More Thoughts on the 20 Miler

Just thought I'd put down some more thoughts before they leave my head about the 20 miler yesterday.

I was soooo nervous before the run. But then the run started and all the nervousness went away. Weird. I loved being surrounded by all the other runners...and just running.

There were lots of groups of two, three, four or more runners at the beginning of the run. Along with the folks running alone, like me. As the run went on and the miles passed under our feet, the groups dispersed and it was more common to see folks running alone or in pairs...like Mike and I.

Mike...I just can't believe of all people to yell at on Hines I picked someone who ran my pace. That in and of itself is really something. Plus, he's a genuinely nice guy from what I can tell and he listened to all my gibberish - poor guy! He should have gotten a medal for that! LOL!!!

I did do a lot of talking. At one point, I asked Mike how old he was and he wanted me to guess. Once I found out his age, I called him a "cub". I mean, after all, he is 10, ok 9, years younger than me. ;) He laughed and told me that no one had called him that before. First time for everything, right!

Any way, I digress...

While I was running alone, I saw a few older men running alone. One of them would run up and pass me and then walk. This happened a couple of times. Finally a light went on over my head...he was a run walker! I asked him if this was the case and he said yes. I told him that I hoped I was still running at his age and that he was an inspiration to me. The dude had to be 70!

A little while later, I saw two guys stopped at the side of the road. One taking off his shoe revealing a bloody heal...owie! I told him I hoped it wasn't too bad while running passed them. A mile or so later, there they came passing me by telling me I looked fresh and like the run was no problem. I told them I was dieing on the inside. We all laughed. I said to the one guy, hey weren't you hurt on the side of the road. Yup, with a further response of - if you don't bleed, you're not a runner. I told them I guess I wasn't a runner cause I haven't bled before and I didn't want to! More laughter and off they went.

Around mile 18, I saw a man in a wheelchair that had these pseudo bicycle pedals up top so he could twirl them with his arms to keep going. Wow! I thought to myself, if that isn't inspiration to keep going I don't know what is! I saw him at the end of the run by the food and told him just that - what an inspiration he was for me. :)

Which reminds me...I tried to thank all the volunteers I talked to. They always seem to look surprised when I thank them. I read an article about volunteers and how a lot of them feel that not many folks appreciate them, so I like to let them know that without them, the run/race wouldn't be possible.

And let's not forget the husband who was on a bike at every mile...giving his wife her time and support. Awesome! :) I saw him at the end of the race and told him there should be more like him.

Between mile 18 and 20, a few folks passed me and I passed a few folks.

It was the greatest feeling crossing the finishline and seeing my time on the clock: 3:07:35.

I wanted to throw my arms up in the air and jump for joy, but everyone else was just running across. So I did, too, but inside...my arms were flying up into the air!!!!

After that...water! and a banana, then more water. After cheering Mike as he finished, I grabbed half a bagel and met him on the grass before he left. I wish I would have known more people, but unfortunately not, and a lot of people were leaving. I thought maybe it would be like a celebration at the end...but no...just people milling about. In all honesty, it was sort of a let down.

I learned a lot on this run.

I really enjoyed the camaraderie of having someone (thank you Mike!) who ran my pace (very key) to talk to over those long, what I know can be lonely, miles. I loved the "race" feel of the run and knowing that finally came the time to see what I had in me. I loved that I didn't have any "OMG!" bathroom breaks. I learned that no water in the beginning is good and to just take little sips at the hydration stations later in the run. I learned that I don't need to GU myself to death. I only had one GU packet the entire 20 miles which I sipped over a good mile or so. And most importantly, it reinforced my need for support from my fellow runners during the run. Without all of the above...well, let me just say that I attribute my great finishline time to all of the above! Not to mention the hours and miles of training...but mostly to the above. As I've written before, running is mostly mental!

And with that...off for a walk. I feel like I'm 100 yrs old today....but it was soooo worth it! :)

Got Wine?

OMG...every bone, muscle, fiber in my body is aching...even my triceps hurt!

This is the wonderful result of pushing yourself and doing well to achieve a goal.

More red wine, please!!!!!

20 Miles....No Problem!!!!!

I am still stoked from my run this a.m...and am sooooo proud of myself! I never in a million years thought I could do as well as I did. Well, I did have my running friend, Mike, to help me along the way! :)

Got to bed early last night after setting out my running gear and packing an extra bag of clothes. Did my little soy protien/milk shake routine...before I hoped in the hay. Woke up at 6 a.m. for some breakfast along with a big glass of water and back to bed. Got up at 7ish, showered (I know, why?) and headed out... Halfway there I realized I didn't have any gum! Tragedy! Stopped at a gas station and got some gum...Extra Peppermint. Popped three pieces in my mouth and back on the road...I was running a bit behind. Big surprise there! ;)

Once there, I grabbed my bib number and headed to the porta potties. Had to go...another big surprise... Met a really nice younger couple doing their first marathon while I was in line waiting. On my way down the hill, the gun went off and the runners started, so I jogged over and started my 20 mile journey.

About a mile in, I see this guy in front of me a little ways up with a water bottle pack on his back. I was hoping it was Mike...he said he was gonna be there. And I wasn't running with anyone. Sure enough, it was him!

So from about mile one or two until mile thirteen, I think, he got to hear all about Sue...blah, blah, blah...I don't think I stopped jibber jabbering the whole time! Another big surprise, I know... ;P In all honesty, I don't think I could have kept up my pace without talking to someone or running with someone for that long. He was definitely motivating me to keep the pace up.

Eventually one of us was going to have to make a pit stop...and at that point we parted ways. Two miles later, must have been a mental thing, I stopped at the next rest area. When I came out...low and behold...Mike was running by. I felt really good, so he said to go ahead and run while I had some steam, so off I went.

The last five miles were killer. I chatted with a few folks passing by. Waved at the man, from the couple I chatted with before the run, a couple times.

Finally...the last two miles!!! I was thrilled and tried to keep my pace up. A few younger (ha!) folks passed me by....but I passed a couple people, so it wasn't all bad!

Around the last bend...and I see (sorta because I didn't have my glasses on) the time clock. I pick it up a bit....

I finished in 3:07:35 - at a 9:23/m pace!!!!

I was hoping for 3:20:00 or at worst 3:30:00...I finished much quicker than I anticipated and was stoked!!!!!

I ran over grabbed a banana and some water....and watched for Mike. I cheered him on as he finished. A little chit chat and he left and shortly after and then so did I.

I called at least four people on my way home...voicemail! I finally got Paul. He was golfing with his buddies. I wish he could have been there at the end...that would have been the icing on the cake. Guess I won't be seeing him, though, until Monday...ah well...

I have been bouncing around ever since the run. Okay, maybe not bouncing because I'm getting a little sore and the muscle tightness is starting to set in! But I was actually dancing around the house to the radio while cooking up some dinner before sitting down to write this. And I did run my errands after a 20 minute shower. So I guess I had a little more in me...

Most importantly, now that I have the 20 out of the way... I KNOW I can do the 26.2.

And now I have a new goal...9 minute miles!!!! I'm gonna join the 9 minute pace group at the start of the marathon and see how I do. I'm gonna give it my all. You know my mantra - I know I can, I know I can, I know I can!!!!!!!

I'm smiling from ear to ear right now! I am just so proud.

20 Miles....no problem.... Who'd have thunk????

Little Runner that Could

OMG, I can't believe it and I'm freaking out a bit.

20 miles...

20 miles...

Weather forecast is 59* F with a 40% chance of rain from 7 - 9 a.m.

I'm signed up for a 20 Mile Training Run which starts at 8 a.m. 20 miles will likely take about 3 hours and 20-30 minutes.

OMG, 20 miles!!!!

I'm not thrilled about those weather conditions for the longest run of my training plan.

In fact, regardless of the weather, I'm just straight out scared. I've put so much into this...what if I can't do it?

But...

I know I can.

I know I can.

I know I can!!!

After all...I am the Little Runner that Could!

Get it? Like the Little Engine that Could! LOL!

Starting this post, I did not intend to end up this way, but I now have a new mantra!

I know I can, I know I can, I know I can! ;)

23 Days

23 days until my first marathon....

I can't believe it! Wowie!!!

Today my old team took me out to lunch for middle easter food. OMG, I ate so much bread and garlic sauce that I thought I was going to explode. I seriously did not want to run today and all I could think was...my stomach is going to bounce up and down like a bowl full of jelly!

I went to my chiropractor appointment and almost fell asleep...as in a bread coma! I got home and changed...and then ran. Seriously, I did NOT want to run. I dreaded running after eating so much...

I'm so glad I did.

I did have to stop at home (no comment!), but finished my five miles including the pit stop at home in 47 minute. I didn't struggle, I didn't push myself and I think I did awesome! Yesterday I was kicking myself for doing so poorly...but today...I feel pretty damn good! :)

Yesterday was a hugely busy day. The schedule - work, pick up daughter, run 10 miles, high school open house.... So I worked my eight hours. I picked up my daughter (gosh I miss her when she's not here!). Got home and changed and then drove up to Hines for my 10 mile run. I ran fast. I had to...and I only ran 9.49 miles...time constrained! I didn't even stretch after the run, rather I ate a banana and grabbed my daughter and headed up to the Open House. Yup, no shower....only put on a shirt and Febreezed myself. Then it was up to Open House in running gear I went. What to say about that? Well, you know you're a runner when... ;) LOL!!!!

Any who....when I figured my time last night I was sooooooo disappointed. 10:30/m pace. I thought for sure I was under 10 minute miles! :( I ran fast and hard. Albeit it was 78* F and very humid...and I was running on Hines after work on some low rolling hills... But still! I was very disappointed in myself.

And last night...slept like crapola. I tossed and I turned. I kept thinking about how SLOW I was. I kept waking up at every little sound. I kept stressing about not being able to run a 10 minute mile for the marathon...since, after all, that is my goal.

Today...ran a leisurely pace around the neighborhood. Even with the pit stop...under 10 minute miles. I was thrilled! :)

Who knows what will happen with the 26.2...

Guess I'll find out in 23 days!!!!!

Pretty Cool Video

Marathon Tips...

Found this link on one of the running community sites and thought I'd share. Think it's pretty cool and unique! Definitely better than just writing out a list.

http://www.mikekobal.com/blog/?p=227

Did a pretty quick 5 miles today even in the heat and humidity.

WTF is up with all the knats around the hood? I swear I ran into every single freakin' knat in my neighborhood. Sheesh! They were up my nose, sticking to my body, and even flew behind my glasses and into my eyes. Unreal!

And with that...I'm off to sleep.

Four Weeks and a Walk in the Park

As I sit here this evening sipping a glass of red wine on my "rest day", a herd of Woolly Mammoths trample through my stomach while I think...

HOLY SHIT!!!!! THERE ARE ONLY FOUR MORE WEEKS UNTIL MY FIRST MARATHON!!!!

Of course, I've followed my training plan.

Of course, I've logged my runs in Excel. You know the basics (LOL!!!) - date, mileage, overall time, per mile pace average, weather, location, time of day and anything else I thought was important.

Of course, I've been reading up on marathon running do's and don'ts at various sites, along with the different posts by running community members. Who better to learn from than someone who's been there and done that?!

Of course, I've been researching other marathons around the country and where I'll be running my NEXT marathon (or half marathon).

Of course, I've been mapping out all my runs and checking and rechecking to ensure I've been running the proper mileage.

Of course, I've invested in the right running gear. Gotta love runningwarehouse.com for great deals! I think my best purchase has to be the right socks! Under Armour Heat Gear...I think. ;)

Of course, I have a cupboard full of GU, ZipFizz, 5Hour Energy Drink, Genisoy Protein Powders (Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry!) which have added carbs - greatly needed for endurance, as well as, all sorts of vitamins!

Of course, I found out that I have scoliosis (22% curvature of the spine for me!) and have been getting chiropratic care for the last several weeks. Not to mention, my sciatic acting up every now and then...

Of course, I've run four races this summer and placed in the top three of my age group in every one! (Ha! Just add to add that as a little ego booster for myself!)

So I've been doing/done all this stuff...you'd think I'd be just sailing along now. No big deal. No worries.

But...

Ack! Ack! And Double ACK!!!!!

I signed up for a 20 Mile Training Run this coming weekend. I have 20 miles on my training plan and this run came at just the right time!

Sigh...

I know in my heart/gut I can do it. I don't know why I was freaking out. I'm prepared in every way possible.

Should be a walk in the park, right?

Right....

It's only...

FOUR WEEKS away...then time for a walk! ;)

Giggle like a Teenager

I forgot to mention. I saw Mike Brookbank on my 14 miler this weekend...

I have to say, it really made my day to see that he mentioned me again. I giggled like a teenager! ;)

More Inspiration this Weekend

Just got done with my 14.5 mile run...

I started at 9:44 a.m. and it was 58* F. I had a short sleeve tech shirt and shorts on. At first, my hands were the only thing that was cold and before I knew it, I was debating whether or not to lose the shirt.

I swear I ran by this man and his son around my mile four...or two who looked very similar. I cried! How completely inspiring!!!!



I had to regain my composure...I was so moved by seeing a man biking with his son like that...completely inspiring. I don't have the words to explain how I felt.

Any way...

Around mile 7 I downed some GU and then did the turn around and headed back to my car.

I was feeling pretty good and at mile 8 I saw this guy on rollerblades who looked like Paul. Low and behold it was him! I was pleasantly surprised. :) He's been out of town (off an on for the last two months) and flew in this a.m. This was a complete surprise to me!

The rest of my run went well. I was getting a little thirsty, but didn't make any stops. The last mile was torture because I had to go to the bathroom...but I finished my 14.5 mile run in 2:33:00...not too shabby. Looks like a 10 minute mile for the marathon may be obtainable after all...

I just feel completely inspired now. Inspired by the man and his son. Inspired by Paul's surprise visit on my run. Just inspired by the fact that I am even able to run 14.5 miles...

It's a great day, I'm inspired and happy and I am very thankful for many, many things.

Finish and Start

I stumbled upon this quote this evening...

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." John Bingham, running speaker and writer

...I think it's pretty profound.

BUT it's not so profound for me personally. I start lots of things. Like painting my living room and kitchen over July 4th week...the trim still has to be painted, the fireplace...what a mess!, the registers are still sitting on my kitchen chair, along with the paint cans sitting next to my kitchen counter! So you see, my problem is finishing projects. Which reminds me of the three loads of laundry that are piled on my dresser waiting to be folded and put away...Ooopsie!

I have to say that so far I've been pretty darn diligent about following my marathon training plan.

I've planned my runs and run my plan.

I have realized that I love running. But I HATE training!

And I've found that I LOVE long runs! Who'd have thought? I'd much rather run six or seven miles than two or three.

And with that...gotta get ready for tomorrow. It's gonna be a long day that will conclude with a nine mile run. :)

Stranger and Inspiration

LOL!!! I am just rolling right now. I just went to see if anyone posted comments on Mike Brookbank's blog post about running into me. Someone replied... "Hmmm, Sounds like love is in the air........" People read the strangest things into writing and, at this particular moment, I am strangely amused by it! :D

I have to say that the camaraderie between one runner and another is something I can't explain. Once you start running races or longer distances...unless you've done it...it's really hard to relate to. And as most of you who read my blog know, there are many, many life experiences which are like that...

Pacing yourself after someone. I've done that in the last two races I've ran...and obviously this weekend. ;) There are different methods of pacing and, unfortunately, I don't have a garmin...so I use my music and other runners. Some people set their sites on objects and run towards them, others know their route, etc... Hard to explain...

Talking about running a long distance for someone when you're struggling... I did that on Saturday. I told Mike I read an article on "Just Finish" and ran most of my 18 mile for my Uncle Glen who passed quite a few years ago. In fact, I spent most of my long run "talking" to my Uncle... Which is when he told me about his grandmas passing away. If I hadn't read the article on Just Finish, I most likely would have been thinking about something else. But in all honestly, dedicating a run to someone who can't run or has passed...it's a wonderful thing and extremely motivating.

We talked about supplements during the run... I even alluded to the dreaded rest area breaks sometimes needed, like after my first GU fiasco. Thank goodness he didn't write about that!

Any who....

Today, I had planned on writing about inspiration and what a wonderful a thing it is. How we can find someone or something to inspire us...and not know that we, ourselves, are inspiration for others. It's just an awesome, wondrous thing.

Just knowing that I, little ole me, inspired someone (completely unknowingly to me) to accomplish a goal... Wow! I was thinking about that alot during my run today. Inspiring others. It just leaves me in awe. I am inspired by many things...but to think that "I" could be an inspiration to others.... All I can say is...Wow....

Today, my training schedule planned for a "rest day". Knowing I have a work function (as in bar night for me leaving my current team) on Thursday, I ran today. I had planned on running the scheduled 5 miles for tomorrow. I had mapped out a run, but got derailed and had to start in a different spot. My run ended up being 6.49 miles...in +80* F heat...and I still averaged about a 9:48 minute mile.

I really didn't think anything about running longer because I was inspired. I thought about how I had inspired someone, how I was running for my Uncle Glen, my Uncle Earl, my Grandma and a few others...

I held my head high and ran.

I also do this little thing with the songs that play through the earphones of my iPod. I incorporate "runner" or "run" or "marathon" into the song instead of the regular words. Corny and weird, I know, but it works for me! :)

Anyway, inspiration comes to us in all forms...we just need to embrace and cherish it for what it is...nothing more, nothing less.

You Never Know Who You'll Run Into

while running down the road at the tail end of an 18 miler...

So I'm just about spent and this guy passes me on the other side of the road at about mile 16 - 17. I think to myself...NO WAY! So I speed up a bit and try to keep pace with him.

He stops! I think to myself...No, you can't stop...you have to keep going or I'm going to slow down. You know...it's all about me! ;)

So what do I do? I run across the road, take off my head phones and tell the guy that he can't stop! Oh yeah...I sure did! LOL!

He looked at me and laughed. I told him he passed me, so I started using him as a pacer. He said he does that sometimes, too, and we started running together.

Come to find out he's training for the Detroit Marathon and was out doing his 18 mile run just like me. While running he thanks me for the motivation. I tell him that I would be going much slower if it weren't for him and thank him back.

Of course, I can't pick some Joe Schmoe to run into and run over to yell at. I have to pick someone who can bash me on TV and in the newspaper because low and behold he's a news anchor and Free Press blogger! LOL!!!

Maybe he'll write about me or mention me Monday morning. Mike BrookBank.

Off to set up the DVR! ;)

Hello.

Mental Preparedness

Wednesday I got home from work, changed and headed out to my favorite path.  I started stretching and began dreading the scheduled eight mile run ahead of me.  I ran maybe 10 - 20 paces and hit a mental brick wall.  I almost stopped and went back to my car, but I pushed forward.  The entire run all I could think about was not wanting to be there.  Not wanting to be running.  Just wanting to be done and relaxing on the couch with a glass of wine. 

 

I slowly plodded along.  The voice in my head getting louder and louder...I don't want to be here.  I don't want to do this.  My body was fine - no pains, no aches - and ready to keep on moving forward.  My mind on the other hand had a completely different agenda. 

 

At the end of the two mile path, I fleetingly thought about continuing on and running maybe five miles.  It's an out and back path, no looping around...so whatever I run out, I have to run back.  Like I said, it was a fleeting thought...and rather than continuing on, I, literally, raised my arms in the air and waved the rest of the run off.  Oh yeah, raised those arms right over my head and said F... it...turned around and started plodding back.  I say plod, because I mean plod.  No running...just plodding along...dreading ever step.  Like I said, my body was willing and able, but my mind was dragging me down.  I have to admit that I did pick up the pace for a short while thinking the quicker I got done, the quicker I could be sitting on the couch relaxing with a glass of wine.  Again, that didn't last too long and I was back to thinking that I didn't want to be there and just wanted the dang run to be over.

 

I almost felt like crying.  I am not the type of person to throw in the towel like that.  And that is exactly what I was doing...throwing in the towel.  I was pretty disgusted with myself after the run.  Mad that I could of gone on, but didn't.  Upset that I gave in to the negative thinking.

 

Perhaps I need to switch up my routes.  It's the same ole boring path day after day.  I really need to find another asphalt path...  My runs are going to get longer and longer during the week and I just can't see running the same freakin' path day after day after day...  That would be like running on a treadmill...running and not going anywhere...like a gerbil in one of those habit-trail wheel ball thingies! ;P

 

Training your body is one thing.  Being mentally prepared for the consistent, routine, daily training...well, that is quite another.  Looks like I need to work on my mental toughness...believe and have have faith.

 

And I do...

 

I believe and have faith that I can do this! 

Feelin' Good

Ran a quick four miles today. Boy, I feel so much better when I run. Yesterday was a day off...felt like a slug. But today...ah...now so much better! :)

Paul roller bladed with me and said that he could tell my timing is improving - so that's good. Hey, he needs a workout, too! Plus, it was a "short" (ha, ha) run...so I thought I would push it a little bit.

With the races I've done, I've done them without my iPod...and run faster. I'm beginning to think the beat of the songs I have is slowing me down. Sounds weird, but I'm thinking....just maybe because I pretty much tuned out the music today. And when it wasn't tuned out...slower running...or so I seem to think.

Will be running eight miles (mini-long run) tomorrow and then a salmon dinner at Paul's house.

Things are plugging along with Paul. We are so different. I do enjoy the time we spend together... It's nice to just "be" with someone and with him I am myself... Maybe I just read too much into things...but I do have expectations, regardless of how high they are, that I want/need to be met. Hmmm...not really sure where I was going with this. Any who... ;P

On a work note, I am going to be starting in a new group at work. I'm THRILLED about that. :) I was told I'll be able to sit in my same location, so I'm happy about that, too. I'll get to be by my girlfriends! :)

Overall, things just seem to be going really, really well and I'm feeling really, really good about it! :)