I have said it numerous times since once again striking out on the road and attempting to come back from the torn hip labrum, the injury that has plagued me now for a year. Exactly a year. I noticed my Facebook memories showed where I posted that I had “pulled a muscle in my back…” That was where this all started. The beginning of the downward spiral.
EVERY RUN IS A BLESSING!
While my weekday runs have been kept short and easy, my mileage is slowly increasing. By about 1-2 miles a week. Physical therapist approved.
Last week, I ran 5 miles. This week…I gave 8 miles a go. And I finished it. Around Mile 6, my hip flexor started to twinge, which made me evaluate my running form, and do exactly what my physical therapist instructed to do. I kept my footfalls as light as possible and brought that knee up, so that the right hip and leg wouldn’t get lazy. My Bambi leg will get stronger. It has to.
So…with 8 miles down, I thought I’d share 8 blessings in my life these days. Here goes:
1. My sister and nephew coming to visit me next weekend.
We are a fun-type of goofy when we are together. Seriously, there is never a dull moment when the Brady sisters get together. And her youngest boy is a ham…as you can tell from this picture. HAHA! I have been dying to have her come back to visit, and this time we get an added bonus of Chace. Karla, seriously, I can’t wait to see you and spend some time with you!!
2. Annie May, Ashley, and Laura – and the rest of the crew at Annie May’s Sweet Cafe on Frankfort Road in Louisville, Kentucky.
If you live in the Louisville area, or are visiting, or passing through…make a point of getting over to Frankfort Avenue and stopping in at Annie May’s Sweet Cafe. This place feeds me 3 times a week (Soft Pretzel Wednesday, Saturday Breakfast, and Sunday…with the take-home breakfast goodies). Amazing gluten-free eats. Most are vegan as well. The Apple-Cinnamon French Toast…is amazing. And right now…heart-shaped doughnuts. Oh…hell yeah. This place has been giving me a variety of foods, all safe for me to eat…for almost 5 years now. I am so lucky and thankful to have this place in my area. If you have food allergies or not, if you love good food, you gotta stop here. And if you don’t see yourself coming to the area, check out their site, because they do ship some items nationwide! And while there, go ahead and peruse the menus. BTW…I highly recommend the vegan mac & cheese (OMG), the chocolate chip cookies, the COOKIE CAKE!, the toaster pastries, and…well…EVERYTHING, really. I do think I’ve had it all.
3. Sales. Sales. Sales.
It’s not that I’m cheap, but I like to buy things and not spend a lot of money. I am a sale-seeker, a bargain-hunter. I love me a good sale. And today, after my run and breakfast, I went to the mall and bought about 7 items…for less than $30. LOVE a good sale. And good (and cute) clothes to boot. Oh yeah…retail therapy.
4. MyBread Gluten Free Pita Bread.
You know what love is? Love is never having to be without pita bread. And that’s not easy when you are a Celiac. Not only does MyBread Gluten Free Bakery make gluten-free pita bread (and sell it….at stores…I get mine at the Whole Foods in Louisville, Kentucky), they make it deliciously good. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free. And they are SO SO SO good!! I’m making Italian nachos tonight for dinner…and these will be the nacho part of said dinner.
5. Tea.
Specifically…Dryad Tea, based out of Denver, Colorado. I discovered them at the sci-fi convention, StarFest a couple of years ago. I’ve been ordering ever since. Their artisan teas are hand blended and all inspired by music, mythology, geekery, and works of literature. AND…my roommate, Cathy, had a blend made specifically for me for Christmas. It’s called “In Summer” (like Olaf) and contains green tea (my favorite), strawberry, ginger, chamomile and mint. It’s fantastic. My favorite tea…and it was blended specifically for me. All teas are vegan and gluten-free friendly. Check out their site…place an order…for real!
6. Swimming.
I. HATE. SWIMMING. Okay, technically, I really don’t hate it. I just haven’t learned to embrace it yet. There is something about the water that makes me anxious. Maybe it was my near-drowning experience as a child. I can swim. I’m a good swimmer (just ask my coach), I just have some weaknesses. One of which is convincing myself I won’t drown if I put my face in the water. I’ve gotten better about that, but, UGH, I get worn out. Endurance in the pool doesn’t happen if I have to breathe out in the water. I hate it because this makes me feel nonathletic and weak. Top that off with the fact that I don’t like not being good at something. So, whenever I have to get into the pool, it’s a struggle. But I keep doing it. Even when I don’t want to.
7. Disney.
Whether it’s the parks, the movies, the races, or just the store…I’ve always had a soft-spot for Disney. And now that they pretty much rule the world…
Don’t hate…I used to dream of becoming an animator for Disney. I could draw every Disney character. I probably still can! I love visiting Disney World and Disneyland. I never went as a kid, but I think that makes me appreciate the trips now more than ever. I love RunDisney events. They’re always amazing and fun. And I love Disney Movies. I’m still working my way through all the animated films in order…but, progress is being made. This weekend…Toy Story 3.
8. The X-Files.
Anyone else out there an X-Phile? I was beyond elated when The X-Files returned to television. Sure, it’s only for 6 episodes, and they are halfway through them, but it’s like hanging out with old friends again. I was the biggest X-Files fan in Big Flats, New York, I believe. And I was okay with that. This show was life-changing. And being able to hang out with Mulder & Scully again has been a nice treat, for sure. I can’t wait to start the entire series from the beginning…which is happening soon!
~*~*~
Little things and big things…everything and anything can be a blessing.
As you may have noticed on the side of my blog…or through my postings on social media (like my Instagram), for the second year in a row, I was given the opportunity to be an Ambassador for Nuun. I have been using Nuun since I began training for my first marathon, and I haven’t looked back to Gatorade or those sports drinks since. I don’t like the way all the sugar in those drinks messes with my stomach and body…so Nuun was a fantastic choice for me.
What’s even better is, just this month, they released their new and improved formula for their Nuun Active and Nuun Energy varieties. These tablets that you drop into your water now use a combination of plant-based sweeteners that help provide a balanced sweetness profile. This is obtained by using a combination of monk fruit extract and stevia leaf extract. Nuun Active and Nuun Energy also now include 1 gram dextrose (d-glucose), a natural, fast-releasing carbohydrate serving roles in the production of the Nuun tablets (in regards to tablet integrity), as well as its ability to bind sodium and water to help increase the rate of fluid and electrolyte delivery. In addition, both Nuun Active and Nuun Energy are now certified gluten free, vegan, and Informed-Choice (trusted by sport certified). The upgrade was, ultimately, done to help take your favorite hydration product, and make it better. With the addition of a non-GMO sourced dextrose, the rate at which fluids and electrolytes make their way to working muscles increases. And the use of plant-based sweeteners provides an ideal sweetness profile, without being too over-powering or sweet.
I know that got a little scientific, but it’s a big deal and those of us who are a part of the Nuun family are excited about these changes. Especially me.
Proud Nuun Ambassador
All that being said, as part of the Nuun Ambassador team and as a runner, once again, attempting a comeback from a nagging (1 year on February 16) hip labrum tear injury…I really wanted to participate in the Nuun Year Dash 5K/10K virtual race that was being held. I normally would have kicked in for that 10K distance, but I’ve worked too hard at getting back on the road to push too much, too hard, too fast. I stuck with the 5K distance, registered, and awaited the package with all the swag to arrive.
And it did…back on February 1. The actual event is taking place from Friday, February 5 – Monday, February 8…but my weekend is pretty packed and after my “long” run on Saturday (longest run since August when I did a 16 miler on leg with a stress fracture (which I wasn’t aware of at the time)) of only 8 miles, my hip might be done for. So, the training plan I am quasi-following had me scheduled for 3 miles on Thursday…so I figured I could run from my job to my home and tack on the additional .1 (yep…I live 3 miles away)…and that way I get it done (a day early, but still done). My roommate drove the car home from work…no worries, LOL!
At about 4:10 pm on Thursday, I went to go get changed, for the first time since August, into “racing gear.” Granted, this is a virtual 5K, and while there are prizes being awarded, the biggest reward to me, at this time, is the fact that I’m getting out there again and participating in group runs and…(virtual) races. I had no expectations for time or placement…I just wanted the distance. So, I stepped out in my bright colors (I’m always bright), my hair color, pigtails, and the provided race big. I knew I was going to freeze out there. It was around 33 degrees Thursday when I left work, and since the previous day had a high of 50, I didn’t think about the change in temperature when I packed my bag the night before. I put my Nuun Year Dash t-shirt on over my long sleeve tech shirt and hoped it would keep me warm for the (at least) 30 minutes I was out running. I got the provided race bib pinned on…left my stuff with my roommate to take home…and left the office just after 4:30 pm.
The biggest challenge, after my Garmin found it’s signal, which took forever, was going to be the stoplights and rush hour traffic. But this wasn’t the first time I’ve run home from the office…so…I knew what I was getting myself into. This is, however, the coldest it has been when I have run home from work, so there is that. HA!
I started by the YMCA and ran through the parking lot, around my building, up an incline, back onto Main Street, back toward the YMCA, managed to hit the light at the right time to cross the street and make the trek home. It was cold and windy…but the leg and hip felt good. I felt good. It had been ages, it seemed, since I ran home from the office. It was a blessing just to be able to do this. I was cautious, of course, trying to remember my training in physical therapy because the last thing I need to do is get another stress fracture because I am compensating for the hip. The run felt good, and when I caught myself favoring the hip and applying more time and pressure to the opposite leg, I fixed it immediately. I had to top at a couple of stop lights on the way, but once they changed and I made sure traffic was aware of me (I was in bright, fluorescent yellow pants…I’m hard to miss!), I continued on the route I had run so many fall, spring and summer days before. I probably got some pretty strange looks, being the only person out and running, wearing a race bib, but that’s part of the fun. I’ve never been normal…why start now?
I made the turn onto the road I live off of, with about 1.5 miles to go. There was a 4-way stop to navigate through, but I swore I saw my car (driven by the roomie) pull out just as I turned…so she would make it home to be my race photographer. YAY! I slowed slightly at the 4 way stop…then when I knew for sure all the drivers were aware of me, I crossed and made my way to the stoplight about a quarter mile further up the road. I had to stop again and wait for the lights…one to cross the road, and then the other to cross to the other side of the homestretch because that way I could just turn into my apartment complex and not have to dodge traffic to get there. Once that was accomplished, I had just over a half mile left. I made a small climb over a hill…knowing it was the last incline of the day…so I pushed a little more…then ran past the old cemetery…up the way…past a house with a barking dog…and toward my apartment complex. I half expected my roommate to be standing out there with the sign she holds at all my races and camera ready…but there was no sign of her. At all. My watch beeped for 3 miles just before I made the turn into the drive of the apartment complex. I took the turn toward my apartment building, and still no sign of the roommate. And then I hit 3.11 miles and…was done.
Me after completing the Nuun Year Dash Virtual 5K in my own city
After I stopped my Garmin and then started to walk to cool off, she rounds the corner, on her phone, still doing work, camera in hand…but the moment was done and so was I. I had her snap a few pictures (no official finisher photo this time) before calling it a day and heading upstairs for a nice hot shower to take the chill out of me. Because I was cold. I never really warmed up on that run, which is weird for me.
SO…while the official results have yet to be tallied, I can tell you this much…my official time for the Nuun Year Dash (Virtual) 5K is 25:38. I keep telling myself, I’m fresh to my comeback. Speed will (hopefully) eventually come back. For now, just be thankful for the time out on the road, and the ability to be out there running again. I’m really proud of myself for pushing it (a little) and for getting this run done…with perfect negative splits to boot! It’s hard, because I used to be so focused on my numbers and so speed driven, that this slow down hasn’t been an easy transition for me. I push as hard as my body allows sometimes, and while it’s not up to par with where I used to be, this is a fresh start…and I have to realize that with these limitations with my hip…I may never be pushing those 7 minute miles again. It’s not easy…believe me…there have been tears shed over this…but the best feeling right now…is my feet on that pavement again. Every run is a blessing. Even the slow(er) ones.
I am so proud to be a part of the Nuun Family and hope to continue to be an ambassador for their amazing (and new and improved) products. If you haven’t tried Nuun yet…I encourage it. It’s a great way to make your water count and to stay hydrated. Even on the cold runs. This race wasn’t against the others competing and participating, but against all the self-doubt, fear, and pain that I’ve dealt with for almost a year. This is definitely the start of, what I hope will be, a beautiful comeback.
Most of us try to avoid hills, but what’s so good about flat?
Think about it: flat tires, flat hair, flat returns and — the ultimate — flatlining!
Life happens on the hills!
There are opportunities to prove to yourself that you’re stronger than you ever imagined.
If you never attempt the ascent, you’ll never know the thrill of swooshing down the other side!
Every Tuesday, without fail, it’s hill repeat day. We all know from previous entries that I am NOT a lover of running hills. I know that hills make you stronger, but, damn, I just…hate them.
That being said, hills are what I’m supposed to be running. Seriously. My physical therapist said my hip flexor and adductor muscles benefit more from the hills because it’s forcing them to work together, and, trust me, they don’t always play nice.
Tonight, I was supposed to go out to Cherokee Park and do hill repeats, but we had the possibility of bad weather around the time that the run would be kicking off. So, instead, I opted to play it safe (which means…the weather never happened)…and keep it close to home. It just so happens that there is a winding, paved hill across the street from my apartment, leading up to a local park. Fantastic. It wasn’t how I wanted to do my hill repeats, but I had visions of getting out to Cherokee Park and having the run canceled. The plan said 3 miles…4 hills. I did a short warm-up, running through the parking lot toward the hill, and when I hit the base, it was game on. Time to climb. This hill isn’t as steep as the ones at Cherokee and Iroquois Parks…but it is relentless, winding, and just keeps going. So, it was a longer climb instead of a steeper climb. No biggie. It still involved a lot of work on my behalf to get to the top and jog back down, only to do it all over again.
Well, 5 climbs later, with the recovery jog down, I hit 3.25 miles. I probably could have gone one more time, but as I’m attempting a longer run this weekend, I felt it best to stick to the plan for now.
All that being said, this is the first time I have come out of hill repeats (in the 3 weeks I’ve done them) and still been able to walk normally. No limping. For the first time, I might actually not have to take 3 days to fully recover from a hard effort.
And, again, as of right now, time is the furthest thing from my mind. I treat each run as a blessing, because after almost a year…each run I am able to complete is just that. A blessing. I have missed this feeling! Speed is irrelevant…right now it’s about building my endurance and my strength back up.
I count today, even though it was done on my own, as a very good day. Definitely a win.
Who would have thought I’d actually look forward to hill day?
It’s Saturday night and I’m finally home after a long, but busy-busy-busy, day out and about in Louisville. I have a tummy full of delicious Indian food from Shalimar, I’m fresh out of a hot shower, and I’m reveling in a day well spent.
But it was how the day started that truly set the tone. I got up, earlier than necessary, to be able to fit in my core and hip strengthening exercises. I even did a slight dynamic warm-up (with hot tea because it was pretty chilly this morning), outside of my apartment building, testing the hip flexor and seeing if it wanted to cooperate or be cranky today.
It was a little tight…mostly because it was early morning and I’d been sleeping (and I finally got some decent sleep) and it was cold. But it worked through the exercises my physical therapist got me, and I went upstairs to grab a bite before getting together all my stuff and heading to the Falls of the Ohio to go for my longest run (either outside or in) to date…since August.
5 miles.
5 miles used to seem like a warm-up to me. Today, it felt like it was the start of a marathon. I had butterflies in my stomach, going through every scenario of how this run might turn out. I was there, with strangers and some friends, and I knew there was only one way to find out.
I set out with the group running 4 miles…and hoped for the best. Especially since the start for us was straight up a hill. HA!
The whole time, in my head, I’m sitting there thinking…”left, right, left, right”…because I chose not to run with the metronome. I couldn’t imagine listening to that thing for 5 miles. And then it was “lift the knee, lift the knee.” And then, “This feels………OKAY!”
And so, there I was, running the Greenway and feeling like I was a runner again. My hip twinged only a few times, and that was my reminder to check my form. When the people doing 4 miles got to the turn around point, I had further to go. I needed another half mile before I got to turn around and head back. I needed 5…so there I was, leaving behind the group and striking out on my own. I had run over there before, so I knew that ahead would be a lot of desolate area. I saw 5 deer, which was awesome…but it was literally just me and a bunch of nothing. I turned around when I hit 2.5 miles and started back. Some of the run/walkers were at the water stop or just making it to the bridge as I came back that way. I rejoined everyone, got up another hill, and began running my way back to the start point.
When I hit 4 miles…I knew that I was now in uncharted territory. I had run 4 miles of hills the past two Tuesday nights…and I am pretty much crippled at the end of those runs for the next two (2) days…forcing me onto a treadmill for any scheduled mileage to simply take the pounding off my joints and body. I drew in a breath and set my feet to work…now really making a conscious effort to focus on my form. I wasn’t about to break into a limp, which is what happens after I stop running hills. (NOTE: My physical therapist wants me running hills, because it activates the muscles in my hip that don’t want to work together). And then…I got back to the starting tent and I stopped my watch. I started walking to cool down a little and…no limp. No pain. NO PAIN!
PERFECT NEGATIVE SPLITS! Yep…perfect. And I wasn’t even trying. I was just running by feel.
I did all my stretches and plyometric exercises assigned to me by my physical therapist. Still felt good.
But, I do think that the crowning moment was when Deana came in at the halfway point of her run and saw me. She stopped and asked if I was done and how it went…then gave me a hug and said the thing that has stuck with me through the entire day:
“We’re going to get through this!! We are going to get through this!”
As she has been dealing with nagging injuries as well, hearing it said to me by someone who understands…by someone who has not only encouraged…but inspired me…pushed me…and knows exactly what I am going through…I believed it. And it was what I needed.
So, thank you, Deana. And thank you to everyone on these training runs. I change my program at the start of February…making it a little more challenging, but without stepping it up too much too soon.
I’m cautious these days…and I’m okay with that.
I’m out. And I’m running. And that’s what matters right now.
It’s almost 1 hour away from 2016. Usually around this time, I put up a blog listing off my goals for the new year.
Last year…I listed off 10 goals. Ten simple goals to work toward and achieve throughout 2015. They were:
Remain injury free
Run the hell out of the Boston Marathon
Try out a new distance
Travel far and run there
Eat better
Train harder, but smarter
Run with different people at different paces – challenge myself!
Remember that can’t run like anyone else but me…so stop comparing my speeds against my peers
Run a race on my birthday with some friends to celebrate going up an age division
Have more confidence
So, how many did I accomplish?
NONE OF THEM!! Not a single one. My year started off really well, with a great race at the Charleston Marathon. But then, the downward, and still ongoing spiral happened.
With the failures of last year weighing heavy on my heart and mind…I leave 2015 with one goal…one simple goal for 2016:
In 2016, I make only one promise to myself. I will leave the past in the past. All the heartbreak and disappointments I faced in 2015 will not define me this coming year. In 2016, I start over. Wipe the slate clean. A new year means a new start. I won’t dwell on anything except this one thing…
…to get better. To heal. To get stronger.
Yes…I am going to get better.
And that’s it. I will be healthier, happier, and stronger.
In 2015, the bad times outweighed the good. But…in less than an hour, everything changes. New year…new beginning…new outlook.
It’s no secret anymore…nor was it after runners crossed that finish line on Saturday…the Charleston Marathon ran…long. Yes. Long. My Garmin showed me running exactly 26.69 miles when I crossed the finish line. It has been all over the news about the marathon that went long when the lead car took us down the wrong road and added, according to the official measurements on the tangents, an additional .1918 of a mile to the course. (Yep, I was almost exactly .5 over! But you take the official measurement of almost .2 miles).
Anyway, the race directors of the Charleston Marathon have adjusted all of the finisher’s times to reflect what would have been had the course not gone long. So, my new official time for the Charleston Marathon is:
3:39:05
I am very pleased with this result, as I was when I finished on the longer course. I went into this race not to race it, but to use it as a training run. Time on my feet. No goals. No must-hit time. Just relax and run. Magic!
I am, literally, a few hours away from entering 2015. It is often a tradition of mine to lay out my mileage goal for the upcoming year. I did this the past couple of years, surpassing my goal the first year…and falling short in 2014. I had hoped to run 2014 miles in 2014. Then, I was injured for about 3 months, and running wasn’t even an option. So, with my final run of the year logged this morning in the bitter cold (my water bottles froze)…my total mileage this year came out to be 1543.86…leaving me exactly 470.14 miles shy of my goal.
I hate it when I don’t meat goals. It’s aggravating and my perfectionist Virgo self doesn’t handle that well. Not one bit. This goal was definitely obtainable…until my foot was injured. So, this year…I’m doing something a little different.
No mileage goals. I can’t handle another year of disappointment should I, once again, fail to meet them. Part of having goals is obtaining them. In 2014…I just couldn’t hit the mark. It was impossible when I was out for as long as I was.
Get used to disappointment, right?
The thing is…I’m not built that way. This girl is a go-getter. This girl is a fighter. This girl likes results. This girl…is literally falling apart these days. Not physically. But mentally.
You know that book PostSecret?
Well…I have my very own RunSecrets to share…
RunSecret #1
RunSecret #2
RunSecret #3
RunSecret #4
RunSecret#5
RunSecret #6
So…there it is. A look into what has been rolling around in my brain as of late. I’ve slowed down. And, I won’t lie…this bothers me. It bothers me a lot. I feel like I lost quite a bit of fitness and endurance when I had to take a hiatus from running. So…this coming year, I don’t want to set myself up for failure and disappointment. So, I have a few simple goals in mind:
Remain injury free
Run the hell out of the Boston Marathon
Try out a new distance
Travel far and run there
Eat better
Train harder, but smarter
Run with different people at different paces – challenge myself!
Remember that can’t run like anyone else but me…so stop comparing my speeds against my peers
Run a race on my birthday with some friends to celebrate going up an age division
Have more confidence
Overall, 2014 wasn’t a bad year for me. But it sort of just brought about new challenges and some very unexpected rough spots with my running. But, there were high points too. And I came out of 2014 with 6 marathons under my belt, bringing me to 8 full marathons total. I became a Marathon Maniac. I learned how to push myself to my limits in the Dopey Challenge at Disney World. I deepened some friendships (you couldn’t even begin to know how much a text or phone call from my friend Kelsey would lift my spirits during my injury) both on the roads and off. I discovered that marathon running slows you down. I spent a few great races with some of my best friends cheering me on from the sidelines. My grandpa finally got to come to a race and see me run. I only wish I had been in better shape at that point (foot injury was not completely healed). I ran a mile with my 8 year old nephew. He’s amazing. I ran a half marathon on a broken toe.
The difficult part leading into 2015 is going to be overcoming my fears and learning how to just focus on me and not compare myself to others. I can only run as well as I can run. I can’t run like anyone else. What I have lost in speed and fitness…I will gain back. It might be a slow process…but I’ll get there. If there is anything I learned about myself in 2014 it’s that I’m tough…and I am determined. I’ve just fallen a bit off track. But with a little focus and a lot of self-control…I’ll get back to where I’m comfortable. I might even overcome some of my fears.
For all of you who have stuck with me…thank you. Here’s to a wonderful 2015.
My mom and me at the Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K – Birmingham, Alabama
Race: Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K
Place: Birmingham, Alabama
Date: April 5, 2014
Time: 21:52*
Please note that once again I am putting an asterisk at the end of an official time for a race. Please note why. According to my Garmin, this race was not the 3.1 miles a 5K runs, but actually 2.92 miles. I don’t hold the Making Tracks for Celiacs people completely at fault for this. Let me explain why.
I found out on the morning of the race during the announcements prior to the start that due to the soccer tournament that was going on, the course we were to run had to be changed. So…they very little time to come up with a new course. But they did. Albeit…a little short.
But, you know…whatever. This stuff happens.
I won’t let it completely dull what turned out to be an amazing experience for me.
Why?
Because I did this race with…my mom!
Yep. My mom!! Both my mom and I are Celiacs. So, I try to make it a point to get down to Birmingham, Alabama for this event each year. Last year, I had to miss it as it was on a weekend I had another event already going on. But not this year. And, as a special bonus, I was going to run the race and my mom was going to walk it. We made plans via phone conversations and text messages…both got signed up…and both eagerly anticipated the arrival of the big day.
On Friday, my mom went to the Birmingham Earth Fare store to pick up our packets. The t-shirts for the event were still in transit, so they gave her t-shirts from the previous year and told her that both she and I (she was also picking up my packet) could get this year’s shirt on race morning. Where was I? I was on the road, driving down to Birmingham directly after work. I didn’t arrive until around 10:00 p.m. Then had to have some social time and catching up with my parents, as well as see what has been done to the house (they just got moved back in after a pipe burst while they were on vacation in Mexico in January). This made for a later-than-usual night before a race, but it was worth it. I loved getting to talk to them and catch up some…but we all knew we had an early morning ahead of us, so we decided to turn in for the night.
I woke up very early the next morning because I had to get dressed for the race as well as do my PT stretches. So, after checking the weather…which was supposedly warmer than what the Weather Channel predicted the night before…a balmy 52 degrees with some winds making it feel 50 degrees, I got out my shorts and my t-shirt and got myself put together with the colored hair and the BondiBand and compression sleeves like always. No skirt today. I was rocking the shorts. I went downstairs to do my stretches before anyone else got up. And managed to finish them up just as my mom came out of the bedroom. We hugged and I said I was going to go knock on Cathy’s door to wake her up, but as I got to the top of the stairs, she was already moving about. Sweet. Good start to the day.
The four of us (my mom, dad, Cathy and myself) all had breakfast that day (consisting of some cereal and a gluten-free blueberry muffin from Udi’s Gluten Free). My mom and dad split a banana and I got one to take with me to eat about 30 minutes prior to the race. Then, I went upstairs to brush my teeth, throw on some yoga pants and a hoodie, and grab my running bag with a change of clothes inside and a different pair of shoes. My dad was (im)patiently waiting at the door for all of us (well…just me…everyone else was ready to go as I came down the stairs). So, we headed out through the garage to get in the car and make the 25 minute drive from their house to the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, the new site of the race and the Gluten-Free Expo that was happening afterwards.
We pulled into a nearly empty parking lot, but saw the banner for the Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K hanging above the door. So, we were in the right place. My mom and I hopped out of the car, and I was glad that I had on my yoga pants for the time being because that wind was COLD! We went over to packet pickup and registration to get our t-shirts for this year’s race then went to meet up with my dad and Cathy. We decided it was too chilly to stand outside in the wind, so all got back into the car. I ate my half of the banana. Cathy got out to get rid of the peel from her half then proceeded to stand around outside, staring at the car as if willing all of us to join her in the chilly morning air. I refused for about 5 minutes. But, I knew I needed to take off the hoodie and yoga pants and get acclimated…so that’s what I did. I stepped outside of the car and immediately broke out into goosebumps. Damn that cold air.
I did a few dynamic stretches to warm up before the race. As I was finishing those up, I heard the race organizer get on the horn and start to talk about the event and the change in the course. I figured I could just follow the people in front of me…which is how I do every race. So, I vaguely paid attention and heard things like…run through the RV park…go behind the dumpster…be careful of the giant puddle…run around a pole…
These are the things race organizers go through when they very suddenly have to change their race course, which has been plotted for months, mind you! Before the soccer tournament was even scheduled to be plaid. Frustrating. They were not happy. We were told to head out to the start line…so we did. I stood near the front. It looked like we had a good turnout, which is always a good thing. And before I could get my Garmin ready to record…the air horn was blown and we were off.
I punched the button on my Garmin, it started, and off I went with the group, following a group of kids, a couple of guys (one of which was the race organizer’s husband), and a few other people. The kids petered out almost immediately, deciding they had run enough…so I passed them after the first turn. Then, I passed one of the ladies in front of me…only to get passed up by a super-speedy woman (Allison Hoover), who I couldn’t catch up to or pass up again to save my life. She was flying. We were sent over a bridge and up an incline…then made a turn to go up another incline…then turned around in a cul-de-sac…and sent back down the hills. It was as I was nearing the bridge to head out into the parking lot that I passed my mom and dad. They both cheered for me…shouting “Go Girl!” and clapping. It made me smile.
So, then we hit the parking lot and were sent through the RV park. This was about the time we hit Mile 1. So, one down…just a couple to go. We ran through the RV park and then made this crazy loop thing and were sent up another part of the parking lot and around to where there was a bit of a trail leading to a path that was behind a dumpster. They weren’t kidding. Upon making the turn onto the path and rounding the corner, you encounter one of the steepest downhills of your life. Seriously. I pulled up so as not to tear up my quads and maneuvered it safely and effectively. There was a little dip at the bottom before you were sent up a climb on the other side. For every downhill there is an uphill. I pushed up that and ran on that path until it dropped me off in a new section of parking lot. I followed the volunteers, keeping cones to my right or left, or whatever I was instructed to do at the time. I found Mile 2 (which was marked)…but my Garmin didn’t beep. I normally don’t check but I was curious…
My Garmin said 1.78 miles. Yikes!
Me crossing the finish line of the Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K – Birmingham, Alabama
Into the final part of the race, I just attempted to keep my pace as best I could. I came back into the main parking lot and was sent down to where some walkers and runners were coming around to head toward the dumpster. I remained on my side of the cone, avoided a huge lake (er…puddle…) and pressed on the path volunteers directed me on. The guy in front of me made a turn then headed toward a pole near the end of the lot. He ran around it and I followed, then we hit the straight-away toward the finish line. I passed him up and kept on moving as fast as I could. I crossed the finish line, paused my Garmin and made my way through the chute. The race organizer tore off the bottom of my bib and I moved on to get some water. Super-speedy Allison Hoover made a comment about my shoes (I was in my new Newton’s) as she was wearing Newton’s herself. We bonded a little. Then I went to get water and she went to talk to friends.
I finally checked my Garmin and saw that it read only 2.92 miles. That wouldn’t do. So, I handed Cathy my cup of water and did an easy shakeout for .20 miles to get me up to 3.1 miles. That was what I intended to run that day and that was what I managed to get in. I could see my parents again, heading toward the dumpster line…and they were leading all the walkers. Honestly, my dad wasn’t registered. But my mom encouraged him to walk it with her. He kept telling her to keep moving without him, but she stuck with him. And I think that’s super awesome.
I cheered for them when they emerged and headed back through the lot and made the turn to head toward the turn that would take them to the pole and then, eventually, to the finish line. I stood near the finish to cheer and when they emerged, I was shouting and just clapping and jumping up and down. As he wasn’t registered, my dad dropped off and came to my side and let my mom finish her walk by passing through the finish line. Cathy took a picture. It was awesome. I went over to give her a hug. We then went to go get bottles of water and some clementines that the race organizers put out for everyone.
Clementines are my favorite post-race thing to eat. Seriously! That or watermelon. For real.
The kids 1 mile fun run would be starting soon, and awards were said to be at 10 a.m. with the expo at 10:30 a.m. My mom and I said we would hang out at the race if Cathy and dad wanted to make the mandatory coffee run. Turns out awards weren’t being done before the expo and now the expo was open at 10:00 a.m. My mom and I went over to the doors leading to the banquet hall and stepped inside to get out of the wind. She called my dad to find out if they were close to returning. They were. And about five minutes later, they pulled in, coffees in hand. Now properly armed with caffeine, we hiked up the stairs to the expo (I mean, why take the elevator, right?) and went to see what was offered.
The expo was much smaller this year than it was two years prior. MUCH smaller. But the vendors were all super nice and there was a lot of delicious products and treats to try out. Cathy and I split any large portion of something while my mom and dad would split theirs. It made it so we weren’t too full for lunch shortly after (which we were meeting up with my sister and my youngest nephew). As we were making our way around the floor, the race organizer started to call participants over for the awards.
While I was the second female overall, they weren’t giving that award away. This did mean, however, that I placed first in my division. And when my name was called for the 30-39 age division, Cathy, mom and dad all cheered. They almost ran out of medals at this point…having not ordered enough it seemed. I got the last first place age division award though…so they wouldn’t have to mail mine to me all the way in Indiana.
We finished up at the expo, went shopping at Organic Harvest, and then met up with my sister for lunch. It made for a great day.
So, my official results of the Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K are that I finished in 21:52 (but remember…the course was short). I was 9/79 finishers overall. I was 2/54 women finishers. And I was the 1/18 in my division. Not too shabby, I think. Granted, it’s still not the run I know I am capable of, but I’m still just being cautious on this ankle. I get nervous about pushing too hard…and reinjuring it. I know I am capable of better…but I was proud of my results. And, even more, I was proud of my mom for coming out and doing the race with me. She can’t run, as her ankle is permanently fused, but she loves to walk. And this was for a cause that effects both of us…and we had a blast being a part of it. In fact, we’ve decided to make it an annual event.
Me crossing the finish line of the Publix Georgia Marathon – Atlanta, Georgia
Race: Publix Georgia Marathon
Place: Atlanta, Georgia
Date: March 23, 2014
Time: 3:51:32
I must be out of my mind, right? I was just cleared to run this past Monday and went for a sprint in a 3K race in Frankfort, Kentucky. No pain. No problems. And I did some outside running throughout the week to what my training schedule would have been had I been able to properly train for a marathon distance.
Which…I haven’t. And…I didn’t. In fact, my longest run since the ankle sprain was done in Columbus, Ohio…around my friend’s neighborhood. And that was only 8 miles. Yep…not exactly going into this having logged double digit runs. AT ALL. Not since February…and I think the longest one I managed then was 10 miles.
This…is not the way I wanted to come into this run. But, when you badly sprain your ankle…there are few choices left to you. Unable to run outside…and then limited to a treadmill (NOT a tready girl…I get so bored and long runs are not an option at a gym that limits you to only an hour on the machine). But…with the ankle rehabbed and my running slower…but okay…I packed up my bags, packed up my car, and made the long drive down to Atlanta.
For…a marathon.
A full and hilly 26.2 miles.
Because…I was cleared to do it as long as I don’t blitz it. I had no intentions of blitzing this one in the first place, so I was okay with that. But, that’s not to say the nerves haven’t set in. Because, trust me…they have.
The drive down was pretty uneventful. Listened to some tunes…then a few Doc Savage radio shows…until I got downtown. Pulled into the Omni Hotel and had my car valet parked. The luggage was left with the doorman and I went to check in. I stayed at the Omni when I was in Atlanta for The Police concert so many years ago! So, I knew it was a very nice place to stay. And as I checked in, since I was here for the marathon, the hotel provided me with an awesome bag of goodies: a banana, a bottle of water, and a KIND Bar. This…is my happy face!
Went to the room and waited for the luggage to arrive. When it did, it was time to head to the expo. Now, I had every intention of walking away from this expo with nothing more than maybe a new BondiBand…and my race packet. But then…EXPO AWE OF PURCHASING DOOM hit and my wallet…took the brunt of it. Now…for the most part, nothing was really something I didn’t need. I bought a couple of Wonder Woman tech shirts. YAY! Been looking for those everywhere. I bought a new pair of Newton’s…which was my splurge buy, but my old pair is up in the miles and, damn, I love those shoes. And…I bought the adhesive spray for my KT Taping. Oh…and while I was there, as an extra precaution, I had the people at the KT Tape booth tape up my ankle. Figured it wouldn’t hurt.
After that…I had to get out of there before I talked myself into other items that caught my eye…because the shirts in the Official Merchandise store were tempting. But I really don’t need more shirts, LOL!
So…Cathy and I left the expo and took items back up to the room at the hotel. We had some time to kill, so we decided to take a stroll over to Centennial Park. So…we did that and actually found the finish shoots and the start of the finish line being put up. We wandered over so I could take pictures in front of the finish line. Then, we strolled up to the Hard Rock Cafe so I could pick up a pin and Cathy could get a shot glass. Been ages since we’ve been to the Atlanta Hard Rock. We went to check out where we were dining that night before taking things back to the hotel, relaxing for a moment, and then making the short stroll up the street to dinner.
Dinner was at Max’s Coal Oven Pizzaria. We saw them listed on Find Me Gluten Free with some good reviews…so we figured we’d give it a try. We were seated immediately and we made a decision on a gluten-free pizza to split. We chose the Gluten-Free Fontina & Funghi Pizza…which was a white pizza that had fontina cheese, wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, and fresh oregano. It looked amazing when it was delivered to my table…but it really…was kind of MEH. The mushrooms were awesome. The crust was…uninspired and rather boring. SO not the way I wanted my mandatory pre-race gluten-free pizza to go. So disappointed. After that, we walked over to the CNN Building to take a look around. We got some frozen yogurt for dessert and came back to the room to relax. I had my stretches and foam rolling to do and really just want some time to relax and make sure I was hydrated and ready for the morning.
My first alarm went off at 3:30 a.m. I got up and did a couple of things before climbing back into my comfy bed and getting about 45 more minutes of rest. When my second alarm went off at 4:30 a.m., I checked the weather, then got up and got my clothes I laid out the night before and went to get changed. At first, I was afraid that the t-shirt under my Marathon Maniac’s singlet (OH…forget to mention I totally qualified for Marathon Maniacs back in January with the Disney Marathon) would be too warm. The temperature that morning was 58° F with little breeze. Wearing it turned out to be the best decision I have made. More on that later. I ate my cereal and then did my stretches (my physical therapists would be so proud!) and resistance band work (again…they would be proud). I brushed my teeth…then put on my fuel belt and bib and headed out the door.
Then…I get to the elevators and realized that I left my cellphone in the room. So, I hurried back to the room to get it. Exit…take 2…I get in the elevator and head down to the lobby. I get to the door and realized that I left my pre-race banana in the room. So…now I’m stressing myself out and went back to the room and grabbed the banana…and my hoodie…just in case it was windy and chillier than the Weather Channel app on my phone told me. Exit…take 3.
And this time…we made it out the door and onto the sidewalk. The start of the race was in Centennial Olympic Park right across from my hotel. No stress. So, I was starting to feel a little calmer and better about everything. I was supposed to meet up with the other Marathon Maniacs for a picture near a statue, so that was where we headed first. It was my first official photo as a Maniac…and that was awesome! The photo was a quick thing and then I went to find somewhere to do some more stretching and eat my banana. Cathy gave me a good luck hug and said she was off to find a place past the starting line to see me off. I decided to get into my corral (Corral E). Time was ticking down. Fifteen minutes to go to start time. The nerves were starting to settle in…again.
The National Anthem was sang beautifully! I was listening to all the chatter in the corral about time expectations. I had none coming into this one. I just had a goal…to finish…and not get re-injured. Having just been cleared to run last week…well…this was a huge risk running this race. I had so many people tell me to defer. But…I figured if I was cleared to run…this was running. I would listen to my body.
I got to chatting with a guy next to me. He noticed me getting my Garmin ready and he said his all-out died on him so he showed me his standard watch (with the actual watch hands and everything) and said he was taking it old school. Awesome! We got a good laugh about it and I mentioned I had to replace my Garmin because mine did the same thing. I love my new Garmin, BTW! Little treat to myself!
The corrals began to get collapsed and the flag barriers removed. We all moved up and then the official countdown in a robotic voice began. And then…we were off. I walked for a moment, then we all started to job. And…we were off. I gave a wave to Cathy as I ran past her. She cheered and then…I was hitting the road.
And this road was H-I-L-L-Y!!!
Seriously…it became immediately apparent that I haven’t been able to train much this winter. First…I was barred from running for over a month. Then I was banned from running hills along with it…for longer than not running. That also meant no incline on the treadmill either. So…I was so not ready for the Hills From Hell™ in Atlanta. But…I signed on for this, right? Right.
Between Mile 1 and 2, I had the chance to run with a really nice guy, also a Marathon Maniac. We discussed our sprained ankles, as he had badly sprained his ankle too and this was his first run back as well. His name was Anthony and he was really nice. I lost him at a water stop though. From there on out…it was all about what my body was telling me. With the number of hills and the various climbs and steepness of each…I said that if my ankle twinged, I would back it off. So…that was the plan. I wasn’t running for time…just the fact that I could run again!
I absolutely took on this challenging marathon with my whole heart. I was having a really good run for the most part. They volunteers at the water/Powerade and food stops were awesome. I actually expected there to be more crowd support through the entire race…but…nope. It was pretty sparse. The Decatur area had some groups out and the police officers helping with traffic control were awesome. I got a lot of shout-outs for being a Maniac…which was awesome. It definitely helped me get through some of the more challenging portions of this race.
Around Mile 16 it began to spit rain. I knew we had a big chance of rain…but it had held off. So…I was sort of expecting it (hence the reason I was wearing a hat). But…it only spit rain for about 30 minutes and then…it just stopped. Sadly though, when the rain came in…so did the wind. And some of these gusts of wind reached 20 mph. And we were running right into it. It kept catching the brim of my hat and trying to pull it off my head. It almost reminded me of the Marshall Marathon where the wind battered runners the entire way. Of course, with the wind…it got cold. Fast. And this is why I mentioned above why I was glad I decided to keep the t-shirt on. The beginning of the race was humid and warm and I sort of was kicking myself for putting the t-shirt on beneath the singlet…but after that wind hit…I was happy to have it.
The end of this race was a gradual uphill, which made it very difficult at times. My calf muscles were screaming and barking and mooing at me all at once. Like I said…you could tell that I hadn’t been running the hills recently. Or…running at all. I felt way under-prepared…and a bit out of shape. But…you know…I walked part of the inclines…I kept my pace easy so as not to do any damage. And I ended up having a better race than I anticipated I would. Finishing a marathon in sub-4 after not being able to run for over a month, and having to tackle some intense hills…yeah…I’m happy with this!
I spotted Cathy at the finish line and she rushed over to congratulate me. Then she said to go get my medal and stuff and to meet her in the reunion area. I walked through to get the beautiful medal from this race. Then…water. Ah, sweet water. And then it was the Mylar blanket followed by chocolate milk. I made my way through the chute until I made the turn to head toward Centennial Park and the Publix Food Tent. Cathy was waiting on a grassy knoll just inside the gate. I walked over the area where the bomb went off during the 1996 Olympic Games and made my way to where she was. She gave me a huge hug and congratulated me once again. We made our way over to the Publix Food Tent and I had my ticket torn off my bib to get my bag of goodies for the finish. They even gave Cathy one. That was very nice of them…as Cathy works just as hard as I do at these races, trust me. I went to a clearing in the grass and put my feet up, attempting to call my parents. They were still in church though, so they didn’t answer their phones. After that, I got myself back on my feet and went to do my calf stretches against what we later realized was the base of the Olympic Torch holder. For real.
The finisher’s medal of the Publix Georgia Marathon – Atlanta, Georgia
It was really cold out with the wind, so we made the short hike back to the hotel room so that I could take my shower, have the fruit cup Cathy picked up for me and then get ready to head out to the CNN Center for the CNN Studio Tour she picked up tickets for while I was on the run. That, by the way, was so much fun. I have a degree in journalism, so I was eating up every moment of the tour. We did a little bit of shopping and TONS of walking around Atlanta. It was a good afternoon. And I never really stopped moving, which is always a good thing.
And now, I’ve retired back to the hotel room where I am about to do my stretches and resistance band work. Law & Order SVU is on…and I’m feeling content. I was so nervous about this race going into it…and I’m content with what happened and how I did. Sure…slightly disappointed…but you know…this one had to be about running smart. It just had to be that way.
So…my official results of the Publix Georgia Marathon are that I finished in a time of 3:51:32 (for 26.47 miles). I wasn’t expecting to go sub-4 on this one, so this was a very nice surprise. I was 296/1628 finishers overall. I was the 64/647 female to cross the finish line. And I was 10/98 in my division. Was this the marathon I wanted? Absolutely not. But…it was the best marathon I could have given the circumstances I was under. I ran smart…I listened to my body…and I crossed that finish line.
What a crazy year it has been. I started off this year with a simple goal: run 1300 miles in 2013. Well, that goal was easily reached because I met yet another goal this year as well…
I ran my first marathon.
And then followed it up with another marathon.
My other goal was to make it through the year uninjured. I almost made it. SO close. The past two weeks I have been going without running due to Achilles tendonitis brought on by refusing to hop on a treadmill and going for a run while there was still ice and snow on the ground. The uneven footing was enough to alter my gait enough to cause this bit of discomfort. I am on the mend though. Not being able to get out and run has been killing me…but I have supplemented spinning classes (I go at least 2 times a week), swimming (once a week) and some weight training in, all of which I intend to keep doing well into next year. Because I love how strong these other activities are making me.
Do I have a goal for this coming year? I haven’t really given it much thought. Miles I always seem to surpass…races I run plenty…I think my main goal is to eat better, train better, remember to cross-train more, take some time to walk and see the sites that I might miss otherwise, work on speed, and just have a great year on the road.
SO much love and thanks to all my friends this year who have seen me through training, traveled to my races, cheered for me, cried with me, and pushed me beyond what I ever thought possible. I have made so many new friends this past year and I know that I’m going to forge new friendships in this coming year.
So…here is to a happy, healthy, and healing New Year.
Thank you, my dearest readers, for sticking with me and offering advice, words of love and encouragement, and for pushing me to aim higher.
2014…I’m on the mend…and I’m ready to hit the road! Let’s do this!
Whether it’s the parks, the movies, the races, or just the store…I’ve always had a soft-spot for Disney. And now that they pretty much rule the world…
The Celiathlete 