Marathon Distance Award Winner

Yes Siree!

You're looking at the 2014 Essex Running Club's 

Women's Marathon Distance Award Winner!

Look. I'm like, "REALLY?"

Last year I was ecstatic to win the 2013 Distance Award for the local 8k, Ashenfelter race! 

2014 Essex Running Club Annual Dinner

But this year - wow, was I taken back. There are so many amazing runners in this club. This is such an honor! I didn't know I was going to win anything. I really didn't care, I just wanted to go to the annual Essex Running Club dinner and spend some time with the club members. When I got there, I started talking to my friend Paula - who by the way is an absolutely amazing runner, and a super brave women - she beat cancer of the thyroid, and she fights every day to make sure it doesn't come back. Anyway, she sort of hinted that I may be getting an award. Wow, this was a pleasant surprise! But when they announced that I won the Women's Marathon Distance Award, OMG! I thought I was going to lose it! Look, I just keep staring at the award, LOL!

Wow!

The 2014 NYC Marathon was my first marathon - and it meant so much to me. If you read this blog, you know I ran the NYC Marathon this past year because it was 13 years after the 9/11 attacks. I ran in honor of my late husband who was killed in the attacks. Why 13? Well, like the half marathons in every state (13.1 miles), the number 13 is significant. I grew up Catholic. Thirteen is St Anthony's number and my late husband was named after St Anthony, John Anthony. My running is my way of saying that I honor my late husband, and run against all acts of hatred and terror in New York (and now all 5 boroughs!), New Jersey and the rest of the 48 United States of America!

But before I get away with myself and sound cocky - let me explain the award. The award is base on your PLP. PLP is a way of leveling the playing field for runners by taking into account their age.

So I guess for an old chic, 

I'm not half bad!

Essex Running Club Women's Marathon Distance Award

Thanks Essex Running Club for recognizing my hard work, 

and tons of training.

Let me know when you want to schedule that talk on Running and Nutrient Timing.

It's all about the nutrition! LOL!

B3yond Nutrition

And congratulations to all the other winners - 

especially my track work out partner Rebecca. Rebecca won an award for the fastest mile. We are bookends, darling! Rebecca is another amazing runner - she was hit by a car a few years ago, fought to successfully recover from major hip surgery - screws and all, and is now a determined marathon and ultra-marathon runner! Best of luck in Boston, Rebecca - I will be praying for you!

Last of all, I gotta thank my coach, Joel Pasternack. 

Thanks, Joel! 

Without you, I would never have had all this success as a runner.

Train Smart Today!