About Me

I am a 30 something runner, mom and certified group fitness instructor, run coach and elementary school teacher.  I am originally from New Hampshire, the "Live Free or Die" state: hence the blog name.  After graduating from college in New Hampshire, I headed to San Diego and met my wonderful husband while living there.  Right before we had our daughter, we moved to North Carolina.  Summer of 2012, we moved to Washington, DC.

I LOVE to run.  I run 5ks, 10ks, 10 milers, half marathons and full marathons.  I am hoping to BQ soon!

I had run cross-country in high school but hadn't really run seriously since.  I had been to the gym on and off for years, but never felt as fit and strong as I do now.  I got back into running after I had my precious daughter.  I received the BOB jogging stroller as a gift from my in-laws and began taking her out on walks, then I started adding in some short jogs.  Then when I got the iPhone, I downloaded a Couch to 5k app.  It was awesome and made the 5k goal very attainable.  After running some 5ks, I just went out for a run one day and didn't want to stop.  Before I knew it I had run 6 miles.  I thought to myself, I think I could do a half marathon and I signed up for one.  I now had a new goal!  I accomplished that goal in November 2011 and haven't looked back since.

We often run as a family, doing our long runs with our daughter in the stroller.  It's a nice time each week to all be outside together.  Some long runs, my husband and I get a babysitter and go out just the two of us, our "date" for the week!  Our daughter is so used to her mommy and daddy racing and running so often that she will tell us that she is "going for a run", or put her baby in her "jogging stroller" or hold a piece of paper to her belly and run around the house telling us it's her "racing number".  It sure keeps us entertained.  

I love running because I love the discipline and determination that training requires.  I love that goals are your own personal goals; you are truly competing against yourself to run that same distance faster each time.  I just love it.

I decided to write this blog because I wanted to provide motivation to anyone who is thinking of taking up running.  I want to help people realize they can do it!  It may start small, but you have to start somewhere...I started not being able to complete a 5k!  I wanted to be able to share my knowledge of what has worked for me and what hasn't.   Before I sign up for long races, I always google search what other people have said about that particular race, so I wanted to share my insights on the ones that I have done. 

Feel free to contact me by leaving a comment on the blog or emailing me at livefreeandrun at gmail dot com.

Happy Running!

12 comments:

  1. Colleen, I'm so excited to read your blog!

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    1. Any quick tips for best "whole food" fuel for the half marathon? Or do you still use the Huma Gel? We should make sure to exchange numbers and we can meet up after Smutty!

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  2. Hi - I found you through Run Like a Mother on Facebook. I just had my first baby in September and am gonna run the RLAM race as motivation to get back in shape. I've been taking my baby on walks but want to step it up. In 2011 I ran 11 5ks as my new year's resolution. I have a love/hate relationship with running so when I get into it I don't like it, but now that I'm not doing it, I miss it! I'm gonna poke around your blog to see if I can get re-inspired and get some tips! Thanks!

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  3. Thanks for stopping by MJ! Excited for your running journey!

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  4. Glad to have found your blog - I also live in the area, and am a member (maybe lapsed now!) of MCRRC!

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  5. And your daughter is adorable!!

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  6. hey! I just found your blog through runawaybridalplanner. I'm also a runner in the DC area and I'm training for the Nation's Triathlon too! I look forward to reading more of your blog.

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    1. Very cool Beth! We should plan to meet up to train sometime!

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  8. Nice post. I was looking like this. Really it is very useful and informative post. Thanks for sharing. Thanks again! Jogging Stroller

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