See Spot Run...and bike, and swim.

No Looking Back - Thunder Road Marathon 11/12/2011

2011-11-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

After a week of searching and trying to figure some things out...running wise, I have decided to write a race report. More to close the race out in my mind than anything, however, I know there is much to learn through the struggle of not meeting a goal.
I trained hard for this race and wanted to go strong. I needed this race to show me that last years BQ was not a fluke. I needed to know I could pull off another 3:45 marathon. I needed this to prove to myself that I could go the distance and not falter. However, this was not to be. Now I sit and deal with all the "what if's" and "I should of's".
The day started uneventful. Just like every training run. I got up at 0500 and met with the one who created me, who understands me, who knew what my day would hold, and who would be with me every step of the way. I read my Bible and prayed for a glorious day for me, Michelle, and all my friends who would run.
Michelle and I left for the race and both of us were in agreement that we were calm. I had not told anyone what I wanted to do in this race. I had just said I would line up with Ed and the 3:45 pace group and see what happened. That is what I did....
The gun went off and we were running....
Mile 1 - 5 came and went. I just focused on staying with Ed. I noticed that my stomach was starting to feel weird and my legs were not turning over. However, I felt like I would bounce back after I took a gel.
mile 1 - 5: 8:36, 8:35, 8:16, 8:19, 8:25
Around mile 5.5 I took my first gel just like I did every training run. But I noticed it was not working well with my stomach. Mark Ulrich joined us and I felt like this would push me on. During mile 6 - 7, I started playing the I want to turn off at the half point game in my head...WHAT! No!
I promised myself I would run with the pace group to the half turnoff then if I did not feel any better, I would just turn off and run the half. I noticed I was now 1 step behind Michelle. I was having a hard time keeping it together. And I would have turned off at the half point, if I had remembered passing it.
I really should have quit. I cannot recall mile 11 to just past turning onto Morehead. I remember thinking, "How did we get here?"
Mile 6 - 13 splits: 8:22, 8:30, 8:32, 8:23, 8:26, 8:25, 8:24, 8:45
Then Mark asks me if I'm OK. This jolts me back into reality. I try to figure out where I am, why I'm doing this, and why I haven't stopped yet. I told him I wasn't doing well so he suggests just slowing down for a few miles. After I admitted I was feeling bad, my times start going up...up...up. Mark was wonderful and encouraging. However, I could not pull it together enough to get back on pace.
Mile 17 I see my wonderful family. I hear my husband yelling at me to get on pace. I see my sweet children yelling for me to finish. My oldest daughter, Abigayle had written me a note the night before. She had expressed how proud she felt every time I crossed the finish line of a marathon. So I decided I would finish. I knew I would not meet my goal, but for my children, I would finish what I started.... no matter how messy it would be.
Mile 14 - 19: 8:54, 8:56, 9:03, 9:22, 9:43, 9:16
At mile 20 I saw 2 angels waiting to run the last 10k... Holly and Denise! They looked so fresh and cute! I would have cried but I was too dehydrated. No tears would come out. I do remembering going through the wall at NoDa and wishing it would have fallen on me.... I could have stopped then!
At mile 21, I saw my family again. My mom and dad had joined Matt and my girls. Funny how even at my age, I just wanted my mom! She is a 2x cancer survivor and the strongest person I know. This gave me a small boost. I had upped the pace to a 9:09! =)
However, I soon was reminded how much time it took when you have to stop on the side of the road to throw up.
I would run, stop, run, stop, run stop. Somewhere along the Plaza, Theoden passed me. He said something encouraging but I honestly would not have known it was him, except that Holly said his name. I remember thinking that a really cute girl was running with him but I could not figure out who she was.... It was Kara. I didn't know it was her until I read her race report.
Mile 20-26: 9:09, 10:38, 10:01, 10:30, 10:48, 12:34, 9:08
As Holly and I turned the corner and ran I saw my family! My Maggie (who HATES running) got on the course and ran me in. This made all my pain worth it.
After it was finally over, all us girls got a picture!
After this race, I have to admit my ego took a blow. I felt like I showed a side of me to everyone that I don't like to show. I don't want to appear weak or unable. But that is what I felt like I showed to everyone. However, as I read the reports from others and talked to everyone, I soon noticed they did not think this. They understood... Some have been where I am!
All my non-running friends keep saying..."Hey, you finished!" But finishing isn't enough anymore. I feel like I need to finish well. But maybe it is enough. Maybe I should be glad that I was able to finish, even with the way I felt and the stopping to try to puke and the pain. Maybe I should be satisfied...but I'm not! I need to know I can do a 3:45 again. Not to requalify, but for principle.
This race is now behind me and I will not speak of it again.
Now I look toward Boston!
Let the training begin!

Maggie's First 5k 5/13/11

2011-06-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

Last year at this time, I posted about my oldest daughter running her first 5k. This year, at the same 5k, my youngest daughter decided to run. We, as a family, entered the "Twilight 5k". Maggie had completed a few shorter runs to train for this. She was rather nervous. However, I assured her that I would stay with her to the bitter end.
We got to the starting line and waited to start. I had warned her to start out slow and we would pick up the pace as the race went on. We started out and she was doing great.... The first 400 yards.
Now a few things one needs to realize about Maggie:
1) She is a princess.
2) She doesn't like to sweat.
3) Her favorite thing to do is lay around and chill!
So this was totally out of her comfort zone. At this point, we went to walk a lot/run a little. That was ok with me. Her older sister stayed with us the first half mile then took off. Abigayle ended up doing great. In fact, it was a road race PR.
So Maggie and I continued on.
We got to mile 1 and started playing a game where we act like we are running to different rides at Disney World. This worked until the 2nd mile. Then we poured water over her head. She loved this.
Her last mile was a sufferfest at first, but somewhere in the middle of this mile, I watched my little princess of lounging dig deep inside of herself and start running. She turned the corner and saw the finish line. She darted toward the finish and her big sister joined her. We all came across the finish line together.
After the race, when the pain is gone and only the glory remains, Maggie let me know she was very proud of herself and had decided to try another race.
That is another story.

My name is Christa...and I'm a Boston qualifier!

2010-12-13T16:25:00.000-08:00

On the 11th day of December, 2010, I qualified for Boston! That sounds so good. Almost too good to be true. It has been a long journey. A hard journey. Something I really did not know I was capable of.
Last December (the 12th to be exact) I started the Thunder Road marathon with the intent to qualify for Boston. However, somewhere along that 26.2 mile journey, my dreams were torn into. As I got sick along the course and could not even break 4 hours. I pulled out a 4:05 and signed up to run Myrtle Beach. The weekend of the marathon came, February 13th, but snow was in the forecast. It snowed, and in great southern form, everything shut down.... Including the Myrtle Beach Marathon. Boston was not in the in my future at this point in time.
Fast forward to summer of 2010..... My daughter started cross country with her school.... her assistant coach was none other than Michelle Larson. Michelle made the fatal mistake of asking me to come run with her group. There I met the UCRRs!
The Bible talks about a friend sticking closer than a brother. This team surrounded me, trained me, and on occasion (Dee, Holly, and Michelle) even dressed me. =-) Without the support of this group, I don't think I could have even made it to the starting line. Michelle and I did every long run together. She pushed me when I wanted to give up. I saw a strength in her that made me become a better runner.
The Race.....
My Church also had a group representing the half marathon... this included my sister and husband. They stayed till the bitter end (after finishing the half) and supported me. Thanks guys!
As we lined up at the starting line, Michelle reminded me that I was hers until mile 21...then I could do whatever I want. Ed was one of the UCRR members we had roped into pacing us. The engines sounded then we were off. The first few miles were a blur and I noticed they were ticking off quickly. This course had always beasted me in the past, but this time, with my running friends running with me and screaming for us, it was almost easy.

Mile 9, Michelle and I are still having fun. My brother-in-law snapped this picture of us. We ran on.... I remember thinking, wow, this is easy! The half marathon people turned off.... this is normally when I am done, but not today. We hit mile 13.1 around 1:52... feeling good! Mile 14, 15, 16...I look at Michelle and say, "Only 10 more miles!"

Around mile 17, Ed asks how I am doing. I am surprised to say fine. Now I'm not going to lie, I am tired, but doing pretty good. Then mile 18...it starts getting hard...mile 19 I am starting to be over this.....mile 20! I am so happy to see mile 20 but now I know the marathon begins. This is make or break time! Hit mile 21 at 3:00 and we see Holly and Dee. Dee starts running with us but then I notice I am all alone. Michelle is yelling for me to go on. She had been feeling sick for a few miles...not that I could tell. She is a solid runner and I can never tell when she is hurting. But she stops. She tells me to keep Ed in sight. I am now on my own and start to have a pity party for myself. I have been running a long time, I deserve to walk and rest, I can't do this by myself. This lasted from mile 21 to mile 22... then the song "The Climb" came on. It starts out by saying:

I can almost see it,

that dream I'm dreaming.

But there's a voice inside my head that says,

you'll never reach it.

Every step I'm taking,

every move I make feels lost with no direction.

My faith is shake'n. But I, I gotta keep try'n.

Gotta keep my head held high.

Then it hit me.... I have no choice but to do this. Michelle has introduced me to too many people as a Boston Qualifier, My friends and family are at the finish line waiting to see me cross at 3:45, I have run too far to give up, and I really don't want to start this journey over. So I get real serious with God.... I ask Him to help me "man up" and run this in.... and he does. I pick up my fallen pace and start to run. It hurts...oh, it hurts...but I can see myself going across that line and reaching my goal.

I get to where mile 25 is supposed to be and there is NO marker. But I know this course. I put in what little kick I have left. I cross the bridge on Central and see the city. My favorite part! I turn on 7th and hear Jonathan's words of wisdom in running down hills. I turn onto McDowell and run....I see the turn up MLK! And I see my husband... he yells for me to run! I do! I see the clock, hear people yelling for me, but I cannot take the energy to look at anything but that clock counting up....up...up! I cross over the line at 3:45.48 clock time, 3:45.22 chip time.

I did it! I cannot even put the thoughts together...

Hey y'all look at me, I Boston qualified....right after I finished.

Me, Hubby, Bree (who I ran my 1st marathon with), and Leigh! - I'm the Evil Queen of this group! They loved seeing Michelle telling me what to do... =-)

My girls - Michelle (in pink) Holly (back turned) Dee (blond and pink sorta out of the picture)... I could not have even started this journey without these girls!

Me and Leigh!

My real sis! Me and Matt (my hubby) They both PRed today at the half!

This Is The Air I Breathe

2010-10-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I am in training for my next marathon. I run between 30 and 50 miles a week. My running happens on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. So what do I do for the rest of the week.
Recover!
Thursday is a total rest day from physical activity. This is to get ready for the double long runs. They are not as easy as one may think.
However, Sunday and Tuesday is active recovery. This means I cross train. Sunday, I do a show at my church (at 2 different campuses) called "The Big Attic". Don't be deceived, this is about 3 hours of mayhem. By the time I am finished, I want to lay down and die!
Tuesdays (and Fridays after my pace run), I swim.

I have a love/hate relationship with swimming.

I love the fact it is easy on my joints.
I love that it helps keep me loose.
I love the coolness of the pool that helps with recovery.
I love that it makes me stronger.
I love how it makes my arms look and helps me look like I have (at least) small guns.;-)

However, I have a small issue with swimming.

I cannot breathe under water.
So when I get out of breath, it does not work well for me. I'm really not good at swimming. Not kidding. Pregnant women and 85 year old men pass me. I timed my 100 yard swim the other day and it was around 2:30. That is embarrassing. I plod along, doing drills and such, to get around 2000 yards. Then I pull my tired and hungry body out of the water and smell of chlorine the rest of the day.

So what's the point?

Well, about 2 weeks ago, I was doing my "fast" swimming and working on breathing on both sides. As I turned to my right and gulped down a huge amount of air, I had a few thoughts.
First, I thought that I was going to die because I was not getting enough air at each breath.
Second, I thought about just standing up, quiting, and breathing.
Third, I thought about how much I needed this air and wanted it.
Fourth, I thought about this is how I need to want God.
I need to want God as much as I wanted the next breath of air. Is that how I long for Him?
The Bible talks about this in Psalm 42:1

As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So my soul pants for Thee, O God

The picture in this Psalm is that of a deer longing for water in the midst of a prolonged drought.
But God had to show me physically what this verse means. So the picture in my life at that moment was me gasping for my next breath while swimming.
Needless to say, that has stuck with me. I think it is easy to say that we need God and want to have a relationship with Him. However, it is very difficult to really want Him like we want air. There are so many distractions. Distractions that don't matter.
So next time you are gasping for breath (due to physical exercise, having a cold, or just walking up the stairs) think about wanting God like you want your next breath.
This is the air I breathe!

Mind Over Matter!

2010-09-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

Boston is in my sights.
I have started my marathon training to qualify for Boston.
I plan on qualifying at the Thunder Road Marathon on December 11, 2010.
If I run this race in 3:45 (and the Boston race is still open) I will run Boston in April 2011.
If I run this race in 3:50, I will have to wait until April 2012.
I want 2011!
I am on week 6 of Hal Higdon's Advanced I training plan. This plan has me do speedwork, hillwork, long runs, pace runs and tempo runs. On Friday and Saturday, I do back to back long runs to prepare my body to go the 26.2 miles in the time I need.
However, this is not enough........
To qualify for Boston, I have to change my mindset. Instead of fearing running up Morehead, I have to embrace it. Instead of thinking about pain as weakness...think about it as fresh bread that I will eat for breakfast. Everything that morning will have to come together perfectly race morning to insure success. To say the least, a marathon is as much mental as it is physical.
So...
I have to do more than train physically. So what will I do different this year to insure success.

First and foremost, I am confessing success. I tell people I have such and such days before I qualify. I look at myself as a runner. A runner who can hold the 8:34 pace I need for 26.2 miles.
I have also found a group to do my long runs with. The University City Road Runners. We meet on Saturdays at 0700 and run. They run all distances from 100 milers to 10ks and they are fast. I just hang on and keep up. They are a wonderful encouragement to me. Last week, my 14 mile run went by so fast.
I will run with a pace team. Several of the UCRR members are running Thunder Road and I plan to run with them. Some said they may even pace me. WOOT!
I have several girls from the group who do my Monday runs and faster runs with me.
I cross train! Very important! Instead of doing recovery runs as the plan calls for, I swim and or bike. This helps me recover without getting hurt....and it makes me stronger.
Weight/core training......This hurts so good! And makes me a stronger runner! Core training helps me hold good form even in the later miles. This is important as I get tired.

All this has helped me get faster, gain confidence, and made running fun!

So anyone want to join on the race and help pace me?

What it feels like to WIN!

2010-08-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

Background:
Saturday, August 14th, 2010 I ran my 1st race since the Charlotte Marathon. I have ran races with friends, however, after Charlotte (in December) being a train wreck and Myrtle Beach (in February) being canceled, I have not raced. Not sure why.
As a counselor, I am prone to over analyze these types of things. All I could come up with was a lack of self confidence in my abilities as a runner. Funny right? I have run many races...from the 5k to the marathon. I have placed in races and in the Grand Prix Series. So why should I feel this way. I think it goes back to me just not feeling like a "real runner". That somehow, I am a poser and soon everything will unravel and people will see that I am not a runner at all. Not that I know what a real runner is...
So in light of all that, I signed up to race. My plan was simple... Go out and run as fast as I can for 3.1 miles and see if I had what it takes to call myself a "runner".

The week before the race, I came out to run the course. However, I soon realized this out and back course was run in a not so good side of town. So I quickly ran back to my car. I did not get to preview the course for fear of my life.

Race morning:
As always, I woke up and spent time with God. I prayed for my family, my friends, my clients, the race, and the people who would run the race. I asked God to allow me to glorify him with my running. Because glorifying God is really all that matters. I'm not going to lie though, I prayed to run well. To place in my age group. To get my sub 23 that I wanted. Then I prayed a prayer that surprised even me. I asked God to help me love Him not for what He can do for me, but for the fact that He is God. At this point, it reoccurred to me that no matter if I am a "real runner" or what....God is all that matters.

The Race:
Lots of friends from church ran and scream teamed for this race. In fact, Bree's Sunday School class used this as an opportunity to have a social. I just love how AWESOME my church is! Many people in the class took this as an opportunity to take a chance and run their 1st 5k.

Lucas, Sommer, Bree, and Me after the race

To say the least, I was really anxious. I told Matt that I didn't know why I was so anxious before racing. He agreed. He exclaimed that, "It wasn't like it was my first race". I told him I wasn't this nervous at my 1st race.... He just shakes his head at me.
I line up with Sommer near the front. We watch the clock count down and then we went from zero to 7 minute miles in seconds. Suddenly Sommer and I were running like we were being chased by a mother bear that thought we took her cubs.
I felt like I was running in mud...or clay....or maybe cement. I felt slow. Real slow. But felt pretty good breathing wise. I got to mile 1 and saw I was running a bit slower than last year. Last year in the Grand Prix Series 5ks, I would hit mile 1 around 6:30. I hit this at around 6:50 something. I was hoping my slower start would help me not to poop out in the last mile.
It was an out and back course so we saw the mile 2 marker soon after passing mile 1....I didn't like that. However, I knew I would soon be back and see the real mile 2. I did see mile 2 at 14 something minutes. Oh, that's good, I can do 1 more mile!
I get to mile 3 and turn the corner. I see my wonderful husband and my JRT yelling for me to RUN! Can my JRT talk or am I that oxygen deprived??? I pass mile 3 at 21 something and do a bit of calculating in my head. I think I can PR. I think I can finish this race in 22 something minutes. Sub 23 has been a goal since June 2009. To date, my fastest 5k had been 23:07. All this went through my head.....I could see the clock. I put in my "kick" and started counting with the clock. I passed through at 22:38 clock time.....22:32 chip time. I finished well! Thank you God for letting me get my sub 23!

Post Race:
Soon after finishing, I saw the results going up. Should I look? No. Yes! Noooooo....YES! I go look!

My results show I placed 35th overall, 7th female overall, and 1st in my age group.

Did I read it right? 1st in my age group? I thought I was seeing things so I ask the guy standing beside me what this #1 means. He looks at me like I am crazy and says it means I won my age group.....WHAT?!?!?! I go from being excited to disbelief.

I "run" and tell Matt that I think I won my age group.

He suggests we stay for the award ceremony. I agree, however, there is still a fear that I read the paper wrong and I actually did not place.

My "Winner" picture!

I did place 1st in my AG.

Sommer placed 2nd in her AG!

Tim placed 3rd overall male!

I remember telling Bree that I always thought I would feel different if I ever won my AG. I still felt unsure. I felt excited. I wondered if I deserved it.
Then as I pondered how to write this race report it became clear to me:

I am a runner!

Not because I run fast, run long, win or get a personal best. But just because I run. Everyone who showed up today is a runner. From the winner to the person who came in last. They are a runner not because they finished, but because they choose to start.

That is what makes a runner.

The courage to start the race, the training, the struggle.

The run!

So now that I have "won" a race (in my age group) I have to say I really don't feel much different. However, when I ran up to accept my cheesy medal and $5 gift card to DICK's, I was proud. I was thankful. I was still in disbelief. Then as I ran the 2.5 miles back to my car, I was tired. Then the next day, I went back to training.

That's what winning feels like.

Now when is the next race?

King Tiger 5k - 6/5/10 Running with Abigayle

2010-06-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

Today, Abigayle and I ran the "King Tiger 5k". Her cross country team ran it, so I thought I would join. Hey, anything for a race!
It's funny, I ran this race last year as part of the Grand Prix Series. I came to it ready to compete. I finished in 23:32 and came in 7th in my AG. However, today was different. I got to run this race with one of the most important people in my life, my daughter. As sappy as this sounds, I have watched her change as she starts to train for cross country. She started out timid with her team.....and I can understand why. She is the youngest and only 7th grader on the team. But as she trains, I see her confidence build. It is a wonderful thing that she is learning. If you can push though the pain of a run, you can tackle anything in life,

We cheese for a picture in front of RFYL University store. She told me that she is not as nervous about this race. She has gone this distance before, so she feels ready. It is really steamy today. I am already sweating and we haven't even started running.

The team warms up, stretches, and puts on their chips. Everyone is really excited.
We start running.......
The plan is is to run 4 minutes walk 1 minute. Abigayle's goal is to have a good attitude no matter how hard it gets.

Mile 1! Abigayle is still looking strong and having fun. Bree decided to join to help me encourage Abigayle. However, at this point, Abigayle needs no encouragement. She is doing well and meeting her attitude goal!

Mile two comes and passes. At this point, Abigayle is running just over a 10 minute mile and doing well. She is in good spirits and even jumps for the camera. However, we start UP the last hill.............That lasts for about a mile.
Abigayle looks at me and says......remember what Joe says! She is referring to some advice Joe Sauerbrey gave me when getting ready to run a Myrtle Beach for a Boston Qualifying time. He told me, "When it starts to hurt, run faster". What a proud moment! =-) However, like me, Abigayle's tummy can only take so much....so we have to go to a run 2 minutes run 1 so she can finish the race.

She passes mile 3 and puts in her kick! Sommer now joins me, Bree, and Abigayle. We are all yelling and screaming for her.

She passes the finish line and she took 6 minutes off her last 5k time. WOOT!

Then we see all the buddies who also ran while we grub on Rita's custard happiness!

My buddies Sommer, Ross, Tim, Kris and Tim's nephew ran FAST! I also got to see my buddy Chad from high school. He ran it in 21 minutes and is going to qualify for Boston in October! So here is a shout out for him! Hal will be his coach too!=-)

Abigayle's First Race Report

2010-05-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Abigayle completed her first 5k. Every parent wants to instill their values, hopes and dreams on their children. I strive to teach my children love, faith in Jesus Christ, the joy of small things, honesty, and kindness toward others. I also hope to impart the joy of running on my children.

Here is Abigayle's story.

The last 12 or so weeks, she has been running. This happened with me and in PE. I must give a huge thanks to Coach Crystal Rhodes for teaching her PE students the art of endurance. She is a wonderful teacher and friend to me. With her help, Abigayle has decided to run Cross Country this fall at school.
With Cross Country in Abigayle's future and her training thus far, I signed her up for her first 5k. Now I think I was more excited than her.
We get to the race and I pin Abigayle's number on her. She has her game face on. I think the realization of this race has hit her. She suddenly becomes nervous. To her, this is a marathon.

We go into this hustle and bustle of the chip pick up. Abigayle is very quiet. I put her chip on and answer her questions. How many times has she seen me put this chip on myself and asked the same questions. However, today it is different. She is wearing the chip.

We get to the start and she takes a picture of me and Matt. He is running on one side of her and I am running on the other. Bree, Ron, Ross, and Sommer are also running. Greg, Wendy, Wendy's family and Ross's children and mother are scream teaming. Lucas will be pushed in the jog stroller.

One last hug from daddy and we are off and running. The plan was to run 2 minutes then walk 30 seconds. However, that went out the window.

We run for 4 minutes then take a walk break. Then we run until Abigayle wants to walk. Around mile 1 Abigayle is still looking strong having fun. Running is fun in a sick and twisted kinda way. Ha Ha!

Matt runs ahead and takes a picture. Look at those long legs and determination! That's my girl...and you can see me in the back ground smiling.

At the 1/2 way mark there is water. I had carried propel for her, but the water stop was a welcome break. She is happy to hear that we are half way done.

Mile 2. She is still looking good and sassy!

Mile 3 was Abigayle's best. She really started having fun. I think this is because she knew this was it. She would finish. She and her daddy play around near the Panther's Stadium.

Then we turn the corner and she puts in her "kick". She sprints toward the finish line. I took this picture then ran up with her. I must admit I had a hard time keeping up with her when she started sprinting. Go Abigayle, Go!

We cross the finish line and cheese for pictures.

The 3 Amigos!

The whole crew. Sommer had already gone home but this is everyone else. The kids ran the fun run and they all beasted it.

Now we go out and eat! Abigayle gets ribs and wings....you go girl!

Anything for a story!

2010-04-03T11:32:00.001-07:00

Anything for a story...Yes, that's my motto. Hey anyone who dresses up like a dog every Sunday morning has to be a little crazy! Spot the dog, pictured below, thank you!

So how did I come up with this motto? Well think about it, If everything always goes right, would anyone ever have any good stories. My sister (pictured above as the cow) and I live by this. Mainly because if we can screw it up, we will...... so here are the funny, and not so funny, moments of my running.

So here is where it all began...well sort of. This is the 2004 Disney Marathon. Yes I am about 40lbs heavier in the pictures......

The 2nd picture, is Me, Ron, and Bree after we finished. Proud of the hardware! The 1st, is a picture of me around mile 23 with my hero...THE EVIL QUEEN! Isn't she awesome! However, all this joy was shadowed by sadness. Matt and I had to get right on a plane and go back home to Charlotte. Matt's father was dying.

Now move ahead to January 2006. Matt and I complete the Goofy Challenge. This is 13.1 miles on Saturday and 26.2 miles on Sunday. That is 39.3 miles. Bree and Ron also did this fun trek with us!

October 2006 I completed my 1st trail marathon. I got to know Ricky because Ron talked him into running with me. Bless his heart.....I learned how to crawl through mud and over logs. It was cold and poured down the rain for most of the race. In the picture below, I am running to the finish line yelling, "am I the winner"?

January 2007 finds us back at the Disney Marathon. Some way, we talked Matt's brother Curt into running it with us. Notice we are in shorts....it is 0400 and already HOT! I finished with a PR of 4:12 in 88 degree weather.
Me, Curt and Matt are in the first picture. The 2nd is me at mile 25!

After the very HOT Disney marathon, and intense training by myself I was feeling a bit burned out. So what better fun than running with a sister. I trained her for her 1st half marathon and we ran it together in April 2007. Charlotte Racefest.

Here we are at the finish showing some grand hardware! Little did she know, she had only trained to 8 miles. I saw no point to tell her this until AFTER the half marathon.

A race is not complete without a port-a-jon picture.

At mile 7 Hope decided to get in touch with her inner chi!

2007 held many new adventures for me. I placed for the first time in my age group in a race. 3rd place on May 19th, 2007. It may have been because 2 guys were dissing my running skirt and I had to take them to town and show them how a girl runs! (Yes, I beat them!) never underestimate a runner.....respect the skirt! Here I am with my nifty major award!

2007 also was the first century ride for me! September 2007 to be exact in Myrtle Beach. Below is the crew in our group before we start.

And I couldn't disappoint.....another port-a-jon picture. I thought it was funny b/c they had "men" written on them...and I used them anyway! OOOOOH, yeah, I went there.

Here we fast forward to December 2007. Charlotte, Thunder Road Marathon. This was lucky #7 for me. And I have my lucky "Charlotte Hornets" sweats on. Below is the crew who ran this rather warm marathon.

Here I am at the finish. It had been a hard long road. I had acid reflux and swore I would NEVER do another marathon. Jeff and Colleen got me to the end.

Move on to March 2008. MAP Tri!

Nothing like dropping your pants and allowing someone to write your age on your leg. I hope I shaved!

Here is Bree, me, and Jeff! We all did the tri!

Like my helmet? It didn't come off until mile 3 of the run portion of the tri. Just in case you are wondering, that is not supposed to happen. But once again, I have a good story!

May 2008 brought me and Hope (my sis) together for another half.

We are at the finish line.....but it is time to start. That should have been the 1st clue that this was going to be a wacky race.

I get stuck in the mud....but it is ok. We are lost anyway!

And Hope seems to be handling it well. She must not have brought enough nutrition...so eat a sign....hey wait, what did that sign say? Goats?

Now on to Charlotte, Thunder Road Marathon 2008.... Why do I continue to run this marathon?

My goal was to break 4 hours. I am at mile 16 acting like I am shooting myself in the head. Do you think I met my goal?
Not today Zurg. I ran a 4:05. A PR by 6 minutes, but no goal met.

Then I went to Myrtle Beach 8 weeks later....and ran a 3:51. Goal met!

Me coming across the finish line at Myrtle Beach, Feb. 14th, 2009 in the pouring down rain!

So now on to try and qualify for Boston.....This would take speedwork over the summer.

I think the spring/summer speed work at the JCSU track has gotten the best of coach Ron.

April 2009 I competed in the Skyline 5k. I finally broke 24 minutes....and my truck.

So on to December 2009 to test out my speedy skills on the marathon. Yes, Thunder Road. This was marathon #10 and the goal was to Boston Qualify.....or at least break 4 hours.

I did neither......Got sick on the course and ended up with a 4:05....again!

But that is OK...I still have Myrtle Beach Feb. 2010.....................

But that was never to happen. A grand snow storm came and in great southern fashion, everything shut down. So the marathon was canceled. We ran anyway.......16 miles to be exact.

Here is the whole crew who came to run.......

So with no BQ or Myrtle beach marathon, I decide to run a half with friends....

March 2010, brings the Corporate Cup 1/2 marathon. Leigh, Ross, Me, Bree, Matt are the crew who run it!

Matt finishes and finds a nice soft sidewalk to lay down on.

So that is the adventures up to this point.....

What have I lost? About 40lbs, any pride I ever had, the ability to take myself seriously.

What have I gained? Many new friends, great pictures, and awesome stories that I will tell to anyone who is unlucky enough to start listening.

I had someone say that I make running look fun. This is because it is fun. The wonderful adventures that await the 20 mile run or the race.....the pushing your body.....to bragging rights....all this is fun!

And what is next?

Not sure about this. I am signed up for Myrtle Beach again....Hey, they gave us a 50% discount!

May do Disney Marathon (if I can fork out the $135 entry fee) with Matt.......

But not sure of what else.....but hey, anything for a story!

Running While Sick.....or Hurt! AHHHHHH!

2010-03-31T10:42:00.000-07:00

Me icing my foot after a run.

Runners are a peculiar bunch. The run calls to a runner like gold calls to a pirate. Arrrgg! Runners have to almost have an "In your face" attitude to pain. We will run when our brain is begging us to stop, when our bodies start rebelling, when hurt, when sick.

Sometimes this is a good thing.

Like when you are at mile 20 of a marathon and everything in you is saying, "Give up and stop this running stupid". Or when you start the day knowing you have to get a run in....and it is pouring down the rain, or snow. No matter what, that run is going to get done.

Sometimes, however, it is not wise to continue or even start the run. This is when you are sick or injured. But how sick or injured should you be to bag the run?

About 3 years ago in July, I had a 16 mile long run I needed to complete. I did not want to do it alone, so I called my good friend Ron. He got all the running buddies together, including a friend who had moved away but happened to be in town that weekend. We were going to meet EARLY Friday morning to run. However, on Thursday I started feeling BAD! I really thought it was a sinus infection or something small, so I chose to go out and start the run. It was 2 loops of 8 miles, starting at the MAC. At mile 4, I thought I was going to die! No really, I thought I was going to die. I wasn't sweating, I was clammy, I was cold. Ron had to stay back with me and kept asking what was wrong. Not good. So I finished up the 8 miles and told them I did not think I could do anymore. I got into the car and looked at my throat. It was white. Strep! I called the doctor. They were able to get me in that morning. He confirmed it was Strep. Then proceeded to chew my face off for running. He explained the tremendous stress I put on my heart and all the other near death things that could have happened. It took me about a week to really feel normal again. The run caused me to get sicker than I would have if I would have just skipped it.

Marc, Erin, Kim, and me after the run. I had strep.

So needless to say, that was not a wise choice. Even though (in my defence) I really did think it was a little cold or sinus infection. So when should you run or bag the run? It is a delicate balance. My copy of Runner's World* (from December, 2005, pp. 39-40) suggests:

(for the most part) use the above the neck rule. If you have symptoms that are above the neck (like runny nose, slight head cold, sinus drainage) it is OK to run. However, if you have symptoms below the neck (like you are coughing up a lung, having trouble breathing, flu like symptoms) bag the run.
If you have a fever, bag it....no back talk! Just take a day or two to get yourself healed up.
If in doubt, bag it. A run can cause small symptoms to become bigger. If you can take a day off it allows your body to fight off the nastiness. The run just adds more stress to the body.
If you are puking your brains out before the run...just stay home. No one wants you out there making a mess.

Now what about injuries? Well this is also a tricky subject, but again, when in doubt, it may be better to bag the run. Assuming you are not just a cry baby just trying to get out of a run..... Oh, did I say that out loud.... Just kid'n. =-) If a part of your body hurts before, during, or after a run, there are some things you can do to help. R.I.C.E. No, I am not telling you to go eat, but chocolate has to have some kind of healing qualities, I need a brownie.....But I digress.

R.I.C.E. means:

R=Rest. This means cease activity. I would suggest at least 24-72 hours then try the run again. If it continues to hurt, you may want to go see a doctor. It is better to catch something early and get it fixed. The longer you run on it, the worse it could get.
I=Ice. Ice the area after the run on and off for no longer than 15 minutes at a time. You can get a fancy ice pack or just some frozen peas...but remember not to eat them...uggg! If you are in pain and choose not to run, you can still ice. Same principles apply.
C=Compress. Just wrap the area. Matt and I use K-tape, thanks to Ricky (who just ran his 51st marathon). You can get it at Run For Your Life University or online. http://www.ktapeonline.com/ Not sure about the other stores that have it in stock. This helps with protecting the area, giving a bit more stability, and such.
E=Elevate. Prop it up when you can. I know this is not easy because we are all very busy, but this is trying to get better so you can run. Priorities....Ha Ha!

Like I said, if you do all this and are still in pain, find a doctor who understands runners and go to see him/her. Let said doctor know that if they tell you just to stop running you will hit them in the head with your running shoe. Once again, I did not mean that to be typed, but you get the picture.

Now, with all that said, what can you do to prevent sickness or injury? I understand you cannot always prevent, but these tips may help. Well at least they work for me.

Change your running shoes every 300 to 500 miles depending on your weight. If you are heavier, they will break down faster. I change my shoes out every 300-350 miles. This means I am getting new running shoes every 2 to 3 months depending on where I am in training. Now that may seem expensive, but it is cheaper than knee replacement.
Speaking of running shoes, get you a good pair that fits your needs, running style, pronation, blah, blah, blah. I suggest going to a local running store and getting fitted. Run For Your Life will watch you run and access your running needs. http://www.runforyourlife.com/runforyourlife.htm I wear Asics 2150 because I pronate and run upon my toes. I like the local running store because when I go in there, they know my name, races, and running needs. I also feel like I am supporting a local business. A few months ago, I decided to try another type of shoe. I bought them, took them home, and did 17 miles of workouts in them. They DID NOT work. So I took them back. Run For Your Life exchanged them for a shoe that did work for me. That says a lot.
Drink lots of water. This will help with injury and sickness.
Get enough sleep. You need sleep!
Eat right. This will keep your body fit and healthy.
Don't increase mileage or speed suddenly. You are begging to get hurt or sick if you do this.
Take at least 1 rest day a week...do as I say, not as I do. This helps physically and decreases burnout.
I hear cross training helps, but that is another post.

So here are some tips. Take them for what they are worth. I am not a doctor, but I do play one on TV.... no not really.

Happy Running Friends!

*Oh, and just in case you were wondering.... Yes, I do keep all my Runner's World and sometimes reread them. I am cheesy like that.

"I must meet certain standards to feel good about myself."

2010-03-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

This week I went bathing suit shopping. I found this really cute bathing suit that I could wear working out and on the beach. AND IT WAS ON SALE! WOOT! But first, I had to try it on! Now everyone knows the insecurities this brings up in women. So, I thought I would blog about it. I look at my reflection in the mirror and see all the flaws that I have to offer. How can I run like I do and have hips like this? I guess that is the result of brownies and cutting my miles to 30 miles a week.

What does this have to do with running? Well the same insecurities that creep into seeing myself in a bathing suit creeps into my running. I think everyone deals with some insecurity. They face it over and over, however can rarely give it a name.

I will help you name it today.

I am a therapist as many of you know. I use Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy in my counseling sessions. Now this sounds real fancy, however, all it means is that we react to events around us in certain ways because of the beliefs we have about our self. We learn these beliefs from parents, friends, enemies, siblings, coworkers, teachers, and/or us.

Everyone has certain beliefs that shape their world view and according to the book, "The Search for Significance" by Robert S McGee, these beliefs are false and manifest in 4 separate ways.

"I must meet certain standards to feel good about myself.
I must be approved by certain others to feel good about myself.
Those who fail are unworthy of love and deserve to be punished.
I am what I am; I cannot change; I am hopeless."

Now like I said, these are false beliefs and have to be refuted and then replaced with a truer belief that can help us function in an emotionally healthy way.

Even though I teach this everyday and know the truth, I often find that the first belief creeps into my life. "I must meet certain standards to feel good about myself." When I run, I set certain goals for myself. At the point the goal is set, it becomes imperative in my mind that it is reached. To do anything less would be failure. And failure is not an option. Because I run, I need to look a certain way. I should look fit and trim in a bathing suit and not have a body like a 38 year old woman who has given life to two beautiful children. Now this is all in my mind. If I do not meet the goal, it does not mean I am a failure, but simply that I did not meet the goal. And the reality is that I am 38 and my body has carried two children to full term and is changed forever because of that.....and it is OK.

Sometimes I meet the goal. Here is the first time I ever placed in my age group. I have this nifty glass as my trophy. I have it in my office to remind me of the success.

Sometimes I do not meet the goal. Mile 17 of Charlotte, Thunder Road Marathon. I am trying to convince Matt to allow me to quit and take me home. He wouldn't and I finish with a 4:05. This is 20 minutes off my goal.

This is running, this is life.

What do you deal with?

Do you care what others think of you? Does this belief paralyze you. If someone does not react to you how you feel like they should, do you feel rejected? The fear of rejection is a strong false belief.

Do you think a mistake you made labels you forever. Are you afraid that you deserve to be punished because of it. The fear of punishment can suck the joy out of living.

Do you feel like you are hopeless. Ashamed of who you are or who you have become? Shame can make us feel worthless.

However, there is a solution to all this. In the same book, Robert S McGee says, "We have two alternatives: We can base our self-worth on our success and ability to please others, or we can base our self-worth on the love, forgiveness and acceptance of Christ."

Which will you choose?

Bondage in the fear of these false beliefs or the freedom of Christ. Only you can make this choice.....even when you are looking at your reflection wearing a bathing suit.

If you want more info on this subject, read The Search For Significance by Robert S McGee. I read it about once a year. It will change your life.

Speedwork....Christa style!

2010-03-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

I have had lots of questions concerning how to do speed work. Well, if you have asked, you are now in luck, because I am going to share the secrete to running faster....
Everyone listening?
To run faster, you have to.......
RUN FASTER!
This is a quote from my good friend and coach Ron. Ron is the one I blame....err, I mean give credit to my love for running. I remember asking him what should I do to get faster in running. This is the advice he gave. He is a very blunt person, and I appreciate this.

Now I am going to expand on running faster....but I want to first lay out some ground rules.

First and foremost, do not increase distance or speed significantly in 1 week period. Let it build on itself.
Second, in my humble opinion, I do not think you need to add speed work if...you are new to running or training for your first race. No matter the distance. The goal for the first race should be to have fun, finish, and want to do it again.
If you do not want to get faster....don't do speed work. Everyone has different goals for running. No goal is bad....whether this is to walk your 1st 5k or win the Olympics.
If you want to win the Olympics...I may not be the best person to give you advice. So you can continue to read, because I am a very entertaining blogger. However, you need to get a coach. Ha Ha!
If you disagree with this, cool! However, this is how I do things and my humble opinion. I have found this to work for me. But if you know of something that works for you, by all means, do it. And let me know because I am so up for mixing things up a bit.

So here we go!
I have several different workouts to increase speed. Some may sound crazy but trust me.....famous last words...wahahahaha!

The Track Workout!

So this is easy. You go find a track and run around it like a mad person. However, here is the plan. A track is 400 meters around. So:

400 will be 1x around
800 will be 2x around
1200 will be 3x around
1600 will be 4x around
-You will have a work phase and recovery phase. I normally do the recovery phase for 400 (1x around) unless otherwise noted. Recovery normally happens after EVERY workout. Understand...you can run slowly or walk. Forward motion is the goal for recovery...oh, and for you to recover from the hard run.
-The workout should be ran around or right under your 5k pace. Don't know that? No problem. I normally just run the workout phase all out, but not sprinting.
-Make sure you warm up for at least a mile and cool down for at least a mile.
-Different track workouts include:
1. Repeating 800s (my favorite). You run 800, then recover 400, run 800, recover 400. If new to speed work, you need to start out with 4 of these then increase weekly by one.
2. Ladder (Ron's Favorite). You run 400, 800, 1200, 1600, 1200, 800, 400. With recovery in between each. 1600 meters is close to a mile, so this is a hard workout.
3. Descending. You run 1600, 800, 400....with recovery. You get the picture. You can add in some 800s if you want.
4. 200's (Josh's favorite). Josh is an Iron Man, and can run his marathon part faster than most people can run a stand alone marathon. Run 200 fast then recover for 200. Sounds easy...but it hurts so good. He is a troubled soul and loves pain! Do as many of these as you can. However, do not overdo it.

Hill repeats!
Find a good hill that will take you around a minute or two to climb, then run up it. Recover by running down the hill. For an added kick, do push ups at the bottom of the hill....OUCH! Make sure you warm up for around a mile and cool down for a mile. Easy enough?

Fartlek!
Can you say that without laughing? Fartlek, which means "speed play" in Swedish, is a form of conditioning which puts stress mainly on the aerobic energy system due to the continuous nature of the exercise.....or so I have been told. I think it is just something every runner has been told and accepts so they can say the word fart and not sound like a 8 year old boy.
Basically you warm up, then run fast to a point, recover, run fast to another point, recover, run fast to another point, recover.....and on and on until your run is complete. Make sure you cool down well.

Tempo Run aka Chasing Abigayle while she rides her bike!

This is easy. Run your 10k pace for a prescribed amount of time. Put a warm up and cool down in the mix. I would start off doing this in the middle of the run for about 10 minutes then increase 5 minutes the next time you do it.
I like to do this on the Greenway. I have Abigayle come and ride her bike with me. When the workout starts, she rides and I chase her. It is a great workout. I feel the need to keep up with her for her safety. She does have to keep me in her sites though...as she does ride much faster than I run.
After the cool down, you can stretch really good. I am bad at this, however, I have heard that it is a good thing to do..... Do as I say, not as I do. Ha!

So I hope this has enlightened you somewhat on the fun of speed work. I posted a saying a few weeks ago saying "If you are in training, don't expect every run to be easy." Speed work is not meant to be easy, but can be fun. After that post someone asked me "Why do it if it isn't fun?" To respond to that.....Just because a run isn't easy, does not mean it isn't fun for me. I enjoy pushing myself when I am chasing my giggling 12 year old on her bike through mud. I enjoy crossing the finish line knowing I have left everything on the course. I enjoy placing in my age group, meeting goals, and running as fast as I can. Everyone has different goals for running. Some people run for the pure joy of running. Others long to run fast and train to do so. You can have fun doing either. It is a question on what fun is to you. When I started out, I just wanted to run to lose weight. Then I noticed I enjoyed it. Then I liked distance. Now I want to be fast. Fast enough to run Boston....goals change. People change. That is the wonderful thing about running. It can change you and it can change with you.

Corporate Cup 3/6/10 - Why I run!

2010-03-06T16:24:00.000-08:00

Leigh, Ross, Me, Bree, and Matt at the start of the race

Why do I run? I get that question a lot and I have really been pondering the whole "Why I run" thing. Is it just to get faster, qualify for Boston, so I can eat everything in site and not be as big as a side of a barn? I have to admit that all those things are reasons....however, I feel there is a deeper meaning to my running.

I do it so I won't have to go into therapy. Really...Running is my therapy. My job is very stressful and I really cannot talk about it to anyone. So I run. Run and talk to God.
I do it because it makes me a nicer person. Well not really, but it helps me to have the judgment to sensor the things I want to sometimes say.
It shows my two girls that anything is possible. If I can run 26.2 miles then they can face challenges.
It shows me and my two girls it is good to set goals. But, it is OK if you don't meet those goals.
It makes me a better, therapist, mother, wife, sister, daughter, pastors wife and daughter, friend, and any other role that I am called upon to play.
It teaches me about who I am. What I am capable of. That I can be in pain and still finish the race.
It teaches me about other people. So much so, that I think I am going to require the man who wants to marry my daughters to run a marathon with me. I feel that will show what kind of person he is. Running brings out the true character in a person.

In January, I committed to train Leigh, Bree, and my husband Matt for the Corporate Cup Half Marathon. I think running with someone teaches you about that person. You run your personality.

Matt. My husband Matt is a very steady man. He never loses his temper. He never panics. He is a rock. This is how he runs. Steady. It does not matter what the group does, he starts the pace and keeps up with it. Normally, he is the first one finished with the long runs.

Bree. Bree likes routine. She wants a training plan and follows it to the tee. No matter what, if there is a long run, she will get it in. She is also the social one of the group. She is all about the friendship of the run. That is how she runs.

Leigh. Leigh is the rebel. She likes to mix it up. If I the plan calls for 8 miles, she does 9. If we are supposed to go slow, she starts fast. She wants to get it done. She is ready for the challenge and meets it head on without thinking of the consequences. This is how she runs.

Me. Well I am coach. I am called the "Evil Queen". I totally stick to the schedule. I don't like whining. I have little mercy. I will encourage. I will stick with the last person in the group. I will yell at you if you choose to do something stupid like skipping short runs, eating poorly before a long run, doing a hard workout before the long run. I will expect you to "man up" and finish what you started. Don't talk smack that you cannot follow through with in the run. This is how I run.

And this is everyone's personalities. Running and otherwise.

I got up that morning and the first thing I did, like always, was spent time with God. I have learned that this comes before running. Not a side note.

I prayed for Matt, who had been having some heel pain. I prayed for Leigh who was going through some tough changes. I prayed for Bree who wanted to come out and race this half...not just run it. I prayed.

We met at the DOWD YMCA and piled into our SUV. Then headed out to find a parking place. After driving around we decided to park at First Baptist. Ran to pick up the chips. Then waited in line FOREVER to use the bathroom. It was very crazy and a stench filled the air of the building we picked up our chip in. I have a gag reflex.

I decided not to pick up a chip. I was not running this race for time and for some reason, that chip puts lots of pressure on me. I also have chosen not to take my Myrtle Beach chip off yet. So I left my chip at the table.

So finally, we line up and take the above picture. Ross joins us for the picture but as soon as the race starts, he is off. We start running and the fun begins. We are just chatting. The miles start ticking away.

This is Bree, Leigh, and Matt around 3...I think. It may be mile 4. But they are having fun.

Me and Leigh...hey that rhymes. Hee Hee! We are having fun in our Nike apparel. She said we should do a commercial. We also are dork twins in our compression sleeves. Where else can you look so cool being a dork.

Right before mile 7 the team is still looking strong. Everyone took a gel and we keep trucken. BUT.....Providence Road with it's sinister never ending hill is coming up quickly. (insert evil laugh).

Everyone makes it through the hill and on we go.

Matt at mile 11. He is looking strong. However, he is not feeling well. The gels won't go down and his heel is bothering him. Matt starts saying he wants to lay down. He starts looking for places to lay down. He is delirious. And we still have Morehead....I have named it More Hell.

More Hell Road...I mean Morehead has beasted many of runners....including myself. But Matt is determined to finish this race.

Ross finishes in 1:40something.....
Leigh and Bree finish first out of our training group. They take off 4 plus minutes from last year.

Matt comes in next, then me last.

And Matt finally finds a place to lay down. He looks like a hobo on the side of the street.

While my Matt was all laid out, I took a picture of Leigh and her Matt.

And here are the girls of the running team.

And now on to the most important thing.....eating. Which is in the "Why I run" list.

Today was fun. It was about sticking it out with friends and going the distance. That was accomplished.

Run Easy is an Oxymoron

2010-03-01T17:50:00.000-08:00

"What is it about running that scares people so much? Why do people feel they have to put friendly modifiers next to running so everyone can feel good about it? Well, here's the ugly truth. Everyone shouldn't feel good about running. It's hard. It hurts. Running requires sacrifice and heart and guts. Any attempt to water it down with feel good adjectives is a slap in the face to those of us who still hold running sacred. In fact, if you're running easy, odds are your not running at all. Your jogging. So do us a favor, don't run easy. Run hard. Run like an animal!"

This is a quote from Pearl Izumi. I LOVE it. It calls it how it is. It doesn't call for you to run a certain pace or a certain distance. It calls for you to run hard. If hard is a 5 minute mile then WOW! If it is a twelve minute mile, then WOW! Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability.
When you want to quit, kick it up a notch.
When you want to throw up, do it, then keep running. Or do it while running. You can wash it off in the shower afterwards.
When you want to lay down in the middle of the street and hope a city bus runs over you so you don't have to finish the run, then suck it up and finish what you started. Even if you have to belly crawl back. (Yes, I have thought of this option.)
Why do I write all this in my "racing blog"?
Running teaches lessons.
I have several people ask me questions about running everyday. So I thought I would share my vast knowledge (note the sarcasm) of running with the masses. =-)

This week is "Run easy is an oxymoron".
What is an "Oxymoron"?
ox·y·mo·ron (ŏk'sē-môr'ŏn', -mōr'-)
n. pl. ox·y·mo·ra (-môr'ə, -mōr'ə) or ox·y·mo·rons
A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist.
In other words, it is two words with opposite means that has been put together. Like "IcyHot", "Darklight".....you get the picture.
But why this theme? I have learned, or should I say relearned this concept this week. Or year.
As promised, I went to the podiatrist after my "Myrtle Beach Marathon" for my toe pain. He gave me some news that will effect my running. I have 2 bone spurs on my big toe joint. This is caused from osteoarthritis. This will not get better. It will get worse as I get older, whether I run or not. So he told me he wanted me to continue to run. He gave me temporary orthotics and has fitted me for custom ones. This will slow down the arthritis and make it less painful to run.
So now I am trying to get used to the temporary orthotics. Running in these is very different. I have had to slow down and shorten my runs. I will have to do this again when my custom ones come in. I have shin splints and I am sore from a 3 mile run. Sore in places I haven't been sore in for a LONG time. To say the least, running is not easy for me right now.

But this week has taught me more than "running is hard". God has used this concept to teach me about life. I think the "Easy Life" is an oxymoron.
Like I said in my last post, pain is relative. What "pain" has come into your life when you least expected it. You were just "running" along, and suddenly, life throws something at you that you were not expecting, and suddenly you are no longer "running" down a green pasture, but you are struggling in the valley of the shadow of death. This is talked about in the 23rd Psalm.
This has brought up memories of my past pain that hit me like the wall hits at mile 20 in a marathon.
I remember hearing my dad call and tell me they unexpectedly found cancer in my mom during a routine procedure. I remember feeling like someone had hit me in the stomach with their fist. I remember how the chemo reeked havoc on her. I remember hearing that God had healed her. Twice!
I remember sitting at my OBGYN, 16 weeks pregnant with my first baby, and hearing the doctor telling me that they could not find the baby's heart beat. Two days later, I miscarried.
I remember, again at the OBGYN, after my 16 week ultrasound with my Abigayle. The doctor came in and explained that it looked like something was wrong and it looked like she may be Down Syndrome.
I remember praying, fasting from TV and sweets, and pounding on the doors of heaven for her to be healed. I remember going back at 21 weeks and the doctor telling me that what they saw was gone. She was healed.
And I could go on.......
The point is this. No matter if you are by the green pastures and calm water or in the valley of the shadow of death, The LORD is still your shepherd. You shall not want. He knows your needs, even before you need them. He will restore you. Listen to His still small voice. Sometimes in the middle of the noise of life, it is hard to hear His still small voice. But listen.........
The LORD is my shepherd,

Psalm 23 (New International Version)
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Unmet Expectations: Myrtle Beach Marathon, 2/13/2010

2010-02-15T18:51:00.001-08:00

Have you ever wanted something so bad that you obsessed over it? Have you had a dream you were working toward that was right in your grasp yet due to unforeseen circumstances, slipped through your fingers?
It is funny, sort of ironic…. everyday I set in my chair counseling people on how it is of no use to obsess over things they cannot control. I tell them to change their thought patterns so they can start feeling a different way. I challenge them to rewrite the script in their mind to view their circumstances in a positive manner.
I quote Philippians 4:6-7
"Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Now the teacher becomes the student. My views on life are put to the test and I must now “man up” and practice what I preach.
Now I am not trying to minimize the pain of any person I see. Or am I saying that what I am dealing with even comes close to the pain some of my clients deal with everyday. But pain is relative. We all struggle to make sense of something. We all deal with some sort of loss.
So here is my story:

I think to start off with; a bit of background is needed.
As most of you know, I have been training to qualify for the Boston marathon. The Boston marathon is the Mecca of marathons for the runner. The only marathon, which I am aware of, that you must meet a certain time limit to even be allowed to enter. My time limit happens to be 3:45. That is, I must run another full marathon in 3 hours and 45 minutes to even be allowed to sign up for this Boston marathon.
How did I come to obsess…err, I mean want to Boston qualify. Simple. Last year (February 14, 2009) my goal was simply to break a 4-hour time limit in a marathon. I signed up for the Myrtle Beach Marathon, trained and ran. At mile 20, I knew I was going to break 4 hours and was close to being on track for my Boston qualifying time. So I started trying to run a bit faster. However, at mile 23, my calf started cramping and I knew to finish well within my time goal I would need to stop, stretch, then slow down a bit. Boston could wait another year. I did break 4 hours by a good bit. My finishing time ended up being 3:51. That is a mere 6 minutes off what I needed to qualify. So at that point everything I did, running wise, lead to Boston…or so I thought.
In the spring, I decided that to qualify, I needed to add in some speed work. It would take a different approach to shave 6 minutes off of a marathon time. So I signed up for the Run For Your Life Grand Prix series. This was a series of 9 races that I needed to run at close to puke level. My goal was to place 3rd in my age group. Now if you have been reading this blog, you know I ended up doing well in those races. In fact, I did place 3rd in my age group and I am pretty sure I placed #10 in the overall top ten women. Goal met…. and I was faster.
As the races came to a close, I started my new marathon training. This was Hal Higdon’s Advanced I marathon training plan. WOW! Lots of running.
Click here for a brief look at the plan:
http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/advanced1/advanced1.htm
This was 18 weeks of running with a purpose. Every run was meant to train me in some specific way. I started this plan so I could race Charlotte marathon as a practice race. I ran every run as Hal prescribed. I feel like I became one of Hal’s close friends. Hal and I understood each other. He was my coach...so to speak. He told me what to do, and I was obedient in every way. I studied my numbers, pace, courses, so on and so on. I was focused.
I ran Charlotte….got sick…learned from my mistakes….rethought my nutrition during the race….and started training again. I signed up for Myrtle Beach knowing it was the marathon I would meet my goal on.
After the Charlotte marathon, I had 9 weeks to perfect my marathon running. So I took 1 recovery week then started back on week 11 of Hal’s plan. I did modify week 11 a bit. I ran 16 for my long run instead of 20. However, after that week, I stuck with the training plan. Hal and I were once again together. Everything made sense! I knew what I needed to do.
On week 15 during a track workout, my big toe on my right foot started hurting. It did not hurt while I ran, but afterwards, I could hardly walk. Despite this, I was able to finish the training and started on the taper. I would run every other day and rest, wrap, soak, and baby that toe. By the time I was getting ready to leave for the marathon, I did not think it would prohibit me from qualifying. Like a good runner, I vowed to go see my podiatrist.....well, as soon as I ran Myrtle Beach.
The week of the marathon came. As of Monday, the forecast was calling for a hi of 49 low of 34. Perfect. However, as the week progressed, the forecast became cold, snow, windy. Not good. Friday, February 12th was my birthday. We were all packed up ready to go. Met my parents for a Birthday lunch and my mom asked me what they would do if it snowed and the roads were dangerous for running. I jokingly answered, “I guess they would have to cancel the marathon”. Can anyone say foreshadowing?
We get to Myrtle Beach and pick up my packet, number, a sweet hat, shirt, chip, and water bottle. By this time, they had pushed the marathon starting time back from 0630 to 0700. I felt like this was a good sign that they would just delay the start and not cancel.
After the packet pickup, Matt, the girls, and I went to meet Ricky, Sharon, and the rest of the Va crew for dinner. This was Ricky’s 50th marathon so Sharon had planned a great get together where we all got to tell embarrassing stories about Ricky. It was a blast. It is amazing how running can bring complete strangers together and make them friends.
After the fun, we all headed our separate ways to get ready for bed. By the time we left the restaurant, it was already snowing. Huge, beautiful flakes were falling all around us. Mom had already text me to let me know Charlotte was already under a blanket of snow.
For some reason, I seemed to be in denial. I asked Matt what he thought. He tried to be encouraging, but I feel like he knew this was not a good sign. The organizers of the marathon were wonderful with communicating what was going on. They sent out emails and updates on the news. By the time we got to the place we were staying, things were not looking good. The email I got said the marathon officials want to keep the marathon open, however, the city would make a final decision by 2200.
So we waited, and watched. 2200 came and went and there was no word. However, I knew even if they allowed the marathon to be ran, I would not qualify in these weather conditions. I would try, but would not hurt myself trying. Around 2230 we see the news. The city has decided to cancel the marathon.
What am I feeling? Relief, sadness, anger, sick to my stomach, or oh, I get to sleep in tomorrow. Sleep in? What am I thinking?
I text Ricky and Sharon. They say they are planning to run tomorrow anyway. Ricky tells me to get some sleep and we will assess the conditions tomorrow morning.
The morning comes. Ricky texts and asks if I am up. I have been up almost all night. Laying there in disbelief. Not really sure of how to feel. Almost numb but feeling guilty for making such a big deal out of nothing. There will be other marathons. I know that there is a purpose in this. But right now I am like a child who did not get her way and I want to throw a temper tantrum.
Oh wait, what does the rest of Ricky’s text say? They plan to run at 0900. I think a run will do me good. Matt is not so sure. He is apprehensive on the safety of running. However, he agrees to get out and assess the situation. So we get ready and go. He drops me off with all the Va group and Ricky promises they will take good care of me. Matt tells me to be careful and takes the girls to get some breakfast.

The Crew who braved the snow!
We decide to run 7.5 from the hotel and then come back. This run will take place on the marathon course. As we start running I start feeling better…. but then I get mad…no I feel better…mad…better…and on and on. All the guys felt the same. We feel like we have been robbed of something, but there is no one to be mad at. That is frustrating.
Nevertheless, a run with friends does a person good. We talk about work, stress, and future running plans, and nothing at all. The guys pick on each other and we laugh.
We run.
We run because that is what we do. We end up running 16 miles. That is 10.2 less than what I had planned. All around us, there are other runners running, trying to make sense of it all.

Running correlates with life. Every run is a teacher. My year of training did not end up in a Boston qualifying time. However, I learned a lesson. I know it is of no use to obsess over things I cannot control. I will change my thought patterns so I can start feeling a different way. I challenge myself to rewrite the script in my mind to view my circumstances in a positive manner.
Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Now the teacher becomes the student.
I do feel a sense of loss. However, it is a part of me. I choose not to feel guilty when people tell me there will be other marathons. I know they do not understand. I choose to keep running, because that is what I do. I choose to chase my Boston dream and hope that one day it will be a reality.
And at the end of the day I know this has a purpose. God is in control, even in the seemingly small things like running.

Running the grand strand with friends!

The fellas!

Me by the ocean!

Ricky by the ocean!

Need I say more!

Ricky and Sharon!

A grand finish!

Thunder Road Marathon - 12/12/2009

2009-12-17T16:07:00.000-08:00

Training and running a marathon is a funny thing. Not funny like a joke or cheap laugh. But funny like ironic, crazy, how can I find different ways to be in pain. It is a great teacher. It teaches humility. It teaches friendship. It teaches endurance. It teaches a person to dig down so deep that it is scary. The race itself is difficult, anything can happen. A person learns.....Well, I learned a lot about myself. I learned that I can throw up on the side of the road, not be embarrassed, then start running again. I learned Matt will not take me home during the race. I learned that at mile 21, I an kick it in and finish strong.

So here is my story.

I trained 18 weeks. Getting up to 50 mile weeks. Consuming more gels and propel, running more miles, and wearing dorky compression sleeves (I secretly think they are cool.). Tapering perfectly. Restricting my sugar intake. All this for one day. One moment in time. One marathon.

I went and picked up my number and shirt at the expo on Friday afternoon. I saw my buddy Julie there. She is running her 1st marathon. Told her to have fun and enjoy the moment, and make sure you look up at the skyline at mile 25. It is always beautiful and inspires me to finish strong.

I picked up my stuff and checked my chip to see if it worked. It did.

I wasn't really nervous about this race. I was able to sleep well. However, when I woke up the next morning, my tummy was not cooperating. I didn't really think that much about this because my tummy is always a bit upset on race day. I choked down 1/2 a PB&J bagel and some water. We left the house at 0700. This made me have to hurry once I got to the race site. I did not get to line up with the 3:45 pace group. In fact, I was almost in the back. I was behind the 5 hour pace group, but I told myself to put this out of my box. This is something a friend on BeginnerTriathlete.com told me. She is an Iron Man...so I feel like she knows what she is talking about. Anything negative that happens, you put out of your box so it will not negatively effect your race.

My nutrition plan is to take in 2-3oz of propel/H2O per mile. I will start my gels at mile 4 and take 1/2 gel every other mile.

This is a picture of the fast guys. They deserve a shout out. I bet one of these fellas won...WOW!

I started out trying to get past all the walkers and slower than me runners....however, at the same time, I tried not to slam it the first few miles. I was doing around an 8:40 pace. That is OK. I can totally make that up. Put all negative thoughts out of my box. I had to play the passing game for the 1st 4ish miles. I take my 1st half of gel. Around mile 5, I saw my friend Debbie and caught up with the 4 hour pace group. Remember, I am behind the clock so my pace is ahead of 4 hours. I am finally able to run. Debbie and I run together. we do the next 3 miles around an 8:00 pace. At the 10k point, I take the rest of my 1st gel. I start feeling a bit sick to my stomach. I really don't pay much attention to this, but it feels like my gel is still in my stomach. Ugg!

I pass mile 8 and decide to wait a little while before starting my next gel. I am still drinking though. I want to give the other gel time to get down....it doesn't.

Mile 9...10...11...up Morehead.....still on target but feeling sick. I decide I should go ahead and start the next gel because my legs feel dead. I take 1/4 and slowly sip on it until the half mark.
Here is a picture Matt snapped of me at the 1/2 way mark. I didn't know if I should be happy I was 1/2 way done or overwhelmed b/c I have 13.1 more miles to go. I decide to put this out of my box and look forward to the 2nd half of the marathon. I am still within reach of a Boston Qualifying time. And good for a sub 4.

At mile 14, I see my friend Jessie. She asks if I need anything...I say I am fine. I lied. I need her to come and carry me to the end. Every time I try to take my gel or take a drink, I start gagging. Not good. I have to have nutrition to finish this thing. I decide just to hold a gel and walk when I am taking it in. I also decide to go ahead and put on my Ipod. I try to rally myself by dancing to the drummers at Panther's Stadium (mile 16) and thanking the police and the great volunteers. But I am feeling BAD!

Here I come up to Matt at mile 17. I decide to tell him to take me home. I am no longer able to take in anything and I can feel all the stuff sloshing around in my stomach. This is also the point where the 4 hour pace group passes me back. You can see them in the orange. GRRR! I have been churning out a few 10:00 miles. Not cool. This is mainly because I am close to throwing up. However, I am able to hold it somewhat together.

I think a marathon brings out something in you that you did not know you had in you...Matt snaps this picture of me when I am telling him I am going to quit. I am actually saying the word quit in the picture. I tell him I am sick and need him to just take me home. Then to my surprise he says NO! He tells me that I only have 9 more miles and to get my butt out there and finish the race. I had run the last 10 miles of the course for my last long run. He reminded me of this and how a 10 mile run was a short run in my training. Then he pushed me back on the course and told me he would see me at mile 21.

MILE 21!?!?! How am I supposed to make it to mile 21. I told him that I would see him there and we would renegotiate this there. I drink a bit more and start another gel. I pass mile 18, 19, 20....AHHH! Mile 20. I can do 6.2 more miles. I hit this at 3:04, I think. I am starting to feel a little better. I know I will see Matt soon.

This is a picture that Matt snapped of Joseph at mile 21. This was his 1st marathon.

I run up to Matt while drinking a sip of Propel. He yells that he just saw Joseph. I was surprised b/c I had not seen Joseph the whole marathon. I take a gel pack to carry with me.......

and take off. I will run the last 5 miles. I put my mind into racing mode and run. I think I can catch up to Joseph and break 4 hours.

I start doing 9 min miles....and a few 8ish min miles. I pass mile 22 and take another sip of gel. I have to stop and go to the side b/c I am gagging really bad and think I am going to throw up. i hold it together though. I throw the gel in my pocket and decide not to try that again. I could tell that none of my gels or H20 has gotten into me. I can feel it almost coming up. Pass Joseph and we say hello then I continue on. Mile 23, oh that is hilly! Mile 24...more hills. Mile 25....look up and see Charlotte sky line. NICE! I look at my watch and do a bit of figuring in my head. I can totally break 4 hours. I have about 10 minutes. I get to 25.5, have around 7 minutes b/4 the 4:00 mark, and pass through some children at the drink station. I hi 5 them and take a drink b/c I am thirsty. Take a sip...and try to speed up a bit. Now I am not sure if it was that last sip or that last kick...but I start throwing up....I stop then start again...then stop...then start again...and stop...then start again. I blessed about 1/4th mile of McDowell. I have never thrown up b/4 like this....every time I started to run it would start again....but when I finally finished, I felt better. Not good, but better. OK...so the last time I started throwing up, I looked at my watch....it was 4:00. Oh man!

Here is me finishing up the last .2 miles. Just don't throw up again...Just keep it together. My friend Leigh runs the last .2 with. She runs it on the sidewalk so as not to get in any one's way. This really helped me get to the finish.

I go across the line, get my medal, blanket, another shirt, and a wonderful volunteer takes off my chip.....Thank you!

I then see my sister, brother-in-law, and nephews.

This is my sister...no we are not the same person! We have run 2 1/2 marathons together...Read the race reports...they will touch you. Lots of pictures...hey! That's is what it's about!

My buddy Leigh! We have run a 1/2 marathon together!

My sweet hubby, JRT...scream team!

The whole gang! Brother-in-law, Nephews,sister, JRT, Hubby, Me! My youngest nephew told me I was the winner when he saw me.....I choose to believe him.

I finished 1 second more from last year. My time was 4:05.18 this year. I was 4:05.17 last year. The difference was being sick. I am disappointed in my time, but at the same time, I feel like it says a lot about my training that I was able to finish 1 second higher than last year and was sick...in fact, I felt so bad that I wanted to quit.

Now on to Myrtle Beach.

Grand Prix Awards Dinner - 11/16/09

2009-11-20T12:54:00.000-08:00

Now I truly know how the father in "Christmas Story" felt when he receives the major award (the leg lamp) in the mail. Then he displays it for the whole neighborhood to see. I am a total cheese and very excited that I placed 3rd in my age group for the Grand Prix Series. So I invited some very important people in my life.
First, I want to thank my parents who raised me. They are awesome! My mom has courageously battled 2 rounds of cancer and has taught me more about endurance than any marathon could. My dad was a runner in high school and is a pillar of strength for our family. They have both supported and encouraged me in everything I do.

Next is my Sister! We share a brain (and I think she got the bigger half). She is not only my sister by blood, but my sister in friendship! We laugh, cry and solve the problems of the world together! We have run 2 half marathons together.
Last, but not least is my sweet husband! He is my soul mate. We have run 3 marathons together and I love him more than I love myself. Bless his heart! He is the one who comes and stands in the heat or cold to cheer me on. He takes my nasty running stuff out of the car after I have ran 20 something miles, so I can go and get into the dreaded ice bath. He supports all my insane running.

My friend Debbie also placed in her AG. We love to chat about running together.

So, If you are wondering what this series is, you can read my last 9 posts on my blog. However, if you have a life, you can just see the recap of the times/pace/dates/races.
March 21
Shamrock 4 Mile 31.20 (7:50 pace) 12th in AG
April 25
Skyline 5K 23.13 (7:28 pace) 5th in AG
May 8
Twilight 5K Run23.41(7:37 pace)9th in AG
June 6
King Tiger 5K23:32(7:34 pace)7th in AG
July 11
RFYL 4 Miler 30.18(7:35 pace) 7th in AG
August 8
Blue Points 5K23:18(7:29 pace)3rd in AG
August 29
Greek Fest 5K23:07(7:26 pace)8th in AG
September 26
Brixx 10K48.21(7:47 pace)6th in AG
October 17
LungStrong 15K1:13.56(7:56 pace)8th in AG

For completing all 9 races, I received this nifty back pack. I was really excited.

For placing 3rd in my age group...I won't tell you how old I am...HaHa! I received a medal, $25.00 check, and a RFYL $20.00 gift certificate. COOL!

I feel like these races have made me a better runner. I pushed myself really hard during the races and feel like I am a better racer and runner because of it. I made lots of new friends and found out that I am competitive! Weird!

With my $$$$ I will buy compression socks so I can run more....Ha! Ironic!

Now on to trying to qualify for Boston!

Lungstrong 15k 10/17/09 9th and LAST race of the Grand Prix Series!

2009-10-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

So this is the last race of the series. As think back on the fun, the struggles, the anxiety, the victories, the starts, the finishes, and all the friends I made....it is a bittersweet moment. Everything about this race is surreal. Like a dream. I am not anxious. I feel a quiet confidence.
I got up at 0500. Did my normal prerace routine. Ate a 1/2 PB&J, prayed, packed up. I was going to this race alone. I was kinda bummed about this. However, I cannot expect my family to load up and come watch every race.
Get to the race site early, get my chip then chill in my car. I went to the starting line around 7:30. Saw my friend Debbie and we waited at the start line.
This race was for Lung Cancer. My Bestest friend, Jill, lost her mother to lung cancer. I ran this race for her. We have been through a lot together. I went with her to all her Chemo treatments when she had Breast Cancer. I love this girl! So to say the least, this race was more than just a finishing time to me.
I started running when the race started....early into the 1st mile, I decided to take my long sleeve shirt off....this was not easy b/c I did not stop running.
The 1st mile went quickly. We turned into the park. It was really nice. The weather was perfect. I looked at the lake and enjoyed the run. I loved the course. It had beautiful views. I knew I started out to fast so I tried to slow a bit on mile 2. OOOO, too slow. Now speed it up back to the sub 8mm.
Around mile 6ish, I thought I should take my gel. I was still feeling good, but knew I could not continue sub 8mm w/out any nutrition. As I tried to open my gel...while still running...the gel exploded all over me. I was a mess! It was on my hands, face, legs, and clothes. AHHHH! So I licked it off my face and tried to get more off my hands and shirt. I know I looked like an idiot! Look at my splits...you can see I slowed down at mile 7. No more sub 8mm! =-(
At mile 9, I saw a car coming right at me. WOW! I can't even think about how to get out of this cars way! Oh, glad it moved....where is the finish line. How can .3 be so long....it seems like I have been running this .3 forever!
Finely I see the finish line. And I cross it then almost throw up! Then I watch Debbie cross and go home....then I run 7 more miles (I had a 16 mile run to do today).
Splits:
1-7:32
2-8:02
3-7:53
4-7:51
5-7:57
6-7:53
7-8:00
8-8:07
9-8:04
.3-2:39
My total time was:
chip: 1:13.56
Overall: 116/586
Overall Female: 32/280
Age Group: 8/64

9/26/09 - Hit the Brixx 10k - Race #8 in Grand Prix Series

2009-10-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

Pre-race routine:Like normal...I got up at 0500 and ate. But I tried my new/old favorite. A pb and banana sandwich. Well, most of half of it anyway. I spent some time with the Lord then laid back down for a few minutes. I had some time before I had to get ready. Made some coffee then took a few sips. Could not stomach it today. Bree showed up and we left right before 0700. Matt, my sweetheart, was dropping us off at the race site so we did not have to worry about parking.
Matt dropped us off right at the start. I told him that I hoped to run this in around 48 minutes. He went to park at the DOWD YMCA to run. Then he would run to the race and watch us finish. We went to use the bathroom one last time then got our chip. Went to the front of the starting line and waited. I met a guy who was part of the WISH group. A running group who runs the Disney races. We chatted a few minutes then were off.
I liked the course. It was hilly to be expected but a good course. I felt good the whole time. I may have been able to push the pace a bit more, but I tried to stick to my plan of 48 minutes. I did not want to burn up in the last miles of the race.
Splits:
1-7:11 mostly downhill and opps, too fast
2-7:51 I purposely slowed this mile down
3-7:42 Tried to keep it above 7:30 but faster than mile 2
4-8:06 Mostly uphill but too slow! I pick up a friend who will run with me the rest of the way in.
5-7:55 Still going mostly up. I pass a girl I have followed the whole time.
6-7:56 Listening to "The Climb" on my Ipod. This mile is totally uphill but it is the last mile.
.21-1:39 Again, uphill but me and my friend start "racing" to the end. We Tie!
As I was about to finish, I saw Matt. I blew him a kiss then kicked it to finish.
I really liked how I ran this race. I ran uncomfortably comfortable for the most part. I never really tried to race anyone else and I think this helped. I think I like the longer distance. My friend I started running with around mile 4 was great! We never talked until the end. When we came over the finish, he looked at me and said, "Thanks for running with me". I told him I thought he was running with me. We laughed and went our different ways. I thanked most of the volunteers and police. I felt good the whole way and really enjoyed this race.
What would you do differently?:I feel good but if I had to choose....I would that pushed a bit on mile 4. It was a bit over an 8 MPM. My slowest mile of the race.
Post race:Watched Debbie and Bree come in. I ran in with Bree so I got to go over the finish line 2x. HeHe! Got some pizza and pasta. Ran slowly back to the DOWD YMCA (a little over a mile away) and went home to a WARM shower.
Placing:
Time: 48:21 Pace: 07m 47s min/mile
Overall Place: 185/871
Age Group Place: 6/61
Overall Female: 37/454
The only thing that limits me is that I can't run faster...but that is OK.

Greek Fest 5k - #7 Race in Grand Prix - August 29, 2009

2009-09-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

First off, I need to say that I love the cheesy, useless stuff that comes in the race goody bags. I picked up my treasure on Wednesday from University Run For Your Life. Then I went to work and had to look at it mocking me. Calling to me for hours, until I saw my last client and tore into it like a child on Christmas morning. Chap stick, a Frisbee, another race shirt (that I will wear with pride) and best of all, 2 tickets to the Greek Fest.
I ran the course just one day prior to picking up the goody bag. I was well pleased with the absence of huge hills normally experienced in Charlotte. I thought this may be a personal best this coming Saturday. Just one problem....Monday, I awoke with some kind of stomach bug. I didn't even run Monday and was very weak feeling on Tuesday. However, no worries, I have a few days to recover.
This is the 7th race in the Grand Prix Series. I am still placed 3rd. Unless I fall over and have to steam roll to the finish line, I think I can hold onto the 3rd place standing.
Like I said, I was sick with a stomach bug. Not pretty. I ran lightly on Tuesday and Wednesday, but could still tell that I was feeling weak. Not bad, but weak. I have been just hurting all over. So Friday, I took a day off and rested. I slept most of the day but was still very tired when I went to bed at 2100. On Saturday, I got up at 0500 and ate a PB&J. Drank coffee and spent some time with the Lord. I was feeling rather calm at this point. Bree got to the house a little after 0600 and we drove to the race. I really was feeling calm, but my stomach was upset.
We parked at Latta Park and I was able to use the bathroom for the last time. My stomach was still not doing well, but I knew that this course was not as hilly as the others I have run. So I was calm. Everything was surreal. I felt like I was watching myself walk to the starting line. I felt like I was watching myself line up and wait. I hate the waiting. It only makes my stomach churn more as I look over the crowd and wonder who is in my AG that I needed to be able to outrun.
The course. No surprises here. Like I said, I ran the course (at a slower pace) on Tuesday. I am glad I did. This helped me to know where I was. I started running and my legs felt like they would give out from under me. I saw the normal people who aways pass me and who I always pass. I do remember that the right turn on Dilworth Rd W from East came quickly. In fact, everything came quick...except the finish line.
My splits are as follows:
Mile 1 - 6:59
Mile 2 - 7:36
Mile 3 - 7:50
11 - 0:39
I Knew that I went out too fast when I hit mile 1. I thought that maybe this would not hurt me too bad. Hey, only 2 more miles. However, I started seeing people pass me, and I was not really passing anyone. ARRRHHH! I could tell that 1st mile effected my 2nd mile. But hey, 7:36 isn't too bad. Just keep the pace. I tried to dig down deep, but came up empty. Not good! I still have 1 more mile! I just tried to hang on the last mile. My stomach was cramping and I was pretty sure I was going to throw up! Turned on East and just ran as fast as I could (at that point) to the finish line. In this race, you can see the finish line FOREVER! I saw the clock counting up...up...up. I tried to run faster, but my body refused. I started gagging, but I did not slow down. So I went through the finish line gagging like I was going to throw up...NICE!
Time: 23:07
Overall finisher: 243/1278
Overall Female: 36/589
Age Group: 8/113
After going through the finish, I went and got some water. I was hoping not to pass out (I didn't). Then I hung out and watched Bree come across the line at 28 something and Matt come across at 29:05. Then we met up with Greg (Bree's husband) and went to IHOP to get our grub on!
It was a fun race. I am ready for cooler weather and the long SLOW distance of the marathon...instead of this fast running. This is the last 5k of the Grand Prix series. I did PR. I do wish I could have gotten rid of about 10 seconds so I would have made it under 23 minutes. But, I have gotten faster. I am able to hit under 24 minutes in a 5k consistently. This is faster than my 5k time from last year.
So now come the 10k and 15k! This should be interesting!

BluePoints 5k 8/8/09 - Race #6 Grand Prix Series

2009-08-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

Today I ran the Bluepoints 5k. It is race #6 in the Grand Prix Series. This race, like the others, will keep me or push me out of the Grand Prix Placings. My goal was 22:30...or at least under 23 minutes.
Pre-race routine: Got up at 0500. Ate 1/4 PB&J w/out the J. Drank a poweraid and a few sips of coffee. Prayed and read my Bible. Packed up and left for the DOWD YMCA around 0619. Hubby ran this one too. We met up with Leigh around 0645. The walk from the DOWD was around .57 miles so I count this as a WU.
Leigh and I took a picture b/4 the race. I look like I am going to throw up.

I waited by the starting line with Debbie. I really thought I was going to be sick. Why do I get so anxious? The jogging strollers and wheelchairs took off. About 2 minutes later, we were off. Like I said, they reversed the course. So we were on the "other side" of the start line...headed toward the finish. Really, I crossed over the finish line 30 seconds after I started. The thought did occur to me that this may mess up my chip (It did not). However, I was in the mass of people going toward Morehead. Even going this way, there were lots of up hills. I thought I was running slower than normal and was a bit disoriented b/c we were going the opposite way of what I thought we were going to go. I hit mile 1 at 6:58. Now I am not really sure if this mile marker was right. However, my friend Leigh who has a Garmin, said it was right. I did not keep my splits so I am not sure about the other times....I know I slowed b/c as we turned on Kenelworth the course started up...up.....up. I am NOT KID'N! I was running as hard as I could but the up hill was KILLING ME! I passed a few people and the 2 mile mark fairly quickly. I thought I was going to make under 23 minutes. However, the 3rd mile just kept going up...up...up! NEVER ENDING!. I saw Mint Street where the finish line was. Then I saw the 3 mile marker. The time was 22:30. I think the course was long. I am not just saying this b/c I did not get my sub 23. I just know that it does not take me 1 minute to go .11 miles. I sprinted the last .11. B/c the course ran the opposite way, the finish line/start line was not in the right place. I could be wrong.
After the race, I hung out with some friends and took pictures. This is Leigh, Matt, Me, Debbie.

Me, Sir Purr, and Leigh!

I was very disappointed with my time. I didn't even go and see if I had placed. I told Debbie that I could not take the disappointment of coming in 7th or over. She begged me to go see. She said that I really could have placed. I did not look. But I did place 3rd in my age group. How funny!

Matt, Leigh and I went and ran 2.5 more miles after the race.
Leigh and Me in my SUV!

Me and my Hubby, Matt!

What would you do differently?: I am not sure that I could have done anything any different. I told Matt that I ran hard the whole time. I passed several people I was trying to pass. I finished well.

My Stats:

Gun Time: 23:22

Chip Time: 23:18 (7:29 pace)

Placed 3rd in my AG! WOOT!
Overall Rank = 244/1260

7-11-09 RFYL 4 Miler Race #5 in Grand Prix!

2009-07-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

Well here we go again!
Today I ran the 5th race in the Grand Prix series. Like the others, this race had the potential to keep me at 3rd or drop me. So I was a bit anxious.

Training:
I have ran this course several times in training. I ran it a few weeks ago in 32 minutes AFTER running 8 miles. So I expected my time to be around 30 minutes. My goal was 30 or under.

The Morning of:
I have to figure out something other than PB&J to eat on race morning. I have learned that my nerves are killing my stomach....so eating anything just makes me feel sick. So I normally do not get the nutrition I need to race. So if anyone has some suggestions for a good prerace drink...let me know.
So I got up at 0500, prayed, read my Bible, and tried to eat. I could only get 1/4th of the PB&J down. My sweet hubby and best scream teamer came with me today. So we loaded up the car and at 0637 we were off. We also brought our JRT with us. She loves the races....she could beat everyone.

The Race!
What can I say? It was hilly. I personally don't think it was as bad as the 1st 4 miler of the series, but My friend Debbie does not agree. I also think the weather was good...I mean for July. It could have been bad.
But anywho...back to the race.
MILE 1 - I started at the front. That means I really did not have to fight to pass people, but it seemed that EVERYONE passed me. The 1st mile, and I am not lying, was totally uphill. However, it was over b/4 I knew it. I thought I had started out slower, but as I passed the 1st clock it said 7:26. Opps!
Mile 2 was almost all down hill. As we were running DOWN East Blvd, I thought, this should be easier. Then I passed the mile marker and saw my time. Mile 2 was in 7:24. This means I hit mile 2 at 14:50.
Mile 3 was totally up hill again. I thought I was pushing but apparently I wasn't. I finished mile 3 in 7:51 (I am at 22:42 for a total time.) I briefly thought that I wished this was a 5k...I would only have .11 to go. STOP THAT! Pain is fear leaving the body....I'm afraid!
Mile 4 was mostly down so I started booking it. Then I started gagging....OH NO! I started feeling that PB&J coming back to visit....so I slowed down a bit. Several girls passed me but I knew it was better to slow than to have to stop to puke. I rounded the corner and saw the finish.

Matt took this picture of me as I was getting ready to cross the finish line. I saw him out of the corner of my eye, but had to keep my eye on the finish. This mile, even with the slowing as not to barf, was 7:35.
Total time was 30:18 chip time.
Gun time: 30:20 (7:35 ave pace)
7th in my AG out of 62
37th female out of 283
202nd finisher out of 678

After finishing I just needed a cool drink! Do you think they would mind if I jumped in that ice pool? Better not.

I just hope this drink stays down!

Me and my Scream Teamer Matt!

After:

Matt and I went and ran 3 more miles. Then went home to pack for Disney! WOOT!

Thoughts:

I regret not pushing harder on the 2nd mile. I think I could have broken 30 minutes. But that will be for another day. I am faster now. My last 4 miler I ran with a 7:50 pace....so that's cool. However, not fast enough to place in my AG!

King Tiger 5k - 6/6/09-Race #4

2009-06-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

So I did the #4 race in the Grand Prix series this morning. I knew that b/4 this race, I was placed 3rd in my AG in the series, so this would either hold me there or drop me....or a very slim chance put me higher...LOL! No pressure, huh.
Prerace Morning Routine:
Set the alarm for 0600 but woke up, wide awake, at 0500. So me and JRT went downstairs. I let her out and fixed my coffee. After letting her back in, I spent some time with God. I asked Him to give me the strength to run well. I forced down a PB&J without the J....HaHa! Then I took some Advil. My head (due to allergies I assume) has been hurting the past few days. I don't run well with a headache.
Got dressed and headed to the race around 0645. My goal was to be there around 0700. This would be no problem b/c this race was on my side of town. Got there and met up with Bree. Got my chip and realized there would be no potty break even though I had to go.
The Race:
Lined up very close to the start line with Debbie and Bree. We were talking then everyone started running. That was the start! So I ran!
1st mile: The normal weaving but not too bad. Then I started thinking....I want to quit...I didn't feel good. WHAT? OK, that is not acceptable so I turned up my Ipod and listened to "Welcome to the Jungle" then "She's Country". Passed mile 1 at 7:21. OOOO, this makes me feel better.
2nd mile: At this point the song "Now or Never" came on. Now if you you do not have preteen girls, you will not know this song. It is from "High School Musical 3". I played it b/c I knew I had less than 16 minutes and it basically says...Man up and do it! It helped b/c I hit mile 2 at 14:47. That means I did the 2nd mile in 7:26 minutes. WOOT!
Mile 3: Arrrr....Mile 3 did not go too well. It was mainly uphill and I must have just quit racing....or something. Don't remember much about this mile except it was 7:57. WHAT?!?! I hit mile 3 at 22:44.
Last .11 took 48 seconds and that is out of control.
I always loose it the last mile and it costs me the race. I may start out too fast, but not sure if starting slower would make me finish faster. Oh well.
After Race:
Finished then saw Gygy cross the finish line. We hung out. Then saw Debbie and Bree. Found Sommer and Tim and Jeremy. Hung out and ate some of the post race stuff. Did not place, but the girl who came in 3rd in my AG only came in 1 minute faster than me....so I know what I need to do...TAKE A WHOLE MINUTE OFF MY TIME....AHHHH! Not that easy!
So, my
Total time was 23:32 chip time
Gun time 23:40
Ave pace: 7:37 (based on gun time)
Total Place: 170 out of 775
Age group Place: 7 out of 73
Gender Place: 31 out of 366

Twilight 5k-5/8/09 - Race #3 Grand Prix

2009-05-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

Pre-race routine:
With this being a night race, my whole routine went out the window. Matt (hubby) ran this race too! That excites me! Matt and I drove to downtown, parked, met up with Ron, Bree, and Lucas. We walked to the race and went to pick up our chip. There I saw Gygy and Rusty from BT! It was great to get to chat with them. It helped to calm my normal prerace gitters. There was no WU. Just went to the start and waited with Matt, Gygy, and Rusty. It was a crowded race and I knew already that I would have to be passing lots of peolpe who lined up wrong.
Run
The Fire Fighters raised a huge flag b/4 the start. This was cool!
It took me almost 30 seconds to get past the starting line. Then the first mile was playing the passing game. When will I learn to get near the starting line? I was feeling pretty good. Passed mile 1 at 7:49 clock time. I think I yelled, and speeded up. Mile 2 I hit at 15:06 so I think I did speed up a bit. I have to say the 3rd mile was hard. I wanted to walk SO bad. It was a mind game. I was glad to see the finish line.
Post race
After I finished, I waited at the finish line for Gygy, Rusty, Matt, Bree, and Ron. Never did see Gygy and Rusty finish. They may have come across while I was walking to find a good spot. Then saw Matt come across with a PR. 29.06, WOOT! Saw Bree and Ron cross then chatted with them and some other friends....Ron's grandaughter ran the kid's fun run, so we cheered her on. Then went to Brix and grubbed.
What limited your ability to perform faster:
ME! I had panned for rocks all day with Maggie (my 8 yo) on a field trip. This was lots of hiking and squatting so I went into the race tired. But I would not change going on the field trip....it was worth the seconds I lost in the race.
Came in 54th out of 843 females! WOOT!
Total Time = 23m 41s
Overall Rank = 276/1696
Age Group = 35 - 40F
Age Group Rank = 9/135

Skyline 5k 4/25/09 - #2 race in Grand Prix

2009-05-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

So is this why my truck won't start?
Prerace
Got up around 0500 and got coffee. Drank it while I prayed for this race and my friends who were doing the race. Went to make my PB&J and found I was out of bread....NOOOOOO! So I heated up a Eggo Waffle and put P-nut butter on it. I think this hurt me in the long run...no pun intended. Drove to the DOWD YMCA to meet my buddy. We were going to meet there so we would be sure to be together. As I pulled into the DOWD, something happened in my car....It ended up a belt broke. I knew the car was acting weird on I77, so I had prayed that God just get me to the DOWD. He did...thanks God! She drove up and I hopped in her car then drove to the start.
I would say I really did not need a WU due to the heat. I was warm. However, I think holding my breath and then smelling the stinch in the port-o-jon....then gagging and almost throwing up could count for a warmup.
The Race!
The start was very crowded due to the small amout of space that was avalable. Even though I lined up near the start, I had to fight my way around all the people who lined up wrong. I think this could have zapped some energy because I had to jump upon the sidewalk a few times to pass people. Finally I made it past and got into a pretty fast pace for me. I went through my 1st song, my second, then the 3rd came on. I had not seen the 1st mile marker and I thought I may be going slower than normal. I try to time out my songs so I can guestimate my pace. This worried me a bit. I upped the pace a bit to find the 1 mile mark. After a few minutes of this I started gagging...like I was going to throw up. At this point, I went back to the previous pace. I started to doubt myself a bit, then in the distance, I saw the mile 2 marker. It said 15.08. OK, I am good now. I am OK on pace, but Oh no, I have 1 more mile.....OK, only 7ish more minutes. This isn't suppose to be easy. I do wish this pace was easy for me. When we started going down hill, a few people passed me. I feel like up hills....even though I hate them...are a strong point for me. I could not get the leg turnover I needed to pass the 2 girls (in my AG) back. I had been ahead of them the whole time. DRATS!!!!! I got to mile 3 and started gagging again. I thought, OH NO! If I throw up, this will mess up my time for sure. I saw the finish line and went in.
After Race!
After passing the finish line, I just walked around a bit. After a few minutes, I took off my chip. Then I went to cheer in Leigh....She came in at 29.08...WOOT! We met a few other friends and exchanged hellos. Then got a drink. Waited to see what our official time was then went back to the DOWD and ran 4 more miles. I called AAA and had my car towed and it is being worked on as I type this.
Not sure if hydration and breakfast hurt or not. I ran this faster than I ever have ran a 5k....so can I really expect more?
My Chip time was: 23.13
Overall Rank: 156/843
Age Group Rank: 5/13?
I did not like how we were crammed in at the start. However, it was a fun race. The volunteers were cheerful and helpful. So it was cool!

Matt came all the way to the DOWD to help his wife....thats a good man!

Leigh and I ran 4 more miles then she waited with me. Good friend!

Shamrock 4 Miler - Race #1 Grand Prix 3/21/09

2009-03-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

Me and Leigh after the race!

Me, Bree, and Leigh

Today I ran the Shamrock 4 miler in Charlotte NC. It is the 1st race in the Grand Prix Races. There are 9 races in the series. Basically on average one a month. There are a few months where there are 2. Anyway. Had a friend do the series last year and she placed in the Athena Category. So I thought....maybe I could win some hardware.....So I am going into this wanting to run...FAST. (well fast for me).
I have to admit I did not know what to expect. I have not run a shorter race in over a year. This made me nervous!
THE MORNING OF:
I got up at 0500 and went through my normal prerace routine. Spent some time with God, ate, then Bree picked me up and we went to the race. It was COLD!
THE RACE
I lined up at the starting line with Gygy, Debbie, and myself. The starting gun went off and I turned on my Ipod. The 1st song was "Welcome To The Jungle" to remind me of the pain I would experience in this race. I was having some issues with my pants. They kept falling down. So I had to keep pulling them up. I hit the 1st mile at 7:34. It was a pleasant surprise. I remember pointing this out to Debbie and kept running.
The race was an out and back course. Right before we hit mile 2 we turned to start heading back. I am not even lying when I say that the rest of the race was uphill. At mile 2 the song "No Air" came on. This reminded me that I probably went out too fast. But too late to think about that now. I was really trying to book it and just focus on my breathing so I would not cramp up....or throw up.
Mile 3 came around 23 minutes and some change. At this point I did think it would be embarrassing if I threw up on the side of the road. But I know when I cross the finish line, all the pain will be worth it.
Turned the corner on the way to the 4 miles and saw the finish line. I also saw 4 speed bumps that I have to get over. This was cruel.....Just don't fall, Just don't fall. I see the clock and book it. I want to get there before 32 minutes. I did.
Here are my stats:
I was 201 out of 850 total
12th out of 74 in my Age group
43rd out of 417 females
Chip time - 31:18 Gun time - 31:25 Ave Pace - 7:52
OTHERS STATS
Debbie finished around 32.15 minutes and came in 3rd in her AG! WOOT
Bree and Leigh also PRed....40 minutes. WOOT!
We packed up and left after the race because we were so cold! Well I was anyway. Debbie stayed for the festivities and got lots of FREE stuff.
THOUGHTS
I wanted to place in my AG, but that did not happen today. I did go as fast as I could so it was not for a lack of trying. I will now start some speed work so I can compete.

Bree, Leigh, and me....freezing!

Myrtle Beach Marathon 2/14/09

2009-02-15T17:50:00.000-08:00

How do I celebrate Valentines Day?
Well, 11 years ago, I brought my sweet little girl into the world.
This year, I ran a marathon.........
In Charlotte, I did not meet my goal of sub-4, so I thought I would give it another chance. To do this, I had to recover from the Thunder Road Marathon, ramp back up my miles, and taper......all in 8 weeks.

FRIDAY!
Well here I am. Packing up for my 9th marathon. I have to admit I do not feel prepared for this marathon. However, looking back, I am more prepared for this than ever.
The phone rings. It is the school calling me to tell me my 11 year old baby girl is in the nurses office.....with a fever. AHHHHHH! Now I may be stressed. Breath in, breath out, breath in, breath out.
We drop off the dog, pick up the girls, pick up Peggy (my Mother-in-law), and head over to Myrtle Beach. I eat pasta with very little marinara and chicken. Then around 1950, I head to bed.

THE MORNING OF:
Well my alarm was set for 0400. It did not go off! I wake up in a panic at 0418. I fix some coffee and spend some time with the Lord asking for His blessings on this day. I pray for a sub 4 for me and Ricky, who I will be running with. Then I realize....I HAVE A HEADACHE! I make the decision to take some Advil. My head is killing me and I will have to chance an upset stomach b/c I cannot run with my head hurting.
I pack up everything and my sweet husband, Matt, gets up and we head out. We get to the race start and begin the search for Ricky and his crew. I then get sidetracked by the port-a-jons. One last stop to the potty b/4 the race.
Find Ricky and friends, kiss Matt goodbye, then lineup at the start. I look at Ricky and say, "It may not be a good sign that we are standing here in shorts and a t-shirt at 0630 and we are nice and warm."

BRING IT ON:

Here is the course layout!
At 0630, we begin the race. It takes us a few seconds to get across the starting line so my chip time is behind my clock time. I am running with Ricky, and a friend of his named Jason. Like always, there are tons of people who have lined up wrong. So the passing, weaving, and trying to keep up with Ricky begins. We pass mile 1, mile 2....Starting to warm up. Well it is warm and humid so we were warm when we started. By mile 3 we were in our groove and it was starting to get light out. We passed the mile 14 mark and I looked at Ricky and Jason and said, we will have to pass this again.
Mile 4, I took my 1st 1/2 of a gel. We turned on Ocean Blvd and started toward the Pavilion. I really enjoyed this part of the run. Lots of things to look at and lots of crowd support. Jason and I have now started a game. At the water stops, we try to throw our cups into the trash can. We both got several "rim shots". I even had an assist with a volunteer.
At mile 8ish, we turn and head back to the 1/2 marathon mark. The official results show I hit mile 8 at 1:14.....however, I don't think this is right. I hit mile 7 around 59 minutes and I know it did not take me another 15 minutes to get to mile 8. Also, at this point, Ricky had just looked at me and said we were doing 8:34 MPM....So not sure what was up with this.
At mile 8ish a girl runs up beside me and Jason and asks if she can run with us. Oh yeah, the more the merrier! We hang the rest of the marathon together. Her name is Gay.
I hit mile 13.1 at 1:54. This is correct. I saw it on my watch. This is about the same time I hit the 1/2 way mark in Charlotte.

However, I feel good this time.
At this point, Gay and I start counting down. At each mile marker, we yell out how many miles we have left.
We pass the mile 14 marker...again. Gay and I yell 12 more miles. I look at Ricky and say we are passing mile 14 marker again, but this time we are really at mile 14. WOOT!
At this point, I think Gay and I pick up the pace. She was listening to her Ipod. I had mine, but decided not to turn it on until the hard times hit. The miles start passing by quickly....at mile 16 I look at Gay and say, now we get to single numbers.
At mile 17, I know I have been running at a faster pace than normal. I make the decision to break out the Ipod. Oh, yeah baby. Take another gel and suck it up and run.
At mile 19 Gay looks at me and asks if I think we can finish this thing in an hour. The clock says we hit this at 2:45. I told her that if we do this, I will qualify for Boston. Now the goal changes. My BQ is 3:45. I really feel good and look at Gay and say, "Why not, the worst that can happen is that we throw up".
Hit mile 20 at 2:54.57 clock time. WOW! Mile 20. I finish up a gel with caffeine and get H2O at the water stop. Gay and I yell, "6 more miles!"
At this point the miles start to get long. I say a prayer that God will give me the strength to finish well. I know that these miles can make or break the race.....so I decide to break down the wall! It isn't supposed to be easy!
At mile 22, I walk through the water stop b/c I am thirsty. Gay runs on. I can see her, but thought I can't catch up. I start to feel a cramp in my left calf. I knew if I did not slow down, I would cramp up and not finish the race. So I slowed down a bit. I knew I was right on the edge of a BQ, but that could wait until another day. It had started sprinkling a bit but I was hot and thirsty so this felt good.
At mile 25 the bottom drops out. It starts pouring the rain. I was ready to finish this thing and my calf was doing OK so I start running. I pass several people. I even catch up to Gay, who I had lost sight of. She tells me to run on and not wait for her.
I run past mile 26 and start through the finishing chute. I can see the finish line and I run as fast as my legs would go. I am smiling and laughing as I pass the finish line. My clock time was 3:51.40.
My chip time is 3:51.11! SUB 4 BABY!
Gay finishes right behind me. We hug and get a picture taken together.
Ricky also gets his sub 4! What a wonderful day! I see Ricky then loose him again. It is still pouring the rain and Matt has found me by now. So we go to the car and go eat! And that is why I run!
My ave pace was 8:51. I started out much faster, but as always, I slow a bit.

THOUGHTS!
I thought this was a much easier course than Charlotte. I hydrated well during the race, even when I did not feel like it. I took my gels and drank my HEED. The Lord was with me every step of the way. I left it all on the course. WOW! I cannot believe I went sub 4! Am I dreaming?
NOW, Can I shave 6 minutes off my time for a BQ?

I ran the Thunder Road Marathon - 12/13/08

2008-12-21T17:19:00.000-08:00

On 12/13/08, I ran my 8th marathon. I have really loved the training this time around. Just in case you have never trained for a marathon, I am listing my long runs. This is to show the hours of running that goes into a marathon. 26.2 miles is a long way. I have learned from past experience that this is a daunting distance...not to be taken lightly.

08/22 10 miles - 1:25.48
08/29 11.94 miles - 1:47.00
09/05 10.3 miles - 1:32.46
09/12 12.52 miles - 1:50.31
09/19 10.23 miles - 1:29.55
09/26 14.00 miles - 2:05
10/03 10.20 miles - 1:28
10/9 16 miles - 2:21.29
10/17 13.1 miles - 1:56.05
10/24 18.11 miles - 2:40.00
11/01 DOWD 1/2 - 1:51.28 - PR!
11/07 20.55 miles - 3:04.54
11/14 10 miles - 1:25
11/21 22.82 miles - 3:21.36
11/28 13.5 miles - 1:57
12/05 9.13 miles - 1:15

The day b/4: I have included a post from my BT site, where I post all my workouts: Everyday I start my morning with a time where I get with God and read the Bible and pray. I do this b/4 I get my children up for school. I have come to love this time with the one who saved me from my sins. He always has a word of encouragement for me.
My time alone with God today was on, "Do not worry". If you have been keeping up with my posts, you know how anxious I have been about this upcoming marathon. I normally deal with real stress well, but this has me worried. I enjoy running, but in the big picture, does it really matter to God how I do in this marathon....Well I open up my Bible today and there is a big, "Yes it does matter. I matter to Him".
Matthew 6:33 - 34 says - But seek 1st His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own.
Now I do not skip around in the Bible to find what applies to my life for that moment. This was the verse that was planned for me to read TODAY....Do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow is my marathon and the God of the universe placed this in front of me. He told me He cares. He told me not to worry.
Now I choose to do as He has asked and not to worry. I choose to trust in Him no matter what happens. Does that mean everything will go my way tomorrow. Maybe, or maybe not. The promise is not that Everything will be perfect. The promise is that He will be there running right beside me, no matter what comes my way.

The Morning of: I love to run! That much is clear. My goal for this marathon was to go sub 4 hours. My training pointed to the fact that this was in my reach. Everything came together perfectly for this run. I woke up at 0500 to spend some time with my savior. He promised me that He would run this race and the race of life with me. This does not always mean that everything will always go my way. This means, He will be with me, no matter what.

Most of my family came to support me for this run. My family has never seen me run a marathon, so this was very exciting for me. My mom, dad, sis, brother-in-law, nephews, girls, and husband came to cheer for me. I also had some surprise friends show up on the course.

My mom and dad walk with me to the start. My mom is giving me last minute instructions b/4 the race.

My sweet girls take one last picture with me b/4 I line up at the start.

The race: I started the race. I was excited, just running in the moment. Miles were going by quickly. Saw MK from Run For Your Life around mile 2ish. I yelled to her and she screamed. I was trying to run slower than normal. I knew I was around 1 minute behind the clock time.
I hit the 10k mark around 54 min clock time....feeling good!
Saw my family around mile 11 and Matt, my husband, snapped this picture. I am the one in the distance with the black tights and white shirt. Still feeling good.....I am on Kings getting ready to turn and go up Morehead. Ahhhh...Morehead.
I hit the 1/2 mary point at 1:55...remember the clock is ahead of me. I saw Ron, who trained me for my 1st marathon. I hold him responsible for this obsession with running. Ha ha! I was OK at this point. Still taking sips of Hammer Gel every other mile with the H2O on the course. Then I drank my G2 at the miles I did not take the Gel. Still, by mile 14 I am so thirsty and feel like my hips are going to fall out of their sockets. This was weird. I am "only" on mile 14...that should be no big deal. I knew I had to press on though.
At mile 16ish, I see my family again. My dad actually gets on the course and runs a bit with me. COOL! He ran track in high school. He broke and held track records for the area he lived in. He ran around a 6 minute mile...FAST!
This is so AWESOME! In this picture, you can see I am going uphill and I am acting like I am holding a gun to my head....they thought it was funny...I really wasn't kidding
I'm not going to lie...this is a hard course. Very uphill. I could tell the hills were taking their toll on me. Pain is fear leaving the body...so what am I so afraid of?
I hit 16.2 at 2:24.
I think this part of the course is very bad for the mind games. I see Jessi somewhere around here. SWEET! After running through the city, I LOVED that, there is nothing until around mile 21. So I tried not to let the mind games take me out.
Hit mile 20 at 3:02. WOW! This is the fastest I have ever hit mile 20....I MAY make it. Saw my buddy Bree at in NoDa. This is right b/4 mile 21. She said she could tell I was hurting. I was.
At mile 21ish, I see Matt's GAP shirt in the distance. I am so tired and thirsty...I wonder if he would carry me the rest of the way. He is such a steady person. A wonderful, supportive husband. I run up to him, throw my H2O belt, hat, and gloves down and stop running. This is the 1st and only time I stopped moving during this race. This was the 1st time I stopped running. I told him I needed a Propel and he got me one. He was with my BIL and Dad. He said he thought I was going to make it sub 4....I chose to believe him, and started running. I saw my mom, sis, nephews, and girls down the road....WOOT!
I run on. I think I get a little 2nd wind at this point. Start feeling OK...not really good...but OK. I hit mile 25 and I see my buddies Amy and Steve...with their children. Then I look up and see the city skyline. I am running over 277 on Central. I realize I won't make sub 4, but will PR. All the hard work and the race and how tired I am hit me and I start to cry. I am not an emotional person..and have never done this....WOW gotta suck it up and finish this thing out!

At mile 26, a guy on a bike rides up to me. It is Jeff.......He just finished an IM not to long ago. He escorts me to the finish line. I feel like a superstar with the escort....oh wait, I am Spot in Big Mama's Attic....I am a star....LOL! I finish at 4:05.17 chip time...HAPPY!

Shiny stuff around my neck!

Hang'n with my sweet girls.

My biggest fan! Matt...my husband!

My buddy Bree...we ran our 1st marathon together..and several after....

Getting my grub on with the family!

DOWD YMCA 1/2 Mary - 11/1/08

2008-11-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

Today I ran the DOWD YMCA 1/2 marathon. Finished with a PR. 1:51.28 was my time. I feel like it was a diamond day. Here is my story.....

Background
I am training for Thunder Road Marathon in December, so I thought this would be a great tune up race. I find that it is hard for me to calculate my true running time while running on the streets of Charlotte. I am always afraid that I have calculated the mileage wrong, or the stopping at the intersections will help in some way. So I thought I would see what 13.1 would hold for me. I have ran this race in 2005 with a time of 2:10. I have also ran the course 2 times for training runs.

Race Morning:
Normally in this section, I am telling about how my tummy is hurting. But not today. I have eaten good and really hydrated. I think this helped me feel good this morning. I got up at 0500 and asked for the Lord's blessings on my race and on all my friends who were doing the B2B 1/2 and full IM. Ate 1/2 of my PB&J bagel and drank G2. Packed up and headed to the DOWD YMCA. Got my chip and waited for the start.

Jessi came out and was my scream team for the day. She was board while waiting for me and did some self portraits.
The Race:
We started by running away from town on Morehead. I remember feeling anxious about trying to pass all the people who lined up too close to the front. I was running with a friend named Debbie. She ended up placing 2nd in her AG....with a time of 1:57...WOOT!
I passed mile 1 at 8:22. I thought, "WOW, this feels easy." I thought I may should slow a bit, but just kept running.
Mile 2 came around 16 something. I was still feeling good. I tried to run in the moment and not think about the miles ahead. I drank a bit of my G2 I was carrying with me.
Mile 3 was around 25 min. I was feeling good and was excited that I was able to feel good despite the "rolling hills".
Jessi met me 1st at mile 4. I am going UP Providence, across Sharon Amity. I was happy to see her. This gave me a boost to know she had made it. I am the one in the white shirt, black pants, and blue hat. Debbie has a blue coat on. I opened and took about 1/4 of my Hammer Gel.

This is me running away from the camera. I must wear the same thing to my races. This is my cool weather clothes. I wore them for the last 1/2 I did...LOL!

I never saw mile 5. I was getting worried at 45 minutes b/c I thought I had slowed. There were several big hills between these miles. We turned on Fairview and i knew that we were near mile 6.

I hit mile 6 at 50 minutes. After passing mile 6, I took some more Hammer Gel and drank a bit.
Mile 7 came at 58 minutes. I saw Jessi again and she took my picture.

After mile 7, we turn on Colony.

Soon after, I get a lovely side stitch...or cramp. Yes, I am not drinking enough. Anyway, I kept saying to myself, "A sidestich never killed anyone". This slowed me to around a 9 MPM. The next 2 miles were a pain...really! So I kept running and tried to drink some more.

Jessi caught me at mile 9. I told here that this was a long race. Ha Ha! She said, "Only 4 more miles". This wasn't much help.

I hit mile 10 at 1:25. I had gotten more fluid in me and was feeling better. I opened my next Gel and started sipping on it.

Turned left on Queens and I knew I would PR today. I turned left on East at mile 11 and started up. The last 2 miles were uphill. I think that is cruel, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. So I just kept my pace. All these guys started sprinting up East. I knew I would be running uphill for the last 2 miles. I knew I would be passing these boys back...I did.

I dug deep and finished this race.

I have a race video of the finish:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88QUKpi4gjc

Thoughts:

I had 3 goals for this race.

1. My best goal was 1:50! My time was 1:51.28.

2. My doable goal was 1:54.

3. My easy goal was 1:58.

I feel good about this race. I think it showed me that if I run smart and not get overwhelmed, I can do a great job at Thunder Road.

I couldn't have done it w/o my scream teamer Jessi....Thanks girl! It is not easy to be a lone scream team...but you did great!

Race for the Cure - 10/4/08

2008-10-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

Today I ran the race for the Cure with my friend who is a survivor. She started training for this race a few months ago and before she knew it, she was standing at the starting line.

This race, for me, is a special race. I love the cause. I have had so many friends and family members touched by breast cancer. My great aunt died when I was a young child...she was the age I am now as I write this report...so this race is for her. My Aunt Birdie just finished this battle...she is a survivor...this race is for her. My Mother-in-law, Peggy survived, this race is for her. My Sister-in-law, Tami, survived, this race is for her. My BFF, Jill, who I set with during all her chemo treatments survived...so this race is for her. And all the many women who have battled this cancer...this race is for you.
My mother, Teresa, who did not have breast cancer, but a different kind...I run every race for her. When it gets tough on the race course of life, I remember her courage and will to live. I remember her faith in God never wavering. I hope to be half as strong as her in life.

This is also the race that launched my running story in 2001. I ran this race as my very 1st race. I remember passing the finish line at 33 minutes and thinking how far I had gone. I was very proud. Looking back I see how this race changed my life.

As I stand in the darkness, I am excited for my friend who will finish this race....but 1st I have to wake up.
Jessi (in her pink survivor's shirt) and her sisters pin pink pieces of paper on their backs to celebrate the people in their lives who have beaten breast cancer.
Here is the crew who ran today...Ashley, Candace, Stephenie, Kerin, Jessi, Me. We stand at the starting line waiting for the race to begin. As you can see, I am the only one with a water belt. Normally I do not wear a belt during a 5k...however, today, after the race, I will be running back to my car. It is almost 2 miles away....so I am carrying my phone and keys with me.
The girls showing off their backs!

Ashley and Candace chill'n out ready to run.
Around mile 1ish....Jessi and Stephenie are still looking good.
Mile 2...Strike a pose!
Jessi heading for the finish...The end is in view so we really pick up the pace.
But have to stop to get a pic of mile 3...Hey, it's all about the pictures! LOL!

Kerin finishing strong!
Stephenie finishing strong!
After the finish, Kerin takes a break...
Jessi gets 1 last picture of all "DA Girls". Wonderful race and wonderful friends. What more could you ask for.

ACS 1/2 Mary - 5/08

2008-10-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

Oh boy this was a fun 1/2. I ran with my sister Hope and we had a blast. I have been on a quest to make running fun, not just competitive. Now don't get me wrong, I love to compete against myself. To push myself further than I thought I could go. But this race was about sticking with a sister and going through the hard spots together. LOL! I said SPOT!
Background
Hope (my sis) and I trained for the Racefest 1/2 that took place in April. For many crazy reasons, we did not get to do it. So I found this 1/2 on the ASC greenway for $10. WOW what a bargain. We have been running on the trails at Reedy Creek park...dodging snakes, frogs, and serial killers. So we went into this sorta prepared.
Hope and I found the finish line with no problem. Too bad we had not started the race. We were wondering where everyone was...oh, at the starting line. We warmed up by running to the starting line then running for cover when the starting gun went off...DUDE! I live in the city. When I hear a gun, I duck!
B/4 the 1st mile was over, Hope felt like she was really getting her feet wet. HaHa!

I know it looks like I can walk on water, but.....Maybe I am just going so fast...HaHa. As you can see, this is already a true adventure. Running through the creek was just the beginning.
Here is Hope still going strong around mile 2ish.
Oh here is mile 2. We are jumping roots and still splashing through the woods. At this point, there is no one around us so we choose to believe we are winning.
Even though at this point we think we are DLF. We find out later we are not. There were plenty of people behind us. We just never see them.
Here ia the 1st of many swinging bridges.

And as luck would have it, it starts to swing with Hope on it.
Here is Hope around mile 6 reenacting her "almost" fall into a big pile of sticks...as seen above.
UP...UP...UP! Mile 7ish
DOWN...DOWN.....DOWN!
Rock.......

...... and rolling around mile 8.
Oh, NO! I am stuck in the mud...and with at lest 4 miles to go....well if we had stayed on course.
Around mile 9 is where a runner can start to lose it....Hope is handling the mind games well. With insanity! At this point...we have somehow gotten off the trail and are trying to find our way back. We ran around 15/20 min longer than we should have!
But we did find our way back and finished with style! Hope later said she had found muscles she did not know she had b/c they were all hurting. This 1/2 was a blast and I hope to do it again next year....
A strong finish for a great race. And I placed 3rd in my AG!

MAP Tri - 3/2008

2008-10-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

Today was a great time! Even with the hail...yes you read right, hail, it was cool!
Background - In January, I got the bright idea to sign up for the MAP tri. I have completed this tri b/4 and thought I would give it another go around. My friends Bree and Jeff also signed up.

Morning Routine - The morning went as normal. Got up around 0500. Had a time with the Lord asking for His blessings on this wonderful day...and no rain if possible. Drank coffee, fixed a p-nut butter sandwich to eat later and packed up. I felt really good. No tummy issues. I have really tried to eat good, hydrate and sleep so I think that helped.

Setting up and waiting - B/c this is a pool swim, we were seeded with a time. My time was 9:31.20. We had to be there b/4 0745 to set up our transition area. Bree and I rode together and got our transition area ready.
Bree had a good time pumping up her tires.
Just trying to chill and stay in my ZONE!

Then we got all marked up!
Then we waited! Looking good in the swimcap! I was 1st to swim out of our group.
Bree, Me, Jeff

Like I said, I swam 1st. Jeff is faster than me but had put in the wrong time. He actually passed me in T1 even though I had a 4 minute head start on him.

Me swimming like a rock! My main memory of the swim was looking to my left and seeing the pool slope down to a deepness that almost sent me into a panic. My "swimming" was faster, but going under the ropes messed me up bad. Swim Time was 12:34 for 500 yards.

T1...Oh no it had started raining. Little did I know this was a small glimpse of what was to come. Note to self...untie shoes b/4 the race starts. T1 time 2:44. Told you those shoes slowed me down!
Everything is wet and nasty...I am freezing..but my wonderful scream team presses on. I am still in T1...See me putting my helmet on? It won't come off until mile 2 of the run...but I will get to that.
And finally I am off to the bike part of the tri.

The bike portion was originally 11.6 miles. However, we found out, TODAY, it had been altered a bit to 13 miles. Out of transition, you go to Statesville Rd and start your 1st up hill climb. Bree and I rode the 11.6 mile course last week and thought it was a pretty good course. But this week, there was a very strong headwind and rain the whole ride. Around mile 7, for me, the bottom dropped out and it started pouring. Around mile 8.5 I noticed that something hard was hitting me...HAIL! Now hail would normally hurt if it hit you and you were standing still. But I was on a bike going somewhere btwn 14 and 25 MPH...depending on the wind, rain, and if it is up or down hill. I felt good during the ride...except for the fact my legs, hands and feet...and whole body was numb. Took a gu around mile 9 and was able to drink a lot while biking. That is an accomplishment for me! Bike time was 46:58 for 13 miles.

T2 - When I dismounted my left calf started to cramp a bit so I slowed the run into T2 to a trot. All in all, my legs felt like they had during my brick. I took off my gloves and tried to put on my race #...my hands were so numb I could not get it clipped...now that may be why the helmet stayed on. T2 time was 1:03. Not taking the helmet off was what saved the time. Ha Ha!

The run was 2 out and back laps then around the back of aquatic center, across the road through some grass to a trail and around to the finish. It was still lightly raining. I started the run and remember thinking that I had forgotten to do something in T2...now what could it be. I passed Jeff and he seemed to be laughing. He was coming from the 1st lap and I was starting the 1st lap. Around mile 1 I started to feel my feet again. Was feeling good b/c I was passing people and feeling really positive that I could PR. Went to the 1st turn around and started back out for my last lap. Around mile 2 I wiped my face and noticed my helmet was still on...I am so crazy. Honestly, I really did not care. I know people were getting a laugh (including Jeff and Brian - Thanks guys). So I took it off and continued to run. Ran behind the aquatic center and it was so muddy I had to walk...people were slipping and falling all over the place. Got to the sidewalk where you cross the road and they sent us through more mud. Rounded the corner and heard Matt and the girls yelling for me from the warm car. Then headed to the finish. I tossed my helmet and went across the line. Run time was 25:58 for 5k! WOW! My goal was 26 minutes.

Total time was 1:29.16. This is around 4 minutes off of my MAP time in 2006...and the bike course was about a mile longer!

Afterthoughts: This was a really fun tri. I do hate it rained, was so cold, and the run course was awful. I hate I had to walk some of the run course b/c of the mud. But like my mom says, "You do not get to choose the conditions you race under". I feel like I did my best. And got to hang out with some great friends.

Things I would change: Well, take my helmet off during the run, duh! Untie my shoes b/4 the race. Change up the swim a bit and not let the girl get in front of me at the end. She got in front of me on the last few laps and slowed way down then I could not get around her running to transition. I would have pushed harder on the run. I just trotted the last 500 yards. I even stopped to yell a Hi to Matt and the girls.

A special thanks to Matt, my girls, Zoe (my JRT dog), Brian, Greg, Lucus, Sommer, and Tim for coming out to scream team. You guys are great!

Thunder Road 2007

2008-10-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

First off, let me say a few good things about the overall marathon experience. I feel like it was a well run race. A great race to see and experience Charlotte. The volunteers and officers were wonderful! Wendy IS by far the best scream teamer in the world. Jeff and Colleen were sent from Heaven to get me through this race.

My plan was to run this race in sub 4 hours. I trained on the streets of Charlotte, and on the race course itself, so all the hills were not a surprise to me. But, Ron says, "Some days are Diamonds"...today was not one of them. Here is an elevation chart for the course....but I do not remember any down hills really. Ha Ha!
Background - I knew signing up for this race, I was going to have a busy weekend. My church, Hickory Grove Baptist Church, had a huge Christmas Festival planned for this weekend and I was performing in 6 shows. 2 Friday night, 2 Saturday, and 2 Sunday. All the week before, I had rehearsed and helped to get ready for the shows. So going into the race, I was tired. I hate to always discuss my tummy issues, but they are never ending...so I had not been feeling well up to the race. I guess too much planned.

Pre race routine - I got up and tried to eat my normal pnut butter sandwich. It was not happening for me. I was tired and even thought about going back to my warm bed. I drank some coffee, packed up and met Bree. We rode to the race together and had no problem finding a parking place.

The Start - We walked down to the start line, and found Ross, Colleen, Ron, Wendy, Chuck, and around 1000 other close friends who were running the race. I was showing off my VERY COOL Charlotte Hornets sweats....that I would toss at the start of the race.

Then, I lined up by myself and tried to reflect on the race ahead. Everything was very surreal for me. Like I was in a dream. The "starting gun" went off and 30 seconds later I was over the starting line.
First 5 miles - I ran the 1st mile in 8:40 min clock time. I thought, I feel good but I am going to slow my pace a bit. I did not want to run out of steam too early. Well I did slow down and passed the 2 mile mark at 18:30 clock time. This does include getting bunched up at the drink station. I was fine with that but knew I did not need to slow any more. However, by mile 5 I was slowing. I was pushing to do 9 MPM. This isn't like me, so I took a Gu and it was all down hill from there...not the course, my race.

Mile 6 to 13.1 - After I took the Gu, my acid reflux kicked in. I had some Tums with me so I took those, but it did not help much. By mile 7 I was running with the 4 hour pace team and thought I would throw up. At that point, I thought I would just run to the half and be finished with this race. I have never wanted to drop out of a race, but I really did not know if I could even make it to the 1/2. I got to the half around 1:58 and saw Jeff, Wendy, and Colleen. They asked how I was doing and I told them not good. Wendy snapped this picture and Jeff started running with me. (He is in the red) He made me take another Gu and drink some more. Notice it is uphill! This is Charlotte!
Next 7 miles - The next 7 miles were a blur of me stopping so I would not throw up on the side of the road, then starting to run again. Poor Jeff! He really is a great person to run with. Very encouraging and he kept me going. I would have quit without him at this point. He carried my pack from here on out. I think we passed mile 20 at 3:09.

The last 6.1 miles - Around mile 21, we saw Colleen. She started running with me. Let me say that Jeff and Colleen really got me through! I remember saying to her that I don't know if I ever want to run another marathon. She laughed. She really encouraged me and said I was doing great...I knew she was just being nice, because at this point, I was walking more and more...but I chose to believe her. When we got to the last mile, I really tried to kick it up a notch. I knew that I would not even PR today, but I was ready to get this over with. We turned to the last hill...yes the finish was uphill...and Wendy took a picture.

At mile 26, Colleen turned off and I was on my own for the last .2....
I went past the finish at 4:22 something. I was glad to be done! I got a drink and an apple....I felt awful but I tried to eat and drink them. That was not going to happen though. So I just threw them away. Wendy got 1 last shot of me and Colleen. Notice I am really trying to smile.

Sweet Colleen drove me as close to my car as she could. I got into my car and drove home. I forced myself to eat, took a shower, took some Advil and went to do 2 shows.

Thoughts - I am disappointed that the race did not go as I had planned. But as I sit here and write this report, I think, I may do another marathon. Even though this was my 7th marathon, I have learned a very valuable lesson. RESPECT THE DISTANCE! 26.2 mile is a LONG way and you never know what race day holds. You can get up that morning feeling great, and everything falls apart. You can be well trained, know the course, and have the race planned out in your mind....then you have to readjust your plan mid race. Serendipity!

MS Century Ride 9/15/07

2008-10-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

On 9/15/07 around 2:30 I completed my 1st century ride!
Why did I do this? Well, do not count the fact that I am totally crazy and like to push myself to the limits. I did this to help fight against MS. A dear family I know is right now fighting this battle. A father, husband and all around great person inspired me to try to make a difference. So with the help of some very generous people who made donations, I raised money, trained, and cycled. A big thank you to all my friends for making a difference.
So here is my report:
At 5:30 am I woke up and started my prerace routine. Ate p-nut butter & jelly sandwich, drank coffee, put on sunscreen and off I went.
Got to the start at 6:30 am and pumped up the tires and got the bike ready to make the trek....Ha Ha...my bike is a Trek.
Found everyone and around 7:28 am, or something like that, we were off. This is the crew who rode.
It took us forever to get through town. We hit every red light so the 1st few miles went by slowly. Passed the 1st rest stop but stopped at the 2nd. By this time, it was raining. Everyone still looks fresh, wet, but fresh! I must like to take pictures of pot-o-jons!?!?!
After leaving this stop, my main memory is almost drowning because of all the water coming from the road! I was soaking wet and very sandy! But this did not last long. I was behind Ricky and he was BOOKING! So I just let him pull me.
Around mile 41, we stopped at 1st lunch! I ate some more p-nut butter and took a picture of myself.
Around mile 58, we stopped at 2nd lunch! LOVE all the lunches! Here we had to wait in a LONG line! I called Matt to let him know we were over 1/2 way finished. Then we all had a wonderful lunch provided by wonderful volunteers.
Then we were off again! Mile 70 something we saw Capt. Jack Sparrow. Well a cardboard stand up of him anyway. Ricky and I had to have a picture.
Between this stop and the next one I loose energy! I think WOW I still have about 30 miles to go, how will I finish. So we stop, stretch, eat some more and start riding again. This is about mile 80 something. This is just what I needed. I felt alot better. I think we stop 1 more time.
Finally we come to the finish line! It is funny, but I feel better now than I did at mile 75. Get some last pictures and get Matt to put my bike back onto the car.

Will I do it again? Oh Yeah! 100 miles.....so cool!

Dash & Dine 5k - 5/19/07

2008-10-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

When I drink from my Glass, I will remember the good times and my 3rd place AG victory!
I ran the Dine & Dash 5k today. It was so awesome. The weather was perfect, sunny and cool. and the race was well run.
Anyway we started around 8:15. There was no fanfare or anything, just started running.
Mile 1 - Went through some neighborhoods in the Ballantyne area. They were rather hilly, but, what goes up must come down so I took advantage of the down hills....Learned from Ron...Fly down the down hills...thanks Ron! Rounded the corner and there was mile 1. Looked down at my watch and it said 7:30! WOW! That's cool!
Mile 2 - Never saw the mile 2 mile marker. I don't think they had one. Anyway....Running at a good pace and feeling good about the race. Passed a few people and tried to chat a little, but nobody was interested in talking. OK then..Did stop to ask a girl if she was OK. She was on the side of the road bent over. She said she was fine..had a cramp..so I went on. I knew this would cost me at least 5 seconds, but I feel like we always need to watch out for our fellow runners.
Mile 3 - Hit mile 3 at 22 min. I thought WOW I may really pull this thing out! So I started a little sprint thing....then out of nowhere a real big guy passed me and almost tripped me up...HOW RUDE! I guess he did not want to be beat by a 110 lb girl!
Finish Line - When I crossed the finish line the clock said 24:02...but my official time said 24:06. Not sure what was up with that?!?! But Whatever! I was happy to be done! I hung out, got some Gatorade, and went to see the results.....I placed 3rd in my division and that means I got a nifty little glass! I think I was 67 overall...but cannot remember.
All in all, it was a great run! My running Skirt worked GREAT!

Racefest 4/2007 1/2 mary with Hope (my sis)

2008-10-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

Today I had the honor to run with my sister, Hope, while she completed her 1st 1/2 marathon!
The day started out a little overcast, but soon turned to partly sunny skies with a warm temp of around 60 degrees. There was a mild breeze during the whole race which made it the perfect weather to run in. It is a wonderful day to be alive.
We met around 0700 to pick up our packets. Little did we know everyone else in the whole race would have the same idea.

We waited in a LONG line and finally got the shirt, #, and chip. We looked for a bathroom, yet there was a LONGER line for that so we went back to the car to drop off our shirts, and put on our chip and #.

The 2nd picture is of Hope putting on her #, at least that is what she claims.

We went to the start of the race and acted OUT OF CONTROL for a few more minutes b/4 the race began. Everyone else was so serious. I guess they were out for a PR...I told Hope that no matter how she did, this would be a PR for her.

At 0800 we were off and running. It was really packed that 1st mile, but we passed it around 10:30. I did not have a watch, so we were actually ahead of that pace by a minute or 2. I told Hope we needed to slow down b/c we were planning on an 11MPM pace and I wanted this to be a good experience.

We passed mile 2 at 21 min...by some girls watch....I overheard her say this. Hope was still looking strong, but I could tell this was going to be a HILLY race. So far we had been going uphill for 2 miles.

Mile 3 came quickly, 31 min I think, even though we stopped to walk a few seconds. As we were taking pictures at this mile marker, a guy came by and yelled, "Why are you taking pictures, it's not like you just finished or won?" We just laughed and I told him, that I thought this was a 5k and we had won. Boy, I am F-U-N-N-Y!

Mile 4! During this mile, I stopped for a "health break" at a Circle K. I told Hope to go on and I would catch up. We had finally started down hill. She ran on, I did my thing, then started a stellar pace to find Hope. Passed tons of people.

Then I came to mile 5....b/4 I found Hope, but had to get the picture. It says 57:13, but remember, I had not caught up with Hope yet, so she was ahead of this pace! When I stopped to take the picture, I heard a guy say it was stupid for me to have a camera and take pictures on a 1/2 marathon course. WHAT THE HECK! In a month, he will be sad he did not have an AWESOME photo album. We also passed a port-a-jon during this mile and took a picture just for kicks. At this point, we were going uphill AGAIN!

Mile 6! WOW HOPE! You are AWESOME! At this point, a man with a baby jogger and a child who was at least 30lbs PASSED US! We stayed with him until the end.

Mile 7, we had lost our mind! There are 3 pictures of this mile marker. The guy at mile 3 finally caught back up to us and offered to take our picture. He said he could tell we did not care about our time. DUH! Then he started in on all the marathons he had run...blah, blah, blah. We slowed down to let him go ahead. This mile we had to stop for traffic. Oh well! It gave me a chance to take a Tums. My reflux was starting to hurt, but the Tums stopped it.

Mile 8 was at a H2O stop and (you guessed it) UPHILL! We saw and took a picture of a really cool dog, saw some buddies from church, and passed the baby jogger. The child was crying at this point because somewhere btwn mile 6-8, the dad had hit a curb and the child FELL OUT! He scraped his face all up. The runner mom was also with them at this point. We made sure they were OK, and ran on.

Mile 9 was through beautiful neighborhoods and TOTALLLY UPHILL! I have a picture of one of the hills, but you really cannot tell anything about it. We are walking a little bit more. B/c of life, Hope only trained to 8.5 miles (I let her think until the end of the race that she trained to 10 though.). But, she was still going strong!

We hit mile 10 at 1:57:58. 10 miles! WOW! The hills were up, but the neighborhoods were beautiful and the volunteers were really nice.

At mile 11, we hit a little down hill. We started saying that we would just run 1 more mile....just 1 more mile......Yeah, I know we really have 2, but at this point during the race, it doesn't matter. Hope thought she had something in her shoe, but it ended up being a blister. But after she looked at it, I NEVER heard her say one thing about it. THIS WOMAN IS Insane! SHE RUNS THROUGH THE PAIN! We also somehow passed mile 5 again...this was really disturbing.

Mile 12...Yeah! One more mile for real! We hit this at 2:24. Hope asked if this was good. GIRL! YOU ARE GOING TO FINISH! Yes, it is good. She was strong the rest of the way and finished well! I think the time was 2:39 clock time. Not sure of the chip time.

We got our medals, took off the chips, and drank some gatorade.
Then we went and grubbed on some great food at the Mint Hill Deli! What a wonderful race!
HOPE YOU DID IT! - Is a marathon next?

Corporate Cup 1/2 Marathon - 3/10/07

2008-10-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

BACKGROUND:
For the last 2 weeks Matt (husband) and I have been sick. We are both on antibiotics and this has upset my tummy. I haven't really run too much these past 2 weeks (about 10 miles in all, not including the race). So with all this, I decided to sign up for The Corporate Cup 1/2 Marathon on 3/10/07.
THE NIGHT BEFORE:
I ate early so my acid reflux did not act up. That did not work. I had pasta at home. I also carb loaded with several chocolate chip cookies. I run to eat! Then I headed to bed around 8:00pm. I was tired and knew I would be getting up EARLY for the race.
THE MORNING OF:
I completed my normal racing routine before heading out to meet Alisha, a friend who I was riding with. She ran the 5k in 30 min!!!! I got up around 5:20am, took my Nexium. Waited around 30 min then ate my p-nut butter sandwich and coffee. While waiting, I dressed and got everything ready. My tummy was really upset this morning so I wasn't sure what the day would hold.
I headed out around 6:15 then met Alisha at our church around 6:30. We headed downtown and found a parking place rather quickly. We both went and got our chips. Laced them onto our shoes, then I visited the ladies room around a million more times. Then we waited.
THE RACE!
Finally, we were at the starting line with only 1 minute before we started. I knew at this point, I had dressed too warm. The Weather Channel had not been right! There was full sun and it was supposed to be cloudy. Oh well, too late to worry about that now. My goal was 1:58. We started, and I told Alisha good luck and ran!
The 1st mile went by rather slowly. I wasn't sure how fast I was going and I was worried I was running over 9 minute miles. I hit mile 1 at 8:15. WOW! Too fast! No wonder I am breathing hard.
I never saw the mile 2 marker, but I think I did that one in around the same amount of time.
Got to mile 3 around 25 min. Then the 5k people turned off. I thought of Alisha and wondered how she was doing.
Mile 4 at 33 min. I needed to slow a bit or I may run out of steam. I thought about taking my Gu, but though I may throw up if I did. AHHHH, a water stop! Got some power aid...mistake, and kept going. The power aid got my acid reflux to acting up, but it wasn't unbearable. So I ran on.
Mile 5! Cannot remember the time for this mile marker, I was trying to get my gu opened, carry my water from the stop, and it was UP a big hill....or was this all happening at mile 6? Well anyway, I took the gu and almost threw up! It was MOCHA! NOT CHOCOLATE! AHHHHH I wasn't expecting that. NASTY!
Mile 6 I hit at 51 min. I was still trying to get over the nasty taste in my mouth from the gu.
Mile 7 at 59 min. I remember thinking, "WOW over 1/2 way done already." Then I thought, "Where are my gloves?" I had lost them along the way somewhere. Oh well! I need something to drink!
Mile 8! I hit this at 1:08. I had slowed down to a 9 min mile I think. Got some water and saw the 3rd leg of the relay people start running. They passed me and this messed with my mind! However in about 2 miles, I passed a lot of them back!
Mile 9! Don't remember the time! But a guy ran up beside me and asked if he could let me pace him. Sure, I would enjoy the company. I was feeling good at this point so we ran and chatted about how we had paid for this pain, and how hilly the course was.
Mile 10! Everything is a blur to me at this point. My friend said he had to slow down, so I ran on. Was feeling good so I encouraged those around me that we only has a 5k to go! We all could do that! I think!
Mile 11 and 12 feeling good. I hit mile 12 at 1:44. I thought, If I can just do a 10 min mile, I will finish at 1:54. Then I hit Morehead! I hate Morehead! I call it More Hell because it is a terrible hill that should never be at the end of any race!

Mile 13! AHHH I love mile 13! I can see the finish line. My sweet family, including my running partner (Zoe my JRT dog) are cheering me on! I RUN!

WDW Marathon - 2007

2008-10-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

The alarm went off at 0200 so I could take my Nexium. I knew this race was too important for me to get the reflux I had experienced on many of my long runs. I took the Nexium then went back to sleep for 1 more hour. I have to say that I slept very well this time around. This is my 4th WDW. I have also completed 2 other non-Disney marathons.
At 0300 I was up as soon as the alarm went off. I started the coffee then ate my normal p-nut butter sandwich. Matt (husband) and Curt (Brother-in-law) was up with me scurrying around getting ready to leave for the race. Peggy(mother-in-law) and my 2 sweet girls were still snoozing in bed. I remember making the comment that I thought I would like to be a scream teamer next year! Yeah right!
We were at the BWV bus stop at 0400. WOW that's early! We got to the staging area around 0500ish and I met up with several WISHer friends. We stopped (in the woods) to use the bathroom then headed for the corrals. Phil (Melissa's husband) and I headed to corral B while Matt, Curt, and several friends went to corral C.
At 0600 the fireworks were set off and we started "running". I knew we were in for a HOT day as I started sweating very soon after I started running. It was around 70 degrees with 100% humidity. All this at 0600!
The 1st five miles were a dark blur. I remember thinking that it was hard to see my pace band. We went through EPCOT, but I really did not pay too much attention to it this year. We hit mile 5 around 45 min. Right on track for my sub-4 hour marathon.
I took my 1st gu at this point. Did not feel like I needed it, but I sure didn't want to wait too late. I was so thirsty. Even though I drank 1 or 2 H2O or Powerades at every stop.
Now it was starting to get light. We had already passed several people and was feeling good. I did notice my clothes were wet and the brim of my hat was dripping wet. What is up with that?
Mile 5 - 10...WOW! It was HOT! The sun wasn't really out yet, but it was light. It was really foggy. We were running to the Magic Kingdom. I was just trying to take everything in. We were ahead of the pacing and feeling good.

Magic Kingdom was really fun. There were big crowds and running through the Castle is always a highlight! We saw Woody and Bulls Eye! Phil and I both agreed that they were hotter than we were.

After MK, came a LONG run to Animal Kingdom. During this stretch, we passed the 1/2 marathon mark at 1 hour, 58 min. Doing good! I took another gu...when I finally got it open. My hands were wet with sweat and I could not open it.
We entered AK and suddenly there was full sun! WOW! This made the race more difficult. There really is not much shade at this point and it was in the 80s. I hit mile 20 at 3:03. That is a full hour off my time from last year. If I can do just right under a 10 mile per min, I can hit right under 4 hour.
This is where the marathon starts! There is a "hill" at this point. Phil asked me if I wanted to up the pace......WHAT?!?!?! UP THE PACE?!?!?! I told him to go on and he disappeared! This last 6.2 miles took me 1 hour and 12 min. It was a total mind game at this point. I knew my girls were at mile 23 so I ran to them and kissed them. Then I ran to mile 24 with my WISH buddies...you guys got me to this point!

I hit mile 25 at 4 hours. My sub-4 was down the drain...but at this point, I did not care. It was 88 degrees and I only had 1.2 miles to go. This took me 12 min! OUT OF CONTROL!
But I finished in 4 hours and 12 min! This was the best I could do for today and this is what I would take!

Goofy Full Marathon - 1/8/06

2008-10-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

Once again, 3am comes early! Yesterday was a breeze compared to today. Just me and Matt going to corral B. Scotty did not run the full. The routine is the same as yesterday. Bagal with peanut butter, nasty coffee I tried to make in the dark, and a power pbar to eat when I get to the start. I was very hungry during the 1/2 so I am eating more this morning. We get to the race "staging area" and start the treck to the corral. Bree, Ron, and Sunny are waiting for us there. I have never officially met Sunny so this is exciting. She is a WISH friend I trained with..vurtually speaking.
We get to the corral and everyone is really focused! Matt sits down to rest. Bree, Ron, Sunny and I talk for a few then get ready to run. My plan is to stop at the mile markers and walk. I also plan to stay with Matt because his knee is hurting.
The national anthem, fireworks, and the official start! We are off...not running yet, but at least going forward. Finally, we are running. (pic. 1) Matt takes off, but then slows down to run with me. We pass mile marker 5...but we are only at mile 1....oh, we will pass this way again! We are going now. About a 10 min mile. That is good b/c there are tons of people around us.
As we head into the EPCOT park, the 4:30 pace team passes us. This is around mile 2ish. I guess this will not be my fastest marathon! Oh well..I am having fun. The park is beautiful! It is still dark, but the park is all lit up. We run through World Showcase. Matt stops for a bathroom break. Ron and Bree run on. Running through the park is so uplifting. Music is playing and some man's voice is blairing over the speakers.
We head out of EPCOT and start to Magic Kingdom. In my opinion, this is the longest stretch. Actually milage wise it is too. It is still dark and hard to see where we are steping. We somehow miss mile 4 mile marker. So I don't know where I am in time now. Suddenly I notice people are everywhere. The other corrals have joined us and we are fighting to keep our pace. We catch back up to Bree and Ron. Then pass them. Bree is listening to headphones. She is such a reble!
It is now getting light. Around mile 6 I take my 1st Gu. This is on the ramp where we go over and under. I love this part. I see WISH shirts but cannot look for long because they are so bright! I am feeling great now. The crowds aren't as bad. I know in about 4 miles, I will be in the Magic Kingdom. Matt and I run pass the cheerleaders, the gymnists, and this cruse line thing. Everything is a blur! We go up the hill near the Contemerpary. Matt is tired, but we are keeping our pace.
Now we go into Magic Kingdom. We see where we took pictures yesterday. But, there will be no pictures today. This is a long race and we, well Matt, are focused. The crowds are amazing! We run down main street, through the castle, past the train, ect...There are no bananas like yesterday. That is great because it was a slipping hazard.
Now we travel out of the Magic Kingdom and head toward Animal Kingdom. We pass mile 12 and I take anothe gu. I have taken a drink at every station and want to keep up my energy. We pass the Brides and Grooms again and Military persons. It is great! Then we see Greg! Hip Hip Horay! I ask him if Ron and Bree have passed, he says no. Then I give him my jacket. This is a move I regret later!
I see mile 13! Then 13.1 there is a little beeping thing.....someone says you are 1/2 way through. I yell back, "I am doing Goofy! I am 2/3 through!" I only have 1/3 of this race to go! I will make it! Matt is listening to his head phones so I am basicly running by myself. He is tired and needs the beat for motivation. I start getting cool again and wish I had my jacket! I will warm back up when we get in the sun.
We are almost in Animal Kingdom. Matt stopps to take Advil and I visit a port-a-jon. Bree and Ron pass us here. I talk to Bree a little then fall back with Matt. He is feeling sick. I think he has had to much to drink, but he thinks he needs to drink more. I guess he knows his body better than me...yea right! We have slowed down a bit, and we are stopping to walk more. I see the 5 hour pace team pass. This hurts deep! But I have told Matt I would stay with him.
We go through Animal Kingdom around mile 16ish. It is so cool! All the Charactors, a few anamals, and the rides! Cool! My favorite part of the marathon is after AnimalKingdom. We are almost to mile 18. I see Bree and Ron ahead with Greg. I get 1 last Gu, drink the rest of my Gatoraid in my belt pack, and put on some chapstick...I also give Matt some drink. Then I take the pack off and give it to Greg. Oh I feel so lite! I just remember how heavy the pack felt during the last miles of the Charlotte marathon.
Up the hill to mile 20. Matt is walking and he tells me to go on. I say I will stay, but I think I am getting on his nerves. I am secretly glad that I can run on. This walking is killing me. A better wife would have stayed though.
I hit mile 20 at the 4 hour mark. Can I do six miles in 60 min? Can I make it in 5 hous or less. I start upping my pace. I feel so good. I pass Bree and Ron and keep running. I then see Lynn, a wish friend. We talk for a brief moment then I go on. I can tell she is not felling well. It is starting to get hot out here.
There is a little out and back part. I turn to go back and I pass by Melissa around mile 21. She is running on the side of the road I just ran on. We go crazy! Then keep running. I pass Lynn again then I pass Ron and Bree. Then mile 22 is on a ramp. For a breif moment I close my eyes and think how I LOVE to run! I feel so great!
We run into MGM around mile 23 I think. There is a red carpet. Very cool, but a tripping hazard. I then think about Matt and say a little prayer for him. I feel guilty for leaving him and think about waiting...for a brief moment.
At a water station I stop to take off my long sleeve shirt. Mistake! Total equipment malfunction. I cannot get it off and the other one back on. This takes about 5 minutes. When I see the Evil Queen I really wish I had the camra. She is so cool! Then I run down the main street and out of MGM. On to EPCOT!
I pass Carrie and her Husband on the way to the Boardwalk. I introduce myself then keep running. I have been running sub 10, but my shirt episode has put me behind. I run around the boardwalk and pass who I think is Cam cheering us on, but I don't say anything to her. I cannot get the words out and it is now time to finish this thing.
Into EPCOT! Around the World Showcase (again). I pass another WISHer, but cannot say anything. She has on headphones and lateron I figure out she was Krista...I think. I pass under the New Years light thingys then pass the Ball! I see the Gospel Choir! Very COOL! I know I am home free! I won't make it in under 5, but at this point I don't care! I pass the finish line (Pic2) and finally stop running!
Melissa comes through next. Then a few minutes later, Bree and Ron. I wait for Matt. They try to heard me on, but I stay. Here he comes! We have both finished!
We get our Mickey medels together (Pics 3 & 4). Then we have someone remove our chip and go to get the Goofy! (pic 5 & 6) In the waiting area is Melissa, Bree, and Ron! Melissa, Bree and I get our picture together with all our medels (pic 7).
We plan on eating at Beaches and Cream. Matt and I go to the bus to go to Beach Club. We get off the buss and wonder around the hotel lost (pic 8).
I have to say that is the best hamburger and fries I have ever eaten. Matt and I go to check in at Boardwalk, but the room is not ready so we set by the pool. I fall asleep in the sun then eat a smoothy.
A great day! We did it and survived!

Goofy 1/2 - 1/7/2006

2008-10-05T18:47:00.001-07:00

1/7/06 - 3:00am comes very early. Especially when you got to bed around 11:00pm. Matt and I stumble out of bed and start the process of getting ready to run the WDW 1/2 marathon. We are greeted by Scotty who is running with us. Chip, number, pants, ect... I think I have everything. Whose idea was this anyway? Oh, it was mine. It seemed like such a good idea 6 months ago when I signed up for it.
Oh, it is cold outside! Around 30 something. Surely it will get warmer (it doesn't). We run to the monorail and climb aboard. I am nervous because we are supposed to be in the running area by 4am and it is already 4:10. Matt assures me that everything will be OK...and it is. We stand around in the starting area about 30 min with about 10,000 friends..trying to stay warm...

We are off at 6:00 am. We warm up fast. Ron is sweet enough to take my jacket. He also takes Bree's. The first few miles are a blur. Running and talking. Bree and I run together, while Ron Scotty, and Matt stay together. We are going at a slower pace than I am used to, but I know we have the Marathon ahead of us tomorrow.

As daylight breaks, we head into the Magic Kingdom. The Christmas decorations are still up. Running down Main street is wonderful! Matt takes at least 5 million pictures of the castle. Well, around 5. I included only 1.

We stop to take pictures of Mr. Incredible.

And then we all run through the castle!

Matt and Scotty stop to pose for a picture and before we leave Magic Kingdom, Scotty shows his serious side by the train.

Now we are on the open road. We pass huge hotels, bands, cheerleaders, and several brides and grooms.
Matt and Scotty slow down because Matt's knee is starting to bother him. Bree, Ron, and I run on. Suddenly we hear someone calling Bree's name. It is Melissa (a WISH friend). This brightens up the day. We run the rest of the way in with her.
As we round the corner, around mile 13, we hear a gospel choir. We scream, yell, and go through the finish line! Before the finish line, I see Lisa, Scotty's wife, scream teaming for us. Even though Matt's knee is hurting, he and Scotty come in right behind us. Or time is around 2:30. We get the Donald medal and cheese for the camera.

Not my best time, but one of the most fun. And I know tomorrow looms 26.2 miles. We are only 1/3 of the way through the Goofy!
Matt, Scotty, and I meet up with Lisa to go back to our room and rest.