I Ran For Meg! #megsmiles

Today I ran. I was tired, and I really didn't want to. I am just getting back into running after medical problems, and it's not easy to run. But today I ran... Why? Because I can! Because I am able to lace up and go outside whenever I want to. 

Today, Meg Menzies didn't wake up and run. She couldn't because the last time she laced up was the LAST time she will ever lace up. A drunk driver took her life. She will never hug her 3 children again, and she will never hug her husband. I had to run today. Even though I didn't really want to. I had to for her. For her children. For her husband. For her memory. 

I have never met Meg. We aren't neighbors. But she was a runner. And runners CARE about other runners. 

I ran today because I had to. What if I lace up, and it's my last run? What if my last hug to Bryce is my last hug? I had to run today because there was NO other choice. I had to appreciate the pavement under my feet. I had to love the wind trying to stop me on my sprints. I had experience the pain and voice in my head telling me to stop. I had to LIVE! I had to do it for Meg. I had to do it for me.

My heart aches for Meg and her family. It aches for the man who killed her as well. He will never get over what he did. I know that those drinks weren't worth what happened. There is so much pain in this story. 


Meg, your family is in my prayers. I hope that all of the runners out there appreciate their runs today and I hope everyone remembers not to drink and drive or even text and drive. Life is too precious for that! 

Meet My Friend Kat!

This week's featured blogger is someone I met about a year ago. She and I connected before I knew any bloggers in person. My first impression of Kat was that this girl was beautiful. She is super fit and kind on the inside as well. I think I just assumed that she was one of those people who was just naturally fit. I was shocked to find out that Kat has worked really hard to get where she is and nothing comes easily. I think it was an eye opener for me in the fitness blogging world. All of us have a story. You need to check out Kat's. She is truly inspirational!

I almost forgot too... Kat is participating in the Marine Corp Marathon this weekend! Good Luck girl!

Name: Katrina P

State: Florida

When and why did you start working out? 

Back in 2005 I started a fitness journey since I gained weight through college. However, I didn't do it the right way, hoping fat burners would do the trick. They did, but temporarily and with side effects. So, I began running in 2007 with 5ks and slowly built up to a half marathon that I did last year - 6 more after and now will do my first marathon at Marine Corps Marathon 10/27/13. Living a healthy and fit life helps you to ENJOY life that much more fully!

What is your workout of choice? 

Running or High Intensity Interval Training Circuits/Tabata

What is your favorite race, race distance, and WOD? 

My favorite race to date was the Disneyland Half marathon, race distance is the half marathon, and WOD - I attempted crossfit and didn't stick with it, I use various circuits when I strength train. My favorite exercise is the push press and the pushup knee-to-elbow

What is your most favorite piece of workout gear? 

Good sneakers!

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your workouts?

I eat a mixed ratio of carbs/fat/protein. I aim for .80 g of protein per lb I weigh. I also eat tons of veggies and avoid starches if I can. Through marathon training my body's craved more of those starches and I don't fight it. After training is over, I'm attempting the Whole 30!

What is your favorite cheat food? 

Frozen yogurt

What advice would you give someone just starting out? 

Start slow and don't compare yourself to anyone but yourself! Set attainable goals that you can achieve and focus on!

What is your best workout memory? 

Sub 2 hour finish at my first half marathon and again at half marathon #5

What is your biggest “FIT BUCKET LIST”item? 

Achieving the 6 half marathons in 6 months, To complete my first marathon, to compete in a figure competition one day!

Tell us something that not many people know about you? 

I'm slightly OCD - order makes me happy ;)

You can find Kat at:

Blog: http://www.katrinaelle.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatrinaElleP

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katrinaelle

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/katrinaellep

Instagram: http://instagram.com/katrinaellep