I felt like there was a lot of symbolism in my experience running The Haven 8K Run for Home on Saturday, March 19. I experienced compliments and rejection, recognition and invisibility, joy and sorrow, hope and despair. Pretty intense stuff for a fun run and my first “race” of 2022.

I was fortunate to receive a ride to the race with my friend and frequent trivia teammate, Hernan. He was a few minutes early (which I love), but it put me in a panicked scramble to get myself out the door so I forgot my race bib. #RookieMistake

I realized I didn’t have my bib as soon as I got out of his car. I didn’t want to be "that person" who has to admit they messed up and then beg for a new number at the registration table, but there I was in that exact situation.

I expected this race was going to be challenging because my running pace has slowed significantly and I anticipated seeing people in the running community for the first time in 6 months. Having to start the day by asking for a new bib was not exactly what I had planned in terms of just "laying low."

Luckily, Audrey Lorenzoni Sackson was at the registration table and was more than willing to help me with a new bib. When I saw her husband, Stewart, I asked them how married life was going. I remembered the best recommendation I ever got from a couples therapist was to read How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It. I recently gave that book as a wedding present to a close friend because I found it to be so useful and insightful.
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I ran a couple miles before the race and smiled every time I saw a Ten Miler or other race shirt that I designed. It's the little things that lift my spirits and I felt pure joy when I saw the designs I created being worn by my fellow runners. I greatly appreciate this continued connection with our local running community.

My identical twin sister, Malinda Ann, came with us to cheer the runners (and entertain the spectators) as an inflatable T-Rex. I was excited to snap a few photos of her proudly displaying her sign, "You'll be Dino-SORE tomorrow!!" and her "TWINS RUN in our family" tote bag. 

I started the race off slowly and tried not to pressure myself or worry about my performance. Lately, I’ve been running 12-14 minute miles so my only goal was to run faster than that. It felt good to see familiar faces along the course, to hear personal shout outs (“Go Leah!”) and to receive compliments on my sparkly running skirt (a version of the asexual flag in honor of my daughter).  My playlist (RUN FOR HOME PLAYLIST) kept me going and I even passed 5 or so people in the second half of the race which is always great for a boost of confidence. As I approached the finish line, I saw my twin cheering and it made me smile.

Mark Lorenzoni called my name as I crossed the finish line and I kept running because it has been very difficult since he walked away from me. I miss his presence in my life and I am sad I had to end my volunteer work with the Charlottesville Track Club. Even though the transition has not been easy, I am grateful for the opportunities I had to help him with the Charlottesville Track Club for more than 13 years and Ragged Mountain Running Shop for over 6 years. While I know it can be uncomfortable, difficult or painful when friendships, partnerships or collaborations end, I understand and accept that some relationships cannot continue for reasons beyond my control. 

I was lucky to see my friend, Marti, after the race and I got a great photo of her standing beside my twin, the T-Rex. I’ve always appreciated Marti's warmth, compassion, and willingness to lend a hand, especially with the Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon. I thanked her for all she’s done and for being the light when I’ve seen a lot of darkness. I gave her a huge hug and went to get a mocha with extra chocolate and whipped cream at Mudhouse.

After the race, I checked the results and saw that I wasn’t listed. At first, I thought it was a blessing in disguise because my time was so much slower than my performance two years ago, the last time the race was in-person. However, I did use the online form to report the issue because I am not ashamed of my time. I’m actually proud of myself for still getting out there when I know I’m not in my best shape and nowhere near my PRs from 2012. Although I’m no longer competitive, I’m still showing up because running has been and continues to be such an important part of my life. I can find happiness and connection in being a part of the communal race experience even when I know I won’t take home an award. I always want to appreciate the joy of running and to support important causes in my community.

The Ten Miler is next week. It’ll most certainly be my slowest time ever on the course and I’m looking forward to enjoying every minute I have on the streets of Charlottesville with other runners and community members.

Michael, Leah's Irish brother-in-law, died from relapsed childhood leukemia on St. Patrick’s Day 2003. 

Ten years ago today, Leah and Malinda Ann joined Team Lemon so we could run our first Bank of America Chicago Marathon together in his memory to support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. 

Over the years, we’ve continued to run together (Boston Marathon, runDisney, Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, Charlottesville Women's Four Miler) and solo (Twins Run 50K, Philadelphia Marathon, Blue Cross Broad Street Run, Charlottesville Track Club, Charlottesville Speedsters, Charlottesville Ten Miler, Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon, The San Francisco Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon) to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. 

As of today, we’ve raised over $7,000 in memory of Michael and our Irish grandmother, Aileen, affectionately known as GG. 

We’re extremely grateful for your ongoing support and generous donations over the years. 

Thank you. ☘️

https://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1121983
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Over the past two years, it has been difficult for me to share my experience when I feel unwell and hopeless. I continue to share my experience to raise awareness and encourage compassion for those suffering with mental illness.

On March 23, 2020, I entered treatment for an eating disorder, depression, anxiety and PTSD exacerbated by the pandemic and the stalking I experienced for over 11 years.

On June 30, 2020, I left treatment too soon because I couldn’t afford to continue.

On March 15, 2021, I re-entered treatment for an eating disorder, depression, anxiety and PTSD exacerbated by another stalking incident.

On October 1, 2021, I lost my job of nearly 20 years because the organization could no longer hold my position while I was on medical leave.

On March 15, 2022, I remain heartbroken that I can't return to the position that was meaningful to me.

While this has been a challenging year of treatment and transitions, I am grateful for the support I've received and continue to receive from family, friends, and people who care.

Thank you to Ani DiFranco for "Revolutionary Love" - a song I listen to whenever I need inspiration to continue on my road of recovery.

Revolutionary Love
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I will tend my anger
I will tend my grief
I will achieve safety
I will find relief
I'll show myself mercy
I'll show myself respect
Yes, and I'll decide when I'm ready
To forgive but not forget

And I will ask you, I'll ask you questions
And I will try, try to understand
And if you give me your story
I will hold it in my hands

Yeah, I will bring the love (the love, the love)
The revolutionary love (the love, the love)
I will bring the love (the love, the love)
The revolutionary love (the love, the love)
I will bring the love (the love, the love)
The revolutionary love (the love, the love)
The revolutionary love

(Revolution)
(Revolution)
(Revolution)

And even if you hurt me
I will not shut down
No, you can't make me hate you
And carry that hate around
Yeah, I will see no stranger
Only parts of myself I don't yet know
Yes, and I'll see right through evil
To a wound, too scared to show

Yeah, I have the power to stay open
Oh, I have the power to be
The one that I've been waiting for
The one who sets me free

Yeah, I can bring the love (the love, the love)
The revolutionary love (the love, the love)
I can bring the love (the love, the love)
The revolutionary love (the love, the love)
I can bring the love (the love, the love)
The revolutionary love (the love, the love)
The revolutionary love

(Revolution)
(Revolution)
(Revolution)

Oh, well I will tend my anger
Yes, I will tend my grief
I will achieve safety
Yeah, I will find relief
Yeah, I'll show myself mercy
I will show myself respect
Yes, and I'll decide when I'm ready
To forgive but not forget

And I'll ask you, ask you questions
And I will try, try to understand
And if you give me your story
I will hold it in my hands

And I will bring the love (the love, the love)
The revolutionary love (the love, the love)
I will bring the love (the love, the love)
The revolutionary love (the love, the love)
Yes, I will bring the love (the love, the love)
The revolutionary love (the love, the love)
The revolutionary love

Yes, I could bring the love (the love, the love)
The revolutionary love (the love, the love)
I will bring the love (the love, the love)
The revolutionary love (the love, the love)
I can bring the love (the love, the love)
The revolutionary love (the love, the love)
The revolutionary love

Since 2008, Leah has donated her time and talents to create logos and digital marketing plans for dozens of races and events for the Charlottesville Track Club. The Charlottesville Ten Miler on Saturday, March 26, 2022 will mark the final Charlottesville Track Club race that Leah Connor will be volunteering and running! Please share a favorite running memory (or a photo with flat TWINS RUN) to help us thank Leah for all that she’s done for the Charlottesville community. 

RSVP for the virtual celebration on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Want some Ten Miler swag with one of Leah's logos? Visit c10m.myspreadshop.com.

We are in the process of migrating content from our other websites:

• twinsruninourfamily.com
• ourdoubtsaretraitors.com/blog 
• agoodgroup.com/blog