hello from Jamaica, mon

We’ve been in Discovery Bay, Jamaica since Saturday afternoon.  Our vacation has been one moment of wonder after another.

It’s times like this that make me feel extra thankful for my commitment to running.  Running makes me strong, and helps me to be the kind of mother that I want to be.

A mother who can take her son on a sea kayak adventure, hunting for pirates and on the lookout for dolphins, paddling over the soft waves.

A mother who can go snorkeling with her daughter.  I held her hand as we both swam out to the reef and explored the underwater fantasy that lives below.  Sea cucumbers, all sorts of fish big and small, crabs and creatures crawling along the ocean floor.

A mother who can hike through a bat cave with her 25 pound baby on her back, on her hands and knees at times, so she can fit through cracks, crevices and tunnels.

This trip has been so special and we are only halfway through the week.  I’m keeping up with my training without any problem.  The house we are staying at has a gym with two treadmills.  I have never worked out in such an incredible setting.  I brought my foam roller and Tiger Tail and am being good about keeping up with my core strengthening and stretching routine.

This is the life.

view from my treadmill

8 Miles: 2 mile warm up, 4 miles TEMPO, 2 miles cool down

all i need

I don’t think it gets better than this, honestly.  To say I’m thankful would be a huge understatement.  I feel so blessed to be in this beautiful place with my family, active and peaceful all at the same time.  We still have a few more days left and I know we will fill them with memories that will last a lifetime.

This afternoon we have a massage therapist coming to the house to give each of the adults a personal massage by the sea.  Seriously … can somebody pinch me please?  I am so excited.

For the most part I’m staying disconnected from the internet while on this trip, but I’ve set my alarm to remind me to log on later today so I can sign up for MCM when registration opens at 3:00PM.  I do not want to miss out on that.  It’s a funny feeling to be signing up for my next marathon while in the midst of tapering for the biggest race of my life.  Occasionally my brain dabbles with thoughts about what my goals might be come fall, but I can’t entertain them too much.  I have to focus on the task at hand in this moment.

And right now, at this very instant, I am focusing on relaxing, staying healthy and strong, believing in myself and enjoying each and every moment of this vacation with my family.

I am blessed beyond words, and so very grateful.

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Hi, I'm Jess!

Thanks for visiting my blog! I’m a runner, a coach, and an artist whose work’s purpose is to celebrate and encourage others on the run. I started running over 20 years ago when I signed up for my first marathon, and since then it has become an integral part of me and how I live my life. Running changed me in ways I never could have imagined, and has continued to lead me down a path of personal and professional growth and self discovery. On this blog I love sharing stories about my journey, talking about the lessons I’ve learned along the way and connecting with all of you. Thank you for being here!

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