5
04, 2018
This Week’s Featured Runner: Amber!
nsplitWP2018-04-04T22:02:08-07:00Today’s Featured Runner Is Amber!
Amber Hicks and Deanne Rue Stephens are Independent Distributors for Advocare and are sponsoring all of our events this year!
This is her story: “My friend Amy asked me recently why I run and I had to really spend some time thinking about my answer… There are so many reasons I could’ve put, but I think they’re all best summarized into one simple statement: because I CAN! 🙂
Until a couple years ago, I despised running because I wasn’t “good” at it. (I’m a former athlete, competitive, and my own worst critic… I’m sure this resonates with a few of you!) Anytime I ran, it was a reminder of how out of shape I had gotten and I’d feel defeated as soon as I started. I couldn’t even finish a mile back in 2015, despite how frequently I was working out, and I’d quit on myself mentally before I even walked out the door. That June was when #AdvoCare entered my life and helped me change all that! I realized that not only was it possible for me to lose weight and keep it off, but that what I really longed for was to set the best example of what “active” looks like for my son so he’d grow up being fit and healthy. I made up my mind that it was time to stop the self-loathing and excuses, so together with my husband (and our little guy in tow, then just one year old), I set out to change my mentality surrounding my health and fitness – and that needed to start with conquering fears and breaking through false barriers I had created in my mind. Running was what was going to set me free!
Once I was able to run my first mile in under 10 minutes (which was a huge accomplishment for me!), I set my sights on finishing a 5k in under 30 minutes. I surprised myself when I conquered this goal in Ft. Lupton, CO with a finishing time of 29:02 and after that I was hooked! I wanted more! I rediscovered the athlete buried deep down within me and was feeling strong, healthy, and capable of crushing whatever goal I set my heart on!
This spring, in an effort to continue challenging myself, I’ve decided to run my first half marathon (#Windermere) with a group of friends. I am feeling a little nervous I must admit, but overall I’m excited to be pushing myself to a new limit and continuing to discover what I’m capable of! The best part is my husband and our now three-year-old will be cheering me on and there to see me finish. <3″
Amber, thank you so much for sharing your story with us! We can’t wait to watch you to continue to crush your goals this #Spring!
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windermeremarathon.com
#nsplit #windermere #whatsyourstory #featuredrunner
25
03, 2018
This Week’s Featured Runner: Cindi!
nsplitWP2018-03-25T22:16:43-07:00This Week's Featured Runner Is Cindi! Cindi is running the Negative Split Half Marathon and The Windermere Half Marathon with us this Spring!
If you need motivation this week, make sure to READ BELOW!
This is her story: "I've been a recreational runner for most of my adult life beginning with my first Bloomsday in 1980 (I've done them all since). But it wasn't until 10 years ago that I started taking running more seriously. At that time, I was 70-80# overweight and decided it was time to develop a healthier lifestyle.
At my work I ran into some physical therapists who had just completed the 2008 Valley Girl triathlon. I loved their shirt (it's all about the swag and the bling) and even more, I was intrigued by the swim, bike, and run event. They encouraged me to sign up for it the next year. So, in 2009, after doing my first ever sprint triathlon, I was hooked!
Four years later, at the age of 58, I did my first ever Ironman. Ironman Canada in Whistler, BC. entailed 26.2 miles of running, AFTER 2.4 miles of swimming and 112 miles of biking! Did I say I really don't like running?
But I continue to run, not because I love running, but because I love what running does for me. It gets me out of my comfort zone and exploring unfamiliar places, meeting new people, and collecting more medals (I said it was about the bling!).
I'll be running the Negative Split Half-marathon and the Windermere Half-marathon.
By the way, those runs will be my 25th and 26th half-marathons! And I don't like running?
See you at the Finish Line collecting those awesome medals! And, it's never too late to start!"
Cindi, you are the best. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us and for all of your support over the years!
What's your story?
Windermere Price Increases 4/1!
19
03, 2018
This Week’s Featured Runner: Ken!
nsplitWP2018-03-18T21:42:10-07:00This Week’s Featured Runner Is Ken!
Ken is running The Negative Split Half Marathon and The Windermere Marathon with us this Spring!
If you need some inspiration this week, READ BELOW! Ken has an incredible story!
Why I run:
“I run because it represents a life I never thought possible. I was born with a heart defect and was not able to participate in sports the way other kids could. Once my heart rate would get too high, an extra nerve in my heart wouldn’t go down–sometimes for days. Don’t get me wrong, I would stubbornly participate in sports like cross country, but I walked, struggled, and came in last place every time. Doctors surgically corrected the defect when I was 11, but the damage to my routine and lifestyle had been done. I had fallen into a sedentary lifestyle of video games and nightly television that followed me into adulthood.
It didn’t really catch up with me until my late 20s and early 30s. My knees were so bad, I couldn’t walk down stairs. My doctor told me that I was obese and prescribed me medication for high cholesterol. I saw a Facebook post of me with friends at a concert and I couldn’t believe how heavy I had become. I wasn’t happy. I retired from video games and started working on P90x at home. After P90X was over, I felt energized and thought about what to do next. I called my best friend, Tyler, and asked if he wanted to go on a run. Neither of us were runners, but he still said “sure, let’s do it.”
We ran 5 miles and felt on top of the world. We struggled, but at the end high-fived each other and talked about how awesome it was. We decided to do it again the next week. I put together a Spotify playlist of inspirational running songs like “Eye of the Tiger” and “Don’t Stop Believing” and we shared the responsiblity of carrying a bluetooth speaker. We high-fived strangers on the Centennial Trail. We learned that my dog liked to run, too. We increased mileage a half mile every week. We joined the Flying Irish, signed up for Bloomsday, then the Missoula Half Marathon, and finally the Portland Marathon. We went from couch to marathon in six months.
Since then, running is my new life. I discovered obstacle course racing (e.g. Tough Mudder and Spartan Race) the next season and triathlon the next. Tyler doesn’t run anymore, but I’ve found a community of runners and new friends through all the run groups that Spokane has to offer. I never learned how to swim as a child, but finally learned through the YMCA and Team Blaze. I’ve now completed two 24-hour World’s Toughest Mudder events and earned two coveted “brown bibs” representing getting through the 5-mile loop of obstacles 10 times. I hold the Strava course record for fastest lap at Canada’s Toughest Mudder and became one of only six people in the world to earn the Toughest Mudder “green bib” for fastest Sprint Lap, at that event. I completed the Ironman Coeur d’Alene last August.
This next season, I will compete in every Spartan Race in the Northwest. I’m becoming Spartan SGX certified and will be forming run groups for the chance to challenge and help others. I’ll take on the Spartan Ultra in the Canadian Rockies and my third World’s Toughest Mudder in Atlanta. I will compete in a series of road and trail races along the way–the Negative Split Half Marathon, the Windermere Marathon, and the Kaniksu 50 miler. I will be using that race to attempt to qualify for a 100 mile race, to be determined, in 2019.
I went from TV addict to race addict. I love running and I can’t be happier with my new life. It gives me a chance to explore Spokane and the Northwest. It gives me a chance to meet and get to know new friends. It gives me a chance to challenge myself, and soon, challenge others. Running gives me a reason to be outside and add years to my life and life to my years. That’s why I run.”
Congratulations, Ken! What an incredible journey you have been on. You are an inspiration to us and so many people. Thank you for sharing!
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windermeremarathon.com
#nsplit #windermeremarathon
More Stories: instagram.com/negative_split
12
03, 2018
This Week’s Featured Runner: Lauren!
nsplitWP2018-03-11T15:53:00-07:00This Week’s Featured Runner Is Lauren From @milestoboston!
Lauren Is Running The Negative Split 10K and The Windermere Half Marathon With Us This Spring. Check Out Her Instagram @milestoboston For Daily Inspiration!
This Is Her Story: “Every season of my life would hold a different answer to the question “why do you run?” For me, running has remained a constant amidst the most life changing experiences. It doesn’t define me, it never has, but it’s deeply a part of who I am. It’s my relief, my escape, my time to decompress, relax, put my mind at ease, breathe fresh air. The familiarity of my feet hitting the road brings me comfort, it brings me peace amidst the ups and downs of life. Now as a new Mom to a 2 month old baby boy, running holds a whole new meaning for me. Many think I’m crazy when I tell them I’ll be running the Boston Marathon just 3.5 months after giving birth. Maybe I am, but I truly believe that every mile is making me a better Mom. It’s helping me to set an example for my son. Showing him that when you want something bad enough and are willing to work for it, your dream will become your reality. That you should not fear failure but embrace it, allow it to fuel your fire for more. Crazier goals. Bigger dreams. It will teach him to go for the impossible because there’s no way of knowing what you’re capable of until you try.”
Wow, thank you so much Lauren for sharing your story with us! Lets leave Lauren some words of encouragement below!
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27
02, 2018
THIS WEEK’S FEATURED RUNNER: CAT!
nsplitWP2018-02-26T21:11:51-08:00THIS WEEKS’S FEATURED RUNNER: CAT! She Is Running The Windermere Half Marathon With Us On May 20, 2018.
Here Is Her Story: “I have always loved to run-the freedom during and the feeling of accomplishment after-it’s addicting. This past year I started running for a different reason: stress relief.
My son was born last December with leukemia (you actually featured one of his nurses, Destiny, a few months ago). While we were inpatient at Sacred Heart, the only thing I could do to take my mind off of things was run. We were able to go home to Moscow for a few months and I kept running, except he would go with me in the stroller. We started to run longer distances, until one day we ran 10 miles and I thought, “I should sign up for a half marathon, since I basically trained for one.“
In continuing his treatment, we had to go back to Sacred Heart for a few more months inpatient, so the Windermere Half was a perfect fit. Thomas stayed at the children’s hospital with a friend, while another friend drove me to the race. When I ran the half, it was less this time about taking my mind off of things and this time about thinking about how far we had come with his treatment. I even wore my Tommy Strong tank for the half (I’m attaching the only photo I have of me in it-I didn’t find myself in race photos). Since that race, Thomas has continued to run with me and even did a half this past fall with me. He turned one a few weeks ago and I hope this year to run the Windermere Half with him in the stroller-symbolically showing how far we’ve come together this year.
I run for where I’ve been, where I am, and where I hope to be someday.”
Cat, we can’t imagine going through what you have been through. Thank you so much for sharing your story and inspiring all of us.
windermeremarathon.com
#windermeremarathon #nsplit #tommystrong
19
02, 2018
THIS WEEK’S FEATURED RUNNER: SARA!
nsplitWP2018-02-19T07:51:28-08:00THIS WEEK’S FEATURED RUNNER IS SARA! Sara Is Running The Negative Split And Windermere Races This Spring. She Is Also A Part Of Our Run Group!
Here Is Her Story: “I’m running the Negative Split Half Marathon and Windermere Half Marathon this spring!
A year ago I gave up drinking for the sole purpose of bettering myself and creating a happier, healthier lifestyle. Sobriety has taught me so much about what I’m capable of and running has helped give me the strength to persevere. On my hardest days, the days where I would normally find myself running from my emotions and responsibilities by running to the bar, I now lace up the sneakers and run. When I run, I have freedom, I have control. It’s my therapy and it’s my medicine. There is something so magical in feeling your heart beat in time with your footsteps, feeling the sun or the rain on your skin and the way your mood can be altered after just a few miles.
The Negative Split and Windermere will be my third and fourth half marathons. I get choked up at the beginning of every race I run. Something about being surrounded by that many strong, willful, like-minded people. That energy is unlike anything I’ve ever felt. And it gets me through every mile, every cramp, every shin splint, every negative thought that may creep into the forefront of my mind. If I can give up alcohol I can do anything I set my mind to. Crossing that finish line, seeing my family and my pup waiting for me at the end cheering me on, the medal being placed around my neck…those moments are memories I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. And that feeling of pride? Well, let me tell you something…it’s better than any buzz alcohol ever gave me.”
Sara, Thank You So Much For Sharing Your Story With Us! You Are Truly An Inspiration!
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#nsplit #windermeremarathon
5
02, 2018
This Week’s Featured Runners: The Truong Sisters!
nsplitWP2018-02-05T08:21:10-08:00This Week’s Featured Runners: The Truong Sisters!
This Week We Are Featuring 3 Runners, The Truong Sisters: Vivi, Anna And Diem! You May recognize Them From The Header On Our Webpage For This Race! We Are So Honored To Have These 3 As Part Of Our Running Community. They Are Always Supporting Us, Whether It Be Running In Our Races Or Giving Us A Like Or A Comment On Social Media. They Are The Best! Read Their Individual Stories Below!
Vivi:
“We got to know your racing event, because I saw your advertising page on facebook! It was also the first year you did the 10k event! I signed my sisters and I up for the 10k, and this year will be the 3rd year we are doing Negative Split! We have been kicking off our running season with this being our FIRST racing event for the past few years!
I’m mostly the one whose been signing us all up for running events where we run together the past couple of years. Anna signs herself up for her big races, but I sign us all up for more. With Diem sometimes I have to sign her up for races and then tell her to train lol.
This will be my 5th year since I’ve gotten back into running. It’s been tough. I took 10 years off from running after Cross country in high school.
I just decided one day that I was going to start running again. I’ve had an on again off again relationship with the gym and with my weight. I wanted to get back into shape to be honest.
I made plans with my little sister Anna to go do my first run. 3 miles. She’s always running, and the one who inspired me to get back into running. I didn’t think I could make it 3 miles, so I did a pre run before running with her. I could only do 1 mile…and it wasn’t a pretty one. It was horrible. The first 3 miles I ran with my little sister were painful. I still remember it. I was running over 13 min miles,…but I gave it everything I had in me. My sister really got me through my first year of running. Some people may think running is just physical, but it’s emotional as well. And it does affect you mentally. I’ve been pretty blessed to have my little sister pull me through those times. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been broken down. But I’ve never stayed down. I took my failure at the beginning and just kept running.
I’ve had many injuries and struggles with my first few years of running.
I have heart problems and it gets in the way of my running. I feel like it holds me back a lot. I had heart surgery a few years ago, but it’s something that can’t be cured and I will have this condition for rest of my life. I feel like my progress is slow because of it. But I just keep running and training and pushing forward. If I gain an inch it’s still progress.
I started at 13 min miles to now running around 9’30/min miles. I ran my first half marathon, The Spokane half in 2hrs 32mins. Since, then I’ve ran 7 half marathons. 4 of them just last year! My fastest half marathon to date is when I ran the Spokane half marathon for the THIRD time last year ! 2hrs 6mins! That was a huge milestone for me. As to how far I’ve come. Last year was a great running year for me.
I love my sister Diem. When I was training for my half marathons she would always go on my long runs with me. She wasn’t training for any half marathons at the time at all, she was training for 10ks. But she would go out and run 10-15 miles with me just for fun. Just to run with her sister. The only reason why we ran 15 miles was because I miscalculated the distance!!! It was only supposed to be an 11 mile run. The whole thing about all Asians being good at math is a myth. Lol. Only with your sisters can you run and laugh so hard at the same time.
My goals this year is do a few more half marathons. And many other races inbetween. I really just run because I love to. Running makes me feel alive even if it’s a painful at times. It gives me a sense of freedom. Nothing is better than running with sisters. We pick eachother up. Suffer together. We get each other to cross that finish line.”
Anna:
“Running is my biggest passion and I’ve been running all my life. I run because it makes me happy. It gives me the best feeling in the world and it’s addicting. I’ve completed 5 full marathons and I recently qualified for the 2019 Boston marathon! It’s a huge accomplishment and I can’t wait to experience it!
I will be running the Windermere marathon with my sister Diem this upcoming May. It will be her first full marathon and i’m excited to start the training process with her.”
Diem:
“I’ve been running for about 4 years now. I used to do track in high school, but nothing long distance. That was over 10 years ago.
I started my distance running career by my older and younger sister’s encouragment. Also, by them signing me up for my very first competitive 5k, which was a timed event! 3 miles was the furthest I had ever ran in my entire life! After the first completion of my 5k I was HOOKED! I thought I was just going to run one to see what it was all about, but my sisters continued to sign me up for more!
From there I became addicted to running, I wanted to know how far I could challenge myself to run! So within the same year, my older sister signed me up for my very first BloomsDay race. 7.5 miles seemed so far, but I trained hard and completed it. I later thought to myself, “If I can run 7.46 miles, I can run a half marathon! ” So my sister signed me up for it. My little sister encouraged my older sister and I to run our very first half marathon! The Spokane half marathon.
I had trained over 2 months for my half. I dedicated my time towards running so much because I grew passionate about the sport. I finished my very first half marathon in 1hr 56mins and 43 secs!
This year I will be running my very First full Marathon. I signed up for the Windermere Marathon. I thought to myself, “you only live once”.
“Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it” — Oprah Winfrey”
Thank you girls so much for inspiring us by sharing your running stories! We can’t wait to cheer you on this Spring!
What is YOUR Story?
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21
01, 2018
THIS WEEKS FEATURED RUNNER: ALVARO!
nsplitWP2018-01-22T06:03:09-08:00This Week’s Featured Runner is Alvaro!
We are excited to have Alvaro running the Negative Split Half Marathon and the Windermere Full Marathon with us this Spring! This is his story:
“Why do I run?
I firmly believe that the best shape of my life will be tomorrow. That means I have to push myself today. Every. Single. Day. Happiness for me starts by killing excuses, and I’m proud to say I increase my kill count every day.
It’s inspiring to see the different runners at events as well. Some run to prove to themselves they can, to go for a new personal record, as a leadership exercise for work, to run for someone who can’t run themselves, and more. Heck, in Seattle I did a Spartan Race where a guy did a 10 mile course who didn’t have legs. NO LEGS. What’s my excuse for not being active? I have none. What’s yours? None.
To date I’ve dropped about 75 pounds. I have the brazen stretchmarks and post-transformation loose skin to prove it. When you looked at me before my weight loss, you would see a very introverted guy wearing 3X shirts and 40 inch waist jeans sitting on the couch indulging on junk food and soda. College started for me six years ago and I decided to change parts of my life that 1) I was unhappy with and 2) would hold me back from the cliché “living life to the fullest.” Now I’m the most extroverted person you’ll ever meet and I believe that crazy is a positive word in every person’s vocabulary. Medium shirts and 30/31 inch waist jeans. It’s so liberating.
My journey began running by the Columbia River in Pasco, WA. The first attempt at running was disappointing. I couldn’t run for longer than a minute before walking. At 260 pounds, I hated myself. I started working on it every day. I would walk a lot, and jog what I could. Fast forward six years, and my half marathon count is over 20, done three full marathons, and countless other races – Tough Mudder, Spartan Races, 5k and 10k runs. I’m proud of my personal record at Windermere last year; finished my marathon in 3:33.
I firmly believe that the best shape of my life will be tomorrow. That means I’ll never be done with my fitness. Think about it. I’m motivated to be an example for myself and for others. To be fit. To be happy. Love yourself. And everyone else will, too.”
Thank you, Alvaro, for inspiring us with your story!
WHAT IS YOUR STORY?
Join Us This Spring! REGISTER HERE:
https://nsplit.com/negativesplit/
16
01, 2018
THIS WEEK’S FEATURED RUNNER: MARY!
nsplitWP2018-01-22T06:04:21-08:00As some of you may have noticed by now, each week we feature a different runner who is participating in our events. We do this for a couple of reasons. One, it is a way for us to connect and get to know participants beyond their bib number. Secondly, we do this to create positivity and to hopefully inspire, motivate and encourage all of you to chase after your goals and to realize that there is a whole community here ready to back you up!
Mary is racing the Negative Split Half Marathon with us on April 8th. Her positivity and genuine love for running is contagious. Thank you Mary for reminding us to not take the sport for granted and to remember to enjoy every step!
“Why I run:
Off the cuff, I run to eat chocolate cupcakes. I run because I will always choose the cheeseburger over the salad. I think romcoms should always been eaten with Ben and Jerry’s. But what gets me up at 5am in December, what makes me buy winter running shoes with my part time job in the middle of law school, what makes me buy a headlamp, and schedule 20 mile runs on weekends before most of my friends are sober from the night before — it’s the way you can sometimes match the breathing to your foot pattern, the times when you can find the mental space to dream and figure out your life in such a way that time doesn’t matter. On the best days running is like flying. It’s therapy and happiness and delight. And it’s the healthiest form of procrastination I’ve ever had. At the end of the day, it’s just me, the road, and Taylor Swift’s newest album. And for some time, that’s all I need. And I keep coming back. “
We always end by asking the question, what is YOUR story? We would love to hear it!
Join us this Spring:
15
01, 2018
Get An Interval Workout…ANYWHERE!
nsplitWP2018-01-15T17:53:52-08:00Try out this interval workout that can be completed on the road, treadmill, track or pretty much anywhere!
Warm-up:
10-15 minutes easy jogging
Workout:
5 minutes at 10K pace
3 minutes recovery pace
Repeat 3-5 times
Happy Training!
