Historical Half Marathon

  I don't recap many races but this one turned out to be special in so many ways. First of all, both of my kids were with me. My daughter was at my very first half marathon and it was fitting that she was there as I crossed my 10th half marathon finish line. My son, who has never been able to come to a race, was able to come.  Sadly, Dan was the only one missing. My friend from college, Beth and Richie were cheering me on as well. Also, I started to run for a very special young boy named Julius.  He and I were matched at the end of March. It really helps to know that I am running for someone who will not be able to run. Julius was born premature at 26 weeks gestation. He is a little fighter which give me the spark to push harder for him when runs get tough.
  I originally chose the race because I would be able to run with the Red Felt Running Club. For those who don't know, I met this awesome, motivational and caring group of runners while training for my first full marathon in 2011. I was one of the original Marine Corp Marathon First Timers ( now called RFRC). We have grown by leaps and bounds since then. I have a goal to run either a full or half marathon in all 50 states and that is another reason I chose VA. However, after I had registered for the race, I began to really look at the elevation chart. I can honestly say that I became more concerned as the time drew near  regarding the hills. I live in a flat part of Ohio. I tried to train for the hills by doing hill repeats on the bridge. But I did decide that I would have 3 goals I want to accomplish during this race. 1. To have fun 2. To run up and down all the hills. No walking. 3. Come in under 2:30.
  I would like to thank Marie for helping ease my fears before the race by giving me tips and encouragement. You have no idea how much you helped me. I believe it was because of you that I got up all those hills including the last one. I will also remember to sing the song from "Santa Claus is coming to Town. Put one foot in front of the other'" as I run up hills. The weather was absolutely perfect for running.
  The Marine Corp Marathon series did not disappoint. There were lots of Marines and enthusiastic crowds. There was a fly over before the race began, someone dressed up as the Town Cryer announce the opening of the race and the cannon sounded.
  I ran with Marie for about 1/2 mile but I knew that she had a goal in mind so we parted ways. My Garmin had decided not to work so I had nothing to keep track of my pace. I was running only on  feel. I was having fun looking around, reading the signs and taking everything in. I saw 2 miniature horses, 2 tequila stations (no I did not take any shots) and a sprinkler in the road (of course I did). The coarse was really hilly. I really don't remember running any flat areas. I am sure there were some. I took the time to high 5 the Marines, kids and an elderly gentleman which I ran up on the sidewalk to get. I almost fell getting back on the road. Thankfully, a runner behind me grabbed a hold of me so I didn't hit the ground. I LOVE RUNNERS!!
  Hospital Hill was not as horrible as I thought it would be. I kept Marie's advice and powered up the hill. She had warned me about the hill after. That last hill was a challenge. There was a couple running in front of me. His buddy was struggling so he was chanting over and over again , "We own this hill! We own this hill!" That pushed me and I ended up passing them. As I was at the crest of the hill, the VA Runners were coming down high 5 us and encouraging us to keep on pushing. I don't know why a high 5 is a powerful motivator but it is. That was all I needed to get to the top. I was so excited at that point because I knew that all the hills were behind me. About mile 12, I started to lose steam. As I looked out in the distance, I saw one of the Red Felters walking towards me. Jeremy,  you could not have been in a better place. Another high 5, he ran a couple steps with me and gave my some encouragement. Again, I am amazed on how supportive runners are to each other. Around mile 13, struggling a little again. I look over to the right and see my son smiling at me. My friend Beth is cheering. Another push. There was two runners in front of me. One was really having a hard time. He was literally being held up by his buddy as they ran along. A third runner came along and started to call cadence. I have never ran to cadence but I watched as the runner who was being held up, break free from his buddy and finish. The cadence was great. It caused me to run faster and finish strong. I finished at 2:27.

Happy Trails 5K

Some of you already know that I lost my running mojo since my last half marathon I ran in April. I have never had this happen to me before. When it first started, I thought maybe it was because my body was tired so I cut back a little on my mileage. But it did not really help much. I struggled to get out and run. I used to look forward to my runs. BUT I believe that I have seen a glimmer of my mojo today and I am so happy!
The Happy Trail 5K took place in Wildwood Metropark system in Toledo. I signed up for it because I really like to run on trails. There were about 700 runners. The start was a little crowded but it did space out nicely about 1/2 mile into the race. We started out on paved path way. It was a perfect day for a run, 70 degrees and no humidity! We ran almost a mile on the paved pathway and turned off into dirt/sand and grass trail. It was so beautiful. There was a deer that was curiously watching us as we ran along. There were a few hills along the route, but they were not bad. As Ginger put it so well...hills are like chocolate. That stuck with me as I ran up them. The last surface we ran on was boardwalk. As I rounded the corner after hitting the 3 mile marker, my wonderful husband, Dan was there along the course. He knew that I was trying to get under 30 minutes. He ran along side of me and started cheering me on. Actually, he said "You better kick it in gear or I will pass you up!" He knows how to get me going. Finished at 31 minutes. So close! (1st mile 9:45, 2nd 19:30, 3rd 29:50)

Color Run

     There is nothing like running with one of your kids. And it is even better when you can have fun and get dirty at the same time. Taylor and I ran the Color Run in Ypsilanti, Michigan. We choose to follow their suggestion and wore as much white as possible. It was an early start for us! We left the house at 5 am and headed up north. We drove by and picked up Taylor's boyfriend, Kyle, who was going to be our official photographer.

    The race was sold out at 15,000 people. For those who have not run one of these races before, there is no time clock. I left my garmin at home. Which I felt like I was missing something the whole time I ran. It is sad how dependent you become to technology  Taylor mentioned that there were no mile markers either. They would start people off in waves of 1,000. We were lucky and got into the third wave. There is no reason for the wave except to try and thin out the 15,000 of us. According to the information I had read online, runners were to stay to the left and walkers to the right. Apparently, very few people read this information. I had to remind myself and Taylor that this was a fun run and not a timed event. It is more about getting people out and moving. I did find it a little annoying when walkers would span across the whole road and it was hard to pass them.
    There were several hydration areas throughout the race. There were four colors (pink, orange, yellow and blue) that we ran through. We discovered that if you stayed way to the left or right of the road, you get a lot of color. People lined up for the color but it moved fairly fast. Our goal was to get as messy as we could. A word of advice...no matter how much fun you are having, keep you mouth closed when you reach the color stations. Taylor learned this the hard way after having a lot of yellow in her mouth. Someone had set up a "Glitter" station. So we had to get our glitter as well.
    We had a blast. In fact, it did not feel like a 5K at all. It was a huge party and we were having lots of fun. As we were nearing the finish line, we did our normal thing. Run strong and hard to the finish. I looked over and there was Kyle sprinting a head of us along the finish line trying to beat us so he could get a picture. He did not make it before we got there.  Thank you Kyle for taking our pictures for us!

     At the post run party, we got to release the color packets that they gave us. There was great music and a party atmosphere. I did feel like a teenager again :). Taylor and I went into the middle of the party and at one point we could not see anything but a mass of color. It was beautiful. Overall, this is a great run to do for fun. No pressure, no PR, just lots of fun!!!

Glass City Half Marathon

     I mentioned to my husband that I have been lucky and had never ran a long distance race in the rain. Apparently, Mother Nature heard me and decided that it was my time to experience a race in the rain. It start to rain lightly as we left the house for the race and did not stop. Thankfully, the temperature was around 50.
     Right before the race, we had a minute of silence for those who died and were injured at Boston. When we looked up there was a plane flying over with the American flag and the date of the Boston Marathon. We were all given blue bands with gold writing on them that said "Runners Unite" When the race started it took me a little bit to get to the actual start line. I decided to run with the 2:20 pacers.
     There was a lot of bumping and congestion for about 3 miles. I changed my mind and decided to run ahead of the 2:20 pacers. I really wanted to see if I could hit a run goal of 2:15. I used the pacers as a push to keep myself a head of them. When I heard them (they were really funny) getting close, I knew that I needed to up my pace.
     The route went by some very beautiful and big houses. I had never seen this part of Toledo. Because of the rain, there was no entertainment along the route. However, there were some die hard spectators which I so appreciated. I wish I could tell them how much they help push me through when they cheer us on. Since my name was on my bib, some of them were calling me by name.  I saw Santa Claus. A runner next to me said that she did not realize that she ran to Christmas. There was a nun and priest, family in pajamas, a giant lobster, Flash, Superman and Batman. Oh, and a mermaid. One of my favorite signs was at 1/2 mile that said "You are almost there. Quit now, free beer"
     At mile 8 we separated from the marathoners. We ran into Wildwood Preserve Metropark which was beautiful. Nice asphalt paths winding its way through trees. About this time, the soft rain turned into a steady rain. The picture below is not today but I wanted to share with you what it looks like.

    Mile 9 I saw that there was a runner on the ground. I ran over to see if she was okay. There were about 5 other runners around her. She was talking. But looked pretty pale. One of the runners told me she was okay and was talking on her cell phone. So, I continued on. Again at mile 11, I saw other runner laying down but the squad was coming up the hill with a stretcher.
     As I was approaching mile 13, all the sudden there was honking behind me and was told to move over to the left.  The lead runner for the marathon was coming through. I have never seen this before. He had people on bikes in front of him and was being followed by a golf cart. He beat the Glass City Marathon record. I thought that was really cool and impressed as I was finishing 13.1, he doubled my distance to come in at the same time!!
   We ran .10 mile into the Toledo Rockets (UT's) football stadium which is the finish line. We all got a glass beer mug and bling. The medal is pretty with the red being stained glass.

 

Overall, this was a great race. Even though I did not met my goal of 2:15. I was 3 minutes off. I was satisfied. Especially since I did a half one week prior. My plan of repeating the week of my race twice in training worked.    This race was pretty flat with a few small hills. Nothing like last weekends. I will definitely do this one again. 

Earth Day Challenge Half Marathon Gambier, Ohio

     It was a picture perfect day for a run. I was so thankful that the crazy wind I have been dealing with most of my training runs was just a gentle breeze. I have to admit when we arrived in Gambier yesterday to pick up my packet, I was a little concerned. I did not realize how hilly that area of Ohio was. I am from a very flat part of Ohio and steep hills intimidate me. As we drove around, I was trying to figure out what "one steep hill" I would have to run up at .5 mile into the race. This race was a small one, it reminded me of one of the races I have done with the running group (Toledo Roadrunners). There was no expo before the run. The expo was after the run but was not a running expo but an Earth Day one. Focusing on environmental issues, organic food, recycling etc.

      All the runners lined up on the Kenyan College track. They had pace per mile markers along the track. You were to line up according to what pace you planned to run. There were no pacers to run along with you. I chose to run at the 11 minute per mile pace. My plan for this half was to take it easy, enjoy myself and finish. 

      There was also a 4 mile run happening at the same time which the runners for that race ran with us and would eventually turn off. The first hill was at .5 miles. This was a steep hill. Holy cow, they were not lying. I started to run up the hill however about half way up the hill, my legs were on fire. I decided that I was not going to push my luck and walked the rest of the way up the hill. Many runners were doing the same thing. 

       The next 3.5 miles ran through the Kenyon College campus.  It was beautiful. We ran on a variety of surfaces from gravel to asphalt. There were multiple rolling hills. I am happy to report that I ran up all the rest of the hills. We made big loop to the track area again where the Four Milers cut off to finish their race. 

       The race then continued to the Kokosing Gap Trail. It is an asphalt trail that winded it way through the woods. The river ran along one side of it. These kind of trails are my favorite. There was no entertainment along this route but I did not really miss it. I really enjoyed just being in the outdoors on a gorgeous day. There were a few spectators along the way (only on the 4 mile route) other than that you saw the volunteers at the water stops. This was an out and back part of the course. 

     I came out of the trail and saw Dan standing a distance down the road. As I started to pass him, he ran along side of me and took some picture. He grabbed my water bottle and told me to run hard. He knew that I was set up for a PR. The finish was on the track which you run around it. I really did not think I had anything left in me, but I pushed a little harder and picked up my pace and crossed the finish line. There was no bling given. This race felt it is important to give out usable items. I got my finisher coffee mug and pne seeding. 

      This is a great race if you like hills, small town atmosphere with very little crowds. It has beautiful  scenery. I am happy that Dan picked this race out for me. 

Marine Corps Marathon...26.2 miles

After months of training, the day finally came. The day before the MCM was cold, raining with mix of snow. I was concerned because I had trained for rain, heat and cooler temperatures. I had only gear for that....not snow. Although, I am no stranger to running in the snow but not for 26.2 miles.  I did not sleep well the night before. I woke up every hour and looked at the clock. It is true what they say about making sure that you get enough rest leading up to the race. It did not affect my run. Luckily, I had set two alarms because the main alarm did not go off. I had set it but forgot to turn it on!
There are two things at this point I would do differently. #1 I would have not taken the Immodium. I was so worried about GI issues. I know myself and usually about mile 8, I have to find a bathroom. However, the Immodium caused another GI issue during the race. #2 I would have brought a longer garbage bag. I never understood why people wore garbage bags. BUT I love them now. They work as great windbreakers and keep you warmer.
Mom, Beth and I left for the metro. WOW! It was so cool to see runners and their support fill the train. We were the last station possible so with each stop more and more runners would pile in. I met one of the MCMFT members at our station and we rode up together.MCMFT is a facebook page that has first time marathoners on it. I had been chatting with them for months. They really were a great source of information and encouragement. I dont know if I would have gotten this far with out their help. I consider them my "running buddies" 
We arrived at our 5:00 hour corral. I have NEVER seen this many people getting ready to run in my life. The engery from the runners and spectators was unbelieveable. It took me 15 minutes to run over the start line. #3 to do differently, I would have gone to the bathroom one more time.   I started with Tanya and Sandy Hand. I was running with Tanya until mile 3 when we decided to remove our sweatshirts. Tanya told me to go ahead and she would catch up. That was the last time I saw her. It was fine that I was running by myself. I trained that way. Granted I was not truely by myself because there was always a large group of runners around me. Plus, I would run into our little MCMFT group members, we all wore red felt squares on our backs. I started to get a stomach ache around mile 8 because I had to go to the bathroom since the race started.  I found a real bathroom with a not so long line around mile 11. Prior to this, I was doing great with my pace. Actually, I was a head of pace and feeling strong. I was standing in line for the womens bathroom...lets just say, that I ended up in the mens side. Long story. Yes, I asked the guys if I could come in and they all said it was okay. I was not the only female in there. There was a group of us that were in there.
I did so good until mile 16.5. I had gotten a rock in my shoe. I was so worried about that dang bridge that I did not stop to get it out. #4 Get rock out of your shoe! I started to have a stabbing pain in the ball of my foot everytime I pushed off of it to run. It got so bad that I started to walk. I could speed walk with just a little bit of pain. So I continued to speed walk. I kept my pace between 12:30 and 12:45. I maintained that pace until mile 20. My muscles really started to cramp at this point. I slowed down to 13:30 pace and walked the rest of the way. I tried to run and did a few times but only lasted a couple of minutes. I understand now when someone wrote that the real race begins at mile 20. What a mental battle. When I got to mile 24, I was crying. I was so tired physically and mentally. All I wanted was to hear my husbands voice. I would have given anything for a cell phone at this point. I did the only thing I could do. I closed my eyes and listened to his voice in my head. He told me to continue. Not to give up and that I could do this. At mile 25, I looked over to my left and saw Arlington where  our nations heros lay in rest. This pushed me along. At mile 26, I could see my friend Beth in a distance. She was jumping up and down with her sign. Screaming for me to run. I started to run, she was yelling at my mom who was there with her camera. It took all the engery I had to wave at them and continue. I tried to run up the hill. Made it half way...once up the hill, I began to run. I made it across the finish line up right and smiling. I did it! 5:54. I am so glad that I chose this marathon as m first one. I learned more about myself the past 18 weeks. The big question...is this my first and only. NO! However, it will have to wait until after Taylor graduates. I dont want to be training during her senior year. So, watch out Chicago Marathon fall of 2013. I will be there. I am already signed up for the Flying Pig Half marathon in May and will also do the Air Force half in September.

"Youve come a long way baby" reflecting the Eve of the Marathon

As I sit in a quiet house in Washington DC, I decided to read all the blogs I have posted during my journey. I have truely come a long way and it is amazing to me.  I am still stunned that I CAN run 21 miles even pushing myself through some tough spots. I feel that I could have not prepare myself any better. I am so thankful for everyone that has supported me on this adventure. I know at times, I was not an easy person to get along with.
Dan has been my rock. He has never doubted my ability and continues to provide support to me. He has talked me down from several doubts and smashed them. Even though he is not here with me physically, he is here emotionally. He even rode a bike for 10 miles with me during one of my long runs. I can hear his voice in my head telling me I can do and just go for it. Both of my kids have cheered me on the whole time. Both have taken time out of their schedules and have riden with me during my long runs. They have endured pasta everyother week for dinner without complaint. I have heard nothing but positive comments come out of their mouths.  My friends Brenda and Heidi who rode along with me during my 20 and 21 miler are priceless. Your support and friendship means a lot to me. My running friends Marissa, Laura, DeAnn have sent me words of encouragement and have answered many questions (even the stupid ones) I appreicate their help during this. My new found running friends on the MCMFT page, I have no idea how I would have even gotten this far. I felt like I had a large group of running buddies instead of being all by myself. I am so happy to discover that we will remain in contact after the race. Tricia, you have no idea what it meant to me when you sent me that email. It will forever have a special place in my heart. All my coworkers and friends have been wonderful. My mom, who I adore, is going to be at the my race along with my friend Beth. They are wearing cowhats and making signs to help push me along. I have no words to say....I have been so blessed. Lastly, I thank God for giving me the strenght, courage and determination to put one foot in front of the other these last 5 months. I have learned more about myself then I had in the last 40 years. 
As I line up tomorrow in my corral, I carry everyone with me. When or if things start to get rough I will remember everyones kind words and encouragement.