By the Numbers...

...my marathon was a bit of a disappointment.

25 minutes off of my goal
3 dry heaves
12 miles and I felt defeated
8 annoyingly difficult, monstrous hills and 10 rolling hills
5 hours it took me to finish

By the numbers ...
...my marathon was also somewhat of a success.

6 months of hard work, discipline and dedication
5 wonderfully supportive people leap frogging their way through the marathon to support me
8 friends calling and texting throughout the day to check on me
An awesome 3h 35m 20-mile training run [that set the expectation WAY too high]
30 minutes under my first marathon time
A complete marathon finish uninjured
And most importantly, nearly $2,000 raised for LLS

Miles 1-3

I love the start of races. Everyone corralled together in anticipation for the start. The gun goes off and everyone starts cheering...this is going to be exciting. It was a perfectly cool morning...ideal really. I was pacing a minute faster than I wanted, but it felt okay, so I went with it. I would regret this later.

At mile 2.5 I approached a huge f’ing hill, the first of three monstrous hills Dice told me about. Fine, I can do this...only 2 more to go, I told myself. But really, I studied the elevation chart and those hills felt A LOT larger than they looked on the chart. Approaching mile 3 I felt a slight upgrade and as I looked up saw another huge hill, what the hell?! I realized I would need to slow down to save energy for the end.

Miles 4-10

Miles 4-10 were loaded with rolling hills, which if you were driving them would have even been hard on your car. At mile 7 I got an annoyingly painful side pain. I never get those. Why is this happening now?! I stopped for water and my first packet of sport beans. Miles 8-10 were a bit of a blur. They were mostly uphill through the Mission Hills [aptly named] area. It was a beautiful residential area I wished I could have enjoyed more of.

For the life of me I couldn’t understand why nothing was going as planned. My stomach was a sloushy mess, my legs felt like 20 pound weights and I couldn’t turn off the self-doubts that plagued my mind.

Miles 11-14

This is when I began to regret pacing too quickly for the hills in miles 1-3. Something hit me like a 10 pound of bricks—maybe the wall? But, how could that come so quickly? That’s not supposed to happen until the 18th mile. Everything began to deteriorate and I searched for my road crew at every corner wishing they were there to lift my spirits. I rounded the corner at mile 12.5 and saw them; my Mom, Step Dad and boyfriend all cheering for me and encouraging the others at the aid station to root for me. I wanted to run through, but I couldn’t. I needed to stop...and as I did I began dry heaving. I have no idea where that came from, I’m not a yaker. I choked down some water and walked with Jacob for a block or two. I think he was surprised at how down I was—as was I. He was so encouraging and I kept going knowing they would meet up with me in a few more miles.

I saw my dad at mile 13 but couldn’t look him in the eye. I didn’t want him to see how down I was...I just kept going.

Miles 15-26.2

The last 11 miles of the marathon were somewhat of a blur. I started to feel better, but still had to slow down at the hills. My friend Josh, who ran the 1/2, met up and ran with me for a few miles at mile 17. He did a wonderful job of encouraging me and taking my mind off of the first half that was so awful.

Miles 19-26.2 were easier than I thought. This marathon was so backwards; the first half royally sucked with hitting a wall at the half way point. And, the second half, which is typically tougher, was fairly easy. And after such successful long runs it was an utter disappointment to be feeling this badly.





A volunteer at station 19 said it was mostly down hill and flat until the end. He was wrong. Mile 25 came quickly and all I could think was that this would be over in 10 minutes. While it wasn’t an overly enjoyable experience, I wanted to slow down every minute and savor some of what I was experiencing; a greater sense of myself and appreciation for what my body and mind could handle. Finally, I could see the finish line. I used every last ounce of energy I had to finish strong..and I did—nearly a minute per mile faster.

And the next question, will I do another one? Of course, I’m already searching for the next race. Someone [ehem, Dad] once told me I should never end on a missed shot and it’s stuck with me since. I can't stop until I hit my time goal—I’ll train harder, I’ll do more hill training, I’ll do more speed training, I’ll get more sleep, and I’ll cut out the things that hinder my running.

This weekend really became more about the people that got me through [before, during, and after] the race, than the actual race itself. So thank you Mom, Dad, Dick, Jacob, Dice, Andrea, Kelly, Lindsey, Barb and Mike, and the many others who have followed and supported me throughout this training...especially on Saturday. I couldn’t have made it through without you!

48 Hours and counting!

I know I owe you guys a post, but I'm scurrying around trying to get everything done for this weekend; buying socks, sunglasses, packing, etc. I'll get back with a full race report on Monday.

This Time Next Week

...I will hopefully have completed the marathon--26.2 whopping miles through the hilly lands of Kansas City. By my clock, I should be done right around this time, 11:20 AM next week, or so I hope so based on my 20 mile a few weeks ago.

One week and all my 5 months of hard work, dedication, and discipline will be over. Sad, really.

Today we're going to the Cub's game which will hopefully take my mind off of the nervousness I'm currently experiencing.

Happy Saturday!

Last Chance!

The taper has begun and only 2 weeks left till marathon time, which also means the donation window is quickly closing. If you were planning on donating, please do so by 9/31. The quickest way to donate is going online with the below link. Remember, no donation is too small. Every penny counts when it comes to finding a cure for cancer!

Donate!


Yesterday was the beginning of my 2 week taper leading off with an easy 8 mile run. I never thought I would say "easy" and 8 mile run in the same sentence. I didn't train AT ALL since my 20 miler. Nope, not one single mile, not even a quick cross training workout. So bad, but there just wasn't a chance given the busy week. I wondered how that would affect my run...but it didn't at all. If anything, I'm glad I took the time off for my muscles to repair.

As much as I enjoyed the 8 mile run, I almost wished that I was doing an 18 mile run. I know, crazy. This taper thing is a real mental game. Two weeks before I have to run 26.2 miles and all I'm running is an easy 8 miles then 6 this coming weekend!?!? Give me a break. I guess I have to trust the experts.

Still no injuries [please knock on wood], which should make me pretty confident. I am. But, I'm also more nervous this marathon than the last. I romanticized everything about my first marathon training. Believe me, that's a very bad thing to do. When I finished there was nothing sweet or victorious about it. I know what it feels like now, but I don't know what it feels like to meet my goal. What if I totally biff it? What if the hills are more than I can handle? What if I do worse than my first marathon? Will I always have to run insane amounts to be satisfied with myself? Something tells me that's not the best way to spend my time and energy. I guess in two weeks I'll know.

The Litmus Test

The Litmus Test

In a marathon training program there's one run that serves as a litmus test for how you will perform on race day. That run for me was yesterday--the 20-miler, the last big run before my 3 week taper.

Based on my last few runs I wasn't too nervous, but knew a lot rested on this run. If it was bad all confidence of an injury free and successful marathon would be shot. The 20-miler is the one training run that HAS to go smoothly.

And, it did.

Maybe it was the finale episode of Grey's Anatomy I watched Friday night, the 2 glasses of wine, or the pre-made spaghetti from Jewel. Either way, I couldn't have hoped for a better run.

One of our patient honorees, Keegan, a little guy of only 8 years old died on Tuesday, so Saturday's pre-training talk was a teary-eyed occasion. I just can't get over how much pain this family is going through, especially after the loss of their daughter to heart complications. Nothing I would experience during my run would be anything close to the loss this family is feeling.

Needless to say the first few miles were pretty quiet as I ran by myself thinking of Keegan and the enormity of what his family was going through. Keegan would be the inspiration for all of us out there on the path.

Our course was the usual; start at Montrose on the Lakefront path to downtown. We ran to the 10.5 mile marker which put us right by the Soldier Field parking lot almost to McCormick Place. The south section of the Lakefront path is pretty amazing; not as crowded and nicely shaded. I need to go down there more often. As we turned around for the second half of the run I started to feel pretty hungry, but knew I needed to ration my two packages of Sport Beans. I finished those off pretty quickly.

Every mile I wondered when the aches and pains would set in. Don't get me wrong, there were a few annoying pains...but nothing that I couldn't run through. I was amazed to look up and see that I was back by the tennis courts which meant only 1 mile left to the meet up spot [which totaled 18 miles]. I finished strong and stopped for some Gatorade and pretzels. I didn't want to stick around too long for fear of the Tin Man syndrome. Only 2 more miles left. Those were a bit difficult...I think I stopped for too long.

When I saw the meet up spot on the last leg, I have to say, I felt pretty damn good. I was more conscious this run of my time, usually I could care less how long it takes me. But, when I realized on my way north that I could finish 20 miles in 3.5 hours, I was pretty ecstatic. Barring no injuries and judging from that performance I could quite possibly finish in 4:45. I'd be VERY happy to finish at that time. I don't want to jinx myself, but that would be brilliant...and almost 45 minutes faster than my first marathon time!

Here's to 3 weeks till marathon time and NO injuries. From here out I only have an 8 and 6 mile weekend run left. I can't believe how far I've come in this training. I can remember when running to the totem pole seemed like a long run. Now, reaching the totem pole on the way back is a relief.

And, this is why I love marathon training. It's such a clear cut accomplishment. One month you're struggling through a 6 mile run and the next month you're kicking ass on a 20 mile run. For me, it's so hard to judge accomplishments in my career because they're so intangible. Running is tangible...you either do or you don't. Maybe I'm insane for having to run 20 miles to feel like I've accomplished something. But aren't we all a little off in one way or another?

Happy running!

Not Bad At All...

Last weekend's 10 miler was pretty enjoyable. Jacob and I were up in Crystal Mountain Michigan [near Traverse City] visiting his Aunt and Uncle. They have a wonderfully relaxing cabin there nestled right in the center of the woods. I took off early Sunday morning for the 10 miler which was a 2.5 mile jog out to the highway and back x 2. The area is absolutely gorgeous. It was nice to have a respite away from the Lakeshore path that has become somewhat monotonous.

The path in Michigan, though all pavement and hard on the joints, was a winding road lined with trees through a top notch golf course. About a mile away from the highway I encoutered a family of deer grazing on the side of the road. I wanted to stop and just watch, afterall, that NEVER happens in Chicago. But, my feet kept trotting on and I followed willingly.

The path was sprinkled with some hills that were not too difficult. I considered in nice training before the uber hilly KC marathon.

I felt I was going faster than usual, but when I consulted my friend, Nike+iPod, I was doing a consistent 9:15 min/mile laced with some 8:40 min/mile. Wow speed racer! I was pretty thrilled...considering the hills and all.

I felt like I was in one of those NIKE running commercials; the early morning dew and fog settled above the foliage, a pastel colored sky with the sun barely peaking it's head out, and me running on the winding road. Okay, maybe not an award winning commercial, but the setting was surreal. Whatever, give me a break, I work in advertising for a living. These are the things I think about on a daily basis.

Today's 12 miler was about the same, though not nearly as fast. The overcast sky and breeze made for an enjoyable run. We started at Montrose and ran to Ohio street beach and then back.

I felt pretty strong...no real aches or pains until around the 11th mile. I kicked it into high gear as I approached the soccer fields. Knowing I was so close I went into an all out sprint...or what I call my sprint. It was really nice being able to finsih so strong.

Maybe I'm finally moving away from having those every-other-run-is-a-bad-run syndrome, or at least I hope.

That's it for now. I've settle into my bed after an ice bath and shower. Off to sleep for me! Sweet dreams!

A Half-Arsed Post

Sorry, I just don't have it in me today to post about my weekend and running while in Michigan. Okay, fine, just a little teaser. My 10-miler [ish] rocked! I really need to change up my running scenery. When I get in a different setting my runs are fabulous. Hope that logic works in yes, friends, 1 month till the marathon. YIKES!

It's 7, I still need to finish up a few things at work. Then, I'm going home, running, grabbing a bite [and maybe some wine to drink], and will sit my arse on the couch watching Grey's Anatomy re-runs.

Later for now. I'll update tomorrow, I promise.