Change is the only constant.

Currently, I’m trying to convince myself that we all grow through change. I’m trying to embrace change even though I hate it. You see, I am about three weeks out from moving half way across the country again. Yes, again. Yet, this time, I am moving half way across the country ahead of my husband and daughter by several weeks.  And, this big life change is coming at me like a freight train.

To back this bus up, since I knew Kansas was in the cards for a while, I started my job search back in December. That may sound crazy to you all but when you are a military spouse, you have to stay on top of these things! In fantastic news, a few weeks ago, I accepted an offer for a new position. Yet, in order to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to progress in my career, I will be headed out there sooner rather than later. Being a military spouse isn’t the easiest so when you find an opportunity to move forward, you do it, even if that means that it isn’t on the exact timeline that you had in your mind.

So, I’m currently a bag of mixed emotions. It’s going to be terribly difficult to leave behind West Point. It’s the closest we have ever been stationed to home and will likely be the closest we will ever be to home until retirement (and who even knows then!). And, I’m not sure how I will do being without my little family for a few weeks. Then, there are the standard pains of moving… hoping your packers arrive when they say they will, keeping your fingers crossed that all your belongings show up undamaged, etc. Change is coming whether or not I am ready for it. I’m just hoping for as smooth a transition as humanly possible!

With all of that in mind, running is absolutely saving my sanity these days! And, honestly, starting heart rate training back in January was the best thing I have ever done for my running and my body. No aches, no pains, no stress or focus on the time on my watch. It’s just me and my running shoes. I’ve truly found enjoyment in running again. {Check out this post for my initial thoughts on heart rate training!}  But, I feel as though I have learned just enough about heart rate training to be dangerous and I recently found myself wondering what to do in order to pick up speed and train for a race again.  So, this gal decided to I join the Train Like a Mother Heart Rate Challenge hosted by Another Mother Runner {More details can be found on the AMR blog!}. At this point, I need more guidance on how to continue to build my base and safely incorporate strength and speed work into the equation. I know that I can’t do that by myself, so I am hoping to learn a whole lot and stay accountable with the help of the AMR Challenge ladies! Plus, this will serve as a great distraction while I am away from my family and getting into the swing of things at my new job. I am truly excited to begin the next chapter of my heart rate training journey!

With hitting a running and training groove again, I am slowly adding a few races to my calendar.   Sadly, I have also eliminated a few races due to the upcoming move. It really makes me said that I won’t be able to take part in my summer Maine race line up of the LLBean 10k, Portland Half and Beach to Beacon. So, to avoid sulking about the loss of all summer fun, I have two awesome races coming up!

First up, I’m headed back to ZOOMA Annapolis as a race ambassador for the ZOOMA Women’s Race Series and running the 10k! I love the ZOOMA team and they really put on a fantastic race weekend. This year’s race expo at the Lowes Annapolis Hotel will feature the ZOOMAx Diversity Panel – “How to Increase Diversity in Running” with guests Adina Crawford – Black Girls RUN!, Kristen Komlosy – Girls on the Run DC, Monica Williams – Muslimahs on the RUN! and others.  This conversation will be moderated by ZOOMA founder, Brae Blackley and starts at 5:30 pm.  After the panel, be sure to join me and other race ambassadors for the Refresh your Soles with Barefoot Wine Party!  To join me, please use the discount code ‘LisaP16’ to receive a 10% discount off any of the race distances (5k, 10k, Half Marathon). This is the first time that Annapolis is offering a 5k too! And, please feel free to share this discount code with your friends and running buddies!

Then this summer, I’m headed to San Diego as a pre-birthday weekend treat! As a race ambassador for the Road Runner Sports Craft Classic, I plan on participating in their San Diego Half Marathon and indulging in my post-race beer before closing out our getaway weekend. If you would like to join me, please use the discount code ‘Cupcakes’ to receive $10.00 off the half marathon or $5.00 off the 5k races.

After the summer, I plan to buckle down with the Another Mother Runner training plan and focus on prepping for a happy and healthy fall half. I just haven’t picked out a target race yet!  So, tell me, what are your summer race plans? Do you have a must-run fall half marathon that I can set my sights on this fall? I would love to hear which race you think I should pick!

Lisa