How running started from me... from the early years to my last race pre-preggo! If I can do it so can you..
Thursday May 7th, 2009
I do not run marathons, I do not run 10K's. At this point 5.5 miles is my limit. I've been running since the year before I was married. I have kind of grown to like it and wish I would have started sooner. Wish I could have ran the routes in my old Chicago neighborhoods.
I decided to start my running journal today because I had my first injury. I was out attempting to hit 5 miles; at about the 1.5 mile mark and seconds before approaching a tough hill (to me it’s tough)- I fell. I fell in front of Kentucky Fried Chicken. I tripped on the side walk and fell on my knees and braced myself with my left palm on the pavement. I was on the ground for about a second- stood up, then made my way up the hill, where I stopped for 2.32 seconds to shake off the wounds and clean them with my over shirt. I continued down the hill and ran the last 2.5 miles. I guess my motivation was it could have been worse, I could have feel in front a moving vehicle or perhaps broken or twisted something. And, this was practice for me, what if I fall in a real race, I can't just stay there and be a wimp. I was a wimp after I finished the 4 miles. I walked into the door of our house and said, "Husband, I fell in front of KFC and started to cry." But boy did those knees start to hurt after the run was over.
Stay Tuned.. my first Beach to Bay Run as captain is on May 16th, 2009 www.beachtobayrelay.com. (8/31/2011- I’ve ran in two more Beach to Bays since as Captain and loved every minute of them)
Saturday June 13th, 2009
Signed up for the Rock and roll half marathon- was inspired by beach to bay! I recently ran the best leisure run of my life, the first in Amsterdam and the second along the Rhine River in St. Goar, Germany. We are headed to Chicago at the end of the month and I'll likely run for the first time in front of Lake Michigan. To think I lived there for so long and never did that, glad I am finally a motivated runner.
June 29th "ish" 2009
Ran for the first time on Lake Michigan and loved it. I ran 7 miles- my longest distance thus far! I ran from Belmont and Racine to North Avenue beach and back. I had some walking spurts but overall did very well. Muscle men were passing me, but that’s okay.. I was still running!
August 29, 2009- Whoop, whoop for me! My first time running 8 miles.. it was with our SA fit training group. Now I really know I will be able to finish the half!! We started at N.St. Mary's and 281 ran towards Josephine, then under the riverwalk new expansion all through to Nueva street and back. We passed the bridge by the Arneson where Chris proposed.. (ahhh)
I tend to surprise myself- but I actually kept a steady pace throughout. Thanks to my husband Chris for the motivation.. I would have for sure stopped at 6 if it wasn't for him in front of me looking back every 2 seconds, okay maybe every 2 minutes, but it felt like 2 seconds.
September 7, 2009
Did my first 5 mile "race" it was called the Whine Run and the hilliest course I’ve ever ran. I was happy with my pace of 10:16 considering I do not train on hills. After the race we walked to the nearby vineyard, received our free wine glass and our two glasses of sangria slush included in the race entry. Awesome.. awesome.. and, I wasn't dead afterwards..
September 30, 2009
After sobbing my way through the movie "My Sister's Keeper" I was inspired to learn more about Leukemia. I was happy to find that through doing something I love to do, RUN- I could contribute to the cause. Knowing that my hard work will be "making cures happen" will for sure lead me to a stronger finish to my very first half marathon. I'm excited, and I hope you are too!
I decided to join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Make Cures Happen fundraising program. In a nutshell it "gives endurance sports events participants the opportunity to bring help and hope to patients battling cancer." Help me race funds towards a great cause and sponsor me...
October 18, 2009 (Sunday)
Today was our 12 mile "milestone run"! And I am very proud of us. For (me) the first time EVER running 12 miles, I was happy with my time of 2:15. That included two water stops, running the whole time, and realizing once I turned on my mp3 player that all of my music had been erased; so I had to resort to FM radio. I was listening to "country countdown USA" so it wasn't so bad, but it was pretty harsh considering how much I rely on my tunes for "pick me ups". Instead I resorted to the gummy lifesavers available at mile 10 to keep me running. I learned that I WILL need familiar faces cheering me on at about the 11/12 mile marker for sure (any volunteers) and that Chris may need a boost very close to the end. I'm surprised he actually stayed so close. I was behind him on our last hill, but caught him on the downhill (my favorite) and passed him up and yelled, "Let's go husband, let’s not stop now, we're right there." And, his little face lifted up, and we finished pretty strong (together)! I know he thought I was much further behind; I love surprising him! Surprisingly, I had a really great time during the entire mileage; no side aches, no extreme sweat spells. Running near the 1604 area is definitely challenging and filled with hills, but I think it was a great prep run for the big 13.1. Its November 15th; and I'm looking forward to it.. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
It's been over a month since I ran my first half marathon, and I'm finally writing; It's really crazy how training takes up your entire schedule and then when you’re done you realize, "how did I ever find time for all the running?" I still manage to run 2-6 miles every three days to keep in my head that "I am a runner!"
The half was awesome; refreshing, full of people, and I made my goal time. Could not have asked for more. I never thought a time this early in my life would come that I literally felt like I would never be able to stand up; but it happened.. after the race, with my chocolate milk in hand, I sat down on the pavement because I could not find a chair, and it literally took me about twenty minutes until I could stand. As for walking, it took about eight days until I actually felt like I was walking straight.
You may be wondering why someone would do this if you have to deal with the aftermath. The finish was the best; the first person I saw was Chris, and I had to swallow my tears, tears of happiness of course; but it was a feeling of completion and pride that is priceless. The other priceless moment was having my parents; my nephew and my big brother Mark at the mile nine marker cheering me to the finish. It’s crazy how much motivation you need to get you through; but it makes a huge difference.
We started training in June, and I can say it was all time well spent.
Race recap: The free beer stops and spectators keep me running through mile two, the gummy bears came through for me at mile three, Chris stuck with me until mile four, Rozette and Raf were there at mile five to make sure I was keeping my head up, and me knowing that I would see my family at mile nine made me get there smiling! After nine, people watching is what got me to finish!
Everyone has their own story, but that’s mine in a nutshell. Can't wait for the next race!
July 18th, 2010
Wow! After a fun birthday out at Wrigley Field, then Wrigleyville to follow; I woke up at 6am to run my first Chicago race... Ran my best race pace ever and made it through with a smile! http://www.fleetfeetchicago.com/htm/events_races_womens.asp
Considering that we were graced with the sounds of what seemed like a football game outside our hotel room at 430am- I am glad we made it to the race on time.
Chris was a trooper and came to the race to cheer me through (he found me three times). Cindy, her mom, and Chris were there to watch me finish, and of course I had to wave when I saw them!
Truly amazing what running a race in a different City does for your pace and stamina. I'm addicted now; we are likely signing up for the Miami ING Half Marathon that starts on Miami Beach, its January 30, 2011... http://www.ingmiamimarathon.com/
Thanks to Cindy; I decided to run the 10K- She is a rock star- she ran the race hard and just had a baby seven weeks ago, she is my running idol!
Highlight of the race: (besides, the lake/city views, shoving people near the start so I could get to my pace level, and seeing my husband cheering along route with camera in hand) was looking up and seeing the 10K leader close to her finish with perfect running form, in tip top shape, the perfect tan; and sparkling Lake Michigan in the background. A nice boost that made me hit the pavement harder! True scene from a Nike commercial! Looking forward to my next out of town race!
November 9th, 2010
On your mark, get set- its almost time for my 3rd half marathon race. To think- a year ago- I said "I do not run marathons."
I ran my 2nd half in Chicago about a month ago and placed in my age group, yes, it was a small race.. but A MEDAL for a half- CHECK! Who would of thought- I would be the type of person to get up at 5am to run a half marathon up and down hills! (sound familiar, Cindy? : ) ) But thanks for the motivation!
With the motivation of my good friends, Mark and Cindy Shillair I was able to join the under two hour club-- CHECK number two! I made it to the finish in T-minus 1 hour and 58 minutes. It may have had something to do with autumn in Chicagoland, it made racing around the hilly paths seem fun. F-U-N. It was like running in a Nike commercial minus the body but CHECK to the scenery- brightly colored leaves falling to the ground, trees surrounding the asphalt paths, and the sounds of crunching leaves all around. Oh yes, and let’s not forget the rain drops that started at mile 7 and continued through mile 13.1.
Much different atmosphere than my previous half (San Antonio Rock and Roll); blaring sometimes great, sometimes not so great, and sometimes on breaks- that is “bands" at every few miles, thousands of spectators and over 15,000 runners. I enjoyed them both and can't wait until the next and so on!
Good news- I had my first trip to the orthopedic surgeon this last Tuesday- MRI complete and no stress fracture- just tendonitis. I feel like a running wimp! But wanted to make sure it was not serious. I ran the Chicagoland half with my foot hurting and thought it would go away but it didn't. Now Chris' motivation to finish under two is "wife did it with a hurt foot, so I can too." Glad my hurt foot can help motivate him. Found out through having this hurt foot that I hate ice- its cold! I hate having to pamper a foot- "my foot"!! It’s not like I fell and hurt it or ran into a wall .. it just resulted from a foot cramp!! Very grateful it was not a fracture. I sure hope I don't lose my breathing come race day. Still ran three miles pretty well yesterday- but it still scares me resting this much before race day!
I'll stop blabbing now- Its almost here- my third half, and 2nd Rock and Roll half - this time I know what to expect (or think I do)-- below is my countdown to race day list in no particular order
1. Pedicure
2. Shop and Purchase five new songs from the iTunes Store
3. Find & wash at least five pieces of "throw away" clothing in case of cold weather- I'll wear it at the start then take off throughout race without feeling guilty- after all I grabbed it from the garage sale pile. I'm going to look pretty funny if I actually have to wear these clothes, but I'm prepared.
4. Pick out race day outfit, to avoid un-prepared mis-haps during race- RUN IN IT! Have second option, just in case! (oh yeah and race day face as well.. make-up or none, decide before hand- too many other things to think about the morning of!)
5. Pray
6. Watch, learn, and listen
7. Remember to stop for spectators you personally invited.. its not like your a Kenyan and going to WIN the race (LOL) And, they will take great pics!
8. Hydrate .. but don't go overboard, especially the night before- I do not want to be a frequent customer of the port o potties during the race
9. Take extra bag in race pouch for Finishers village
10. Extra gels, extra candy, and Ibruprofen
Stay tuned for Race Day Story!
November 18th, 2010
This race was kind of a blur; perhaps it was that I finished 35 minutes faster than last year? Last year I remember trotting through checking out every sign, looking at people’s shoes, legs, outfits, giving high fives to the little children, cheering for every band that I liked etc.
This year was different. I think it had something to do with my body being so weak from being sick and the tendonitis in my foot that all I could handle was running and nothing more.
Thank goodness I woke up at 1:30am and took some Alka-Seltzer or else I would have stayed in bed. My headache, stomach pain and sinus pain did not go away until 1:30am the morning of the race; go figure!
I remember standing in my corral waiting for the race to start watching the folks behind me sharing Biofreeze or Bengay one of the two; I remember thinking wow that would be nice right now, but- “No, do not take Bengay from strangers.”
I remember asking my husband, are you going to stay with me or leave me running a lone like last year, He said, “I’m going to do what I’m going to do.” Gee thanks I thought. But I knew he had one goal in mind, breaking two hours. He knew I had already done it so he was determined to do the same.
I remember approaching the start line and seeing everyone running at least twenty steps before the start, and Chris looked at me and said, “I’m not running, we’ll be doing enough already.” I could not have agreed with him more!
I remember seeing my first mile time of 9:58 or something to that effect and thinking “hell no” why did 50% of these people decide to start in a corral that was too fast for them. And, why did the race organizers decide to have three very narrow streets in the first mile of race with 20K plus runners!
I remember passing by the beer stop near mile six and seeing Just Guinness and hearing the Irishman say “You can’t pass up dis beer..” and me thinking where is the German beer, it was here last time?
I remember giving a high five to a cheerleader on the side of the road at about mile seven and her saying, “you can do it, your almost there!” and me thinking, “I am?”
I remember passing mile 9 and thinking, yay, I almost get to see my family cheer squad, then I approached mile ten and no mom and dad? My first thought was worry, what if something happened to them, the kids, etc? Once I had access to my phone I called them and dad was like, “you finished?” and I said “yes! Is everything okay?” So I find out that the competitor tracker was way off so they thought they had enough time to have breakfast. So while they were eating tacos, Chris and I flew by mile 9. There is always next year. They missed us by 10 minutes. I was very sad; but the motivation of knowing they were going to be their kept me running with my head high and also gave my husband the kick he needed to stay looking strong so he wouldn’t look like he was dying when he passed them.
I remember passing mile 11 and hearing the Kenyan, who had already finished his marathon... saying "stay within cones, please." and me thinking... "What does he care, I'm going to run where I want I do not have any more energy to swerve through these people!"
I remember passing mile 12 and thinking I need water really bad. I took two water cups from the seventy something year old lady volunteer, she gave me a reassuring smile and I was off. Looked at my watch and it said 1:49 and it was off to the finish.
I remember taking off after mile thirteen and not looking back until I crossed and I looked back and there was Chris crossing the finish with a big smile and his blue bandana.
And just like that- it was all done!
For those who have done many, many marathons, these stories are probably not worth writing about anymore, but for me- the “I will never run a 10K gal”- I like to remember- so that is why I write. I hope my stories are entertaining for some of you. (Who am I kidding, who really is going to take 5 minutes to read a running journal). I know I should have, because if I did I would not have waited this long to experience the joy in running!
August 31, 2011- my best race ever!
Very ironic indeed that three months later I would be writing my fourth half marathon story. Especially while being 14 weeks pregnant and not being able to run nearly as fast as I did during my fourth half. I was in the best running shape of my life, and had a PR, I ran 8:39 miles!! It was a surprise by far. It was the Indianapolis Indy Mini Marathon on May 7th, 2011.
This half will always have a special place in my heart because I was blessed to be able to run it with, Jill & Jodi- my two sister-in-laws, Michelle (Jodi’s good friend who is really fast) and Chris, of course.
I believe the hype of me not wanting to finish last out of the group helped me get through the finish line kicking- literally. But, after training in the Texas heat for MANY months (we trained June 2010 on through May! Long time!), then coming to run in 20 degree cooler weather, this may have very well been the true kicker!
This race was a breeze, literally. I remember the first couple miles, I watched Jill do an all-out sprint through the crowd and me thinking, “Isn’t it a little early to be sprinting?” But, she wasn’t sprinting, she was trying to get through the crowd. So I of course followed her lead, and ran closely behind. I then remember running side by side with Michelle as we passed mile three and telling Michelle, “Oh my goodness that was an 8:25 minute mile!!!!” Michelle said, there is no way I’ll keep that pace up, and I agreed. I began to get scared, I didn’t want to end up passed out at mile 8, and I didn’t want to be in last place of the group.. And I had only seen 8:25 miles in 5ks! But little did I know I would end up finishing the race at an 8:39 pace.
I lost Michelle shortly after mile three and wasn’t quite sure if she went in front or where she was.. but I knew if I kept up with my breathing and drank plenty of water, I could keep up an even pace to finish the race. Plus, I knew I had fast miles to start, so that was make up time for me in the end. My miles continued to be consistent between 8:35 and 8:45 pace, until we reached the Indy 500 race course (murder!). Part of the hype of this race is that you get to run on the actual track. I personally think there is nothing special about running in a large circle surrounded by bleachers for almost three miles!!!! But, running is mental- so I pushed myself, because I knew that when I excited I would give or take only have a 5k left to run! I prospered, breezed through the 5k and “wa-la” my fourth half marathon in 1:53:32! If I can do it – so can you.. if you have doubts- read my first post!
