Florida Keys Runners 5/16/26

I wanted to send a message to all the runners on the keys today. YOU ARE FUCKING AWESOME! I don’t care if you ran the entire time, wogged, walked, dragged your behind over the finish line, or had someone pick you up because you felt like you were going to die. You got out there, and you KICKED ASS!

I used to be a marathon runner. I miss it terribly. When I saw you all today, I was moved to tears (yeah, I am in menopause, shut up). I was the person driving by, sticking my head out the window while driving (don’t worry Sheriff, I had my cruise control and auto steering on), screaming for you guys as I passed, trying to encourage you. **Sorry to the guy I scared on the 7-mile bridge who nearly jumped out of his skin and off the bridge**. Running is not easy, running is not fun, running helps you run off the crazy. I wish I could still run.

Years ago, right after ran the Boston marathon I was in the best shape of my life. I was running between 8 and 22 miles a day, was like 10% body fat, ate clean…all the things. I came down (from NY, no, not Long Island) to visit my best friend who had just moved to the Tampa Bay area. She and her husband invited me to go run a 5k with their running club. I was so down to do this. An easy morning, a short run. Until we had to start at 5am. Um….why so early? I asked. They laughed. It was July. By 7am I wanted to curl up on the side of the road and let the Florida summer take me to my death. I couldn’t breathe. I was sticky. I could barely move. I give y’all props for running in this dang heat, in full sun.

All I can say is MUCH LOVE to all of you. You should be so proud of yourselves!! When I was driving back home to Marathon from Stock Island around 4pm there were still so many runners out there. I can’t even imagine doing it with you. I was there in spirit and trying to encourage from the sidelines as much as I could. If you see me out with my merch on, PLEASE let me know you were running and show me your pics from the road so I can buy you a beer! You deserve it!

XOXO

Loren