I’m excited to start the New Year with some changes. I don't think there is ever one single path to staying 100% healthy and fresh as a long distance runner, but I do recommend changing things up every once in awhile for runners of any ability. So I have been very proactive in analyzing the things that I can change, with the biggest one being going back to my old Coach Pete Rea from Zap Fitness.
Working with Pete over the last couple months has really given me a renewed sense of energy. Seeing he had already known me so well, and is the reason I started the sport of Elite running, it had always been my hope that I could have the chance to work with him again someday. Training a few days a week like I did back in 2006 on the beautiful trails and roads near Zap Fitness in Boone, NC has REALLY been refreshing. Incorporating different types of workouts into the schedule including A LOT more hill work, has already made me feel stronger and balanced.
Also, I have been adamant about figuring out what had recently been going on in my running gait to make my glute/hip lock up in a few races and workouts. I think taking some time off, attaining professional opinions from Charlotte’s best, and going through a 3D running gait analysis, have all been good solutions to minimize the imbalances that come from running hard with a dysfunctional ankle and old soccer injuries. And with other changes like taking iron consistently, staying hydrated better and being religious about doing certain activation exercises, I think I can call these last couple months after the Chicago Marathon nothing more than a total rebuilding phase!! Working with Pete over the last couple months has really given me a renewed sense of energy. Seeing he had already known me so well, and is the reason I started the sport of Elite running, it had always been my hope that I could have the chance to work with him again someday. Training a few days a week like I did back in 2006 on the beautiful trails and roads near Zap Fitness in Boone, NC has REALLY been refreshing. Incorporating different types of workouts into the schedule including A LOT more hill work, has already made me feel stronger and balanced. 
On an emotional and spiritual side, there’s not much more to say except that I’m Thankful. I'm thankful that the Newton Running Elite team has been a fantastic company to be a part of and that Newton Running itself, has come so far in such a small amount of time. I am thankful that somehow as painful as finishing my second marathon attempt in Chicago was, that I still qualified for the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials with a 2:38. I know I will have the chance to attack the distance again sometime, but for now, I am thankful that I can still take some positive things out of a race that did not go ideal for me. More importantly, I'm Thankful for my friends and Charlotte "families” who continue to support and care even though I am not blood. I’m thankful for my family in RI who I love dearly. And I am thankful that there always seems to be certain people who come out of nowhere to give me the encouragement and hope I need to keep putting one foot in front of the other. (And I don’t just mean in running!) Lastly, I am thankful that I am in a better position now to do the same for other people and encourage them with my own experiences.
And so to everyone who asks, No, I don't know exactly what my future holds as far as living conditions, running, sponsorship, career paths, relationships and MANY more things. But I do know that every day we are given 24 hours and that within each day, all you can do is your best with the tasks at hand. I may not be doing things that many other people my age have done and I may not yet have accomplished what society sees as the "normal life". But as one of my favorite preachers who has had a very similar background to mine always likes to say, "I may not be where I want to be, but THANK GOD, I am not where I used to be. I'm ok and I'm on my way!" Thanks for the encouragement Joyce Meyers. I hope that all my friends can take this advice to heart as they move forward into 2014!!
