runner.agz

2:59:49! Broke that stupid 3 hour barrier. Wasn’t pretty but I did it. (Also wasn’t even close to the goal of 2:52 😆)
I sat down at 16 to get bandaids on my toe and ankle. Then sat down at 20 and stopped and saved my watch because I for sure thought it was done. My foot gave out (it’s been hurting for a week now) and caused my calf and hamstring to overwork and hurt so bad. and peeled me off the curb and told me no girl left behind! I started going again and reminded myself of the time Bret made us do mp after our cool down at 18 miles. I picked it up and hit 628 again. Then .zblewski yelled at me to GO at the end and I sprinted! Made it under 3. I’m so proud of myself for pulling it through and pushing through the pain when it got bad. I’m so thankful for my training buddies and all those who KILLED it today.

We did it!!

Not my day. But not every workout is gonna be perfect. Not every race is gonna go to plan! I’m learning this slowly but surely. The faster paces I chase, the harder it gets. Goal was sub 1:22 and didn’t get that. Walked twice but pulled my stuff together and rallied to the end. Thought I was gonna puke and faint. Then I stopped sweating and felt cold. I knew my body was dehydrated, especially in the humidity. I followed a friend to the end. Proud I was able to push through and find a bit of a groove.

Each run teaches us something, today was how to not give up and give in. Placed 3rd overall female and 29th overall.

Running has changed my life more than I ever thought possible! In 8th grade I “ran” a mile for school and had a 17 minute mile. I hated running. Pretty sure I walked backwards and looked at rocks during this “run.” I didn’t really start running until college when I only did it to quiet my anorexic thoughts. Did my first 5k when my husband got a free entry for us and that’s when I got addicted. The environment of all the runners going towards similar goals. Seeing all shapes and sizes and capabilities toe the same start line. It was just so amazing to me and made me high wanting more.

I went on to do my first 10k then 14k then half! My friend and I got tattoos with 13.1 and an infinity symbol. I loved the half. Never thought I’d do a full but then I did and was not happy with the time. Ever since then I’ve been chasing a new time to see how fast I’m really capable of! Never imagined qualifying for Boston multiple times, trying to run all 6 world majors or now chasing, not only a sub 3 but a 2:50-2:53!

I’ve certainly come a long way and I’m so thankful for what running has brought into my world. The friendships I’ve made, the places I’ve gone, the excitement I get to share with everyone around me!

Happy global running day!

So Boston didn’t go my way. Decided to do another marathon 4 weeks later. Coach and I chatted, we decided it was for sure possible. Got to work! First run fell flat because of heat and my no water on the run 🤦‍♀️ second run went well and the other runs! Was ready to go sub 3 today. It was warm but I came prepared! Kept myself cool by dumping water each water station. Hammy felt tight but I pushed through. About 14 miles in, the hammy felt more than just tight. I knew I’d have to make a call whether to continue and possibly injure myself and be off running for weeks-months or stop dnf and run again in 1-2 weeks. I decided to call it at 15.5ish. At the time I knew it was the right choice. As I sit here, I wish I had a crystal ball to see what would have happened 😆


Sub 3 is for sure coming. I’ll get it and more! However, today was not that day. I know future Anna is proud of me for making that call. I’ll strengthen and heal my hamstring and be ready to fight again in the fall! 💥

Had such a fun time pacing the Grand Rapids River Bank Run yesterday! 25k at 730 pace. Felt so natural, comfortable, and we had such a large group!! About 15-20 people stuck with us until about 800 meters to go!

Boston 2024. Holy buckets what a build. The training went exactly as it should. I hit my paces, I had such a great build to have such a crappy day! It was hot from the get go! The later start is always hard, 10:25 am, but I fueled well and was ready to go. I knew it wasn’t gonna be my day around mile 8 but I pushed on. Got to mile 16 and my legs felt like each side had an extra 50lbs on them. I walked way more than I should have but didn’t quit (which I wanted to so badly). I hyperventilated twice on the course and once when I saw Ben after. Michigan winters make for hard spring races if they end up being hot! I’m so proud of everyone who went out there and gave their all!

Flat Anna is ready to go. Real Anna is nervous! I’m always so worrisome and unsure of myself before a race. I have imposter syndrome and can’t believe I’m here (again). I have put in the hard work and need to trust in that! Gotta go execute this and make my family & proud!! Let’s go!

We meet again Boston! I’m ready to tackle this course again!! May not be as fast as if I chose a flat course but this one has all the hype, cheer, and memories from others to fuel me forward! Bonus, I get my coach here! (First time meeting her!!!)

Can’t wait to toe the line with my friends (or maybe try and catch some!)

Good luck to Carmel athletes tomorrow! Go get it!

1 week till we toe up at Boston! LFG!!!!

Excited to see what comes from this training block and racing a full solo for the first time in a year. Maybe I’ll find more people to chat with 😆

When you’re on vacation but marathon training, it’s hard to balance life and your goals. This morning I had 18 on the docket but it’s the last morning of vacation. So I chose to hang with my family and move my long run to this Sunday. While not following the plan perfectly, I’m doing what I need to to be with my family. Part of me feels guilty for not running the plan but the other part is so happy I’m eating breakfast with my family and friends!

My first half marathon vs my most recent. 10 years, 3 kids, 1 move, 1 pandemic, and a s**t ton of work between these two!


Who says getting older means slowing down?? Women are proving every day that age is just a number. From badass women breaking the masters records, to a mom finishing the Barkley ultramarathon for the first time ever!


I am no where near those amazing women but I admire them and give my all for myself each day! I’m so proud of where I’ve come and what I’ve overcome.


Next up, Boston!


Thank you for supporting me and coaching me this past year!

17 mile workout, 2 mile walk, cronuts, .5 mile walk, weightlifting. It’s been a great day!

Had a great workout this morning with friends! 2 mins at threshold followed by 5 mins float (aka 640-7 min miles). It really flew by switching it up!

I took my family to blue kitchella later for some Cronuts. Next time I’m gonna need to check prices before ordering a dozen 😬