The Anti-Running Runner

The Running Girls A New Novelette Now Available Two girls with nothing in common except the 500-Mile Summer of '89 Challenge BUY NOW Autography Signed eBook Edition Amazon Kindle Edition Clara is an average student and below-average athlete. With some inspiration from her cross country coach, Clara decides to take on a summer running challenge: complete 500 miles in three months. The problem? Her parents don't want her jogging all those miles alone, but Clara doesn't want to run with the girl they suggest. Joan is weird, and something seems to be mentally wrong with her. Except none of Clara's other friends run. Will she complete the challenge, or does being stuck with Joan mean she's destined to fail? Book Signing Hosted by St. Pete Running Company RSVP ON FACEBOOK When: Friday, 9/23/16 from 6-8 PM Where: St. Pete Running Company 6986 22nd Ave N, St. Pete, FL 33710 I'll be signing and personalizing copies of  Th...

The Running Girls Novelette Launch Date 9/17/16 What's the story about? Here's the tagline: Two girls with nothing in common except the 500-Mile Summer of '89 Challenge. Clara is an average student and below-average athlete. With some inspiration from her cross country coach, Clara decides to take on a summer running challenge: complete 500 miles in three months. The problem? Her parents don't want her jogging all those miles alone, but Clara doesn't want to run with the girl they suggest. Joan is weird, and something seems to be mentally wrong with her. Except none of Clara's other friends run. Will she complete the challenge, or does being stuck with Joan mean she's destined to fail? Where did this story originate? A couple of weeks ago, my running partner, Terry, and I had just conquered a six-mile run through Clearwater that included the Sand Key bridge. Needless to say, we felt strong and fabulous. On the drive home, my phon...

SPRR Beach Series 5K An Award For Me? "What?!" That was my reaction when I heard my name announced for the 2nd Place Female Age 30-34. At the first 5K race in the St. Pete Road Runners Beach Series  on June 24th, I accepted the award: a most welcome St. Pete Running Company Gift Card. (Yes, I work there, and YES I cashed that thing in!) I was totally shocked, not only because my time was not quite what I'd hoped for, but because the race had been so challenging (read: running ON the beach). The LAST thing I expected was that elusive Age Group award! My dear friend, Sydney, took a video of me finishing the race. It's no joke. I really expected to turn at least 50 before the running crowds filtered enough for me to earn any Age Group awards. The closest I've ever gotten is 4th place in my age group at a smaller race where no awards beyond top three overall finishers were given. More and more people are running than ever. Especially women. And...

Spartan Race Entry Giveaway Winner a Rafflecopter giveaway Congratulations, Scott! You've won a free entry to any US Spartan Race. A Little Something For You Thank you to all the contest entrants! You've been emailed a code for 10% off any US Spartan Race entry. Blog readers, if you're interested in the 10% Spartan Race entry discount, make a comment on this blog post and I'll send you the code. Get Ready For Spartan Fit! Race Creator Joe DeSena's new book is now available for Pre-Order HERE . Who's Ready to Mud Run? Yeah, still not me. But I applaud all of you who take the plunge and push yourself through that dirty, filthy mud. Takes guts. Anyone signed up for a mud run? Which one? Have you done it before? If it's your first time, are you nervous or excited?

Who Wants a FREE Entry into a Mud Run? If you've been reading my blog, you won't be surprised to learn that the answer to the above question is...NOT ME!! That's why I'm thrilled to be able to extend an offer given to me for a FREE Spartan Race entry to YOU, dear readers. New Book by Spartan Race Creator Joe DeSena For the mud run and Spartan Race fans out there, you'll be interested to learn that Spartan Race creator, and author of  Spartan Up! , is releasing a new book called Spartan Fit! I have yet to read the book, but if you're a fan of Spartan Races, this is likely a book you'll enjoy. Pre-order HERE . Happy National Running Day From Me to You Enter the Rafflecopter (below) and you'll have a chance to win a FREE Spartan Race entry! One winner will be emailed a code, which will work one time for any open heat (non-confirmed start time) in any Spartan Race in the continental US. You'll note that adding a comment on ...

Most of the time, I just want to run and not be burdened with anything in my hands or on my person. I'm more of a minimal runner in that sense. The Essentials for a Run So what do I HAVE to have for a run? Technically just my shoes, socks, sports bra, shorts, and a top. But I do love listening to podcasts and audiobooks while I run, so usually I'll have my iPod with me. If my shorts don't have pockets, that requires something to carry the iPod if I don't want it in my sweaty hand the whole time. There is one essential element for every runner: Water. Generally, I'll scout out my route ahead of time with planned stops at water fountains. In Florida especially, water stops are crucial, but with my planned routes, I don't have to carry it. Drinking plenty before and after also helps. Some Options from St. Pete Running Company To Carry or Not To Carry? Yes, I've tried the Hipster belt, and I really do like it. I don't notice it, truly. ...

Is There a Right Way to Fall? Raise your hand if you've ever fallen during a run. Yep, hands everywhere, just like I expected. Doesn't it make you feel better to look around and know you're not alone? It's been a while since I've fallen. Can't quite remember the last incident, so it must not have been too bad. Tripping is a regular occurrence for me. Comes with the running territory. Last Saturday, St. Pete Running Company hosted a free group run at Weedon Island Preserve. A trail run! My favorite! Of course, coworker Chris warned everybody before we got started that, statistically, at least one of us would fall during the run, so to be extra careful. The Ground Getting Nearer and Nearer Chris was right, and I was the statistic. Post-fall. Note the dirty hands and knees. Notice my right wrist in the above photo? That's my emergency medical ID. Don't go on your run without one! No, I don't have any medical issue...

Recently, I was offered an entry into a Spartan Race. Wait...you're giving it to me?? Clearly, this person doesn't know me. Back in 2011, my hubby, my dear cousin Alyssa, and a bunch of hubby's buddies all did the Tough Mudder. I had the opportunity to join them, which I declined vehemently. I know the Spartan Race is not the same as the Tough Mudder, but I do know it's the same idea. Defeat obstacles and dive into the mud when there's no good reason to do either. Granted, this must be fun for people, because tons and tons of participants do Spartan Races and Tough Mudder every year. And they talk about how much they LOVE it. Here are a couple of photos that I took at Tough Mudder in Dade City, 2011. I was happy to be behind the camera and NOT a mud diver. Dunking under spinny tire things Getting electrocuted. Yeah. No thanks. A happy post-race crew. Guess what? I was happy, too! To Mud or Not To Mud Is it weird that I'd rat...

St. Anthony's Tri in St. Pete I'm not firmly in the "I will never do a tri" camp, but I'm not eager to do one. Mainly, the swim. TERRIFIED of the swim. I've never been a strong swimmer, and I don't swim ever, so my fear of drowning is actually legitimate. Especially in a race like St. A's where the swim is in Tampa Bay. What's in a Tri? Several friends and coworkers from St. Pete Running Company competed in the Olympic distance race at the St. Anthony's Triathlon this year. Let's talk about what that means, shall we? Olympic Distance: Swim 1500 meters (about a mile) Bike 24.9 miles Run 10K (6.2 miles) Sprint Distance: Swim 750 meters (about 1/2 a mile) Bike 12.4 miles Run 5K (3.1 miles) Meek and Mighty: (for the kids and people like me at St. Anthony's) Swim 200 yards (in the pool!) Bike 5.4 miles Run 1 mile Getting Inspired Allow me to repeat: they all did the OLYMPIC distan...

2016  Boston Marathon Baysa taking the lead (left) for the women while Hayle and Desisa hold tight (right) Never Say Never I should clarify. I'm NEVER going to Boston as a marathon participant. For several reasons, but the main one being that I'm way too slow. I know. I should never say never. But I feel really confident in this particular never statement. Cheering On Everyone Else St. Pete Running Company hosts a Boston Marathon party every year. I never to miss it because I LOVE watching the race. It's one of those epic, heart pounding thrills to see these athletes battle it out through a world-famous American course. The 2016 Boston race was especially awesome when Baysa came out of NOWHERE and overtook the second and first-placed females to win by a long shot. At a race where runners have to qualify with a certain time to participate, Boston becomes something of a golden snitch (except is it really that hard to catch the snitch? For now...

A Few of My Favorite Running Things Maybe you don't wear exactly the same brands as I do, but I swear by certain running items. Hopefully you can come in to the store sometime and get some of the awesome must-haves for runners. Or you've got a running store near you that carries the same or similar brands. If not, message me in the comments because St. Pete Running Company does ship. What's Been Going On With Me? I know, I know. You're wondering where the heck I've been. Or not. Mostly, you'll see me on Instagram , Facebook , and Twitter . Or you've noticed that I blog much more frequently at Writing For the Love with my latest writing updates. Currently submitting my novel, Sprinter, to agents. Two requests so far! Getting Better as a Runner Running has been awesome for me this year. At the Florida Road Race Series where I completed all four Halfathons, I bettered my times at three races in a row. My new half marathon PR ha...