Tuesday, April 29, 2014

The Liebster Award


Last week, amid all the excitement and chaos of the Boston marathon, I received a note from my Oiselle teammate, Lisa Holt, also a runner and blogger, letting me know that she had nominated RWM for the Liebster award.  I had no idea what it was at the time, but awards are awesome, so, naturally, I was thrilled.  I poked around and learned that this is an award given only on the internet from bloggers to other bloggers.  It is a shout out for the blogger who receives it and has a 'pay it forward' foundation, both very cool.  Okay, yes, it's like a chain letter.  But, I was always one of those kids in grade school who felt guilty throwing away the letter, so I will happily pass this one on.  Plus, this version is way more fun for the receiver and takes a lot less time to deal with...no copy machines involved here.  The word "Liebster" has German origins and has several definitions including, but not limited to, dearest, sweetest, lovely, kind, and pleasant.  Of course, I am incredibly honored that this blog is associated with any and all of these definitions.  I should mention that Lisa is a badass runner (smokin' fast), an aspiring triathlete, and, like myself, a XC and track coach, and coffee addict.  When you get a chance, head over to Lisa's blog Run, Tri, & Smile, where you can read more about her running, her racing, her goals, and her life on the whole.  Huge thanks, Lisa, for passing the Liebster torch.  I will do my best to carry it with pride and continue to spread the love.

Here’s how it works.

The nominator asks you 11 questions.

You answer.

You nominate 11 other bloggers to answer 11 questions, and the fun continues. :)

Here are my answers to Lisa’s questions: 

How did you choose your blog name?
When I started this blog, I was incredibly inspired by both running and music and was realizing that, for me, they always go hand in hand.  Music inspires me to run and running inspires me to rock.  Thus, RUNNINGWITHMUSIC.

What is your favorite thing to write about?
I love to write about my racing experiences, as so many people out there, regardless of their age, size or ability, have similar stories and can relate on some level.  I also love writing about my kids (Rosie, age 9 & Grace, age 7) for the same reason.  And, because they always crack me up.


Why did you start blogging?
I was in a bit of a rut with my running, not really sure where I wanted to go with it.  Randomly, I went (on a solo mission) to see AWOLNATION in Boston, which moved me in a way I hadn't been moved in quite some time.  The next day, I ran to the entire AWOL album and found myself newly energized and excited about running.  When I got home I wanted to talk about it and share it with whoever would listen.  And, so it began.
With C.Thorn after seeing AWOLNATION at the Paradise in Boston.  
He's no longer in the band, but he'll always be a part of the inspiration.

What kind of workout makes you feel the best after it is all over?
I feel the best when I have successfully tackled a tempo run (ie. 10 miles w/ 6 @6:45 pace).  To move at that pace, for that long is hard, but doable for me.  If I can manage it and still be smiling when it's over, than I feel like a superhero all day, which is a very cool feeling.

What has been your proudest racing memory/moment?
This past Boston marathon might be at the top of my list right now.  The race itself, and the week-end on the whole, were beyond amazing.  It was the most joy I've felt while running a marathon, from start to finish, by far.  It was also the most inspired I've been by the running community in years.  We were all one, big, happy family....the athletes, the spectators, the volunteers....everyone, and it was a total love fest.  I still get chills when I think about it.


Boston Marathon, April 21, 2014
Why did you start running/triathlons?
I ran my first 5K in 5th grade.  It was love at first run.

What is your “A” race or biggest fitness goal for 2014?
I'd love to PR (sub 3:16) in the marathon this year.  I turn 40 in February of 2015 and I'm guessing that I won't be getting any faster after that.  It's a long shot, but you never know!

Name 5 songs on your iPod?
Bitter Rivals - Sleigh Bells
Faith - I Break Horses
Dragging You Around - Greg Laswell (feat. Sia)
No Miracles - Kid Ink (feat. Elle Varner & MGK)
Giants - Bear Hands

What is your favorite race and why?
I love the half marathon.  Not too short, not too long.  As Goldilocks said, "just right".

If you could give your 16-year old self a piece of advice, what would it be?
RELAX

Are you going to pass on the torch and nominate 11 fellow bloggers?
Hell, yeah!

I nominate*:
ONCE UPON A (L)IME
MEGHAN'S WANDERINGS
PIECEOFCAKERUNNING
FUELEDBYLOLZ
TRAINING,RACING,PACING
MOMONTHEMOVE
WORKOUTTOWINEGLASS
ALIONTHERUN
FITANDFED
ITSAMARYTHON
KATIEMOVES

*note: if you already received a Liebster you do not have to do it again.  See below for details.

Listen to this:
Run And Hide - Paris Carney (feat. D-WHY)



LIEBSTER INFO
My questions to you:
How did you choose your blog name?
What is your favorite thing to write about?
Why did you start blogging?
What kind of workout makes you feel the best after it is all over?
What has been your proudest racing memory/moment?
Why did you start running/triathlons?
What is your “A” race or biggest fitness goal for 2014?
Name 5 songs on your iPod?
What is your favorite race and why?
If you could give your 16-year old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

The rules:
Thank the blogger who nominated you.
Answer the 11 questions given to you.
Nominate 11 other bloggers (generally with the same number of followers, though it can be tough to tell; ideally less than 500).
Post 11 questions for your nominees to answer.
Comment on your nominees’ blogs to let them know you nominated them.
Have fun spreading the blogging love!

4 comments:

  1. I accept your nomination Rebecca! I would also tell my 16 year old self to relax. Actually I still need to remind myself of that.

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