It's been a crazy week. For a couple of months I had been trying to make some decisions about my coaching. My racing and running were going well, but I felt like I needed to make some changes. I decided to go back to being self-coached and put together a group to support and advise me. The ultra community is fairly small in Phoenix and my decision seemed to cause some problems. As my support team fell apart due to split loyalties I struggled with what to do next. In the end, Norm and I decided I needed to find a new coach.
I took recommendations from friends and emailed a few people. Ultimately I decided to go with Chris Vargo and I am already really happy with my decision. I had some great people to choose from, but as soon as I read the reply email from Chris I knew he was the one! And after a few easy weeks I am really excited to get back to hard training.
I took recommendations from friends and emailed a few people. Ultimately I decided to go with Chris Vargo and I am already really happy with my decision. I had some great people to choose from, but as soon as I read the reply email from Chris I knew he was the one! And after a few easy weeks I am really excited to get back to hard training.

After my one day injury at Leona Divide my PT decided I needed to get on the treadmill for some gait evaluation. Charlie Boeynik, the owner of Cadence Physical Therapy, is my PT. Not only he is a great PT, but he is a super nice person. (Yes - I am VERY short.) So what I learned today is I could balance a plate on my head and run, but my left hip drops when I'm running. When I first started training hard 5 years ago I spent a solid 4 to 5 hours a day training. There was the running, but I also did weights three times a week and yoga every day. I still do weights, but I haven't been pushing myself as hard as I should. Yoga rarely happens anymore...
So, I have decided that next week I go back to not only running hard, but crossing training hard. It isn't easy. When I first started I was a stay at home mom who homeschooled. Time was on my side. Now I work 2 or more jobs and I am going to school for my PhD while trying to raise 2 tweens and 1 teenager. But, my family makes a lot of sacrifices with out complaining so that I can devote a lot of time to running. Running competitively is selfish, but I am lucky to have a supportive family.
So, I have decided that next week I go back to not only running hard, but crossing training hard. It isn't easy. When I first started I was a stay at home mom who homeschooled. Time was on my side. Now I work 2 or more jobs and I am going to school for my PhD while trying to raise 2 tweens and 1 teenager. But, my family makes a lot of sacrifices with out complaining so that I can devote a lot of time to running. Running competitively is selfish, but I am lucky to have a supportive family.
Another change I made this week is hiring a manager. It sounds so big time, but as I mentioned, I am a little busy. I really need help organizing my racing life. I decided to hire Sabrina Redden. She has a lot of knowledge of the ultra world and is one of my besties so I know she has my best interest at heart. I'm super stoked to have her help!
A few days ago everything seemed so up in the air, but in the end I am feeling really good about the team I have put together and I'm looking forward to a great year of racing!
A few days ago everything seemed so up in the air, but in the end I am feeling really good about the team I have put together and I'm looking forward to a great year of racing!