blog Archives - Marathon Goddess

1

52 Races for 52 Faces- The last race!

Congratulations to all who ran the Los Angeles marathon presented by ASICS.  I seriously feel like we ran the last marathon on the planet.  For a little while anyways. With every week for the last year being a race week, I went from full throttle to nothing.  I seriously got in every race I could before the world shut down, and can I say… just in time.  I never would have finished my 52 races, it’s hardly the most important thing right now, it just feels so strange to go from an epic year of racing to ZERO!! Anyways…. a look back on one of the happiest marathons of my life. I was thrilled to hire Nadia Ruiz to start coaching me to have a PR at LA.  As my 52 races went on, week after week, I started to get faster and stronger.  Yet, towards the end, the weekly races, the social media, the exhaustion of working a full time job and writing a new book started to take a toll. Nadia knew it and was very mindful of that. Being on Team NEWSTRONG with ASICS for an International Women’s Day campaign was a dream. Even though I was exhausted, I stayed strong, because this wasn’t about me, this was about the people I was running for. My favorite quote from Nadia when Carrie Tollefson asked us what does being strong mean to you?  Nadia responded, “Being strong means knowing it’s ok to be weak.”  It couldn’t be more true in this current situation.  Nadia also called it in regards to COVID-19.  She knew a shut down could happen any minute, and here we are. Anyways, we headed into race week, I started to struggle with sleep issues.  When you’re almost 50, that really affects you.  I used to pull all nighters at 28, take a shower, go to work and look great.  NOT ANYMORE.  LOL I can barely function, but I do. Nadia is able to push through adversity like I’ve never seen, which is why I hired her.  She ran a 3:17!!! I can push through adversity too, just not as fast and that’s ok.  I did my best and that’s all she wanted.  I didn’t give in to just having a fun race, I realized that the speed wasn’t there, 2 days of expos with no sleep before a race is not the best way to taper. I started off my race HAPPY, I slept almost 6 hours on Saturday night which is unheard of for me. The last 2 LA Marathons, I ran on zero sleep, so this was a dream. The shout out from Team Noisy at the start was epic.  I lost an air pod at mile 8, went back and looked for it, couldn’t find it, (cost me about 5 min). However, in retrospect was the greatest thing ever, I could hear all my friends calling out my name. I was carrying too much stuff, with no place to put it, so the first 5 miles was tricky.  Juggling Cliff bars, extra air pods, 5-hour energy, and tampons with not enough space to carry was interesting. Lack of sleep caused me to be ill prepared for that.  Even with all this mishegas, I honestly was the happiest I’ve ever been in a marathon.  I was running strong and feeling good. I really couldn’t have run any faster, (maybe by 5 minutes if I pushed it?)   But I was good.  Smiling, elbow bumping and singing my way to the finish of race 52 in 52 weeks. Let’s talk about Mile 21 shall we?  As you turned the corner off of  Wilshire onto San Vicente, the Purple People Party awaited you put on by the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer.  There were cheers, friends, music, balloons, not to mention 26 bikes set up by Cycle Bar as a fundraiser to cure pancreatic cancer.  It was a Tour de Pier pop up.  Someone even running the marathon jumped on a bike for a minute.  How epic is that?  When I arrived at that mile, the greeting I got was OVER THE TOP.  Even KTLA was there, we did an interview and then off I went.  Supercharged with the most energy I’ve ever felt at the end of a marathon, running the last 3 miles under a 10 min pace and feeling AMAZING was everything. I ran for: Survivor Peggy Eastham. Dedicated by his adoring friend Laurence Cohen- Strive to Survive ? For SURVIVOR Robert Sandstrom Dedicated in his honor by his beautiful wife and HTT runner Lisa Day Sandstrom. ? For Teri Hazzard Dedicated in her honor and memory by her beautiful daughter and HTT runner Erica Hazzard ? For Albert P. Ballog, Jr. dedicated in his honor and memory by his beautiful daughter and HTT runner Sarah Ballog Smith. ? For Patricia Ward dedicated in her honor and memory by her beautiful daughter and HTT runner Jeanne Sarmiento. With all the signs leading up to the race.  The number 52 kept popping up everywhere and finishing the race with a magical number, according to my experience app with a 4:44. Also, according to a random article on the internet (lol), can mean the angels are there to assist you in your life’s journey.  I see that number all the time and I truly believe it.  My time was later adjusted to a 4:43:59, but I am rounding up.  (Nothing is perfect) It may not have been a PR, but maybe it was. I really had no idea how the day was going to turn out.  Without giving in to just having a “fun” race, I still did my best. So why do I think it was personal record? Because I truly felt the happiest I’ve ever felt while running a marathon and for that I am so grateful.  Some of the weekly races got so hard that it started to steal my joy of running away and to end it on such a high note was EVERYTHING.  PR’s can come in many different ways.  It’s all about how you look at it. While these race cancellations and lockdowns really suck, they will keep us healthy and safe. Like Nadia said, it’s ok to be weak and breakdown, as long as you get back up.  I am personally struggling hard with not being able to see my family.  Let’s do the best we can.  There are a lot of things we can’t do right now and out of our control, but think of what we can. Go start that blog or vlog that you’ve always wanted to, write a book, screenplay or start cooking.  As of now, you can still go out and run… by yourself, and keep 6 feet away from anyone.  Stay positive, stay healthy, the glass is half full if you choose to look at life that way, so why not, it’s better than the alternative!  Let’s live to see another marathon!   What will I do next?  I am working on doing a weekly blog, or newsletter to keep you informed, inspired and entertained.  We Got This!  
1

2017 Kona Marathon – Race Recap

2017 Kona Marathon Race Recap Sunday morning June 25th, my first quarter marathon. Yes, I have done hundreds of marathons, but it’s been a while since I ran one and I’ve never done a Quarter Marathon. So, grateful the Kona Marathon Events offers not only a Quarter, but a 5k, Half and Full Marathon. Could I have done the half or the full? Sure. But I really wanted to be there to cheer on the other runners and interview the winners of the half and full. In addition, my training has not been quite up to speed, so this was perfect. The start line is about 1 mile from the host Hotel, the Hilton Waikoloa. I just want to point out that the hotel is fabulous. Here are a few pictures of how amazing it is:   The start line is near the Queens Market Place and there was a shuttle from the hotel to take you to the start. Of course, I woke up late and ended up running to the start line and wasting half my energy. Good job Julie. All I can say is, thank goodness for the UCC Kona Coffee that was waiting for me at the start line. Other than my tardiness it was a magical start to the race. As the sun rose up over the mountains, Miss UCC Kona Coffee was there to add to the beauty and I was there to get it on video and capture all the exciting faces and spirits ready to run. I met a new friend, Megan, who was also running the quarter. She turned out to be quite the speed demon and in my age group 🙂    I also met many friends at the Health & Fitness Fair on Saturday at the Hilton when they stopped by the Project Purple table. So many people have been affected by pancreatic cancer. I was very grateful to be out there doing my part, advocating for a cure and representing the nations largest pancreatic cancer running charity. A huge mahalo to everyone who used the discount code KMGODDESS and especially the Kona Marathon for donating $1,160 to Project Purple. You were the runners who made it possible. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for that. We are in this together. We even brought darling Amelia, my Grandbaby to help represent. It was now time to start the Quarter Marathon. It wasn’t too hot since the race starts nice and early and they have water misters to run through on the race course and I took full advantage of each one. The volunteers were out in force. Very grateful to see their smiling faces and aloha spirit. I bought some new shoes to give me that extra pep, but the only pep seemed to be coming from the UCC coffee I drank before the race. My shoes felt like I was running in snow boots. Good thing I was doing the Quarter. I tried running in the Hooka shoes for a few reasons, one because they were purple and two because I really thought they would be the perfect ones. Yeah, maybe if I want to climb a volcano but not run a fast race. I still ended up 3rd in my Age Group with a 10:20 pace. I will take it, since it was my first Quarter Marathon, that’s an instant PR, right? Don’t answer that. My friend won 3rd FOA and 1st AG. Maybe one day I will too.   The winners of the Half were Christopher Rayder 1:17 and Holly Ballenger with a 1:35. The winners of the Full were Kentaro Mesuda, 2:52 and Bree Wee, 3:08. I caught up with Bree after the race and was so honored to meet her, I could barely ask any questions, I was so nervous, but she was super nice and gracious.

The finish line was beautiful, my husband David and volunteers helped decorate it, complete with flowers, local ferns and love. The finish line food was in abundance as was the aloha spirit of the Big Island of Hawaii.

After the race my husband went back to the hotel to enjoy all it’s beauty, the pools with the family, the waterfalls, did some paddling with the baby and got caught in a wave.   Can’t wait until next year’s 25th Anniversary of the Kona Marathon, June 24, 2018. Not sure how it will top this year, but excited to find out and so should you be. Join me in Hawaii for a “runcation” and use the KMGODDESS coupon code when you register to receive $10 off your Marathon or Half Marathon entry fee or $5 off the Quarter Marathon or 5K. Plus, the Kona Marathon Events will match those amounts in a donation to Project Purple at the end of the event. A hui hou . . . . . see you next June, Julie xo Marathon Goddess Follow me on Facebook page for Updates Join me June 24th, 2018 and remember to use Discount Code KMGODDESS – Click here to Register
1

Your Next Run Vacation. The Kona Marathon June 25, 2017!

Your Next Run Vacation. The Kona Marathon June 25, 2017!

Kona Marathon Events on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii is coming up. There are so many reasons to come and do this race, I don’t even know where to begin. But I will start with the obvious, it’s in Hawaii! The race takes place in The Waikoloa Beach Resort and has the most amazing host hotel, the Hilton Waikoloa Village. The views are breathtaking and the restaurants are delicious.

 

My favorite is the brunch. I think I ate there every day especially the day after the marathon when I may have eaten everything! The hotel is kid friendly, I even took my Grandbaby along for the ride.

Speaking of ride, they have a boat ride and a monorail that goes through the hotel and takes you to your room – for free!

You are surrounded by lagoons, dolphins, pools and waterslides. You really don’t even need to go anywhere. But I do recommend getting a car and doing some sight-seeing, for instance going to see the lava eruptions at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I could go on and on, but let me tell you about the Marathon. ☺

 

The new course just keeps getting better and better. There is more shade and they have water misters along the race course which keeps you nice and cool. Love running through them, it’s so much fun. The Aid Stations are plentiful, stocked with hydration, ice, lots of volunteer smiles and aloha spirit.  Also a great place to get your 50th state, or if you are on your journey to 50 as so many Marathon Maniacs are.  Pictured below is my dear Rock Star friend Mark Kramer, who finished his 50th state at the 2015 Kona Marathon.  It was an honor to cross the finish line with him.

 

There is a race for everyone. On June 17th they have the Aloha Keiki Run for kids ages 1 to 15 at the Kona Commons Shopping Center in Kailua.

On race day June 25, they have a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon and a 5K and guess what? I have a DISCOUNT code for you! When you register, and use the code KMGODDESS you will save $10 off the full marathon or half marathon and $5 off the Quarter Marathon or 5K. Every time the code is used the Kona Marathon will graciously donate an amount equal to the discount to Project Purple to help cure Pancreatic Cancer. It’s a Win Win!!!

 

Have I mentioned the coffee yet? As if you needed another reason to come and do this race, here it is. UCC Kona Coffee is the title sponsor of Kona Marathon Events. My absolute favorite! 100% Kona Coffee. Rich and delicious. Plus it makes you run faster. 😉

 

This will be my 6th year returning to the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii. It was number 11 in my 2013 magical journey of 52 marathons in 52 weeks to raise funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer. I always say, “Number 11, like running in heaven” and it truly is. Come visit my booth at the Health and Fitness Fair on Saturday, June 24 at the Hilton Convention Center.

 

I am very grateful to be a Kona Marathon Ambassador. It is an honor to represent a marathon truly embracing that Aloha Spirit. I hope you will join me June 25, 2017. Come out and let your Aloha Spirit SHINE and I will see you at the finish line. Register here: www.konamarathon.com.     

   

                                                                             We Got This!- Julie xo                                                                                                            

A Big Mahalo to the Amazing Sponsors:

1

5 Tips on how to get out of a running rut!

Screen Shot 2015-12-19 at 9.52.33 PM In a rut? When the going get’s tough, the tough go shopping! 1. If you can, get a new pair of ASICS running shoes to invigorate you. If you can’t, you’re in luck, because at the end of this blog, you can enter to win your choice of available brand new ASICS on ASICS.COM Yeah! New running shoes always make me want to get out and run, especially the new GEL NIMBUS17s! 2. Call a friend and make a commitment to run, it works wonders. That’s what friends are for and return the favor if you see them in a rut. 3. Make sure you have had enough recovery time and you have not been overtraining too long, if so, you might need the rest. 4. Go outside, or get on a treadmill, start by walking and warming up. Do a little run/walk, then run. Just start. 5. Create a goal and sign up for a race. A 5K, 10K, quarter marathon, half or full. Here’s a great one I know, the Kona Marathon. Code HOLIDAY will even save you $15 🙂 5.1 Enter this giveaway to WIN a FREE pair of your choice of available ASICS shoes. Good luck and #GoRunIT ENTER HERE —–> ASICS GIVEAWAY Screen Shot 2015-12-20 at 8.01.03 AM mbassador
2

Flashback: The 2012 New York Marathon, The Marathon that Never Was!

The 2012 New York City Marathon was supposed to be Marathon number 32 in my streak of 52 marathons in 52 weeks, but it turned out to be, “The Marathon that Never Was.”  Now some 40 marathons later, we’re back and still going strong. 
Marathon 96, in my new Purple ASICS!

Marathon 96, in my new Purple ASICS!

Here’s a great example of what my life was like during the 52 marathons in 52 weeks, although this example is a little extreme.  Take The 2012 New York City Marathon. You may be thinking, there was no New York City Marathon in 2012.  That is correct, because about 1 hour after we landed in NYC and checked into out hotel; we found out, due to Super Storm Sandy, the marathon was cancelled.  Now what?  To keep the streak alive, I had to run a marathon that weekend.  I wrote about my New York Marathon Experience in my blog titled: The Marathon that Never Was! “It started as an exciting adventure, which quickly took a sharp turn.  As super storm sandy slammed down on the east coast, it took a piece of my heart along with it.  For me, I went to New York to run, along a with so many others, to show the American people that we are a courageous people in the face of heartbreak and recommit to hope and possibility when things are the hardest.  But it wasn’t meant to be.  We arrived on Friday at JFK.  In the cab ride to our hotel our driver was telling us all the horror stories going on.  Generators and back up generators were sitting there, not being used, and in place for the marathon.  Meanwhile there were still millions without power and shelter and some without food.  My heart sank.  As we got closer to the hotel I saw a two mile long line of cars waiting for gas.  Then I see a hanging crane dangling over the city streets. Wind had broken the massive steal crane, dozens of stories above the city streets.  If not for the wires holding it, the top of the crane, dangling 100s of feet above, would have crashed to the ground. The streets were barricaded off and no one was allowed within a block or two. I sank deeper into the floor of the taxi.  What other horrors were we in for, I wondered?  We arrive at our hotel and get a quick bite and we are ready to head to the expo for a great opportunity and interview with Poland Springs water.  I had CBS/KCAL news following my marathon adventure in New York, which quickly became more interesting to them because within just minutes after we arrived at our hotel, we hear a rumor that the marathon was cancelled.  The rumor quickly became a reality and honestly my first reaction was a sense of relief. The next thing I did was order a drink and console friends.  There was a young woman, who had also just arrived, and similar to us, also had not been to her room yet.  She had come all the way from London to do the New York Marathon. Ouch!  She was horrified, in a sad and quiet way. Now I had to figure out the next plan of action.  Quick find another marathon!  I called friends, posted on Facebook, someone please register me for the Santa Clarita marathon in California. I knew it was on the same day as New York. Next, get a flight home.  Called my travel agent and we booked the first available flight, back to LA, the next morning. We made the best out of our 12 hour stay in NYC.  I had a big press conference with the New York Roadrunners and a photo shoot which had all been cancelled.  A fantastic article in the official program was printed in mass.  Thousands of them, that no one got to see. L It would have been huge for Pancreatic Awareness.  We then had a nice dinner with David’s family, snuck into Central Park and did a quick bandit run.  The finish line had mostly been erected, but now completely abandoned.  With absolutely no one around, at night, in minimal street lighting, we ran the finish line of the New York Marathon.  Somehow, with no one there to give us a medal or even notice, it still felt good.  There is something special about a finish line, even one not fully assembled.
Sneaking into Central Park to run through the finish line ;0

Sneaking into Central Park to run through the finish line ;0

    Early next morning we hop on a plane back to LA, with little to no sleep.  Once arrived, we immediately drive to the Santa Clarita marathon expo to register. After another few hours of sleep, Sunday morning, I am off and running the Santa Clarita marathon, #32 of 52.  The 52 lives on and the people of NYC were heard. On the way to my marathon I heard that thousands of marathoners were on the ferry to Statin Island, to help out the now homeless and displaced.  Though the storm had destroyed the hopes of the marathon, the marathoners had brought a little hope to those in need.  That made my heart sing. Santa Clarita marathon was hot and fun. It was not NYC.  We had 500 marathoners vs. 50,000.  I ended up running 28 miles.  At mile 14 I went back to help out a friend who was ready to quit, which gave me the extra miles.   This marathon adventure was a bit crazy, but nothing as hard as the fight against Pancreatic Cancer. Here is a picture of me sneaking into Central Park the night the race was cancelled to run through the finish line and on the right, here I am finishing Santa Clarita that same weekend.  Nothing would stop us, not even Super Storm Sandy!  
The Santa Clarita Marathon, marathon 32 of 52! We did it!

The Santa Clarita Marathon, marathon 32 of 52! We did it!

The New York Marathon will always be special, not only because of the amazing spirit and the people, but my Dad was from Brooklyn, I know he’d be proud and I know he’s still here with me.  Next week is Santa Clarita Marathon, next week!?  Here we go again!! We Got This! Please donate today and let’s put pancreatic cancer out of business!  Thank You!  Click here to donate to Project Purple!
2

How to survive back-to-back marathon marathons!

Just recently, I ran The Bank of America Chicago Marathon and The Rock n Roll Denver Marathon, which were a week apart,  and I guess what? I am exhausted, but I’m alive and filled with a sense of accomplishment of  completing marathons 94, 95 and 1 step closer  to 100.  Now with the New York Marathon less than 1 week a away, the question is, How does one survive back-to-back marathons? Recovery is the name of the game.  It’s important to make sure you are getting enough protein which rebuilds muscle tissue, sleep which replenishes hormones, hydration and minerals which are also very important for recovery. In terms of running midweek between marathons, don’t do it.   Stretching, is good, recovery takes precedent over training when you have a week between marathons. For us non-elite runners,  it’s important to slow down your pace when running frequent marathons.  It helps to take the marathons slower, you utilize less resources, which make recovery quicker and reduce the risk of injury. I pushed it a little in Chicago to a 4:38, even while stopping to take pictures and giving out hugs on the course.  The course was super flat, so that helped. Do you know the joke about the Chicago Marathon? “What’s the biggest hill in the Chicago Marathon? … The Curb 🙂 ”
Photo Op with the Project Purple Flag at mile 3 in the Chicago Marathon.  Fun!!

Photo Op with the Project Purple Flag at mile 3 in the Chicago Marathon. Fun!!

  Then there was the RocknRoll Denver Marathon one week later. I knew it was going to be slow with the altitude and heat and it was just that.I finished in 5 hours and 20 minutes, with a smile on my face and a skip in my step.  Partly because I had my Project Purple Team waiting for me at the finish line, I was thinking about all the amazing pancreatic cancer survivors I was running for.
Awesome to have friends at the finish line!!!

Awesome to have friends at the finish line!!!

The Project Purple Team.  Running to BEAT pancreatic cancer!

The Project Purple Team. Running to BEAT pancreatic cancer!

Now with just a few days left before the New York City Marathon, I am getting excited, not only because it’s one of the top marathons in the world, but also because I just received my brand new kicks, for marathon 96,  my new Purple ASICS! Good thing too because the Santa Clarita Marathon is the follwing weekend.  Marathon 97 with these ASICS will be like running in Heaven!

ASICS

Check out these Awesome Gel- Quantum 360s!!!

We Got This!

Please click here to make a tax deductible donation to Project Purple and help support my efforts to beat pancreatic cancer.  Donate Today

0

Why I’m running 100 Marathons?

Why 100 marathons? I know it sounds a little crazy, but actually so many people have done way more than 100 marathons. There are some people that have even done over 100 marathons in one year.  Yes it is true.  Yolanda Holder, Trent Morrow, Larry Macon they are all world record holders and have run way more than 100. So whether it’s 100 marathons, 100 years, 100 miles, 100 bottles of beer, (wait that’s 99), the number 100 is a milestone and a BIG number.  I figured it would be another great way to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer.  It wouldn’t be easy though, I had to cram in about 13 marathons in 6 months and give up my goal of re-qualifying for Boston, but to me this was bigger and more important. It’s will be 100 marathons over eight years.  You see, eight years ago, I was a single mom, raising two teenage kids. I was stuck, depressed and overweight.  But instead of acknowledging that voice within, I filled the void with lots of comfort food and an array of extra-strength antidepressants, which I desperately needed at the time. Screen Shot 2015-09-14 at 2.10.51 PM In April of 2007, at my lowest point, my parents treated my kids and I to a week long vacation in Kauai.  When I hit the beach that first day swimming in the ocean and running on the sand something in me awoke.   In that moment, for the very first time in I don’t remember how long, I began to feel alive again.  It was if I was being reinvigorated by the energy of the sea, the waves and the sand.   While I was on vacation, I didn’t miss a day of swimming and running.  I immediately felt more positive, and confidant, so much so that I made a pact with myself to keep running with my dog when I returned home to Santa Monica.  And I kept that pact and did one better, I stopped taking those supercharged antidepressants. Running became my new antidepressant.  I simply did not need them anymore, however some do and I thank god that we have medication to help those who need it.  But with a clearer mind and a healthier body, I felt like I could take on the world!  With this feeling as my fuel, I signed up for my very first event, a triathlon. Screen Shot 2015-09-14 at 2.16.03 PM Just five short months after I stepped foot on the beautiful sandy shores of Kauai, I completed the triathlon.  As you can see exercise wasn’t just great for my spirit, it was good for my waistline too, I lost 35 pounds in about 5 months as I trained for this event. From the first Triathlon, my father became my biggest and most devoted fan. I thought, hey, if I can finish a triathlon and a ½ marathon, what’s stopping be from finishing a full 26.2 mile marathon?  So in 2008, I signed up for my very first marathon.  The 2008 Los Angeles Marathon. Screen Shot 2015-09-14 at 2.23.42 PM Don’t I look happy and refreshed?  No, I actually hit the wall at mile 14.  Ouch! I am happy to say I did finish, but when I crossed over the finish line I thought, that was truly AWFUL!  I think I’ll just stick to 10ks and ½ Marathons.  But the lore of qualifying for Boston kept me coming back for more.  18 times more, I thought the more marathons you ran, the faster you would get. I was a newbie and doing all my training at race pace, but I was still having fun, sort of. I finally hired a coach and on my 18th attempt, I missed qualifying by 2 minutes.  I was disappointed, but not nearly as disappointed as I would be when my mom called me the next day to tell me that my father had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and there was nothing the doctors could do. Papa Sadly, my father passed away just 35 days after diagnoses.  I felt lost, shocked, devastated and hopeless. My father was my biggest fan, there was nothing like the joy he got when he saw me run and I wasn’t about to stop now. I had another race coming up in just 10 days after he passed away.  Anyone would have understood if I didn’t run it, but I ran that race, and YES I qualified for Boston that day, with my hands pointed to my father in Heaven and my rapture is for us both.  He was in  my heart, and I knew we had done it together. I still get chills as I tell the story today! Boston High Res 5 After that day, one thing became very clear to me.  If your goal doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.  This was my truth, just a few years ago, my life was off course, and I lacked purpose, a north star. Running gave me the answer.  But after everything I had been through with losing my dad and learning about pancreatic cancer, I knew I needed to do something BIG.  So I woke up one morning, with this crazy, half-baked idea that I could run 52 marathons in 52 weeks.  I didn’t know how I would do it, but there was nothing that would stop me. Screen Shot 2015-09-14 at 2.37.59 PM Now some would say 52 marathons in 52 weeks is crazy and enough, and for a while it was.  However, cancer does not take a day off and I feel like I still need do more.  It is my mission. So here I am, at 93 lifetime marathons completed.  Who would have thought?  If I at 37, a person who never ran in school, could complete such a feat, there is no telling what you can do.  Our dreams are still possible.  Maybe mine came in the form of a mid life crisis, but that’s ok.  Some people go shopping, some start drinking or far worse.  It was running that saved my life and now possibly the lives of others. While reflecting on the many lessons I’ve learned on this journey, one of the most important is to  “Always do what you are afraid to do”, but remember, whatever you do, means so much more, when you do it for someone else. Now with every marathon I run, I dedicate it to someone affected by cancer.  It’s not about me anymore, it’s not about the marathons, it’s much bigger than that. It’s about saving lives and changing the course of history of a disease called pancreatic cancer that has gone nearly unchanged for 40 years.  So live Boldly, live Big and know that you’ve got to touch your own life first, before you can touch the lives of others.  We Got This xoScreen Shot 2015-09-14 at 2.43.21 PM I’m now running with Project Purple. The nations largest pancreatic cancer running charity. They are official charity partners with The Boston Marathon, New York Marathon and Chicago.  I’m currently over 300K in total donations, but let’s hit that million dollar mark by my 100th marathon,  The 2016 Los Angeles marathon, so we can really make a difference. Please share and donate today if you can.  Thank you xo  Click here to  DONATE 3      

0

We Ran the Rock! Kona Marathon 2015

We Ran the Rock!!! It was 95 degrees with nearly 100% humidity, on a record setting day in Kona.  But we ran the Rock or shall I say, we Survived it!!!  Despite the heat, The New Kona Marathon is better than ever! Yeah!! Upon arrival into The Hilton Waikoloa Village Beach Resort, I was excited to see the Queens MarketPlace.  A beautifully landscaped village with shops galore, eateries and more.  Lush trees and gardens lined the streets which made me even more excited to know we would be running through there.

Screen Shot 2015-07-10 at 6.22.43 PM

We arrived at The Hilton Waikoloa Village Beach Resort and I can’t say enough nice things about it.  They just placed number 4 on Travel & Leisure’s 2015 World’s Best list for Family Travel.  I can see why, first off, it was BIG, like amusement park big. There were dolphins, a giant lagoon that fed into the ocean, water slides, pools, boats, even a monorail, yes you read that right.   Even with the magnitude of this hotel, everything was centrally located and easy to get to.  Ancient artifacts decorated the hallways within the hotel, it was like walking through a museum. Screen Shot 2015-07-10 at 6.48.23 PM The EXPO- This was one of the BEST expos I’ve ever been to (and I’ve been to a lot).  The expo was located at the convention center at the The Hilton Waikoloa Village Beach Resort , it overlooked the waterfall on the lagoon, it was breathtaking. Screen Shot 2015-07-10 at 9.03.04 PM Everything was so well organized, the vendors were great, including  UCC Coffee, the best Kona coffee ever. UCC The Big Island Running Company was there and even gave me a purple shirt. Here I am representing in Santa Monica: Run ALoha Also, The Kona Marathon running logo apparel was so hot they sold out within a few hours.  However, you can still get the Kona Marathon Towel with your name on it (if you registered before June 12), click here: Kona Marathon Towel Screen Shot 2015-07-10 at 9.34.40 PM You could feel the excitement and Aloha Spirit in the air.  It was an honor to represent Project Purple, the Nations Top Pancreatic Cancer Running Charity, Essence Water ph10,Worlds Best Alkaline Water, and take Goddess Pose photo’s with so many friends in front of the Kona Marathon Start Line Back Drop.

Bioastin:Essence

KONa

Race Day Race morning we could feel it was going to be a hot one, that’s ok by me, it just means HYDRATE, adjust your pace and have FUN!  And that’s exactly what we did. Sunrise The race volunteers were there in abundance, greeting you with their warm Aloha spirit, smiles, water, GU Hydration drink and Ice.  We may have poured more ice and water on our heads, than in our mouth.  I ran with Mark Kramer, Brian Salm and Cheryl Baumann. They are all fellow marathon maniacs and Mark and Cheryl were both finishing their 50th state. We all ran together for a while, making the miles fly by (even if we were baking on the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway). We knew the ocean was waiting for us we could see it in the distance.  Plus running on part of the World Championship Ironman bike course really made you feel like a Bad Ass 🙂 Baking We finished hand in hand and although it wasn’t our fastest, it was definitely very meaningful, both Mark and I have lost a parent to pancreatic cancer.  We were grateful to be there together on his special day.  We had so much fun, helped each other when we struggled and brought it home smiling from ear to ear. Finish After we finished we celebrated at the Legends of Hawaii Luau at the Hilton Waikoloa Hotel, where David and I did our Honeymoon dance 🙂 Screen Shot 2015-07-10 at 9.21.50 PM Dancing I am so happy that I will be returning next year, which will make it my 5th year at the Kona Marathon.  I am beyond blessed and truly love the New Kona Marathon venue.  I hope you will join us in paradise at the 2016 Kona Marathon, June 26. Aloha and until we meet again a hui hoi.. Medal Registration code now available for the 2016 Kona Marathon, use code KMGODDESS and save $10 off early registration prices.  Win Win!!!   Register here Screen Shot 2015-07-10 at 8.50.22 PM This Kona Marathon was dedicated to Beverly, who loved Hawaii and lost her life way to young from pancreatic cancer.  We must find a cure!!!   We Got This! Click here to make a donation to Project Purple to help: DONATE beverly              

My Thoughts on this Father’s Day!

5 years ago I lost my beloved father to pancreatic cancer. So far my efforts have raised over $300,000 in research to find a cure. On this father’s day, as I think of my Dad, the happy memories, the gratitude I have for what he gave our family and the tragic loss, I wish that he were still here.  He could have been here had there been a cure.  Please donate with the hopes that perhaps next father’s day many people who have had their father’s or loved ones afflicted with this disease will still be here to enjoy a life with the friends and family.  Thank you for giving this some thought and the time it will take you to make a donation. We need your help now more then ever. The following sights will gratefully accept any donation you are able to give.  Happy Father’s Day!  In loving memory of Maurice Weiss 1935-2010. PROJECT PURPLE LAZAREX CANCER FOUNDATION PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK
My biggest fan.  Miss you Papa xo

My biggest fan. Miss you Papa xo

 

1

Happy National Running Day!! 26.2 Reasons Why I Run…

1. Running gives me goals to motivate me. Goals         2. Running challenges my inner being. 3. Running gives me a sense of accomplishment. 4. I run so I will no longer be depressed & overweight. Before and After         5.  I run for medals. .52 Medals         6.  I run to be with friends Screen Shot 2015-06-03 at 6.44.49 AM         7.  I run to be the best version of myself. 8. I run to make my Dad proud. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA         9. Running heals my soul. 10. I run to beat pancreatic cancer. Beatpc         11. I run for those who can’t. 12. I run for Hope. Paul and Julie         13. I run to inspire the world. Morante         14. Running makes me feel Alive. 15. I run to find my own sunshine. 16. Running makes my spirit shine. 17. Running makes me Happy. Happy -) 2         18. I run to show people anything is possible. 19. I run to qualify for The Boston Marathon. Boston High Resolution         20. Running pisses me off 🙂 Mad1         21. I run to have fun. Fun         22. I run to find inspiration. 23. I run to stop thinking. 24. I run to get places. 25. I run to cross finish lines. Passion copy           26. I run for life. .2 Just run! I run the extra mile for these amazing foundations to cure pancretic cancer. Please donate if you can. Thank you! Happy National Running Day.  #GoRunItJune3 We Got This!