The Liebster Award

I started blogging with the idea that it would be a fun way to share my story and possibly motivate a person or two. I really didn’t realize that it would include getting connected to a wonderful like-minded community! Running, writing, sharing, telling stories, joking, laughing, it’s all there.

I can actually say that I’ve become friends with a few fellow bloggers, one of which includes Kecia from PushMyLimits.  My nickname for her is Badass Kecia because she totally does push her limits, and anyone who does Ironmans gets the term “badass” added to their name. Kecia graciously nominated me for the Liebster award, which is an internet blogging award that gets passed from blogger to blogger.  Here’s how it works:

* The nominator asks you 11 questions.

* You answer those questions.

* You nominate 11 other bloggers to answer your 11 questions.

So here are the questions Kecia posed for me and my answers….

1. How did you choose your blog name?

Since I’m in love with running and want to marry it, I knew it needed to have something to do with running.  I was jacked up on caffeine on the morning of the 2013 Boston Marathon, one of those days where you just have idea after idea.  I wanted to talk about adventures before, during, and after the Boston Marathon (at that point, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to get in since I barely qualified), plus things in life in general, which is where the “and Beyond” came from.  After the events later that day, it took me several months to come back and actually start writing.

2.  What is your favorite thing to write about?

Running of course. I like to write about other things going on in my life or silly quirky things, but since I’m currently training for and going to run Boston, that’s pretty much all that I can think about!

3.  Why did you start blogging?

I felt like blogging would be a good outlet for me and a way to show who I REALLY am: a mom, daughter, sister, wife, athlete with a very warped sense of humor, a warm heart, and a need to just be who I am.  Oh, and I can SWEAR!! I enjoy it but I have wanted to quit because I didn’t have very many readers. Then someone said that what I write about inspires them, so that has made me stick with it. I don’t think I’ll ever stop now. It’s also a pretty cool way to record memories. I have gone back and read race recaps and it brings me to that day. Pretty cool to have that!

4.  What kind of workout makes you feel the best after it is all over?

Actually, I had one on Thursday. It was seven 800 repeats with a 400 jog in between at 3:20, a pace I’ve never had to hold.  I was tired from the week’s worth of workouts and was running on my own, but my coach wanted me to do it, knew I could do it, and then watched me do it.  It was hard, very hard, I was pushing myself, but most of all, I came away with knowing I did my best. Really, no matter the result, that’s all that matters to me, so that’s my favorite workout!

5.  What is your favorite post workout recovery food?

Since I work out in the morning, I truly enjoy dinner for breakfast. Chicken parmesan and enchiladas are some of my favorites. If there’s nothing left over, I will cook myself an egg muffin with spinach and cheese. Yum!!

6.  What motivates you?

That’s actually a pretty difficult question to answer! One of my motivators is to show my kids that they can set their mind to something and go out and do it, and it’s ok to fail along the way as long as you don’t let that failure define you. Don’t be afraid to try something.  I like to be challenged athletically, and I want to make life interesting. If I can’t find a really good reason why NOT to do something, then heck, why not go out and do it!?

7.  What is your “A” race or biggest fitness goal for 2014?

I’m running the Boston Marathon in just a few weeks and am really striving for a PR and another qualification by at least 5 minutes, which is 3:40 for me. I also decided to go ahead and sign up for a 1/2 iron distance in my hometown for October, so that will pretty much be my entire year! And I’ve never done any triathlon of ANY distance. Ever.  OH, and I REALLY, REALLY want a sub-21:00 5k….

8.  What is your favorite motivational song?

Probably for my situation now, it’s The Fighter by Gym Class Heroes. I want my family, who I’ve been away from a lot while training, to know that I’m not going to give up, I’m going to try my absolute best for this race, for me, for them, and for anyone else who doubted themselves. I’m going to fight for it.

“Give ’em hell…. turn their heads… gonna live life til we’re dead. Give me stars… give me pain… then they’ll say to me “there goes a fighter” “

For “pump it up” songs, boy I have a long list of those! To pick only one…ok TWO, I’d say Nickelback’s “Burn it to the Ground” and Fallout Boy’s “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark”. They literally make me run faster.  

9.  If you could meet anybody (past, present or future), who would it be and why?

This was another tough one. I feel kind of goofy not having the thoughts that I would meet Jesus or a very grand historical figure, but when I found out that Hal Higdon was going to be at the Boston Marathon expo, I flipped. So there’s your answer. I am planning my expo visit around his schedule so I can have him sign “Hal Higdon’s Marathon”, the book I used for two marathons. I really look up to his advice and think it is an all-round really cool guy. I’m also hoping to catch a glimpse of Katherine Switzer at the expo as well.

10.  If you could give your 16-year old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

To stop worrying about what other people think and do what’s in your heart and mind. Go for it, and don’t be afraid to be who you truly are. And it’s probably not a good idea to date that one guy when you’re a senior…. seriously.  Give those people who do not make you feel better about yourself a kick in the ass right out the door.

11.  Are you going to pass on the torch and nominate 11 fellow bloggers?

I will certainly try!

Here’s the fellow nominees, in no particular order!!

• One Year(ish) to Boston
• Running Wild
• Neon is my Color
• Running for Cannolis
• Maybe Marathoner
• Runs4Treats
• Angie Runs
• My Journey to Qualify for the Boston Marathon & Everything in Between
• Running Around the Bend
• Chole into Diamonds
• Life Between the Miles

I enjoyed these questions so I’m going to ask almost the same ones:

1. How did you choose your blog name?
2. What is your favorite thing to write about?
3. Why did you start blogging?
4. What kind of workout makes you feel the best after it is all over?
5. What is your favorite post workout recovery food?
6. What motivates you?
7. What is your “A” race or biggest fitness goal for 2014?
8. What is your favorite motivational song?
9. What is your favorite “fun” thing to do besides run/train/work out?
10. If you could give your 16-year old self a piece of advice, what would it be?
11. Are you going to pass on the torch and nominate 11 fellow bloggers?

The rules:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you.
• Answer the 11 questions given to you.
• Nominate 11 other bloggers (generally with the same number of followers, though it can be tough to tell; ideally less than 500).
• Post 11 questions for your nominees to answer.
• Comment on your nominees’ blogs to let them know you nominated them.
• Have fun spreading the blogging love!