Why I’m Fundraising Again

It’s funny to think that my MS RUN THE US journey began over 2.5 years ago with my original fundraising goal of $10,000. It seemed so daunting to fundraise that amount of money and yet, I managed to get there. I talk about why I’m so passionate about this organization and raising funds for MS on this page.

I wanted to become an Ambassador for the organization again because it gives my running a greater sense of purpose. Its also a large part in my ‘why’ behind starting running and branching out in ultras. I love to have a bigger purpose behind running all the long distance miles and knowing that I’m raising money for those living with MS helps fuel my fire.

And so, I’ve kickstarted my fundraising and training for 2021. I have absolutely no idea where this pandemic will leave us come August, but I do know that I’m doing what I can now to help me be a better version of myself tomorrow. If there’s anything 2020 taught me, it’s that you can hope and dream big, but the world might have other plans for you come raceday.

-What has 2020 taught you or brought into your perspective?

7 Things

Happy Monday! I finally had 4 days off in a row and am feeling so refreshed. It’s amazing how much working back-to-back 13 hour shifts can take a toll on you. The past few days included a whole lot of lounging and reading this book (just finished it and it was so good)!

We got up early Saturday morning to catch the sunrise at Portland Head Light and it was PERFECT. I mean- Maine is such a beautiful state.

I got out for a snowshoe hike this past weekend (gotta get my legs under me for my snowshoe race at the end of February) and wow, do I LOVE the winters. I definitely also really want to do more exploring in the snow this winter.

Also this view at the top- so beautiful.

Also my new Suunto watch is everything. It’s so beautiful and gives me ALL the data while I’m running. I live for having all the stats possible and this watch really gives it all to me. I’ll do a full review when I’ve used it for at least a month, but so far- I love it. Also back to running to the library and picking up a new book. I’ve heard this one is super good.

Also tested out a new donut place- Holy Donuts (potato donuts) and they are SO good. The Chocolate Sea Salt is the best one (in my opinion).

Also lots of snuggles with this little lady- she has a Kidney Stone, so we’re watching her closely and hope that it passes and she doesn’t need surgery in a few weeks!

-What’s your favorite donut flavor?
-Anyone else want to see more sunrises this year?
-Favorite author to read?

Looking Back on 2020

2020 was a crazy year. Many highs, many lows. It’s crazy to me that it’s January tomorrow and honestly while the year was nothing like I imagined- I also feel like there is so much for me to be thankful of. It’s been a wild 12 months and capitalized on the year by receiving the COVID-19 vaccine yesterday. It feels like such a hallmark way to finish out the year and I’m feeling refreshed for 2021. Just wanted to share with you a few favorites from 2020 and I hope you’ll share a few of your favorites from the past year with me too.

Got Married!

Became an LNA at the very beginning of the Pandemic (hello starting a new career while also wearing a face mask at all times)!

Graduated from Nursing School with my BSN!

Said goodbye to our sweet lady, Stella

Started my new position as an RN on an Oncology Unit!

Ran a virtual 26.2 PR

Ran an in-person 13.1 PR just days before the pandemic hit

Got a new car! Hello, from Heidi the Hybrid!

Thankful for family and friends staying healthy this year.

• What are you most excited for the upcoming year?
  

• What are some things that you loved in 2020? I loved getting to spend so much time with Alex & our animals. I also really enjoyed the ‘relaxed’ atmosphere that not being able to go anywhere created. When there were no options to go anywhere or do anything this year, it created new perspectives and appreciations.
  

• I hope you have a healthy and happy 2021! We will be ‘staying up’ until 10pm and soaking in the next two days at home before I’m back to work on Sunday.

7 Things

Can you believe that it’s January this week?!? I’m just really excited for the longer days of sunlight and more snowshoe running ahead.

Really loving this book lately.

We all really enjoyed Christmas together last week (yay for a few days off)!

Also- coffee topped with coconut whipped cream is a new weekend favorite.

Still loving our treadmill. I love gaining all the incline on it and my 🍑 really likes it too !

I also got a new bath soak and really enjoying it!

All our snow has melted, but we are expecting snow this weekend- hoping we can re-make the .6 mile snowshoe loop in our field again!

-Do you have snow where you are?!

-Favorite weekend indulgence or ‘treat’?
-Ideas for 2021 goals- GO!

7 Things

Happy Monday! We decked-out our home with some wreathes yesterday.

I love the Holidays so much and listen to the 24/7 Holiday radio station as much as possible when I’m driving. I’m also really into running later in the day (probably due to working so many night shifts) , but very thankful for these sunset miles.

Celebrated Hanukkah by trying my hand at making homemade Challah Bread. It’s surprisingly easy to make and turned out pretty good! We celebrate a mixture of Hanukkah and Christmas over here. Really just the whole month of December is filled with celebrations.

Wrapped up the month of November with some solid monthly mileage!

Brady is also a big fan of the Holidays and our Christmas tree. He basically lives under it for the entire month. We also can’t have anything dangling too low on our tree because he can’t resist trying to climb it.

It’s still pretty warm here, so I’m trying to run outside as much as possible before the weather turns. It’s definitely a struggle though because I love our treadmill so much. I’m also still loving the Peloton App and their Holiday series of strength/ yoga/ and running classes.

I’ve been mixing in some speedwork and tempo runs on the treadmill a few times a week and starting to feel faster on my easy miles. It’s been fun to switch-up my runs a bit , but still enjoy the ease in the outdoor routes.

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—What are your favorite Holiday traditions?
-Anyone else invest in a treadmill or other gym equipment? What’s your favorite thing about it?
-Favorite Holiday ornament?