Fit Milwaukee is looking for someone interested in running the Summerfest Rock ‘N Sole Half Marathon on Saturday, June 23rd. In exchange for a FREE entry to the race (a $60 value) we would love to profile you on the site and follow your training leading up to the event. Your commitment would be to first provide us with a basic biography and running history. Then let us check in our your training a couple of times over the next few months and get a final report on your race experience. We’ll hook you up with the free race entry as well as a FitMKE t-shirt and sticker. Plus you’ll be Internet Famous!
There is no need to be a super-experienced, “elite” runner to be chosen. First-time half marathoners are especially encouraged to submit their information! All you have to do is be committed to training and completing the race in June. We want YOUR story to inspire others to join in the fun on race day. (And for those of you who are not quite ready to run a half marathon distance, just sit tight. We’ll have something else for you down the road.)
What do you have to do to enter? This time we are NOT picking the winner at random. You’ll still need to post a comment below but this time please simply tell us why you would be the best, most interesting, most worthy person to be chosen for the prize. You have until Friday, February 10th at midnight to enter and we’ll announce the winner on Monday, February 13th!
Good luck!
Though I have been a consistent runner in the past, I’ve “fallen off the wagon” recently. Three years ago I completed a marathon (4:35 time). I’ve never run a true half marathon, thought I’ve run 5K, 10K, and 10 mile road races (and the Rockford Marathon in 2009). And I’ve run 5K, 10K, 15K, 20K, and 25K trail runs. My running hasn’t been consistent at all lately — 4 or 5 miles every couple of weeks. Being chose to run this half marathon would give me the motivation needed to get back in the saddle! I’m not at a spot where I could run a half marathon next weekend — but I know what I need to do to be ready by June, and just need the motivation. I am a husband and father of 5 children (ages 4-12) — so juggling the running schedule is always a challenge. I think many people would relate to this scheduling challenge, and would appreciate following a success story of someone who has to really be committed to making time in the schedule to run! I think it would be a great encouragement to many. Thanks for considering me!
I started running two years ago and could hardly run 2 miles. This weekend I completed my first 50k event. I love being able to motivate and inspire others to be better and find it within themselves to over come obstacles. I am training really hard to break the two hour mark in a half marathon this year. My first half marathon last year I ran a 2:12. I would love nothing more then to break two hours on a course that is well known and where I ran in the rock n sole 10k last year. Just recently my wife took up running after being inspired by completing a 50k event. I hope that I can continue to inspire others on to greatness through dailymile and fitmke!
Last year I watched a few of my friends run the first MKE Rock’N Sole, this year I would like to be the one going past the finish line!!!
Hi my name is Ina, I started running in June 2011, I have joined The Milwaukee Running Group to help me keep the motivation to run. So far I have done a few 5Ks, also I did the Tundra Challenge that was in Oconomowoc in January 2012. I have been running about 3-4 times a week between 4-8 miles, running with a group of people challenges me to go faster.
Today was the first day I ran 13.1 miles!!! I did it in 1 hour and 55 minutes!!! My goal is to run a half marathon in 1 hour and 45 seconds. I will run the Rock ‘N Sole, so pick me !!!!
I started running in high school but I joke that the first time I was crazy enough to pay money to run was when I ran my first half marathon at the Chicago Half Marathon in 2008. Even though it was pouring rain the whole race, I couldn’t find my friends and family after I finished, and my sopping wet shorts rubbed my legs raw somehow I was addicted. I’m amused at how that was such a grand feat for me at that time and now I peddled through 16.5 miles this past weekend like it was nothing. It indeed was a small step to so many steps. Many half marathons/marathons/and other distances later and becoming a race director for a 5k I’m a full fledged a Runner with a capital bold R.
I wondered what I could bring by entering this contest or if I’d make an interesting story. After all I’ve ran almost 20 half marathons, while I bring experience I can’t bring the energy of someone who is experiencing all the milestones of running their first half marathon. Then I wonder why do I still run, how do I prevent runners boredom, fatigue, and achieve those new P.R.s. I’m always striving for a new goal (I want to win a race outright someday) I’d like to share what keeps me ticking, share my experiences, I still have new ones even after all the running I’ve accomplished. The new struggles and constant struggles but also breakthroughs and the mini victories still to be had. I try to encourage others to run their first distance race often, I’d like to help inspire people to continue to run and set the bar even higher for themselves wherever they place that personal bar.
For this race I’d want to be between 1:30 and 1:35. My natural athletic ability has taken me to a decent natural consistent pace but now if I want to run faster I really have to really work to shave off the minutes (speed work, cross training, nutrition). I’d like to show another aspect of a runner’s journey of the all the milestones a runner can have!
I started running a little over a year ago and quickly fell in love with the sport. Since then, I’ve raced the Fit Milwaukee Indoor Marathon Relay, two half marathons and several 5ks, most recently winning my age group at the Great Lakes Expo Run.
Last year’s Rock n Sole Half Marathon was my first longer race and wow, was it tough! I was fortunate to not have the water issues so many runners faced, but the combination of the heat, humidity and Hoan Bridge made it a race to remember.
In hindsight, I know there was more I could have done to train and ever since have felt I have a bit of a score to settle with the Rock n Sole. I was disappointed with my time and this year I plan on training hard so I can race stronger and faster.
I’m excited to see there is new race management and would be happy share my training this spring/summer leading up to the race as well as how this year’s event compares with last year’s. I imagine it will be a completely different experience!
My name is Molly and I have been running for about 6 years. I started running in college for general exercise and slowly worked my way to 5k events. Last year I ran my first half Marathon in Chicago and have never been so inspired. Most of the events I have ran in have been American Cancer Society events. The energy at these events cannot be matched and inspires me to run for a reason. I never thought I would be able to run the whole thing, but the people along the way made it worth it. I finished in 2 hours, and this year plan on setting a new personal goal. I am running the Madison half in May with DetermiNation, an ACS running group that helps those who want to run for a reason, and those who want to run for those affected by cancer in their own lives. I plan on running 2-3 half marathons this summer, and hope to run a full in the near future. Being able to be healthy and fit and run for an amazing cause makes every step worth it.
My name is Molly and I have been running for about 6 years. I started running in college for general exercise and slowly worked my way to 5k events. Last year I ran my first half Marathon in Chicago and have never been so inspired. Most of the events I have ran in have been American Cancer Society events. The energy at these events cannot be matched and inspires me to run for a reason. I never thought I would be able to run the whole thing, but the people along the way made it worth it. I finished in 2 hours, and this year plan on setting a new personal goal. I am running the Madison half in May with DetermiNation, an ACS running group that helps those who want to run for a reason, and those who want to run for those affected by cancer in their own lives. I plan on running 2-3 half marathons this summer, and hope to run a full in the near future. Being able to be healthy and fit and run for an amazing cause makes every step worth it.
As I train for this race and the Madison half, I would love to share my story of who I meet along the way, my training struggle, and my feelings once I accomplish my own personal goal.
My name is Matt, and I have been avidly running for about a year and a half. In high school and college I was on the track team running mainly sprints and intermediate hurdles. After college I took about three and a half years off of running since I had gotten burned out from four years of college track. In October 2010, I just decided that I had let myself go too far, and wanted to get back into shape. I decided that I would register for the Chicago Marathon in order to have a reason to stay motivated. At the time, my only goal would be to finish in a respectable time since my legs were built for sprinting and not for distance. I started competing in shorter races, and found myself placing surprisingly high, and running faster times than I thought I would be capable of. October rolled around, and I ran in the Chicago Marathon, completing it in a Boston-qualifying 3:07:08. Unfortunately, the B.A.A. had changed their registration procedures, so registration for the 2012 Boston Marathon was already over. Now, I am back at it with my eyes on qualifying for the 2013 Boston Marathon along with hopefully winning my age-group in the Chicago Area Runners Association racing circuit.
In high school, I was the chubby kid who couldn’t even pass the 1 mile Presidential physical fitness test. Running seemed like something that belonged to other, slimmer people, and certainly not something I could ever begin to dream of doing. Fast foward 10 year and 2 kids later, and I suddenly realized that this body of mine could do so much more than I ever dreamed…I just had to push myself a bit. I started slowly and ran my first 5K in 2007 in a modest 34 minutes. I have since knocked ooff over 8 minutes from that first 5K time and have several races, including a half marathon, under my belt. Running has truly been transformative for me, and I left that insecure, chubby kid somewhere along the roadside a long time ago. The past two years I have unfortunately found myself plagued with injuries, but I am now literally back on my feet and hoping to run a sub-2:00 half marathon in 2012! Although I wear my 2011 Rock and Sole tech tee often, I was ultimately unable to run the race due to injuries and am very excited for my personal inaugural Rock and Sole half marathon run this year!
I am your person. I have a “normal” job and look to spend time with family & friends like everyone else. However, I always make time to run and can show everyone it is actually possible to fit into their daily schedule. I don’t have any fancy equipment or the best running spot, or even any type of trainer or coach. I run the streets of Milwaukee nearly everyday during rush hour for no reason other than I feel so great doing it. I would love to win this entry into the Rock ‘n Sole half marathon as I ran it last year, and this past fall has been a struggle to get past a hamstring strain. I had every reason to stop running once injured, but I persevered to overcome the injury and continue bettering my fitness. Though I am not a newbie at running or half marathons, I offer fun insight into the sport. I guarantee all my running mishaps and crazy training quirks will not let your followers down when it comes to entertainment & motivation!
I am that petite under 5 foot tail runner that starts races in the front row with the 6 foot and taller runners. What I lack in height, I try to make up with speed and positive attitude!
As an elite personal trainer in the Milwaukee Area, I strive to practice what I preach and use that to motivate others to be their best. I’ve trained many clients that what to start running or improve their running ability. Its important to not only run when training for a race, but also add in strength training, resistance training and speed training with proper nutrition. The most important thing to remember when I train is that its all about ME! Im a wife, a mother of two young boys and I own my own personal training business where I give 110% of my focus to my clients and their goals. So as you can see I give my attention to everyone in my life and encourage them to be their best and reach all the health and fitness goals. BUT when I run, its my time! Its that time of the day when I set my To Do List aside and find my Happy Place. Running shoes on….lets go!
I Have What It Takes and I Bring It! Thats a promise:-)
In good health,
Lisa Martin
Hi all!
I love to run, plain and simple. Last year I ran the Rock N Sole with my twin sister to encourage her to reach a PR. This year, I want to take a personal stab at achieving one. My mom and sister will be running again and I like to think of this as our annual family race. I’ve only been training for running for a few years and last year broke into the ultramarathon scene. I’ve not focused on racing a half before, but really feel like this is my year! That notion has really been driven into my head since acquiring a personal bests in 5 and 10k races in the last few months and seeing that those times qualified me for a seeded start at Summerfest. Working as a personal trainer and attending school fulltime and still focusing on my fitness goals is tough, but knowing that I could motivate others to get out there would be incredible. It doesn’t matter what your schedule is like, support from family and the potential to inspire provides enough of a reason to want to get out there and race my heart out.
Hey, I’m Andrea! I have been running for almost 2 years now. I’ve never been a runner, in fact I used to hate running. I played basketball through grade school and high school, but still hated running. I got married 4 years ago and I decided that I needed to start taking better care of my body and get into shape. My ultimate goal; to run a marathon. I started small with just a mile and gradually worked my way up to running a 5k. But soon, running just a 5k wasn’t good enough. I wanted to run farther. I started to increase my mileage and ran an 8k and then on to a 10k (which was at Summerfest last year). Last fall I did the Lakefront Discovery 15k. I am going to run the Summerfest half marathon this year. I am doing it to prove to myself that I can do it. I run because I am able to and there are people who aren’t able to who benefit from it. I had a brace made that says “one more mile”, which is my motto not only for running but for life as a whole. Next year, my goal is the Disney World marathon!
I have never been an avid runner. I always coasted on being naturally petite and since I didn’t enjoy working out I simply didn’t. After I had my first daughter a bounced back right away, once again coasting on good genes. When I had my second daughter I was expecting that bounce back but it didn’t come. I started working out, and boy was it hard work! I did find though that through all the different things I tried I liked running the best. I felt great after a run and was proud when I beat a time or went a longer distance than I ever had. I have been running for about a year and half now but haven’t made it past the 5k distance. My goal this year is run a 10k and then a half marathon. I’m definitely not the fastest runner but I’m determined and am slowly adding on to the mileage. This would be the perfect push to get me past my 5k hurdle and be able to claim the title of a marathoner!
One night in 2007, after complaining about the state of our health while downing a pan of brownies and a bottle of wine, I made a pact to run a 5k race with a good friend of mine. At that time I was a pack-a-day smoker, and about 80 pounds overweight. I had always hated running as a kid, and had it not been for that bottle of wine, I probably wouldn’t have agreed to register for a race with her – I didn’t even know how far 5k was at that point! I started following the Couch to 5k program and ran my first 5k race in November 2007. I had quit smoking, lost weight, and I was amazed by how good I felt. The sense of accomplishment and pride in the knowledge that I had completed the task I set out to do is indescribable. I soon found myself registering for more 5k races, then 10k races, half marathons, and marathons. Each year I pushed a little more, and a little farther. By October of 2011 after having run 3 marathons in 12 months, I was exhausted and thoroughly burnt out. I contemplated quitting running altogether, but after three months of almost no running I found myself depressed and missing the road. I am a runner now – running is a part of me. I’ve made some amazing friends along the way, and inspired and encouraged others in my life to begin running and be more active. I think it’s important that people who might be new to the sport understand that even “seasoned runners” experience moments of doubt and burn out. It’s the drive and determination and will to push forward that sets us apart. This year I’m setting my sights on some new goals. First up: finishing a half marathon in under 2 hours! It won’t be an easy task for me – I’ve always been a “back of the pack” runner, but I’m ready to put in the work, and would love to share my experience!
I’ll start my comment by saying, I am not a runner. I don’t even think I come close to being called an athlete at any point in my life. In about Sept 2010, I saw my 40th birthday coming in the spring of 2011 and I decided that I was not going to be “40 and fat”. At only 5’2″ and just breaking the 200lb mark, I had some work to do. In fact, I still have some work to do today. I started trying to eat right. I downloaded a “couch to 5k” app on my iphone and I started down the road. In 2011, I did lose some of the weight, I did a few 5ks, a couple 35mi+ bike rides, and I started going to Spin classes 3-5 days a week. My 2012 goal is a new one. I am inspired by the Duathletes and Triathletes I have met on my journey. I want to work up to running the longer distances and eventually finish my first Triathlon. I needed a goal race, so after talking to one of their reps at the “Multisport Expo” a few weeks ago, I was already considering the Rock N’ Sole race. So this seemed like a good place to leave my story. Thanks and congrats to whomever gets chosen.
Although I’m very active, running has always been a challenge for me. I played tennis and basketball in high school, and ran track (very poorly) in the spring to keep active. I never enjoyed it–I was too slow and just never could enjoy it the way that I enjoyed other sports.
I’ve always heard from runners that running is addictive after you get into it, but it just never seemed like the right fit for me. I do triathlons in summer and dread the run every time. I can barely bring myself to do much training for it, other than a few runs just a few weeks before the event.
I definitely consider myself an active person–my fiancee and I enjoy playing tennis, cross country skiing, spending time outside with our dog, Thor (who is actually really fun to run with) and more. We’re getting married in August, and having this half marathon as a challenge in June would be so helpful as I work to get into wedding dress shape.
This year, my goal is to complete a half marathon and possibly a full marathon. I am changing my attitude about running and trying to focus on my goal: to complete the Ironman Triathlon before I turn 30. I’ve got a long way to go, but I know my biggest hurdle is my attitude towards running. I need to do more strength training, and I need to stop thinking about running every day and actually get out of bed and do it. I’d love to share my journey with others who may feel that running isn’t their forte. I’d be proud to represent this group at the Rock N Sole half, and am looking forward to the race with all the changes they’ve made to make it more safe and more fun!
Hi there. My name is Tracy. With having never been a runner, or being a participant in High School sports, I started running in 2006, at age 34, when I completed my first 5 mile event- shin splints and all. Since then, I went through a divorce in late 2007 and chose to use fitness as an outlet for stress, as an example to my daughter, and as an inspiration to my friends. As a single mother, a home owner, and a business owner- I have now finished several half marathons, an Ironman in 2008, 2 marathons, a 6 hour track run (which I placed 1st in the Women’s division with 134 laps), and 2 50 mile runs. This year, I turn 40, and though I now have a 13 yr old daughter that I am still raising on my own, we are still in our home, I am still running my small business, and I just took an extra job at a new multi-sport store for fun and extra cash- I have a goal of a 100 miler by the end of the year. I want to prove that you’re never too old, and there IS time to do whatever you want to do, you just have to WANT to do it. I believe I can, and do, inspire the women who come in contact with me everyday. I think I would stand for a lot if chosen to represent this role in the Rock n Sole. Thanks for the opportunity.
I am already signed up for the half marathon and as of now I am 32 weeks pregnant. I’m still running 3 times a week and doing Zumba at least twice a week. My son will be born by April 4th, and my full on training will be starting May 4th. I was training for LFM when I found out I was pregnant (I have 2 previous fulls & 5 halfs under my belt). At 8 weeks pregnant I ran the badger land strides half (in August) and PRd it by 6 minutes. I also PRd my Lakefront discovery run 15k @ 18 weeks pregnant. But now I am down to only going two miles at a time at a snails pace. So training for this will be interesting and intense…I’d love to share my training expierence, and give a voice to a small, but growing, population of fit expectant mothers.
One year ago this week I made a commitment to get healthy, stop making excuses and start taking care of myself. For the 8 years prior to that I dedicated my entire life to starting my family and being a mom. As the mother of 4 small children (ages 8, 6, 4, and 1) and being a college student, I used every excuse in the book to delay the grueling task of getting in shape. I made attempts in the past but easily and often quickly fell off the wagon. One day off would lead to two days off and eventually I was back to doing nothing. Once I knew I was done having babies there was no more putting it off. So 6 months after giving birth to my 4th child I got on my treadmill and never looked back. In the past year I have not only lost 35 lbs but I have completed my first 8K, 10K and half marathon. I am currently training to do my first full marathon in May and running 40-50 miles a week, 6-7 days a week.
Making running (and getting healthy in general) priority in my life has not only made me a happier person but it has also made me a better mom. Yes, on certain days it’s difficult do find the time and energy to get that workout in, but I want to serve as a good example to my kids about how important fitness is and that when you make a commitment to something you need to follow through. I also hope to inspire other busy moms and make them realize that it isn’t impossible to have a family and also make it a priority to take care of themselves. Often times our needs as parents take a back seat to the needs of our children, but I have realized that in order to be the best I can be for my kids, I need to first take care of me.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my story.
My name is Kate. I began running almost a year ago. I started with the “Couch Potato to 5K” training program. Getting started and running my first 5K so hard!!! Since then…I have done an 8K, 10K and a half marathon. Running is fun now and I really enjoy beating my previous race times. The Summerfest Rock ‘n Sole will be my second half-marathon and a training run for my first marathon (the Chicago Marathon).
I was never a runner. Never enjoyed it, never thought I would be a runner, until June 2010 when I was convinced to sign up for a 5K run, Race for the Cure. I showed up nervous, scared, and wondering why I was even there. I just wanted to finish. But it was that 5K that started everything. I finished the 5K under my goal time, and left feeling inspired and anxious for more. That next month, I reluctantly signed up for a half marathon! I was so nervous, but I stuck to my training program and nailed it! I was officially hooked! My next big feat would be a full marathon! Again, I was very nervous, but was persistent with my training, and beat my goal by more than 20 minutes! I tell everyone that those were the best 249 minutes of my life. I loved it. I ran the Rock ‘n Sole 10K last year, and left feeling disappointed. It was the first race I’ve ever done where I had to walk. I felt like I let myself down. I plan to redeem myself on the Hoan Bridge this year at the 2012 Rock ‘n Sole.
I love Milwaukee, and nothing beats a Milwaukee summer. Rock ‘n Sole combines all of my favorite things into one wonderful morning: summer, Milwaukee, music, running, and of course my favorite recovery drink (beer). My favorite place to train is along the beautiful Milwaukee lakefront, which is why Rock ‘n Sole is one of my favorite races. I would be honored to narrate the training experience through the footsteps of a Milwaukee-loving, determined, fairly new to running, 20-something runner.
I am a 61 yr old lady and avid runner. I started running when I was 40 and it took me 3 weeks to run a mile. A few years later I ran my first 5K and even tho it was a slow time, I was thrilled to get first in my age group and get a big trophy! And there was Food afterwards!!! It was the first time I impressed my teenagers! I was hooked but never thought about running more than a 5 K. How things change. I fell rollerblading in 2000 and broke my pelvis…..all I could think about was running again! And I was so grateful after I got out of my wheelchair just to be able to walk! My goal was to run 10 miles after that. One cold morning in Michigan in Jan we did 2.2 mile loops and I did close to 11 miles. A mentor told me , if I did that I could run a half marathon, so I did. Then he told me if I cd do a half I could do a full. I ran my first marathon in Chicago the year I turned 51….and felt the Run Rush of accomplishment. Now, 10 years later, I’ve run 5 marathons and over 50 half marathons. I’ve a goal of running a race in every state and am at 33. I still run 5 and 10K’s and like any distance. Even thought I’m addicted to running and people tell me I could do better if I did hillwork and speedwork I generally only run 3 times a week. I have started running international events….the most challenging and interesting was the Great Wall Half in China. I’ve met so many interesting people and had so many wonderful experiences through running, it would be fun to share my journeys with other. I did run the Rock n Sole last year and also the Lakefront marathon. In October. I had not run a marathon. For 5 years and was thrilled to finish first in my age group and qualify for Boston with my fastest time ever!! I have run thru injuries such as a stress fracture in my heel. I fell in the 2nd mile of the Las Vegas Half and turned my ankle……I ran until 9 miles and my body said no more, so I walked to the finish….right into the medical tent and came out in a wheelchair! I have had many younger people tell me I’m an inspiration to them and I enjoy encouraging others. I love the cameradrie of runners. I also am living proof that you can stay fit and active over 60 and have FUN. It would be great to represent Rock n Sole and inspire others to get out there and run and encourage those who are struggling with training. I’ve run in the heat and the snow and finished a half marathon in pouring rain the whole 2 hours….I’ve ran fast and I’ve ran slow and I have a shirt that says its all about the medal! The rewards both physical and mental are WORTH it!
My name is Shirley and I have exercise OCD…now! Approximately 3.5 years ago, I was overweight. Even though I was overweight, I walked every morning, getting up to 3.5 mph. In October of 2008, our Wellness Committee organized a Biggest Loser competition. I participated not knowing the impact it would have on my life. After the first week and a loss of 7 lbs, I was hooked! I am proud to say that I have kept off 60 lbs for almost two years now. What does this have to do with running? Well my 3.5 mph was no longer sufficient after my weight loss. I started wogging (walk/jogging) almost two years ago. That year I participated in some 5Ks. In 2011, a friend challenged me to take it to the next level. She introduced me to a training plan on a popular website. I built up my endurance and bumped up my running and participated in 8Ks, 10Ks, a 15K, and two half marathons. Last year’s inaugural Rock ‘N Sole was my inaugural half marathon. I didn’t do as well as I expected because the heat and humidity got the best of me but it was an amazing experience, so amazing that I was inspired to do another half last year. This year I have already done an indoor half and have at least four more planned including the Rock ‘N Sole. I am hoping to do much better this year. I continue to use the same training plan. I run 4 days a week and cross train by attending boot camp sessions three days a week. Three years ago I never thought I would enjoy running and exercising as much as I do now.
Four years ago, I was struggling to loose baby weight after my second child was born. I had been on bed rest with her for 10 weeks in the hospital and was thankful everyone was healthy and strong. But I was upset that getting back to “me” was proving to be so difficult. I’d always wanted to do a triathlon and I decided that this was my year to do it. I worked really hard, started with a couch to 5k program until I could run for 30 mins. Until this time I had never run over a mile in my life. My first 5k was that fall and I completed 4 sprint triathlons that year. The next year I moved up to Olympic distance tri’s and began training for 1/2 marathons. The training proved to be life changing for me. I was able to focus on what my body was capable of doing, of improvement in terms of fitness, not pant size. I was able to become happy with what I was accomplishing because my focus was no longer on a negative self image. During my first tri, I saw a lot of people encouraging others and cheering them on. I made a promise to myself in every race I did, no matter how much I hurt, if I was passing someone, I’d encourage them along too. Last fall I completed my first 1/2 marathon, I stopped to walk near the end, thinking I couldn’t finish while running, I was feeling defeat. A woman passed me, limping along. She encouraged me to run with her and finish and I did. Over the last 2 years I have gotten a divorce and raised two small children on my own while working full time AND training for tri’s and running races. The confidence and energy I need to compete is the same that I need to deal with my busy and hectic life. When I hear people say they don’t have the time, I tell them that if I can make the time, anyone can. Could I train harder and finish faster, of course, but it comes at the expense of my family, so I make that balence, but I still do it and I still finish the race and I still encourage others that they can achieve their fitness goals no matter what their limiters are.
My name is Michelle and I live in Alaska. I have never been a runner but I am faking it until I make it sort to speak. My sister and I lost our father to cancer in 2003. His father fought cancer that same year and won the battle. My sister and I know the importance of health. Our grandpa, or as we lovingly call him Papa, was an avid runner for as long as we can remember. He has had to give it up. Together my sister (from Wyoming) and I will run the Rock n Sole half marathon in honor of him and to our health. I have not been back to Milwaukee since my fathers death. This will be an emotional run. Not only because of the location but because I am starting from scratch in my training. I have run 2 miles three days this week along with cross training the remainder days. It is hard but I am determined. I planed my vacation around this run so that I could reconnect with my family after nearly a decade and to create new memories in Milwaukee. I only entered this for more accountability. I do not have a running partner here in Alaska so I am training on my own for now. I do not plan on winning this race but I will finish with pride.
Pick me! I am driven by the competition that others present me with. My husband is a runner, me….not-so-much. I am what you’d call a 5K girl. I like it short and sweet. Two years ago I turned 30 and decided that I needed a challenge. Spinning classes and elipticals weren’t cutting it anymore, I was so bored with the gym. I started doing the “Insanity” video workouts and after I completed the 2 month program, I felt inspired. “I can do anything!” I signed up for last years Rock n’ Sole and it was a DISASTER! I didn’t train properly, bought new sneakers right before a long run (big no no) went from running 3 miles once a week to 10 mile weekend runs which caused me to develop a tear in my tendon and some stress fractures. I was not giving up though… I went to the doctor got a cortisone shot and sucked it up. The day of the race was SO BAD! Hot, no water and I was already injured before even starting. The last 2 miles I had to walk, but I finished in like 2:45. My goal is to train right this year. I have faith that the presenters of this race are going to be on their game this year, and so I plan to be on mine as well. I love the way running makes me feel and want to make this an enjoyable experience (unlike last year). I am recruiting a small posse who will be running with me this year in hopes that I can’t slack on my training. Let’s do this! Pick me!