The #IronFitFro is BACK

2016 has been more of a trying year than an interesting year for me. I have a lot of stuff (some positive, some negative) going on in my life but I am now getting ready to turn the page and I am ready for 2017 to get here IMMEDIATELY!

So what has been happening with me? Well, let's start with racing. Most of you know that I do not race that much due to the fact that I work 7 days a week (If you have forgotten, I am a Pilates Trainer/Group Exercise Instructor/Marathon Coach/Triathlon Coach/Cycling Coach/Swim Coach). However, I was able to get some in:

• Indy Mini Marathon in May: So, I registered for this and was training until I took a really bad fall down a flight of stairs at the North/Clybourn Red Line Station. I ended up with a SEVERE ankle sprain and couldn't run for 6 weeks. Hell, even work was hard as hell but I survived. I ended up doing this race with no real expectations. It was also the first race in damn near 20 years that I wore headphones (a very ratchet playlist for me) because I needed to focus on me. I finished in under 3 hours which I ran non-stop for 10.5 miles. Not bad for not running for 6 weeks. It is always better to run with friends and teammates.
  

   
• Esprit de She Women's Tri in June: I have a confession to make: I do not train for sprints. I was there mainly in the capacity of a coach and cheerleader who happened to race. Why did I do this race? The folks at LifeTime Athletic Events (a lot of my friends) put on a very good race experience for the novice to the seasoned athlete. That is why. 
  
  
  
  
  
• Chicago Half Marathon in September: Oh, since this was the 20th anniversary of this race and I haven't done it in 18 years, why not! I had fun! Way too much fun helping my athletes, friends and random strangers. I even CHICKED my client-that's another story in itself. Tutus fluffed, afro looking fierce, red lipstick popping and fully coordinated. Oh, did I mention that my friends at LifeTime Athletic Events put on another high caliber event? The only bad part about this: I had to go to work after this. Note to self: NEVER, EVER AGREE TO TRAIN CLIENTS AFTER RUNNING A HALF MARATHON OR LONGER! #butthatmedaltho
  
  
  
  
• AIDS Run/Walk: Well, I actually led the work out wearing a poncho and bright red lipstick in a downpour. It takes a special type of person to get people out in the grass and mud in the pouring rain to do a warm up. I think I did my job. I was suppose to run the 10k but I said, "Nah, I'm good." I ran the distance the next day.
  
• The Chicago Marathon in October: So, I actually don't finish this race. Now that may change next year. The reason that I do not finish this race typically because it is not my race. This race is for my athletes that I coached all Summer long. I normally start at mile 7.5 and go to mile 14, running back and forth making sure that my athletes are good, if they need anything (gels, vaseline, salt, bandaids, saline nose wipes-trust me on this, sunscreen, cheering). But then, I get off the course, jump on the Green Line to get to the Red Line to get off at Chinatown. This is where I jump back on the course until mile 25. And in typical fashion, jumping back and forth where everyone needs that last motivation. I will do what ever it takes to get you to mile 25. Hell, you can crawl 26.2 miles. At the end of the day, I had ran 31.26 miles of the Chicago Marathon Course but in pieces.
  

Now, what's next? I am waiting for 2017 because here is what it looks like now.

• Saturday, January 28: F^3 Lake Half Marathon (yeah, I know. It is in the dead of Winter in Chicago)
• Sunday, February 5: Rock n' Roll New Orleans Marathon (my epic return to the standalone marathon distance)
• Wild Card: If I do not get into the lottery for the New York City Half Marathon on March 19th, then I will more than likely sign up for the Puerto Rico Half Marathon on March 12th
• Sunday, April 2: South Beach Triathlon Olympic Distance put on by my friends at LifeTime Athletic events (it's South Beach, why the hell not?)
• Sunday, May 21: Chattanooga 70.3 (because Sally and Yvette are doing it)
• Some time in early June TBD: Esprit de She because again, my friends at LifeTime Athletic Events are the organizers
• Sunday, September 24: The Chicago Half Marathon...just cause.
• Sunday, October 8th: The 40th anniversary of the Chicago Marathon
• Brace yourselves: Sunday, November 19th...IRONMAN ARIZONA. We have some unfinished business.

Oh, and did I mention that I am proud to represent Team HERevolution my races next year? Yeah baby!!! And of course Fitletic for my hydration belt needs!!!!

I think that's it for now. Come on 2017!