Before I post my Eugene Marathon recap, I wanted write this first:

I probably should have never run this marathon.

For most of February, March, and part of April, I was not feeling very well.  I had a mix bag of symptoms, but the one that kept me from running was that I had no energy (a Ferritin Level of 2 will do that to you).  I had to cancel run-dates with many people (I’m sorry for canceling, you know how you are!), and even if I was able to make a run-date, I either had to quit the run early on (mile 1 or 2) or couldn’t hold the pace of the group (a pace I used to be able to keep).

I owe Meggie and my sister a billion cookies for being my doctors this winter. One a real MD (Meggie) and one a WedMD (Sister). Both took care of me, and brought me to/from the hospital when I needed someone to be there for me. I owe a ton of friends and co-workers ‘Thank yous’ for putting up with me being sick (especially Jessie and Corey who each spent a weekend with me when I wasn’t feeling well).  Posting this happy recap is going to seem odd to some of you because you saw me at my worst.  I still can’t explain exactly what happened at the Eugene Marathon, but I will try.

Something that Hollie said on twitter prior to Eugene that has been stuck on my mind [Regarding the marathon]: “You have to respect the distance.” And Hollie is completely right. And in this case, I didn’t respect it. Did I have a good outcome of the race? Yes. But could the race and my health had a completely different ending? Heck Yes. 

When I post the Eugene Marathon Recap, you are going to read about how I ran a personal best, and all the silly thoughts I think during a marathon.  However, can I tell you what is better than running a personal best? Training to run a personal best….
Working hard to run paces you thought you would only dream about running. Running on the track in the early morning hours when everyone else is sleeping. Long runs that leave you resting on the couch for the whole weekend. Meeting your running friends in the freezing cold temperatures so you can run a tempo run together…and high-five each other after. Working For It. Training for that PR.  In my opinion, that’s the fun part.  That is what makes crossing that marathon finish line feel so great. And that’s the part I missed this year. The best part.

Because at the end of the day, I’m not a professional runner. One race will not make or break me, and I don’t get paid for crossing the finish line.  So if I had to choose four months of marathon training or one great race? I will always chose marathon training. I always want to be working to become a better runner. The actual marathon? That’s just the cherry on top of the sundae.

But Eugene was a super sweet cherry…

Best Race Weekend Ever. If you ever have the opportunity to meet 50+ people from the internet at a race, DO IT! I don’t think I stopped smiling, laughing or talking the whole weekend. This photo (taken by JJ <–my new hysterical bestie) could pretty much sum up my excitement for the weekend:

Myself, Sarah, Casey, Emily, Lauren, Kmet

Yes, I PR-ed at the Eugene Marathon by 3 minutes which is awesome considering my goal was to finish this marathon (after taking a month off of running in March). A PR is awesome – and don’t get me wrong, I’m beyond psyched – but overall, the weekend was about great people.

Oiselle Team

Shake Out Run with New/Old Friends.

I am going to try to finish my Eugene Marathon race recap over the weekend, but my recaps always take me a little time to put together. Mostly because I have to edit it down, so you aren’t reading a minute by minute playbook of every single step I took.

Nicole, who I met for the first time last weekend, wrote a great post on the running community.  And I can’t agree with her more.  Every time I think about shutting down this little blog because “I am too busy to keep up with it” or “I feel I don’t have anything interesting to say”, I have a weekend like this one where I can’t imagine not knowing, meeting, and hanging out with all these awesome people. These people that I met on the INTERNET. (Mom, it’s totally fine & normal!)

While I’m working on my race recap, a couple of things to check out:

1) PICKY BARS NEW FLAVOR: Help fund them! They reached their first $ goal (!), and if they get to their second $ goal, we (the people) will get a 6th flavor this year! Booyah!

2) If you are thinking about running the Eugene Marathon next year: Watch this video, sign-up and thank me later.  I will admit that I did not believe that their was “magic” at the Eugene Marathon, but I guess I was proven wrong.

Eugene Marathon 2012 from Matthew Barnhart on Vimeo.

Glad you all liked my “fashion post” on Sunday. Since I received some [very unexpected] positive feedback, I’m going to try to make this a weekly thing, if my photographer is available.

Quick Update on Running:

After receiving an Iron IV Infusion two weeks ago, I am now feeling quite stellar.   After some lab work in January, my doctor noticed my ferritin levels had dropped to a “2″  (don’t know exactly what this means, except that it is low). The doctors are still trying to figure out why I’m not absorbing iron (TBD)…but really all that matters is THAT I CAN RUN AGAIN (!!!) 

And in the words of the great philosopher, Missy Elliot, I’m feeling super duper fly. Minus the trash bag outfit.

 Wahoo!

Because I can run again, I’ve been downloading new music like it’s going out of style, so I thought I would share some of my current running tunes.

Five Country Music Running Songs:

1. Everything I should be Thinking About – Thompson Square

2. Ten Times Crazier – Blake Shelton

3. Never Really Wanted – Eric Paslay. (Listen to it on iTunes)

4. Maybe It’s You – Thompson Square  <—– Obsessed. On repeat for 6 miles.

5. Here’s To Being Here – Thompson Square

Any new songs I should be listening to right now? Country…or anything else?

One of the many things that my parents did that I am very thankful for is sign me up for sports at a young age. At the age of four, I was already playing on a soccer team, and taking golf lessons. By the age of ten, I played soccer, softball, tennis, golf, diving, gymnastic (briefly), horse-backing riding, and basketball. If there was a sports team in my town, you better believe I was going to be playing it.

Playing sports not only taught me about staying healthy, but it taught me about life.  I learned about team-work, commitment, work ethic, winning & losing, sportsmanship, leadership, trust, healthy competition and so much more.

I couldn’t imagine my life without sports.  So when I first heard about Activyst on Indiegogo, I was intrigued.  A company trying to help more girls in the world play sports? Brilliant  I tweeted about the organization and I bought a bag a few weeks ago.

A week later, Activyst contacted me to help them get out the word about their company, and I knew I wanted to help.

Here is the information that you need:

(1) Watch the Activyst video below
(2) Read the Mission Statement on the Activyst website to learn more about the organization
(3) BUY A BAG to help support girls’ sports organizations worldwide. (or look at the cool Beach Weekend up for grabs!)

Activyst: Help Girls Play Sports from activyst on Vimeo.

I put my clothes into three categories: (1) Work-out clothes, (2) Work (Business) clothes, & (3) “Going-out” clothing. When I make a clothing purchase, I make sure that the clothing item can fit into AT LEAST two categories. Example: Business blazer turns into Weekend Brunch jacket. This saves (a) money (b) closet space [or lack there of] (b) did I mention saving money?

For work, I can actually wear a lot of my work-out clothes under my suits, or tucked into a summer skirt. I wanted to show you some of those business/work-out clothes versatile options, however, all my business wear was at the dry cleaners this weekend.  Instead, I decided to take my new Oiselle Game Day shorts (traditional work-out wear), and show you how to make them into a “Boat Day Look”.  If I had a boat or the next time I am invited on one (hint, hint, ya’ll!), this will be my outfit. For now, you can see me on the NYC streets (no boat needed):

My Ensemble: Shorts: Oiselle Game Day, Sweater: Thrift Shop. (Related: I’m such a Hipster), Headband: SparklySoul, Scarf: Oiselle Runfinity Scarf, Sunglasses: Karen Walker Deep Freeze, Shoes: Sperry Top-Siders, Model: Contact Currently Under Negotiations. Photgrapher: MBS.

I guess I’m a Fashion Blogger now. NBD.

1. New Running Gear. After taking four weeks off from running/exercise, I was able to run for a little bit last night. It was slow and semi-painful, BUT I WAS RUNNING…and that’s all that matters. All new gear for my first run back: Oiselle Lux Top (so soft!), Diamond Roga Short, CEP Compression Socks, Mizuno Wave Creation, & Shwings.

2. You were on Nickelodeon GUTS in the 90′s and now you’re on Facebook? How’s everything going?

3. Interesting post about choosing your Specialty as a Medical Student. The process seems more complicated then I expected, but here is the thoughtful post: “Why I Chose to be an OBGYN”

4. Love this quote. I read it daily.

5. “We Grew Wings“: A documentary film chronicling the untold story of the championship-level University of Oregon women’s track and field teams.

We Grew Wings/ Fall Teaser from Ellen Schmidt-Devlin on Vimeo.

6. Kick Ass Virtual 5K to benefit Team Challenge. Read about it here on Abby’s blog and go donate to her page!

I was thinking about what my life would be like if I didn’t run Hood to Coast with Nuun in 2011 & 2012. It’s strange to think that a weekend (or two!) can change  be OMG-LIFE-CHANGING.  But it wasn’t really the weekends that changed my life (of course they were SO. MUCH. FUN.), but what happened after those weekends is why you should really apply to run Hood to Coast with Nuun. Let me give you some examples. If I didn’t run Hood to Coast with Nuun…

- I wouldn’t have met all the NYC bloggers through Susan (which has really kept me living & loving NYC)
- I wouldn’t have visited Kelly, Carrie, Elise, Margot & Sarah in California
- Corey wouldn’t have visited me last weekend.
- Most likely I would have stopped blogging
- I wouldn’t have had the MOST AMAZING CHEERSQUAD at the Chicago Marathon (my favorite marathon to date!)
- I wouldn’t have met my running coach, Dorothy (who coached me to a 3:50 Marathon)
- Most likely I would have not run another marathon…
- Kim and I would never have gone to MCM together.
- I wouldn’t have met Laura‘s wonderful family and run a 10K in Long Island
- I wouldn’t have Mason & Margot to call for career advice.
- I might have never applied to be on the Oiselle Team (or met all the wonderful teammates!)
- Most likely I never would have met Meggie who has become one of my closest friends (literally, she lives four blocks away)

…the list could go on forever. Being part of the Nuun Team is more than just a weekend of running, hydrating, swag, & fun times. It is is being part of a network…a community…a family.

So, do yourself a favor: APPLY HERE TO BE PART OF THE NUUN TEAM!

HERE ARE MY APPLICATION TIPS.

I need to preface this by saying that I really have no say in how Nuun is going to chose the Team, and these tips *might* be worthless, but after being on the team for two years…I think I know (somewhat) of what Nuun is looking for.

1. Don’t be afraid to make a Video. I actually highly recommend making a video. Last year, I learned through youtube how to make & edit a video in less than 2 days. If I can do it, you can probably make a Pixar-worthy film in 2 days. The best applications I have seen are videos. XLMIC is famous for her videos.

2. Find your “IT” Factor. Everyone has something special about them; something that will separate you from the rest of the applicants. You need to capitalize on “the IT factor” in your application. If you are having trouble thinking of your “IT” factor: email me (enthusiasticrunner@gmail.com) and I will help.

3. Make sure Nuun is a part of the application. Duhhh, you are applying to be on their team!

4. Don’t Worry about Your Number of Followers, Readers, etc. I’ve seen people get picked who had only been blogging for a couple of months to people who had well established blogs. Just apply! What do you have to lose?

5. When in doubt, make them laugh. Humor wins over the Nuun Team…every. single. time. It’s like giving candy to a baby.

6. Show your personality & have fun! Be creative & ask for help from friends/family.  People generally want to help with creative projects like this.  And you would be surprised at how much fun you can have.

GOOD LUCK!!

I can’t quit blogging. So ignore my last post.

After a great weekend of watching friends run the NYC Half Marathon (Congrats EVERYONE!), and I standing on the sidelines for health reasons, I realized how much I want running back. I’m sick of feeling sick, I’m sick of not knowing why I feel sick, I’m sick of bothering my friends about being sick, but most of all, I don’t want to blog about being sick.  Luckily, I don’t have to write about being sick on my blog. “My blog, my rules”.  So, here we go…

Why I Want Running Back aka The Good Times

Isn’t life funny sometimes? Just when you think you are unstoppable, and you are feeling on top of the world – then BOOM, CRASH…LIFE.

Last Fall, I was in the Running Zone. Have you heard of or been to the Running Zone? Fabulous place. I highly recommend it.  For those of you who haven’t been there, it’s a place where you, your running shoes, your free time, & all your positive thoughts live together.   It was like I was living in my own Running Bio-Dome (which is nothing like the plot of 1996 classic movie), but golly, did that Running Zone feel great.   I was living the running dream. And it was F-ing magical.

Losing the magic? Not as much fun.

But let’s stay positive, Party People!

The Positives of Not Running

1. Re-evaluating What I Want. I never thought I wanted to qualify for (or even run) the Boston Marathon. Maybe because it always seemed unattainable. I ran first marathon in 2010 in just over 5 hours (not even in the BQ ballpark orbit).  Even after running the Philly Marathon in 3:50 (15 minutes away from a BQ), I still have major doubts about shaving off that another 15 minutes.  But now after not running for a little while, I want the BQ. I want the sub-3:35.  And I want it bad.   (Of course, Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you got until it’s gone? Thanks Joni Mitchell.)   I am officially putting this out there on the internet, as soon as I can start marathon training again: Qualifying for the Boston Marathon is the Goal. It may take years (no joke), but it’s now in the bucket list.

2. Watching Friends Accomplish Running Goals. So. Much. Fun. I really thought it was going to be a tough part about not running, but watching others run their hearts out is actually so much freaking fun! It’s exciting. It’s thrilling. And selfishly, it motivates the sh-t out of me (See #1).  Not for competitive reasons, but because it makes my running goals feel attainable. Am I jealous of all my friends who are running? HECK YES.  I would be lying if I said I wasn’t, but I like to use jealousy as a good thing – using it to motivate me to be proactive about my health.

3. Blogging about Other Topics. I’m doing it!! Andddd I’m keeping my blog name, while learning to “code” (barely) under a different website address.  (Thanks Angelique for your comment/advice on my last post regarding this!).

OKAY, HERE ARE MY QUESTIONS FOR YOU (Some of these are random, but I’m doing a little research, so please help a girl out!)

1. What are some of your favorite website layout/designs?  They don’t have to be a blog or have anything to do with running.  For example, here are some website designs I like: The Glitter Guide, Goop, Rue Magazine & Circle Conference.

2. Anything in particular that you want to read about? I may or may not listen to this, but I just like getting ideas!

3. Has anyone ever had an IV iron infusion?

Yo, yo, yo! So, a couple of people noticed (I’m shocked) that my blog was down for a little bit this weekend. I’ve been trying to work on a little coding (I’m so tech-y. NBD), and also I’ve been trying to figure out what exactly I want to do with this blog.

Originally this blog was going to be a gig for a couple of months in 2010 to keep my friends and family informed on my first marathon training [summary: training was awesome & running my first marathon was...interesting?]. After my first marathon, I met a lot of new people through this blog, I didn’t want to stop blogging…I don’t want to stop! But two and a half years later (WTF Time?!), I am kind of want to post about other things than just running. BUT F-WORD, THE TITLE OF MY BLOG IS “ENTHUSIASTIC RUNNER”. Obviously, I was not thinking long term with my blog name.

I want to continue to write online. “Writing” being a very strong word for what actually gets posted. Classic F.Scott Fitzgerald Syndrome*. I like to think I am a writer who is just a head of my time (or any time for that matter). And I still want to continue to write about running (I still love it!), but just not all the time.

Anyway, the site is going to be down for a little bit starting tomorrow (grab the running playlists now, Laura!), while I work on changing the format around.

SEE YOU SOON KIDDOS.

*FYI, I googled “writers who were a head of their time to make sure Fitzgerald qualified.” He does. I’m awesome for [barely] remembering that from 9th grade English. BOOM.

Running Update: Running is on hold until I get my results back from my procedures on Tuesday. Until then, here is some life stuff…

(A friend sent me this photo last night)

On Monday night, I was lucky enough to attend a 7×7 Mentoring Salon hosted by Christina with an amazing group of women (seriously, super amazing women).

I believe it is extremely important to always meet new people & form new friendships. As the very wise, Molly Ford, told me this weekend: “Jocelyn, I always have time for people.” How is she only 25!?!

BIG TAKE AWAYS FROM THE 7×7 Session:

1. At the beginning of each year, make a list of 5 to 10 people you want to meet & connect with. I thought this was an absolutely brillant idea, and it also helps make networking less overwhelming  Once you create your list, you can start to figure out how and when you can create the opportunities to meet these people (networking events, LinkedIn connections, etc).

2. Make a list of 3 personal things that you want to accomplish every month. Sometimes we become so busy focusing on career goals and helping others, we forget to make time for ourselves. I feel lucky that I have found running, which seems to be my “personal time”, but I would like to do some other things as well. Art class anyone?

3. “Always go to bed with a smile on your face.” – Shradha Agarwal. Great advice.

Here are just SOME of the projects the Women from the 7×7 are working on:

1. This is Why I Love New York Blog. – Bonnie Gleicher

2. Awesome shopping: Plum Alley.

3. Cool Workshop: TechSpeak for Entrepreneurs (coming to NYC in May)

4. Great Article: Doing Well vs. Doing Good: How About Both? – Shradha Agarwal

5. Must Read: Twenty-Something Women’s Shortcut to Success: 40:20 Vision. via BlackBook

6. A.Moet Luxury Robes. Check them out.

**FYI, if you are interested in attending a future 7×7 Mentoring Salon, check them out HERE or tweet Christina with any questions!**