The photos from the professional photographers at the marathon are now available for perusing. Check out my photos (note the finish line time is 4:18, but this does not account for the time it took me to get to the start line--my chip time was 4:16).
http://www.asiorders.com/go.asp?53717144
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Marathon Memoir Part 3--After the Marathon
I plunge myself into an ice bath before heading to the hotel pool for some shallow-end walking. As enticing as the hot tub looked, I avoided it knowing the cold water was much better for me. Then, a long hot shower. My husband asked if I felt different after the race. I noted that my quads were increasingly sore. . . not apparently what he meant. I didn’t feel like a different person or anything, still same old me. But I did admit to feeling strong and proud of myself. Then, in the suitcase on top of the wonderful dry clothes I reached for, was a jewelry box that wasn’t there before. Seemed the support group has not ended and I opened a beautiful necklace from my husband. We laughed about the what ifs: what if I hadn’t finished? He told me I deserved it and I realized that it represented the real medal for finishing the marathon—the medal of support and will act as a reminder of the ring of support I had around me throughout the race and to get to the race. Even when I couldn’t see them, I knew that support team was there. Support, as I have noted before, comes in so many different forms, but on this day and at this race—my friends supported me by getting up early, riding a school bus, standing in the rain for hours, clapping, and taking photos. Other friends supported me by thinking of me and through congrats afterwards. But for my support group in Burlington—I will never be able to tell you what it meant to see you, and to know I would see you, in so many places along my route. Just like in the months leading up to the marathon—my support team was there when I needed them!
After a break, we ate the most amazing pizza I have ever tasted at Flatbread pizza. We walked along and watched the sunset along the boardwalk where I had crossed the finish line hours earlier. A prom was taking place and we laughed about old times and dresses we now wouldn’t let “our kids” leave the house wearing. We saw dogs and even ran into our friends and took a photo. Then, of course, off to Ben and Jerry’s where I shared a LARGE and TASTY sundae with my training partner—she deserved it too!
Monday, we went out for breakfast, visited the Magic Hat Brewery where my husband had some fun too, and stopped at the Vermont Teddy Bear Company where I got my last congrats hug before leaving town. . .
After cuddles with Otis and time on the couch, it was an early night to bed for me Monday night and back to work on Tuesday.
After a break, we ate the most amazing pizza I have ever tasted at Flatbread pizza. We walked along and watched the sunset along the boardwalk where I had crossed the finish line hours earlier. A prom was taking place and we laughed about old times and dresses we now wouldn’t let “our kids” leave the house wearing. We saw dogs and even ran into our friends and took a photo. Then, of course, off to Ben and Jerry’s where I shared a LARGE and TASTY sundae with my training partner—she deserved it too!
Monday, we went out for breakfast, visited the Magic Hat Brewery where my husband had some fun too, and stopped at the Vermont Teddy Bear Company where I got my last congrats hug before leaving town. . .
After cuddles with Otis and time on the couch, it was an early night to bed for me Monday night and back to work on Tuesday.
Marathon Memoir Part 2--The Race
And we were off. . .At the start, I was forced to keep my pace down due to the large number of people clumped around me. I used this as an opportunity to check out my surroundings, the crowd, and the increasing rain. Hey—I have run in rain before—check out the Eastern States blog entry, so I knew what I was in for and I loved that race. I thought maybe this is a good sign and thought of my running partner. At mile 3 I got my first cheer from my support group. I waved fanatically because I was so happy to see them and to hear my name. I tried to show them just how thankful I am for them.
Then, I laughed at a guy with a sign reading “you are not almost there.” Reality check! The rain picked up some more and by mile 5 I was officially soaked and the water poured off my hat anytime I turned my head. I found myself thinking that this Nike hat was one of the smartest purchases ever. We looped down and around a point giving us middle packers (woo hoo, I was just shy of the middle of the pack) our first sight of the wheel chair competitors and the lead runners. The first woman looked amazingly strong! Better yet, I saw there were a LOT of people behind me and I cheered them on as I passed by them. Then, I looked down and noticed my pale blue shorts were stuck to me and definitely had turned see- through—thank goodness running shorts have built in briefs. Didn’t matter—on I went! Around mile 8 I ran alongside a friendly group of 3 people who run the course every year—they provided some supportive comments and gave the first timer some advice about the “big hill at mile 15” and the finish—they advised me to go slow on the hill because the drums at mile 15 will get you moving too fast up the hill and you’ll pay for it with burning quads. Note taken and thanks given, then on I went—sticking to my own pace and my own thoughts. We looped back through town and I saw my supporters again at mile 9 along the brick walkway and shops through downtown. I felt my smile broaden and my pace quicken. Wooo girl, no need to be running under a 9 minute pace at mile 9—slow it down.
I backed down again but felt amazing and naturally kept the pace up through our run along the outskirts of town—past the Lake Champlain chocolate factory (ohh, note-to-self to come back here) and along part of the bike trail. At mile 13.1 a lot of the relay runners were celebrating being done—I was celebrating being halfway done and just enjoyed the additional crowds the exchange point brought. I saw my first downed runner at mile 14—whew that was awakening. Legs feel good, check, heart rate good, check, energy still up, check. Ha, the “not almost there” guy appeared again and I gave him a big smile. That smile got me through to mile 15—the famous “assault on battery” and the largest hill in the race. As I turned the corner I heard drums. There was a large group of taiko drummers at the base of the hill and metal barriers with tons of people going up and up as far as I could see.
I heard the guy from mile 8 in my head saying take it easy, then, I saw the woman next to me was barefoot and thought—I have on shoes, no way is she beating me. Halfway up the hill I felt the burn, I was still slower than my set pace, and then—my cheering section. They had stationed themselves at the halfway point in the hill and were cheering me up and up.
At mile 18, right at the entryway of the mulched bike trail, I saw my second downed runner—the aid was already called, but this person didn’t look good. Just keep going and . . .legs, check, heart rate, check, energy, check. . . I start to feel myself slow a little through the second neighborhood, but was still running a solid pace and felt great. Some kids were “playing” musical instruments in their driveway and I picked it up to escape:) We hit the biggest steepest downhill in the race at mile 21. Whew, I felt those quads kick in and they started to quiver. I told myself that I had felt this before and knew to just keep pushing and it will subside—it did by mile 22.5. I heard “lookin’ good 146” and hoped it was true and that this stranger’s support is not from me looking like I needed the support. Regardless, I gave the thumbs up and continued on enjoying the view of Lake Champlain and the bike trail. Then I heard “3 miles left, almost there” and realize. . clearly this person is a liar and didn’t communicate with the guy with the sign! Comparatively speaking yes, I am closer to the finish than the start, but these 3 miles can be very very hard. Wait—I recognized a white baseball cap—I saw my Carlisle friend up ahead and caught her. She seemed hot and was dumping water on herself. I kept up my pace knowing if I stopped or slowed it would hurt. Then she caught up to me with just 1.5 miles left—I thought we’ve got this and the pace picked up. The crowd thickened immensely and the cheers were amazing. Just before the big mile 26 sign I saw my support group again! I waved, gave them thanks for their cheers, and tried to memorize the smile showing, beneath the camera, on my husband’s face.
Now, where is that darn finish line? The thick crowd continued. . . I heard the announcer say that all those crossing the finish line were well ahead of the national average for men and women. Woohooo. Alison reached back and grabbed my hand as we crossed the finish! What a great feeling! A woman lifted my foot onto a bench and removed the timing chip from my shoe and said “way to go.” Another man put a medal around my neck while another wrapped me in a mylar blanket. The weight of the metal hit me physically and mentally. I instantly headed for the massage tent, our meeting place, with my fellow finisher and her partner in tow. I felt like I just needed to keep walking or shuffling, it hurt to stop. What? no line for a massage. I hopped in line and apologized numerous times to the woman about being so wet and all. I mean, water rushed out of my shoe when I took it off and she was touching my socked foot! I looked up and saw my husband smiling at me on the other side of the tent and gave him my biggest smile back. He was brave enough to hug me, as was my training partner, and we chatted about how I felt. They monitored my shaking, I was suddenly freezing, and pulled the clothes out of my bag for me before ushering me to the Ben and Jerry’s truck—yup, Ben and Jerry’s at the finish. I actually had to force it down because I wasn’t the least bit hungry. On the way back to the busses it was more clothes and a forced additional Gu for calories. Man—that stuff is nasty when you are running and intolerable when you stand still!
Then, I laughed at a guy with a sign reading “you are not almost there.” Reality check! The rain picked up some more and by mile 5 I was officially soaked and the water poured off my hat anytime I turned my head. I found myself thinking that this Nike hat was one of the smartest purchases ever. We looped down and around a point giving us middle packers (woo hoo, I was just shy of the middle of the pack) our first sight of the wheel chair competitors and the lead runners. The first woman looked amazingly strong! Better yet, I saw there were a LOT of people behind me and I cheered them on as I passed by them. Then, I looked down and noticed my pale blue shorts were stuck to me and definitely had turned see- through—thank goodness running shorts have built in briefs. Didn’t matter—on I went! Around mile 8 I ran alongside a friendly group of 3 people who run the course every year—they provided some supportive comments and gave the first timer some advice about the “big hill at mile 15” and the finish—they advised me to go slow on the hill because the drums at mile 15 will get you moving too fast up the hill and you’ll pay for it with burning quads. Note taken and thanks given, then on I went—sticking to my own pace and my own thoughts. We looped back through town and I saw my supporters again at mile 9 along the brick walkway and shops through downtown. I felt my smile broaden and my pace quicken. Wooo girl, no need to be running under a 9 minute pace at mile 9—slow it down.
I backed down again but felt amazing and naturally kept the pace up through our run along the outskirts of town—past the Lake Champlain chocolate factory (ohh, note-to-self to come back here) and along part of the bike trail. At mile 13.1 a lot of the relay runners were celebrating being done—I was celebrating being halfway done and just enjoyed the additional crowds the exchange point brought. I saw my first downed runner at mile 14—whew that was awakening. Legs feel good, check, heart rate good, check, energy still up, check. Ha, the “not almost there” guy appeared again and I gave him a big smile. That smile got me through to mile 15—the famous “assault on battery” and the largest hill in the race. As I turned the corner I heard drums. There was a large group of taiko drummers at the base of the hill and metal barriers with tons of people going up and up as far as I could see.
I heard the guy from mile 8 in my head saying take it easy, then, I saw the woman next to me was barefoot and thought—I have on shoes, no way is she beating me. Halfway up the hill I felt the burn, I was still slower than my set pace, and then—my cheering section. They had stationed themselves at the halfway point in the hill and were cheering me up and up.
At mile 18, right at the entryway of the mulched bike trail, I saw my second downed runner—the aid was already called, but this person didn’t look good. Just keep going and . . .legs, check, heart rate, check, energy, check. . . I start to feel myself slow a little through the second neighborhood, but was still running a solid pace and felt great. Some kids were “playing” musical instruments in their driveway and I picked it up to escape:) We hit the biggest steepest downhill in the race at mile 21. Whew, I felt those quads kick in and they started to quiver. I told myself that I had felt this before and knew to just keep pushing and it will subside—it did by mile 22.5. I heard “lookin’ good 146” and hoped it was true and that this stranger’s support is not from me looking like I needed the support. Regardless, I gave the thumbs up and continued on enjoying the view of Lake Champlain and the bike trail. Then I heard “3 miles left, almost there” and realize. . clearly this person is a liar and didn’t communicate with the guy with the sign! Comparatively speaking yes, I am closer to the finish than the start, but these 3 miles can be very very hard. Wait—I recognized a white baseball cap—I saw my Carlisle friend up ahead and caught her. She seemed hot and was dumping water on herself. I kept up my pace knowing if I stopped or slowed it would hurt. Then she caught up to me with just 1.5 miles left—I thought we’ve got this and the pace picked up. The crowd thickened immensely and the cheers were amazing. Just before the big mile 26 sign I saw my support group again! I waved, gave them thanks for their cheers, and tried to memorize the smile showing, beneath the camera, on my husband’s face.
Now, where is that darn finish line? The thick crowd continued. . . I heard the announcer say that all those crossing the finish line were well ahead of the national average for men and women. Woohooo. Alison reached back and grabbed my hand as we crossed the finish! What a great feeling! A woman lifted my foot onto a bench and removed the timing chip from my shoe and said “way to go.” Another man put a medal around my neck while another wrapped me in a mylar blanket. The weight of the metal hit me physically and mentally. I instantly headed for the massage tent, our meeting place, with my fellow finisher and her partner in tow. I felt like I just needed to keep walking or shuffling, it hurt to stop. What? no line for a massage. I hopped in line and apologized numerous times to the woman about being so wet and all. I mean, water rushed out of my shoe when I took it off and she was touching my socked foot! I looked up and saw my husband smiling at me on the other side of the tent and gave him my biggest smile back. He was brave enough to hug me, as was my training partner, and we chatted about how I felt. They monitored my shaking, I was suddenly freezing, and pulled the clothes out of my bag for me before ushering me to the Ben and Jerry’s truck—yup, Ben and Jerry’s at the finish. I actually had to force it down because I wasn’t the least bit hungry. On the way back to the busses it was more clothes and a forced additional Gu for calories. Man—that stuff is nasty when you are running and intolerable when you stand still!
Marathon Memoir Part 1
I am told there will never be another Marathon like the first. As a result, it seems only fitting that I try and capture all the amazing memories and moments of the Marathon weekend in Burlington that I can. To help prevent boredom, this memoir is in three parts. . .
Marathon Weekend Part 1: Saturday
Saturday morning I woke up and took Otis on an easy jog for just under 2 miles. I am not sure the distance, I didn’t wear my watch—heaven forbid I unpack it and not repack it or something. Plus, the purpose for Saturday was to just get the legs moving and get some exercise in. Then, we loaded the car, yes I double checked that the running bag was packed twice, and were off to Burlington—the new car’s second trip to Vermont almost exactly one year later. I was quickly reminded of how I always love the drive through New Hampshire with the rolling hills and green everywhere. I felt calm and relaxed.
We went straight to the hotel with the marathon expo and packets for the runners. I grabbed my t-shirt, timing chip, and official runner’s bag. I got number 146—whew can you say early registration? There are over 3,000 marathoners! We wandered through the exhibitor area and grabbed our first nibble of some Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Ben and Jerry’s factory is in Burlington so you will see that name come up a lot throughout this monologue. Then, off we went to find some food. We hit Burlington’s downtown area and Farmer’s market where we snagged some great food and checked out all the dogs and people (we are more dog watchers I think). I understand from our friends that my husband was on dog watch all weekend and pet almost every pup he saw. We grabbed some more food at our first Brewery stop—the Vermont Pub and Brewery. Here we met my training partner and her husband. We wandered around downtown—made an official stop at the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream store downtown (we would visit here again Sunday) and then checked into the hotel. I instantly fell asleep for an hour while Justin watched t.v.—nerves, what nerves? Then, off to Stowe with some friends—our running pal from the Carlisle run and her partner, another friend from Somerville (who had just run the Boston marathon 1 month earlier!), and the four of us. Stowe was beautiful and the Pie in the Sky pizza place was great. I had a big bowl of spaghetti with meatballs and ate it all—clean plate club!
After dinner, I laid out every item I would need for the next day and pinned my number to my shirt. I had this nice little row of all the items I would need—vaseline, body glide, sun screen, filled fuel belt (potable water), clothes, socks, shoes, and a bag for after with dry clothes, band aids, advil, etc. Then off to bed.
Marathon Weekend Part 1: Saturday
Saturday morning I woke up and took Otis on an easy jog for just under 2 miles. I am not sure the distance, I didn’t wear my watch—heaven forbid I unpack it and not repack it or something. Plus, the purpose for Saturday was to just get the legs moving and get some exercise in. Then, we loaded the car, yes I double checked that the running bag was packed twice, and were off to Burlington—the new car’s second trip to Vermont almost exactly one year later. I was quickly reminded of how I always love the drive through New Hampshire with the rolling hills and green everywhere. I felt calm and relaxed.
We went straight to the hotel with the marathon expo and packets for the runners. I grabbed my t-shirt, timing chip, and official runner’s bag. I got number 146—whew can you say early registration? There are over 3,000 marathoners! We wandered through the exhibitor area and grabbed our first nibble of some Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Ben and Jerry’s factory is in Burlington so you will see that name come up a lot throughout this monologue. Then, off we went to find some food. We hit Burlington’s downtown area and Farmer’s market where we snagged some great food and checked out all the dogs and people (we are more dog watchers I think). I understand from our friends that my husband was on dog watch all weekend and pet almost every pup he saw. We grabbed some more food at our first Brewery stop—the Vermont Pub and Brewery. Here we met my training partner and her husband. We wandered around downtown—made an official stop at the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream store downtown (we would visit here again Sunday) and then checked into the hotel. I instantly fell asleep for an hour while Justin watched t.v.—nerves, what nerves? Then, off to Stowe with some friends—our running pal from the Carlisle run and her partner, another friend from Somerville (who had just run the Boston marathon 1 month earlier!), and the four of us. Stowe was beautiful and the Pie in the Sky pizza place was great. I had a big bowl of spaghetti with meatballs and ate it all—clean plate club!
After dinner, I laid out every item I would need for the next day and pinned my number to my shirt. I had this nice little row of all the items I would need—vaseline, body glide, sun screen, filled fuel belt (potable water), clothes, socks, shoes, and a bag for after with dry clothes, band aids, advil, etc. Then off to bed.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Less than a Week Left
There is less than a week to go--just 6 days! No more duplicate days, just 1 Tuesday, 1 Wednesday, and so on. Sunday's run was only 8 miles. I also got my last sports massage and good wishes from The Sports Spa. Now, mostly just rest. No weight lifting, no cross training, nada. I think I will sqeeze in an abs class tomorrow, but I have been doing that all along and no more after tomorrow. It is just to help keep me from going crazy:) I have 4 miles tomorrow, 5 on Thursday, and two Saturday. Oh, and an ice bath as often as I can. Plus, NOTHING NEW--no new food, no new work out classes, and no new plans for the marathon strategy. Stick to the plan--now that is something I am good at:)
Speaking of plans, I have started packing. For me, this means lots of lists and items being piled on the spare bed. The pile will grow as items are added and checked off of the list. Glad we got a big car:) Here is a sample list of what to pack for a marathon away from home:
Packing List
Running Shoes
Socks (two pair of those tested during long runs)
Travel Itinerary
Prescription Medications
Emergency contact list (phone numbers and email addresses)
Medical Alert (if needed)
Medical Records (especially for international travel in either hardcopy or CD form)
Garmin Watch, charger, and heart rate monitor
Fuel belt
Singlet (this means racing tank top)
Shorts
Warm-Ups (Jacket and Long Pants)
Sports Bra
Gloves (there was frost advisory in Burlington tonight)
Hat
T-Shirt (Long and Short Sleeve)
Sweat Shirt
Tights
Rain Jacket
Body Glide and Vaseline
Workout Bag
Towel
Race Confirmation (to receive race number, if applicable)
Ibuprofen
Safety Pins
ID Tags (for you and your bag)
Toilet Paper
Sample Size Toiletries
Garbage bag (to use in cold or wet weather or to store those sweaty clothes)
Sunglasses
Sun-Block
Power Bars
Gel Energy Supplements (those for the race and extra) (I will need 6-7 for the race)
Snack/Pre-Race Items (e.g., Bagels, Muffins, Fruit, etc.)
Sports Drinks
Bottled Water (especially for the car)
Foam roller
blankie (yes, I want my own blanket and pillow the night before)
pillow
Let me know if I forgot anything!
Speaking of plans, I have started packing. For me, this means lots of lists and items being piled on the spare bed. The pile will grow as items are added and checked off of the list. Glad we got a big car:) Here is a sample list of what to pack for a marathon away from home:
Packing List
Running Shoes
Socks (two pair of those tested during long runs)
Travel Itinerary
Prescription Medications
Emergency contact list (phone numbers and email addresses)
Medical Alert (if needed)
Medical Records (especially for international travel in either hardcopy or CD form)
Garmin Watch, charger, and heart rate monitor
Fuel belt
Singlet (this means racing tank top)
Shorts
Warm-Ups (Jacket and Long Pants)
Sports Bra
Gloves (there was frost advisory in Burlington tonight)
Hat
T-Shirt (Long and Short Sleeve)
Sweat Shirt
Tights
Rain Jacket
Body Glide and Vaseline
Workout Bag
Towel
Race Confirmation (to receive race number, if applicable)
Ibuprofen
Safety Pins
ID Tags (for you and your bag)
Toilet Paper
Sample Size Toiletries
Garbage bag (to use in cold or wet weather or to store those sweaty clothes)
Sunglasses
Sun-Block
Power Bars
Gel Energy Supplements (those for the race and extra) (I will need 6-7 for the race)
Snack/Pre-Race Items (e.g., Bagels, Muffins, Fruit, etc.)
Sports Drinks
Bottled Water (especially for the car)
Foam roller
blankie (yes, I want my own blanket and pillow the night before)
pillow
Let me know if I forgot anything!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Now Single Digit Day Vows
And here we are. . .down to the single digit days before the Marathon on the 24th. Hard to imagine after signing up almost 6 months ago. I can't believe it. In nine days I hope to achieve a goal I never would have even set 2 years ago. I can remember what it felt like running along the brick in front of the Salem library the first time, a whopping mile from home, struggling to remain in a faster than walking motion for 20 minutes. Whew, and now, now I will remain in a steady motion for over 4 hours. Hard to imagine. Now, I even need to eat while running not just run so that I can eat. Now, I feel my heart elevate to a happy point rather than simply feel as if it might leap from my chest. Now, I feel muscles in my legs pushing me foward and faster rather than being self conscious about what others think of the girl breathing so hard. Now, I am thankful for the thickness of these legs because they are muscles and enable me. Now, after a long hard run I feel strong and powerful as well as tired. Now, on the days when I rest, hoping my body is healing itself in preparation, I feel antsy and eager. Now, I am ready, ready for whatever the day may bring.
I vow to enjoy this marathon. I vow to be ready for whatever might happen. I vow to declair a point where I will adjust my goals, slow down or comfortably charge on, listen to the crowd and let it motivate me, and be proud. I vow to be proud of where I have been and how far I have come. I vow to be thankful for all those who helped me get here--no matter how they helped. Whether through encouragement, running alongside me, questioning my sanity, questioning one's ability to run 26.2 miles, listening to me discuss terms like tempo and chaffing, or walking the dog so I can run--I am thankful. I thank those who ran in 8 degree weather or pouring rain, those who ran slower for me and those who pushed my pace. I mostly thank those who sacrificed any amount of time, energy, or sleep to help me reach these 4 hours of bliss. I even thank those who poured ice in the tub or who ate the ice out of the tub and gave me puppy kisses. Without you, I could not have made it this far and for you I vow to enjoy every second I am running my first marathon!
I vow to enjoy this marathon. I vow to be ready for whatever might happen. I vow to declair a point where I will adjust my goals, slow down or comfortably charge on, listen to the crowd and let it motivate me, and be proud. I vow to be proud of where I have been and how far I have come. I vow to be thankful for all those who helped me get here--no matter how they helped. Whether through encouragement, running alongside me, questioning my sanity, questioning one's ability to run 26.2 miles, listening to me discuss terms like tempo and chaffing, or walking the dog so I can run--I am thankful. I thank those who ran in 8 degree weather or pouring rain, those who ran slower for me and those who pushed my pace. I mostly thank those who sacrificed any amount of time, energy, or sleep to help me reach these 4 hours of bliss. I even thank those who poured ice in the tub or who ate the ice out of the tub and gave me puppy kisses. Without you, I could not have made it this far and for you I vow to enjoy every second I am running my first marathon!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Countdown Continues
The marathon countdown is in full swing. My last long run was over a week ago and the tapering has begun--last week I cut back to 80% of my highest mileage and this week cut back again running about 50% of my highest mileage. I'll log just 20 miles this week. On Mother's Day I logged 13.5 miles after a long walk with my favorite two and four legged men. My pup Otis woke me with kisses and then my husband treated me to a fabulous brunch at the Cheesecake Factory out on the patio. I had amazing french toast that helped motivate me towards that run:) The run went fabulously--each mile naturally got a little faster without me working too hard at it or thinking about it, I just chugged along. Unfortunately some new socks resulted in a bad blister that will require some gentle treatment in the next two weeks.
I also spent some time sewing. I "logged" about 6 hours at the sewing machine Saturday. Once again running and sewing met as I took in some running shirts from a couple of races and then took in some shirts from my chubbier days that I didn't get to last summer. Plus, I finally put together some pajama pants I cut out at Christmas time. They were perfect for Mother's Day weekend since they have paw prints all over them and match my "Rottweiler Mom" t-shirt!
More to come as I get closer and closer to the big day.
I also spent some time sewing. I "logged" about 6 hours at the sewing machine Saturday. Once again running and sewing met as I took in some running shirts from a couple of races and then took in some shirts from my chubbier days that I didn't get to last summer. Plus, I finally put together some pajama pants I cut out at Christmas time. They were perfect for Mother's Day weekend since they have paw prints all over them and match my "Rottweiler Mom" t-shirt!
More to come as I get closer and closer to the big day.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Last Looonnnngggg Training Run!
This morning was the full out marathon test--at least 22 miles of testing (84%). I got up almost when I need to get up for the marathon, ate a breakfast I plan to eat that am (cliff bar, banana, coffee), wore the exact clothes (even socks) I plan to run in, started running at the time the race will start (8:03 AM), and drank and ate what I plan to during the marathon.
I met friends in Carlisle, Massachusetts, about 40 minutes away. It is a great small town from what I could see--it had a very quiet and quaint New England feel, with tons of hilly and winding roads, the traditional looking New England center of town and lots of woods and farms. Farms with HUGE beautiful homes! Apparently Carlisle is know if its large homes and densely wooded areas--there appear to be a number of horse and hiking trails. A lot of people were mountain biking the trails and either running or biking the roads(See I am not the only crazy person!). It was really fun running in a new place and I hit the trails for the first two miles by myself enjoying the tranquility and scenery. I saw the most beautiful yellow bird I have ever seen on the trail--my Grandmas would have both loved it!
These photos give a better idea of what Carlisle looks like:
The horses at several local farms really made me smile--they swish their tails at you sometimes:)
We ran along the roads and hit a big hill right at about when we will hit it during the marathon--we all survived just fine:) I even tackled some rolling hills throughout the course at a decent speed and feel well prepared for the few that face us on race day.
Now--we just need similar weather for race day! It was a perfect low-60s temp with only a slight breeze and overcast! PERFECT!!! Who knew I would call that perfect--but for logging 22 miles--it was!
The marathon is now 3 weeks from today! I will start backing off mileage as a taper with next weeks long run at just 15. Who knew 2 years ago that I would ever say just 15 miles--but it is true!
I met friends in Carlisle, Massachusetts, about 40 minutes away. It is a great small town from what I could see--it had a very quiet and quaint New England feel, with tons of hilly and winding roads, the traditional looking New England center of town and lots of woods and farms. Farms with HUGE beautiful homes! Apparently Carlisle is know if its large homes and densely wooded areas--there appear to be a number of horse and hiking trails. A lot of people were mountain biking the trails and either running or biking the roads(See I am not the only crazy person!). It was really fun running in a new place and I hit the trails for the first two miles by myself enjoying the tranquility and scenery. I saw the most beautiful yellow bird I have ever seen on the trail--my Grandmas would have both loved it!
These photos give a better idea of what Carlisle looks like:
The horses at several local farms really made me smile--they swish their tails at you sometimes:)
We ran along the roads and hit a big hill right at about when we will hit it during the marathon--we all survived just fine:) I even tackled some rolling hills throughout the course at a decent speed and feel well prepared for the few that face us on race day.
Now--we just need similar weather for race day! It was a perfect low-60s temp with only a slight breeze and overcast! PERFECT!!! Who knew I would call that perfect--but for logging 22 miles--it was!
The marathon is now 3 weeks from today! I will start backing off mileage as a taper with next weeks long run at just 15. Who knew 2 years ago that I would ever say just 15 miles--but it is true!
Friday, May 1, 2009
99 Miles Til marathon day. . 99 Miles Til Marathon Day
Take one down, run it along, 98 miles til marathon day. . .
Whew, still sounds like a lot, but in the past 13 weeks of training I logged 350 miles, so what is 100 more? Plus, after this weekend the number will be reduced by 30 with only 68 miles left! Crazy what it all adds up to equal. Anyway, this week has been hard to get out the door, but once again I found help in my husband who ushered me out two days this week when I just wanted a nap. He even ran speedwork with me (which is hard!) logging a high mileage day for him and a lot of effort from us both.
The last looonnngggg run is this weekend--22 and is the final long test run before the big day. I plan on running with my marathon partner and hit some hills to really get the full effect in. We'll test clothes for chafing and fuel processes one last time to try and push that wall further and further out. The 15 and 8 the following weeks will hopefully feel like a breeze! I'll keep you posted as the countdown continues. . .
Whew, still sounds like a lot, but in the past 13 weeks of training I logged 350 miles, so what is 100 more? Plus, after this weekend the number will be reduced by 30 with only 68 miles left! Crazy what it all adds up to equal. Anyway, this week has been hard to get out the door, but once again I found help in my husband who ushered me out two days this week when I just wanted a nap. He even ran speedwork with me (which is hard!) logging a high mileage day for him and a lot of effort from us both.
The last looonnngggg run is this weekend--22 and is the final long test run before the big day. I plan on running with my marathon partner and hit some hills to really get the full effect in. We'll test clothes for chafing and fuel processes one last time to try and push that wall further and further out. The 15 and 8 the following weeks will hopefully feel like a breeze! I'll keep you posted as the countdown continues. . .
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