I am a runner...

I know this blog is about my journey as a first time mom, however I have to take a moment and speak about something else close to my heart.  I am a runner.  It took me a long time to truly look at myself as a runner and part of the running community.  After participating in four marathons ( I completed two) and 3 half marathons (completed all 3) I truly am proud to say I am a runner.  I am very passionate about it and it has become a huge part of my life.  A big part of my running is a running group here in Austin called Rogue Running.  When I decided to take training for a marathon seriously, I had attempted my first one back in 2007 on my own and resulted in a injury during the marathon and I could not finish, I decided I could not do it without extra support.  I honestly can say that was one of the best decisions I ever made.  The friendships I made through my training and the coaches there have changed my life.
So with all this in mind, when I heard about what happened at the Boston Marathon my heart broke.  I could not stop crying when the shock of the news wore off.  I also must say it has always been my ultimate goal to qualify and run in the Boston Marathon, and a very big dream I have.  Seeing all the runners and spectators who were there and enduring what was happening to them tore at my heart.  Runners are such a passionate and competitive group of people and their families/friends who support them during their training just as equal with that spirit, where there to either fulfill a dream or watch one in the making.  It saddens me to see so many dreams turn into nightmares and heartache, but the one thing I know without a doubt that is will not stop my running community.  If anything it will ignite us to push forward and become stronger.
Now that I am a mom and a runner, I always dreamed of running in a race with my daughter.  I want to be an example to her and someone she can look up to.  I am even more determined to push my limits and to get to Boston.  I just know because of Monday's events my heart will ache a little more but that will not stop me or my little family to be there.