP (North American Academy for Sport Fitness Professional.

While I plan to do a full recap of the certification program after completion, I opted for this one over, say RRCA (though I do eventually plan to become dual-certified with both organizations), because it is a more intensive program and takes a minimum of 22 weeks to complete. There are three components to the NAASFP program, the written test is the first. Next I will have to create a training plan for a hypothetical client, and finally the third tier, will be to train a real-life client through a 18-week marathon training plan.

Oh and… did I tell you I got a second job coaching?

Early Fall, Fit2Run Tampa (finally) adopted a Galloway-method training program. I immediately volunteered to be a “coach”, and have loved every moment since. In November, the store was looking to hire an additional coach for the training group, and things just lined up correctly, and it just kind of all worked out.

So, while I had to dust off my decade-old retail-world shoes, I am so thrilled for the opportunity to do what I love- and to get paid for it.

Oh and… did I tell you I’m running again?

I FINALLY, in October, got cleared to start running again. It took me a good couple weeks to actually start trying. It’s scary being injured. Still to this day, I have to ask myself, is what I’m feeling in my leg, or just in my head. But, I will get there!

Oh and… did I tell you what I signed up for?

IRONMAN AUGUSTA 70.3!!!

I may be crazy, but I’m also determined. For these next few months, I will be gradually increasing the number of workouts I do weekly, and once I complete my next Marathon (April), that’s when training will kick into high gear. I’m looking at 6 days a week, with some days days being 2 workouts a day. I’m such a dork, but I cannot wait!

Oh and… my next marathon is in April

I’ll be running the Newport, RI Rhode Race in April, and… MY BABY SISTER WILL BE THERE TOO!! Since dad is living in RI until June, I figure it’s a great time to check off RI on my states-to-run-in list, and to spend some time with dad. The whole family is making a vacay out of it! 🙂

Oh and… speaking of races.

Last month, I did the Hot Chocolate Run in Tampa.

I had registered for the 15k pre-injury, and while this was the first race I could do some running in, I still had to walk the majority. But, almost my entire Galloway group did it too! And they rocked it! 🙂

And, then of course there was Vegas! Pre-injury, I registered for the Rock ‘N Roll Las Vegas Marathon as a charity runner for St. Jude’s. We also planned out a week-long vacation around it. I eventually had to drop-back my registration to the half marathon, and decided I would just walk the half. And, I did!

Word to the wise: walking a half marathon is not fun. It hurts. A lot. 😉

But… we had an amazing time in Vegas! We got to see Celine Dion (OMG!!!) as well as “O” by Cirque Du Soleil. And, while I didn’t strike it rich playing roulette, we will definitely be back.

So, there you have it. The last few months summed up. I can sit here and make excuses for why I went MIA, or I can just try to be better. And, that’s what the new year is all about, right…?

Happy running!

A little share from my Facebook Profile

September 16, 2016 cupcakesandmilesLeave a comment

I shared this little life update on Facebook today:

For those of you that don’t know, I have been dealing with an injury that has kept me sidelined from running for the past five weeks. I had my followup appointment today and was hoping to receive better news. I’m looking at another four weeks off; at that point, I can start using the elliptical and SLOWLY build up on the treadmill (a couple minutes at a time).

I’m trying my hardest to keep my head up. I know I have so much to be grateful for in my life- food on my table, clothes on my back, a job I love, amazing family and friends that support and encourage me- and I know there are so many others out there struggling just to make it through the day.

However, on that note, I must announce I will not be able to participate in the Rock ‘N Roll Vegas full marathon. This was set to be my third marathon, and my first time running as a charity runner (for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital).

When I registered to be a charity runner, I was nervous and a little scared. There are so many fundraising organizations, and I know it can be overwhelming when people are coming at you from all sides asking for donations. And yet, you guys, MY AMAZING FRIENDS AND MY AMAZING FAMILY, have completely left me speechless. The outpouring and generosity I have received has been so incredible and so much more than I could have ever asked for, and for that, I thank you!

In an effort to honor all of those that have and continue to support me, I will be dropping down to the half marathon and will be walking as a St. Jude Hero.

And, mark my words, when I do get the all-clear to start training again, there will be some MAJOR GOAL CRUSHING!

#headupwingsout

If you’d like to contribute to my fundraising efforts for St. Jude, you can do so by visiting: http://heroes.stjude.org/amanb. Together we can make a difference!