Back in November I went to a Toby Mac concert with my sister and my niece. I'm not really a concert person, but when I saw who all would be performing, I was pumped. I love Toby Mac and I LOVE Mandisa. Before the concert I only knew a few of her songs and that she was on American Idol at some point. Now I follow her on Facebook and I am regularly encouraged by what she has to say and by who she is.
My favorite favorite favorite song of hers was/is Overcomer and I listened to it often while training for and running the 50 miler in November. God has been so good to me (why, I'm not sure) and I have not had to really overcome much in my 34 years of life so far. But as many of you running moms know, getting back into running after having a child is not easy. I enjoyed the challenge, but it was tough and I wondered (and still do) if I'd ever be the runner I was before having Eloise. Not that I was amazing or anything, but I'd worked hard to get where I was, and after pregnancy, recovery and motherhood... I just wasn't sure how in the world I'd get back there. I still wonder.
So I approached the 50 miler never really believing I was trained, never being quite sure I could do it, doubting and telling myself untruths like, "You just aren't that kind of runner anymore, Jane." But I did it. And I didn't do half bad!
Then a month later came the Rocket City Marathon. I signed up to run this race with my friend, Shannon, who was aiming for a 4:15. Well... I was not recovered and Shannon had trained for a much faster marathon than what she'd first predicted. But I wanted to be true to my word so on race day, I showed up ready to run with my friend. At mile 16 she left me, as I told her she must if I couldn't keep up. And then I had 10 lonely miles of tired legs and that little voice telling me, "You haven't trained for this. You shouldn't be doing it. You aren't this kind of runner anymore. You are slow." Etc. Etc. Etc.
So I replaced that little voice with the words of Mandisa's song, Overcomer.
"The same man, the Great I AM, the One who overcame death - He's living inside of you. So just hold tight, fix your eyes on the one who holds your life. There's nothing He can't do..."
"Don't quit, don't give in, you're an overcomer. Don't quit don't give in, you're an overcomer."
"You're an overcomer. Stay in the fight till the final round. You're not going under..."
Sometimes I shake my head and think, "God doesn't care about your silly marathon time. He's got starving, abused children to take care of!" But His word tells me that He does and to bring it all to Him. So I quieted all the doubt with this wonderful song and I finished that marathon strong. It wasn't an impressive time and it wasn't a personal record, but because I knew how I felt out there and what I'd overcome, I was very happy with it. And grateful.
That song was my theme for those months of training and racing and doubting and striving. And any time those voices show up again, I play that song in my head or in my ears. Being an overcomer isn't always about running, but because I am a runner I have seen that I can overcome. I can overcome physical discomfort and distress, I can overcome the weather, I can overcome the desire to quit, I can overcome weariness. So when those voices tell me other things like, "You aren't a very good friend. You probably shouldn't have another child because you are too selfish. You are so uninteresting, what could you possibly have to say? You aren't devoted enough. Go ahead and have another brownie. You are too tired today...." I remind myself that I am an overcomer, with the Spirit of the One who overcame the world living in me. And there's NOTHING He can't do!
I don't know Mandisa personally, but I love that girl. Here's her song if you haven't heard it. I guarantee you'll feel like conquering something if you give it a listen (or dancing or both). Even if that something is just the dishes or the laundry or forgiving someone or being patient in traffic. You're an overcomer too.
Showing posts with label marathons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marathons. Show all posts
Monday, February 10, 2014
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
My Return to the Marathon
So when I said my goal for the Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon was 4:00-4:30, what I meant was I'd like a sub 4:10 first and a 4:15 second and to finish under 4:30 third. I managed to make that last goal, and I finished the thing in 4:21:12 (chip time). Here's why:
1. Lack of long runs. This would not have saved the day but it would have helped a little. I ran this marathon on only one 18 miler and while I do not rely solely on long runs as the key to marathon training, I know they have a big place. Maybe it would have only helped my mind to have another 18 or 20 in there, but I still think I should have made that happen.
2. HEAT! I turn into a first class wimp in the heat and this race was no exception ALTHOUGH, I held my wimpiness back as long as I could. Knowing the inner battle I had out there and how I usually react in hot races, I am actually proud of myself. There was a strength there that is not always present.
3. Fueling. I made the mistake of not reading about the race beforehand and I assumed they'd have Gu or something like it along the course. I pinned 2 packets to my shorts and those were gone by mile 13. The aid stations had water, Gatorade and orange slices only, all of which taste delicious during a hot run, but it was not enough to fuel a 4+ hour marathon.
I think all of those factors slowed me down more than I would have liked but on the bright side, I can remedy them fairly easily. And despite getting tired and worn down toward the end, I had a great time out there. It was my first marathon in two years, my first since pregnancy and having Eloise. I was so excited the night before I could hardly calm down to sleep. When race day dawned, I already knew what kind of race it would be but I intended to get out there and do my best, and that goal was accomplished.
This is really a great event. The course is hilly - nothing steep, but very rolling. The first 13 miles are along a highway but it is very well marked off so traffic doesn't get too close. Once runners turn off the highway it is gorgeous country roads until the end when they enter the highway again and then run through neighborhood streets back to downtown Winchester where the race began. The neighborhood streets can get a little busy with traffic but there was plenty of police/fireman workers along the course to keep it safe for runners.
At mile 14 I was full of the joy of the run. There were shady spots and moments of cloud cover, and for a while I believed I could hold on to that feeling. Not having a Gu soon took its toll though, and it wasn't until mile 20 that a friendly runner offered me his when he heard me ask about it at an aid station. I fought the bonk until mile 24 and then I had very little fight left. At that point I coached myself to keeping moving forward and to keep my head up (no slouching or folding in as I am prone to do when tired). I took walk breaks often in those two miles even though I did not want to. I was hot and my legs ached. My Garmin had died at mile 21.93 so it was just me and the mile markers. No clock, not mileage, no other souls around to commiserate with.
According to my Garmin, I ran a consistent 9:20-9:30 pace until mile 19. I slowed to a 10 minute pace for two miles and then an 11 minute pace for two miles and that is all the information I have. I'm sure I kept slowing and I do not like to finish a marathon that way. I like to finish strong, picking up my pace as I go, but this day was not going to be like that.
Some other runners from Huntsville who had finished before me cheered me through the finish line and that was nice. I was so very glad to be done. Jason and Eloise had also come and it was so good to see them. I downed two bottles of water and then an iced mocha from a coffee company on the square. I felt better except for a dull ache in my legs. We waited for my mom who was also having a rough day out there and once she finished we all headed back to my parents' house for hamburgers, showers and ice cream.
So there it is. My first marathon in two years in the books. It isn't really how I wanted my return to the race to be, but it wasn't all bad either. It was great, in fact and I was filled with gratefulness to be out there, to be able to finish, and to have such a great family supporting me through my training. Lord willing there will be more marathons to come and more... cooler opportunities to improve upon this performance.
1. Lack of long runs. This would not have saved the day but it would have helped a little. I ran this marathon on only one 18 miler and while I do not rely solely on long runs as the key to marathon training, I know they have a big place. Maybe it would have only helped my mind to have another 18 or 20 in there, but I still think I should have made that happen.
2. HEAT! I turn into a first class wimp in the heat and this race was no exception ALTHOUGH, I held my wimpiness back as long as I could. Knowing the inner battle I had out there and how I usually react in hot races, I am actually proud of myself. There was a strength there that is not always present.
3. Fueling. I made the mistake of not reading about the race beforehand and I assumed they'd have Gu or something like it along the course. I pinned 2 packets to my shorts and those were gone by mile 13. The aid stations had water, Gatorade and orange slices only, all of which taste delicious during a hot run, but it was not enough to fuel a 4+ hour marathon.
I think all of those factors slowed me down more than I would have liked but on the bright side, I can remedy them fairly easily. And despite getting tired and worn down toward the end, I had a great time out there. It was my first marathon in two years, my first since pregnancy and having Eloise. I was so excited the night before I could hardly calm down to sleep. When race day dawned, I already knew what kind of race it would be but I intended to get out there and do my best, and that goal was accomplished.
This is really a great event. The course is hilly - nothing steep, but very rolling. The first 13 miles are along a highway but it is very well marked off so traffic doesn't get too close. Once runners turn off the highway it is gorgeous country roads until the end when they enter the highway again and then run through neighborhood streets back to downtown Winchester where the race began. The neighborhood streets can get a little busy with traffic but there was plenty of police/fireman workers along the course to keep it safe for runners.
At mile 14 I was full of the joy of the run. There were shady spots and moments of cloud cover, and for a while I believed I could hold on to that feeling. Not having a Gu soon took its toll though, and it wasn't until mile 20 that a friendly runner offered me his when he heard me ask about it at an aid station. I fought the bonk until mile 24 and then I had very little fight left. At that point I coached myself to keeping moving forward and to keep my head up (no slouching or folding in as I am prone to do when tired). I took walk breaks often in those two miles even though I did not want to. I was hot and my legs ached. My Garmin had died at mile 21.93 so it was just me and the mile markers. No clock, not mileage, no other souls around to commiserate with.
According to my Garmin, I ran a consistent 9:20-9:30 pace until mile 19. I slowed to a 10 minute pace for two miles and then an 11 minute pace for two miles and that is all the information I have. I'm sure I kept slowing and I do not like to finish a marathon that way. I like to finish strong, picking up my pace as I go, but this day was not going to be like that.
Some other runners from Huntsville who had finished before me cheered me through the finish line and that was nice. I was so very glad to be done. Jason and Eloise had also come and it was so good to see them. I downed two bottles of water and then an iced mocha from a coffee company on the square. I felt better except for a dull ache in my legs. We waited for my mom who was also having a rough day out there and once she finished we all headed back to my parents' house for hamburgers, showers and ice cream.
So there it is. My first marathon in two years in the books. It isn't really how I wanted my return to the race to be, but it wasn't all bad either. It was great, in fact and I was filled with gratefulness to be out there, to be able to finish, and to have such a great family supporting me through my training. Lord willing there will be more marathons to come and more... cooler opportunities to improve upon this performance.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Merry-thon Time!
This weekend, in the midst of my 50 mile training, brings my first marathon in two years. I am picking up where I left off EXACTLY two years ago by running what was my last marathon before a little pea-sized Eloise showed up a month later. I ran the Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon in 2011 and it was also training for a 50 mile race that I did not end up running because of the above mentioned pea.
So can I just say I am SO EXCITED to be running a marathon again! I have no idea how I'm going to do. I think I'm trained even though I didn't get in the last long run I wanted, but I have no idea what to expect or what pace I should start out with, and I don't care because I'm just EXCITED! I'm not sure I realized how much I missed it until this week when it hit me. I AM PUMPED!
That said, I'd like to run between a 4:00-4:30. I figure that gives me a big enough swath of time to play with, while still being reasonable about where I am now. Before Eloise, I'd been running a LONG time and I had a BIG base built. I have no idea how quickly that base returns after having a child, if it takes years or just consistent training. So Saturday we shall see what I've got.
Because this marathon is part of my training, I don't really want to taper, but it is also a marathon so I should probably scale back just a little. Finding the balance there is tricky. I don't want to excuse myself from thorough 50 mile training, but I want to be smart too. Shoot... let's just tell it like it is. I want to have fun, run forever, and feel good doing it.
Having Eloise has really reshuffled how I look at running and how important it all ranks in my mind. Sure, I still have goals. I'd like to win a 50 miler one day, I want a marathon PR (sub 3:45), I might even want a half marathon or a 10k PR in there somewhere too. But more than that, I want to be fit, strong, healthy and look good. And I want to do that while not taking one ounce of energy away from raising my little girl, and taking care of my home. That right there is the goal. I feel that I am better at those things when I've gotten in my run, but if any of that begins to suffer because of the run, I will have to pull up and take stock of things.
So far, so good. My taper will consist of running every day, but the miles will be smaller. Today (Wednesday) I will run with my Walk/Jog/Run class, probably about 4 miles. Tomorrow I plan to go mid-morning when my mom arrives for an easy 5-6 miler. Friday I'll do a slow and simple 3 and then Saturday I will race! If I follow that plan, I'll have about 57-58 miles for the week and that fits in with my 50 mile training.
Did I mention I'm EXCITED!!??!
So can I just say I am SO EXCITED to be running a marathon again! I have no idea how I'm going to do. I think I'm trained even though I didn't get in the last long run I wanted, but I have no idea what to expect or what pace I should start out with, and I don't care because I'm just EXCITED! I'm not sure I realized how much I missed it until this week when it hit me. I AM PUMPED!
That said, I'd like to run between a 4:00-4:30. I figure that gives me a big enough swath of time to play with, while still being reasonable about where I am now. Before Eloise, I'd been running a LONG time and I had a BIG base built. I have no idea how quickly that base returns after having a child, if it takes years or just consistent training. So Saturday we shall see what I've got.
Because this marathon is part of my training, I don't really want to taper, but it is also a marathon so I should probably scale back just a little. Finding the balance there is tricky. I don't want to excuse myself from thorough 50 mile training, but I want to be smart too. Shoot... let's just tell it like it is. I want to have fun, run forever, and feel good doing it.
Having Eloise has really reshuffled how I look at running and how important it all ranks in my mind. Sure, I still have goals. I'd like to win a 50 miler one day, I want a marathon PR (sub 3:45), I might even want a half marathon or a 10k PR in there somewhere too. But more than that, I want to be fit, strong, healthy and look good. And I want to do that while not taking one ounce of energy away from raising my little girl, and taking care of my home. That right there is the goal. I feel that I am better at those things when I've gotten in my run, but if any of that begins to suffer because of the run, I will have to pull up and take stock of things.
So far, so good. My taper will consist of running every day, but the miles will be smaller. Today (Wednesday) I will run with my Walk/Jog/Run class, probably about 4 miles. Tomorrow I plan to go mid-morning when my mom arrives for an easy 5-6 miler. Friday I'll do a slow and simple 3 and then Saturday I will race! If I follow that plan, I'll have about 57-58 miles for the week and that fits in with my 50 mile training.
Did I mention I'm EXCITED!!??!
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Long Runs, Humidity, and a Good Movie
Three weekends ago I did my first 14 miler in AGES and it was GREAT! Absolutely perfect! I had done 8 fast miles the day before and I was a tad nervous, but the weather was absolutely glorious, free of humidity, tasting of fall... glorious. My friend, Shannon ran most of it with me and I ran the rest solo.
The next weekend I was to run 16. I was nervous again. This would be my longest run since finding out Eloise was a teeny tiny little person in my belly. Two years or more. But it went well! The lovely fall weather had left, but it wasn't bad and I finished really strong with my fastest mile of that run being my last (I was giddy over making it and ready to squeeze my baby girl... and for coffee).
This weekend I wanted to do 16 again before I bump up to 18 next weekend. I was not so nervous since I'd already done it, and my running girls joined me for bits and pieces of it, with my friend, Julia staying with me the entire way. Never underestimate the power of good company on a long run! I wanted to quit around mile 14 but Julia and Jan got me through. It was SO HOT and HUMID! I felt it more during this run than I have in any of the others and it was tough! One of the other girls told me next weekend should be better weather-wise and I am hopeful. Because today was tough and next weekend is 18!
Despite the humidity and a tough finish today, my mind is in a good place with these long runs. It has been a LONG time since I've run long and I don't know about you, but when it has been so long I start to wonder if I can still do it. It sounds impossible! It seems too far! But somehow it is getting done and I love it. I'm thrilled and relieved and I feel like I'm returning to the runner I used to be. Nothing overly impressive, mind you, but a good place for me.
With my marathon approaching October 5, I find myself wondering what goal is reasonable to have for it. It is being couched into my 50 mile training so I'm not going to do much tapering for it. I think my B goal will be to finish under 4:30 and my A goal will be the low 4s (4:05ish) and my A++++ goal would be under 4... but I haven't been running like that so its a long shot.
And let's just say, in the meantime I am LONGING for fall.
In other news, we watched a really good movie last night. I wasn't so sure at the beginning if I would like it or not, but once it got going, I started to. It was Silver Linings Playbook and I think it won some awards or something. Anyway, one of my favorite parts is when they are running and she runs out at him a few times and says, "HEY!" and scares him or startles him. Then in one scene they argue about the running route and who should be running there and who needed to find another route. Cracked me up. It has some language and a few scenes I could do without, but I liked the overall storyline. Especially the running parts.
My baby is awake and I must go snuggle! Happy Labor Day weekend, friends!
The next weekend I was to run 16. I was nervous again. This would be my longest run since finding out Eloise was a teeny tiny little person in my belly. Two years or more. But it went well! The lovely fall weather had left, but it wasn't bad and I finished really strong with my fastest mile of that run being my last (I was giddy over making it and ready to squeeze my baby girl... and for coffee).
This weekend I wanted to do 16 again before I bump up to 18 next weekend. I was not so nervous since I'd already done it, and my running girls joined me for bits and pieces of it, with my friend, Julia staying with me the entire way. Never underestimate the power of good company on a long run! I wanted to quit around mile 14 but Julia and Jan got me through. It was SO HOT and HUMID! I felt it more during this run than I have in any of the others and it was tough! One of the other girls told me next weekend should be better weather-wise and I am hopeful. Because today was tough and next weekend is 18!
Despite the humidity and a tough finish today, my mind is in a good place with these long runs. It has been a LONG time since I've run long and I don't know about you, but when it has been so long I start to wonder if I can still do it. It sounds impossible! It seems too far! But somehow it is getting done and I love it. I'm thrilled and relieved and I feel like I'm returning to the runner I used to be. Nothing overly impressive, mind you, but a good place for me.
With my marathon approaching October 5, I find myself wondering what goal is reasonable to have for it. It is being couched into my 50 mile training so I'm not going to do much tapering for it. I think my B goal will be to finish under 4:30 and my A goal will be the low 4s (4:05ish) and my A++++ goal would be under 4... but I haven't been running like that so its a long shot.
And let's just say, in the meantime I am LONGING for fall.
In other news, we watched a really good movie last night. I wasn't so sure at the beginning if I would like it or not, but once it got going, I started to. It was Silver Linings Playbook and I think it won some awards or something. Anyway, one of my favorite parts is when they are running and she runs out at him a few times and says, "HEY!" and scares him or startles him. Then in one scene they argue about the running route and who should be running there and who needed to find another route. Cracked me up. It has some language and a few scenes I could do without, but I liked the overall storyline. Especially the running parts.
My baby is awake and I must go snuggle! Happy Labor Day weekend, friends!
Monday, March 18, 2013
My Motivational Speech to Myself
About a week after the Seaside Half-marathon, I realized I was going to have to be truly dedicated if I wanted to train for a marathon by April 27th. My plan, since I didn't have loads of time for long runs, was to increase the weekly mileage and be somewhat gradual (somewhat not) with my long runs. I wanted my mileage each week to reach 50 miles or more and I knew in order to do that I would have to run every day. That would mean getting on the treadmill during Eloise's nap time. It would mean getting outside on nice warm days with the jogging stroller. It would mean getting up at 4:45a.m. and meeting the girls for a few miles, getting home by 6:00 a.m. so Jason could go for his run.
Commitment and dedication. That is what it was going to mean to marathon train. So I gave myself a motivation speech (a.k.a stern talking to) one Sunday afternoon while I was running.
"You have to get serious about this if you don't want to be miserable April 27th. You've got to make yourself a training plan and really stick to it this time. You just ran a half marathon so you can no longer look at yourself as a woman who just had a baby. You must now look at yourself as a woman training for a marathon and go from there. It is going to be hard, but you can handle hard. You are going to be tired, sleep deprived, and you are not going to want to get on that treadmill. But you have to. You have to be committed. You can do this."
So I came home and wrote out my training plan. I kept it simple, writing the mileage I wanted in the top corner of each day on my calendar. I took it one day at a time. I tried not to focus on the 50 miles I wanted for the week, but only on that day's mileage. Sunday I ran 6 slow and easy miles around my neighborhood. Monday I got on the treadmill for 1.5 and then 3.5 as Eloise's naps allowed. Tuesday I ran 8 while Mom babysat Eloise. Wednesday I ran with my UAH 5k training group and I did a speed workout that Jason helped me create. I ran 200, 200, 400 with equal rest 3 times with 1 mile warm-up and 0.2 cool down (I was hungry) for a total of 4.5 miles. Thursday I did another 8 miles with Shannon. Friday I forced myself to get in 5 miles at 5a.m. with my running girls. I thought they were going to kill me. Saturday I ran the Rocket Run 10 miler, with 2 miles warm-up and 2 miles cool down for 14 total miles, finishing a 50.5 mile week.
I did it. I had to slow my pace so my body could withstand the 10+ mile increase for the week, but that was okay with me.
Yesterday started my second week of marathon training and I have 49 miles planned for the week, although it may end up being 50 because my speed workout on Wednesday bumps up the mileage. Today I need 5 miles and I had planned to go with the girls this morning at 5:00, but I was up from 2:45-4:00 with Eloise. Ha! It is like she KNOWS when I need the sleep. So I didn't go and, as always, I wish I had, but that is okay. I am getting on that treadmill and getting it done. I keep my motivational speech in my pocket and pull it out when my motivation wanes. One day at a time...I will train for this marathon.
Commitment and dedication. That is what it was going to mean to marathon train. So I gave myself a motivation speech (a.k.a stern talking to) one Sunday afternoon while I was running.
"You have to get serious about this if you don't want to be miserable April 27th. You've got to make yourself a training plan and really stick to it this time. You just ran a half marathon so you can no longer look at yourself as a woman who just had a baby. You must now look at yourself as a woman training for a marathon and go from there. It is going to be hard, but you can handle hard. You are going to be tired, sleep deprived, and you are not going to want to get on that treadmill. But you have to. You have to be committed. You can do this."
So I came home and wrote out my training plan. I kept it simple, writing the mileage I wanted in the top corner of each day on my calendar. I took it one day at a time. I tried not to focus on the 50 miles I wanted for the week, but only on that day's mileage. Sunday I ran 6 slow and easy miles around my neighborhood. Monday I got on the treadmill for 1.5 and then 3.5 as Eloise's naps allowed. Tuesday I ran 8 while Mom babysat Eloise. Wednesday I ran with my UAH 5k training group and I did a speed workout that Jason helped me create. I ran 200, 200, 400 with equal rest 3 times with 1 mile warm-up and 0.2 cool down (I was hungry) for a total of 4.5 miles. Thursday I did another 8 miles with Shannon. Friday I forced myself to get in 5 miles at 5a.m. with my running girls. I thought they were going to kill me. Saturday I ran the Rocket Run 10 miler, with 2 miles warm-up and 2 miles cool down for 14 total miles, finishing a 50.5 mile week.
I did it. I had to slow my pace so my body could withstand the 10+ mile increase for the week, but that was okay with me.
Yesterday started my second week of marathon training and I have 49 miles planned for the week, although it may end up being 50 because my speed workout on Wednesday bumps up the mileage. Today I need 5 miles and I had planned to go with the girls this morning at 5:00, but I was up from 2:45-4:00 with Eloise. Ha! It is like she KNOWS when I need the sleep. So I didn't go and, as always, I wish I had, but that is okay. I am getting on that treadmill and getting it done. I keep my motivational speech in my pocket and pull it out when my motivation wanes. One day at a time...I will train for this marathon.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Eloise the Race Spectator
My baby girl has now spectated her first two races! The first was the Galaxy of Lights 5k at the Botanical Gardens here in Huntsville. They have a beautiful lights display each year and this year they had a race at 6:30 p.m. where runners would run through the lights. It was so fun! We wouldn't have been able to run it, but my mom-in-law came to keep Eloise and since it was so nice outside they both came to the race with us.
I did manage to run this 5k a little faster than Jingle Bell a few weeks ago, and I was a little surprised by that. I finished in 24:53 and won 3rd in my age group. Jason finished under 18 minutes again and was the 2nd overall finisher. It was very dark in spots and I'm not sure if that affected my pace or not towards the end, but my splits were 7:32, 7:59, and 8:16. I probably started out too fast but I didn't care. I just wanted to see what I could do and how long I could hold whatever pace I could hold. I was running in a Santa hat so I didn't feel too serious about it. I saw a few running buddies and got to show off my precious daughter a bit, and that is always fun.
Eloise was great the whole time and we so appreciated Debbie coming to hang with her and us at the race. To me, having friends and family at a race is what makes it fun. I was very pleased with my time for where I was in my post baby running, but even if it had been much slower I would have had a wonderful time.
The second race was the Rocket City Marathon and only Jason ran that one. (I'm still working on getting past 8 miles - whew!). His training had mostly consisted of high weekly mileage (80s and 90s), and a few 15 and 16 milers, but nothing longer than that. I'd signed him up a long time ago for the race and so he was just running to enjoy it and see what he could do. It had been a long time since he'd run a marathon that wasn't tacked on the back of an Ironman.
Jason rode to the race with my mom who was also running, and Eloise and I came later. I wasn't sure what Jason would be able to do, but I knew what would make him happy and I hoped he would get under 3 hours. Sure enough, I saw my running man come through at 2:51, and I was so excited for him. He was 13th over all and 2nd in his age group.
If any of you ran or read about the marathon, you know we had an unseasonably hot day which made it very hard on many of the runners. My mom and husband had a good day, but both of them are good at handling heat. Me, not so much. Mom finished in 5:10, felt great and won 2nd place in her age group for her 66th marathon. I was so very proud of those two and I made them a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup to celebrate their marathon and refuel deliciously.
It was so fun to have Eloise be a part of our races. I want her to see what her parents do and I want to find a way to make it fun for her. If one day she decides she'd like to participate, that would make her mama's heart glad, but really if she finds something she loves, whatever it is, and does that, I will be happy for her. Until then, I love having her along whether I am running or cheering from the sidelines.
I did manage to run this 5k a little faster than Jingle Bell a few weeks ago, and I was a little surprised by that. I finished in 24:53 and won 3rd in my age group. Jason finished under 18 minutes again and was the 2nd overall finisher. It was very dark in spots and I'm not sure if that affected my pace or not towards the end, but my splits were 7:32, 7:59, and 8:16. I probably started out too fast but I didn't care. I just wanted to see what I could do and how long I could hold whatever pace I could hold. I was running in a Santa hat so I didn't feel too serious about it. I saw a few running buddies and got to show off my precious daughter a bit, and that is always fun.
Eloise was great the whole time and we so appreciated Debbie coming to hang with her and us at the race. To me, having friends and family at a race is what makes it fun. I was very pleased with my time for where I was in my post baby running, but even if it had been much slower I would have had a wonderful time.
The second race was the Rocket City Marathon and only Jason ran that one. (I'm still working on getting past 8 miles - whew!). His training had mostly consisted of high weekly mileage (80s and 90s), and a few 15 and 16 milers, but nothing longer than that. I'd signed him up a long time ago for the race and so he was just running to enjoy it and see what he could do. It had been a long time since he'd run a marathon that wasn't tacked on the back of an Ironman.
Jason rode to the race with my mom who was also running, and Eloise and I came later. I wasn't sure what Jason would be able to do, but I knew what would make him happy and I hoped he would get under 3 hours. Sure enough, I saw my running man come through at 2:51, and I was so excited for him. He was 13th over all and 2nd in his age group.
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| He sees his peeps waiting for him at the finish line! |
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| I look like a total cheeseball here, but I had to include it since it was Eloise's first marathon! |
It was so fun to have Eloise be a part of our races. I want her to see what her parents do and I want to find a way to make it fun for her. If one day she decides she'd like to participate, that would make her mama's heart glad, but really if she finds something she loves, whatever it is, and does that, I will be happy for her. Until then, I love having her along whether I am running or cheering from the sidelines.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Today
Today has been a nice day. It's a Saturday, for starters, so that means Jason is home with us. I got in another great 5 mile run with negative splits and that fills me with joy. Part of me has been a little afraid to love so ardently what I loved before I had Eloise because that would look like I didn't love Eloise as much as I should, but that isn't true. I'm still Jane the girl who loves to run and I will always be. I hope. I've been that girl through middle school, high school, college, a year in China, some years as a single white female, newly-weddedness, marriage, old jobs and new jobs and now I'm still that girl in motherhood. I'm Jane the girl who loves to run and the girl who loves motherhood even more.
But that doesn't mean motherhood is easy peasy. And if I'm anything, I am someone who does NOT like to admit something is hard. Because that would mean I'm weak and I don't like to be (look) weak. I like to be Big Strong Jane who can handle anything (and I can handle most things - even the "hard" in motherhood).
I get really tired and sometimes I am cranky at Jason. If I don't run or work out I get cranky too. (Poor Jason). Some evenings my arms and back ache from holding her and I just want to put her down for a second, but then she is fussy and I'd rather have an aching back. I don't like having extra weight on my person. I just don't. That doesn't mean I'm judging anyone with extra weight, that just means I don't like mine. This is another thing that is hard to admit because if I don't like my weight, it might seem like I don't like Eloise because she is the reason for that extra weight, or it might make me look just plain shallow. But no, I LOVE Eloise while still not liking the extra weight. And this may sound conceited, but it has been a long time since I've had extra weight to dislike. I also know for a fact I'm not shallow so that will have to do.
Today my mom and a few other friends ran the Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon in Winchester, TN. I ran that one last year and LOVED it. I hadn't trained for it at all, but it turned out to be one of my favorite marathon experiences ever because it was just so lovely. It was the last big race I ran before getting pregnant the next month. Since then I've viewed it as my little gift from God before the really BIG gift from God. Kind of a last hurrah before marathon running was put on hold. So this year I remembered loving it and thought of all my peeps who were running it and I got a tad sad. There is also my old group of running girls who are about to run a marathon together. For a few of them it is their first ever. It makes me sad that I have not been a part of that. They even made shirts. How fun is that? And now I can hardly get them to remember to add me back to the e-mail list when planning morning runs. That may be even more sad.
None of that keeps me down, though, because of Eloise. I adore that child. I love motherhood way more than I thought I would. You really just have no idea until you have one, and then you know things you didn't know you didn't know. I also know my day is coming. My running is coming back to me. My body remembers and even with some extra weight, I am feeling like I used to feel when I ran. Free and strong and powerful. So while I may sigh for a moment, I'm over it pretty quickly.
Today I also read this blog on Momastery. You know, sometimes I really like this writer and sometimes she gets on my nerves, but mostly I like her. And I LOVED what she wrote today. She's so wildly honest and that is refreshing to read. I am honest too, but I like to be honest about the good stuff. I like to gloss over the bad stuff and push it under the bed where no one can see it. I guess part of me feels like it isn't that bad to begin with and talking about it would make it seem worse than it is. It is just life. And I absolutely love life, so a little dust under the bed doesn't really bother me long term.
So I'm stealing this from Momastery because I loved it:
And I'm not really sure what else to say except that I've noticed I start a lot of sentences with "and." I think it is my way of being rebellious towards my middle school English teacher.
But that doesn't mean motherhood is easy peasy. And if I'm anything, I am someone who does NOT like to admit something is hard. Because that would mean I'm weak and I don't like to be (look) weak. I like to be Big Strong Jane who can handle anything (and I can handle most things - even the "hard" in motherhood).
I get really tired and sometimes I am cranky at Jason. If I don't run or work out I get cranky too. (Poor Jason). Some evenings my arms and back ache from holding her and I just want to put her down for a second, but then she is fussy and I'd rather have an aching back. I don't like having extra weight on my person. I just don't. That doesn't mean I'm judging anyone with extra weight, that just means I don't like mine. This is another thing that is hard to admit because if I don't like my weight, it might seem like I don't like Eloise because she is the reason for that extra weight, or it might make me look just plain shallow. But no, I LOVE Eloise while still not liking the extra weight. And this may sound conceited, but it has been a long time since I've had extra weight to dislike. I also know for a fact I'm not shallow so that will have to do.
Today my mom and a few other friends ran the Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon in Winchester, TN. I ran that one last year and LOVED it. I hadn't trained for it at all, but it turned out to be one of my favorite marathon experiences ever because it was just so lovely. It was the last big race I ran before getting pregnant the next month. Since then I've viewed it as my little gift from God before the really BIG gift from God. Kind of a last hurrah before marathon running was put on hold. So this year I remembered loving it and thought of all my peeps who were running it and I got a tad sad. There is also my old group of running girls who are about to run a marathon together. For a few of them it is their first ever. It makes me sad that I have not been a part of that. They even made shirts. How fun is that? And now I can hardly get them to remember to add me back to the e-mail list when planning morning runs. That may be even more sad.
None of that keeps me down, though, because of Eloise. I adore that child. I love motherhood way more than I thought I would. You really just have no idea until you have one, and then you know things you didn't know you didn't know. I also know my day is coming. My running is coming back to me. My body remembers and even with some extra weight, I am feeling like I used to feel when I ran. Free and strong and powerful. So while I may sigh for a moment, I'm over it pretty quickly.
Today I also read this blog on Momastery. You know, sometimes I really like this writer and sometimes she gets on my nerves, but mostly I like her. And I LOVED what she wrote today. She's so wildly honest and that is refreshing to read. I am honest too, but I like to be honest about the good stuff. I like to gloss over the bad stuff and push it under the bed where no one can see it. I guess part of me feels like it isn't that bad to begin with and talking about it would make it seem worse than it is. It is just life. And I absolutely love life, so a little dust under the bed doesn't really bother me long term.
So I'm stealing this from Momastery because I loved it:
And I'm not really sure what else to say except that I've noticed I start a lot of sentences with "and." I think it is my way of being rebellious towards my middle school English teacher.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Age Old Running
The other night as we were warming up before a tempo run, a client asked me how long I had been a runner. I told him I started running when I was 15. After I thought about it, I realized that my running years outnumbered my non-running years, which means I've been a runner longer than I haven't been. I kinda like that. And when I think about all that has changed from the beginning to the middle to now... it is pretty exciting. I wonder what else I will do, how far will I go, what new adventures are around the corner and I am filled with hope and anticipation.
I see so many women who are a little older and a lot older than I am, and they are doing the most amazing things. It is so inspiring to see that so many women are still going strong after so many years of running. Not only that, they are still improving, still pushing their limits to greater heights.
My mom started running when she was 36 and she ran her first marathon when she was 44. Since then she has run a marathon in all 50 states and 60 before the age of 60. And at 61, she's still running them! She's still training her friends to push past their limits and she is a constant inspiration to all who know her.
I work with a lady who is in her late 60s and I see her out running most mornings when I am running with my girls. She also runs the Huntsville Half Marathon every year and I always love seeing her finish. I hope I am doing that when I am 67.
The oldest member of our morning crew is 49 and she is one of the fastest in our group. She has qualified and run the Boston Marathon and has also qualified for the New York Marathon. I call her the "pixie runner" because that is what she looks like when she runs and she shimmies up a hill like it is a flat stretch of road.
Another of our running crew has a sister on the USA Ultra Marathon team. I never even knew they had a team until she told me and when I looked them up I discovered that Debra Horn is on the team and she was born in 1959. If you look at what is listed as her "career highlights" she has done quite a lot in the last few years. When asked why she runs she said, "Running is a great stress-reliever and keeps me feeling young." I'd say so! The other athlete bios for the team are pretty impressive and inspiring as well.
So there you have it. You are never too old to start running and you are never too old to try something new and you are never too old to improve. These are things I hold close to my heart as I dream and hope and plan and look forward to the years and the miles to come.
I see so many women who are a little older and a lot older than I am, and they are doing the most amazing things. It is so inspiring to see that so many women are still going strong after so many years of running. Not only that, they are still improving, still pushing their limits to greater heights.
My mom started running when she was 36 and she ran her first marathon when she was 44. Since then she has run a marathon in all 50 states and 60 before the age of 60. And at 61, she's still running them! She's still training her friends to push past their limits and she is a constant inspiration to all who know her.
I work with a lady who is in her late 60s and I see her out running most mornings when I am running with my girls. She also runs the Huntsville Half Marathon every year and I always love seeing her finish. I hope I am doing that when I am 67.
The oldest member of our morning crew is 49 and she is one of the fastest in our group. She has qualified and run the Boston Marathon and has also qualified for the New York Marathon. I call her the "pixie runner" because that is what she looks like when she runs and she shimmies up a hill like it is a flat stretch of road.
Another of our running crew has a sister on the USA Ultra Marathon team. I never even knew they had a team until she told me and when I looked them up I discovered that Debra Horn is on the team and she was born in 1959. If you look at what is listed as her "career highlights" she has done quite a lot in the last few years. When asked why she runs she said, "Running is a great stress-reliever and keeps me feeling young." I'd say so! The other athlete bios for the team are pretty impressive and inspiring as well.
So there you have it. You are never too old to start running and you are never too old to try something new and you are never too old to improve. These are things I hold close to my heart as I dream and hope and plan and look forward to the years and the miles to come.
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| Mom after her 50th marathon state, Hartford, Connecticut 2008 |
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Signs and Celebrations
I've written before about my amazing group of running friends. I cannot even describe how much they bless my life. One thing I love about our group is how we support each other. If someone is going through a rough time, the prayers and encouragement are unending. If someone has something to celebrate, it is like having our own personal fan club. From babies to marriages to injuries and triumphs, we are there through it all. The funny thing is, most of us only see each other in the wee early morning hours of each day when we are running. It is comical when we run in to each other at the grocery store or bagel shop and are shocked to see each other so fixed up. It is almost like, "Wow, I had no idea you looked like that!"
Being that running is the first thing that brought us all together, we share in each others goals, training plans, worries and triumphs when it comes to racing. We know each others PRs. We know each others upcoming races. We know about each others training and the challenges faced along the way. And I know for me, I get invested. So as one of my girls approach their first half-marathon, or a hopeful PR marathon, I am excited and nervous and hopeful and sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for news. I'm pretty sure I can safely say I'm not the only one who feels this way.
We all got to experience this recently with our friend, Katie. Katie is one of our fastest runners and she is so inspiring for all of us. She's super talented, but I'm not sure she really sees it and that is probably one of the many reasons we like her so much. Anyway, Katie has been training HARD for the Chicago marathon. In fact, this was the first time she'd done a lot of what she did in training. It wasn't always fun. It was super challenging. And because she'd never done much of it, she was not quite sure if she was doing it right, if she was doing all she could, or if it would result in a PR marathon. Her goal was a 3:15. Her best was a 3:18.
Now, I felt the whole time that she had it in the bag. Not only is she already a strong and amazing runner, her training was hard core and she stuck with it the entire time. Still, there is always room for something beyond one's control to happen in a marathon. I have experienced it and seen it happen in others. And it is heartbreaking. Katie knows this too, and so as the marathon approached and she began to question and doubt and wonder and talk herself out of being disappointed if it didn't happen, the girls and I were right there with her.
On race day the e-mails were flying. We were on our computers before and after church services, and I wondered how she was doing the whole morning. And then I saw it. The e-mail titled, "KATIE ROCKS!" I almost stood up and cheered. I said, "SHE DID IT! SHE DID IT!" as Jason asked who did what. The e-mails continued to fly as each of us discovered the news. I'm sure Katie's phone and facebook page began to light up with congratulations and comments as her friends and family realized she had achieved her PR.
But I like to think her morning running crew were the ones who really knew, who really understood.
Anyway, Katie is back in town now and took a few moments to post quickly on her blog that she had in fact reached her goal and that she'd tell more soon (for which I am impatiently waiting). In her post she mentions a sign she read while running, and I found it so inspiring.
Katie didn't have time to write much, but she did say she thought about these words for much of the race. I can understand why. These words are simple, but so powerful too! I absolutely love this and intend to use it as inspiration for my next event as well.
So today, this post is dedicated to Katie, my amazing marathoning and mothering friend. Check out her blog for an update on her marathon. I know that's what I'll be doing...or I might just show up at her house with 2 cups of coffee if I can't wait any longer for the scoop.
Being that running is the first thing that brought us all together, we share in each others goals, training plans, worries and triumphs when it comes to racing. We know each others PRs. We know each others upcoming races. We know about each others training and the challenges faced along the way. And I know for me, I get invested. So as one of my girls approach their first half-marathon, or a hopeful PR marathon, I am excited and nervous and hopeful and sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for news. I'm pretty sure I can safely say I'm not the only one who feels this way.
We all got to experience this recently with our friend, Katie. Katie is one of our fastest runners and she is so inspiring for all of us. She's super talented, but I'm not sure she really sees it and that is probably one of the many reasons we like her so much. Anyway, Katie has been training HARD for the Chicago marathon. In fact, this was the first time she'd done a lot of what she did in training. It wasn't always fun. It was super challenging. And because she'd never done much of it, she was not quite sure if she was doing it right, if she was doing all she could, or if it would result in a PR marathon. Her goal was a 3:15. Her best was a 3:18.
Now, I felt the whole time that she had it in the bag. Not only is she already a strong and amazing runner, her training was hard core and she stuck with it the entire time. Still, there is always room for something beyond one's control to happen in a marathon. I have experienced it and seen it happen in others. And it is heartbreaking. Katie knows this too, and so as the marathon approached and she began to question and doubt and wonder and talk herself out of being disappointed if it didn't happen, the girls and I were right there with her.
On race day the e-mails were flying. We were on our computers before and after church services, and I wondered how she was doing the whole morning. And then I saw it. The e-mail titled, "KATIE ROCKS!" I almost stood up and cheered. I said, "SHE DID IT! SHE DID IT!" as Jason asked who did what. The e-mails continued to fly as each of us discovered the news. I'm sure Katie's phone and facebook page began to light up with congratulations and comments as her friends and family realized she had achieved her PR.
But I like to think her morning running crew were the ones who really knew, who really understood.
Anyway, Katie is back in town now and took a few moments to post quickly on her blog that she had in fact reached her goal and that she'd tell more soon (for which I am impatiently waiting). In her post she mentions a sign she read while running, and I found it so inspiring.
"There will come a day when you will not be able to do this. Today is not that day!"
Katie didn't have time to write much, but she did say she thought about these words for much of the race. I can understand why. These words are simple, but so powerful too! I absolutely love this and intend to use it as inspiration for my next event as well.
So today, this post is dedicated to Katie, my amazing marathoning and mothering friend. Check out her blog for an update on her marathon. I know that's what I'll be doing...or I might just show up at her house with 2 cups of coffee if I can't wait any longer for the scoop.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Bits and Splits and Ultra Training Week 5
Ultra training week 5 ended with a bang as I participated in a marathon for which I was not trained. The result turned out to be pretty great anyway, and the experience was a wonderful one. As for this week, ultra training week 6, it is going to be a little on the puny side as I let my legs recover before picking it back up again. I learned the importance of rest this week when I talked to the Sports Nutrition instructor here at UAH and I hope to share what I learned in a future post.
For now, here are the weekly workout totals for ultra training week 5 followed by the splits from Saturday's marathon.
Sunday, Sept 25 - rest
Monday, Sept 26 - 7 morning miles with Jane, 10:00 pace
Tuesday, Sept 27 - 9.2 morning miles, 8:48 pace
3 afternoon miles to mark the No Boundaries course, 8:27 pace
Wednesday, Sept 28 - 6.1 morning miles with the girls, 9:50 pace
Thursday, Sept 29 - rest
Friday, Sept 30 - rest, although I did 3 miles run/walk with No Boundaries that morning.
Saturday, Oct 1 - Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon, 26.2 miles in 4:03:17, 9:17 pace
Total Mileage for the week: 51.5
Marathon Splits
Mile 1 - 11:40 (my GPS wasn't on at first so this is really mile 1.35)
Mile 2 - 9:07
Mile 3 - 9:21
Mile 4 - 9:11
Mile 5 - 9:21
Mile 6 - 9:36
Mile 7 - 9:26 (Sarah and I part ways at half-marathon turn off)
Mile 8 - 10:03 (potty break)
Mile 9 - 9:11
Mile 10 - 9:02
Mile 11 - 9:23
Mile 12 - 9:31
Mile 13 - 9:13 (hit 13.1 at 2:01)
Mile 14 - 8:57
Mile 15 - 8:53
Mile 16 - 9:12
Mile 17 - 9:04
Mile 18 - 9:14
Mile 19 - 9:34
Mile 20 - 9:18
Mile 21 - 8:57
Mile 22 - 9:12
Mile 23 - 9:18
Mile 24 - 8:46 (quit holding back)
Mile 25 - 9:02
Mile 26 - 9:01 (had to fight hard for this one)
For now, here are the weekly workout totals for ultra training week 5 followed by the splits from Saturday's marathon.
Sunday, Sept 25 - rest
Monday, Sept 26 - 7 morning miles with Jane, 10:00 pace
Tuesday, Sept 27 - 9.2 morning miles, 8:48 pace
3 afternoon miles to mark the No Boundaries course, 8:27 pace
Wednesday, Sept 28 - 6.1 morning miles with the girls, 9:50 pace
Thursday, Sept 29 - rest
Friday, Sept 30 - rest, although I did 3 miles run/walk with No Boundaries that morning.
Saturday, Oct 1 - Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon, 26.2 miles in 4:03:17, 9:17 pace
Total Mileage for the week: 51.5
Marathon Splits
Mile 1 - 11:40 (my GPS wasn't on at first so this is really mile 1.35)
Mile 2 - 9:07
Mile 3 - 9:21
Mile 4 - 9:11
Mile 5 - 9:21
Mile 6 - 9:36
Mile 7 - 9:26 (Sarah and I part ways at half-marathon turn off)
Mile 8 - 10:03 (potty break)
Mile 9 - 9:11
Mile 10 - 9:02
Mile 11 - 9:23
Mile 12 - 9:31
Mile 13 - 9:13 (hit 13.1 at 2:01)
Mile 14 - 8:57
Mile 15 - 8:53
Mile 16 - 9:12
Mile 17 - 9:04
Mile 18 - 9:14
Mile 19 - 9:34
Mile 20 - 9:18
Mile 21 - 8:57
Mile 22 - 9:12
Mile 23 - 9:18
Mile 24 - 8:46 (quit holding back)
Mile 25 - 9:02
Mile 26 - 9:01 (had to fight hard for this one)
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Like Remembering an Old Friend
Ever since the marathon Saturday, I find myself looking back at that wonderful day, the gorgeous weather and scenery, the experience of pushing myself and realizing more strength than I thought I'd have approaching a marathon untrained... and it is almost like remembering an old friend. I sigh. I smile. I think, what a great day that was.
I simply love remembering. My previous post about chasing my "huckleberries" does not really touch upon how much fun I had out there. How each step was a surprise because the whole time I expected to feel totally depleted around the next corner, on the next mile... I remember looking out at rolling green fields dotted with black cows. I remember looking up at the blue sky and noticing that the trees were beginning to change colors as just a touch of red could be seen at the tips. I remember glancing down to see a golden, furry caterpillar crawling across my path and hopping over him.
I remember the sensation of passing Blue Shirt after chasing her for so many miles. I laugh as I remember the game I played in my mind and the names I gave those in front of me. When climbing a hill and wondering if I could catch the person in front of me, I could hear Jason's voice say, "Everyone has to climb that hill," reminding me that I was not the only person facing these challenges and my legs were not the only ones burning. So were theirs. Its just something he always says to me when I talk about slowing down on hills or finding a course difficult. I knew that if Jason could see me along the course, he would make that hand motion he makes that signals me to pass the person in front of me. That always makes me laugh, but spurs me on to do it too.
Yesterday, I was talking with the Sports Nutrition instructor here at UAH about fueling, recovering and training and how the muscles respond, and he eventually asked about my questions. I told him about the marathon and training for an ultra, although I didn't go into specifics and while he had some great and helpful things to say about muscles and recovery, I could tell the overall view of people like me was one of extremism. He sort of had us all figured out and while I cannot argue with much of what he said, there was a component he didn't understand. But it wasn't one I could explain either.
It is that feeling of remembering Saturday. It is the memories I have of everything marathon I've run, good or bad. It is bonding with Jason and my mom. It is running with my dearest friends in the world - who I only see at 5:00 am in the morning. It is the experience of the body running down the road on a gorgeous day, wind sweeping by my ears. It is the tears, the sweat, the salt, the raised hands in triumph at the finish line. It is that feeling. And I think this feeling is more than what we like to call "runner's high." This feeling lasts much longer than that. It is a life-feeling.
As I said before, I can't explain it. The title of this post doesn't even really say it. But it is so wonderful and I feel so blessed to have it. No matter what anyone thinks or says, I will always be thankful for days like Saturday and all the experiences and memories and wordless feelings that surround it.
I simply love remembering. My previous post about chasing my "huckleberries" does not really touch upon how much fun I had out there. How each step was a surprise because the whole time I expected to feel totally depleted around the next corner, on the next mile... I remember looking out at rolling green fields dotted with black cows. I remember looking up at the blue sky and noticing that the trees were beginning to change colors as just a touch of red could be seen at the tips. I remember glancing down to see a golden, furry caterpillar crawling across my path and hopping over him.
I remember the sensation of passing Blue Shirt after chasing her for so many miles. I laugh as I remember the game I played in my mind and the names I gave those in front of me. When climbing a hill and wondering if I could catch the person in front of me, I could hear Jason's voice say, "Everyone has to climb that hill," reminding me that I was not the only person facing these challenges and my legs were not the only ones burning. So were theirs. Its just something he always says to me when I talk about slowing down on hills or finding a course difficult. I knew that if Jason could see me along the course, he would make that hand motion he makes that signals me to pass the person in front of me. That always makes me laugh, but spurs me on to do it too.
Yesterday, I was talking with the Sports Nutrition instructor here at UAH about fueling, recovering and training and how the muscles respond, and he eventually asked about my questions. I told him about the marathon and training for an ultra, although I didn't go into specifics and while he had some great and helpful things to say about muscles and recovery, I could tell the overall view of people like me was one of extremism. He sort of had us all figured out and while I cannot argue with much of what he said, there was a component he didn't understand. But it wasn't one I could explain either.
It is that feeling of remembering Saturday. It is the memories I have of everything marathon I've run, good or bad. It is bonding with Jason and my mom. It is running with my dearest friends in the world - who I only see at 5:00 am in the morning. It is the experience of the body running down the road on a gorgeous day, wind sweeping by my ears. It is the tears, the sweat, the salt, the raised hands in triumph at the finish line. It is that feeling. And I think this feeling is more than what we like to call "runner's high." This feeling lasts much longer than that. It is a life-feeling.
As I said before, I can't explain it. The title of this post doesn't even really say it. But it is so wonderful and I feel so blessed to have it. No matter what anyone thinks or says, I will always be thankful for days like Saturday and all the experiences and memories and wordless feelings that surround it.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Finding Huckleberries
You know that part in the movie "Tombstone" where Doc tells Ringo, "I'm your huckleberry." Like he's the one Ringo is after. Like a challenge. "Come after me, if you dare."
Many times in a race I'll find someone ahead of me who seems to be just a tad faster, and I will try to hang on or pass them. I don't think it is so much out of competitiveness, although that certainly has its place, as much as having someone to chase who will drag me along and challenge my pace. Like the rabbit before the greyhounds. Like the carrot that keeps the horse moving forward. Like Ringo's huckleberry - his only worthy opponent.
It was this action of finding and chasing huckleberries in yesterday's marathon that spurred me on, providing something to think about other than my own untrained legs running 26.2 miles. It turned the marathon into a game and instead of racing my time, I was simply out finding huckleberries.
The Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon had 80 runners. There was also a half marathon, so at the start line it didn't seem so sparse, but when the half-marathoners turned at mile 7.5, only a thin line of marathoners could be seen spread out along the road. I ran with my friend Sarah, for the first 7.5 miles. She was running her first half-marathon and as we chatted and ran, I did not feel like I was running a marathon at all.
It was an absolutely gorgeous day. A bit windy, but I did not mind. The temperature was perfect, starting around 43 degrees and getting up to 55 or so by the end of the race. The sky was a crisp, brilliant blue and as I ran, I could see the tips of tree leaves beginning to turn shades of red. After Sarah turned off, I turned on my ipod, found a comfortable pace and settled in. I fully expected to run out of steam sometime after mile 16 and so despite how good I felt, I tried to reign myself in. I needed to last. All I had for my training was a 12 miler, a 16 miler, and consistence in my weekly runs. That is good, but I wasn't sure it was enough to run a strong marathon.
There were two ladies and a man close to me. Two of them were taking walk breaks and so it wasn't long before I left them behind. I caught a man in a cap and another guy in a yellow shirt wearing a water pack on his back. After him, all I could see far in the distance was a blue shirt. So I made for the blue shirt.
Around mile 14 we turned and I began to have that wonderful sensation of heading back. This is one reason I like to look at the course map. Despite the fact that I had 12 miles left, that feeling of heading back made me feel like I was almost done. I still felt pretty good and I could see far ahead that two other runners were near the blue shirt. Slowly and steadily, I got closer.
I passed the first and dubbed him The Cyclist because he had on what appeared to be a tri top. Next was the bright yellow shirt. This was also an older man and as I passed him we looked at each other and said good morning. At this point I was close enough to Blue Shirt to realize she was a female! That's when I heard it. "I'm your huckleberry." Due to the smallness of this race, winning my age group was a possibility. Females had to be passed.
The thing about Blue Shirt was she looked really good. From behind she did not look tired and she had great legs. A long braid swung down her back as she made strong strides up each hill. I followed. The distance between us was not growing, but it was not shortening either. I wanted to catch her, but we were nearing mile 18 and I just wasn't sure. I fully expected to run out of steam any moment and to push now seemed sort of foolish.
I noticed, however, that she took longer at aid stations than I did and I decided to make my move on our next one. I had taken 3 Gu packets with me and I forced down my last one as we approached mile 18, took some sips of water and began to close in. As I got closer, I saw yet another female. I named her Tights. Now I had to take them both. At the next aid station, I made my move. They both stopped to drink their water as I grabbed mine, squeezed the top and slowed to a walk as I took two gulps and resumed running. I passed Tights first and we spoke briefly about the hills. Blue Shirt was right there. I ran up beside her and she said, "You must be feeling good." I said I was, but that I wasn't sure how long it would last. She said her goal was not to be last, and I said she shouldn't worry about that as she looked great. And she did. I knew when I passed her I had to hold a strong pace or she would catch back up. This was around mile 20.
I was still cautious about my pace. How long was I going to last? I had no more Gu (and I couldn't imagine eating anymore anyway), and a 10k. I imagined a 6 mile run with my morning girls and it seemed more doable. My quads were incredibly sore by this point, but it was nothing I couldn't run through. My left foot was aching and it seemed I'd aggravated a tendon, but I knew I could run through that as well.
And that's when I saw him. Green Shirt. He was wearing Vibram 5 fingers and I decided that right there was reason enough to take him. At the next aid station I almost ran into him as he stopped suddenly to eat an orange. I moved around him, grabbed a gatorade, took one sip and ran on. Down with Mr. Green Shirt.
When I reached mile 23 and still felt strong (ish), I quit holding back and quit listening to the voice of warning. And that's when I saw it. A yellow shirt. It was a long way off, but there was no mistaking it for a female. The tiny steps and all the swaying gave her away. In fact, her form was so terrible that I thought she must be a half-marathoner. Her head kept moving from side to side, her shoulders twisted in such a way that made my own form seem perfect (I twist when I run). I couldn't imagine running 26.2 miles with all that weaving, twisting and bobbing. There was only one thing for it. I had to catch and pass her. I had 2 miles to do so.
I ran an 8:48 mile to catch her, but I wasn't just chasing my last huckleberry. I was running for the 4 hour mark. I was running to shake off anyone who might be close behind. I ran because I knew my steam was running out. When I passed mile 25, I was tired. My legs were screaming, and my lack of training began whispering in my ear, but I only had 1 more mile and I was taking it down. There were no more huckleberries, except for the finish line.
I crossed in 4:03:17 as they called my name over the loud speakers. It was a little anti-climactic because no one was there, but I smiled anyway. I could not believe I had just run a 4:03 on no training. I was so thankful. I'd had so much fun! Despite all my chasing and pursuing those in front of me, I was still able to enjoy being out there, running on the most gorgeous first day of October. I was thankful to my God for getting me through it, thankful for the time out there with Him in His amazing creation. And I was excited! What did this mean for my ultra?! What might I be able to do with adequate training?! I put my medal around my neck and gulped down a cold bottle of water as I sat in the sunshine huddled against the wind.
Eventually Mary, mom's friend who had driven us there, found me and I got a jacket from the car and money for coffee. We waited for Mom, who ran in strong right under 5 hours. She was ecstatic having no idea she was capable of a sub 5. It was a wonderful day all around. The perfect day to be out finding huckleberries.
Many times in a race I'll find someone ahead of me who seems to be just a tad faster, and I will try to hang on or pass them. I don't think it is so much out of competitiveness, although that certainly has its place, as much as having someone to chase who will drag me along and challenge my pace. Like the rabbit before the greyhounds. Like the carrot that keeps the horse moving forward. Like Ringo's huckleberry - his only worthy opponent.
It was this action of finding and chasing huckleberries in yesterday's marathon that spurred me on, providing something to think about other than my own untrained legs running 26.2 miles. It turned the marathon into a game and instead of racing my time, I was simply out finding huckleberries.
The Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon had 80 runners. There was also a half marathon, so at the start line it didn't seem so sparse, but when the half-marathoners turned at mile 7.5, only a thin line of marathoners could be seen spread out along the road. I ran with my friend Sarah, for the first 7.5 miles. She was running her first half-marathon and as we chatted and ran, I did not feel like I was running a marathon at all.
It was an absolutely gorgeous day. A bit windy, but I did not mind. The temperature was perfect, starting around 43 degrees and getting up to 55 or so by the end of the race. The sky was a crisp, brilliant blue and as I ran, I could see the tips of tree leaves beginning to turn shades of red. After Sarah turned off, I turned on my ipod, found a comfortable pace and settled in. I fully expected to run out of steam sometime after mile 16 and so despite how good I felt, I tried to reign myself in. I needed to last. All I had for my training was a 12 miler, a 16 miler, and consistence in my weekly runs. That is good, but I wasn't sure it was enough to run a strong marathon.
There were two ladies and a man close to me. Two of them were taking walk breaks and so it wasn't long before I left them behind. I caught a man in a cap and another guy in a yellow shirt wearing a water pack on his back. After him, all I could see far in the distance was a blue shirt. So I made for the blue shirt.
Around mile 14 we turned and I began to have that wonderful sensation of heading back. This is one reason I like to look at the course map. Despite the fact that I had 12 miles left, that feeling of heading back made me feel like I was almost done. I still felt pretty good and I could see far ahead that two other runners were near the blue shirt. Slowly and steadily, I got closer.
I passed the first and dubbed him The Cyclist because he had on what appeared to be a tri top. Next was the bright yellow shirt. This was also an older man and as I passed him we looked at each other and said good morning. At this point I was close enough to Blue Shirt to realize she was a female! That's when I heard it. "I'm your huckleberry." Due to the smallness of this race, winning my age group was a possibility. Females had to be passed.
The thing about Blue Shirt was she looked really good. From behind she did not look tired and she had great legs. A long braid swung down her back as she made strong strides up each hill. I followed. The distance between us was not growing, but it was not shortening either. I wanted to catch her, but we were nearing mile 18 and I just wasn't sure. I fully expected to run out of steam any moment and to push now seemed sort of foolish.
I noticed, however, that she took longer at aid stations than I did and I decided to make my move on our next one. I had taken 3 Gu packets with me and I forced down my last one as we approached mile 18, took some sips of water and began to close in. As I got closer, I saw yet another female. I named her Tights. Now I had to take them both. At the next aid station, I made my move. They both stopped to drink their water as I grabbed mine, squeezed the top and slowed to a walk as I took two gulps and resumed running. I passed Tights first and we spoke briefly about the hills. Blue Shirt was right there. I ran up beside her and she said, "You must be feeling good." I said I was, but that I wasn't sure how long it would last. She said her goal was not to be last, and I said she shouldn't worry about that as she looked great. And she did. I knew when I passed her I had to hold a strong pace or she would catch back up. This was around mile 20.
I was still cautious about my pace. How long was I going to last? I had no more Gu (and I couldn't imagine eating anymore anyway), and a 10k. I imagined a 6 mile run with my morning girls and it seemed more doable. My quads were incredibly sore by this point, but it was nothing I couldn't run through. My left foot was aching and it seemed I'd aggravated a tendon, but I knew I could run through that as well.
And that's when I saw him. Green Shirt. He was wearing Vibram 5 fingers and I decided that right there was reason enough to take him. At the next aid station I almost ran into him as he stopped suddenly to eat an orange. I moved around him, grabbed a gatorade, took one sip and ran on. Down with Mr. Green Shirt.
When I reached mile 23 and still felt strong (ish), I quit holding back and quit listening to the voice of warning. And that's when I saw it. A yellow shirt. It was a long way off, but there was no mistaking it for a female. The tiny steps and all the swaying gave her away. In fact, her form was so terrible that I thought she must be a half-marathoner. Her head kept moving from side to side, her shoulders twisted in such a way that made my own form seem perfect (I twist when I run). I couldn't imagine running 26.2 miles with all that weaving, twisting and bobbing. There was only one thing for it. I had to catch and pass her. I had 2 miles to do so.
I ran an 8:48 mile to catch her, but I wasn't just chasing my last huckleberry. I was running for the 4 hour mark. I was running to shake off anyone who might be close behind. I ran because I knew my steam was running out. When I passed mile 25, I was tired. My legs were screaming, and my lack of training began whispering in my ear, but I only had 1 more mile and I was taking it down. There were no more huckleberries, except for the finish line.
I crossed in 4:03:17 as they called my name over the loud speakers. It was a little anti-climactic because no one was there, but I smiled anyway. I could not believe I had just run a 4:03 on no training. I was so thankful. I'd had so much fun! Despite all my chasing and pursuing those in front of me, I was still able to enjoy being out there, running on the most gorgeous first day of October. I was thankful to my God for getting me through it, thankful for the time out there with Him in His amazing creation. And I was excited! What did this mean for my ultra?! What might I be able to do with adequate training?! I put my medal around my neck and gulped down a cold bottle of water as I sat in the sunshine huddled against the wind.
Eventually Mary, mom's friend who had driven us there, found me and I got a jacket from the car and money for coffee. We waited for Mom, who ran in strong right under 5 hours. She was ecstatic having no idea she was capable of a sub 5. It was a wonderful day all around. The perfect day to be out finding huckleberries.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Training and Tapering...Who Needs 'Em?
While I have been getting in some good mileage at quality paces, it is nothing near marathon training. I've been slowly working my mileage up to prepare for the 50 mile in December, and I thought the marathon might fit nicely in the middle...but it came a little soon and my longest run up to that point had been 12 miles.
So last Saturday (a week before the marathon) I did a little test and ran 16 miles to see what it would feel like. I haven't run that far since April. I held around a 9 minute pace most of the way and felt fine when I finished, although my legs were pretty tired and a little sore the next day. I was also reluctant to taper because I am in the middle of ultra training and I have just gotten cranked up on that. So I didn't want to slack off on ultra training just because I'd agreed to this crazy last minute marathon.
I ran 7 miles on Monday, a total of 12 on Tuesday (9 in the morning, 3 in the afternoon), and 6 on Wednesday. My leg soreness came back so I took yesterday off and this morning I ran 3 with my No Boundaries runners, driving to meet them instead of running there like I usually do. So that's a sort-of taper. If all goes as planned and I finish this marathon (which is the main and only goal, by the way), I will have 51.5 miles for the week. While that is a good mileage number, how it plays out is not exactly what I was looking for, but hopefully I can take it easy enough tomorrow that I can resume my ultra training shortly after without having to take too much of a break.
Smart? Probably not. A good plan? That's a negative. Kind of fun anyway? Yep. I will admit to being a little curious to see how I will fair on so little training. Am I seasoned enough to hang in for 26.2 miles? What kind of time will it be? This will be marathon #25, but regardless of how seasoned a marathoner may be, a lot can happen in that distance, and I am approaching it with caution.
I plan to start off slow, around a 10:00 or 9:30 pace for the first 3 or 4 miles. Then I will try to hold between a 9:00-9:30 the rest of the way. If I feel good at the end, I will pick it up, but I'm not expecting to have a whole lot left after about 20 miles. I've packed 4 Gu packets to pin to my shorts and will try to stay well fueled. That, a slower pace, and a history of finishing marathons is all I have to take with me on this one.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Heating the Beat
 |
| Before the Marathon |
It turns out that I was right to be concerned about the affect of the heat on this weekend's marathon, and not even Speedy Bunny could save me from it. I started the marathon as planned, starting out slightly faster than I did in the Mercedes Marathon while still conserving. No amount of conservation could change the outcome, however, and that was a HOT and SLOW finish.
Here's the story:
Shannon, Jason and I were a tad last minute getting to the start line. Jason hadn't signed up yet since he wasn't sure what he wanted to do, and Shannon and I were considering a last minute bathroom stop, but with only 5 minutes before the start, we had to hustle to get there. As we jogged to the start, I tried to pin on my Gu packets, pricking my thumb in the process. Shannon and Jason helped me and just as the last one was pinned, the start of the race was sounded.
I wished Shannon a big good luck and we took off. The group of runners was small, and it wasn't long before we were spread out along the road. A few minutes into the race, I saw Jason coming back for me.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Give me your hand." He responded. I complied and he took it and kissed it three times. "Forgot to give you those." he said before running off. I think I smiled for the next few miles.
A guy I dubbed "Bandanna Boy" ran along side me for a bit and we chatted. He went to high school with Shannon and her twin sister, and we talked about first marathons, races in the south, and ultra running until he took a bathroom break and I never saw him again. I was disappointed because the constant conversation kept my mind from focusing on the steadily increasing heat.
I felt pretty good and held the pace I wanted for the entire first half. The course was completely rural and absolutely beautiful. There were some rolling hills, but nothing too challenging, and it wasn't long before I started catching runners who were already suffering in the heat. Since the race was so small, and last year's winning female finished in 3:51, I thought it might be possible for me to win. So every time I saw a female, I went for her.
Around mile 14 I caught up to Jason. He was jogging slowly, waiting for me. He said his heart wasn't in it and he'd rather run with me. I was thrilled to have him. I was beginning to feel my legs slow and as badly as I did not want them to, I had to consider the day. It was still getting warmer and there was very little shade.
Despite my growing discomfort in the heat, Jason and I had a really good time. We caught up to as many runners as we could see, and when I began to drop pace he encouraged me. I began to get chills around mile 17 and by mile 20 I was miserable and discouraged. And maybe sad too. This hot marathon would not only be the last in my season, but it signaled the end of the cool running temps as well. I was sad to see the days of flying down the road at whatever pace my legs could handle come to an end. For me, the summer is about surviving and keeping a base.
"I hate feeling like this at mile 20," I said to Jason. "This is the place I try to avoid in every race and yet here I am!"
He said it would be okay and that I was no allowed to be discouraged or beat myself up over this one. He reminded me that I have always wilted in the heat and it was just one of those things. So I took his advice and tried to gut through the rest of it as best I could.
We talked about all kinds of things, and when I needed a walk break (which became more frequent as the miles wore on), we would link pinkies and try to enjoy the scenery around us. A few people caught us, but not very many, and I realized everyone was suffering in the heat. I worried about Shannon and prepared to tell her that this was not how all marathons were and that a cooler marathon would be much easier. Turns out, she did not need my speech as she was doing just fine!
The last 6 miles seemed like an eternity, but we eventually got there. I was SO glad to stop running. I completed the marathon in 4:16. I was disappointed by this, having hoped I'd reached a certain level of toughness where I would not exceed 4 hours but...the heat had me beat and I could not fight it. I was covered in salt, more so than I had ever noticed before. My legs looked as if I'd jumped into the ocean and then rolled around in the sand.
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| Shannon, myself and Jason after the marathon |
We waited on Shannon and it wasn't long before she came around the corner to the finish line, completing her first marathon in 4:25. I was so impressed! She looked great and her whole family had come out to cheer for her. We walked into the gym together to get some much needed water, and there we learned that I had won first place in my age group and Jason had won second in his. (Once we got home, we learned that Shannon had won third place in her marathon as well, but results had not shown this yet). The winning female had crossed the finish line in 3:47...which made me feel like I could have given her a run for her money on a cooler day but...she may have had more in her as well had the elements been kinder.
 |
| Roasted Reneaus |
At the end of the day, I looked back on a great time despite the heat. I had met some wonderful people in Shannon's family, had a great time with Jason along the way, managed to be the toughest 31-34 year old out there, and I had a wicked tan along with my first marathon trophy to show for it.
Sometimes that has to be enough.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Mental Preparedness
In 3 days I will be running the Andrew Jackson Marathon. I have trained somewhat with speed work, high mileage weeks, and one or two longish runs, but I have not thought about it as much as I usually think about an upcoming marathon. Usually, I do quite a bit of mental training to go along with my physical training.
I picture it. I imagine getting tired and pushing through it. I imagine feeling good enough to kick it up at mile 20. I imagine seeing the clock say what I want it to say and hearing Jason's cheer for me. I imagine holding pace and feeling strong. I make a strategy and prepare to stick to it.
But I have done very little mental training despite the fact that I would like to take a few minutes off my latest 3:45 finishing time. I'm not looking for another 13 minute leap, just a few minutes. My friend, Katie and I talked quite a bit about this on our run this morning. We are both facing a marathon this weekend, and for different and similar reasons we are unsure what to expect from ourselves.
Here is what I'm thinking:
My Doubt List
My Confidence Building List
The latter list is the one on which I am trying to focus and it is the most fun to populate. Overall, I've been looking forward to this marathon because I simply like to run them, this one has history, and I am very excited to witness my dear friend, Shannon, run her first ever marathon. I have had the honor of being her training buddy, we've bounced ideas and strategies off each other, and I cannot wait to be there when she crosses that finish line.
So I guess there is nothing left to do except use these next few days to do some mental preparing, trust my training such as it is, and start the race. I'm hopeful, but also content with the current PR for now. So either way, I think a good time will be had by all and that will be my prayer!
I picture it. I imagine getting tired and pushing through it. I imagine feeling good enough to kick it up at mile 20. I imagine seeing the clock say what I want it to say and hearing Jason's cheer for me. I imagine holding pace and feeling strong. I make a strategy and prepare to stick to it.
But I have done very little mental training despite the fact that I would like to take a few minutes off my latest 3:45 finishing time. I'm not looking for another 13 minute leap, just a few minutes. My friend, Katie and I talked quite a bit about this on our run this morning. We are both facing a marathon this weekend, and for different and similar reasons we are unsure what to expect from ourselves.
Here is what I'm thinking:
My Doubt List
- I only got in a 15 miler and a 20 miler as far as long runs go. Usually I would get in more.
- Can I really expect another PR in just 2 months?
- I have not mentally prepared as I usually do...will that make a difference?
My Confidence Building List
- I was not used up after Mercedes. I felt pretty good for a 13-minute PR.
- I've been doing speed work and pushing my weekly runs hard.
- High mileage weeks despite few long runs.
- A good half-marathon in Seaside.
- The Andrew Jackson course is not as tough as the Mercedes Marathon course.
- Maybe I will be more rested for this one due to less intense training...
The latter list is the one on which I am trying to focus and it is the most fun to populate. Overall, I've been looking forward to this marathon because I simply like to run them, this one has history, and I am very excited to witness my dear friend, Shannon, run her first ever marathon. I have had the honor of being her training buddy, we've bounced ideas and strategies off each other, and I cannot wait to be there when she crosses that finish line.
So I guess there is nothing left to do except use these next few days to do some mental preparing, trust my training such as it is, and start the race. I'm hopeful, but also content with the current PR for now. So either way, I think a good time will be had by all and that will be my prayer!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Bits and Splits
Last night I attended a TRX Circuit Training class at the gym for the first time. Ordinarily I would not have done this right after a marathon, but it was for an actual class I am taking at UAH (more on that later). This was a two part class where we spent 45 seconds on the TRX section (don't ask me what that means, but if you know please share) and then 45 seconds on the circuit part which was out in the gym. The instructor helping with the circuit portion saw me halfheartedly doing some long jumps (the exercises in the circuit were somewhat insane for even the freshest of legs) and so she came over to me.
"You've got some big leg muscles, you can do better than that!" she said. I tried to comply, wondering if "big leg muscles" could be taken as a compliment. Afterward she came over to me and my classmate and told us we'd done a great job for first timers. I must admit, despite the difficulty level and my tired legs, I had a great time attempting it all and laughing at some of these attempts. But whenever I found my legs simply would not follow instructions (such as high knee tucks on the bosu), I looked down at the orange strip on my shoe and... I grinned.
A few of my friends have requested splits and so I am including them here.
Mile 1 - 9:02
Mile 2 - 8:50
Mile 3 - 8:33
Mile 4 - 8:46
Mile 5 - 8:45
Mile 6 - 8:45
Mile 7 - 8:52
Mile 8 - 8:34
Mile 9 - 8:07
Mile 10 - 8:54
Mile 11 - 8:32
Mile 12 - 8:34
Mile 13 - 8:25
Mile 14 - 8:45
Mile 15 - 8:44
Mile 16 - 8:39
Mile 17 - 8:41
Mile 18 - 8:59
Mile 19 - 8:56
Mile 20 - 8:43
Mile 21 - 8:40
Mile 22 - 8:23
Mile 23 - 8:37
Mile 24 - 8:41
Mile 25 - 8:40
Mile 26 - 8:17
Mile .2 - 6:49 (pace - not sure of overall time)
It wasn't quite the speed-up at the end I was hoping for, but it was enough. If I tried to bring some of those 8:50s down to 8:40s, a few more minutes could be shaved off with a bit more training and focus. Not that I'm quite ready to begin that just yet...but it won't be long.
Two new things I did for this marathon involved hair and Gu (but they have nothing to do with each other). First of all, I have a very short haircut with multiple layers. I think my hair guy was tired when I went to my last appointment and well...it is interesting to say the least. Too short for a pony tail, but too long to just let it sit on my neck (not to mention the really short curls that stick straight up on top of my head). So what did I discover? Pig tails! They were tiny and a little uneven, but they stayed in place and kept me cool and comfortable throughout the race.
Jason taught me the Gu trick, although most other runners may already know it. I knew I wanted 4 Gus for my marathon and I knew there would be some out on the course, but I still wanted to take some with me. My shorts did not have pockets and I can't stand things jumping around on me when I'm running, but Jason had the answer. He pinned my Gu to the outside of my shorts and then flipped it in the inside so it was against my skin. I only carried two with me, but four would have worked just fine. They did not move or jump or chafe, and they were easy to pull off while running. My flavor of choice is Espresso Love. Due to the coffee-like flavor, it is the only one I can tolerate.
Those are the bits and splits of my 3:45:52 (you knew I had to throw that in again) Mercedes Marathon.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
A Red Letter Marathon
On February 13, 2011 I awoke to one of the most perfect days in the history of perfect days. It started out around 35 degrees, clear and crisp with a vibrant blue sky and warm sunshine, reaching the high 50's eventually. It was perfect for being outside and that was a good thing. Because not only would I be outside, I would be outside running a marathon and continuing to chase my own personal record.
My husband and I along with two friends, Shannon and Kristi, drove to Birmingham on Saturday for the Mercedes Marathon. Shannon would be running her second half marathon and Kristi would be running with her. Jason was also doing the half, and I was planning to run the full marathon. We went to the expo, picked up our packets and tested our race chips before heading back to the hotel for some dinner and relaxation.
That night I hardly slept at all. I tossed and turned and tried every position I knew, all to no avail. I think I fell asleep sometime around 1:00 a.m. only to wake up again at 4:30 a.m. for good.
I worried about this but then I thought about Jason's Ironman and how he had hardly slept the night before. If he could do that on so little sleep, surely I would be fine for my marathon. I drank a little coffee, ate half of a Cliff Mojo bar and got dressed. Jason and I met Shannon and Kristi in the lobby and we walked to the start line with many other runners in the chilly morning air.
Jason kissed me before running a warm-up mile, and Shannon, Kristi and I found a spot in the crowd to wait. As we stood there Shannon looked at me and said, "I read that it does not matter how much sleep you get the night before a race, because the night before that is the one that counts." I felt relieved. I had gotten GREAT sleep on Friday night. I decided to quit worrying about sleep or lack there of and run the race I came to run that day.
Finally the race began and we were off. I ran with Shannon and Kristi for a bit but I was very cautious about starting out too fast, so after about 2 miles they ran ahead. I tried to hold my pace between 8:40 and 8:50 until around mile 9 when I decided I wanted to catch up to them so I could cheer for Shannon before we parted ways and I ran the 13.1 course again. That mile was an 8:07.
I pinched their butts when I caught up to them and we ended up running the rest of the half marathon together. Shannon was way ahead of her goal and feeling good, so it was exciting to know she'd be getting a PR that day. It was very fun to have them to talk with for those few miles and just as we separated for the last time, I saw Jason running to meet me.
He ran with me until mile 15 and kept me company. He had run a 1:17 half marathon and he was very pleased with that. It had been a while since he had raced anything and he was not quite sure where he was. So far, everyone had run exceptionally well that day. All that was left was for me to join them.
When Jason left I knew it was time to dig in and focus on my race. So far I was on pace, and my plan was to slowly begin to speed up and run negative splits. I continued running 8:40s until around mile 18 and then slowly began allowing myself to pick up the pace. I listened to my body and was somewhat concerned about running out of energy, but I had also planned 4 Gus and I had followed that plan. Despite my intense dislike of them, they got the job done and I did not ever become depleted of the energy I needed to hold the pace.
By mile 20 I began to get excited and somewhat emotional as I realized I still felt good. How I had longed for this moment! To reach the end of this race and still have it. It is the balance I find harder and harder to achieve as I try to run faster marathons. To start a race fast enough to PR, but slow enough to have something left at the end... On this day I knew I had done it.
I let go of my inhibitions and caution and allowed myself to continually speed up. The course was somewhat rolling, but when I approached a hill I reminded myself that I ran hills every day, and that I wanted this. I refused to slow down as I climbed.
The miles flew by until 23 and then they seemed to double in length. I did not slow down, but I was beginning to feel fatigued and I was determined to speed up anyway. As I watched the clock, I realized that it was possible to run a 3:45 if I held pace. I wanted that 3:45. I set my gaze ahead and my mind to the goal and I ran with all I had.
As the spectator crowds began to thicken along the end of the course, I kept my eye out for the one I could not wait to see. Sure enough, there he was. I gave him a thumbs up and smiled the biggest, goofiest grin I could summon. To the sound of church bells, I ran around the corner picking up speed as I watched the clock of the finish line. As I ran under it, it said 3:46, but my chip time was 3:45:52. I was ecstatic. On top of the world. Overwhelmed. Overjoyed. I grinned as they put my medal around my neck, and when the volunteer handing out finisher caps asked how I was I said, "GREAT!"
Jason soon found me, followed by and Shannon and Kristi. Hugs, congratulations and smiles were given as we took pictures and made our way back to the hotel. I could not believe I had done it. I had finished the Mercedes Marathon in 3:45:52, a thirteen minute personal record from my 3:58:57 finish in 2009.
As I stood in the shower after the race, it was my first moment alone to reflect. With the goofy grin still painted across my face I thanked God for such an amazing race.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lord. I know it is just running and that I didn't even go anywhere but to the same place I started. But it means so much to me and I am so very happy. Thank you so much for this gorgeous, perfect day and for this able body."
What began as a red letter day soon became a red letter marathon and I remain grateful, excited, amazed and humbled by the experience. And as I bask in the excitement of another personal record I feel empowered to look ahead and wonder what is next. I can't wait to find out.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
For (or From) the Record
It seems that I left out some very important information from my last post. It has since come to light that my amazing mom WON THIRD PLACE in her age group in the Rocket City Marathon. AND, as if that were not fabulous enough for a 60 year old who ran her second fastest marathon, which was her 61st marathon overall...she and her daughter (me) won third place in the parent/child division!So this wee little post is dedicated to Erin McGuire, the toughest ole girl in the south, and the best mom a girl could ever hope to have.
Congratulations, Mom!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Marathon Pacing = Amazing Experience
But what an amazing time I had! Oh, it was the best experience! Here's the story.
The weather was perfect. Not too cold, not to warm, not too windy and mostly overcast. I lined up at the start line around 7:45, held my 4:30 pacer sign high and the runners started to come. I met many of them as they told me their goals for the day, how many marathons they'd run, and where they were from. They had many questions about me, such as how many marathons I'd run and what my best time was. One guy told me I looked like I ran much faster than a 4:30 pace and asked if I'd be able to slow down for them. That made me feel good, of course (although, I have no idea what "look" I had going on), and I assured him that I could slow down.
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| Mom is in light pink with a white hat. |
She had a group of good friends running with her, so I knew she would be fine. I also knew she would not be upset about not making her 4:30 goal, so I held pace and tried not to worry about her.
A few people stayed with me, and we talked about races, where they were from, their running experiences. As I lost those who started with me, I gained others and got to know them as well. I met two girls who were grad students at Auburn, running their first marathon. I met a man who graduated from Auburn in 1981 when I was 1 year old. This was his 23rd marathon. I met people from Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin and all over Alabama. Every time I met a first timer, I could see the excitement in their eyes as they took on this challenge, and it was amazing to share in that excitement.
While some people were very happy to see me and many kindly expressed gratitude for my presence in the race, some were not so thrilled when I showed up. I could understand that. I have been caught by pacers I was trying to beat, and it can be disheartening. I told them, however, that I was only a minute behind the clock and that they should come and run with me. I jokingly threatened one guy with my sign, and he ended up staying with me for quite a while (I'm formidable, what can I say?).
As I ran on, my numbers became sparse. My strategy was to run a little under pace (which is a 10:18 for a 4:30 finish) so that my runners could stay with me and still have time for aid at each aid station. I would grab a water or Gatorade, walk for about 10 seconds and then slowly begin jogging, increasing in pace until I returned to 10:05 or so. I explained this to the runners who started with me, and they were all game for that plan.
A few times I was a little fast, so around mile 23, I stopped and stood looking at my watch until I felt enough time had passed for runners wanting a 4:30 pace to be on target. It was only about a minute, but I did not want to discourage people who were still on pace. One such runner was Brian. He was struggling, but hanging on really well and I knew he could do it. Every once in a while I would tell him how much he had left, and how many minutes he had to do it. There was plenty of time, and I think that encouraged him to keep pushing.
I took the liberty of encouraging any runners I came upon as I neared the end. The last 6 miles are usually the ones where people begin to fall apart, and there was evidence of this as far as I could see. I felt like some sort of coach carrying that sign, so I cheered for everyone I approached and encouraged them to run with me. Some did.
I crossed the finish line with a chip time of 4:29:18, and a clock time of 4:30:01. I could hear people in the crowd saying, "She's right on pace! She's exactly on pace!" and I was pleased. It was a lot harder to do than I'd imagined, but despite being a tad fast at times, I hadn't missed the mark.
I turned to cheer in Brian, who did in fact make his 4:30 goal. I then quickly got out of the finishing chute and ran back to where I'd seen Dad and Gary who were waiting for Mom. It wasn't too long until we saw her and she looked good. She said with a smile on her face, "I gave it up! Wasn't meant to be today," and finished in 4:43, which is her second fastest marathon time.
While I waited for Mom, I saw many of the runners who started with me and they weren't missing the goal by much. I saw several others inside the host hotel and they smiled and thanked me for my help. I had not expected so much gratitude. I never realized it would mean so much, but it felt good to know I, in some way, helped other runners around me.
As I said before, running a marathon is a long, hard race no matter how many times one has done it. It was a true honor to be a part of that journey with so many runners, and I would gladly do it again.
It wasn't a personal record for me. It wasn't one of my best. I didn't get to feel the exhilaration of pushing my self to the limit and racing this challenging event. But it had to be, hands down, one of the most rewarding experiences in my running journey and I enjoyed every step of the 26.2 miles I ran that day.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
A First Time Pacer
This weekend I have been given the awesome opportunity to do just that (where running is concerned, although since I've only been married 3 years, I don't feel that we've run out of "firsts" yet). For the first time ever in my running experience, I will have the opportunity to be a marathon pacer. I will be the 4:30 pacer for the Rocket City Marathon this Saturday, and I could not be more excited!
When Eric Charette e-mailed a group of runners (myself included) about the possibility of having pacers in the marathon, I was ecstatic. He had yet to pitch the idea to the marathon committee and he was putting out feelers to see who was interested. I was very interested, but felt that the only pace group to which I could commit was the 4:30. I had already promised to pace my mom for her 4:30 marathon finish and Boston qualifying time, and I did not want to go back on my promise. Even if Mom did not factor into it, however, I probably would have chosen this pace group anyway, as I have only run 1 marathon under 4:00 and 6 under 4:30. I felt that the pace for a 4:30 (roughly a 10 minute pace give or take a few seconds) would be comfortable enough for me to maintain easily while encouraging the runners around me.
The marathon committee approved the pacing group idea and Eric solidified the pacers for each group. I checked with Mom to make sure she did not mind, and she was all for it. She said it would force me to stay on pace even if she did not. Usually, when we run together, she tells me a pace she wants to run but if she drops I will drop too to accommodate her. In the marathon she wants me to hold the pace no matter what, and now I am committed to doing just that.
It feels amazing, when I look back a mere two years ago to the first time I reached and broke a 4:30 marathon time. My best up until that point was a 4:43 and a 4:30 seemed doable, but so very far away. On April 26, 2008 I ran the Kentucky Derby Marathon in Louisville, KY finishing in 4:28, and I was thrilled, amazed, overjoyed. Jason, his brother Jonathan and I had all traveled to Kentucky for this race. It would be Jonathan's first marathon ever, a major PR for Jason (2:38:58), and a major PR for me.
I remember the moment around mile 20 when I realized where I was and how much time I had to finish. I felt great and knew I had what I needed to push it. I had been keeping my eye on that 4:30 pacer the entire race and had managed, to my surprise, to stay with him. As I approached the finishing chute, I saw Jason standing outside the fence cheering for me. "I DID IT! I DID IT!" I screamed at him as I ran through the finish line.
It was then like one of those cheesy moments in the movies where the lovers are reunited after a long separation for whatever reason. I ran to the chain length fence where Jason was standing on the other side. We grabbed hands and kissed through the fence as I excitedly repeated the fact that I had done it and Jason excitedly told me about his amazing finishing time. We then went to check on Jonathan...who thought he might die, but he recovered quickly and had done rather well for his first marathon (3:56:57) - and on VERY little training, I might add.
And now, two years later I am the 4:30 pacer. It blows my mind. I remember how I used to look at 4:30 marathon runners in awe wondering how on earth they ran that fast. And now, not only can I do it myself, but I have the opportunity to help others do it! Amazing.
I am honored to be the 4:30 pacer this Saturday. A marathon is a long, hard race no matter how many times one has done it. I will be running with people who are striving to reach that 4:30 goal, just as I once was, and I am thrilled to be able to join them on that journey and help them through it. I will wear my bright red Nike Pace Team shirt with pride, and I will hold my 4:30 sign high as I pace for the Rocket City Marathon.
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