This year so far I have signed up for 1 half marathon - on April 10th and am failing miserably to prepare for it. This is my first time attempting to run in cold weather and frankly, while it's nice than humidity - the several feet of snow we've gotten in the past month hasn't helped! WAY back in January I hit my season high og 5 miles...this past Saturday should have been a 10 miler. My goal is to get back in gear this week - no more excuses for not running - even in 30 degree temps!
One of my coaches shared with me that spring runs are naturally faster than summer runs due to the temps. So I have high hopes for my time in April. I'd at least like to look and feel prepared by then, so it's back to running for real this week!
Other races I'm considering -
Frederick Douglass 10 Miler in May
Philly Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon in September (I was too sick to run this last year and it is a beautiful course...I have to do this one to prove to myself I can do it!)
2.21.2010
9.02.2009
almost there...
Tonight I printed my final instructions for Sunday and my race confirmation. I am runner # 22213 in case anyone is interested in tracking my progress. :o) Hotel is booked, directions are printed, car cleaned out, laundry done, Tuesday's lesson plans written (so I don't have to think about school while away) etc.
Still to go:
HYDRATE and Eat well
Pack - although i guess first I need to list what I need!
Do some more dishes and pick up around the house so I can return to a clean place!
Teach 2 more days w/ back to school night
find my watch! I can't run w/o that thing and I can't find it!!!
Then Friday...It's packing the car and picking up my traveling buddy and we're on our way to VA Beach!!!
:o)
PS - My right knee is bugging me today...what's up with that?? Hoping that goes away!
Still to go:
HYDRATE and Eat well
Pack - although i guess first I need to list what I need!
Do some more dishes and pick up around the house so I can return to a clean place!
Teach 2 more days w/ back to school night
find my watch! I can't run w/o that thing and I can't find it!!!
Then Friday...It's packing the car and picking up my traveling buddy and we're on our way to VA Beach!!!
:o)
PS - My right knee is bugging me today...what's up with that?? Hoping that goes away!
8.29.2009
blessed
I received an email today from Coach Lea Ann telling me that my fundraising is DONE! Someone annonymously donated $101.14 - which gives me the exact amount needed to run next Sunday. So, in an effort to thank someone who wishes to remain annonymous - THANK YOU! It's such a relief to know I do not have to write that check out myself! Now...7 days and just a few hours away from race start! :o)
8.23.2009
14 miler
Yesterday was the BIG run, our 14 miler with celebration! Last year I missed it because I was in NH for my family reunion so I was thrilled to be around this year. We run more than the half marathon to prove we can do it - in mind, body, and soul! The weather definitely threatened to end the hopes of a good Saturday morning run but in the end the half marathon crew rain completely rain free, although the poor full marathoners, who ran 20 miles, started their run an hour early in DOWNPOURS!
I started my run with Tracey and Shannon, taking it nice and easy and running at a good training pace but as we reached the 6 miles mark they needed to slow down due to some aches and pains so I attempted to catch the next group ahead of us - Brett and Ann - who were BOOKING IT! My first mile with them was easily 2 minutes/mile faster than what I had been running. I slowed them down a bit, to which I think Ann was somewhat greatful! Overall I was pleased that I wasn't in much pain until my hip started in around mile 11. Mentally I was done, but I knew I couldn't stop running especially since I had friends waiting for me at the finish line! Everyone's families are invited to the 14 mile celebration/picnic and since I didn't have family locally I asked a few of my closest friends if they would be willing to be there. As we got closer to the park, I looked for them and that truly gave me the motivation to keep running and finish strong, despite the pain in my left hip. It was so awesome to have them there, along with Coach Amy, some old students and parents etc. I was also SO excited to see soda in the cooler when i finished. For some reason the last mile or two all I was craving was a real Coke and it was there for me when i was done! :o)
Some pretty cool accomplishments - My 14 mile training pace time to finish was 3:09 - I finished in 2:57! Last year I finished the 1/2 marathon in 3:09 - this year my half marathon time along the trail was 2:42!!! That's 27 minutes faster! My goal for race day was to finish in 2:45 - now I know I can do it so I'm just hoping all goes well in VA Beach and I can come in around the same time. I was pretty sore after the run - mainly my hips but after some stretching I felt pretty good. Even waking up today - no blisters, no knee pain, no hip pain! WooHoo!!!
Now all I need to do is eat well, keep up my maintenence runs, hydrate and get ready for VA Beach in 2 weeks - this time exactly 2 weeks from today I will be 2/3rds done with my first half marathon of the season!
I'll leave you with some pictures of the 14 mile training run - post party!
I started my run with Tracey and Shannon, taking it nice and easy and running at a good training pace but as we reached the 6 miles mark they needed to slow down due to some aches and pains so I attempted to catch the next group ahead of us - Brett and Ann - who were BOOKING IT! My first mile with them was easily 2 minutes/mile faster than what I had been running. I slowed them down a bit, to which I think Ann was somewhat greatful! Overall I was pleased that I wasn't in much pain until my hip started in around mile 11. Mentally I was done, but I knew I couldn't stop running especially since I had friends waiting for me at the finish line! Everyone's families are invited to the 14 mile celebration/picnic and since I didn't have family locally I asked a few of my closest friends if they would be willing to be there. As we got closer to the park, I looked for them and that truly gave me the motivation to keep running and finish strong, despite the pain in my left hip. It was so awesome to have them there, along with Coach Amy, some old students and parents etc. I was also SO excited to see soda in the cooler when i finished. For some reason the last mile or two all I was craving was a real Coke and it was there for me when i was done! :o)
Some pretty cool accomplishments - My 14 mile training pace time to finish was 3:09 - I finished in 2:57! Last year I finished the 1/2 marathon in 3:09 - this year my half marathon time along the trail was 2:42!!! That's 27 minutes faster! My goal for race day was to finish in 2:45 - now I know I can do it so I'm just hoping all goes well in VA Beach and I can come in around the same time. I was pretty sore after the run - mainly my hips but after some stretching I felt pretty good. Even waking up today - no blisters, no knee pain, no hip pain! WooHoo!!!
Now all I need to do is eat well, keep up my maintenence runs, hydrate and get ready for VA Beach in 2 weeks - this time exactly 2 weeks from today I will be 2/3rds done with my first half marathon of the season!
I'll leave you with some pictures of the 14 mile training run - post party!
8.09.2009
routines = positive outcomes
So I felt bad to have not blogged at all as promised throughout my training process. In order to entertain my readers I thought I'd make my 12 mile run fairly dramatic for you...so I almost past out. Just to give you something to read about...how nice of me right?
OK...so the drama was unplanned and unwelcome but did happen just the same. This morning was PERFECT for a 12 mile run - decent temperature, low humidity and good cloud cover with a slight breeze - can I order that for labor day weekend in VA Beach please? The 12 miler was great - I felt good, other than my one hip which was a pain in the @#$%* but I finished feeling good - mentally and physically!
My title for the post is what I learned today - keeping to routines equals positive outcomes...deviating from them are not quite as good of an idea.
My routines -
RUN and follow coaches directions for walk breaks/speed etc. -check!
Eat fruit punch sports beans every 45mins or so to refuel along the course - kinda check! (first mistake seen in hindsight - I ate my beans at 45 mins and 1hr 40 mins...I should have eaten them again at 2:25 but I knew how close I was to being finished at that point so I decided to save my dollar bag o beans and skip the food.)
Return from run and eat some goodies at the park - check! (I had an awesome blueberry muffin from Cafe scossa and some meat and cheese.)
Wait for other runners to finish and head to the bagel bakery for an ET bagel with egg, bacon and cheese - OJ and large coffee. (THIS IS WHERE IT ALL WENT WRONG!)
Since my full marathon bagel bakery buddies had to run an extra 6 miles more than me today and because a friend from PA was coming to visit so I'd be short on time to eat at the bagel bakery - I opted to go home and shower, head back to the park and wait for my girls then eat breakfast. This planned worked out fairly well until after 20 mins or so after arriving back at the park showered and feeling refreshed I began to feel light headed and nauseas. If you know ANYTHING about me, you know NOTHING is worse to me than feeling like I'm going to puke. I tried breathing through it and then told Lea Ann I was feeling weird. She tried to get me to sit but I refused. Then I felt like I was going to be sick so I tried heading for the car - I wanted to save face and not puke in front of people. I took about two steps before she arrived with water and made me sit only seconds before my legs gave out anyway. I felt like I was in a tunnel and everyone's voices got fuzzy. Amy ran over with wet paper towels and ice - we went over who they could call to come get me and what I ate since I stopped running - roughly 90 mins ago. They decided it was low blood sugar. I shared that I had not gone to the bagel bakery right after as I have been doing now after every run each season and it all clicked. After some orange slices and grapes - and sitting with ice on my face and neck I felt MUCH better - and needless to say took myself to the bagel bakery. I didn't even make it out of the parking lot before my oj was open and half gone!
I arrived back home to my friend sitting in front of my house waiting for me...oops on timing! I was SO thankful for Amy and Lea Ann this AM - for figuring out what was wrong with me as well as helping me through it. I am SO thankful that didn't happen at home or while I was in the shower - or driving for that matter. That's the one thing that really hit home today about living alone - no one would know if I wasn't ok! Scary.
Other than a decent headache and normal stiffness/soreness in my knees and hips I am feeling just fine.
What lesson did I learn - DON'T skip the sports beans at the end of a run just to save $1 and stick to your routine - I wanted so bad to wait for my girls to eat but waiting 2 hours was NOT what my body needed - and it clearly showed me that today.
OK...so the drama was unplanned and unwelcome but did happen just the same. This morning was PERFECT for a 12 mile run - decent temperature, low humidity and good cloud cover with a slight breeze - can I order that for labor day weekend in VA Beach please? The 12 miler was great - I felt good, other than my one hip which was a pain in the @#$%* but I finished feeling good - mentally and physically!
My title for the post is what I learned today - keeping to routines equals positive outcomes...deviating from them are not quite as good of an idea.
My routines -
RUN and follow coaches directions for walk breaks/speed etc. -check!
Eat fruit punch sports beans every 45mins or so to refuel along the course - kinda check! (first mistake seen in hindsight - I ate my beans at 45 mins and 1hr 40 mins...I should have eaten them again at 2:25 but I knew how close I was to being finished at that point so I decided to save my dollar bag o beans and skip the food.)
Return from run and eat some goodies at the park - check! (I had an awesome blueberry muffin from Cafe scossa and some meat and cheese.)
Wait for other runners to finish and head to the bagel bakery for an ET bagel with egg, bacon and cheese - OJ and large coffee. (THIS IS WHERE IT ALL WENT WRONG!)
Since my full marathon bagel bakery buddies had to run an extra 6 miles more than me today and because a friend from PA was coming to visit so I'd be short on time to eat at the bagel bakery - I opted to go home and shower, head back to the park and wait for my girls then eat breakfast. This planned worked out fairly well until after 20 mins or so after arriving back at the park showered and feeling refreshed I began to feel light headed and nauseas. If you know ANYTHING about me, you know NOTHING is worse to me than feeling like I'm going to puke. I tried breathing through it and then told Lea Ann I was feeling weird. She tried to get me to sit but I refused. Then I felt like I was going to be sick so I tried heading for the car - I wanted to save face and not puke in front of people. I took about two steps before she arrived with water and made me sit only seconds before my legs gave out anyway. I felt like I was in a tunnel and everyone's voices got fuzzy. Amy ran over with wet paper towels and ice - we went over who they could call to come get me and what I ate since I stopped running - roughly 90 mins ago. They decided it was low blood sugar. I shared that I had not gone to the bagel bakery right after as I have been doing now after every run each season and it all clicked. After some orange slices and grapes - and sitting with ice on my face and neck I felt MUCH better - and needless to say took myself to the bagel bakery. I didn't even make it out of the parking lot before my oj was open and half gone!
I arrived back home to my friend sitting in front of my house waiting for me...oops on timing! I was SO thankful for Amy and Lea Ann this AM - for figuring out what was wrong with me as well as helping me through it. I am SO thankful that didn't happen at home or while I was in the shower - or driving for that matter. That's the one thing that really hit home today about living alone - no one would know if I wasn't ok! Scary.
Other than a decent headache and normal stiffness/soreness in my knees and hips I am feeling just fine.
What lesson did I learn - DON'T skip the sports beans at the end of a run just to save $1 and stick to your routine - I wanted so bad to wait for my girls to eat but waiting 2 hours was NOT what my body needed - and it clearly showed me that today.
8.04.2009
Slacker
It's been almost 3 months since my last post. Apparently I'm a slacker blogger and somewhat of a slacker runner this year. Last year I followed the rules line by line because it was the unknown, however now that I know I can run a half marathon I've somehow relaxed a bit. I haven't been super at getting in my maintenence runs (ok so I've only done a handful of them all season) and I've even missed some saturday runs. My first half marathon of the season is only one month away and there are no more travel plans for the summer so I have no reason to miss anymore runs.
On a fundraising note - I have some of the best family and friends ever - I've already raised about $650 and only have $100 left to reach my goal! In these tough economic times it amazes me that people are still willing to donate. I've also been a slacker on thank you notes - I promise they are coming!!
I recently bought new running sneakers so I'm in the process of breaking them in on my short runs (which I'm now forcing myself to do) so that they'll be ready for the 14 miler in 2 1/2 weeks. This saturday is the 2nd 12 miler - desperately hoping the humidity is lower by Saturday!!
The schedule for the rest of the running season:
This Satuday - 12 miles
8/15 - 7 miler (I think)
8/22 - the BIG RUN - 14 miles (I missed this run and celebration last year for my Adams family reunion - I am SO looking forward to it this year)
8/29 - 6 or 7 miler
9/4 - I leave for Virginia Beach, VA to spend Labor Day weekend getting ready to RUN!
9/6 - VA Beach Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon - My personal goal is finishing in 2:45 (last year's time was 3:09)
9/13 - 6 mile run on my own
9/20 - Philly Distance Run - my 2nd half of the year! I can't wait to do this on my own - I'm excited to run something different but am slightly intimidated that there will be hills - especially since I run in FLAT Easton!
After my 2nd half I plan on being lazy for a bit them getting back into a serious routine at the Y - lifting and doing cardio that does not involve running for a while!
I am SO SO SO thankful for NO injuries and relatively little pain after long runs. I love being able to encourage our newer runners. It's so nice knowing that I can do this!!
On a fundraising note - I have some of the best family and friends ever - I've already raised about $650 and only have $100 left to reach my goal! In these tough economic times it amazes me that people are still willing to donate. I've also been a slacker on thank you notes - I promise they are coming!!
I recently bought new running sneakers so I'm in the process of breaking them in on my short runs (which I'm now forcing myself to do) so that they'll be ready for the 14 miler in 2 1/2 weeks. This saturday is the 2nd 12 miler - desperately hoping the humidity is lower by Saturday!!
The schedule for the rest of the running season:
This Satuday - 12 miles
8/15 - 7 miler (I think)
8/22 - the BIG RUN - 14 miles (I missed this run and celebration last year for my Adams family reunion - I am SO looking forward to it this year)
8/29 - 6 or 7 miler
9/4 - I leave for Virginia Beach, VA to spend Labor Day weekend getting ready to RUN!
9/6 - VA Beach Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon - My personal goal is finishing in 2:45 (last year's time was 3:09)
9/13 - 6 mile run on my own
9/20 - Philly Distance Run - my 2nd half of the year! I can't wait to do this on my own - I'm excited to run something different but am slightly intimidated that there will be hills - especially since I run in FLAT Easton!
After my 2nd half I plan on being lazy for a bit them getting back into a serious routine at the Y - lifting and doing cardio that does not involve running for a while!
I am SO SO SO thankful for NO injuries and relatively little pain after long runs. I love being able to encourage our newer runners. It's so nice knowing that I can do this!!
5.22.2009
better get in gear
So tomorrow is the 5 mile run. I am SO far from prepared. I didn't do any of my maintenence runs this week and honestly barely worked out at all. The week was crazy and I was so worn out and tired that my free time was taken up by sleeping. I'm just thrilled that I have done 5 miles many times before, so while tomorrow won't be the easiest run ever I know it'll be just fine.
5.16.2009
Timed Run
Today I did a "make up" 3 mile timed run since I missed last week. I ran the entire 3 miles, only walking for 30 seconds - 3 times - in about 35 minutes. I felt great at the end and had even better news when I was placed in Marian and Indra's pace group That was where I was hoping to end up. So...that means I'm training at a 13 minute mile (that was where I started last year before I dropped back to a 13:30) and running a 4:1 run walk ratio (which is 1 minute longer run ratio than last year). If I run the 1/2 marathon at that pace I'll come in around 2 hours 49 mins. I'm hoping to be able to finish quicker than that - under 2:40 is my goal. That should not be too far off of a goal based on where I'll be training. I have to say that I am SO excited to be starting this again. I don't feel quite as prepared as I was last year regarding gear etc but running wise I feel great. This week I need to get some new socks and sports beans. I have to dig out my water belt and make my meat sauce for Friday night dinners. It'll be tough to get back in the boring friday night routine - no going out late or eating out - pasta w/ home made meat sauce and early bed time will make for good Saturday runs. Feeling great so far...can't wait to see some fundraising money come in and have my fundraising Cookie Lee party in 2 weeks. :o)
5.12.2009
one step at a time...
Am I really doing this? Am I really going to train for 2 1/2 marathons? Am I really going to do 2 maintenence runs during the week, forgo eating out on Friday nights, go to bed early, forgo sleeping in on Saturday mornings to run? Yep! I did my first maintenence run today and it left me wondering why it was so hard. The last few runs I've done- I've done continuous without a walk/run ratio. This time I ran a 4:1 but I may have sped up my run quite a bit. My body felt great but boy was I winded...ugh! It could have also been because I already weight lifted at 5 this morning and ran after a 45 min. pilates class. I also was not truly hydrated and I hadn't eaten anything in a while. So...here's to hoping my next run is a bit easier (these are suppose to be the easy ones!).
Overall I'm super excited to be running again - and starting training 30 pounds lighter than last year - that's got to help my training and race time for sure!
Overall I'm super excited to be running again - and starting training 30 pounds lighter than last year - that's got to help my training and race time for sure!
4.18.2009
Loving this weather
So I agreed to go running this morning but that was before I realized just how sore I was from my workouts on Friday. I did eventually roll out of bed and met M & I at the park at 7. We ran 5 1/4 miles and enjoyed the company, conversation & weather. After getting a large skim, sugar free almond latte, we strolled back to the park and off the the Y I went. :o) Great start to a Saturday morning. I am SO looking forward to training starting up again - good Saturday morning runs followed by the bagel bakery. :o)
4.10.2009
feelin good...
The YMCA is closed today due to it being Good Friday so I couldn't depend on the Y for my workout. Since it was suppose to rain all day, when I woke up and saw the sun peeking through the clouds I decided this was the time to get up and run...kind of a now or never feeling. I wanted to run/walk a total of 5 miles and once I got started I decided I would change to running 4 miles continuous and walk the rest. I ended up challenging myself and ran 5 miles in 59 minutes - which included a 5 min walk to warm up and five 1 minute walk breaks...so the run time was pretty good, especially for me! I walked the last 1.15 mile loop. It was beautiful and I feel great.
4.07.2009
I did what?
I guess you really are a runner when you adjust your hairstyle because running season is approaching. I had to give up my cute shorter cut and grow it out a bit because I need my hair to go up in a pony tail to run. There was no chance of giving up the cute highlights but the cut is just so so...until late September at least!
3.31.2009
Let the running begin
I skipped out on Pilates today and decided instead to go running. I set out to run a 3:1, my old ratio that I trained with last summer. I wanted to run three miles to just see what time I could do it in. After a few minutes I decided I would just try to run as much of the three miles as I could instead of doing a run walk ratio. 36 minutes and a few seconds later I stopped running. I did three miles without stopping which for me is a huge feat. Only once did I ever run 2 miles without stopping and today, after not running for months I did 3 miles without stopping and averaging slightly over a 12 minute mile which is a minute and a half faster than what I trained for the 1/2 marathon at. My goal is to do my 3 mile "trail" and finish with my 2 mile corbin loop to make 5 miles. If I can do 5 mile maintenence runs without stopping throughout the week I will be thrilled. It is amazing what running minus 20 pounds will do! Thinking ahead to my two 1/2 marathons in September - I should be running with at least another 20 pounds off my body. I cannot wait to see what I will be able to accomplish without all the added weight.
Today just showed me that I am indeed a runner and got my excited to start running again...bring it on!
Today just showed me that I am indeed a runner and got my excited to start running again...bring it on!
3.14.2009
It's been a long year baby...
A year ago I decided to run my fat butt across a 1/2 marathon finish line in Virginia Beach and run across it I did. This March my fat butt is a bit smaller - and is again making the decision to run across that 1/2 marathon finish line in Virginia Beach (and Philly 2 weeks later). I cannot wait to begin running more and training because I am in such better shape than this time last year. An exciting part of this process will be competing in the Reclaim program at the YMCA(formerly known as Biggest Loser). I am 1 week in and loving the strength training built especially for me - keeping in mind that I wanted a program to help make me a better runner! Over the next 11 weeks I am hoping to see a mind and body transformation and then be running my not fat butt across 2 1/2 marathon finish lines in September.
And a side note for those that know me really well... During the Reclaim program we have these optional group challenges - Kayaking, Rock Climbing & a Run, Hike, Crawl. What did I sign up for.... you guess wrong I'm sure - ROCK CLIMBING! The guy sold the rock climbing experience so well (and after reading about Heather's love of rock climbing) I've decided to give it a try. Never would I have found myself in a rock climbing gym without a program like this, so I shall attempt it in May. Let's just hope I drop a bunch mroe weight before I try to hoist my body up on a wall in front of other people. Yikes!
And a side note for those that know me really well... During the Reclaim program we have these optional group challenges - Kayaking, Rock Climbing & a Run, Hike, Crawl. What did I sign up for.... you guess wrong I'm sure - ROCK CLIMBING! The guy sold the rock climbing experience so well (and after reading about Heather's love of rock climbing) I've decided to give it a try. Never would I have found myself in a rock climbing gym without a program like this, so I shall attempt it in May. Let's just hope I drop a bunch mroe weight before I try to hoist my body up on a wall in front of other people. Yikes!
10.28.2008
10K
I did it and in good time too - 1:16 - 12 minutes less than my 1/2 marathon 10K split. :) Since I had only run about 4 times from half marathon day until race day I considered that time awesome! I was not so excited about the 3:15 am alarm clock time on Sunday morning but the 4 1/2 hours of sleep did me well. Nicole and I woke up - showered - made coffee - packed bagels and left to meet the crew at TBC. We left Easton around 4:15 and headed to Crystal City- from there we took a Marine Corps Marathon shuttle to the starting line. After meeting with the full marathoners and sending them off Jenn, Julie, Nicole, Tracy, Taylor and I headed to our starting line. I was not excited to run and assumed I'd give up and just walk it - no such luck. After I started running and felt good I decided I'd run to try to beat my time from the 1/2 marathon 10K split. I ran about 4 miles of the marathon course during the 10K - thoroughly enjoyed the Marine eye candy along the route. The hill at the end was a killer - it was killer whether you've trained on hills or not but when you are from the FLAT eastern shore any incline is tough. I ran almost the whole final hill (walked a bit of it because my calves were cramping) and sprinted to the finish line where I quickly caught up with Tracy and Nicole who had only finished 58 seconds before me! Got medaled by a good lookin Marine - got pictures taken and headed off to find a bathroom and food. Great Times! We walked around the finish festival and headed back to the charity village to our tent to wait for our first marathoner to return - which never happened. After a while we walked down to the finish line and headed to mile marker 24.5 to cheer on the ROCKS runners. Got to see almost all the marathoners pass by and we ran to the finish line with Marian and Lea Ann. It was so great to be a supporter and see the amazing marathoner runners. I have NO desire to run 26.2 miles but am in true amazement of those that do. It was also way cool to walk and run on 395 around DC - sit and cheer people on running past the Pentagon and Arlington Cemetary. How Cool?!?! FUN FUN! So...no more races in the near future although I need to keep running when the weather permits - 2009 is the year for the VA Beach 1/2 followed by the Philly 1/2!
9.13.2008
slacker
So I have not run since August 31st (race day). Many friends have been keeping up with their running and yet I have been a slacker. I have to get back in the game this week if I am going to reach my goal of running the 10K without a run/walk ratio in October. 6 miles feels like nothing in comparison to what I've trained for but without keeping up with running 6 miles will kick my hiney.
9.07.2008
my "sprint"
Apparently Taylor and I were doing under a 10 minute mile during the last 5 blocks of the race. LeaAnn told me that yesterday at the bagel bakery (she was tracking on her gps). So...my spint is around a 10 minute mile. haha
9.05.2008
the rest of the story...
The alarm went off at 4:30 to which I promptly hit the snooze button (if you can call it that on a cell phone). I laid there attempting to wake up, deciding if I was excited or nervous - whether I would be spending the morning in the bathroom and not able to eat or whether I was ready to run. Turns out I was ready to run. I had worried about being sick the morning of the race. When I get nervous - even if my mind is unaware of being nervous - by body sends me to the bathroom. Typically this happens on the first day of school etc. It even happened to me on almost all of our longer runs this summer. However on race morning - my body was ready and I became the encourager in the room. Surprisingly enough Nicole was nervous and I was the peptalker! My only goal was to be mentally ready and be able to go to the bathroom (*wink wink*) before the race began. I did NOT want to have to stop along the way.
Around 5:25 several of us runners met in the hallway and went downstairs to gather together before walking to the shuttle. As we got on the shuttle we saw our coaches and other runners on their way too. A few minutes later we arrived at the convention center and waited to meet the rest of our group. There was a steady crowd of people heading to the starting line. That was one aspect that just amazed me. They just kept coming and coming and coming. I arrived at the convention center around 5:45 and I don't think the steady stream of runners started to filter down until after 6:45. As people arrived we shared excited and nervous hugs, took prerace pictures and finally got last minute encouragement and instructions from our coaches. The whole time I'm trying not to tear up. It was such an emotional moment. Having spent the last 4 months working towards this seemingly unattainable goal and realizing that the day I've(we've) been working for is finally here. It was go time...after a group picture and a LONG porta potty line in which I got my morning wish and a 42 minute wait from the first wave start to my wave start. We all moved to the starting line like a herd of cattle. By the time I got to the line I already had to pee...I truly ignored this feeling for as long as I could. We started off around 7:42 and by 7:45 Taylor and I were walking. We made our coaches proud and followed the rules to stick to our run/walk ratio from mile 1. Fortunately many others were doing the same. I took it easy and Taylor and I watched our mile time to try to stay as consistent as possible to what we've been training at. My concern was that my last long run that I completed was the 10 miler. I knew I had 3 miles more than that to complete that morning and I did not want to push myself early and not be able to finish strong. Slow and Steady finishes the race (they may not win but they WILL cross the finish line).
Mile 1 & 2 - Felt great - took it easy and cheered on the elite runners who were rounding mile 11. Hit the first few bands - great music - loud fans albeit no one I knew. I did see an awesome sign - One said "better you than me" the other next to it read "you run and I'll drink" as she held her travel coffee mug to her mouth. I couldn't get over how many people we were running around and was waiting for the mile when this would begin to clear up (that mile never came).
Mile 3 - Finished a 5K feeling awesome. This was where we found Amy W. our "fill in" coach for part of the race. She informed me that Nicole and Tracey were up ahead but waiting in a bathroom line. It was crazy crowded and we waved as we passed Nicole and Tracey in line - apparently LOTS of runners had to go at mile 3. This was the only bathroom spot that had a line longer than 1 or 2 people. Eventually they caught up and we snapped a few pictures while running. It was at this point that everyone else from our group - minus the walkers and one other running group- passed us. These were all groups that had per mile times longer than ours. Taylor and I decided to stick to what was working - stay at or slightly over our normal pace to make sure we made to it to the finish line. She probably could have gone faster being she is only 17 but I appreciated her willingness to stick with me for the long haul.
Miles 4-7 Bands continued to be pretty good. Body still feeling great. It was during these miles I had to keep commenting, quietly of course, how prepared we were. By this point people that started off running were now run/walking or just walking. We passed people who were huffing and puffing, people who were sprinting for 30 seconds only to walk for the next 5 mins, people wearing NEW sneakers, people without water belts - people who did not have awesome coaches who prepared them to face what this day would throw at us. It was also somewhere between mile 7 and 8 that I made my poor running buddy wait for me to go to the bathroom. It wasn't an emergency but I knew I had to go and assumed it would easier at this point to go rather than waiting until I was uncomfortable or wouldn't want to get back up from a sitting position later in the race. While there was no line apparent, I did wait for 5 mins. Grrr. We were finally coming out of camp pendleton with some eh bands where the mental battle started in.
Mile 8&9 - It was during these miles that all I longed for was to see a double digit mile. I kept reminding myself that I had run 8 miles many times and it was no big deal. My back was starting to get sore, my body tired. I had already taken salt and eaten several packs of sport beans. My stomach started to feel a little iffy and all I wanted was to be done but knew I had a ways to go. I think I also knew that coming up on 10 miles was the longest I had run. The final 3 miles were new territory and would be a long mental more than physical battle to the finish line. And of course...right when I needed her most Coach Amy comes running towards me with her arms in the air. We ran for about a mile together and it certainly helped. Encouraging words, a fresh face - a change of conversation with an update on other runners. I didn't want her to leave but I knew it was now time to focus on the finish line - running smart - not giving in to my head saying that I was too tired to run and should walk. She left saying that all we had left was a maintenance run. Around this time I realized that we were not finishing in under 3 hours. I wanted that and assumed it would happen. Secretly disappointed but knowing that crossing the finish line was the more important goal I ignored the overall time on my watch and kept running.
Miles 10-12 - Tough physically - tough mentally. I decided that I was going to maintain my run/walk even if I was tired. I did NOT want to say that I finished but walked the last few miles. That was how I finished the 11 miler and I was disappointed in myself. I was NOT going to disappoint myself now - this was the time to push through. We passed a few familiar faces cheering us on but many of our runners families had already gone to the finish line to congratulate their runners. We kept plugging along ,passed our last water stop, passed other runners and kept watching for the 12 mile sign and the turn onto the boardwalk. The 12 mile sign finally came and shortly after we rounded the corner onto the boardwalk.
The FINAL mile - I don't remember seeing the ocean or sand, even though I know we ran for quite some distance on the boardwalk. I decided to take an extra walk break just so that I could finish strong . With 5 blocks left until the finish line we saw coach Lea Ann and she got us going to the finish. Everything hurt and I was ready to be done. I kept one tshirt I saw along the way in mind - pain is temporary, pride is forever. So with that in mind I sprinted (in my mind at least) to the finish with my calves cramping the whole was across the final line. In 3 hours 9 minutes and 46 seconds I completed my first (and not last) half marathon.
It took all I had in me to keep walking through the secure area to get my medal, iced towel, water, goodie bag, banana, and ice pop. I just wanted to sit and take my sneakers off. Taylor and I got a finish line photo together with the beach in the background and soon after saw Nicole walking toward us. She helped us navigate our way through the crowds to get Tylenol (after a brief survey of course) and to our charity tent on the beach. I remember being tired and just wanting to see Amy and Lea Ann. I spent most of the time quietly sitting by myself just resting and thinking and texting everyone I knew that I had indeed finished. It was great.
My Body - 2 small blisters underneath a callus - some leg and back soreness that was gone by Tuesday night. This run was easier on my body than others - and contrary to what some people say - I did run hard - eventhough I was less sore than other runners. I just ran smart! hehe
Something I found funny - so many people commented on the humidity - how hard it was to run through that. I honestly did not notice the humidity at all. I've run in much worse. Maybe I didn't notice because I was so focused/excited/prepared - who knows. Either way I'm glad I felt the weather was great for a run - even if others found it tough. G0 figure!
I still cannot believe I finished. I can't believe I set out to do something so unlike myself. I am a runner (I may not look like one but I am darn it!) Next time I'll come in under 3 hours. I've said so many times that I would have NEVER agreed to do this if it weren't for Amy. She has been such (she is such) an encouraging person and is one of the only reasons I stuck with this. I didn't want to let her down and in the end I didn't let myself down either. This not only helped me get in better shape - even though I gained weight (my own fault) - but reconnect with old friends and develop new friendships. I've found an athletic event I can be good at and improve on. I am living proof that ANYONE can do this - even someone still many pounds overweight and someone who started VERY out of shape. I still find myself thinking about the race from time to time when I'm doing other things. There is no way to truly say thank you the way I want to to Amy and Lea Ann and have yet to begin to try to show my appreciation. I just cannot put into words yet what their dedication and encouragement has meant. I keep forgetting that throughout this I also raised over $1,200 for Easton ROCKS. I gained so much out of this process that I forget I helped my kids too. :)
Apparently I miss getting up at 5am on a Saturday so much that tomorrow - during the pouring rain - I'll be doing water stops for our full marathoners who are running their 20 miler training run in the morning. I did enjoy eating what I wanted to tonight though - no more pasta w/ meat sauce - I went out to eat! Woohoo! I said all along that I would not do a stop the first Saturday after our race because I was going to sleep in but when do I actually stick to my original thoughts - If I had I would have been cheering on other runners instead of being cheered on while running.
Around 5:25 several of us runners met in the hallway and went downstairs to gather together before walking to the shuttle. As we got on the shuttle we saw our coaches and other runners on their way too. A few minutes later we arrived at the convention center and waited to meet the rest of our group. There was a steady crowd of people heading to the starting line. That was one aspect that just amazed me. They just kept coming and coming and coming. I arrived at the convention center around 5:45 and I don't think the steady stream of runners started to filter down until after 6:45. As people arrived we shared excited and nervous hugs, took prerace pictures and finally got last minute encouragement and instructions from our coaches. The whole time I'm trying not to tear up. It was such an emotional moment. Having spent the last 4 months working towards this seemingly unattainable goal and realizing that the day I've(we've) been working for is finally here. It was go time...after a group picture and a LONG porta potty line in which I got my morning wish and a 42 minute wait from the first wave start to my wave start. We all moved to the starting line like a herd of cattle. By the time I got to the line I already had to pee...I truly ignored this feeling for as long as I could. We started off around 7:42 and by 7:45 Taylor and I were walking. We made our coaches proud and followed the rules to stick to our run/walk ratio from mile 1. Fortunately many others were doing the same. I took it easy and Taylor and I watched our mile time to try to stay as consistent as possible to what we've been training at. My concern was that my last long run that I completed was the 10 miler. I knew I had 3 miles more than that to complete that morning and I did not want to push myself early and not be able to finish strong. Slow and Steady finishes the race (they may not win but they WILL cross the finish line).
Mile 1 & 2 - Felt great - took it easy and cheered on the elite runners who were rounding mile 11. Hit the first few bands - great music - loud fans albeit no one I knew. I did see an awesome sign - One said "better you than me" the other next to it read "you run and I'll drink" as she held her travel coffee mug to her mouth. I couldn't get over how many people we were running around and was waiting for the mile when this would begin to clear up (that mile never came).
Mile 3 - Finished a 5K feeling awesome. This was where we found Amy W. our "fill in" coach for part of the race. She informed me that Nicole and Tracey were up ahead but waiting in a bathroom line. It was crazy crowded and we waved as we passed Nicole and Tracey in line - apparently LOTS of runners had to go at mile 3. This was the only bathroom spot that had a line longer than 1 or 2 people. Eventually they caught up and we snapped a few pictures while running. It was at this point that everyone else from our group - minus the walkers and one other running group- passed us. These were all groups that had per mile times longer than ours. Taylor and I decided to stick to what was working - stay at or slightly over our normal pace to make sure we made to it to the finish line. She probably could have gone faster being she is only 17 but I appreciated her willingness to stick with me for the long haul.
Miles 4-7 Bands continued to be pretty good. Body still feeling great. It was during these miles I had to keep commenting, quietly of course, how prepared we were. By this point people that started off running were now run/walking or just walking. We passed people who were huffing and puffing, people who were sprinting for 30 seconds only to walk for the next 5 mins, people wearing NEW sneakers, people without water belts - people who did not have awesome coaches who prepared them to face what this day would throw at us. It was also somewhere between mile 7 and 8 that I made my poor running buddy wait for me to go to the bathroom. It wasn't an emergency but I knew I had to go and assumed it would easier at this point to go rather than waiting until I was uncomfortable or wouldn't want to get back up from a sitting position later in the race. While there was no line apparent, I did wait for 5 mins. Grrr. We were finally coming out of camp pendleton with some eh bands where the mental battle started in.
Mile 8&9 - It was during these miles that all I longed for was to see a double digit mile. I kept reminding myself that I had run 8 miles many times and it was no big deal. My back was starting to get sore, my body tired. I had already taken salt and eaten several packs of sport beans. My stomach started to feel a little iffy and all I wanted was to be done but knew I had a ways to go. I think I also knew that coming up on 10 miles was the longest I had run. The final 3 miles were new territory and would be a long mental more than physical battle to the finish line. And of course...right when I needed her most Coach Amy comes running towards me with her arms in the air. We ran for about a mile together and it certainly helped. Encouraging words, a fresh face - a change of conversation with an update on other runners. I didn't want her to leave but I knew it was now time to focus on the finish line - running smart - not giving in to my head saying that I was too tired to run and should walk. She left saying that all we had left was a maintenance run. Around this time I realized that we were not finishing in under 3 hours. I wanted that and assumed it would happen. Secretly disappointed but knowing that crossing the finish line was the more important goal I ignored the overall time on my watch and kept running.
Miles 10-12 - Tough physically - tough mentally. I decided that I was going to maintain my run/walk even if I was tired. I did NOT want to say that I finished but walked the last few miles. That was how I finished the 11 miler and I was disappointed in myself. I was NOT going to disappoint myself now - this was the time to push through. We passed a few familiar faces cheering us on but many of our runners families had already gone to the finish line to congratulate their runners. We kept plugging along ,passed our last water stop, passed other runners and kept watching for the 12 mile sign and the turn onto the boardwalk. The 12 mile sign finally came and shortly after we rounded the corner onto the boardwalk.
The FINAL mile - I don't remember seeing the ocean or sand, even though I know we ran for quite some distance on the boardwalk. I decided to take an extra walk break just so that I could finish strong . With 5 blocks left until the finish line we saw coach Lea Ann and she got us going to the finish. Everything hurt and I was ready to be done. I kept one tshirt I saw along the way in mind - pain is temporary, pride is forever. So with that in mind I sprinted (in my mind at least) to the finish with my calves cramping the whole was across the final line. In 3 hours 9 minutes and 46 seconds I completed my first (and not last) half marathon.
It took all I had in me to keep walking through the secure area to get my medal, iced towel, water, goodie bag, banana, and ice pop. I just wanted to sit and take my sneakers off. Taylor and I got a finish line photo together with the beach in the background and soon after saw Nicole walking toward us. She helped us navigate our way through the crowds to get Tylenol (after a brief survey of course) and to our charity tent on the beach. I remember being tired and just wanting to see Amy and Lea Ann. I spent most of the time quietly sitting by myself just resting and thinking and texting everyone I knew that I had indeed finished. It was great.
My Body - 2 small blisters underneath a callus - some leg and back soreness that was gone by Tuesday night. This run was easier on my body than others - and contrary to what some people say - I did run hard - eventhough I was less sore than other runners. I just ran smart! hehe
Something I found funny - so many people commented on the humidity - how hard it was to run through that. I honestly did not notice the humidity at all. I've run in much worse. Maybe I didn't notice because I was so focused/excited/prepared - who knows. Either way I'm glad I felt the weather was great for a run - even if others found it tough. G0 figure!
I still cannot believe I finished. I can't believe I set out to do something so unlike myself. I am a runner (I may not look like one but I am darn it!) Next time I'll come in under 3 hours. I've said so many times that I would have NEVER agreed to do this if it weren't for Amy. She has been such (she is such) an encouraging person and is one of the only reasons I stuck with this. I didn't want to let her down and in the end I didn't let myself down either. This not only helped me get in better shape - even though I gained weight (my own fault) - but reconnect with old friends and develop new friendships. I've found an athletic event I can be good at and improve on. I am living proof that ANYONE can do this - even someone still many pounds overweight and someone who started VERY out of shape. I still find myself thinking about the race from time to time when I'm doing other things. There is no way to truly say thank you the way I want to to Amy and Lea Ann and have yet to begin to try to show my appreciation. I just cannot put into words yet what their dedication and encouragement has meant. I keep forgetting that throughout this I also raised over $1,200 for Easton ROCKS. I gained so much out of this process that I forget I helped my kids too. :)
Apparently I miss getting up at 5am on a Saturday so much that tomorrow - during the pouring rain - I'll be doing water stops for our full marathoners who are running their 20 miler training run in the morning. I did enjoy eating what I wanted to tonight though - no more pasta w/ meat sauce - I went out to eat! Woohoo! I said all along that I would not do a stop the first Saturday after our race because I was going to sleep in but when do I actually stick to my original thoughts - If I had I would have been cheering on other runners instead of being cheered on while running.
9.04.2008
Professional Pictures
Below is a link to the professional pictures from the race - not loving them. Also never realized I ran with my thumbs up...gotta break that habit.
Pictures
Pictures
9.03.2008
Race weekend
School began last Monday. It took everything in me to get through the first week because the excitement of the coming weekend was so overwhelming. Fast forward to Friday - Nicole got out of work early and was waiting for me when I got home from running errands - Subway run for dinner, ATM for spending money. I finished packing quickly - we ate dinner and got on the road around 5:30. No traffic, smooth sailing to the hotel which was nicer than we thought it would be. Happens to be packed with runners so overall it was pretty quiet. It was also right across from the beach so we watched fireworks from our balcony that night and every night after that! It was a late night but I set the alarm for 7:00. We wanted to be up and moving early so we could be at the expo when it opened at 9. I slept so well but when the alarm went off I jolted out of bed, opened the blinds and went right onto the balcony to look at the beach in the sunlight. :) It was beautiful. Nicole and I decided to run out to the beach quick to get our feet in the sand and water before we got ready for the day. I headed out in my PJS. As we bummed around to the beach many runners were getting in a last minute run before 1/2 marathon day. I followed orders and did not run eventhough I wondered if I should just to loosen up my muscles. We decided to stick to eating well, resting and stretching several times that day. After a yummy breakfast at the lovely Days Inn, we took showers, dressed in Easton Marathon ROCKS wear and picked up Debbie for the expo.
At the expo we picked up our race packets, bibs, shoe trackers, tshirts and goodie bags. I also managed to spend gobs of money on an awesome finisher long sleeve shirt, t shirt, running jacket, pint glass and magnet. After visiting the vendors I also left with a 13.1 and running girl charm, some running stickers, a key chain, and a bag. I love onemoremilerunning.com We headed back to the hotel, went through our goodies and hit up subway yet again for lunch. It was a safe choice - food we knew! Took some time to walk into the beachy stores and spent the rest of the afternoon at the pool, reading and napping.
We headed in in time to get Donna for dinner at Macaroni Grill. Over 20 of us converged on the restaurant and were seated throughout the place to carb up for the following day. It was great to talk with new/old friends and spend some time with Amy and LeaAnn (eventhough they wouldn't seat her since we were over our reservation limit) before race day. I only ate half so I wouldn't be too full and did not order dessert so I did behave. After a quick visit back at Donna's hotel, Nicole and I went back to our place, did some last minute prep for race day - put out all our running gear, put names on our singlets and tried to wind down.
I did end up going to sleep around 10:30 and slept fairly well until the alarm went off at 4:30.
I'll leave it there for now - gotta go finish some thank you cards from our non housewarming party where people bought us gifts before its time to get in my pjs and relax before bed.
At the expo we picked up our race packets, bibs, shoe trackers, tshirts and goodie bags. I also managed to spend gobs of money on an awesome finisher long sleeve shirt, t shirt, running jacket, pint glass and magnet. After visiting the vendors I also left with a 13.1 and running girl charm, some running stickers, a key chain, and a bag. I love onemoremilerunning.com We headed back to the hotel, went through our goodies and hit up subway yet again for lunch. It was a safe choice - food we knew! Took some time to walk into the beachy stores and spent the rest of the afternoon at the pool, reading and napping.
We headed in in time to get Donna for dinner at Macaroni Grill. Over 20 of us converged on the restaurant and were seated throughout the place to carb up for the following day. It was great to talk with new/old friends and spend some time with Amy and LeaAnn (eventhough they wouldn't seat her since we were over our reservation limit) before race day. I only ate half so I wouldn't be too full and did not order dessert so I did behave. After a quick visit back at Donna's hotel, Nicole and I went back to our place, did some last minute prep for race day - put out all our running gear, put names on our singlets and tried to wind down.
I did end up going to sleep around 10:30 and slept fairly well until the alarm went off at 4:30.
I'll leave it there for now - gotta go finish some thank you cards from our non housewarming party where people bought us gifts before its time to get in my pjs and relax before bed.
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