Welcome to the newest edition of “Runspirational Reflections”.  Just some quick thoughts. Would love to hear your thoughts. Have a great day and be runspirational!

1. I have to start off by congratulating Shalane Flanagan on her awesome NYC Marathon victory. The first American woman to win since Miki Gorman in 1977. Let that sink in. Since 1977. 40 years! I was born in 1979, so never in my lifetime had an American woman won the NYC Marathon. That just exemplifies how amazing of a feat it is that she accomplished. Her “fuck yeah” moment is one of the most runspirational things I have ever seen. I think I’ve watched it a thousand times. You can see all of her hard work, dedication, and love for running come out in those few seconds when she knows for sure she’s going to win. Congratulations again Shalane Flanagan. You have inspired so many of us to run. Way to be runspirational.
2. Loved seeing all of my runner friends that ran the NYC Marathon on Twitter and Instagram posting photos with their medals. You guys are all amazing in my book. What you accomplished is simply amazing in my eyes. Way to be runspirational.
3. That leads me to my runs for this week. Not going to lie, I have thought a lot about Shalane Flanagan, especially her “fuck yeah” moment  and it just motivated me so much while running. It seemed like every time I started feeling tired or slowed up my pace, that image would pop in my mind and I would get an extra boost of energy. I feel like it has pushed me to train harder. That is what runspirational is all about.
4. The weather has been all over the map the past two weeks in NJ. Some hot days, chilly days, rainy days, and frigid days. You go from short sleeves and shorts, to all bundled up with gloves and a hat. I always feel like I have to figure out layers at this point of year. I think I always put on too much. I forget that once my body warms and I have a good sweat going, I feel too hot and then want to disrobe while running. I haven’t worn my running pants yet though, so it hasn’t been too bad. Can someone invent running gear that allows you to adjust the temperature while you’re moving? That’s way over my pay grade so I’m asking one of you to come up with it.
5. Time to start figuring out what new running gear I should put on my Christmas list for Santa. Any great ideas? Would love to hear them.
6. I have been updating the Runspirational Instagram account on a regular basis. I’d love for you to follow me on there @berunspirational Check it out. So many Runspirational photos and stories. I love it.
7. I took one of my new pairs of Asics Gel Nimbus 18s out on their maiden run this week. Nice 5.1 miles. Plan on wearing them again for today’s run. I want to break them in a little more before wearing them on a long run. Plus, the pair of Asics Gel Nimbus 19s  I’ve been running in still have some life in them so I’ll continue to use them as my main sneakers until this pair of 18s are completely broken in.