Trailblazer Run

For as long as I can remember, my ultimate goal in life was to create something that would inspire change. Running has been a passion of mine since middle school when I ran on the school team. I continued through high school and ran non-competitively upon graduating. Running has always been my favorite form of exercise, I always feel so accomplishe... d when I am done. In college, I decided after spectating a marathon that I was going to get myself in gear and train for one myself. Needless to say, training was poor. My nutrition plan was focused around dorm cafeteria food, I didn't properly cross train, I didn't sleep enough, and I fought through chronic nagging injuries. I managed to get to race day, and through the first half of the marathon fairly strong, but I hit that second lap and my stomach gave in. I was physically ill for the last 11 miles of the race. I struggled to keep going. My motivation and energy levels were shot. I finally got to the 3 mile marker on the boardwalk where my family cheered and ran with me to the finish line. I was exhausted and relieved that I persevered to the finish line, but there was a burning hunger to do better, however it took a long time to recover and even attempt short runs after that. In 2013, I tried to restart my training for another marathon, but two weeks in, I herniated my L5S1 disc. It was a devastating blow mentally and physically. During my six month check in with my doctor, I was told I should never run again due to the strain it would have on my spine. It felt like a bomb went off next to me. I took some time off from running, however I desperately wanted to prove everyone wrong. I ran a few minor races, but truly picked up my running shoes in 2018 to train for a half marathon. I took to the internet and began researching ways to improve and train with a disc injury. Thanks to regular Physical Therapy visits for over a year, my pain began to ebb away. I was just focused on doing as much research on running, nutrition, cross-training, etc as I could to get to ...Read More