In the summer of 2010, I made a conscious decision to be more active; yes, it was really that vague. Ya see, back then, I couldn’t jog for three minutes without gasping for air…
Then, Couch to 5K came into my life.
I downloaded the app, laced up my New Balances and started at it...it definitely wasn’t easy, but after a week or two, I found that the hardest part was just taking that step. Alternating between walking, jogging and eventually running, I could feel the difference, and even experienced that runner’s high I had heard about! Oh, and it didn’t hurt that I lost about 20 lbs in the process!
So, I finished c25k and my interest in different running ‘subjects’ expanded – to things like barefoot running, vibram five fingers and more! I was hooked with my new active lifestyle, ran my first 5k and then started looking beyond…to yoga; Bikram to be more specific!
I fell in love with Bikram so much that I set out & completed the 30 Day Challenge – I even blogged every class!
Moving on (literally!) later in the year, we relocated from Orlando, Florida to Northern VA. I found some good running trails, a new yoga studio and all that (even ran two races!) – but it wasn’t two months later that we moved again; this time, to Charlottesville! There, I trained for my first marathon (Richmond!) and then joined Team in Training to train for my second 26.2 – The Shamrock Marathon!
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Here are some of my PRs:
5K – 23:28 (New Year’s Day 5K, 1/1/12) - my post here.
8K – 40:25 (Busch Gardens Christmastown Dash)
10K – 48:01 (Pepsi 10K, September 2012) – my post here.
14K – 1:18:42 (Virginia is for Lovers 14K, February 2013) – my post here.
10 Miler – 1:26:37 (Charlottesville Ten-Miler, March 2011) – my post here.
Half-Marathon – 1:47:06 (Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon, February 2012) - my post here.
20K – 1:41:17 (Leesburg 20K, August 2012) – my post here.
20 Miler – 3:00:16 (Stonewall Jackson 20-Miler, October 2011) – my post here.
Marathon – 3:43:18 (The Baltimore Marathon, October 2012) – my post here.
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Other recaps:
In 2011, I completed the Disney Coast to Coast Challenge – running the Walt Disney World 1/2 in January (read my recap here) and the Disneyland 1/2 (recap here) in September.
Rounding the bases at Angels Stadium! Disneyland 1/2 Marathon.
2012 races:
Shamrock Marathon – 3:58:27 – March 2012 – my recap here.
Blue Ridge Half Marathon – 2:03 – April 2012 – my recap here.
Utah Valley Marathon - 4:16:17 – June 2012 – my recap here.
Kiwanis 4th of July 5K – 25:42 – my recap here.
Fairview 5K – 25:27 - July 2012 – my recap here.
Blue Moon Wicked 10K - October 2012 (ran with hubby) – my recap here.
Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K - untimed – November 2012 – my recap here.
Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon – November 2012 (paced hubby) – my recap here.
Three Bridges Marathon – 4:03 – December 2012 – my recap here.
2013 Races:
January
- Walt Disney World Marathon – 4:59:49 – January 13 – my recap here.
- Neverland Family Fun Run 5K - (untimed) – January 19 – my recap here.
- Tinkerbell Half Marathon – January 20 – my recap here.
February
- Virginia is for Lovers 14K – Feb 9 – my recap here.
- Colonial Half Marathon – Feb 24 – my recap here.
April:
- Cherry Blossom 10 Miler – April 7 (my birthday!) – my recap here.
- Blue Ridge 1/2 Marathon - April 21- my recap here.
- Nike Women’s Half Marathon – April 28 – my recap here.
June:
- The San Francisco Marathon - June 16
August:
- Dumbo Double Dare (Disneyland 10K + Disneyland Half Marathon) – August 30 – Sept 1
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Happy running!
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Damn your fast! I’m impressed, did you really just start running? Nice work!
Hey, thanks Faith! =)
(you’re fast)
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Wow for someone who hasn’t been running that long, you are super fast.
Thanks! I need some coaching to amp it up a little but it is definitely a fun challenge.
Hey Krissy,
I just came across your blog through a really random series of links, but noticed that you’re from C’ville and training for a marathon! I don’t know what training program you’re using, but just FYI the Charlottesville Track Club does a marathon training program that I’m doing for the first time this year and it is AWESOME. Tons of people out for all the long runs, water & gatorade every few miles for the long runs, etc. Seriously, check it out! It has made my training SO awesome and easy. You could probably still join if you asked nicely.
Even if you don’t do the program, if you ever want a c’ville running buddy–I’m always looking for more people to run with!
http://charlottesvilletrackclub.org/marathon/
Best,
Sarah
Hey Sarah! Thanks so much for the comment! That program sounds really great – I appreciate you passing on that information.
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Wow, your story sounds very similar to mine (except im much earlier in my running journey). I did my first 5K in October and am now training for the 2012 Charlottesville Marathon. I actually found your blog through weather.com from the weather social thing they have for Charlottesville. Good Luck qualifying for the Boston Marathon!
Matthew
Thanks for stopping by, Matthew! I am considering running the 1/2 in Cville because that’s my birthday!
I appreciate the kind words and encouragement!!
How did the Cville marathon go?
Great story! I loved reading it and always love seeing you at the Disney races!
Thanks so much, Carissa! You are an announcer extraordinaire!!!!!
You’ve come far in a short time! I can recommend Columbus and Grand Rapids as excellent BQ courses. All the best with your running journey!
Thanks for the recommendations, Marcia!
MULAN! I was a Mulan too! You’re the 3rd one I know of in the race! http://www.geekmom.com/2012/02/disney-princess-half-marathon-princess-i-mean-geekmom-patricia-is-ready/
I got my colors a little off because no other pinks would match that peachy-colored skirt. I tried the tutu thing — forget it!
Fun times! I wish all the Mulans could’ve got a pic together!!!!
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I am a new follower… from the BRM giveaway!
I would love to do a Princess Half one day. Possibly next year. I ALSO LOOOOVE Bikram… although I stopped going in order to devote more of my time to my half training (first half is in November). I love what I have read on your blog so far! 
Feel free to check my blog out: jacysfitnessblog.blogspot.com
Thank you for the comment!
I wish I could do more bikram too, unfortunately the schedule of my local studio doesn’t work well with my schedule, bummer!
Will take a look at your blog for sure!
Hey, Krissy! I wanted to reply back to you — we do have a lot in common! Hopefully one day I’ll catch up to you
(you’re fast!!!). Can’t wait to read your Wine and Dine recap — I want to do that race some day!
Thanks, Nancy!! More running = faster running, I think? Haha!! I love the journey of finding out, anyway!!
I am SOO stoked for Wine and Dine…cannot wait to share it all here!!
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