Samantha Palmer

I posted a blog just over a year ago recapping 2016--in my mind, 2016 was the year of heartbreak and breakthroughs.  But guess what?! 2017 was a year of heartbreak and breakthroughs as well. January and February After running 2:36 at CIM in 2016, I was motivated and ready to knock out my first track … Continue reading 2017 : A year of injury, change and breakthrough →

"OMG! You ran a huge PR!  Did you feel amazing?!" I've been asked this question a few times since my 4th place finish at the USATF Marathon Championships and my response has been the same every single time. "Every step over the last 5 miles hurt, I felt like I was running through mud and I … Continue reading Running HURTS →

It's been three days since I finished 4th at the USATF Marathon Championships which was hosted by the California International Marathon and I still have to remind myself that it wasn't a dream.  I truly believe that CIM is a magical place and it has become my "home course" the past few years for the … Continue reading The Magic of CIM →

Since my freshman year of college, I have had 4 different coaches.  Throughout my 5 years of undergrad, I had 3 different coaches--I brought some of the inconsistency on myself since I transferred schools after my sophomore year.  Following graduation, I went on a 9 month hiatus  without a coach and then I found a coach who … Continue reading Even Coaches Need a Coach →

Earlier this year I wrote a blog on my journey as a Lone Wolf and how  marathon training can be lonely at times.  Marathon training is heartbreaking, humbling and not the most flattering lifestyle but the joy and beauty it brings is unbelievable.  Despite a little hiccup in training this past month (stress reaction in my fibula), … Continue reading Lone Wolf to rabbitPRO →

Disclaimer: I am not a registered dietitian; I received my undergraduate degree in Dietetics but never completed my internship following graduation to become a registered dietitian.  When a runner is faced with an injury that will take them out of the sport for a period of time, there are always fears that immediately take over … Continue reading Nutrition & Injuries →

My alarm goes off at 6:15am and the very last thing I want to do is get out of bed and battle the cold temps for a 90 minute run on Monday morning and that 45 minute afternoon double sounds worse than going to the dentist.  Every single runner at some points gets in a mental … Continue reading Embracing the Daily Grind →

I've been telling myself for a year now that I needed to get back on the track and conquer some fears that I have developed. Throughout my 5th year of college, I became a very anxious racer on the track...I was trying to force fast times rather than enjoying the process and each of my final … Continue reading My Fear of the Track →

Dear Running, I vividly remember the day I fell in love with you.  I was 9 years old, I remember the exact baggy t-shirt I was wearing and the basketball shorts I was drowning in. I remember the happiness you brought me that day as my dad was pestering me about my form (which I … Continue reading My First True Love →

I have always been part of a team.  From tee ball through college.  A team of women training and racing together creates this unbelievable energy that permeates the group.  Crossing the finish line and celebrating with other women who share in your struggles makes the whole ride worth it.  Being part of something bigger than … Continue reading Lone Wolf →