Journey to Key West

As I write this I am flying to Ft Laudedale FL via Allegiant Air! The first leg of my journey to my 6th half marathon! 

Headed Key West this weekend, to run Key West half! 

This race has sparked in me to redefine my goals! If you would of asked me 6 years ago what I would be doing today I wouldn't of had that answer! 

"I'am  like a dog that caught the car, that didn't know I was chasing" in other words I never thought I would be a runner! As of today I have ran 5 half marathons, one being a International one! Some mud races and themed races! I am in the pack....somewhere! I have ran races for fun, to honor the Fallen Heroes, and to run in honor of my father and brother, who lost their battle with cancer. I call myself the "Social Runner" I talk way too much in the race. I see another runner's  shoes, and I have to start talking to them! Not a bad thing. This next race with Key West half, I say I am. more focused. What could be my finish time if I didn't stop to take pictures like I did in Dresden Germany! 

Those are memories I may never get again, so no regrets! Maybe I shouldn't ask the runner about her cool shoes, since I have found the ones I love. 

Our team Finish Line Engravers was given Brooks Running shoes last summer for The Shawshank Husltle. They say " you give the girl the right pair of shoes, she can conquer the world" These just might be the ones! 

Beach running has become my favorite place to be! To stand by the ocean and be reminded that I live in a free country!  Freedoms I don't take for granted! 

What race are you training for? 

Until the next time ~ 

Kris 

No LimitsRunning  

Happy New Year

Looking back on the last year, it is amazing to see the blessings that have come out of 2015. Our first grand child was born, a grand daughter. We renovated and moved back into the first home that we bought. It has been used as a rental for the last 11 years. Even though we hired a contractor, my husband and I did some of the work. Very rewarding to see our efforts. Our business Finish Line Engravers has been at many finish lines to be part of the finish line celebration. A vision from my International race in Dresden Germany. We have had the pleasure to meet so many awesome runners, and hear their stories of why they run and who they run for. We hosted a runner from Dresden Germany with the runner exchange between The Columbus Marathon & Dresden Marathon as part of the Dresden Sister City exchange. Nico stayed with us for a week. Being a host family was a wonderful experience. We are thankful that we were able to give back to this exchange program. My husband's  work took him to Florida, not what we were planning.  We just moved back into the home we renovated and having a grand baby to love on. Guess changes come, and it took me a little while to come to terms with this. Heck it's Florida after all, how bad can that be. Just outside the Fort Lauderdale area. Going to FL during the OH winters is a plus. It also helps me train for my upcoming half marathon with Key West half. Running in FL temps is a little different than OH. Spending time at the beach has been a plus too. I look forward to running my 6th half marathon on Jan 17th. I am thankful that this work project is short term. I do love living in OH. Love the season changes. Seems like I have been living a endless summer. Traveling within FL to see friends has been a plus too. Fishing for fresh water and salt water fish are perks too. So I guess this temporary living in FL is a good thing. I was honored to have been chosen to be part of a 47 Day Transformation with Jeremy Scott Fitness Can't thank Jeremy Scott enough for his knowledge, passion and inspiration that he shared with me during this transformation. Its a journey for sure, one that I am still on. The 47 days may be over, I am thankful to continue with Jeremy's online coaching.

So many more stories I could share with you. I always say 'My cup runneth over"

What's some of your highlights of 2015? What's your goals and dreams for 2016? I loved to hear from you. Wishing you a blessed year.

Until the next time ~ Kris

1st International Race

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" One of my favorite quotes. Well I am about to take a journey, and it is about 4486 miles. It started out May 17, 2012 with a email saying "thank you for your interest in the "Athletic Exchange" I submitted my application and crossed my fingers that I would be 1 of the 20 runners that The Columbus Marathon would pick to represent them at the Dresden Marathon, Dresden Germany. A once in a lifetime opportunity to run a International race.

The application was sent! Anticipation grew everyday to wait for a phone call from the director of The Columbus Marathon. Well that call came on June 8th. When I heard the voice on the other end, saying "hello this is Darris, the director of The Columbus Marathon, how are you" Oh I was at a loss for words. I muttered the words "I am great" The conversation with Darris was about why I run, the races I have run and why would I like to go to Germany. The phone call lasted 15 minutes. As I heard him say "we would love to have you as one of the Ambassador, I wanted to answer with professionalism, even though inside I was screaming with excitement. I danced around the room and my husband realized then what I was so excited about.

The summer has flown by and now it is the eve before I fly to Germany. I have never been to Europe, and to think I get to go because of running.  My 1st 5k was three years ago this month. When asked if I wanted to run it, well I never thought of myself as a runner. How hard could it be. It was a ugly run! I came across that finish line a changed person. Maybe the changes didn't happen right then. They did happen though. My next race wouldn't be till the next year 2010. That is when the Running Bug bit me. I couldn't wait to run again. Each race came with a better finish time. I explored unique races to be a part of. Like The Empire State Building and even a Girls Tri Too. The running community has been one with open arms and I love to call myself a Runner!

Many of you know that I dedicate my races to a cause. As I get ready for my half marathon in Germany, I want to share with all of you a story of a little boy named Carter. I will be dedicating my race to him. You can read his story at Caring for Carter

 When I come across the finish line it will not just be for me but to also bring awareness about Hunter syndrome and all MPS's. Thankful to his family for allowing me to share his story! Below is a picture of Carter and I.

 

The next time I post it will be from Germany!

 

Until then Run Your Race!!

 

Kris Olsen

No Limits Running

 

Run Your Race

We all have a story to tell. This is my story and its about running and how such a simple thing(maybe not at first) can make such a big change or many changes in your life.
A few years ago I was asked by a good friend to come run a 3 Miler race. "Its a fun race", is all I heard. Maybe that is all I wanted to hear. I wanted some fun in my life. Months before this race I lost my oldest brother Jim Jr. to cancer. My father, was fighting cancer. Fun, yeah I needed that and some laughter. My words to my friend was "how hard can it be" Whew 48 minutes later, overdressed for a race, the wrong shoes and having to walk most of it. I found out this sucks, "who does this"! Many runners do, they were at the finish line laughing and of course having that great cold beer that is promised to you for running a race! As I come to the finish line, my husband who said "I will wait for you here", was just about to leave! Instead of him waiting to cheer me on he was wanting another beer. He did cheer for me, took a picure of my "first" race and hugged me. That was the beginning of the many stories I will have to share on here. I do hope to hear from many of you about your story. The running community has become a huge part of me. Such a postive place to be. I may not be the first one across the finish line, and thats okay. I cross the finish line with my arms raised high and celebrate ME!!
To get to the Finish Line, you need to Start!!
Run Your Race,
Kris
No Limits Running