...I wasn't last. Yesterday we had our last double-digit (10) run before our marathon and I wasn't the last one to make it back. Actually, I was 4th from last! My niece also reminded me just how good that really is since I am the "oldest" of the group. She's definitely related to me - she just says whatever she thinks.
I always spend some part of my long runs imagining the feeling of crossing the finish line. Sometimes I have to take my thoughts there when I'm tired and don't feel like going on. I can only imagine the adrenaline that must run through a person's body to accomplish such a feat. I'm scared and excited but with less than 2 weeks to go, I'm starting to feel more scared. I still have to figure out what my mantra is going to be when I hit the infamous wall - which I hear is around mile 21 for most people. I just pray it's not at like mile 11 for me. More than anything I'm just grateful. I'm grateful for the support people have given, grateful that physically and mentally I am able to do this, and grateful for what I have learned about myself.
The first time we had a 10 mile run was on October 13th = 2:23. December 29 = 1:54. I was determined to finish in under 2 hours on Saturday - Zach had a basketball tournament game at 9am which I wanted to try to make before it was over. When I told one of my coaches this, he told me I'd never finish 10 miles in under 2 hours. Never tell me never.
"Few of us know what we are capable of doing... we have never pushed ourselves hard enough to find out." Alfred A. Montapert
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Getting it right
Yesterday was a taper run - 12 miles, 2:17. We'll taper for the next 2 Saturdays as we get closer to the marathon. Next week will be my last double digit run before 1.13.08.
Finding inspiration throughout this journey has come from various places. I was out with some friends last night who, after a few martinis or two, were getting sentimental and telling me what an inspiration I had been for them during my training. These 2 friends don't realize what an inspiration they have been for me. They've helped me through a number of fundraising events (we collectively raised over $1500 working various events) and they have their own trials and tribulations that make me realize that shin splints and blisters are actually reminders of how blessed I am to be able to do what I am doing. My friend Kim has been out of work for a few months and as a single mom of 2 boys, the holidays are tough but she laughs and smiles more than a person with a million dollars. Cathy just recently found out that her breast cancer is back. She is traveling w/ me to Orlando and when we return she'll be facing surgery and 6 months of chemo. I'll cross that finish line in memory of my uncle and in honor of Cathy. This is where I get my inspiration.
Some days I find I run because I have to or I won't survive 26.2. Those are the days that it takes all I have to put one foot in front of the other and overcome the elements of my nature. Some days I find I run because I want to - because I find for a few miles or hours that my life is my own and I am who I want to be and don't have to worry about who I am to everyone else. Sometimes I'm running away, running to escape, and hoping life won't find me. But you can't really run away - it will still be there in the end and you realize that each day is simply an event, not a means to an end in this journey we call life. It's just a matter of figuring out how to get it right and do it again tomorrow.
Finding inspiration throughout this journey has come from various places. I was out with some friends last night who, after a few martinis or two, were getting sentimental and telling me what an inspiration I had been for them during my training. These 2 friends don't realize what an inspiration they have been for me. They've helped me through a number of fundraising events (we collectively raised over $1500 working various events) and they have their own trials and tribulations that make me realize that shin splints and blisters are actually reminders of how blessed I am to be able to do what I am doing. My friend Kim has been out of work for a few months and as a single mom of 2 boys, the holidays are tough but she laughs and smiles more than a person with a million dollars. Cathy just recently found out that her breast cancer is back. She is traveling w/ me to Orlando and when we return she'll be facing surgery and 6 months of chemo. I'll cross that finish line in memory of my uncle and in honor of Cathy. This is where I get my inspiration.
Some days I find I run because I have to or I won't survive 26.2. Those are the days that it takes all I have to put one foot in front of the other and overcome the elements of my nature. Some days I find I run because I want to - because I find for a few miles or hours that my life is my own and I am who I want to be and don't have to worry about who I am to everyone else. Sometimes I'm running away, running to escape, and hoping life won't find me. But you can't really run away - it will still be there in the end and you realize that each day is simply an event, not a means to an end in this journey we call life. It's just a matter of figuring out how to get it right and do it again tomorrow.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Rounding third...and heading for home
It's the home stretch...less than 30 days to go and we've completed our longest training run (attempted to, anyhow). Saturday was not ideal but we did the best we could w/ the weather we were given and I'm checking it off my list. Done. Completed. C'est la vie. :-)
We started shortly after 6am and our coaches pulled us off the course a little after 9am because of the snow and winds. At that point I had completed 14 miles. I went home, got dry clothes and then went to the gym to do the rest. I was able to pull another 5 miles out of myself. I know...14+5=19. It was all I could do. After stopping and trying to start again after lactic acid was setting in and muscles had tightened, the situation was not optimal. I'm giving myself credit for shoveling the drive yesterday after running 19 miles and counting that as my mile 20. I'm looking forward to a Saturday when the longest journey on foot I take is to the end of the driveway to get the newspaper. 19 miles: 4:16.
We started shortly after 6am and our coaches pulled us off the course a little after 9am because of the snow and winds. At that point I had completed 14 miles. I went home, got dry clothes and then went to the gym to do the rest. I was able to pull another 5 miles out of myself. I know...14+5=19. It was all I could do. After stopping and trying to start again after lactic acid was setting in and muscles had tightened, the situation was not optimal. I'm giving myself credit for shoveling the drive yesterday after running 19 miles and counting that as my mile 20. I'm looking forward to a Saturday when the longest journey on foot I take is to the end of the driveway to get the newspaper. 19 miles: 4:16.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Let it snow...
Tomorrow marks the longest run in our training program - the big 20. It has been 18 weeks since we started. August 11, the date of our first group run (a whopping 4 miles), brought a high of 91 degrees. I remember running from Weller Park to the McDonalds on the corner of Weller and Montgomery and being so happy that this was our 2 mile mark and we got to turn around and go back. Tomorrow...we start at 6am and are forecasted to be at 19 degrees with a "wintery mix" thrown in. Brrrr. I am in a state of mind mixed with mild panic and excitement. The biggest fight tomorrow won't be the snow, ice, or physical endurance - it will be the mental. It will be about overcoming myself. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
12916
That's my official race number for the Disney Marathon. Info came in the mail yesterday that included this and the race program. That was kinda exciting. I also went and bought a new pair of running shoes. That was kinda exciting too - this is the first time I've actually wore out a pair of running shoes. Usually I've just purchased them for the sake of wanting a new pair, not necessarily needing a new pair. I also decided that I'm going to sign up for the Flying Pig Half Marathon and possibly try to do the Columbus in October 2008. Stacey has committed (yes, you have) to do these as well. :) Of course, the only time we'll likely be together during these events is in the car on the way there and the way home. Perhaps I should have waited until I actually finished a marathon before I committed to another, but I think it will kinda be like childbirth - it's hell getting through it, but when it's over and the pain has subsided, you'd likely do it all over again. I'm just enjoying the journey.
This weekend was a low mileage weekend, so we only did 10 in preparation for 20 next weekend. I, on the other hand, only did 8. Things were just off yesterday. I started out sucking air big time - perhaps I took off too fast - and then I got too hot and dropped a layer at the first water stop, then got cold, and my legs were tight and sore. My coach, Linda, was running w/ me and at about mile 7 she took a hard fall and we just threw up our hands and walked/ran the rest of it to her car, which was at mile 8. Of course, it didn't take much persuasion to get me in the car and drive back to the Boathouse. :)
This weekend was a low mileage weekend, so we only did 10 in preparation for 20 next weekend. I, on the other hand, only did 8. Things were just off yesterday. I started out sucking air big time - perhaps I took off too fast - and then I got too hot and dropped a layer at the first water stop, then got cold, and my legs were tight and sore. My coach, Linda, was running w/ me and at about mile 7 she took a hard fall and we just threw up our hands and walked/ran the rest of it to her car, which was at mile 8. Of course, it didn't take much persuasion to get me in the car and drive back to the Boathouse. :)
Thursday, December 6, 2007
The Way I See It...
The Way I See It #259
"People say, oh I could never do that! But when you meet cancer patients you understand the bravery and spirit those people show each and every day. Their struggles motivate and inspire you to test the limits of your endurance and to cross that finish line. You'll be surprised at what you can do". John Kellenyi, eight-time marathoner and leading fundraiser with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training
That showed up on one of my Starbucks' cups recently. It's sometimes hard to believe that this journey to 26.2 has been 5 months in the making. Time is flying by. I'll admit I'm a little scared about what life will look like when it's over. I remember what life looked like just before I started. I was in a place of transition and uncertainty. We were thrown a little when the doctor's discovered a mass on my mom's lungs back in July, which God seems to have healed completely according to a recent cat scan. I had moments back then when I thought I wouldn't do this, for fear of not knowing where things might go (oh ye of little faith...I know). 2007 has brought many beautiful, fun, and miraculous moments, mixed with some challenges, disappointments, and losses. Life is like that. No one promises us that it will be easy - just that we don't have to do it alone. This journey has become such an integrated part of my life. There is not a day that goes by where I don't make some decision or choice that is dictated by my training. I'm sure everyone is tired of hearing about it and you'd think I'd be trained to be a Boston qualifier by the way I talk...but trust me, I'm far from it. I'm here for distance not time. :) I have a circle of friends that have been incredible with the time and effort that have put into helping me make this dream become a soon-to-be reality. When I'm out there running and mentally breaking down, I'm reminded as to why I'm doing this - for the survivors, the families who've lost, my uncle who was taken from here way too soon, and I remember the other heroes in my life who've overcome obstacles, continue to encounter them, and keep on going.
"People say, oh I could never do that! But when you meet cancer patients you understand the bravery and spirit those people show each and every day. Their struggles motivate and inspire you to test the limits of your endurance and to cross that finish line. You'll be surprised at what you can do". John Kellenyi, eight-time marathoner and leading fundraiser with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training
That showed up on one of my Starbucks' cups recently. It's sometimes hard to believe that this journey to 26.2 has been 5 months in the making. Time is flying by. I'll admit I'm a little scared about what life will look like when it's over. I remember what life looked like just before I started. I was in a place of transition and uncertainty. We were thrown a little when the doctor's discovered a mass on my mom's lungs back in July, which God seems to have healed completely according to a recent cat scan. I had moments back then when I thought I wouldn't do this, for fear of not knowing where things might go (oh ye of little faith...I know). 2007 has brought many beautiful, fun, and miraculous moments, mixed with some challenges, disappointments, and losses. Life is like that. No one promises us that it will be easy - just that we don't have to do it alone. This journey has become such an integrated part of my life. There is not a day that goes by where I don't make some decision or choice that is dictated by my training. I'm sure everyone is tired of hearing about it and you'd think I'd be trained to be a Boston qualifier by the way I talk...but trust me, I'm far from it. I'm here for distance not time. :) I have a circle of friends that have been incredible with the time and effort that have put into helping me make this dream become a soon-to-be reality. When I'm out there running and mentally breaking down, I'm reminded as to why I'm doing this - for the survivors, the families who've lost, my uncle who was taken from here way too soon, and I remember the other heroes in my life who've overcome obstacles, continue to encounter them, and keep on going.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Going all the way
18 miles: 3:42. Not bad, I think I have the potential to hang w/ Katie Holmes in a marathon if I keep this up. It was a coooold day. Temperature-wise it probably wasn't any colder than last Saturday (the almanac doesn't say it was) but there was a wind factor that made it certainly feel colder. When we started it was about 25 degrees I think and it never got above 35 before I finished. Just about everything from the waist down is feeling pain today. I don't think any of it is a-typical, just typical for running long distance. At this rate though I need to buy more ice packs - 2 isn't getting the job done in a timely manner. And, I refuse to emerge myself in a tub full of ice cold water as is suggested by our coaches. I think I'd have to be held to gun point before I get that desperate. I ran most of it alone yesterday - I started out w/ Jill and Angela but they were only doing 9 because they are training for the 1/2, so our routes parted around mile 3 or so. Perhaps I should have thought about the 1/2? No, I'd feel like I was cheating myself and everyone that is sponsoring me. I mean, go for the gusto. One full marathon in a lifetime at least. As I was running yesterday, and my mind is always veering off to different places during those 3+ hours, I wondered who was higher at the time - me, when I signed up to do this back in July or Blondie, when she wrote the song Rapture? I don't do drugs, can't speak for Blondie. But that song - it was all the rage back when and I heard it out last weekend and for entertainment sake had to add it to my playlist. I called home yesterday (new topic), as I typically do after my Saturday runs because my mom has read one too many stories about people dying from marathons, and my mom wanted to know if I finished. Finished? Of course, is there an option? She's alluded to the fact before that I don't have to finish the whole thing if I don't want to. Not finish? What? Like run to mile marker 19 and say, OK, I think I'm done now - taxi! No disrespect to my mom - she just worries...like a mom - but there's no stopping now or on Jan 13th (unless I'm carted off to a medic tent, which isn't going to happen). I'm going all the way.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
