The Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday will be #7 for me. It’s my second time running this particular course.
This training season has been interesting, to say the least. In March, I was asked by our head coach for Pink Nation, one of the marathon training teams with Sports Backers, to be a coach for our team. I was humbled. I was also in a very bad place in my life with work stress, mental health challenges, and just not having any work/life balance. So I took some time to reflect on this, but finally said yes. Coaching has been something I’ve wanted to do for quite a while. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to give back to the Richmond running community in this way.
My long training runs have focused primarily on ensuring the safety and well-being of our participants. It’s been an amazing perspective. I’ve gotten to know many more runners this way and have been able to lend advice about what I’ve learned while training for my past races. I will be on the course for the Richmond Marathon on November 16th, cheering on all of our MTT members! I can’t wait to help all of our first time marathon runners cross that finish line!
This means I will not be running that race. So, I needed another fall marathon. By the time I was asked to be a coach, the big races had already closed their lotteries, and smaller races offered their own challenges. My best friend saved the day once again, suggesting that I join her in DC for MCM. In seeking a bib for this race (one of the few where you can transfer a bib), there was an opportunity to run for the Safe House Project team.
The Safe House Project helps to rescue and rehabilitate survivors of the sex trafficking industry. This issue has been prominent in the media lately because of the Epstein revelations, but it is far more pervasive than people realize. Our country has a serious issue with an addiction to victimized, sexualized children. I am a survivor of childhood sexual assault, so this charity is personal for me. Children deserve to have a childhood free from trauma. These children have insurmountable obstacles to face in the healing process. That’s why this charity is important. I’m honored to represent Team Safe House Project this weekend. You can still donate funds to help the cause here. Thank you to all of my friends who have already donated. I appreciate you!
Earlier this week, I wasn’t even sure I would be able to run. The inside of my right ankle started to hurt the day after my 20 mile run, likely from posterior tibialis tendonitis. So I rested, took Advil, and focused on stretching and gentle strengthening. I tried a couple of KT taping techniques, and I’ve found the one that seems to work the best. I was able to run 3 miles on Wednesday without pain, and so I’m giving it a go. There will be several MTT runners there this weekend, including lots of Pink Nation peeps!
It’s looking like a rainy race, but I’m grateful to spend some time with my best friend this weekend. And we will have fun, I’m sure! If you’re running, let me know!
Anne the Vegan 