Comeback 2014

After a less than stellar year of racing in 2013, I'm eager to show everyone that in 2014, I'm back! Last fall, I spent some time soul-searching about where running fit in my every day... Do I want to keep training like an elite runner? What am I striving for? How good do I want to/can I be? I realized that I'm still hungry and that I've got plenty of unfinished running business, and that I'll probably be chasing competitive goals well into my 80s :-)

So, with some speedy track times in mind, I've recommitted myself. I battled the brutal Ohio winter, dreaming of joyful spring runs and a killer 10k at USA's in June. And after many miles run and much hard work done, the hay is in the barn, as they say... at least for now! My first big race of the year is this weekend in Jacksonville, Florida - the USA 15k Road Champs at the Gate River Run. For the first time in a while, I'm excited to race. Not scared, not nervous, but pumped up and ready to toe the line!

I'm off to Florida on Friday and the race starts on Saturday at 8:24 am EST. Check out Runnerspace for updates and results: http://www.runnerspace.com/USA-15k

As always, thanks to all the supporters who have helped get me to the starting line happy and healthy: my family and Avi, Coach Dena Evans and New Balance Silicon Valley, Nuun Hydration, PowerBar, Fitmark Bags, Ohio Sports Chiropractic, and of course friends and readers like you! Thank you!!

Sponsors & Supporters

I'm incredibly thankful to all those supporting me and my Olympic aspirations!

SPONSORS

As a member of New Balance Silicon Valley, I'm generously supported by New Balance. They provide our team with TONS of gear -- training shoes, racing shoes, warmups, uniforms, sports bras, and more! Whenever we get a new shipment of New Balance gear, it's like Christmas has come early :) Many thanks to New Balance for the support (both financial and in-kind) that they provide!

In 2014 I was thrilled to joined PowerBar Team Elite! PowerBar keeps me going both through workouts and the workday. My PowerBar go-tos: Harvest Oatmeal Raisin Cookie bar for an afternoon snack and Vanilla Power Gel mid-long run.

Nuun Hydration makes electrolyte-enhanced sports drinks tablets. A cold glass of Nuun not only tastes great after a hard run (I recommend Cherry Limeade!), but it enables me replace much-needed electrolytes without added sugar or calories. As a Nuun Elite Ambassador, I get to be part of the talented team of Nuun athletes from across the country.

Fitmark creates high-quality performance sports bags. As a runner constantly on the go (run, work, gym) and traveling to races across the country, Fitmark bags are great for stashing all my gear - trainers, flats, recovery food, and a sports bra (or three!). My go-to bags are the Power Duffel for gym days and the Dashing Tote for a classy travel carry-on. See my Fitmark bio here.

SUPPORTERS

Dena Evans, Coach

I've officially been coached by Dena since the fall of 2013, but she's been a part of my post-collegiate running career since 2010. Dena ran track and played soccer at Stanford before going on to coach xc and track there (where she was the 2003 NCAA Women's XC Coach of the Year). Dena heads up New Balance Silicon Valley and coaches many elites in the Bay Area. She's an integral part of my running success and I'm lucky to have her as a friend and coach.

Ohio Sports Chiropractic

Leo and Jennie Kormanik are the best chiro-massage duo in Northeast Ohio, and to be honest some of the best sports injury treatment I've received, anywhere! Dr. Leo's magic hands fixed a hamstring problem that had been plaguing me for over a year, and Jennie's excellent massages help me recover from hard workouts. Part of their magic? They're both talented runners (Leo is a 2012 Marathon Olympic Trials qualifier) who understand the specific needs of a fellow runner. Many thanks to these two for keeping me running healthy!

Thank you again, sponsors and supporters!