Twin Cities Marathon - 2009

I really don't even know where to begin. This whole experience has been nothing like anything I've experienced before and not really much of what I thought it would be. It's just a strange feeling.

Usually, I remember everything. Details, feelings, times, distances. But Sunday is just all a blur to me. I got down to the dome in plenty of time to sit with my MDRA peeps and go to the bathroom. The weather was GREAT - 42 degrees. Never rained on my head once the whole way. Since I was in wave two, I sorta of heard a horn go off for wave one, but then next thing I knew is we were walking and then THAT'S IT. We were starting. For real.

I was with 3 other girls from my training group when we crossed the starting line but they quickly pulled away from me and I was sad. I really wanted to run with them, but I had to do my own thing and I kept remembering the coaches saying to take it easy and run your own race and my race called for 12 minute miles. So I had to let them go.

Here's what I remember from miles 0-11. Woah. This is easy. So slow. I got a smile for every fan. Heck even high fives and fist pumps. Man I got a long way to go. This is getting kind of monotonous. Fun, exciting, but monotonous.

Saw my parents and husband at mile 11 and I told them I was feeling great and practically fresh as a daisy. By the time I ran into them again at 13.5 I was starting to feel like I'd been running for 13.5 miles. Knees hurting. A little bored/tired. Not so fresh anymore. Not really thinking about anything.

Miles 14-20 got worse. I kept thinking this is where the rubber hits the road. This stretch is where my mind takes over for my legs and I trust in my training. I had to believe I would get to 22 and I focused on 15. Then on 18. Then on 21 because I knew I would see my family. But I'm getting ahead of myself here. I wanted to know if my legs starting to hurt already was normal. Were other runners feeling this way too? But looking back, I was actually doing great. I wanted to run 5 miles per hour average, and I hit 20 at 3:59. Plus I was really passing people while I was running. I was achy and tired, but still had some juice in me.

I blew right by the wall at 20 excited to see my family at 21 and friends with M&Ms and oranges at 22. I had a HUGE crowd at 21. Aunts, cousins, parents, husbands (just one of those actually). And I got another burst of energy. I surged on to mile 22 and saw my friends and that propelled me to mile 23. At mile 23 ish (I think) I saw some folks from my MDRA group. They had a huge sign so I could see them from a ways back and they cheered me on. Then the coach of our group was there a little bit up and yelled my name and to stay strong. All this lasted until about 23. 23-25 were tough. I lost 2 minutes off my pace somewhere between 20-25 even with all that cheering. I think it probably happened after 23 to be honest. I started walking at the 1/2 miles more and more.

Going from 25 to 26.2 was great. For some reason 1 mile didn't seem like that much to me. There were fans and a lot to look at and it flew by. Plus I ran into a lady that works at the same company. Different building, but she was really supportive and we ran together and encouraged each other. The last .50 at least I think I had a pretty good kick. I caught site of the capital and there was no stopping me. I was so glad TO BE DONE. Five hours is a long day! Official chip time: 5:17. And I look back and I can't think of one place where I could have done more. The way I felt finishing, well, I might not have had that same feeling if I didn't walk at this point or that point. So absolutely no regrets. I just ran a perfect race.

But here is what I didn't expect. I've had more emotional races. I think I've even had more meaningful ones. Don't get me wrong. THIS WAS AMAZING! But I didn't get too emotional at the end. And I thought my first 1/2 marathon was harder. Heck, I think my first 10k was harder. In my opinion I was well trained for this race. And 20 miles is hard. 26.2 hurts the same, you just have to be smarter in the beginning of the race and then hold on for longer. I owe a lot to the coaches and trainer in my group from MDRA. They know how to run marathons and train people.

Here's what I think of the marathon. It's a strange race. Because you spend the first 1/2 and then some holding back, pacing steady, waiting for the 'race' portion to start. Then by the time you get to the 'race' portion you don't have anything left to race with and you are just trying to hold steady like you did in the first 1/2. That's just my take at my ability level. But it's like you are waiting for the moment to go, and when the moment arrives you don't actually go you just hang on.

Next on tap - email the Des Moines Marathon and drop down to the 1/2 marathon. I originally signed up for this race before Twin Cities and until yesterday thought maybe, if I walk a lot, maybe I can do it. I know I could. But I don't want to. The time and energy and pain.....nope. The 1/2 will be a great time. I'll take it easy, and then be ready to rock the Monster Dash on Halloween.

I was just an average runner. Nothing notable really. I found a good group and followed directions and I ran a marathon. Anybody can!! You can!

A Hush Falls Over the Crowd

All's quite on the front line. I'm a little antsy. Like I have all this pent up energy that is not being exerted anywhere. Huh. I never thought I would find it difficult to take it easy.

I'm ready, sure, but apprehensive. In the way that you know you have something huge looming and the task seems daunting and overwhelming. Like most other things in my life, I've just tried to ignore it.

I know it will be EXCITING. I know I'm gonna feel so BLESSED to be in that starting corral. I'm totally focused on the GLORY. But that pesky feeling of impending work and pain keep side tracking me.

So far for this marathon, I've stopped drinking alcohol (most of the time), I've put on weight, I'm about to experience a lot of pain which will quickly be forgotten when they put a medal around my neck, I'm tired all the time, I've got chafe marks that won't go away.....wait am I training for a marathon here or was I pregnant? Just kidding.

This whole wonderful experience will be coming to a close in a few days and for that I am a little sad. You only get one go around for the first time of anything. I've enjoyed it all. Even in the last few weeks when I was getting a little burned out. I know I've changed. My views towards running have actually changed. This is already great. The work ahead and finishing is only the final scene.

Holding Back

This weekend I was registered for two races. The Blubber Run 5K on Saturday and the City of the Lakes 25K on Sunday. Here's why:

1. We ALWAYS do the Blubber Run. It's only for fun; people dress in costume and there is a beer stop at the 1/2 way point. And lunch afterwards and then prizes for the costumes.
2. I signed up for the 25K way before I knew I wanted to run a marathon and it was supposed to be my long distance run this year.

Here were two races that I was registered for that I knew I would not be "racing". What I didn't know was how much that would SUCK. It's totally mental I know, but it is soooooo HARD to be walking something that you KNOW you could run and have all sorts of people pass you.

My plan for the 5K was to run super-de-duper easy for the 1st half and then walk the second. I was planning 20 miles on Saturday and I just wanted to be out there for fun, not to run. I started out with a light jog, but the next thing I knew my heart rate was up and I was passing people. Realizing this, I stopped and walked. And then the WORLD passed me. But, but...but...I can run with you! I just can't today :( Sad. Maybe people could tell by my super athletic physique that I was probably a true competitor, but was maybe injured or something. Maybe. Then I met my husband at the 1/2 mark, we had some root beer and then he walked the rest of the way with me. That helped. Because 2 people walking means they are enjoying the day, but 1 person walking a race means......absolutly nothing, I'm just paranoid.

I wasn't actually "racing" the 25K the next day either. This was my last long run of marathon training. The race is 15.5 miles so the plan was to run 4.5 before the race and then use then take advantage of the water stops during the race. Except again, I found it hard not to want to attempt to compete.

First off, I miscalculated my pre-race run and ended up doing 5.5 instead of 4.5. As I approached the start line I could hear them announcing 8 minutes to race time. Shoot! Then 4 minutes, and I started to pick up the pace. So NOT what you want to be doing when you have 15+ miles ahead of you. I got to the start line with enough time to eat a gel, drink 2 glasses of water and take off. While everyone else was excited and took off on mile 1 I stayed the ever-so-slow pace and was working on mile 6.

My mile times for the first 10 miles were 11:12-11:30. And it got hot fast. And it was lonely. I've run every long run this season with my group. I missed them. It wasn't long before I was amongst the last runners. But I forbade myself to look back, repeating over and over that this is not a race. It's not your race. By mile 18 (mile 12.5 for the racers) I'd had it. I didn't think I would make it around Lake Harriet one more time. But what else are you gonna do? My average pace slowed way down for the second 10 miles. Backwards from what I wanted to do. A 72 year old lady beat me. Total Tortoise and the Hare situation here. I would pass her, then walk and she would pass me again. Next thing I knew she was out of sight and I was strugging to go a half mile at a time.

So I finished. 21 miles in 4:11. 5 to go for the marathon and I have mixed feelings about that. It's weird. Of course I'll make it. No doubt there, but will I like it? Does it get easier after your first marathon? Like maybe knowing what's in store helps a little? Or you become a better runner or something? Or maybe 1/2 marathons are in fact "where it's at".

Only time will tell. But in the meantime....bring on the taper!

Another personal best - 19 miles!

"Look to the heavens, you can look to the skies.
You will find redemption staring back into your eyes.
There is protection and there's peace the same,
burnin' your ticket for that long black train."

Today's 19 miles was uneventful - just how you want it to be. I do feel better after getting this run in the books, and I feel like I'm gonna be ok. I'm still surprised at how one can run even when things start to hurt as bad as they do.

We started out at a great pace and walked about every 10 minutes, which really helped later on in the run. I think I should of had 4 gels instead of 3 and I am going to need to eat real food on race day during the run. I think maybe a rice crispie bar. I just need something sitting in my stomach.

I tested out my race day outfit and it worked pretty well. Found out all the body glide spots that will need it. There aren't too many. In general, I'm not prone to a lot of chaffing. I'm more The Princess and The Pea type. I bruise like a peach. I wore my hydration belt and I feel like I got punched in both sides of my waist where the water bottles kept banging on my hips. I'm sure I'll have two lovely bruises there tomorrow.

Sleep is the only thing on my mind right now. But while everything else about me is worn out, I have a renewed outlook on running that everything is gonna be ok.

Shaken Faith

"There's an engineer on that long black train,
Makin' you wonder if the ride is worth the pain,
He's just waiting on your heart to say,
Let me ride on that long black train."

"If your going through hell, keep on movin',
Don't slow down,
If your scared run through it,
You might get out, 'for the devil even knows your there."

Where have I been? Busy I guess. These two songs have been going through my mind a lot lately. I guess they just have meaning as to what I've been feeling. How much longer is training? How much further do I have to go next week? Why did I sign up for this? Cuz I'm kind of over it. Just a little bit. I still am very excited for the race and feel good about the progress I've making and what I've done, but mine eyes have been awakened to the pain that is The Marathon. It's similar to when I was awakened to the pain that was the 10 mile, but it goes much deeper. Much deeper. It's just something that your body has to adjust to and it's always harder the first time around.

I had a good 17.5 mile run. It ended in pain and a lot of rest but generally a good feeling.

Tomorrow I'm doing 19. Close to 20 but not quite. I'll save 20 for a few more weeks.

While the long runs have been good, I've had a few rocky weeks. Last week I was on vacation in New Mexico, land of 5500 feet altitude. And I freak myself out, probably more than necessary, about how I will be affected. We were busy hiking and cooking and spending time with family, and a planned total of 19 miles, turned out to be a measly 3. The long run (which was a cutback week) of 10 miles never happened and I only did 3.2 on the Sunday we left.

This week was more of the same. Tuesday night left me devastated, running 10 miles after work with the group. Because I wasn't ready for 4 miles the next morning, it didn't get done because my evening was full, so I missed my window. No biggie, but then I didn't run yesterday either; busy evening but I could have made a choice to run instead of what I did choose. Chalk up another missing 6 miles. I'm at a 10 mile deficit for this week then too. Grrrr. I feel like crap about it and I don't want to feel like crap. I want to feel like I did when I was writing about how prepared I was going to be and how I would laugh in the face of "The Wall" come race day.

I would like September to be a solid month. No - be firm. September WILL BE a solid month. I'll be out of town again for the week of Labor Day so that week will be a challenge. I want to run a solid 5 days a week. Even if I can't get the exact mileage in (although that will be a secondary goal) the main goal to hit is 5 days a week for all of September.

Doing the math, it looks like I hit 77% of my running schedule in August (based on # of days ran over scheduled). I think I can do better. Can somebody who has ran a marathon, tell me that I'm still doing ok? I wish I could say that I was self-assured and guilt free. That I always do my best and never look back, but right now I just want to be assured that, while there is room for improvement, I'm not totally lost. I can still have a solid performance and get back to 100% in the game.

I have a hunch this will all be behind me after my run tomorrow and I'll feel back on the wagon. New shoes are in my future as well so there's always that to look forward to. I'm debating going back to Pearl Izumi's which I LOVE, or sticking with another like of Mizuno's. Tough call.

Sunday Long Run Report

I made it. Longest run ever! And 14 felt so good, I did 15.5! That's a complete lie. 14 was rough, but I was half way around Harriet and the other 3 girls and I decided to just finish it out. We had run the whole way together, we should finish together. Is was a really good run. Difficult, but fun. I haven't broken out like that in a long time. It's been over a year since my last longest run ever and I forgot how much it hurts. But it seems like the higher the mileage, the more it hurts to add. Or maybe that's just where I am at right now. I felt really good about that run.

Around mile 11 my lower back on the left side starting hurting so bad. I've never experienced that before. The pain was shooting down and around through my hip. I was stretching every which way I could every chance I got, but it didn't help much. Even walking later that day and the next I would get the pain. Seems like certain movements would make it flare up. Good thing I'm going to the Dr for a tune up soon!

This Saturday is the Gopher to Badger 1/2 and I'm looking forward it. Two of the girls I run with signed up also so that will be really nice to see friendly faces. I've heard it's hot as you run on a highway lined with corn fields, but I'm going to take my electrolyte tablets that I just got and see how that works for me. After hearing reports about the heat this may not be a PR kind of day, but we'll see how it goes. I'm out for fun on this one for sure. It's my birthday for crying out loud - I refuse to be disappointed.

Sunday was 3-5 miles of recovery, which turned out to be 2.5 miles for me. Eh - close enough. Because it was ROUGH. Oh was I exhausted. But today? Waalaa!(that's the American spelling) ack to 100% again. Can you believe it? I can't. I was so stiff and sore and tired Saturday and most of Sunday, I didn't know if I could make it on Tuesday. But the recovery walk on Saturday and the run on Sunday WORK WONDERS. Veteran runners are probably thinking "Well, duh" but this is new to me, so I am still in shock that running when you are tired actually helps.

I still have that right quad that feels strained. The massage therapist said it was noticeably tighter then lefty. And my left knee still makes itself know that it is not happy, I'm assuming because it is picking up the slack of Right Quad. I have a Birthday Physical scheduled for Wednesday and I'm going to ask the Dr. about all this. I don't know what to try to nip it in the bud....PT, chiropractor, stretching? I'm still on the fence about chiropractors helping much, but some people swear by them. And I hate to spend a lot of money on PT if there are some exercises I can do at home. Especially since I am in the Annoyance Phase of aches and pains. I just don't want to enter the Debilitating Phase at any point.

Missed it byyyyyyyyyyy......THAT MUCH!

My first 100 mile month will have to wait until next month. I opted to rest on Wednesday instead of run. Yesterday, I did 6.5 which puts me at 96.5 miles for the month. I know I said I wouldn't leave it that close, but I think I must. Tomorrow I am going to attempt 15 miles. Which to me, sounds like I might as well be saying I'm attempting a triple twirl half flip spiral pike on a tight rope with no net. It will take focus, concentration and nerves of steel!

Last week I chose to get the extra miles in the day before my long run, but that was a long run of 10 miles. And 3 super easy, slow miles wouldn't hurt I didn't think. And they didn't. But given the general condition of my legs today, I know the wise choice is to rest up and hopefully be a little more prepared for the run tomorrow. I'll still get in over 30 miles for the week and that is another first. What is the general condition of my legs? They are tired. They are a little sore. Mr. Right Quad feels like it is strained, on the verge of a pulled muscle, but doesn't hurt quite as much. Mrs. Left Hammy send shooting pains down through the back of my leg every once in a while. Like it needs to be stretched out real good or something. I've been stretching, foam rollering, resting. I hope that is all enough. I feel like I need one really good rest to regain strength. But I guess that is the point of marathon training, you have to train your body to work without a lot of rest because there isn't going to be a lot of opportunity for rest come race day. Fatigue will set in and I'll have to know how to keep going despite that feeling.


I'm looking forward to tomorrow though. It's a route I know. I'm getting my Megan Muffins tonight (aka - Great Harvest Oatbran Fruit Muffins). I'm going to be early after watching a movie. I'll probably have Punch Pizza. All arrows point towards success at the moment!

Absolutly content...but maybe a little thirsty

On Saturday we had a cutback long run. Which, seriously, life just keeps getting crazier. I woke up thinking - Phew! Just 10 miles today. I can do that. WHA - -?? Since when did 10 miles become "JUST". But the coach brought it back to reality when he said "Even though this is a recovery long run week, it is still 10 miles, so take it seriously." Good point I thought. We ran in a place called Hidden Falls. I figured we were running TO something. Something good and spectacular. Nope. I saw no Hidden Falls. We ran to a road and turned around. Highly disappointing. On the way back someone told me the falls were hidden - that's why we didn't see them. Huh. Go figure.

But falls or no, this was a good run. It only ended up being 9.5 which isn't helping me reach my 100 mile month. Due to a lovely evening out with family on Thursday I didn't get my 6 miles in that night - good choice though, dinner was better than running on that particular evening. I did 3 very easy, very slow miles on Friday instead, but that leaves me 3 short for the week. I didn't want to push it too much before the long run on Saturday. I've been having trouble with my right quad. It just aches like I pulled a muscle. But it comes and goes during the run. I'll have to talk to some professionals just to make sure things seem kosher and if there isn't anything I can do to get it better.

Today, I made up a little ground by doing 4.5. Altogether nice run. It was followed by an even nicer dinner of corn on the cob, grilled green beans, a baked potato with chives that we grew, a salad with lettuce that we grew and we split a turkey burger. Yum, yum. Watermelon for dessert.

What a great weekend. To top it all off, I just checked on my friend Allison who was doing her 1st Half Iron Man. Don't worry - she finished hours ago, but I like to make sure. And of course she was A-OK. But WOW! Very proud of you. Congratulations to her!!!!!

Here are some thoughts I had during my long run on Saturday. Every time I go out now, I feel like I have a noble cause. Like there is a divine purpose that will be so worth the effort. Every run I do is not just for general fitness, to burn calories or for only fun; it's so I can toe up to the start line, for every mile I cross I can be confident that I'll make it and then 26.2 miles later I can RUN across the finish line. It's all so very personal and individual, yet it's being part of a team of thousands. EVERYBODY works hard and when race day comes you can look around and know that you put your time in too, just like the thousands of runners with you. It amazes me that I can be part of that group. Because quite honestly, while I believe everyone could run if they want to, not everyone does. Not everyone puts in that effort because it's hard; but I do. Not saying that running is IT, but for anything in life that we do - look around at your peers. Be proud of where you are because not everybody does what you do. I certainly never thought of myself as one who pushes themselves physically to the max by choice. Or one that really works hard for anything. I'm more of a good-enough, close-enough, mostly-finished type of girl. But I'm not always it turns out. And when I'm not, I guess I surprise myself. It makes me happy when I prove to myself I can.

And this is my first marathon. I'm never going to have another first marathon. That thought struck me and while I am enjoying running now it's easy to feel motivated and happy, but I want to make sure I keep that as my focus in case I lose those feelings. Every run I do gets me closer to the race and closer to the end of my first marathon and then this awesome experience is over. I'm soaking it up.

Starting to Feel It

I'm training for my first marathon and I'm starting to feel it in more ways than one. The good way is that I really feel like I am having fun and enjoying my running. I don't mind getting out there knowing that the time I spend now will really pay off later. It's been a great summer weather wise - not too hot/windy/rainy. As long as I am healthy, everyday is a good day for a run.


But I can also feel it in my body. Last week I was so excited that I ran 28 miles - by far my most ever. I'm going for week two of upper 20's running and I can feel it. One week was good, but maintaining it week after week? Well, it will get better, but in the first few weeks my legs are putting up some resistance. I've noticed that my individual runs have included more walk breaks and have been on the short end of the spectrum. I'm looking forward to just 10 miles for a long run this week.


In other marathon news I am signed up for the Twin Cities Marathon and way more excited about it than I thought I would be! This means I am signed up for TCM on 10/4 and Des Moines Marathon 10/18. Ha! Technically, I am entered in both, but will not be doing the full marathon in Des Moines. I'm changing my entry to the 1/2. So October will consist of two 1/2 marathons and a full, followed by November which will consist of sofa lounging and neighborhood strolls with the dog. And Thanksgiving which I LOVE.