Thanks for joining Kim and Me for the Weekly Run Down. Well, after 19 months, I can finally say, “it’s race week!” I feel like I’ve been training for this race forever. This Sunday, I will be running the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in Washington, DC. No, there will not be any cherry blossoms in bloom. It will also be a heck of a lot warmer than it usually is for a cherry blossom race. I don’t care at all! I am just happy to be at the start line on Sunday. Here’s a peek into my week.
**We very unexpectedly lost one of our MRTT running friends mid week to a tragic accident. We are all still reeling from the shock and trying to process it all. She was one of the early members of our MRTT group 8 years ago and we already miss her dearly. Having such a strong running community is helping us all to work through this. I am not ready to write about it yet but seemed wrong not to mention it. Emotions are kind of everywhere. Thank you to those who knew about this and have reached out. I really do appreciate your kindness.
It’s Race Week!
Monday- Peloton cycle + full-body strength + core and foam rolling
After a really busy and fun-filled trip to NYC, I was ready to get back to my normal schedule. I love to hit it hard on Mondays with a little bit of everything.
Tuesday- 4.5 mile run + core + stretch
Up and out early to get in an east 4 ish miles before services. Happy New Year to my fellow Jewish friends. Headed to dinner at my parents’ house.
Wednesday- core + upper body + stretch
A lighter strength training day today for me. Keeping it easier for race week.
Thursday- 4.5 mile run + stretch
Things started to heat back up again around here. It was a hot and humid morning out there and so dark when I woke up. The downside of fall for sure. Running really is the best therapy. It was nice to be with my friends this morning.
Friday- 3.5 mile walk + stretch
Keeping it light today as race day is coming this weekend. Although I feel prepared for the race, I figured, a little cut back never hurts.
Saturday-Rest Day + Packet Pick up
After so long, race weekend is finally here. It has been a roller coaster of emotions this week. Running is the best outlet for emotions good and not so good. Picking up a race day packet in Washington, DC on September 11th also hit me. It’s such a peaceful and beautiful day today.
I picked up my friend’s bib as well and I will be running with it on me. We plan to do a “sisterhood of the traveling bib” where we will pass it along to each other so we can all have a part of our dear friend with us as we complete future races. More on this later.
Sunday- Cherry Blossom 10 miler
Race day is finally here! Can’t wait to tell you all about it on Wednesday.
Kimberly Hatting says
That is such a beautiful tribute, to you dear departed friend, to pass her bib around. I cannot imagine the loss you’re feeling; continuing to keep you (and your entire network of MRTT friends) in my thoughts and prayers <3 Best of luck on your Cherry Blossom 10-miler (sans the cherry blossoms).
Deborah Brooks says
thanks Kim I really appreciate your checking in on me this week xoxo
Chocolaterunsjudy says
Good luck today! I know this will be a very emotional race for you on so many levels. What a nice tribute to your friend!
Happy New Year! Nice to share that with your parents.
Deborah Brooks says
It has been an emotional week all around. Yes, today was emotional but really nice thanks and happy new year to you as well
Marcia says
I hope you have a wonderful race day! Love the sisterhood of the traveling bib. What a sweet way to honor and remember your friend. Happy New Year to you and yours!
Deborah Brooks says
thanks Marcia! It was a fun day out there
Coco says
I am so excited for your race today, but it is tempered by sadness and also gratitude for the peace that running and the running community can bring. I think running with her bib — and making it a traveling bib — is an amazing tribute. (((Hugs)))
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks coco it was emotional out there today but also so exhilerating
Cari says
LOVE the bib sisterhood idea. Big hugs my friend. Can’t wait to hear about your race
Love the NYC mug. I think I missed that pic earlier this week
Deborah Brooks says
thanks it seemed like an apropos way to honor her
Wendy says
Excited to hear all about your race!!! Good luck!
Deborah Brooks says
thanks it was great to get back out there again
Darlene S Cardillo says
That is so exciting. Can’t wait to read about your first real race. That is a great idea about the bib.
Deborah Brooks says
it was fantastic to get back out there today
Jenny says
Oh no! I’m so sorry about your friend. It sounds like it must have been sudden. I’m sure this was a hard week for you.
Good luck on you race! I’m looking forward to hearing all about it.
Deborah Brooks says
yes it was a sudden and tragic accident and quite a shock. It was a really hard week but a nice way to honor her with the race today
Michelle D. says
The Sisterhood of the Traveling bib is a wonderful tribute. Wishing you a great race my friend and sending you lots of hugs!
Deborah Brooks says
thanks Michelle. It was a tough week but it was so nice to get out there today
Melissa says
Good luck today – I’m sure it won’t be easy. I’m so so sorry about your friend.
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks Melissa it has been a tough few days. I was really happy to get back out there
Black Knight says
Sorry for your friend: running for her and bringing her bib with you is a great tribute.
I am sure you will run a great race!
I am also thinking for a scenic race in September, who knows?
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks it was a tough week but yes bringing her along felt good!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
I’m so sorry about your friend! The traveling bib idea is a great way to honor her, although I’m sure it will still be very emotional. I hope you had a good race!
Deborah Brooks says
It has been a week of roller coaster emotions for sure. I was really happy to get out there
Debbie @ Deb Runs says
Oh, Deborah, my heart aches for you, your fellow running friends, and Gail’s family. Taking turns wearing her bib at races sounds like the most wonderful tribute to a dear friend. I hope your race went well today – I know it had to be bittersweet.
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks Deb it has been a tough week for us all. I know you know how close MRTT friends become. Today was really emotional but so glad to be back out there
Liz Dexter says
Hope your race has gone well and that’s a beautiful idea about the bib, I’m glad you were able to pick it up. Lots of love to you and you know where I am, having been through the sudden loss of a friend this summer myself. Running and talking about it certainly helped, with people outside the circles my friend was in, in my case.
Deborah Brooks says
yes it does help but wow it sure does knock you for a loop doesn’t it? Life is so short but good friends make it extra special thanks for reaching out xoxo
Kim G says
I love how you choose to honor your friend during today’s race. I am sure it couldn’t have been easy for you today. Continuting to send you and all those that loved your friend love and prayers during this horrible time.
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks Kim. It was bittersweet today but seemed like a nice way to honor her. I think she would have approved.
Jessie says
Wow, what a week Deborah. I’m so sorry for your loss. Passing her bib around will be a beautiful tribute.
I hope you had a great day at the 10 miler today!
Deborah Brooks says
It has been a rollercoaster of emotions for all of us. It was bittersweet today but great to get out there again