“I can and I will” is what gets me through the days.  Some days it’s a declaration.  Other days it’s a reminder.  And still, there are also those days when it’s what I repeat to myself when I’ve fallen down and need to get back up and brush off my backside (and my ego).

Jersey Strong, married 15 years, with a thirteen year old and eight year old, I’m the Queen Bee of an otherwise male dominated household. My husband has been my biggest fan for the past eleventy seven years and he knows just want to say to placate my Type A personality.

I’m always striving to hit my personal best, which doesn’t always have to do with time, but more about my outlook at life. I’m a reluctant yet perseverant runner. I was first “bit” by the running bug when I cheered Victoria on during her first marathon, in Philadelphia.

My 34^th birthday present was a treadmill and originally when I got it, I thought I’d use it occasionally to walk. I worked as a Stroller Strides instructor for many years and really enjoyed walking as a way to keep healthy.  However, once I got on the treadmill, I had a strange obsession with showing it who was boss and began my own modified version of Couch to 5k without realizing it.

After a few mishaps and mistakes along the way, I ran my first 5k, the Down and Dirty mud run in July 2012.

But I wasn’t satisfied doing this “fitness thing” alone.  I soon joined BFit Running Clinic, with my very close friend and personal coach, Brandi Dockett at the helm.  And as I got more into running, I realized that I was meeting the best type of people along the way. So yes, I came for the healthiness and I stayed for the bonds!

I also like to make up words and phrases.  Like honkshews, ickamick, and of course, Scoot a Doot. Words and books are my first loves and I can easily get lost in a different time and land and not come up for air until The End.

I can and I will!

More about Meri here in our Chick on Chick series!