Dear driver in the white SUV pulling into the Dairy Queen on Bardstown Road yesterday morning:
Thank you.
Thank you for providing my little band of jolly runners with something to milk for the slow, steady, and careful 8 miles we pounded out on the roads of Louisville. The sidewalks were sheer ice. The roads were mostly clear, save for some slick spots and black ice. We found those though…either before we tread over them…or during. Whichever came first.
The fact of the matter was…when you attempted to take our jolly band of runners out with your big-ass SUV, then proceeded toward the Diary Queen drive-thru, only to pause to roll down the window opposite your side of the car to scream out the window for the five of us to “get out of the damn road” and then proceeded to inform us that we are all dumbasses…well…our reply of “THANK YOU” was not misplaced.
Because for the rest of the run…if we hit ice or stumbled upon it accidentally, the word “dumbass” was always brought up, with laughter, twinkles in our eyes, and maybe a friendly elbow to the person running beside us.
I personally thank you for this comment…because I have been miserable these days. Seasonal Affective Disorder has not let up…not yet. I am trying as hard as I can to find more reasons to smile. And, to be honest, I almost didn’t go out for this run. Too many factors that could end badly. I learned in December last year…ice and I don’t get along. But, my roomie insisted I go, because I’d enjoy running with people…even out in the cold and on treacherous paths, than I would running on my own in a gym.
She was right.
This was the second week in a row that I was out and running with a group. And I’ve found my smile again with each one. My speed is still lacking…but at least I’m getting out. Even if, at times, I feel like I don’t want to. This has been good for me. For at least an hour, I leave my troubles, my depression, my doubts behind. For a moment…I am a runner…with my group of friends who know how to lift me up and chase away the shadows.
Dealing with SAD has sucked. I hate feeling lost and defeated and so unlike myself. I hate feeling like I’ve lost fitness and speed. And…honestly…I have. My weight is WAY up from what it was for Chicago. My legs aren’t firing as fast as they used to. And, honestly, this breaks me apart. I struggle every morning with it. But I keep on training. Strength training, spinning, and, yes…running…mostly inside…no speed work.
My achilles is better. It is! Happiness. But I ran in old shoes yesterday on the ice…and now my ankle is twinging at me. I am so done with winter. The negative digits, single digits, and below freezing temperatures have really hindered me this year. Coming back from injury is hard enough…coming back to weather that is not meant or safe for running is even worse. This has been my worst winter yet. And all these components are really weighing me down (literally according to my bathroom scale).
Sometimes…I just don’t feel like myself…and I don’t like the way I feel. So many friends have texted, called, invited me out, messaged me, had dinner with me, or just checked in on me. And that makes me feel really warm and fuzzy. Some I missed calls, but returned. Some have given me hugs. Some have just let me talk it out. It’s so hard for me to open up about this because it makes me feel weak. It makes me feel lost. It makes me feel…so unlike me that it scares me.
The days are finally getting longer. The air…warming up…a little. So…hopefully…just hopefully…I’ll have more time and more opportunities to set out on these roads with my friends at my side…with more than one reason to smile.
And, if we’re lucky…a fast food, super-sizing, jackass to give us a little comedy relief…but calling us all dumbasses…when we were really doing the safer thing for everyone.
And…if I’m lucky…maybe I’ll just learn to love myself and what I can do again. But I think that’s going to take some time.
Whatever you like to call it…I’m suffering from it. Literally.
Suffering.
I’ve never felt this way before. I don’t know if it’s just that in the past my winters haven’t been this extreme as far as weather and such…but it’s hit me hard this year. I feel miserable…constantly. It’s a mental state, I know…but it seems very little is dragging me out of these blues. At first I thought it was that I was coming off the high and the excitement of Disney and the Dopey Challenge. But this has gone beyond that. This has skirted into an every day thing. Even activities I enjoy doing aren’t bringing me the satisfaction and joy that they normal do.
And it hurts. Knowing that I feel off, but can’t figure out how to “fix” myself…hurts.
So, what might have brought this on? Well…less peppy moods are common in the winter…but what’s hit me hard this year is the bitter cold temperatures, the crazy winter weather, the lack of sunshine…it’s more than the winter blahs this time. Sunny days in winter are a gift, and between October and March…I don’t see very many of them. With the shorter days, and the daylight hours spent in a windowless cube in my office…I don’t get much sunshine to chase away these blues.
How do I know it’s SAD? My symptoms are classic and fall right into step with those of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
As of late, I have had this insatiable craving for sweets and starchy food. Even more so…the need to eat peanut butter…ALL.THE.TIME. Seriously. It’s my go-to sweet snack. And my major stress-eating food. And I want chocolate more than I usually do. I crave those comfort foods…those foods that are to be treats and not major eats. But I just can’t make these cravings stop. They hound me…in the morning…that’s when I find it the hardest to fight the cravings. Because I’m waking up and my body is telling me it wants to eat. The problem is…when I give in…it’s food that my body doesn’t need. But that is what it wants. And there is no one there to tell me to take a breath, drink some water, and relax. It’s just me…and my cravings…and my mind isn’t strong enough to fight them.
You might recall in previous postings that I mentioned weight gain (this MIGHT be linked to my cravings for sweets and starches)…not being at my ideal marathon weight like I was for Chicago. Well…that comes with SAD as well. Weight gain isn’t at all uncommon when it comes to SAD. And it’s a never-ending battle these days for me. Not that I really need to worry all that much…but it just…nags at my runner brain. I want to make sure I maintain my fitness through winter…and that isn’t easy to do.
Fatigue and a noticeable drop in energy. No pep in my step. I actually drag my feet when I’m trying to get moving and get going. When my roomie is up and ready before I am…there is a problem. That’s a complete role reversal. And I just can’t seem to fix that level either. I try…but it’s not working. Part of this might be that my sleeping is WAY off. I’m restless…I toss and turn…I wake up constantly. It’s a battle for me to stay asleep at night…or get the right amount of sleep…at the right level. I never fall into a deep sleep these days. I go to bed earlier…and I just toss and turn. It’s doing me no good at all. Then…what’s worse is I now am not wanting to get out of bed. I’m not motivated. The Achilles Tendonitis has meant scaling back my activity levels…and in my head, I say, “Well…it’s not like you have to get up to fit in that run…” But it’s not just that either. Even on off days when I’m not scheduled for anything, I find myself switching off my alarm and just curling back up in my blankets. I’m not falling asleep, I just feel no real motivation to get up and get going. I’d rather just lay there. Lay there and do nothing…instead of getting up and accomplishing something. Even if it is really just a simple task like making breakfast. This morning, it took me forever to get motivated to get out of bed. I just didn’t want to get up. It started to snow. The wind was howling. I didn’t want to move. I finally counted to three and pushed myself out of the bed, so I could drive to Kroger and get a few items. But it took a lot of convincing. Then…breakfast (easy breakfast) took all the rest of the morning for me to prepare. I had no real speed behind anything I was doing. My roommate was awake and I hadn’t even put the frozen waffles (don’t judge…it’s one of those days!) in the oven.
Lately, I’ve had a difficult time remaining focused on tasks both at work and at home. I’m in fog of sorts. This is SO not like me. I’m irritable. Little things set me off. Or nothing. The other night I just started crying. For no reason. I just started to cry. I felt hopeless and empty. And when my roommate asked what was wrong, I said, “I don’t know. I have no idea!” It was the truth. And this happens almost every day right now. I’m at a loss. I feel lost. I don’t get excited about things that I used to get pumped up about. I’m drifting…and I’m alone.
And I’m SAD.
So what can be done?
I’m making myself get outside whenever I can…especially if it’s sunny. I’m trying to stay active, even if my body fights it. That’s not always easy given since returning to the cold weather in the area after beautiful weather in Florida…my Achilles has been bugging me more than ever. But…activity does help. Even if I’m moving at the speed of SLUG.
And…hugs from friends…kind words from friends…and all the support I’m getting as I battle through this winter has been more helpful than ever. I am so thankful for my friends, who make it a point to check in on me, to make me smile, to make me feel better. That’s a true gift in this life and I count myself to be a very lucky girl.
Let me say this…I’m ready for Spring. Because this winter has been very hard on me, physically and mentally. And I am ready for a break. And some sunlight and short sleeves! And a nice cleansing long run. With friends. Friends who make me laugh and do goofy, fun, spontaneous things. Yeah…that’s the best medicine…
More and more road races are going to a lottery system for registration. The latest to announce this – The Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
I am so glad I ran this one this past year. I never have the luck of the draw when it comes to a lottery draw. I am actually surprised it has taken this long for Chicago to do a lottery system for their marathon. Regardless, I wasn’t intending to run this one this fall…but it definitely holds a special place in my heart. It always will.
It was my first marathon!
Marine Corps Marathon went to lottery as well. I thought about running this one…but I chose another instead this time around.
But it’s on the list.
If the lottery ever works in my favor.
To those hoping to get into Chicago this year…good luck!
This was the inaugural year for the Walt Disney World Dopey Challenge. Prior to this, the main event was the Goofy Challenge, which involved running the Disney World Half Marathon and the Disney World Marathon (a grand total of 39.3 miles) back-to-back. But, with the addition of the brand spankin’ new 10K race on Friday…a new challenge was born.
Four races. Four Days. A total of 48.6 miles.
So…this is how it works:
Thursday – Disney Family Fun Run 5K
Friday – Disney World 10K
Saturday – Disney World Half Marathon
Sunday – Disney World Marathon
The payoff? I walk away with 6 race t-shirts and 6 finisher’s medals. Yep. Six. Because included in this package is the t-shirts and medals for the Goofy Challenge AND the Dopey Challenge.
So, not really having told many people that I was doing the Inaugural Dopey Challenge (it’s the first year…which means it will be the year it is the cheapest to run…TRUST ME!), I hopped a plane to Orlando Florida on Wednesday morning, leaving behind the frigid temps in Louisville for the warm, 66 degrees at Disney World. After a stop at the grocery store for some necessities and getting checked into my resort (staying at Port Orleans Riverside…again!), Cathy and I boarded the shuttle bus to the ESPN Wild World of Sports where the race expo was being held. It was a hike to get there and we couldn’t find the way to get down to the packet pick-up level…until it was mentioned that there were stairs hidden behind the photo booth. Well…that makes sense, right?! I went and retrieved my packet for the Dopey Challenge, and was told my green bib is for me to wear during the 5K and 10K races. And the gray bib is for me to wear for the Half Marathon and Marathon races. I went to retrieve the commemorative pin I had pre-ordered and then hurried off to get my t-shirts. I got five of them at this part of the expo, but had to go somewhere else to retrieve the 5K one. In fact, the better part of the expo was where the 5K t-shirt pickup was happening. I didn’t have much time to linger, but hit up the Official Merchandise booth…snagging all the pins for each race. Cathy surprised me with a new BondiBand, a lanyard, and a decal for my car. WOOOOOO!!
We had reservations at Sanaa for dinner, so we couldn’t linger, but said after we ate we would return to the expo to do some shopping. My dinner was awesome…loving some Indian food as always. Then…back to the expo we went. I purchased some goodies…like more KT Tape…and had them tape up my Achilles. Hope that it lasts through these races. Cathy paid close attention to the technique and took pictures so we can probably replicate it if needed. This is the best my Achilles has felt though…so here’s hoping. Going to be interesting to see what happens at the 5K tomorrow morning.
After some browsing, shopping, and some talking me out of purchases, we headed back to the shuttles to return to the resort. The 5K race kicks off at 6:15 a.m. on Thursday morning and is the only one that won’t require a 2 a.m. wake-up. I will definitely enjoy that. Read on…for race reports on each of the 4 races in 4 days.
Me after finishing the Disney Family Fun 5K
Disney Family Fun Run 5K
Race: Disney Family Fun Run 5K
Place: Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Date: January 9, 2014
Time:24:15
This was not a fast 5K. This was nowhere near a fast 5K. With about 10,000 people running in it, speed was hindered by sheer volume. Masses of people were everywhere…and I was in Corral A. So…take that for what it’s worth. Huge field. Lots of places where you were basically bottle-necked by other participants. Expected.
But still a good time.
And let me tell you…it did my heart good to get out on the road again. Race. Breathe. Struggle. Feel. It was therapy after having taken 3 long weeks off from running, save for 2 deliberate runs…one on Saturday and one on Tuesday before coming to Florida.
The Achilles was a little tender in the morning. I was taped up…but stiff. So, that was a bit disheartening, but with the 3:30 a.m. wake up alarm, I was out of bed and getting into costume bright and early. I was dressing as a Minion. Yes…I realize that Despicable Me is NOT a Disney movie…but…I had to be a Minion. It had to happen. And it did. And, despite the humidity and 56 degree temperature that morning, I even wore the knit cap as part of my costume. I knew I’d regret those long sleeves and the hat, but…it’s Disney…and I must run in costume.
I was up and dressed and then had to get Cathy up and moving. Our breakfast was a Greek yogurt…we took bananas to go. Once she was dressed, we headed out to catch the shuttle bus to take us to the race start. I was going to meet up with my friend Andrea. Soon after arriving, we went to the reunion area…where I had a few people ask to have pictures with me. Who doesn’t love a Minion? And then it started to rain a little. A sprinkling…but rain nonetheless.
Andrea texted and soon Cathy and I were heading over to where she was hanging out with her husband. We relaxed pre-race by chatting and talking about pretty much everything. Andrea had some other friends that were on their way to join us. And soon after…Cathy was wishing me luck and we were being ushered into our corrals.
The corrals were filled…and we all noted most of the runners were doing the Dopey…very few just had on 5K race bibs. There were some…but not many. We were soon after being let out of our corral to walk to the starting area. I heard Cathy’s sign for me get called out…which was awesome! After the National Anthem, the wheelchair racers were sent off. And a few moments later…the rest of us.
Totally caught up in the moment, I was out of the starting gate and running behind a large group of people. They held my beginning speed really in check, which, with this injury I’m nursing, was probably a good thing. But the further I ran, the better my Achilles felt. So, I bobbed and weaved my way through the crowd as much as humanly possible. It was no easy task, especially at the water stops. This race is run through Epcot. With the sprinkling rain, we were warned that some areas on the course might be slick. They weren’t kidding, but I managed to navigate them well enough.
I was frustrated with the crowds, but it’s a Disney race…that’s to be expected. I pushed on, rocking out all sub-8 miles…not bad for someone dealing with Achilles tendonitis. And it had been forever since I truly have been able to run sub-8…as this body does not react well to cold weather. At all. It tightens up and slows down. Give me heat any day.
Running in the shadow of Epcot was awesome! We dashed through Future World and then through the International Showcase. A lot of employees were out to cheer us on…and some to direct us on the right path toward the finish. I loved running past the giant Epcot ball and toward that finish line. I love seeing that finish at Disney races. There is something so thrilling about it.
I crossed it, still feeling good without much pain. Cathy saw me and started down. She went to toss me a water bottle, but I told her I wouldn’t be able to catch it. A very nice guy came over to catch it for me. He was awesome. I went around the corner where I was handed more water…a snack pack…and my Finisher’s Medal. As part of the Dopey Challenge, I had to get in a line to get a bracelet saying that I completed the 5K race. After that…I was out and meeting up with Cathy.
We had some plans for Hollywood Studios that day, so after returning to our resort, I showered, dressed, and we headed out for breakfast at Babycakes NYC in Downtown Disney and then some rides and shows at Hollywood Studios. Of course, I am totally feeling that run now in my Achilles. I’m hoping that the pain goes away over night. I’m still KT Taped and I just had Cathy tape up my feet…just for some extra help. Here’s hoping.
Tomorrow morning…another early morning…another race. This time…the Disney World 10K.
Me after finishing the Inaugural Disney World 10K
Disney World 10K
Race: Disney World 10K
Place: Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Date: January 10, 2014
Time: 50:30
It wasn’t fast. It wasn’t pretty. In fact…it was hot and humid and just plain gross! Welcome to Orlando, Florida in January, folks.
And welcome to the Inaugural Disney World 10K. This is the very first year the 10K has been a part of this race weekend. Exciting to be part of the first group who runs it. Honestly. I think it’s awesome.
The morning started very early with my 3 a.m. alarm. I got up so that I could get into costume and get ready before today’s insanity spiraled out of control. I love to have a firm grip of my morning on race days. Cathy was up 15 minutes after me and we both enjoyed some Greek yogurt and water before gathering up our stuff to head out to the shuttle which would take us back to the starting area.
The ground was soaking wet. Soaking wet. Mostly because with the humidity, none of the water from the previous day of pouring rain really dried up. Puddles and wetness. Fun, fun.
This was the 10K and I was dressed up as Eeyore…complete with ears and tail. HA! Like I said…when I run Disney, I gotta dress up. At least I was a Disney character this time. Hahaha! Anyway, we got through the security check and instead of heading over to where they do bag check, Cathy and I immediately headed in to the starting area. We were meeting up with Andrea, Aaron, and Silvia again for pre-race shenanigans and the like. I remembered to stretch more today. Probably should have done more than I ended up doing…but at least I stretched. And I ate my prerequisite before-the-race banana.
We took a few photos together and then were being ushered into our corrals. We were all in A…so that worked out nicely. And we also knew that the further back in the corral you were, the closer to the front you ended up being. But, we stuck around where we were yesterday and just followed the crowd. The wheelchair racers were being sent off at 5:30 and Corral A was 2 minutes after that.
Exciting. Because after the National Anthem, we were pretty much ready to run. I told myself to take this one easy…and I vowed to do just that. When the fireworks were set off and we began moving to the start line, I kept telling myself to take it easy. After all, I still had 39.3 miles to run in the next two days. So, I kept to my promise and found a comfortable pace to start. Immediately after turning out of the park, we were put on this long and dull stretch of highway. Mile 1 was marked and then we took a sharp right turn and got sent up a hill. I think spinning and strength training are helping me hone in on my hill work. Because it didn’t slow me down at all. Perhaps I’m also just used to steeper hills. HAHA! That could be it. Miles 2 through 3 were marked by the highway…nothing to really distract you. There were a couple of character shots along the way…but not many. After hitting the halfway point…the fun started.
EPCOT! Again…but slightly different. This time, we took a longer loop through the World Showcase. It was beautifully lit up. And, dammit, if I didn’t enter Epcot and immediately hear the Tiki Room song. That song is worse than It’s A Small World. Trust me! But, off we were. I took in water at Mile 4 from the water station, because it was so humid and I didn’t want to get dehydrated. From a girl who ran a half marathon in this sort of weather…best to not press your luck. Over the boardwalks, over bridges, through the World Showcase…it was so much fun. The employees and members of the Cheer Squad were out to give support and guide us on the correct path.
As we came out of one of the back lots and towards the ball (which in the 10K you don’t run around), we were informed that we were close to the end. Sure enough…that finish line was around the corner and down a stretch of pavement. The sidelines were filled with people cheering. The DJs were announcing people. MarathonPhoto was out in hoards getting those finish line shots.
I crossed. Not happy with my time…but knowing that taking it easy due to injury…as well as having two very long races back-to-back in the next couple days…well…that was good. Honestly, I’m just happy to be out there. I’m loving it.
Of course, I am currently showered, sitting in my hotel room with a bag of ice on my Achilles. It’s feeling it today. Heading out to Animal Kingdom in a few. It’s going to be a fun…relaxing day.
Two down…two to go!
Join us for the inaugural Walt Disney World® 10K. This 6.2 mile course is the perfect distance for runners of all skill levels. Winding throughout Epcot® and the scenic World Showcase, it is the newest way to be part of the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend.
Me after finishing the Disney World Half Marathon
Disney World Half Marathon
Race: Disney World Half Marathon
Place: Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Date: January 11, 2014
Time: 1:51:43
UGH! UGH!! First of all, after spending all day at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios yesterday, my legs were feeling it this morning. I was already intending to take this one easy. So, that was okay. No problem. I had two alarms set this morning. One for 2 a.m. Then one for an hour later. That would give me ample time to get ready and then get Cathy up so we could get going. Not sure of when the sun would officially be up, I slathered on some sunscreen. Didn’t need it. I was done before the sun was up, but we were running through 99% humidity. So it was beyond gross!!
I dressed as Wonder Woman for this race…and kept it to just the bra top out of fear of having too much clothing on in this humidity. It was a wise chose, as I found out later. So, looking all adorable as Wonder Woman…it was time to get my third race in as many days on.
We made the walk from our room to the shuttle that would take us over to the race…as usual. I was expecting the bus to be cold, but for the first time…it wasn’t. I was shocked. Anyway, we arrived and I headed over to where I was supposed meet up with Andrea and Aaron again. They weren’t there yet, so I texted to find out where they were. Turns out they were stuck in traffic. My corral was already being called to get people inside…which felt early to me, but I keep forgetting that Disney World literally sends you on a hike to your corrals, especially those beginning letters in the alphabet. For the Disney World Half Marathon and Disney World Marathon, I’m in Corral B.
I ate my banana on the way to the corral and made it there with 15 minutes to spare. Ironically, this guy we kept seeing in the recovery area wearing only a speedo…was next to me in the corral. In only his red speedo. I hope he has a lot of red speedos, I’m just saying. They did their usual interviews. Not any celebs that I’ve heard of this time. Jeff Galloway was up there talking. The National Anthem was sung. And then Donald (this race’s character) came out to count off the wheelchair racers. But he brought along Mickey and Goofy too. The wheelchair racers were off just after 5:30 a.m. Then, 2 minutes later…Corral A was sent off. As my corral was moved up toward the start, “It’s A Small World” started to play on the speaker. The announcer said, “Congratulations, Corral B. You get ‘It’s A Small World’ stuck in your head for the next 13.1 miles.” It made me laugh. 2 minutes after Corral A had left, Donald gave us a “Ready…Set…GO!” Fireworks. We were off.
I knew this was going to be a tough one. First of all, I’m injured. Still. Secondly…I ran a 5K and a 10K the two days prior to this one. Thirdly…I was tired. These 3:00 a.m. mornings SUCK! And this was my third morning in a row with one. So, I chose to set an easy pace and try to stick with it.
The problem was that humidity. It was like back when I ran the Indy Women’s Half Marathon and practically died afterwards due to the high humidity. Like breathing through a wet towel. That’s what this felt like. Just like the Indianapolis race, I was already drenched with sweat before I hit that first mile. And that is not a good feeling. I wanted to take this one easier than usual anyway, so I didn’t push it. Not here to PR…just here for some fun and to finish all four races.
That being said, this course was the exact replica of the Disney Princess Half Marathon, which I ran last February. I knew that the first four miles were nothing but highway. And, save for the characters and some entertainment…can make for some rather boring miles. Thankfully, Disney is good about putting people out there to cheer, characters to break of the monotony, and music too. As you come into Mile 4, you enter Magic Kingdom. The most exciting part is just before Mile 6, when you run through Cinderella’s Castle. This is, by far, my favorite part of any Disney race. Send me through that castle. I was smiling the entire time.
After exiting Magic Kingdom, it was back out onto the highway. Ugh. I took in some GU and water, and was making a point now of using the water at water stops both for sipping and for pouring over my head. That felt amazing and definitely helped keep my body temperature down. Around the midway point, the speaker system was blaring this weekend’s theme song, “Let It Go” from Frozen. The highway, complete with characters and water stops was my path from the 10K mark to just around Mile 12. There were a couple of hills there at the end. I think the last half of the half marathon is far more difficult than the beginning. In fact, just before hitting Mile 12, you’re sent up a ramp and over a bridge that is over the highway. When you come down the other side, you’re at Mile 12 and about to enter Epcot.
I was happy to hit that mark and just decided to take it easy and cruise into the finish line. Epcot sends us in to run around the ball, make a turn, and come back on the other side of the ball. You round a corner, and that finish line comes into view. I was so happy to cross that finish line. But, I didn’t push too much. In fact, I was flexing some muscle at photographers, LOL! Leave it to me getting into Wonder Woman mode.
After crossing the finish line, I was handed my medal. Cathy spotted me up in the crowd and was cheering from the stands. She headed down and I walked through to get my bracelet showing that I completed the half marathon in my quest for the Dopey Challenge. Once I had that bracelet on, I was through to get photos taken with the backdrop, get a snack pack, then head out through bag check. Cathy was waiting for me on the other side. I told her I was gross but to come give me a hug. She brought a towel and managed to get the sweat off me for the time.
I wanted my finisher’s photo taken with the Disney Half Marathon backdrop. And Pluto just happened to be there. So…I had the chance to give Pluto a hug and pose with him. It was awesome.
Afterwards, we headed over to our shuttle. Cathy had me put my feet up so she could get working on my Achilles, to hopefully keep it from aching too much. We got back to the resort, back to the room, where I showered. We ate breakfast and got ready to head out to Epcot for the day. Then back over to Hollywood Studios for dinner…at Mama Melrose’s again. This time for pasta. I had a gluten-free pasta dish that was huge. In fact…I maybe was able to eat 1/3 of it. Because I just didn’t want to stuff myself full before a race.
I’m icing my Achilles at the moment, relaxing, and prepping for some foam rolling. Then, just getting some last minute things together for the early wake-up call that awaits.
One more.
I have a feeling it won’t be pretty. I get to meet the characters tomorrow!
Me after finishing the Disney World Marathon, and in doing so, completing the Goofy Challenge and the Dopey Challenge
Disney World Marathon
Race: Disney World Marathon
Place: Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Date: January 12, 2014
Time: 4:00:04
I went into this race with no expectations for speed. There was no way my legs were going to be up to any record setting. So, my entire plan for this marathon was to fall into an easy pace, take some pictures with the characters, and just have some fun. And that’s what I did.
Which was a good plan because my morning was a little more stressful than intended. The problem wasn’t so much in the getting ready part. Nope. Getting into my Snow White costume (made for me by my co-worker Andrea at the very last minute…and she did an awesome job!) was easy. Sunscreen. Easy. Prepping for the weather (humidity way down and actually a bit cool)…easy. Getting to the shuttle. Easy. Getting to the race…not as easy. In fact, I barely got to the corrals in time for the start. Seriously. The traffic was awful heading to the start area. And it was just a mess. So, when I got there, it was just in time to be told that I had 30 minutes to the start of the race and a 20 minute walk to the starting line. I quickly jammed the banana I brought with me down my throat, got a good luck hug from Cathy and headed toward the corrals.
But, I got there…just in time for the moment of silence, the national anthem, and have Mickey, Goofy and Donald come up on stage. Dopey even made an appearance…for obvious reasons. Mickey counted down the wheelchair racers and they were sent off with fireworks. Corral A was next, about 2 minutes later. Then my corral, Corral B, was sent off 2 minutes after that.
This race made me realize that I have some pretty amazing and really loud friends. Despite being across the highway, I could hear Cathy screaming at me as I started off on the highway toward Magic Kingdom. It made me smile. I gave her a wave. It reminded me of Heather at Chicago. Hahaha!! My friends are made of awesome.
Miles 1-4 are, as in my previous Disney World half marathons, spent out on the highway. Cathy went to catch the monorail to try to see me at Mile 4, but I apparently beat her there. So…whoops. She decided to try again at Magic Kingdom…but I had beat her there too. Oh well. Out of that…she did get to see the awesomeness that is the crowd at Magic Kingdom. It’s why that is my favorite part of any Disney race. Hands down. Miles 4-5 are spent in the Magic Kingdom…where crowds and Disney cast members are out to cheer you on. Just before Mile 6, as before, is the run through Cinderella’s Castle. It is the part I always look forward to on these runs.
After exiting the castle, it’s a short dash out of the Magic Kingdom and back out onto the road. I kept to my plan to keep it easy and meet some characters. Along the way, I made some stops for some classics and favorites. The next 6 miles were all highway miles…so the characters helped break that up. Our next stop…Animal Kingdom.
Normally, around Mile 12, I would be taking in a GU…but we were entering Animal Kingdom, so I didn’t want to tear into a GU packet when they are so strict about what is in their park due to the animals. So, I waited until I exited Animal Kingdom to do that. This was the smallest amount of time spent in a park. Less than a mile. But the employees were so awesome…and as we entered some had the animals out on the corner to welcome us.
After Animal Kingdom, we hit the highway roads again for 4 miles…taking us to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. I loved running through here. Just before entering the motor speedway (going down and then up very steep inclines), the very last lady at a water stop was handing out cold, wet towels. I told her she was my favorite person of the moment, and took one to wring over my head. The weather was cooler…but the sun was up. So…it felt amazing. Ran the complex to the track…made a circuit…then back on out to head back toward the highway. Next stop…Hollywood Studios.
Park 3 of 4 shows up just before Mile 23. Again, you’re not in this park for long, but I was loving running through there. I have spent a lot of time in Hollywood Studios this time around. So, this felt like home. As I was exiting the park, however, I noticed Dopey…and of course needed to get my picture taken with him. Turned around and hurried back to do just that. I mean…come on! I was dressed as Snow White doing the Dopey Challenge. It was a must!
From there, it was on the boardwalk of the Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resort…which took us to Epcot. The finish was a mile away, but there were characters that caught my attention. Including Belle. I met Belle the previous day, but now I was dressed up as Snow White, at the request of my niece Kaytlynn, whose favorite Disney princess is…Belle. This had to happen. Unplanned photos that were totally worth it.
The entire race, I was getting a lot of “GO SNOW! GO SNOW WHITE! GO PRINCESS!” The spectators at Disney races are awesome…when you have them. But for long stretches you don’t. That’s why they have a great set of volunteers who fill in those gaps. Disney has their act together and really knows how to put on a race.
This was not a fast race, nor was it a pretty race. Running 4 races in 4 days was a nice challenge, but made extra difficult due to my Achilles tendonitis. That, in and of itself, took me out of training for this series…so I just had to take it easy on all of the races…and run them on a wing and a prayer. My goals were to finish and to do so without doing damage to myself. I did both.
Anyway…back to the marathon…
But…at Mile 26, the gospel choir was singing and I made the turn to take me to the homestretch to the finish line. I crossed the line, in 4:00:04, which was amazing, considering I made character stops, walked some water stops, and ran this with an injury that crippled my training and involved more KT Tape than I care to admit to even make it possible for me to run. I received 3 medals today – one for completing the Disney World Marathon, one for the Goofy Challenge, and one for the Dopey Challenge. WOOHOO! CHA-BLING!
Dopey was an expensive adventure, but one that I enjoyed. I’m just thankful I get to sleep in past 3 a.m. tomorrow.
I’m ready for another adventure, Disney. Give it to me.
My medals from the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – (r – l) – Disney Family Fun Run 5k, Disney World Inaugural 10K, Disney World Half marathon, Disney World Marathon, Goofy Challenge, Inaugural Dopey Challenge
First run of the year…slow and steady…with minimal pain
Achilles Tendonitis.
You plague me. You discourage me. You dishearten me. And you cause me pain.
BUT…I am on the verge of feeling better. I’m doing so much cross-training these days to keep any unnecessary pressure off my tendon. So, spinning has been a lot of fun to get into. And it is teaching me to dig deep when I think I’m spent. It makes the stationary bike (something I loathe) fun and enjoyable. And the music is amazing. I’ve been swimming more too. Which was something I have been wanting to do more of anyway. So, this gave me a push to get into the pool and work on that stroke. I need to keep this trend up. Loving that water…once I get acclimated to it. And…strength training. I had started doing it before, then stopped, but I’m back to it. And have a great 30 minute workout that I do with weights and other workout equipment that is helping me build a stronger core.
All that being said…it’s been over 2 weeks since I last ran. And the ankle/Achilles is feeling much better. Some tightness still, but nothing debilitating. So…on this frigid morning, I met up with my running group and decided to test it out. Most of the runners were aiming for 8 miles or more. I didn’t want to push it, and thankfully my friends Harry and Natalie were more than happy to do an easier and more deliberate 5 miles. The cold weather is not helping my tendon feel any better. Everything is just tight. UGH! Cold weather and I do not get along. It slows me down…always. I run so much better in the heat. Let me sweat it out!
It was a good run this morning. I had a great time with these two while we were running. And after a mile or so, I forgot about how cold it was…up until we hit some pretty wicked headwinds. It didn’t matter. We were just enjoying the run. And it felt so good to get back out there and hit the pavement.
All that being said…my ankle/Achilles twinged at me a couple times, but it didn’t flat-out hurt. So, that is a good sign. I have been icing it on and off today…which is helping and I’m about to go do some stretches and get all the kinks worked out.
But…wow…I totally needed that run today. More than I even knew!
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!
That’s all I’ve been feeling toward myself these days. While so many of my running friends are posting better times and new PRs…I feel like I’m in a slump. I feel like…things are just…getting worse for me. And all of this leads to a lot of self doubt and a lot of low self-esteem. Yes…I am so very proud of my friends for their accomplishments. But it’s only natural for me to look at what they are managing and wonder…why am I slowing down? Why is the weight piling on? Why…just why?
I try to keep my thoughts positive, but when you feel like your fitness is suffering…well…it’s hard to keep that good attitude.
Let’s start with the first thing. I’ve put on about 10 pounds since I ran the Chicago Marathon. I haven’t changed my eating routines. I’m not loading up on junk food. I’m still eating clean. I still treat myself. But…the weight just won’t come off. In fact, I just seem to add to it. And that just sucks…mightily. When you no longer feel as light as a feather…you don’t feel like you’re running as fast or capable of running as fast as you did when you were at your prime fitness. This is me. And it is really messing with my mind. I hear about all my friends losing weight, dieting, all this stuff. I don’t diet…I just eat clean and I workout. And somehow this has brought on weight. I don’t eat a lot of crap. Yes…I treat myself to ice cream on the weekend…but I’ve always done that. Even back during my marathon training. UGH! The biggest insult happened this past weekend when I went to the pool to swim some laps…and my bathing suit was tight. Uncomfortably…not fitting me right…tight.
Now, allow me to follow this paragraph up with the fact that I am not working out to lose weight. I don’t run to lose weight. Nor do I run so I can eat a lot of crap and not feel guilty about it. I run and I go to the gym because I love how it makes me feel. I don’t need to lose weight. BUT…I don’t want to gain it either. And despite my workouts and my runs…that scale keeps creeping up…and with it…my self-doubt.
It sucks having low self-esteem!
Secondly…
Ow.
Yep. Ow.
Achilles tendonitis. Brought on from…ironically…avoiding the treadmill and going out to run on those icy and snowy days. Landing on uneven icy and snow altered my gait…and with it…put some strain and stress on my Achilles. What has this brought on? Slower runs. No long runs. And a lot of very mixed emotions from me. I hate cutting my mileage. If there is one run I look forward to every week it’s my long run. I love going long. I love the distance. I don’t care how fast I run or how slow…I just want to get that distance. I love the time with others…or the time alone. I love talking or sometimes just letting my thoughts take over. This past weekend I was supposed to run 2 long runs…but…I ran a total of 4 miles. FOUR MILES!! And not even at speed. I can’t. Not with this ankle/Achilles issue. It is so aggravating. I can still run…but the intensity isn’t there. The distance is definitely not happening. And it just tears me up inside. I know it’s for the best…not to put added strain/stress on the problem area…but…I get so cranky when my runs get messed with. And this has definitely left me feeling insignificant. Especially when the miles are turned down and so is the speed. I feel like I should be turning up the intensity if the mileage is not there…but I can’t even do that. And it’s beyond bumming me out. It’s making me second guess everything. And then I read about everyone else who is running long, setting new PRs, and just getting so much stronger and faster…and here I am…slowing down…feeling like I’m reverting back…feeling…SO DAMN SLOW!! IT SUCKS!!
I know it’s for the best, but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck.
What I have been doing is taking my runs inside…to the dreadmill…and running at a very deliberate, easy pace. The soft belt is a lot kinder to my joints than the hard pavement right now. Oh…and I’ve now officially taken two spinning classes (and totally intend to keep going to them!!) and have added more weights for some strength training. I’ve only learned the machines…so I haven’t officially added that back in. I’m going to get back into the habit of my circuit training. I fell off it when my roommate went into the hospital. Then it was too close to my marathon to really want to hop back in. After that…probably sheer lack of motivation…and the fact that the roomie can’t turn it up and dial it in like I can while on her current meds. BUT…that changes when I get back from my Christmas vacation. Dialing back into those weights, the core, the strength training. Hopefully the ankle/Achilles will be further on the mend. I also went swimming on Sunday. Yep. Swimming for a whole 45 minutes. I love to swim, and definitely should incorporate it more. Or else I’ll never get any better. Not that I’m a horrible swimmer, I’m just not very fast. I don’t have that strength behind it yet. But that comes with time and training. Time to just hop in and DO IT!
I have a difficult time wrapping my head around slower running times. I’m built for distance…that much I know. But I also like to prove that I am swift. I’m speedy. Sometimes I feel that way. But ever since the cold weather hit, my times have been so much slower than what I could master in the heat of summer. I run better in heat than cold. Cold burns my lungs, makes it hard to breathe, therefore…I never quite find my rhythm. Some people run better and faster in colder temperatures. I am not one of those people. Slowing down scares me. I am not ready to slow down. I want to find that strength to push a little harder, fight to get a little faster, and outrun all my doubts and limits. And I have yet to do just that. I feel like I’m failing…
Cold weather creeps in and so does my self-doubt. I am my own worst critic and my harshest competition. I don’t feel like I’m running up to par and that gets stuck in my head. I get aggravated when I fail to nail a time on a distance that felt so easy during the warmer days. I know it’s natural. I know it’s normal. But I’m competitive…and when I feel like I’m sliding backwards instead of moving ahead…I get into this tug-of-war with myself and my emotions…my expectations…
And yeah…that sucks too.
My competition is not my friends I run with…nor is it those who are out there making progress. My competition is myself. I look in the mirror…and those extra pounds, those slower times, the lack of long runs, the self-doubt…that is my competition. And until I get get over this hump…it’s the fight of my life right now. Because until I believe that I can run faster in the cold, that my ankle won’t hurt, that my body isn’t failing me or trying to slow me down…then I’m not making progress. And I won’t. Words have power…even the unspoken ones inside my head.
Time to find my strong…again.
It’s a battle I’m willing to fight. I just have to be smart about it. My competition…is all in my head…and it’s time to show it who is boss.
Me crossing the finish line of the Marshall University Marathon carrying a football (which you can’t see, but I’m doing it!) – Huntington, West Virginia
Race: Marshall University Marathon
Place: Huntington, WV
Date: November 10, 2013
Time: 3:35:55
WE ARE…MARSHALL!
Yep…just like the movie. And as a self-proclaimed lover of Matthew McConaughey, who starred as head coach Jack Lengyel in the film about the 1970 plane crash that killed 37 football players on the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team, as well as 5 of the coaches, 2 athletic trainers, the athletic director, 25 boosters, and a crew of five. I loved this movie and watching how the university, the football program, and the community begins to rebuild and heal from the tragedy.
So, here I am…just a month from my first marathon (Chicago), and I find myself in the city of Huntington, West Virginia. Aside from Marshall University being located there, some of you may recall that Huntington got a lot of notoriety back in 2010 when Jamie Oliver rolled into town for the television program, Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, in which he set out to reform the school lunch programs, help American society fight obesity, and change their eating habits in order to live healthier and longer lives. Why Huntington? Because in 2010, Huntington, West Virginia was recognized statistically as one of the unhealthiest cities in the country.
So, ultimately, I knew about Huntington, West Virginia. Because…well…I watch anything with Matthew McConaughey and I am a foodie and totally drank in everything that happened when Jamie Oliver rolled into Huntington, West Virginia to attempt to change the way people there lived.
I also was unaware that Marshall University hosted a marathon, half marathon, and 5K…until my roomie, Cathy, stumbled upon it.
So, I signed up.
And that’s why, after a very fast 3 mile shake-out run on Saturday morning, a shower, and some gluten-free pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes (homemade because…I’m chef-y like that), Cathy and I finished packing, loaded up the car, and made the almost 3 hour drive to Huntington, West Virginia.
We rolled into town around 1:15 p.m. and immediately set out to find the expo. We weren’t staying in Huntington, rather just across the bridge in Ohio. And check-in time at the hotel wasn’t until 3 p.m. We had some time to kill. The directions to the expo were quite vague. All we had was that it was located on the corner of 5th Avenue and 29th Street. Should be easy to find, right? I saw it…but Cathy said it wasn’t there and kept on driving. So we made a couple of loops before I told her to head back to the corner of 5th and 29th. She spotted it this time. So, we pulled in…parked…and headed to the very small expo. Oddly enough, the Website for this marathon said the venue for packet pickup was moved to a more spacious area…we were in a hallway…so I wonder how small it has been in the past few years…
Anyway…the longest line in there was for the half marathon, which seems to be the most popular of the races that they offer this weekend. I stepped in and was asked which race I was running. I said the marathon and they directed me to the table immediately to my left, that had virtually no line at all. None. Just a few people getting their bags with their swag inside. Oh…and their bib number. I gave my name and they grabbed my t-shirt and jacket…yes…jacket and passed that over to me with the little backpack. My number (#529) was given to me and I snagged a few safety pins. That was done. Having learned my lesson at previous races, I pulled out the t-shirt and noticed that the medium was definitely going to be too big for me. So…I went to find where to exchange it for a small. Unfortunately…there were no more women’s smalls. There was an extra small…so I tried it…and it’s a perfect fit. They did say the shirts were running big this year. No kidding. My jacket is a little big…but I like it that way. Room for layers. It’s an official Asics branded jacket with the marathon logo on the back. Oh…but the fun doesn’t stop there, friends…
Hanging out with Bart Yasso at the expo and packet pickup for the Marshall University Marathon – Huntington, West Virginia
Because Marshall University is known for its football team…the Thundering Herd…you also get the opportunity to purchase a Marshall University football. It was $30…but I had to have one. I mean…who else does this?!! I love something unique with a race. Even better…you could have your football tossed to you as you run into the finish line. That’s actually one of the draws of this race. About 100 yards from the finish, you have the choice to carry a football with you. Some you can keep…some you have to give back. I wanted mine. So…I was given a green ribbon to hook onto my bib that said “FOOTBALL” on it. GAME ON. I was way too excited for my own good. Over a football.
Oh…and it just so happened that Bart Yasso was at the expo as well. He was near the table with the footballs, and as no one was in his line I stepped over to talk to him. I told him that I had missed the chance to see him in Chicago, my first marathon, so I was excited to get to meet him now. He was very nice and we spoke a lot about races and upcoming events. He was so easy to talk to. I asked to get a picture and he graciously complied. SO much love for this guy. Makes me want to give those Yasso 800s a real try.
That was pretty much all there was to the expo…so Cathy and I left and headed downtown. I really wanted to see Huntington’s Kitchen (formerly Jamie’s Kitchen from the aforementioned Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution television series. It was closed, but we did find it and I got my foodie nerd on by taking a picture out front. Then, we headed across the street to the small little shopping center and went into a bookstore and just walked around. The wind was gusting hard at this point, so stepping into a shop was nice. I ended up purchasing Bart Yasso’s book, ironically. Go figure. It was still too soon to check into the hotel or get dinner, so we decided we’d hit up the local frozen yogurt place for some dessert. I mean…break the rules at times and get dessert first. It was really delicious…and they had so many gluten-free options. I was in heaven. After getting dessert, we headed to the hotel in Ohio and checked in…watched some Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on Food Network…then…around 4:30, left to go get my prerequisite gluten-free pizza from a place called Husson’s. It was recommended to me by my friend Keith…and I trust Keith (he is also a gluten-free runner). Cathy and I split the 10 inch gluten-free pizza, which we topped off with tomato and pineapple…and it was…okay. I’ve had really, really good gluten-free pizza…so this was just mediocre. The sauce, however, was killer. With that taken care of…it was time to get back to the hotel so I could foam roll and relax before getting to bed. I even laid out my race outfit and had everything ready to go for the early morning alarm. Then, I settled in to watch more Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives…because that’s how I do race weekend!
My Marshall University Marathon outfit…I knew it was going to be cold, but I didn’t want to overdress. I opted for a singlet and my running skirt…and wore arm warmers and gloves. The arm warmers stayed on the entire time, but the gloves were ditched just before the halfway point.
At 9 p.m., however, it was lights out. And I actually fell asleep in good time. However, around 2 a.m., I woke up from a dream where I was 20 minutes late for the race. No joke. Restlessness set in the rest of the night, because while I knew I had an alarm set for 4 a.m., I was now worried I’d not hear it or just not make it to that start line in time. Stress!
That alarm went off at 4 a.m., and I had a bit of trouble turning it off, but I managed without waking Cathy up. I think she’s immune to my alarm on my phone now. Anyway…I got out of bed, went into the bathroom and began to go through my race morning routine. I got dressed, did my hair, and then got out some water and the cereal I brought with me. This race it was Van’s Gluten-Free Cinnamon Heaven cereal. I ate it dry, as I always do on race morning. Cathy got up around 4:45 and she fixed herself up some food to eat and then went and got dressed. I got my water bottles loaded with regular water and one with electrolytes, then loaded up my GU packets to take at similar intervals as I did Chicago. I grabbed some wet wipes from our bathroom and tissues…just in case. Then, I laced up my Newtons for the first time I’ve worn them over 13 miles. I was ready. So was Cathy. So, she got her hotel key and I grabbed the bananas for pre-race fuel. We were out the door and down to the car to make the short drive over to Huntington.
We made fantastic time, pulled into the stadium and parked without a problem. It was chilly out that morning, so we sat in the car with the heat going until around 6:15 a.m. After that, I finally knew it was time to get out and get acclimated and ready to race. We headed toward the stadium and stopped to admire the really cool statue built into the facade. I had to get a picture with it. Then we stepped inside out of the cold. I made use of the flushing toilets and then came out to get some stretching done. It was still chilly inside…because stadiums aren’t full enclosed, but it was better than being completely out in the air. Around 6:30 a.m., I ate my banana, did a little more stretching…then stepped out to honestly get acclimated.
Runners for all the races were beginning to line the sidewalk on 3rd Avenue. I kept getting asked if this was where the start of the race was. I kept saying I had no clue…but this was where the pacers were, so we were in the right spot. Soon, they completely closed the road and runners took over the entire width of 3rd Avenue. I wasn’t lining up with pacers at all, so instead I met some new friends who were so much fun to talk with at the beginning. It really just kept nerves down. The announcer came on and gave a few short announcements. Bart Yasso came on the speaker to wish everyone luck. The national anthem was sung…although I couldn’t find a flag. And then…we were given a blessing for a safe race for all. Then…we were given a count down and a horn.
With the statue in the facade of the stadium before the start of the race on Sunday morning. WE ARE…MARSHALL!
All the runners around me were asking where the start line was. Apparently the timers were off to the side near a flag, but everyone was looking for the strip on the ground…and there wasn’t one. I just started my Garmin and hoped for the best. Off I went…Marshall Marathon!
The first two miles of this race were really, really bottle-necked. I mean, runners were running tight, so there was really no getting around them. You just had to wait for a break and hope you could make it through. I did a little bobbing and weaving, but this did help me keep my speed in check coming out of the gate. So there is the positive. The course for the marathon was a loop that is run twice. So, even though this course was advertised as fast and flat (which…it is not flat! Remember…if a race says it has a flat course, you better believe there will be some hills!), there were some more challenging aspects. The roads were not completely closed throughout the course, for one thing, so we were running in one lane. The streets in Huntington are really, really, banked, and with the road partially open, I couldn’t switch sides like I did in Chicago. UGH! But, you just make it work as best you can. As I rounded into Mile 2, Cathy was standing on the corner, waving my sign, and screaming at me. It was awesome. Of course, then a little further in, the road changed from pavement to brick. Not just that…we tackled the first hill.
There wasn’t a lot of crowd support in this race, which definitely makes it more of a mental challenge. In Chicago, I forgot I was running at times. There was just so much going on and so much to drink in. At the Marshall University Marathon, while there were some clumps of people here and there, much of the race was pretty solitary. Just you…the other runners…and the road. It was a huge challenge.
As I rounded out of Mile 6, we entered onto the park area, which meant we went from pavement to this sort of worn dirt trail. There was loose gravel and it just really meant changing up the stride. It was around here that I had one of the worst side stitches ever. It was painful. So, I eased up on my pace, pressed on my side, drank down some water, and breathed deep. It last through around Mile 9, and I was just focusing on the path I was running. The side stitch did subside, just as I neared Mile 9. Which was perfect timing because who was standing at that mile marker? Bart Yasso!! He spotted me, pointed at me and said, “You’re looking good, girl!” Pardon the minor fangirl runner squee. We were finally dumped back onto the actual road soon after that, thank goodness!! I was already dreading that portion in the second loop. But, it was best to focus on the task at hand. The next few miles were enough to get my warmed up enough to ditch the gloves after we ran by the Ohio River. This was around Mile 12. I figured I wouldn’t need them anymore. Lesson…learned! But, I reached the split where the half marathoners were sent into the stadium to finish and the marathoners were sent through campus. I went the way fewer people were going. I was told at the entrance to follow the green arrows, so…I did. And eventually I came out of the campus grounds and onto the road. Mile 13…and who is standing there? Cathy. And she is screaming. And she has people standing with her who are screaming my name and cheering me on. She recruited people…that’s awesome! I hit the halfway point with a great time, I felt, at 1:43:43. Not too bad.
But then…
THE WIND.
Me fighting the 21 mph wind gusts at Mile 15 of the Marshall University Marathon – Huntington, West Virginia
Fierce, strong, and crazy winds that stuck with those on the marathon from Mile 13 to Mile 19. A strong headwind that was 14 mph with gusts up to 21 mph. It was stupid insane. At points, I felt like I wasn’t even moving. I saw some runners come to a walk because they didn’t want to expend too much energy just battling the wind. I eased up. I drank some water. I just was determined to finish strong. The wind, however, was definitely adding a new level of difficulty to the course. And I was not happy about it. It was a cold, strong wind…that apparently, according to Cathy, was ripping down the banners inside the stadium. I saw some runners lose their bibs. It was stupid strong. I did have one more Cathy sighting at Mile 15 where she shouted and screamed and waved the sign…but after that…the crowd support was pretty much limited to the volunteers and maybe the people in the park. When you’re running 26.2 miles, that crowd becomes your lifeline. And I definitely missed having that noise and distraction this time around.
The second loop felt so much harder than the first one did. The wind was part of it, and I did have to push harder than I would have liked to get through. But, you just do what you can. Race day can be so unpredictable. I actually welcomed the trail this time because at least the wind was no longer at my head. It was coming at me from the side. It was a little reprieve. I ticked off those miles as well as I could, but I was really starting to feel the lack of oomph in my stride. What I needed was a crowd. Some cheering. Something. But…there was none to be found.
Instead, I put my head back into the game and focused on the task of finishing. Miles 22 through the finish were back on the streets and off the path…which made it a little easier to run. I did what I could…but knew the magic I felt in Chicago was not coming back for this race. I pressed on, feeling determined to reach that finish line. I’d go mile by mile…taking it one step at a time. I had no time goal for this one, being that it was so close to my last marathon…so that was not an issue for me. I just felt a little let down with myself. Like…I could have done so much better.
Finally, the stadium came into view and I knew I was nearing the end of the race. We were sent back through campus and then turned to the left this time to head toward the stadium. Almost there. I pushed as much as I could at this point. At least there was a crowd here. The steep hill down into the stadium made me pull up. I didn’t want to tear up my quads…and it was really steep. Once I hit the AstroTurf, however, I was ready to cross that finish. I rounded the corner and headed toward the guy passing out footballs. He tossed it to me. Somehow my hands functioned enough to hold onto it and I ran it all the way to the finish line. I wanted to spike it, but I had people in the way, so, I simply held onto it and “Bolted” as I said I would. Then I handed it to the guy collecting footballs and moved on.
Cathy met me at the end of the chute. I looked over at her and said the first thing that came to mind:
“That one hurt.”
And it did. My knee was twinging at me, but I made my way over to the big vat of ice that held water bottles. I grabbed two of them and went to move out of the way. I wanted to get my feet up. First things first…I put my name on the list for a massage. Then, it was over to the dirt path to settle in and put my feet up. I called my mom at this point, but she was busy doing inventory at her job so I kept it short and she promised she would call back later. After about 5 minutes, I sat up and drank down some water. Cathy had my phone and was checking the results.
Guess what…
Me with my football and my age division award for coming in 3rd in my age division at the Marshall University Marathon – Huntington, West Virginia
Despite having one of the hardest races of my life…struggling with the wind and my own mind…I placed third in my age division. IN. A. MARATHON. I was elated. I was shocked. I was ready to get up and move around some more, because I knew that after the race and a quick trip back to the hotel, the car was my destiny, which meant I wouldn’t have the opportunity to stretch it out and keep moving like I did in Chicago. I moved around the field for a bit until it was time for my massage. I, thankfully, got the guy with the giant heating pad, which he put over my back. The massage felt awesome and I was so glad I got one. While that was going on, Cathy set out to find out about age division awards. She wasn’t successful, and returned just as my massage was finishing.
After that, we set out on a mission to find out about awards. It took awhile, but we finally spotted a guy carrying an award and talking to one of his buddies about it. Cathy asked where he got it and he directed us to the other side of the red tent on the field. I went over there and spoke to the gentleman behind the table. He only had the half marathon results so we had to wait. They were having printer problems trying to do the full marathon. About 20-30 minutes later, it was resolved and I received my age division award…a gorgeous blown glass vase done by a local company. It is really beautiful. I had to stick around to get the award because they weren’t mailing them this year. The staff of this race is all volunteers and it makes that task nearly impossible.
After I picked up the award, it was time to head back to the hotel. I made it up an incline, past the statue in the side of the building and to the car. I got inside and it was a quick zip over the river to Ohio and the waiting hotel. We asked for a late checkout time, but it was going to need to be later now since we had to wait on the age division award. I went up to the room to shower…Cathy made arrangements for us to check out at 1 p.m. Except the hotel key wasn’t working. So when she got up there, she had to go back down to the desk and get the key working again. Finally…I was in the room, heading for a nice, hot, relaxing shower.
I was dreading the car ride…but it had to happen. I was also craving grapes. So we stopped off at a travel center and I managed to find this huge cup of grapes. I had to have it…and some more water. Then, the car ride to Lexington. I was starving and while I had wanted to stop frequently to stretch out my legs…I wanted to get to my gluten-free pasta for lunch more. So…we drove through to Lexington, stopping at Bella Notte, my favorite place to eat in Lexington, where I can safely get gluten-free pasta. After that, we walked over to the nearby Half Price Books, where my mom called me back. I talked to her and shopped…and ended up buying a couple of things. Then, it was a hike back to the car, and our last leg into Louisville. We got into town, went to Whole Foods to finish up grocery shopping for the week, hit up the Comfy Cow for some ice cream as a reward for a great race, and then…HOME!
Despite the conditions with the wind (you can’t predict mother nature!), I did enjoy this race. The lack of crowd support does mean you are quite aware of every moment you are actually running in this race. So, if you love to have that crowd as a distraction…this is not the race to run. It was very well organized, however, and it was a lot of fun. The course, while not flat as advertised, wasn’t bad. Loops are a bit daunting though…because you know what’s coming the second time around. But that’s both good and bad. I fought hard for this one and am quite proud of what I accomplished in Huntington.
Official results of the Marshall University Marathon are that I finished in a time of 3:35:55…which I’ll take with a smile on my face. Considering I was down and out for that second loop, the fact that I finished in sub 3:40:00 is still a mystery to me on how I manged it. I do wonder, though, had conditions been different, had that wind not been so defeating, would I have bettered my Chicago time? I can’t dwell on that, however. Because this race wasn’t meant to be run for time. And as disappointed as I am with some of my mile splits, I fought for this one. I dug deep and I really found my strong. I was 84/614 runners overall. I was 10/235 women to cross the finish line. And I was 3/35 in my age division. Despite it all…I’m still smiling.
I’m also enjoying my rest days. I’ve earned them.
Running two marathons within a month of each other will tear you down, and now I am in the rebuilding phase. This marathon really got into my head. It was a mental challenge and a physical challenge. And when I am back out on the roads, I am going to keep in mind how much I fought on this one…and come back ready to get stronger and better. Part of me feels defeated by this one…like it bested me…but the other part of me reminds me that I finished and I finished strong. And while this wasn’t a “good” race as far as how I felt during the event, it was a good reminder that good days and bad days happen…you just roll with it. And if the results you get aren’t want you hoped for…adapt and overcome. It’s hard…but it sure beats the “WHAT IF…” questions your mind will throw at you. I hold my head high and stand proud. This took a lot out of me and showed me just what I was made of.
Huntington, West Virginia…thank you for giving me this opportunity. I will forever treasure the lessons I learned on the roads through your city.
WE ARE…MARSHALL!!
Me with Marco, the mascot of the Marshall University Thundering Herd, after I finished. I was still smiling!
The swag from the Marshall University Marathon – Huntington, WV. Not pictured is the 26.2 magnet you get after you finish as well. I forgot I stuck it on my fridge. It’s in the green and white Marshall University colors.
Me crossing the finish line of the Big Hit Half Marathon – Louisville, Kentucky
Race: Big Hit Half Marathon
Place: Louisville, Kentucky
Date: October 26, 2013
Time: 1:39:00
Ah…the Big Hit Half Marathon (and Quarter Marathon). It’s come around again. This is the third year these two races have run and this is my third year running it. The only difference this year…I chose to do the Big Hit Half Marathon as opposed to the Big Hit Quarter Marathon that I ran the two years prior.
Why?
Because last year when I ran the Quarter Marathon, I placed first in my division. So, when you conquer one thing…you move to the next, yes? So…instead of 6.55 miles this year, I opted for the full 13.1 miles in the half. I was very excited to be changing it up this year and going for the full. While I absolutely love the Quarter Marathon…I was ready to see the course for the Half. So, with a Groupon that gave me half off registration, I signed up…treating this as a training run as I’m still in recovery from the Chicago Marathon.
And then…the weather reports came in.
Every day, the Facebook page for the Big Hit Half Marathon posted the temperature at race time…and it would get colder and colder each time. I was unamused. Because…I hate running in pants. But it does get to the point where it’s just stupid to wear shorts. And when it hits 30 degrees…feels like 29 degrees with the wind…it’s stupid to wear shorts. Although I had a big debate with myself about this…and on the morning of the race, opted to be smart and put on capris at least.
But I’m getting ahead of myself…as usual. This tale begins on Friday…at lunch time. That was when I headed over the river to get to Slugger Field to pick up my packet. There wasn’t much of an expo for this one. It was much smaller than the two years previous. In fact, while there was never a huge expo for the Big Hit…it actually had some vendors the two years prior. This year…there was a table with the awards…and there was also a table from our local Fleet Feet store. Other than that…the small space that the packet pick-up was held this year had the tables with the race numbers for bib and t-shirt pick up. The race bags also contained a few snacks. So, that was nice. But, I wasn’t used to the much downplayed for this race. The Louisville Sports Commission…yes…but not the Big Hit.
But…you can’t judge a race by its expo…or lack thereof.
Anyway…after work that night, I was committed to attending a fun little Halloween party at Louisville’s very own allergy-free bakery, Annie May’s Sweet Café. Friday happens to be gluten-free pizza night there…and the pizza at Annie May’s is the best when it comes to gluten-free. We all know, the night before the race is gluten-free pizza night for me. Keeping the flavors simple, Cathy and I split a gluten-free pizza with Daiya vegan cheese and tomatoes. Nothing spicy or heavy. And we each also got one of the gluten-free soft pretzels. If you are in Louisville in January when Annie May’s brings these back to the weekly rotation…GO AND GET ONE!! Carbed up…the next plan was to go to the pumpkin walk at Iroquois Park…but we were in costumes…and having fun with that, so instead we went to the mall and walked around. So much fun.
But…alas…there was a race the next morning…so we needed to get home so I could turn in and get some much needed rest before the race. I had laid out shorts…being optimistic about the weather. However, when I woke up the following morning and went to do a temperature check…I knew shorts were not happening. Nope. So…out came the capris.
Did I mention that I hate wearing pants? I was totally not feeling like running that morning. But…when you pay good money for a race, unless there are extenuating circumstances…you get your ass to that race. Even if this was being treated as an easy run…since recovery is important…no all-out racing until I recover from Chicago completely…I really, really wasn’t feeling it…at all. Dressed, I ate my cereal and got my change of clothing and whatever else I might need together. Cathy eventually got out of bed and downed some breakfast as well.
After some manic morning stuff, as usual, I got pinned up and let it be known to Cathy that I just wasn’t having a good morning. You know how I mention how amazing I felt at Chicago for the marathon. Yeah…this was the complete opposite. Cold weather and I are arch nemesis’…and today…the cold weather was winning. Especially since the wind was going to pick up and get stronger as the day went on. That being said, we grabbed the race bag, the sign, some snacks, and I filled my fuel belt (one bottle with water, one with Gatorade), snatched up the pre-race banana…and we were out the door, making the drive to Slugger Field. That ride was one of the easiest we had going to a race in Louisville. Honestly. At least there was that. We parked in the lot at Slugger Field and went to go inside, only to have signs directing us to the very small area where packet pickup occurred the day before. This mean…we had to walk around the building, still in the cold, and duck inside. It wasn’t too crowded…but we got away from those doors and ducked into this middle section. I immediately went to use one of the flushing toilets in the stadium…and to my surprise…there was no line. Business taken care of, it was back to shivering and playing the waiting game. It was cold…so when I finally decided I needed to be stretching…it was my half-assed “I’m too cold to stretch” kind of stretching. Good times.
Yep. I’m a wimp.
One of my BlueMile peeps, Kathryn, spotted Cathy and I and we stood around talking. She was in search of Harry, one of the best people in the world to run with, as she was hoping to run with him during the half marathon. We hadn’t seen him, but he wandered through shortly thereafter. Then Terry, another one of my running peeps, stopped by to talk. He had just been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his knee, but it was his birthday…and he had a cortisone shot, so he was prepped to give the half marathon a go. He was also in search of Harry, so when he wandered back through…and went to follow him. Cathy and Tarry managed to follow him through the crowd of gathering runners. Somehow, Kathryn and I lost them. How we lose a girl wearing a blanket is beyond me. But it happened. And it took us a bit of time to find them again. Soon after we did though, the running group peeps joined up. Tammy, Laura, Mike…it was awesome.
BlueMile representing at the Big Hit Half Marathon!! We were a cold bunch ready to run!
Although we were all quite warm standing inside the stadium…the start was about 10 minutes away. We knew it was time to head outside and down to the start line. So, together we all braved the cold morning air, left the comfort of the inner sanctum of Slugger Field, and stepped out into the wintery air of downtown Louisville. It wasn’t a long walk to the start line…but it sure was cold. Cathy and I sort of led the way for the group, but we paused at the start line to take a group shot of those who managed to stick with us. I finally unzipped my hoodie…so the race bib was visible. I think that was out of habit, LOL! Damn you MarathonPhoto!!
And then…we were off to spread out and get to about where we needed to be for the start. Little purple balloons hovered over the sea of runners doing both the half marathon and the quarter marathon. I lined up just slightly back from the 1:45 pace balloon. When I ran Disneyland as a training run, I came in just after 1:42…so I knew this would be a good spot for me to keep me at my training pace.
Some announcements were being made…and I heard Laura and Mike behind me. Laura spotted Natalie, who we were missing at the start. She hadn’t been feeling well, but she was here. So, I went over to give her a good luck hug. Also found Michael and Patrick with her too. Okay…everyone was present and accounted for. That was good. I sneaked back to where I was for the start, finding Dennis from my Saturday running group…and when the announcements none of us could actually hear were done…we were off.
The wave of runners at the beginning of most races in Louisville is chaos. While pace groups dotted the start of this race…not everyone really adheres to where they need to be. I was just doing this for training…so I didn’t care. I just bobbed and weaved through the sea of people as best I could as we traveled down River Road. We were sent that way for about half a mile then we were turned around at a traffic cone and sent back the way we came, going by the start line, and clocking in for the first mile. This year’s course was changed slightly due to the construction going on for the new bridge. Hence…the wonkiness of the start. I was feeling good, but I knew I went out fast and was just trying to get ahead of some of the people I was dodging. So, I eased up…wanting to really abide by my training. I tucked into a nice spot, about 20 feet behind Tammy and two of her friends. I remained there up until about Mile 3…when I pushed past. Tammy was running the Quarter Marathon, so she was halfway there. I still had 10 miles to go. As I passed, she said, “Go Karen! Get it!” I love her!
The thing about the Big Hit Half Marathon and Quarter Marathon is that there isn’t a lot of crowd support happening. Nope. It was very desolate throughout much of the race. Those who volunteered at the aid stations were fantastic…there were even little children who came up with cheers for the runners as they ran by. That was so good. But for much of the time on the road…no crowds. Maybe a pedestrian who was happening by would stop and clap and cheer…but that was it. It made this half marathon more of a mental game than anything. I’m used to at least having some crowd support throughout most races…so this was a bit more like a Disney race…just…with even less support than you find during Disney runs. Because at least when you are in the parks you have a crowd. We were on the roads…and there wasn’t much going on. At Mile 5, the courses split. The Quarter Marathoners went to the left, heading into their last bit of their race, ending at home plate in Slugger Field. Half Marathon runners went to the right, taking Third Street all the way down to Central Avenue. We turned around again, with a quick switchback on Central Avenue before hitting Mile 8.
As I was heading back up Third Street, Harry spotted me as he was running the other way. So did Kathryn soon after that. And after her…Terry. All of them shouted my name and we waved and cheered for each other. I love my running peeps. I was feeling good as I headed into Mile 9 and 10, so I picked it up a little…hitting a brilliant Mile 11. I was two miles out. Still feeling good. The sun was out…and despite the very strong headwind now, I was having a good run and a good time. I was actually starting to feel like I was too warm for my liking. This is what happened at Chicago too. I really need to figure out my running comfort zone when it comes to temperatures. Regardless…the last mile was in reach, and as I turned onto Witherspoon, I could see Slugger Field and even hear the announcer in the distance. LOVED that.
This has always been my favorite part of the Big Hit race. As you come onto Witherspoon, you turn and run into the back entrance of Slugger Field. This puts you on the very back out of the outfield, near the wall. You can see the Finish Line at home plate and you just pick it up, and you run like you just hit a grand slam home run. You round the corner onto the third base line, and you hit the white cover that is laid out. You’re almost to the finish. And for me, I was looking at that clock over the finish line and pushing and pushing and pushing. I touched home plate…and was done.
I paused my Garmin and received a temporary finisher’s medal. Yes…temporary. As I slipped it over my head, I heard, “Karen…let me get a picture!” I looked at it was the MarathonPhoto photographer I got to know really well during the Louisville Triple Crown of Running this past winter. So that was awesome! I posed and then moved on to get the timing chip cut off my shoes. Cathy was waving my sign at me and I pointed at her and screamed, “PR!!” It wasn’t planned, but man…I felt so good. After getting the timing chip removed, I grabbed some of the offered snacks. I got a granola bar for Cathy, and grabbed a half banana and an slice of orange for myself. Along with some water. Then, I made my way up the steps, feeling my knee once again aching, but ignoring that. I stopped off at the results tent and they printed up my real-time results…and without even looking at them, I went to find where Cathy was camped.
She and Natalie (who ran the Quarter Marathon) were standing there and ready to give me hugs. I handed the results off to Cathy while I chatted up Natalie about how her race went. She did amazing. Even came in first in her age division. In fact, a lot of my group placed in their divisions for each race. I didn’t…but I wasn’t aiming to. All I knew was somehow I managed to clock a new fastest half marathon time. I didn’t know what it was officially, but it beet Lake Minnetonka…but at least a full minute. So, after I managed to eat my banana and orange, I asked Cathy for the results and we finally took a look at them.
My official results for the Big Hit Half Marathon are that I finished this 13.1 miles in 1:39:00. Holy cow!! And yes…that is my exact time. LOL!! A new PR!! I was so very proud because I wasn’t even aiming for a new PR. I was just running a comfortable pace and enjoying my run. Love when magic happens. I was 57/799 finishers overall. I was 10/440 females to cross the finish line and touch that home plate. And…I was 4/92 in my age division. I couldn’t have been happier with those results.
As much as I wanted to hang out and see my peeps get their awards for their division placements…I was cold and hungry. We walked Natalie to her car, as we had wrapped her up in the warm Sherpa blanket. And then…after congratulating her again, we headed to our car to get over to Annie May’s Sweet Café for some post-race food.
I always have a good time running in the Big Hit races. I was so happy to step up and move to the Half Marathon this year. I knew I could have rocked that Quarter…but since I needed 12 miles anyway…paced…this was the perfect opportunity to test it out. I stayed at my race pace the entire time. And even had negative splits. Can’t argue with those results.
Oh, and as for the finisher’s medals…it seems that they didn’t ship in time, so they hadn’t received them yet. As a consolation, the race provided temporary ones that we get to keep and will mail the official ones to us this week. I thought it was great of them to have medals to supplment for the runners. They didn’t have to do that, but they did. And that’s part of what makes this race so amazing.
Big Hit Half Marathon…I do intend to run you again next year. Thanks for always being awesome.
You know…I used to check the weather religiously when I would wake up in the morning. All last winter and throughout this summer, the first thing I would do upon turning off my alarm would be to roll over and check the Weather Channel app on my phone and make a judgement call about wardrobe and the like.
I seem to have fallen off that system. I don’t even bother checking these days. I can’t explain the change…I just…don’t.
So, imagine my surprise this morning when I laced up my Adidas Boosts (random brand plug!), threw on some shorts and a long sleeve tech shirt and went out for a run…aiming to hit my mileage with some negative splits. I set out…and am immediately slapped with one of the strongest winds I have run through in a long time. And, of course, for the long uphill…the wind was blowing toward me. Headwinds suck. And whenever I do find where I’d have a tailwind…the winds seem to calm.
Mother Nature has a sense of humor when it comes to runners, I think. But…it’s all good. I embraced the added challenge of a bit of resistance during the run this morning. And I hit my miles and my negative splits. It wasn’t pretty…but it happened. I can only imagine what some of those drivers were thinking as they passed me fighting 16 mph winds this morning. I probably looked like I was running in place when those gusts got strong. Nature’s treadmill is a strong headwind. Trust me.
All I could do was laugh. And I was laughing a lot. It was, actually, just what I needed in a run. A strong wind to make me fight for it and dig deep…but still find the humor in the moment. I love laughing on my runs. I don’t often find a reason…but this morning gave me the perfect opportunity.
Moments like that make these solitary runs a lot more enjoyable. Live in the moment. Fight an uphill battle against a strong opponent…and win.
Find your strong…believe the run…
And don’t forget to smile.
And laugh.
It sure makes the miles go faster! Even if you’re running straight into a 16 mph wind…
The Celiathlete 