About a year ago, I made a commitment to myself to get back into shape and start running again, so I signed up for the Carlsbad Half Marathon and joined a running club to help me train for the race.  I did not know what I was getting myself into at the time but now racing is my new addiction!  After running the Carlsbad Half Marathon, I signed up for more races!  I signed up for La Jolla Half Marathon, after I finished that race I decided to top it off with America’s Finest City to get my Triple Crown medal!

The first race was difficult, but was more of a mental challenge than anything. You have to tell yourself that you can do it and find your motivation to keep going.  There is so much excitement throughout the race!  You are surrounded by so many great people!  There are so many people along the way that motivate you in so many different ways.  You are surrounded by runners, all of who are running for different reasons.  As I run each race it feels like it is getting easier.  The miles start to drop like flies as I start getting closer and closer to the finish line.  My biggest challenge is the hills, I have to mentally overcome running up hills.

The most beneficial thing that I did was join a club to train for the half marathons.  The club holds me accountable for getting in my weekly miles and workouts.  It was especially helpful for the long runs.  It helps me so much to be running with other people to make the time fly by and for the support to keep going.  I highly recommend joining a club if you are interested in running long distances.

I ran most of the America’s Finest City race with my co-workers. It is nice to have running partners to keep you company, entertain, distract, and motivate you to keep going during the race.  The last two miles I got into the zone and decided to pick up my pace a notch.  My biggest motivation is seeing my Fiancé towards the end of the race; seeing him made me so happy and excited.  I also knew that the end was near after I saw him, so I started to book it!  The last part of the race is so exhilarating with so many people cheering you on and getting to run through the finish line.

After the race was over I got both of my medals and headed straight over to the Protein Water booth.  I needed protein after my long run!  It was so refreshing and just what I needed after the race.  Protein helps your muscles recover after workouts and boy, do I need that once I am finished with my runs!  I was sore for a few days after the race.  I had a hard time walking downstairs for the 2 days after the race, but it was well worth it!

I am going to sign up for the Triple Crown next year!  My new goal is to finish each race faster than the previous races that I have ran, versus my goal of finishing each race this year.  I would definitely recommend the Triple Crown to anyone that is up for a mental and physical challenge.  Not only are you doing something great for yourself, you are also raising money for a plethora of good causes!

by Jessica W, Designer Whey Employee