Walk Fiercely

IT FINALLY HAPPENED!!! 🎉🎉🎉

After 10 years of asking, begging, pleading for Robert's Running and Walking Shop to get something- anything - with WALKING on it instead of running, the day has finally come!! 🏃🏻‍♀️

They are so soft and fabulous you will want one for yourself or a loved one. Make haste and get yours today!! The more popular they are the better chance we have of getting a 2nd walking item that won’t take another 10 years. 😜

Available only in blue while supplies last in both locations!

Thanks to Phil Provenzano who usually got the brunt of my complaining and helping to make it happen. Thanks to Robert Smith and the whole Robert’s Running and Walking team for being such a big part of our community. Nothing but love for all! ❤️🥰😍

I know I haven't been on here in awhile. And I apologize. I also know I'm a little late to the party in posting this. BUT the 51st Annual Charleston Distance Run is Saturday! You still have time to sign up and you totally should. There is something for every one and every level. It's a challenging course. But also very rewarding when you finish. Register at the link below. You won't regret it.

Charleston Distance Run The Charleston Distance Run is on Saturday August 31, 2024. It includes the following events: 15 Mile Race, 3-Person 15 Mile Relay, and 5K Run/Walk.

Today was the UC Half and 5K. I did the half. An absolutely beautiful day! ☀️ Which for me, made all the difference in the world. The weather has been cold, rainy and WINDY! So today was great. It wasn’t my best race time wise. But I wasn’t even sure, even as of this morning, if I would be able to complete it. I’m injured-ish. And I didn’t know if today would be a good day or bad day. Fortunately, it was GOOD! Thanks to all the volunteers, race director, participants in both races and the Grrl Gang Runners and Friends, who came out in full force to support our local University. Next race is May 4th- Rim to Rim in Fayetteville WV. That’s only 6 miles. But the kicker- it’s 3 miles downhill and 3 miles uphill 😳 I guess I better start training on some hills. Walk Fiercely, my friends!

Inspiration comes in many forms and at random times. Today’s inspiration is watching Luther Cope complete his 50th Charleston WV parkrun at the spry age of 85!! In 45° cold, damp and very windy conditions. For those who aren’t familiar, Parkrun is a weekly 5k (3.1 miles). And he has completed FIFTY of them!!! All while being in his 80’s!! Hats off to you Mr. Cope. You are an inspiration.

Two years ago I would NEVER go out and walk in this rainy weather, or cold or high wind or any weather that might not be ideal. But now, being a part of such an amazing running/walking community, the only consideration I have for weather is making sure I dress appropriately. Today was our regular Saturday morning Charleston WV parkrun. It was our favorite, Todd Quigley’s, 50th Parkrun which is always celebrated. (Who doesn’t love wearing a sash) No hesitation about if I would be there or not. 💯 I’ll be there, in the rain, to support one of our own and the other 40 folks that came out today!

Had a great time at the Celtic Calling 5K Run and 2K Walk! 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️The Grrl Gang Runners and Friends swept the age groups again this year. So much fun racing with my friends. 😁 And I met 3 awesome ladies from Chicago that are now my new friends! Teresa, Diane and Lisa traveled all the way to Charleston, WV specifically for this race and the Celtic Festival as part of their quest to do a 5k or 10k in every state. So glad they picked our little city. And they love it! Hope they come back soon.

UC Half training with the Grrl Gang Runners and Friends. Mileage for most of us was 8 miles. Some did a little less and some did a half (13.1) 😱. Got to see some of our favorite friends along the way Jimmy Murray Sydney Murray and Eve. I did 8. First 3 my legs felt like cement and calves were super tight. All I wanted was to get back to the car. But at mile 3 things started to click. Last two I was just fatigued. Hoping when race day comes, I’ll be ready! Thanks to everyone for the constant support and encouragement.

Negative splits! Yeah, it’s just a 5K. But it’s a start. I don’t usually care about that. But my pace has been all over the place. So this seems to be a step back in the right direction. And I know Bradford Deel would be proud. 😜

You’ve been asking for it. You’ve waited for it. And now it’s HERE! Sign up for the UC Half. It’s flat, fast and fun through the streets of Kanawha City. And perfect time of year for a race.

https://register.chronotrack.com/r/76576?la=176b85fa8b7110530bab76511b8feeebeb021236&fbclid=IwAR1o6NZuui2OIQhj5PTqoFhZR8gEf6dPvVdzW44JBYAxVWb-XW4SecfQVzw_aem_ASHhgpq1q3esLcQmDCsdDonEr8D0axUfpVlDlQBAwxeK3DimB0n2-Pi4xdi3UqX3O4I

UC Half Marathon and 5K Half-Marathon and 5K Run. Event starts and finishes on University of Charleston Campus, Charleston, WV.

I’ve never been a huge fan of gaiters (face covering). I accidentally bought 100 when I thought I was buying towels. But doing Charleston WV parkrun this morning in 32° weather with wind and wind gusts up to 20 mph, I’m now a believer!! 🥶💨 It saved me. I brought 10 more to share with friends. Hopefully, it helped them too. We had a small group today-33-but the faithful were there. Thank you to all the volunteers. 👏🏼🥰Today had to be brutal for y’all. As always, we warmed up afterward at Mea Cuppa Coffee. ☕️

I know I sometimes go on and on about Parkrun. But I can't say enough about how it has brought so much to my life- physically, socially, emotionally, mentally- All of it! This is the year end "wrap up" from the founder. The statistics on the growth of the program is staggering! Very impressive. And you can be a part of that too! If you have any questions about how to get started with ParkRun, PM me. And in case you've forgotten....IT'S FREE!!!

A new year message from parkrun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt CBE Little did parkrun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt know that getting a handful of friends together in the park once a week would go on to change the world. 

I had a taste of humility yesterday. I was on the blvd taking my walk. Shortly after I started, I saw a lady coming toward me, swinging her arms and walking fiercely! I had never seen her before. We exchanged hellos and off she went. About a half mile later, she passed me! Arms still swinging. We talked a few minutes and I told her I loved seeing another fast walker! She’s training for the St Albans winter series. I got a pic of her after she passed me. But didn’t ask permission to post, so I won’t. Granted, I was walking slower than usual after a little surgery Friday. But still, head to head she would have given me a “walk” for my money. 😜 I didn’t ask her name. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Hope I see her again so I can ask. I salute you, fellow fast walker. Keep Walking Fiercely!