Throwback Thursday Running the Globe

I've never done a "Throwback Thursday" before. So, I decided for my first one I would do a little tribute to some of the amazing places I have been fortunate it enough to live over the past few years and some of the very cool races I have run.

Most of you probably already know that my husband is in the Army and one of our favorite benefits is that we have gotten to travel so much.


Me and my Hunny! (This was actually before Sea Kayaking)

We have been married for 7 1/2 years and in that time have lived in Louisiana, Italy, Hawaii, and now Boston, MA. Oh, and of course where we are both from, Chicago! Everyone always asks me where my favorite place to live is, but it really is just too difficult to choose. I have loved them all for a variety of reasons. Louisiana is where we started our life together. It wasn't my favorite place, but it will always have a special place in my heart because its where we really got to know each other and begin to find our groove. Italy is where we discovered us as a couple and as individuals and started exploring the world. We traveled Europe, met some amazing friends, and I really started taking my running seriously again. Hawaii, well Hawaii is paradise. Its hard not to love it. And besides Vince's deployment I'm not sure I can saying anything bad about our time there. We ran in some amazing races, visited some awesome islands, and even had time to get pregnant. We haven't been in Boston for long, but it will always be the place my son was born. Its taken me awhile to start to appreciate this area considering I was uncomfortably pregnant for much of our time here and we had one heck of a winter, but now with nicer weather and a more cooperative baby boy, I'm starting to see all it has to offer. I can't wait to run my first race here with all of the amazing runners this area seems to breed. And this year, I am hoping to actually be in town for the Boston marathon. Not to run, but to spectate. Can't wait!
No on to the races!

In Italy I started running again with the intention to train for the Athens Greek Marathon. I registered, I even raised money, but unfortunately I never ran in it. 3 weeks prior, I got injured but I built up my long runs to 20+ miles and found some confidence in my ability to run. Thinking back on it, I think the injury was only partly physical and much more mental. I just wasn't there yet. I wasn't confident in my ability to run that far in the time I wanted. I was spending so much time comparing my time with other people I knew who had run marathons. Not healthy and not worthwhile.

I wish I had more pictures from race days, but Italy is just so beautiful so I'll share some of those as I tell you about the races I did get to do while in Italy. I had the amazing opportunity to run in a race in Florence.

Outside the Uffizi

My good friend Rachel told me about the half marathon she was running. It was pretty early in my training so I decided to run in the 10K they were also hosting. It was really incredible. It was a huge race with thousands of people. Vince came and watched, Rachel and our other friend left me in their dust, and I trotted along feeling the energy from all the other competitors. It was awesome!



Livorno by the sea on NYE (it wasn't quite this crowded when I would run here)

Some of my favorite runs in Italy were just along the sea in Livorno. I would go super early, like 4:30am early, before it got to hot. I'd always be the first one out there for the first half hour or so, but then the other runners would show up and give you that nod like you were in it together. No one judged how slow I was going, they just gave me props for getting up and getting out. The other awesome thing about this area I ran in, they did a big New Years Eve party every year. 
Every year Camp Darby also would sponsor Run to the Tower, which was about a 7 mile run from base to the Tower of Pisa. It seemed like the whole base came out to do it. The Soldier would often run in formation and the civilians would walk or run it. Such a neat experience to be a part of something like that.

The Leaning tower of Pisa (not taken during this run because I didn't have a camera, but on another trip there)

 

I figure this is a good stopping point. Hawaii really deserves its own entry, so next Thursday I can do another throwback. But, I wanted to touch on something I said earlier about lacking confidence in my running. I have felt this at so many times in terms of fitness and it is always something I regret. I wish I wouldn't let my own fear hold me back from experiences, experiences that I am sure would have been amazing. Don't let your own fear hold you back from taking control of your fitness! You don't have to train for a marathon or even run at all. Maybe you prefer some other athletic endeavor and that is great! Just take those small steps each day in the right directions. It doesn't have to be huge, but each action you take adds up. Whether that adds up to something that benefits you is your decision.