Monday, June 25, 2012

Adirondack Distance Run

On June 24, 2012 I took on one of the biggest running challenges of my entire life along with my amazing husband, Art Van Ness & our dear friend, Sam Simmons. We participated in the 10 mile Adirondack Distance Run from Lake George, NY to Bolton Landing, NY and yes there were a lot of hills! Although I had my doubts about finishing strong I ran the entire 10 miles without waiver and felt fantastic (although tired) as I crossed the finish line with my husband and both of my parents cheering me on!





Next Up - A Half Marathon !!!!


Thank you to all of our family & friends for all of your support and most of all thank you to my husband for all of your love & encouragement!

Saturday, June 23, 2012

A New Passion


Society places a strong emphasis for women in our world and for many of you that know me, you know that I have always struggled with my weight and/or image. It is not as though I am overweight or unattractive but I certainly am my own worst critic!

I have always worked out because I wanted to “lose weight” until January of 2012 when Art and I ran the RAGNAR in Key West, FL. This race was the first time that I have ever participated in a team relay and it ignited my passion for running. For the first time in my life I felt like running was so much more than just losing weight. Now, I have a new passion for training and running that is completely unrelated to my weight. Instead my goals are to become faster, stronger, go longer distances, and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
2012 Ragnar: Florida Keys

The RAGNAR is a 212 mile relay race from Fort Lauderdale to Key West Florida run by a team of 12 individuals. Each individual runs three legs of the relay throughout a 24 hours period (or less).This was a significant challenge but we were lucky to have a amazing team that made this the experience of a lifetime!
Decorating the Van
Team Name: The New York Florida Connection
A Few Other Van Designs.....
  
Van #1
We had a great time together and shared more laughs than I can even begin to count!
The Start Line....and I was Runner #1


Getting It Done.......


 



 







Sporting our "sexy" glow in the dark gear!








Our entire team of twelve crossing the finish line together...I can promise you that this is an amazing feeling!



AJ & Sean were the only two people on our team to complete their second RAGNAR!







And as soon as we finished, we were faced with the beauty of the ocean....






Since the RAGNAR, Art and I have continued to sign up for local races that support local charities in our area to stay motivated and on track!
______________________________

2012 SAINTS 5K Run for the Red Cross
A 5K run sponsored by Siena College (my old alma mater) and all proceeds are donated to the local NorthEastern New York chapter of the Red Cross.  
 



 


2012 5K Workforce Challenge
The GLOBALFOUNDRIES Team!


The HR GLOBALFOUNDRIES Team






2012 SPAC Rock & Run

Funds raised from the 5K event are contributed to SPAC's Vivienne Andersone Program which allows unserserved children with the opportunity to attend classical performances
On Sunday, June 24th Art and I will be taking on one of our biggest running challenge to date at the Lake George distance run. This is a 10 mile run from Lake George, NY to Bolton Landing, NY complete with all of the hills that one could ask for and I am excited (and kind of nervous) for the challenge!