I get chills just writing this... those who know me, know that if I say I am going to do something, I go all in... When I began running, I remember never taking it seriously - it was usually slow paced, that ended in walking, or opting to rollerblade alongside my friend Annie as she ran. Running was my enemy growing up. Sure, sprints for hockey or softball in high school sports practice were fine, but I could never imagine going the distances that I do now. Never once did I think I would run 10 miles, a half marathon, and FORGET a full one... Fast forward to sophomore year of college, 3 of 5 of my college girlfriends (shoutout to AMEN!) ran the Philadelphia half marathon. My friend Ellie was going through an incredibly hard breakup, and running was her escape (not to mention the revenge bod!). I remember testing out longer distances that summer, going through a breakup myself. What was the harm? There wasn't one, but it ended up becoming an addiction. When I ran, I put everything on myself - you are ultimately responsible for every ounce of training, and you reap the rewards and adrenaline and all of the highs and lows that come with distance running. It truly became addicting. That fall, Ellie and I ran a half marathon together - my first. I was hooked. Race day energy is still my adrenaline rush of choice, and I get tastes of it now as I think about running the course in Boston this coming April. After running that first half marathon, I knew I wanted to run Boston one day. It no longer seemed like a pipe dream - something I never  thought I would even be able to attempt. I continued to run half marathon races, 10 milers, 10Ks, 5Ks, you name it - and then finally my first marathon. Running was and still is my time for myself, time for me to think. I looked forward to seeing how far I could go. I looked forward to blocking out hours at a time to just move. Now, as I write this and think about how excited I am to achieve one of my greatest goals in life, all while raising funds for a cause and leader that I hold very near to my heart, I get the chills all over again. I have a feeling it will be this way every day, up to April 15th, 2024. 

With the help and encouragement from family, friends, and the incredible team of trainers over at Focus Functional Fitness in Boca Raton, FL, this marathon season is going to be incredible!

To learn more about the inspiring mission of DOCF, please click here. If you can, please consider donating to my fundraising project on GivenGain. All support is GREATLY appreciated.