Here we go again!
Last year I had the honor and the privilege to be a coach for the Saucony 26 Strong program. Saucony and Competitor Group chose 13 coaches to guide 13 cadets for their first marathons. We were 26 strong women on a journey of a lifetime.
Running the Honolulu Marathon with Kailey and several of the other members of 26 Strong was unbelievable. I definitely thought it was a once in a lifetime experience. When Saucony contacted me in early April to ask if I would be a coach for this year’s program, I couldn’t believe it. Was this for real?
You never will forget your first marathon.
This year all 13 teams will be running the Chicago Marathon on October 11. It’s quite funny that my running partner in crime, Sarah, had been trying to convince me to run Chicago with her all winter long. When Saucony contacted me to ask if I would be a coach for this year’s program, of course I immediately said YES! I’ll go anywhere! And then I found out it was Chicago. Obviously, it was destiny!
To have all the teams running the same race this year, is going to be amazing. We truly will be 26 Strong.
Say “Hello!” to my new cadet, Marina!
My name is Marina, I am 33 years old and live in New Hampshire. I am married to my super tolerant, supportive husband, Jordan and together we have two awesome kiddos and one crazy dog, Archie (my running buddy)! I graduated from University of New Hampshire with an Exercise Science degree and currently work part-time in the Diagnostic Testing center of a hospital. I grew up watching my mom run regularly, but never began running myself until my mid to late 20’s. Running a marathon was something I had thought about, but never had the guts to try on my own. Given the opportunity to have a coach guide me through the training for a marathon was something I could not miss out on! I am most looking forward to challenging myself and learning ways to improve my running to complete 26.2 miles!!
I’m so excited to be along for Marina’s first marathon! We got to know each other about 5 years ago when we both were new mama’s trying to figure out what the hell we were doing. She’s one of the nicest people you will ever meet and is just completely real about everything. While she’s nervous about the distance and how to fit in all the miles for training, I know she will do great. She will find her strong and it will be marvelous.
I can’t wait to say the words, “Marina, you are a marathoner!”
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YAYYYY! This program is so awesome! I wish I could be a part of it, but dont wanna be too greedy with Saucony….and they have selected a hell of a group this year! Will be very excited to support you all! Hi Marina, you have an amazing coach now 🙂 Have a wonderful Monday my friend!
Tina Muir recently posted..Meatless Monday- Date & Nut Granola
YAY! This is such a great program and I’m so happy to have Chicago to look forward too!!
Allie recently posted..The Rundown – Recovery Week!
I ALWAYS say NEVER NEVER for me and the marathon.
the older I get the more I say MAYBE 🙂
GO MARINA GO!!
CARLA recently posted..Tomorrow is the official day.
Very cool! Congrats on being asked again!! I would love to do this someday!
This is so exciting!! I would love to get to Chicago someday, too. And Marina- you are in good hands!!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..First 5k of the season
That is awesome Angela! Congratulations!
jill conyers recently posted..HIIT Abs & Obliques Workout
Yay!! Marina- you are in super good hands, and you are going to have a blast!! I had the best time last year w. Angela and Saucony! So excited for you ladies xoxo
Awww, thanks Kailey! I can stuff you in my suitcase and you can run along with us.
Yay! I’m so excited you’re coming to run Chicago. Altho it is the only marathon I’ve run, and I’ll be doing #3 this year, I think you will find it to be one of your favorites!!! Woo hoo!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted..Race Recap: Great Western Half Marathon
I can’t wait! And a bonus will be meeting you IRL, right?
I hope so!! We’ll make a plan when it gets closer!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted..Race Recap: Great Western Half Marathon
Yeah! It was so fun to watch you guys last year in Hawaii- looking forward to another round. Congratulations to all!
Congrats!! That’s such an awesome
program and I’m so happy for you that you were chosen as a coach again! Chicago is a bucket list marathon for me – it’s one of my favorite cities.
Carly @ Fine Fit Day recently posted..Believe. The Mental Aspect of Running [Guest Post]
Mine too!
Sounds awesome! I’d love to run Chicago one day, not sure when I will but it’ll happen!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted..Workout Recap + Weekend Scenes
So cool! I will be running Chicago for the first time too!
YAY!!! I’ve heard so many good things about it. I can’t wait!
This is so cool. I’ll be at Chicago too!!
You know this means we have to meet, right? I saw your post of FB a couple of weeks ago about Chicago. I so wanted to blurt out, “See ya there!”
Awesome! Enjoy the journey alongside your new cadet.
misszippy recently posted..Top 5 Running Moments
So fun Angela! Just what you probably needed- a fun event to look forward to!
Chicago will be great!! So awesome you had the opportunity to do it again. I think it would be very rewarding to do that.
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures recently posted..Dude, what’s wrong with your face?
Love this concept – having a team makes sports so much more fun.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Baseball is Hard
Another new adventure! I’m excited for you and look forward to reading all about it.
Debbie recently posted..Vegan Pesto Pizza
sad I won’t be with you wonderful ladies again this year, but can’t wait to follow the journey once again, it’s such a great program.
amanda brooks recently posted..Stay motivated once you’ve reached your goal
That’s so cool! I’d love to have that big a group to workout regularly with. The camaraderie must be great and having someone motivate you when you’re feeling lazy is definitely helpful.
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