Community Update

On a cool and breezy Sunday morning in New York's Central Park I stood with 9,998 other women at the More/FITNESS Magazine's 11th annual half marathon. Yes, I laced up my running shoes along with other like minded women who believe, like me,  the secret to good health is running. The weather in New York was perfect! 

The More/FITNESS half marathon was my first rodeo-but by no means my last! This Annapolis Mom fell hard for the city vibe, the schedule of events, amazing expo with guest speakers (the incredible Olympian Mom, Dara Torres) and the presence of so many  mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, Aunts and friends who dedicated themselves to running 13.1 miles.



If a half-marathon is on your bucket list this would be the one to choose. With New York City as the backdrop, running around Central Park on a beautiful spring day was just about as close to perfect you can get. Not to mention I had one of my sisters running next to me. It wasn't just the two of us showing "team sister" pride. Everywhere I looked there were groups of moms, sisters, coworkers, friends, grandmothers and grandaughters, running/walking together laughing and talking and enjoying the moment. There wasn't a moment during the entire course I ever felt like I was not good enough to be participating. I won't lie, the hills were DEFINITELY a challenge-nothing like running the Naval Academy bridge-but I never felt like I couldn't do it. The enthusiasm of the other runners, the support from course marshalls and cheering crowds made the daunting seem less.



The More/FITNESS Magazine's 11th annual half marathon had it all! Ask yourself, Am I looking for a women only event? Check. Beautiful course with varied elevation? Check. Cheering crowds? Check. Plenty of gatorade/water stations? Check. Plentiful port-a-pottys? Check. Comradery and encourgement from other women like no other? Check, check. Post race stretch and massage tents? Check. This was the 11th year for the half marathon. My sister and I plan to be back for the 12th, bringing another sister and sister-in-law.





So I ask you Annapolis, have you ever thought of running or walking a 5K? 10K? Half marathon even? Do it. You may be sore the next day, but you certainly won't regret it. If you ever want to take a road trip to New York in April, I'd reccommend the More/FITNESS Magazine half marathon. I'll see you there!