Category: tales from the road

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Pro.Active For Life 5K – Frankfort, KY (May 9, 2014)

Me crossing the finish line of the Pro.Active For Life 5K - Frankfort, Kentucky
Me crossing the finish line of the Pro.Active For Life 5K – Frankfort, Kentucky

Race: Pro.Active For Life 5K

Place: Downtown Frankfort, Frankfort, Kentucky

Date: May 09, 2014

Time: 22:01

SO CLOSE!!

I was so close to hitting my sub-22 minute 5K goal on this race.  It’s a bit of a letdown to be that close to my goal and to fall short.  By two…freakin’…seconds.

However, I don’t feel that this is a disappointment at all.  In fact, I still count this as a victory.  Not only did I clock a new 5K PR by 26 seconds…but I did this…on my recovering ankle.  Yes…the very ankle that has been plaguing me since February.  The very same ankle I rehabbed…and that has mentally left me feeling nervous and, yes, scared, to really push on the roads.  I don’t want to damage it again.  I don’t want to push too much too fast and end up back to square one on the recovery.  I can’t afford another round of physical therapy…that’s for damn sure!

Anyway…that being said, I went into the Pro.Active For Life 5K (the second leg of the Frankfort Trifecta) with only one thing in mind…and it wasn’t defending my title.  Nope.  Not one bit.  It was to just…have fun.  That had been my goal all along.  After not even placing in my age division during the Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K (the first race in the Trifecta), I didn’t even consider defending my title I won last year.  Nope.  And it still isn’t even a glimmer in my eye for the next race in June.  The entire goal this time…was to enjoy the run.  To have fun.  To…maybe test myself a little.

But first, I had to get through the workday.  And in order to make sure that I could leave on time to drive to Frankfort and deal with any traffic…I wore my running skirt to work.  I will probably never do this again, because I got teased unmercifully over it.  And…while I am a good sport about things…this really bothered me.  Probably because it was my place of business.  None of my bosses had a problem with it.  But, some of my co-workers made some comments that just…bothered me.  So…yeah…I’ll just stop what I’m doing even if I don’t have the time to do so, and change like I normally do.  So much for trying to streamline the process, right?  It was also supposed to storm.  Like…right at race time.  I watched the weather all day, because, as we know…if I run in Frankfort, Kentucky…it will either rain before, during, or after I do so.  I was so not looking forward to running in the rain…and this meant I had to wear my old shoes for rainy conditions…MEH!  But…it was time to stop watching the weather and pack up to get on the road.

Cathy and I actually left a couple of minutes early and we hit the road.  About half an hour later…she was ready for her peanut butter and jelly sandwich that I had packed for our dinner.  I wanted to wait a bit longer, but was told we would make our usual Kroger stop for snacks as we got into Frankfort.  This is also where I go and use a real bathroom instead of a port-a-potty!  There is a method to this madness.  HAHA!  So, I gave in and removed the sammie from the cooler, along with the last of our paleo cookies and our water bottles.  And we commenced the noshing.

The food died a messy death.  I think I was hungrier than I thought I was.  And, soon, we were pulling into the parking lot of Kroger.  I went to throw away the baggies that held our sandwiches and go to use the restroom while Cathy went to grab snacks for us (Doritos for her…a banana for me!).  We were back on our way to the race in no time.  And, for some reason beyond even her knowledge, Cathy turned the wrong way.  So, we had to pull over and wait for a break in the traffic to turn around and head the right way to the parking garage where we normally park for Frankfort races.  We parked in the same spot we always park in before stashing some of our stuff in the trunk and heading up to the street level to get to packet pickup.

It was a short walk, and I stepped inside to a madhouse.  It was packed and busy and buzzing.  YAY!  Energy!  It took a few minutes, but I finally worked my way up to the table and gave them my name.  I was asked if I was doing the Trifecta, and I said I was…so the volunteer helping me when to find my bag.  While I waited, I snagged four safety pins.  The man returned with my bag with my tech shirt (I paid for an upgrade!) and my bib and a few goodies and informational handouts tucked inside.  I thanked him and removed myself from the building, heading outside to meet up with Cathy and get pinned up for the start of the race.  I ate my banana and we moved to stand on the lawn of the old Capitol building so I could do some stretching.  I promised my physical therapists I would be good about stretching…and Cathy has been holding me to it.

I even did some strides.  Nothing hard and fast.  Nothing all-out.  Just an easy jog down and up the road.  I did this for a few paces…until the cars were becoming bothersome (the roads weren’t completely closed yet) and went to stand on the sidewalk opposite the Capitol to do a few more stretches and await the official line-up portion of the race.  This came to be moments later, and Cathy gave me a hug and told me to have fun before going to find a place to stand to spectate.  I moved to the starting lineup, staying rather close to the front, wanting to avoid the children that would, inevitably, crowd the front of the start line.  I love this race, but that is the most difficult part of this race.  Some of the kids can hold their own…but some are just trying to be up front…and that can be dangerous.  And, wouldn’t you know it?  I blinked and suddenly was in a sea of children, one with a dog on a rope, lining up near the front.  They weren’t the contenders you would expect at the front…I could tell from the conversation.  The, “My goal is just to keep up with the dog,” comment was a dead giveaway.  But, this is their race too…and everyone signs that waver.

Debbie Brown got on the microphone and began to give some instructions.  Unfortunately, the running crowd wasn’t quieting down…so I heard none of this.  She did get us ready to run though, faking us out with an “On your mark…”  And then making us stretch.  HAHA!! EVIL!  But soon, she gave the word…and the starting gun went off!

And I was off.  Kind of.  Because those I was pushed and elbowed by the woman standing next to me, hard enough that her arm shut off my Garmin watch.  I had to restart it.  And all those kids that had lined up near the front…I saw a little girl go down in the fray…and Cathy said another kid, a boy, was also pushed down.  Dangerous…see.  I know it’s exciting, but I hate seeing kids get hurt at the start of a race because they lined up in the front, where the competitive runners are trying to position themselves.

That being said…I moved onward, heading down the street and making the left turn on the course to start on the path toward the Capitol.  My legs felt heavy and tired.  I guess going to spinning on Friday morning probably wasn’t the wisest thing I had done on a race day.  I pressed on though, and felt that I was moving at a good clip regardless.   I made another turn and was heading up the street toward the incline that would take us over the bridge and toward the Capitol where we would make our turn to come back toward the finish line.  About halfway up the street, just before the water stop, I hit my first mile.  My watched beeped a moment later, and apparently I went out hard…hitting that first mile in 6:54.  Whew.  But, the rest of my race was certainly more conservative.  I passed up the water and made my way up the small incline to dash around the annex area and come back around.  There was a nice downhill awaiting the runners there, and I slightly pulled up so as not to strain my quads.  I passed up the water again and carried myself through to Mile 2.  Just over a mile to go.  I pressed on, passing some people and being passed by others.  The legs were screaming at me, but I kept going.  I headed back over the bridge and, this time, down the steep incline to make my way down the street to make the final two turns before the finish line would come into view.  It was when the street leveled out that my legs really began to feel fatigued.  I was determined though.  I might have slowed down, but I was still moving forward.

I made the final turn and headed up the ramp that would carry us to the main street where the finish line was waiting.  I couldn’t make out the clock at the moment, but I was pushing as much as I dared.  I just wanted to get to that finish.  As I got closer…I saw…21:57…21:58…I tried to kick it into gear, and I crossed the finish line at a point I couldn’t tell if  I hit sub-22 or not.  I had to wait for official results.  But I was worn out, tired, thirsty, but feeling rather awesome at that point.  Cathy came rushing over…declaring…”You were third female!”  I was shocked by that too, as I wasn’t aiming to win, place, or show in this race.  I just wanted to run it…and do the best I could.  I guess I had more gas in the tank than I thought.

I moved through the finish area, being handed a bottle of water and then went to just walk around as we awaited results.  I didn’t care where I placed…I wanted to see if I hit that sub-22.  It was going to be SO close.  Cathy and I decided to walk to the other side of the square and cheer on runners as they came down the street before making their final turns to the finish.  That was fun.  I love cheering people on…I know it lifts me up while on the run, so I wanted to lift them up.  We moved on to go cheer at the finish line…just walking back and forth.  As I was heading back to the finish line, I was stopped by a nice lady with a stroller who asked how I did.  I told her that I did well…I beat last year’s time if nothing else.  She said she knew I had been worried about it with my ankle and was glad to hear it.  YAY!!  BLOG READER!!

Me with my bronze medal and bag of goodies for being the 3rd Overall Female at the Pro.Active For Life 5K - Frankfort, Kentucky
Me with my bronze medal and bag of goodies for being the 3rd Overall Female at the Pro.Active For Life 5K – Frankfort, Kentucky

Soon after, results were starting to get put up, so we meandered over there.  Cathy moved up ahead of me and looked at the results before I had the chance to do so myself.  She said…”You finished in 22:01!”  “SO CLOSE!” was my response.  I was just 2 seconds away from a sub-22 minute 5K.  SO close!!  Finishing in the top three females was an added bonus and not something I was even shooting for.  I love an added confidence booster.

So, this meant we needed to hang around for the awards…which was fine…just not something we actually had planned for.  A much later return home now…but I wasn’t going to complain.  I was feeling so much better about my running now.  And, after a moment, I went to chat up the winner of the 5K, not Kendall…she came in second this year…a nice woman who is a teacher in Frankfort…Robin Lawhorn.  Why randomly go chat her up?  Why not?  Well…one reason was she was wearing Newton’s.  Just like me.  We have great taste in shoes and since I know how hard it is to find Newton’s in this area…well…I had to talk to her.  Turns out she picked hers up at a triathlon store in Lexington.  Going to have to look that up next time I head to Lexington, for sure!

Cathy and I went to walk around the old Capitol building a little bit to pass the time before the awards.  But we soon just went down toward the street to watch the last of the walkers come in and to dance with the music that was being played.  After a little while, Debbie grabbed the microphone and asked if any children wanted to help pass out the medals.  She was consumed by a bunch of volunteers.  So…it was medal time.  And they started with the overall males and then moved to the overall females.  And as I came in third…I was called up first…and handed the wrong medal…and a very nice gift bag.  My picture was taken I then went to track down someone to give the gold medal back to and exchange it for the bronze.  I finally got that cleared up, and after some photos with Kendal and Robin…I got my stuff together to head home.

I normally would have stayed for more awards…but…I had another race on Saturday morning in Louisville.  So I needed to get home…and storms were apparently coming.  And, true to form, it stormed on us pretty bad on the drive back to Louisville.  Never fails.  If I keep running in Frankfort, they will never have a drought.

That being said, the official results of the Pro.Active For Life 5K are that I finished in 22:01, setting a new PR for myself.  I know I can hit that sub-22 goal this year…I’m just really going to have to work hard for it.  I intend to do just that though…for sure.  I was 28/843 finishers overall.  I was 3/509 female finishers.  And, would have been 1/70 in my age division.  But, as I came in 3rd Female Overall…no age division award for me.  I’m okay with that, because I totally exceeded all expectations of myself.  I don’t know where that came from, but I’m so glad that somewhere inside…my body remembered what it felt like to fly.

Another year of running the Pro.Active For Life 5K behind me and I’m already looking forward to next year’s race.  I swear, there is something so near and dear to me about this race.  It’s a challenging, but fun course…and I was able to run it better this year than I did last year.  I hope to continue to come back to Frankfort for not only this race, but the Trifecta, year in and year out.  As it stands, I’m feeling a little better about pushing myself a little harder.  I’m still tentative…my mind not quite overcoming the natural fear of getting hurt again or doing further damage.  But…this race proves that I’m getting there.  And I’ll only continue to get there…as long as I run smart and run with all my heart.

See you next year!!


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Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon – Louisville, KY (April 19, 2014)

Silvia, Aaron, Andrea, Me, Kat, and Colleen after finishing the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and Mini Marathon
Silvia, Aaron, Andrea, Me, Kat, and Colleen after finishing the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and Mini Marathon – Louisville, Kentucky

Race: Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon

Place: Louisville, Kentucky

Date: April 19, 2014

Time: 4:13:01*

Ahhh…where to start?  Where do I even begin to start?!  There was so much excitement coming into this race because there were people I knew who were flying or driving in to run either the full or the half marathon.  And if that wasn’t enough excitement…I was asked by one of them to pace her to a sub-4 marathon finish.  I didn’t have to think about this at all.  I was more than happy to assist my friend, Colleen, in attempting to meet her goal.  And that…my friends…is the reason for the asterisk on this post.  I wasn’t running this race to race it for me.  I was running it to help a friend…and come what may, I was staying by her side the entire time.  I take my “job” as a pacer very seriously…and I trained to run at an easier pace than I normally would for a marathon.

But…I might be getting ahead of myself a little.

First of all, there was the expo.  As I am local to the area, I figured it would be much better for me to hit up the expo on Thursday, before the mad crush on Friday set in.  So, after work, I headed over the river to the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown, Louisville, Kentucky.  There weren’t a lot of signs that directed people to where the expo was, so Cathy and I simply followed the crowds, figuring someone had to have an idea of where they were going.  This did pay off, and soon we were on an escalator heading up to where the expo was being held.

Most expos in Louisville are small matters.  And while this one was not huge…it wasn’t just a couple of tables and Fleet Feet either.  In fact, walking in, I ended up going to the table for the mini marathon (actually a half marathon…as there are different definitions of what a mini marathon is)…and then had to slide over to the full marathon where I picked up my race packet (which included a woman’s tech shirt, a hat, and other goodies).  I was complimented on already having my wallet out and ready…the volunteer going, “Well, you’ve done this before, I see.”  Oh yeah…a few times.  *WINK*

After receiving my packet, Cathy and I turned to see about walking through the actual expo part.  But first, we both stopped to sign the “I run because…” wall.  Cathy put up something about not being a runner, but being great at ringing a cowbell (AWESOME!), and I wrote a tribute to my grandpa.  It was fitting.  We hit up the official merchandise first, where my phone rang.  I answered it, and unfortunately, it was a friend of mine giving me some horrible news about her sister.  Her sister was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and she asked that I do something for her sister during my race.  I wasn’t going to say no to that.  At all.  I was more than happy to help.  After I hung up, I ran into Harry and Tammy, two people I often run with, and we stood around and talked for a little while.  Cathy spotted the official Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon BondiBand…and I knew I was making that purchase.  But then I spotted these bright lime green arm warmers.  Upon trying on the smallest size, I found that they actually fit my little noodle-y arms.  That doesn’t happen often.  So…I ended up with those as well.  I immediately said I was not allowed to buy anything else.  So, I spent the rest of the time winding my way through the expo and trying not to get too caught up in it where I end up buying more stuff.  I managed.

I knew my friend Kat and her boyfriend, Adam, were at the expo as well, so I gave a quick text to find out where she was.  She was in from Buffalo, New York and I was really looking forward to seeing her.  She had already made her way through the expo and they were sitting outside the entrance.  I exited…and my bib was activated as I did so…and spotted her immediately.  We ran up and gave each other a hug.  Kat was going to run the half marathon with our friend Andrea.  Andrea’s husband and our friend Silvia was doing the full with Colleen and I.  And our entire group was getting together Friday night at Martini’s in Louisville for pre-race food.  But, I got some time to chat with Kat and discuss where she was eating Thursday night (she wanted local breweries…and found one!).  We said good-bye for the time being as it was getting late and I still needed my customary night before the night before a marathon meal – Indian food.  It was off to Shalimar where I got a the vegan Yellow Dahl…spicy of course…and everything seemed right with the world.  Got home around 8:30 p.m. where I got things ready for work in the morning and went to bed.

Friday morning came and I got up to do my shakeout run per my training program.  Three  miles.  Race pace.  Or 25 minutes of running.  Whichever came first.  I did an easy run for three miles and then went inside to get ready for work.  Normally I would go to spin class on Friday…but not this time.  I needed fresh legs for Saturday’s race.  That threw me off, by the way…having a marathon on a Saturday.  I’m so used to Sunday races.  All I needed to do was get through the workday and then it was fun times at Martini’s with my racing friends.

The workday did go by relatively fast.  There was some discussion about the upcoming race as the receptionist wanted to know where Cathy was going to be as one of her son’s and her husband were running.  Her son was doing the full; her husband was taking on the half marathon.  In fact, her husband came in to take her to lunch and we talked a little bit about the course and how the events were going to unfold that following morning.  But when 4:30 p.m. hit, I was out the door with Cathy and we were winging our way to Martini’s in Louisville.

We arrived just as Kat and Adam were arriving.  Imagine that.  The rest of the crew, Andrea, Aaron, and Silvia were there.  We were simply waiting on Colleen…who flew in from Chicago and was taking a taxi to the restaurant.  If I had thought about it beforehand, I would have offered to pick her up on the way from her hotel.  Anyway…it was taking awhile to get there…traffic was insane.  So, we all just made small chat and browsed the menu on occasion.  We had plenty to talk about and most of it had to do with racing.  Well…that and acquaintances and life and everything else.  In fact…there wasn’t too much discussion about the race going on at all.  Rather, we discussed previous races we had done…and how we were feeling…and what we might like to eat that night.  Some ordered wine.  I stuck with water.  Bread was brought to the table.  I’m gluten-free and didn’t touch it.  Kat, who has a dairy allergy, was brought a dairy-free ciabatta bread to enjoy.  That was very nice of the chef and the restaurant to do.

Me and my gang at Martini's the night before the race! (L-R: Adam, Colleen, Me, Cathy, Silvia, Aaron, Andrea, Kat)
Me and my gang at Martini’s in Louisville, Kentucky, the night before the race! (L-R: Adam, Colleen, Me, Cathy, Silvia, Aaron, Andrea, Kat)

And…then Colleen appeared.  And we all greeted her happily and let her get settled in.  I wanted to sit next to her so we could discuss her race strategy if needed.  The waitress who was tending to us was kind enough to take a picture of our group.  And with that, we were ready to get to the business of pre-race fueling the night before.  And I actually had to do something different this time.  Every race prior to this, gluten-free pizza is a must for me.  I always have gluten-free pizza.  It works.  Martini’s has gluten-free pasta…but not pizza.  So…I changed it up.  I altered my usual plan.  I had…the Gluten-Free Pomodoro, which was gluten-free fusilli pasta (brown rice) that was topped light garlic tomato sauce, a basil chiffonade, and I asked them to leave the mozzarella off…due to my lactose intolerance.  I don’t play around before a marathon.  Nope.  Everyone else put in their orders and we were left to return to our various conversations.  I was jumping back and forth on topics with a variety of people…which is how I roll.  And after a little bit of a wait, our food began arriving.  My order was perfect…no cheese…gluten-free…and it looked amazing.  It smelled good too.  Everyone else received their plates…but the kitchen forgot to do Kat’s dairy-free pasta with the brown rice pasta as requested.  Hers was sent back but she told us to go ahead and start while she waited on her replacement dish.  After a small wait…her food was served and we all were digging in.

Another thing I did differently…I didn’t have dessert.  I have always treated myself to a dessert the night before a marathon.  And while Martini’s did have some gluten-free options…they weren’t dairy free.  So, alas…I went without.  It was strange…not having that little sweet treat at the end of the celebratory meal.  A few of my peeps enjoyed either a drink or dessert…but then…we all agreed it was time to head back to our respective hotels or homes…because it was going to be an early morning.  Cathy and I volunteered to take Colleen back down to her hotel near the convention center…and we ended up doing a scenic tour because I-71 was backed up.  Taking the long way around gave us some more time to chat with her though…and we soon got her to her hotel and we headed home ourselves.

I made some tea…did my physical therapy stretches…and foam rolled.  I had every intention of getting to bed early, but by the time we got home and by the time I was done doing my necessary stretching…it was a normal bedtime.  Ah well.  I never get to bed early on race nights, even when I make every attempt to do just that.  Nothing new here.  The only part that concerned me was that the downstairs neighbors were having a rowdy party.  Seriously.  I turned on the fan in my room and turned up the sound machine.  Thankfully…this drowned out all the noise.  I was not, however, afraid to be that neighbor who called the cops.

My first alarm of two (my usual race morning routine) went off at 3 a.m.  I got out of bed and did the first part of my race morning routine…then went back to bed for about an hour.  The second alarm went off and I was so tempted to stay curled up in bed.  But I knew Cathy would be getting up in another hour and I had to get on my race gear, get some coffee, get some breakfast, and do my physical therapy stretches as well.  So…I reluctantly got out of my cozy bed and went to pour myself some coffee (which I set to automatically brew, giving me time to drink it and pee before I left the apartment…no such thing as TMI, folks!).  I had my outfit laid out the night before, so I put on a coat of Body Glide, eased into my race day clothes, put on my Newton’s (the first time I was running a marathon in this particular pair…the new pair…which I bought in Atlanta).  I did my stretches for my ankle and legs and then heard Cathy come out of her room.  So…I got up to pour her coffee and get our cereal bowls down and filled.  We tried to have a relaxing morning, but I was just…everywhere.  I put my water and Nuun into their bottles then attached them to my fuel belt.  I stashed my GU packets in my pockets where I could easily get to them…and stocked a few extra in my fuel belt…just in case.  I slipped into my hoodie.  I brushed my teeth and put my hair in pigtails with my colors of choice…rainbow…and pink.  I don’t know why…it just seemed right.  And then…Cathy grabbed her bag, stashed with more Nuun, more water, and my protein shake, a towel, med kit…and other items…grabbed how cow bell…and grabbed my sign.  And we were out the door.

Our first stop was the Sheraton in Jeffersonville to pick up Andrea, Aaron and Silvia.  They were providing me with a (big) race day banana so I wouldn’t have to swing by the grocery store the night before.  We made plenty of big banana jokes because we are totally awesome like that.  It was just a short drive over the bridge and into parking at the KFC YUM! Center.  No problems at all.  We stashed what we didn’t need in the car and began to hike down the sidewalk toward the start line.

Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics. I'm in the Wonder Woman shirt (the red) right there in the middle!
Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics before the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and Mini Marathon in Louisville, Kentucky. I’m in the Wonder Woman shirt (the red) right there in the middle!

We were quite a few blocks away, but it did allow us to see the start line and walk past the corral system.  Originally I was placed in Corral B…but everyone else was in Corral C…so I decided to hop back to where all the cool kids were.  But…first…I had a 7 a.m. photo to be present for.  The Marathon Maniacs were meeting near bag check…in front of Slugger Field…to have our group photo taken.  That wasn’t happening yet…so I figured I’d not be a princess for a moment and go use one of the port-o-potties.  I was the first person in mine…and had to figure out how to get the paper wrapper of the toilet paper.  Thankfully this one had the antibacterial lotion to put on your hands afterwards.  Afterwards, Silvia (also a Marathon Maniac) and I went over to Slugger Field and got with the gathered Maniacs and Half Fanatics.  This was where I found Harry.  YAY!  I gave him a hug and we chatted for a little bit before the photo op.  And then…photo madness.  I was asked if I could squat down some because “you’re really tall.”  I thanked the girl for saying that…as I’ve never been called “very tall” before in my life.  I’ll take it!  Cathy ended up on photo duty for a lot of people and she did it with style.  And then…we all dispersed.  Silvia and I went back to where we left Aaron and Andrea…who were waiting on Kat and Colleen.  Kat showed up across the street and we went to go meet up with her.  Except as Andrea forged ahead, I met up with my running buddy, Patrick.  He was also in Corral C…so we hugged and I told him I’d see him in the corral.  I never saw him again…

I made it through the stream of people and got up to where Kat and Andrea were waiting.  Adam came to take a picture of the three of us.  And Aaron made his way over as well.  Kat and Andrea were doing the mini…so they were in Corral A.  WOOHOO!!  The rest of us fell into Corral C…where I was in search of my race buddy for the next 26.2 miles.  And, thankfully…we did find Colleen…whew.  I wasn’t sure what I would do if I didn’t find the person I promised to pace.  We moved up a little…I searched for Patrick…but with no luck.  And we eagerly awaited the start.

It was actually a cool morning with a wind.  I was shivering a little in my short sleeves and skirt, but I know I warm up fast…so this was actually not a bad idea.  As the race progressed, I was kind of wishing I had on a tank.  If my number had been attached to my fuel belt (which I normally do, but changed that up too, pinning it to my shirt) and not my Wonder Woman tech shirt…than I probably would have shed the shirt and just gone in the sports bra…about the time we got through Churchill Downs.  Just saying.  When it warmed up…it warmed up quickly.

Again…I’m getting ahead of myself…

The wheelchair racers were sent off and the elites and first corral eagerly anticipated their start.  We heard the countdown…and the start.  And we stood as our corral wasn’t going anywhere yet.  In fact…even as the different corrals were brought up to the start, this was the first time I was pretty much on top of the start line before I even started to jog.  Everyone was just meandering.  I’m used to a warm-up jog over the start mat at least 20 feet away.  Not here.  I even commented to Aaron and Colleen that it felt weird to still be walking.

But we were soon over the start mat and we were off…hitting the streets of Louisville, Kentucky for 26.2 miles.  I was super excited and feeling really good.

So was Colleen.  The brisk morning was perfect for running.  She had an old running jacket on, which she did shed around Mile 2…but we decided to start conservatively.  In fact, we lined up just behind the 4 hour pace group.  And we stayed there…for about the first three miles.  It was as they went through a turn that Colleen and I passed them and stayed ahead of them.  That was a good feeling.  In fact, we put some distance between us and the pacers…and all the while I would talk to my runner…and ask how the pace felt…how she felt…and told her that we would do what she needed…just to let me know.

It was nice to run with someone.  The miles just ticked by.  We talked about our jobs, our families, what we liked, what we disliked, how she and I are in the minority…as in we love to eat after running and always get the “runchies” and “runger.”  Ah…it’s nice to not be the only one ready to eat after a run.  Our miles were coming along great.   We both were feeling good.  We were actually surprised there was no 5K mat down as we ran past that point.  No matter.  On with the run.  And the morning was absolutely stunning too.  We kept on going, loving the people who came out to cheer, taking advantage of their motivation and their funny signs.  We passed a runner wearing a birthday balloon.  Moments later, the group behind her started to sing happy birthday to her.  It was awesome!  Before we knew it, we were hitting the 10K mark.  As I was acting as a pacer, I actually looked at my watch during this race…and we were making perfect time.  In fact, as we came into Mile 8…just before heading into Churchill Downs, we had time to spare.  Just in case.  As we made the turn to head into Churchill Downs, I turned to Colleen and said, “Now we get to run like pretty ponies.”

For those of you wondering…no…we don’t run on the track.  They did have horses out though, so that was cool.  We entered the infield and made our way around the paved portion of it.  As we came into a turn, I spotted Andrea (I couldn’t miss her in her pink socks).  I told Colleen we should try to catch up to her…and we did.  I didn’t see Kat…but it turns out Andrea’s IT Band was acting up…and she told Kat to go on without her.  Instead, Colleen and I fell into step with her and we ran with her the rest of the way through Churchill Downs…and only parted ways when the split for the mini and the full came up.  Colleen and I were to stay to the right…Andrea had to go left.  We said goodbye and wished her well…telling her to be careful.  And we were now on our way to the challenging part of the run – Iroquois Park.

But there were still a few miles to chase down before we entered the park.  I was talking to her, letting her know that while this was a hilly park and there would be some climbs…it wasn’t going to be too bad.  And, with the removal of the hill at Mile 23…these would be our only hills this race.  YAY!  She did make a mention that she was getting a side stitch, so we eased the pace back just slightly to allow her to breathe deeper and see about ridding herself of the cramp.  She said she ate way too much for breakfast before the race.  But, soon she said it was easing and we kept on and kept easy conversation.  We were so busy talking that somehow I missed seeing Mile 10.  We were reaching Mile 11…and the park was just head.  We came into it…and immediately were sent up our first hill.  Colleen wanted to attack the hills and ease up on the downhills…so that was the strategy we were going with.  And she really did so well on those hills.  Honestly.  But the day was heating up…and it was about to take it’s toll on my runner.

She made it through the park in good shape.  I pulled ahead of her for a few moments, but would find myself glancing back and seeing her behind me.  I’d pull off to the side and wait for her.  And we’d continue on.  I leapfrogged like this all the way up our final hill in the park and through the downhill that carried us then past the amphitheater and then…back out.  A glance over my shoulder and Colleen wasn’t with me again.  I got past the crowd and pulled over to the side, keeping my legs moving to prevent cramping.  And a moment later, I saw her making her way toward me.  I rejoined her again, and we pressed on.  I asked how she was feeling…and she said she was definitely feeling it.  To make matters worse, she said she had this hard lump (probably her breakfast) in her stomach…and it was just sitting there.  It was definitely not making her feel better.  And now that we were out of the park, we were out of the shade as well.  The sun was high in the sky and the heat was getting to my friend from Chicago…who was not prepared nor acclimated to this sort of weather yet.  She was sweating out salt, so I encouraged her to take in some of her electrolyte drink.  While her stomach wasn’t feeling well…she did this and…then we had our first walk break.

She was definitely not doing well at all.  My job, however, as her pacer, was to get her to that finish line.  And I was going to make sure I did just that.  She glanced over at me.  “I hate that I’m walking right now.”  I told her not to worry about it.  We would just readjust our goals.  She said she still wanted her sub-4…and I said I would do my best to see her there.  She started to jog…and then we were off again.  Between the heat from the sun and her stomach, she really wasn’t doing well and every mile from here on out was a struggle.  But…I was doing my best to keep her mind off of her pain…and into the race.  Anything and everything I could think of to keep her moving forward.  Even if that forward movement was a walk.  And…it was that for some of it.  That’s okay.  Walk breaks are necessary.  At one point, I pulled ahead of her again…and as I glanced back, I slowed down and let her catch up.  She was definitely not feeling good at all.  I asked how she was doing, and she said she got dizzy back there.  So…I told her we’d ease off the pace and at the next water station, she was to take in the Powerade (for the sodium!) and some water.  She agreed…and we walked and jogged our way to that next water stop.  And she did just as I asked her to!

Colleen was pushing through it…taking breaks where she needed.  I told her I wasn’t going to leave her behind, so we stuck together and I helped her tough it out.  And when it really got rough, I did everything I could to get her head back into the race.  I think the biggest mental break for her, however, was when the 4 hour pace team passed us up.  She pushed to stay ahead of them, but when she needed another walk break, they went on ahead.  This wasn’t easy for her…as she really, really wanted that sub-4…and was well on her way to that until the race turned ugly for her.  I could almost see the defeat in her eyes.  So…I told her to set a secondary goal.  About six miles out, she said…4:10.  I told her it was doable…but we’d take it mile-for-mile.

I talked to a bunch of other runners along the way as we made our way through the streets of Louisville.  Things were starting to look familiar again, and I kept pointing ahead and saying, “See that?  That’s the skyline…that’s downtown…we’re almost there.”  Anything just to get her through this wall and on her way to that finish line.  The morning sun was getting warmer and she was really fighting for each stride.  We walked more when she needed it, and then I’d get her moving again, telling her to at least jog to the next water stop.  Which was a great idea…until there wasn’t  a water stop anywhere near us.  We did eventually find one…and we walked through it, giving her some time to recover and assess how she felt.

I gotta hand it to Colleen…she is a fighter.  And when we came into those last three miles, I said, “It’s just a 5K race now.  That’s all.  You got this.”  And with each mile…I would tell her it was just like being out on an easy training run.  She still had a few more walk breaks, but at Mile 25…right at Mile 25…her watched showed 4 hours exactly.  It was now my job to see her into her final 1.2 (or in our case 1.42) miles.  Every chance I would get I would say something encouraging and really try to drive her home.  She felt a little better…and I said we were going to sprint to that finish.  We had to go down a stretch of road first before making that turn to the finishing chute.  But…I talked her through it, telling her that the finish was right ahead…all that noise…that was her goal.

Me crossing the finish line of the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon - Louisville, Kentucky
Me crossing the finish line of the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon – Louisville, Kentucky

And we made the turn and we turned on those afterburners.  I had a lot of extra energy left, as I wasn’t running this race at pace.  In fact…I felt awesome.  I found myself flying past people at the finish line.  I know the runners I passed were probably wondering what the hell got into me that I could have such a strong finishing kick.  But, honestly, my legs felt strong and I was just unstoppable at that point.  I crossed the line and moved out of the way.  Colleen was just behind me…and when she crossed that finish line, she burst into tears.  Not tears of sadness for not hitting that sub-4 goal.  You see…she accomplished something far better.  She finished her second marathon.  She finished strong.  She fought through moments of wanting to stop and quit.  She proved she was stronger than the course.  And…she now had a 17 minute PR for the marathon distance.  I pulled her into a hug and we both celebrated our finish.

Afterwards, we made our way through the path, getting handed the Mylar blanket to wrap around us.  Kat spotted us from the fence and said that Aaron and Andrea and Silvia were waiting in the recovery area.  Colleen and I walked that way, getting our finisher’s medals, some chocolate milk, and desperately seeking out some kind of food.  Near where our group had assembled was a table full of bananas.  We grabbed one and went to join everyone.

Natalie was there.  My sole sister…Natalie.  We hugged and just talked and talked and talked.  I put my feet up and just joined into the race talk with my friends.  I drank down the rest of my Nuun and then started in on my Smart Water.  We knew that people had planes to catch and cars to climb back into to head back home…so we didn’t linger for too long.  We gave Kat, Adam, and Colleen hugs and wished them safe journeys.  They had hotels to return to downtown.  The rest of us hiked back to where Cathy parked the car and all climbed in.  The drive didn’t take long and soon Andrea, Aaron and Silvia were being dropped off at the hotel.  We gave each other hugs and wished safe travels.

And then…that was it.  I returned to my apartment to shower.  I went out for good gluten-free pizza at Annie May’s Sweet Café.  I did some grocery shopping.  I kept moving and felt really good all day.  But I really missed having everyone around.

I loved acting as Colleen’s pacer.  And while she didn’t meet her initial goal, she fought through every bit of pain, self-doubt, and sickness to get herself across that finish line.  I am so damn proud of her.  And I hope I get the chance to pace her again another time.  She’s one tough lady for sure.

Very proud of everyone and how they did in their races.  PRs were set.  Deeper friendships were forged.  And this…was an event I’ll never forget.

So…my official results for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon are that I finished in a time of 4:13:01 (for 26.42 miles).  While Colleen didn’t get her sub-4…she did cut 17 minutes off her last marathon, setting a new PR.  I am so happy for her.  I was 859/2029 finishers overall.  I was the 226/807 women to cross the finish line.  And I was 49/160 in my age division.  I felt so good after this and I enjoyed helping my friend through this distance and getting her to the finish line.  This wasn’t the race she hoped for, but she battled it out and conquered it in the end.  I learned a lot from her…and I know she’ll meet her sub-4 goal very soon.


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Taper For A Cause 5K – Louisville, KY (April 12, 2014)

Me with Wesley Korir after the Taper For A Cause 5K - Louisville, Kentucky
Me with Wesley Korir after the Taper For A Cause 5K – Louisville, Kentucky

Race: Taper For A Cause 5K

Place: Iroquois Park, Louisville, Kentucky

Date: April 12, 2014

Time: 23:52

First of all…FINALLY!!

Finally I had a 5K race this year that was the correct length.

Second of all…UGH!!  Coming back from injury sucks.  It was so disheartening to see my finishing time, compared to where I was last year.  I try not to focus on it.  I honestly do.  But it’s hard…when you know you are capable of doing better…your body just can’t get there.  I want to feel strong and fast again.  And it isn’t coming back quickly.

Thirdly…

I had no idea that Louisville was even holding this race up until Thursday afternoon.  Seriously.  It came over an e-mail or on Facebook.  Somewhere.  And I had my friend, Indy, in town.  Before heading this way from California, we were hoping  to find a 5K race to run.  The only one I could find was a trail run.  And I do not do trails.  So, we were content to just meet up with my running group on Saturday and do some miles and then head out for the day.

But things changed when I heard about this race.

This was the first annual Taper for a Cause 5K, which is a race that was set up by 2012 Boston Marathon winner, Wesley Korir, to benefit the Kenyan Kinds Foundation.  The race also boasted the perfect opportunity for Louisville’s running community the opportunity to “taper” for some of Louisville’s finest spring races with a 5K for a great cause.  All of the proceeds, in fact, went to the Kenyan Kids Foundation.

Even more exciting, Wesley Korir was going to lead the race.  And yes…he was on hand on race day.  But I’m getting ahead of myself.  While sitting in Game, a local Louisville restaurant, both Indy and I used our cell phones to get registered for the race on Saturday.  We were thrilled that it was a 9 a.m. start time…meaning the morning wouldn’t be too early.  Remember, she flew in from California…so her clock was a bit off.  We were both stupid excited about the race and I was glad that she was going to get to race while here in Kentucky.

Time got away from us on Friday…so we didn’t make it to packet pick-up on Friday over at Swags.  That was okay, though…because it was fine to pick it up on race morning.  We had a late evening though…with a delicious food and wine pairing at the chef’s counter at Rye so we didn’t get in until late.  After unwinding…we finally went to bed.

And I was supposed to run 8 miles this Saturday.  Since the race was offering 3.1 miles, I got up earlier than both Cathy and Indy and knocked out five easy miles before breakfast and heading to the race.  The drive out to the park was easy…no traffic issues at all.  We parked at Iroquois Park and got out of the car, making our way over to the table that had packet pick-up.  We got our numbers and our t-shirts.  Cathy pinned me up while Indy went ahead and did up her number herself.  I ate my banana and then went to use the bathroom really quick.  After I returned, I noticed Wesley Korir walking toward the table.  I let him take care of his stuff and pick up his race number (he was Bib #1) before I asked if I could get a picture with him.  He was very kind and totally was more than happy to fulfill my request.  He thanked me for coming out to the race and I thanked him for arranging it and setting it up for people to run for a great cause.  He noticed the donkey sign that Cathy has at all races and asked if I ran Chicago.  I told him I did and had such a great race.  He congratulated me and then I let him move on to the other stuff he needed to do for the race.

We went to put the t-shirts in the car and get some stretching in.  Indy had some stretches I hadn’t seen before.  I remembered to do some dynamic stretching, which was good because I hadn’t been doing well with my PT stretches with Indy in town.  Just ran out of time and was busy enjoying time with my friend.  I had a few twinges on the 5 miles I did that morning, so I wanted to be sure to be good about stretching before the run.  I kept it dynamic instead of static.  I think that was smart.

We saw crowds were beginning to form up near the finish line chute.  The owner of Swags began to speak into a bullhorn.  He was hard to hear, but he thanked us for coming out and then turned it over to Wesley.  Wesley asked how the bullhorn worked and then very graciously filled us in on his reasons for hosting this race and mentioned that the first two males and females would receive awards in the form of bracelets created by the kids in Kenya.  Too cool.  But I was aiming more on rebuilding my strength rather than finishing near the front.

We were told to move up toward the start line, just a short distance up the way.  I lined up near the front  It was a small race…as it wasn’t really advertised much…but it did have a bigger turn out than I anticipated.  Dennis found me at the start line and I knew he would bust this race out of the park.  He did, by the way, after asking what pace I was running and I had to (regretfully) inform him that I wasn’t focusing on pace as I’m still recovering from my ankle injury.

The owner of Swags announced that we would hear a two announcement start.  Runners set…then the horn.  No runners set was given.  Just the horn.  So, we sort of faltered at the front…but we took off.

Dennis was gone.  He’s so fast.  As for me…I just fought my way up the path heading for the first hill to climb in Iroquois Park.  I feel so weak these days when it comes to running.  My speed is totally gone.  So, I was just trying to push just beyond my comfort zone without doing too much to hurt myself.  So, I kept it challenging, but comfortable.  I had some runners pass me…but I did my best to block out that feeling of total worthlessness…and just focus on breathing and constant forward motion.

As I was coming into around the mile and a half mark, Wesley Korir jogged (no…seriously…jogged) past me and shouted encouragement at me, saying that I looked good out there.  And then…he moved on.  Apparently, he started at the pack and would say something to the runners he would pass along the way, offering uplifting encouragement and the like.  I think that’s amazing.

He was gone, despite just this easy run he was carrying on with as he passed.  Amazing!

I moved into Mile 2 and was hitting up more of the hills on the loop that wraps Iroquois Park.  I focused on just doing my best to get up them without feeling like I was dying.  It was working.  Yes…I wasn’t moving as fast as last year.  Yes…I feel out of shape and like I’ve lost fitness…and I have…but I’m a fighter and this was part of me proving to myself that I am fighting to get back to where I want to be.  It was the perfect race to do that.

I battled up the final hill I was to face and Mile 3 beeped on my watch as the parking lot at the amphitheater came into view.  I could just make out the clock at the finish line.  I didn’t care about the numbers…or the fact that I was passed by 4 other females.  I surprisingly didn’t care about any of that.  All I cared about was the fact that I crossed that finish line feeling like I left it all out on that course and performed to the best of my ability.  Even after knocking out 5 miles prior to even showing up at the start line.

Wesley Korir greeted me in the chute and handed me a cup of water.  He looked right at me and said, “Nice job, Karen!”  That was so awesome to hear coming from this amazing runner and man.  I thanked him and moved out of the way, finding Cathy.  Dennis came over to ask how I did.  I said I felt good about the finishing.  And he said he was happy with his run.  And then he had to get going due to an appointment he had at 10 a.m.

Indy and I at the finish of the Taper For A Cause 5K - Louisville, Kentucky
Indy and I at the finish of the Taper For A Cause 5K – Louisville, Kentucky

Cathy and I went to go stand at the finish to wait for Indy and cheer people on to the finish line.  I love this part.  And, not soon after, around the bend came Indy, looking so strong and amazing.  She was all smiles as she crossed that finish line, setting a new 5K PR for herself.  I went to give her a hug and congratulate her on her run.

We were making some plans to grab some breakfast before heading out for the day for some caving and other adventures.  So, she said she’d go ahead and change at the park while I was going to wait until we got to Annie May’s for breakfast to change.  It worked out well.  While she and Cathy went to the car to get her stuff and Cathy stood sentinel outside the bathroom door that wouldn’t lock, I wandered around the finish line.  Wesley Korir had gone out on a shakeout run with some of his friends and returned after making a second loop of the park.  He was gracious enough to take pictures with people at the finish line, so I asked if I could get another one.  He was so gracious once again.  And as he looped his arm around me as a stranger, and very kind runner, took my phone to snap a picture, he said, “You looked strong out there!”  What an ego boost.  Just what I needed.

I admire and love this man so much.  He is such a champion…both in races and in life.  Such a kind, generous man.

After that, I wandered back over to the bathrooms just as Indy was coming out.  And it was off to breakfast we went, before spending the rest of the day going through Marengo Cave and then hiking around for a little while.

So, my official results of the Taper For A Cause 5K are that I finished in 23:52.  I was 20/77 finishers overall.  I was 5/42 women finishers.  Not bad at all.  I’m actually quite okay with this.  This is still not the run I know I can bust out…and that will eventually return (I HOPE!), but I am trusting my training and my physical therapists.  I’m healing.  I keep telling myself that.  I…AM…HEALING.  It was so awesome to run a local race with my friend visiting from California.  We had such a great time.  And I am glad the opportunity arose to make this happen while she was in town.

I totally intend to run this one again next year.


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Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K – Birmingham, AL (April 5, 2014)

My mom and me at the Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K - Birmingham, Alabama
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
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.

I’m already excited about next year!

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The Chocolate 5K – Louisville, KY (March 30, 2014)

Sean Astin and me after finishing the Chocolate 5K - Louisville, Kentucky
Sean Astin and me after finishing the Chocolate 5K – Louisville, Kentucky

Race: The Chocolate 5K

Place: Louisville, Kentucky

Date: March 30, 2014

Time: 21:02* (UNTIMED EVENT)

There is nothing better than a race that combines three things that I love: chocolate, puppies, and running!  And thanks to No Kill Louisville, there was a fun, untimed event held on Sunday that involved all three of those things.  Yep.  All three of them.  No Kill Louisville helped put on The Chocolate 5K, which involved a 3.1 mile run/walk, Ghrirardelli chocolate (provided on the course and at the finish…not to mention two squares in your packet at packet pick-up), and…lots of animal rescue leagues.

The morning was cold.  I knew it was cold because I had to go outside and do my heel drops off the stairs of my apartment complex (and the only stairs available are outside!).  So, I dressed accordingly…in a long sleeve top, a pair of capris, and my compression sleeves.  I was actually running as part of a team.  My friend, and running compatriot, Dawn, was running with a team of co-workers and invited me to join their team (for the team discount price).  I was totally about that, so I did sign up.  I’m just getting back into racing and my speed is not back yet, so I intended just to see what I could manage.  After all, this event was not timed.  Sort of like the Glo Run and The Color Run.  Go out…get some chocolate…have a good time.  Worked for me!

Cathy and I headed out just about the time we wanted to, after each downing a bowl of cereal and having some coffee.  I brought along some Lärabars to eat as the race time crept closer (I had no bananas on hand…which is NOT good on race morning).  We piled into the car and off we went to Waterfront Park, the new venue for the race.  It was originally scheduled to take place at E.P. Tom Sawyer…but due to muddy trails and the like…it was moved to the paved Waterfront Park area.  I was more than happy about that.  Trust me.

We made good time down to Waterfront and even managed to find a parking spot under the bridge.  A short stroll through the little booths set up (for places like Earth Fare and all the animal rescue leagues that came out!), I made my way to the registration line.  Recent e-mails said that the turnout for the race was not good and there weren’t that many participants.  But there was a line by the time I got there for people picking up their packets.  And the line only continued to grow from there.  So…either people were trying to decided at the last minute whether to run or walk or not…this was actually a really, really big turn out!  I managed to get up to the table and told the volunteer my name.  She kept looking under BA, so finally I had to spell out my last name…”B-R-A…”  But she found me after I pointed my name out on the list.  She handed me a green bag that contained two different varieties of Ghirardelli Chocolate and my race bib and then sent me over to pick up my t-shirt.  After that, I was standing around for a second when Dawn and a co-worker of hers arrived.  They were going to get in line, so I went to go put my chocolate and t-shirt in the car so Cathy wouldn’t have to try to juggle it on top of the sign and my jacket I was going to shed before the race start.

As we were heading back toward the registration line, I was opening up my Lärabar (Jŏcalat Chocolate Mint…in case you were curious) and taking a big bite when a small group ran past.  They were in race numbers (not unusual at a race) and just doing this slow little warm-up run together, talking and smiling.  I eyed the guy in the middle in the yellow running jacket and the shorts as he went by.  After I swallowed my bite of bar, I turned to Cathy, who was having an epic struggle with the wrapper of her bar (she didn’t want to take off her gloves), and said, “That guy looked like Sean Astin.”  She heard me but didn’t respond.  I think she was really focused on eating the rest of her breakfast, but first she had to get to it.  I eventually helped her out and went to toss the wrappers away.  Dawn said her boyfriend, Matthew (I train with him a LOT), was going to run from his house to the race, do the race, and then finish up the remaining miles of his scheduled 20 mile training run.  Whew.  That made me tired just thinking about it.  Her other two co-workers arrived around that time and got in line to get their bibs and packets.  And they all consumed their chocolate as a pre-race sugar rush.  Or so I joked.  But…chocolate consumed…we were just waiting on the start.  Matthew arrived with a few minutes to spare and we helped him get his blinkie lights turned off.

A quick picture in front of the start line and some announcements were being made.  And then…I hear it…”And now a quick word from Sean Astin…who you might know from the Lord of the Rings Movies and the Goonies…as well as many others…”  And then he took the mic.  You better believe that I moved up to see if I had heard that right.  I had.  It was him.

Cathy still wasn’t paying attention, but rather getting artistic photos of the start line when I found her and said, “That guy I said looked like Sean Astin WAS Sean Astin.”

So…I do have this running (see what I did there?) joke about how Sean Astin is stalking me on my races.  He has run every Disney race I have ever been a part of and he also ran the Chicago Marathon last year when I did.  So…this was just further proof that the man is following me.  To come out to an untimed event for charity to run 3.1 miles just speaks so highly of his character.  He didn’t have to do it.  But he did.  And it made me love him even more than I already did.  He spoke briefly, and commented that the weather, for him, was perfect for running.  We all laughed because we locals were all in compression gear and there he was in shorts just soaking it all in.  God love him!

After he wished us all luck on the race, we were told to line up at the starting line.  The announcer began to give us the route, then simply said…”There are yellow arrows on the ground.  Just follow the yellow arrows.”  And with that…we were sent off with a whistle.

I found my stride early and was out with the first five in the pack, with others right behind me.  I didn’t want to push too hard.  Not on an untimed race.  I get frustrated with my lack of speed these days, and that is understandable, but my friend Andrea always reminds me…I’m healing.  I need to heal up and the speed will return.  So, for now, I can’t set time goals…I just have to run smart and run safe.  And that was my ultimate goal.  I followed the yellow arrows…and the people in front of me…for the first mile before I passed up the one female that was ahead of me.  My strides felt good.  No ankle twinges…so I kept on, just doing what I could to maintain.  It also didn’t help that I woke up that morning with some chest congestion and an intermittent cough.  No good.  This is what happened during the Triple Crown of Running last year and I did not want to relive that.  So, for the sake of being able to breathe without dying…I made sure I maintained a challenging, but even pace.

I passed up the table where they were offering Ghirardelli chocolate squares because…I was running.  I can’t run and eat chocolate.  So, I kept on going, rounding the corner up ahead and getting sent up a bit of an incline.  I pushed up the hill, not feeling any discomfort in the ankle, rounded the corner again, and then started on the gentle slope back down toward the race course.

Now this is where it got messy.  We had runners and walkers making their way up to the incline ahead, but were taking chocolate from the Ghirardelli stop as well, which was located on the side of the path where people running back toward the finish were now running.  Oh well…it was a fun event…you just go with it.  As I’m trucking along, I see Sean Astin running toward me and he starts applauding those of us in the front of the pack and telling us we were doing great.  I held up my hand and he high-fived it.  Awesome.  A moment later, my co-worker’s husband was running by and we high-fived as well.  It was a high-five kind of race and I was loving it.  A little ways down my co-workers, Laura and Kayla, were walking past and Laura told me to go catch up to the guy in front of me (it was her son…who was banditing the race).  I knew I wasn’t going to be able to do that, but as I was coming into one of the final turns, I did pass the kid in the orange sweatshirt that had outpaced me for much of the first part of the race.  I managed to keep ahead of him, and came back into the familiar Great Lawn area of Waterfront Park.  One final turn and I booked it to the finish line, pausing my Garmin a moment after.  I was the 4th registered finisher across the finish line.

I was all smiles!!  Seriously…all smiles.  It has been hard for me to not focus so much on time, but what I’m discovering is why I love doing this sport in the first place.  Yes…PRs are awesome and should be celebrated and should be fought for…but sometimes you have to work back into that.  I have rediscovered the joy that comes with just being able to get outside and get that run in.  I have found so much positivity from the people who saw me struggle with my sprained ankle and who have seen my will and determination to come back.  It’s a slow process…but I’m making strides in the right direction.

Me crossing the finish line of the Chocolate 5K - Louisville, Kentucky
Me crossing the finish line of the Chocolate 5K – Louisville, Kentucky

After crossing the finish, I went to get some water and a couple pieces of chocolate.  Cathy and I each ate a square…and we waited for the rest of my team to come in.  But…about four minutes after my finish…here comes Sean Astin.  Seriously.  I cheered as he crossed the finish line and then went down the ways a little to catch his breath.  His companion (and sort of body guard) went to go get him some water and after a moment, I walked over to say “Hi.”  And he was very gracious and very welcoming.  We took a picture together and I told him the story about how I believe he’s stalking me.  I told him the races we had run “together” and when I mentioned Chicago…he said, “You ran in Chicago…with your hair like this and everything!”  He pointed to my pigtails.  I laughed and nodded.  We talked about our finishing times and he said his goal is to eventually, one day, run a sub-4 marathon.  I told him I had every belief that he could do it.  He told me that I was going to win the Boston Marathon.  Seriously…can I keep him?

I knew he was busy and had a schedule to maintain (he was in town for the Wizard World Comic Con Louisville) so I said goodbye.  He gave me a hug and told me to have a good day.  I thanked him for coming out to run.  And that was that.  A few moments later…my team came in and I cheered for them all the way to the finish!  It was an amazing day.

So…my official time for this untimed event, according to my Garmin was 21:02.  I want to note, however, that the course was only 2.78 miles.  So…I am not little miss speedy!  Trust me.  I didn’t even feel all that speedy.  And at that pace, I wouldn’t have come close to my 5K PR.  I was okay with that, but I wanted at least 3 miles for the day.  So I went and did a slow, steady shake-out for the remaining mileage before returning to talk with my friends a bit longer.  We were wrapping things up, and I had grocery shopping, laundry, and an apartment to clean…so I said goodbye to everyone and Cathy and I departed, stopping by the Earth Fare booth to say hi.  I might have forgotten to mention (and will blog about it maybe next month) that I am, once again, an Earth Fare Athlete Ambassador.  And I’m loving it.  So, we had a short talk with the person at the booth, who recognized me immediately.  And, after snagging some chocolate dipped banana chips, we headed out for the day.

I had so much fun at this little race.  I smiled the entire time.  I managed to not die from a rattly chest.  I pushed a little harder than I normally would.  I want my speed back.  It will come.  I keep telling myself…it will come.  But for now…strengthening that ankle and getting myself back on track is way more important.  I’m just thankful that I had the opportunity to take part in such a fun event for a great cause.  And I can’t wait to do my next one.


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Publix Georgia Marathon – Atlanta, GA (March 23, 2014)

Me crossing the finish line of the Publix Georgia Marathon - Atlanta, Georgia
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
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.


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The Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K – Frankfort, KY (March 17, 2014)

Me crossing the finish line of The Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K - Frankfort, Kentucky (I'm totally smiling because I finished without pain!)
Me crossing the finish line of The Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K – Frankfort, Kentucky (I’m totally smiling because I finished without pain!)

Race: The Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K

Place: Frankfort, Kentucky

Date: March 17, 2014

Time: 13:09

I’m baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!

Did you miss me?  I missed me.  So, I hope you missed me too.

This has been one rough year for me thus far when it comes to my running.  It just seems like it’s one minor ache then one major sprain.  And everything just spirals out of control from there.  For real!  UGH!  I’ve been in tears more than once over the amount (or lack thereof) of running I’ve been able to accomplish thus far this year.  Why?  Well…weather has been awful and treadmill running is not my favorite thing to do.  I will do it, yes…but it takes a lot for me to get on one because…BORING!  Secondly…a really bad sprained ankle.  Bad enough to require numerous physical therapy sessions.  I was on an “absolutely NO running” restriction for awhile…and then it was an “only run on the treadmill…and not too fast…or too far” restriction.  Finally, I got the “you can run outside, but only if the terrain is flat.”  Have you seen where I live?  There is no part of this area that is pancake flat that would allow me to run.  SO frustrating.

But yesterday…on a chilly, but sunny St. Patrick’s Day…I went to what would end up being my final PT session.  Yep.  I’m done.  And, my therapist told me…that very day before I got into the car to make the drive to Frankfort…to try running hills.  See how the ankle did.  Which…worked out because I knew of the one steep-ish hill we have to climb in Frankfort on this little sprint.  If it hurt…I was to continue my sessions.  If everything seemed okay…no pain or twinges…nothing felt off…I was done.  We shook hands, and I headed toward my race.

This is my traditional St. Patrick’s Day race.  Yes…it can be a bit of a hassle, especially when St. Patrick’s Day falls on a weekday…like this year.  Monday evening.  This meant leaving work for PT, then immediately getting in the car and making the journey to Frankfort.  It takes just under an hour if the traffic gods are smiling on you.  I packed dinner.  Gluten-free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, to eat a little later.  My roommate and I made crazy-good time, actually.  We were in Frankfort long before we really needed to be.  With some time to spare, we stopped by the Kroger, where I went to use a flushing toilet and she went hunting for something to eat with the sammies.  She found me a banana…so I was a happy girl.

Anyway…we returned to the car and dined in the parking lot on my homemade sammies.  I saved my banana for a little closer to race time.  Once we noshed, we returned to the road and ventured toward downtown Frankfort, parking in our usual parking garage and hiking over to where packet pickup was being held.

I was in and out of there in no time.  And, since it was really chilly in the shade…we ventured over toward the sunshine across the street from where the race was starting.  A lot of runners also had this idea.  We stood around and just sort of discussed a few things, mostly my take on this race.  I had no great expectations being so fresh off my really bad sprain.  So…my goal was to finish it and finish it without doing further damage to myself.  While I was standing there, my super-speedy friend, Linda, came over to say hi.  We hugged and talked for a moment, before she dashed off to get her packet.  I pulled out my iPhone and was updating Facebook with a status about pre-race jitters when I got a tap on my shoulder.

Remember Kendall Hayes, the amazing young woman who won the Frankfort Trifecta last year?  It was her dad, her mom, the legend herself, and her brother, Connor (who is also an amazing runner and came in 6th overall this year).  Her dad wanted to thank me for saying such nice things about Kendall in my blog last year.  I said she definitely earned the praise.  Honestly…look for this woman in Bend, Oregon running with the Nike elites.  This will happen.  Mark my words.  In fact, Kendall won the top spot again this year!  Like I said, she’s incredible.  The two kids went to stretch, which reminded me I needed to do the very same thing.  I promised both of my physical therapists to be better about doing that before and after running.  Hoping to prevent future injuries.  So, I did a few of the usual stretches I normally would half-ass, but this time, really did them.  I could tell my hamstrings were tight, so I did the hamstring stretches my physical therapists had shown me.  And, I actually did something I never have done before…I did some warm-up strides.  Yep.  Me!  Doing those little dashes up and down the street before the start of the race.  It definitely helped loosen up those hammies a little.  Not a lot…but some.  And that was better than nothing.

The race start was getting close, so Cathy went to find a spot to cheer from.  As I was heading to the starting line, I felt a little tap on my shoulder.  It was my dearest friend, Debbie Brown, who helps put together the 5K race that is part of this series.  She asked how my ankle was doing and asked if I was running.  I told her I was going to attempt to run and see how it felt.  I was so glad she spotted me, as I had been looking for her while we were standing around.  The pace signs were being held aloft so people could line up appropriately.  I wasn’t sure what to do about lining up, so I just picked a spot and went with it.  A blessing was given for the runners and walkers, tied in with a nice Irish Blessing.  It was nice.  Then…we were awaiting the pistol.

It fired…and we were off.

It felt so weird to be racing again.  Not just racing…attempting a sprint without getting hurt.  Cathy had brought some KT Tape to tape me up, but I told her it was a short race…I’d be fine.  At this point, remembering this was more of a sprint than a distance race, I was second-guessing this.  Call it ‘first official run after the injury’ concerns.  Or minor panic.  I just found a decent stride and fell into it.  I was trying not to focus on my time this year…as I was really just released to run.

Linda blazed by me within the first hundred feet and said, “Don’t you dare hurt yourself.  I will beat you if you do!”  It made me laugh and it was just what I needed to settle my nerves.  And I was proud of Linda.  Last year she was the one trailing me.  This year, I have a feeling I’ll be the one trailing her (because she kicked my ass in this one!).  With that little boost, I was rounding the corner and making my way up toward that incline.  My first incline since the injury.  I almost held my breath…but then…pushed…up…the…hill.

No pain.  Just felt really winded.  Man…I must have lost some fitness in that entire month I was off from running.  It sure seems like I lost fitness.  I just haven’t been able to run like I did last year.  And it drives me mad.  But…slow, steady steps.  Rush it and risk reinjury.  So…I just sort of made my way up the street to the turn around point.  I made the turn and headed back down toward the bridge.  As I was passing some spectators, I heard one of them shout, “First place for pigtails!” at me.  I pumped my fist and smiled.  Awesome.  Down the hill I went and back into the town.

A 3K is a very short distance…around 1.84 miles.  Last year, I ran this race in 13:02.  I didn’t think I’d come anywhere close to that this year.  I was huffing and puffing like a rookie runner at this point and felt myself get so angry at that fact.  But…pushed onward.  And forward.  I came around the final turn and attempted to pick up my pace to dash into that finish line.  I saw my numbers tick by as I crossed.  Not too far off of last year’s time.  No improvement.  And…a part of me felt so good about the run.  And another part of me felt so disappointed.

It’s hard to explain when you come back to a race…but you’re not up to where you were the previous year.  I was so happy to have finished with no ankle pain, no twinges…nothing.  And then, there was that part of my brain that said…if you had pushed that hill harder…if you had maintained that initial speed you took off with…you could have…you should have…you would have…

It wasn't the race I wanted...but it was the race I had...and I finished strong and without pain. That was the important thing!
It wasn’t the race I wanted…but it was the race I had…and I finished strong and without pain. That was the important thing!

And then you just need to tell that voice to shut the hell up!  Because, while I am a little disappointed that I didn’t place in my division this year…that those I passed last year were passing me…that I feel like I’ve lost my speed…that I may never find my speed again…I have to remember…I sprained the hell out of my ankle and being able to run that race was a gift in and of itself.  That being said, finishing only 7 seconds slower than last year isn’t bad.  It’s not great…but that’s really damn impressive for someone who hasn’t been able to do much running on varied terrain…or even outside…or even at all.  Yeah, part of me is very sad, upset, and wants to throw a fit…but the bigger part of me is proud of what I accomplished and managed under the circumstances.

Anyway, the official results of The Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K are that I finished in 13:09.  I was 48/708 finishers overall.  I was 4/109 in my division.  Once again, the 30-39 women’s division was the largest overall for the race.  So…I’ll take this.  My brain might not like it…but my heart tells me…I did good just to run it.  Running is a gift, and I’m thankful I can do it again…even if it means slowing down for a little while to allow myself ample time to heal.

Another hell of a sprint this year.  Already making plans to come back next year…and maybe best my time from last year.  With a little work…anything is possible!

Thank you again, Frankfort, for this very fun race!


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The Dopey Challenge – Orlando, FL (January 9-12, 2014)

The Dopey Challenge
The Dopey Challenge

Forget Goofy.

I went Dopey.

Yes…Dopey.

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 World Family Fun 5K
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
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
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
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
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


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Fast Freddie Five Mile Foot Feast – New Albany, IN (November 28, 2013)

Me crossing the finish line of the Fast Freddie Five Mile Foot Feast - New Albany, IN
Me crossing the finish line of the Fast Freddie Five Mile Foot Feast – New Albany, Indiana

Race: Fast Freddie Five Mile Foot Feast

Place: New Albany, Indiana

Date: November 28, 2013

Time: 36:54

Thanksgiving morning ushers in what I like to call “The Least Stressful Race I Run All Year.”  Why?  Because on Thanksgiving, our local “Turkey Trot” is held right across the street from my apartment.  Which means, I don’t have to rush around in the morning trying to make sure I have everything in order and time to get there, stretch, etc.  I don’t have to worry over parking or any of that.  All I have to do…is get up…get dressed…stretch in the comfort of my own home, and then about 15 minutes before the start, meander down to the starting line.

I. LOVE. THIS. RACE.

BUT…this year I was doing something special at the Fast Freddie.  I wasn’t running it for my own personal satisfaction or a PR or to not feel guilty about indulging at dinner.  Nope.  This year…I was running it for a group I joined called Brain Cancer Share Your Shirts, that my friend Joanne directed me to one day.  Her brave daughter is one of my heroes…and at the age of 16, conquered brain cancer.  Cailin is amazing and continues to show how truly awesome she is.  For real.  So, I contacted this group and they paired me with a little girl, ironically from Dothan, Alabama.  Her name is Trinitie and she is 12 years old.  Trinitie was diagnosed at the age of 11 with Stage 4 brain cancer known as Glioblastoma Multiforme.

She is a beautiful little girl and has become such an inspiration and one of my personal heroes.  I wanted to make this race special for her.

You know what that means?  SIGNS!  Cathy and I made signs that morning to tote over to the fairgrounds and have some fun taking some pictures.  With the signs made, I went and changed into my racing gear.  It was a bitterly cold morning that day…with temperatures in the low 20s…but with the very strong 14 mph wind gusts, it felt like 16 according to The Weather Channel.  I can believe it.  It was really cold.

Once I was dressed and got my bib pinned on and used the provided twist tie to attach the timing chip to my shoe (which didn’t actually serve a function as the race goes off gun time, not chip time…), it was time to brave the wintery chill and head out to the start of the race.

Me with the signs for Trinitie before running the Fast Freddie Five Mile Foot Feast
Me with the signs for Trinitie before running the Fast Freddie Five Mile Foot Feast

Despite the cold morning, there were a lot of people hanging around outside.  I was surprised.  But, this race draws a lot of very fast, very talented, and very amazing people.  Everyone who shows up fits into one of those categories.  Trust me.  This race is awesome and one of my favorites to do year-after-year…and not just because it’s so convenient.  Anyway…after a few poses with the signs, I went on a mission with Cathy to find groups of people who would hold the sign that we made wishing Trinitie a Happy Thanksgiving.  Everyone was happy to do so and we got a lot of great pictures.  We were finishing that adventure up when everyone started to fill in Green Valley Road.  The start of the race was close.

It seemed a majority of people were hanging back away from the pink tape that marked the start line.  I moved up toward the front, but know from the past 2 years I have run this race that there are a lot of super-speedy people here.  In fact, a lot of track teams turn out to run this race.  And trust me…it is a challenging course.  I think the Fast Freddie people set out to find a course that pretty much would have runners tackle every hill in New Albany.

Eventually, the space in front of me did fill in.  And we were all tightly packed as people finished up their strides and warm-ups.  Fred, himself, came out with the bullhorn to make a few announcements and said that he would say, Runners Set…and there would be a whistle.  Except…all we got was the whistle.  So, for a brief moment, no one moved.  Then we heard Fred yell, “GO!”  We were off…

Now, this course is no stranger to me.  I run it a lot, especially in the summer when I do runs around my neighborhood.  I ran it Wednesday morning with my friend Natalie…keeping an easy and leisurely pace though, so as not to burn out my legs the day before a race.  Actually, it was really nice to be able to change up my morning route, throw in a bit more of a challenge, and do it with the lady I call my sole sister…because we hit it off so well and are so much alike.  Anyway…I run this route often…normally not at race pace.  And…I also know which sections slow me down.  I was mentally preparing myself for it all…but telling myself to run hard for Trinitie.

Within the first half mile, runners are already plodding up the first of three major hills in the race.  This one takes the crowd over the highway and often we get people honking as we race above them.  This climb is no joke, but you get rewarded with a nice downhill on the other side.  It all levels out and you round the corner and hit a couple of slight hills, but nothing too hard.

Mile 2 starts shortly after the turn, and this one does bring the ups and downs of New Albany.  And train tracks.  Just for that extra challenge.  This stretch of road is nice though, and I do love running it.  I enjoy a challenge and mentally trying to push myself a little harder.  I usually save it for later in the course though…and you’ll understand why.  Mile 2 was a breeze.  As we were about to turn onto Grant Line Road, a guy began running next to me and said, “Hold this pace!”  I was like…”Ummm…okay…”  But…after making the turn and knowing we had another minor hill and then the turn into the community park…I was ready to run.

The last half mile leading to Mile 3 is a tough incline up inside the park.  The first year I ran the race I had the worst side stitch coming up the hill.  Last year…no such problem.  This year, it slowed me down slightly, as it always does.  I’m halfway through the race and my legs are burning, but I press on, and I push them…and I get up that hill and head past the clock at Mile 3.  That’s good because heading toward Mile 4 takes you on the toughest portion of the route…Schell Lane.

You see, after you exit the park you are put onto what I think must be the road with the steepest uphills in New Albany.  The downhills are slight, but these uphills are killer.  This is one reason I both love and hate this route.  Hills make me stronger, but I hate hills.  Go figure.  Anyway…this is the part of this run where I always choose to push myself.  It’s the most challenging…so why not?

And push is what I did.  Every uphill I battled up, pumping my legs and getting to the top.  The one at the very end is the worst one, and even in training runs, I congratulate myself when I reach the top.  I did the same thing on Thanksgiving morning.  The best part is once you make the turn onto Daisy Lane, you have a nice downhill before it levels out.  Whew.  I love that downhill.  It makes all the effort I pour into that mile worth it.  Mile 4 is near the bottom of the hill, just after it levels off.  With one mile to go, I know the route well.  I often run the street in the morning and know where the hillier portions will find me.  Luckily, these hills are nothing compared to what we already ran through previously.

I really just wanted to finish strong.  My goal was to run for Trinitie…and maybe even beat last year’s time.  I wasn’t sure how the time thing would work out because my muscles hate the cold weather and when it is as bitter cold out as it was on Thanksgiving…well…sometimes it just hurts for me to breathe.  But I could see it ahead…after I ran past the cemetery, the turn towards the finish at the 4-H Fairgrounds.  I was about a half mile out.  So, I just thought of Trinitie and said I was going to finish strong.

And I did…crossing that finish line never felt so good.  I know I can run that route faster than what I managed…but with the wind and the cold, I just wanted to finish that race and do a good job for a little girl in Dothan, Alabama.  I managed that…and set a new PR for 5 miles for myself.  Happy about that.

Afterwards, I went back to the apartment to make some hot apple cider.  Then Cathy and I trekked back over to the fairgrounds to watch the winners get the awards.  I love watching runners collect their prizes for being so amazing.  We left after that as I was hosting Thanksgiving and needed to hop in the shower and finish up the rest of the meal (including making sushi!).

I will say this…the Fast Freddie Five Mile Foot Feast had the most people register in the 25 years it has been running.  However, due to the cold, both finishing times and turn-out were lower than previous years.  In fact, this year apparently tied for the coldest year the race has run.  Go figure.  All proceeds from the race to benefit the Type 1 Diabetes Education Program at Floyd Memorial Hospital.

It was a great way to start out Thanksgiving, for sure.

Official results of the Fast Freddie Five Mile Foot Feast are that I finished it in 36:54 based on gun time!  Yes…my fastest 5 mile time to date.  I was 113/935 overall; 22/448 women to cross the finish line; and I was 5th in my division.  Of course, after reading some of the times my running friends turned out on their Thanksgiving races, I feel rather slow.  But…like I said…my body hates cold weather so I can only do what I can do.  I was on my feet for 4 hours the night before doing TONS of Thanksgiving prep as well, but…you know what?  I had fun.  Bonus…what I did was run a great race for a brave little girl named Trinitie.  And on Tuesday, I am sending her a package with my race shirt, my race bib, a special gift from me, and a note.  She is an inspiration, a fighter, and definitely one of my heroes.

For Trinitie.

It was a great day and a great way to give thanks!

Me after the Fast Freddie Five Mile Foot Feast...celebrating with Tirnitie!!
Me after the Fast Freddie Five Mile Foot Feast…celebrating with Tirnitie!!


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Marshall University Marathon – Huntington, WV (November 10, 2013)

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
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
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.
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!
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
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
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!
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.
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.