My long...now longer than expected quest for Boston.
San Antonio Rock n Roll:
I want to begin with my start of running marathons. It's short. I've only ran one marathon. It was back in Feb. of this year. I didn't know what to do really and was just taking advice from my dad, a retired marathoner, and reading plans from running books in the library. In Feb. my time was 4:13:xx. I was happy, but I wasn't. I hoped that I would of at least done a 4 or under. I then started thinking about how to better my speed and to train smarter. I decided to check out the FIRST plan. After looking at my #'s from other races I'd ran, it seemed very possible for me to BQ. That wasn't my first intention going into this training but after being in it for a couple weeks I decided to go for it. I got mixed feedback along the way. Many scoffed at the idea of a BQ attempt on #2 marathon. But I had lots of positive feedback, as well. I had pain free training up until 2 weeks before race day. I decided to be cautious and hold of on running and concentrate on recovery and x training. I could still feel some uncomfortableness in my right leg but I didn't think it would be enough to hinder my goals come race day. So coming in this was what was going against me:1) I still have some IT band/knee issues coming in. 2) I traveled in a van with my DH, son, mother and step-father 5+ hours the day before. If you knew my family you'd understand and feel my pain. I love San Antonio. The food, the scenery, the people. And the culture is like no other town in Texas. So why not run the Inaugural Rock n Roll marathon? The ride to S.A was chaos for me. I'm in the back seat of a van trying to find my happy place. It's hard with a child's nintendo DS going off, a mother with gas issues is in the van and a heated debate between DH and step-father is happening in the front seat. We finally get to the Alamodome where the expo is taking place and I just jump out of the van at the curb with my mother. We went in and got my packet super quick. I really didn't want to spend a lot of time at the expo except maybe try to find Bart Yasso and get a few last words of wisdom from a great runner like himself. I finally found him alone at a booth with no one around. We talked for a good while and he gave me some great advice and from that moment till I went to bed I had a huge perma-grin and he is now my new BFF. Goal time: 3:45 Race day morning: The shuttle pick up was a block from my hotel. Stood in line for about 10 minutes. While on the shuttle I spoke with another great runner. I was never able to catch her name. She lives in Houston now and works for Brooks. She had ran in the Olympic Trials back in the late eighties and I think it was the Houston marathon that she won years ago. Her PR was a 2:28 and was finishing her career that day with 40 marathons under her belt. It was nice to talk to someone like that 30 min. before running. It was a beautiful morning for running. I think it was in the late fourties and was supposed to warm up in the mid sixties by the end of the race. The gun goes off and we're off. Here are my splits. But mind you I was never able to see my pace per mile on my Garmin. Mile 1: 8:34Mile 2: 8: 28. I'm already feeling discomfort in my right leg. I don't even think about it because I'm so psyched about all the people out cheering. It's just a sea of people. I'm from Ft. Worth and I just haven't experienced a race this huge with 30,000 people running. I notice my distance alerts going off on my Garmin but it never shows my pace per mile. I'm so frustrated because I'm bunny rabbit and tend to go out too quick. So, I just really try to watch my pace estimating what my pace might be by looking at my time every now and then. Mile 3: 8:38Mile 4: 8:32Mile 5: 8:42-Decide on an early GU n water because of that feeling that I'm feeling. Mile 6: 8:27Mile 7: 8:20Mile 8: 8:23-cytomaxMile 9: 8:19Mile10:8:28-GU/waterMile11:8:28Mile12:8:25-I feel desolate in this desert like terrain. Where are all the bands that are supposed to be out here? Mile13:8:28-cytomax and ran with 3 other ladies that were trying to BQ. We had some good chats. Mile14:8:27Mile15:8:24Mile16:8:35-The temps are really getting warmer than expected. I even heard a few other runners saying the same thing. Mile17:8:24Mile18:8:38-GU/waterMile19:8:35Mile20:8:36Mile21:8:30-After this point I decided to alternate every aid station, one water one electrolyte. I wanted to make sure I was hydrating right. I'm always aware and make sure I hyrdate properly. I just wanted to make sure. Mile22:8:38-I could feel something starting to change and it didn't feel good. I wasn't sure what to expect at this point.Mile23:8:48-One last GU. I start feeling sharp pains shoot down the side of my right leg. I found making longer strides helped it to go away. But at this point I had a hard time willing longer strides. And from here on out it was a gradual uphill in elevation and I realize that I am experiencing my first "wall."Mile24:8:55-I want to give a negative shout out to the band the decided to play the Chicken dance song. Bad choice dudes. You know you're stage is set up at the 24 mile mark. Do you really think runners what to hear that played, and hear it being played out of tune, at mile 24? Bad call. I hope I never hear the Chicken Dance song. If I do it will be a bad flashback for me. Mile25:9:04-I hear a military coach talking to a runner that was fading fast. I felt like her a bit too. I tried to get ahead of her because it was making me think about my pain too much and I didn't want to do that. Quads are feeling like raw meat and thinking about it just seems to make it worse. Mile26:9:03-I see the Alamodome. I looked at my Garmin and saw that I had a few min. left before hitting the 3:45:59. I really dug in to try and make it but I then turn the corner to meet a 2 tenths of a mile mother of a f&@^#&@^ hill going straight up. I try to tunnel vision on the top of the hill and just go. Then everything goes black. I hear cheers from above the bridge and start to lose my balance. I hold on to the cement wall to the R of me before I fall back. I'm really pissed thinking I may not even make it. Mile:.5: 9:51-I put .5 because when I stopped my watch just over the mat, that's where it was at. Others are saying there Garmins read the same. Mmmm, course off? Back to my lack of vision and morphing into a ghoul like state: Some guy from above me shouted at me to start running again because the finish is just at the top. I'm telling myself that I'd be the biggest dork to DNF yards from the finish. So I somehow willed my blown off legs the rest of the way. I don't know what my time was coming in. I was so delirious that I could of sworn I read 3:43. Yea, right. I don't think I'll be purchasing the finish photo of this run. I probably look like an extra out of Night of the Living Dead. Finishing time: 3:47:53
Positives:
1) My first marathon was Feb. 23 with a 4:13. Nov.16, I did a 3:47:53. I shaved 26 min. off my PR in less than 9 months. 2) I got to meet and talk with a running Godfather. 3) I'm less than 2 min. away from BQ'ing.
Negatives:!
1) I was so close to Boston, I could taste it. And it's hard for me to really celebrate a big PR with being that close and not making it.
2) I'm a stubborn dumbazz and need to learn how to maintain my LR's during training and listen to my body when it hurts.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Seeing the light up ahead.
Wow, I'm nearly finished with my training. This Saturday is my last long run before my 2 week taper; then off to San Antonio for the marathon. I feel so good this time around. No pain, no injury. I feel strong, fast and hungry. My appetitie for food and the race are both untamed. My deep running thought for the day: "Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes."
Friday, October 3, 2008
Long time coming
I haven't blogged in a while. I don't know why I forget to. I'm now 6 weeks away from my marathon in San Antonio. It's the inaugural Rock n' Roll one and I'm so excited. I'm doing a completely different training method this time and am also hoping to qualify for the Boston. I'm pretty confident and am so ready for this race. The difference in my training this time around is my speedwork. Once a week I go out to the track or the 1 mile stretch on a street behind my house and do sprint intervals. They seriously kick my ass and I curse as I'm walking out the door to do them. But the next time I'm on a regular run I can really tell a difference in my speed. They really do pay off. I'm also doing more tempo runs and those hold hands with the track intervals. I just feel stronger this time around, less injury prone; unlike my last training. I just feel better about it. I've felt confident at the end of all my 20 milers. Yesterday I did my first long run (12 miles) at MP (marathon pace) and felt strong and not worn out. Tomorrow I have a 15 miler at an 8:55 pace. I'm supposed to be doing cross training, either cycling of some sort or swimming. My swimming totally sucks to the point I feel ashamed out in my lane. I need better goggles. Water keeps getting in them and I'm just down right not a very good swimmer...at all. I do try, though. But I'm thinking I'm better off doing my cycling workouts and upper body weights or something. Maybe I should take a few swimming lessons. Yea, right. Like when am I going to have time for that. Between volunteering up at my son's school, my training, my family, etc. when do I have time for a swimming lesson?
Monday, April 21, 2008
my marathon story
MY MARATHON STORY
So this is going to be long and winded so get some coffee and expect a long read.This story starts about a week ago when my mother told me of one of our family friends that is living in Austin. She owns a tattoo shop and has some...well, many super cool tattoos. A friend of hers was flying in from Australia to run the Cowtown Marathon. She was going to go to California first to see friends then fly into DFW for the Cowtown Marathon.The same marathon that I'm running. Our friend told my mother that she couldn't make it out here in time to pick up her friend from the airport and asked my mom to pick her up. My mom accepted the favor and said that as long as she gave me my marathon tattoo, she'd do it. So, my mom gave me a call and asked if I would go with her to pick up this lady that neither of us have met. I thought it would be great to talk to another marathoner and see where she was at in her training. Thurs. came around and my mom and me made a sign so the lady would know what stranger to go to when getting off the plane. Her name was Christine Getz. We get to the airport and park ourselves at the revolving door just by the baggage carousel where she would be picking up her bags. Dillon wanted to hold the sign and I thought that would be great since he can't stand still. The lady would be sure to see the sign with her name on it. Mom and I are talking about what she looks like and how old she is...then I notice on the other side of the baggage carousel a lady dressed a bit fancy with black shades (mmm) and a leopard print jacket. She looked very familar to me. I say nothing and my mom is still chattering away. This lady is coming closer towards us and my mom then blurts out that she thinks that's the lady. I'm soo fixated on looking for this other the lady that it doesn't register. I say very nonchalontley..."NO, that's Amy (my sister)." Then a, "OMG!! That's Amy." It still didn't really click. Her husband is a test pilot col. in the Air Force so I was assuming that maybe she had a layover or something and just thought she'd surprise me with a "good job" before my big day. Then I keep asking over and over, "Is this a joke?" Then she tells me that not only did she fly down to see me do my marathon but she entered in the half marathon and she is going to run the first 8 miles with me in my first marathon. I was so overwhelmed with a perma-grin. Amy has been running marathons for over 10 years and she's been my "go to" tip person threw most of my training. What a huge, great thing to come about for my first marathon. And, I see her maybe once a year. Needless to say there was no Christine Getz and Jenny wasn't going to give me my marathon tat. Oh well. This was a much better gift. So, the next two days...TH. and FR. we did nothing but eat out and shop. We went to a greek restaurant the night before the race and I ate a ton of lamb souvlaki and pita bread, baba ghonoush (sp?), tahini, and a ton of water. I had been carb loading so much that week and especially the last two days that I honestly felt like I couldn't put another bite in my mouth, I was so miserable. I felt as if I would just pop. Went to bed around 10 and slept like a rock. 4 am came quick and I was up and stretching and getting dressed in the closet so as not to wake the rest of the house. I huffed down a half of a bagel with peanut butter even though it made me feel even more bloated than I already was. I went to the bathroom so many times I can't even count. But, this is a standard for me the morning of the race. I make myself. I want to get it all out so as not to have issues on the trail, and if you've read any of my past running stories you know that I usually do have issues during my long runs in my training. BREAK....My weird rituals that I do before a race:The night before Dillon, my son, gave me his mood ring for me to wear for good luck. I instantly put it on my thumb and told him I would wear it for the whole thing. I always wear my sisters LA Marathon t-shirt the night before a race. She gave me the shirt when she found out I was training for my first marathon. I put my runner bib under my pillow to "sleep on" the night before. The day before the race day my sister and mom and me went to have lunch at this awesome mexican place. When we were getting out of the car my sister stopped and pointed to a dime facing heads up. She said, "Look a lucky dime. That's good luck. Get it." So before I went to bed I put it in the inside of my running shorts pocket. One ritual I always do the morning of any race even if it's just a 5K, I unlace and relace my shoelaces 2x. I don't know why. Maybe just to make sure they are where they should be. So, there's my list of rituals. A few new ones have been added. We left the house at 5:45 am and I felt so pumped and ready that I could hardly stand it. We made it downtown and parked in the parking garage. I felt as if I was being brought to a "coming together" if you will, for my people. I felt so at home and excited. As I'm getting out, I see other runners by their cars going through some of the same rituals as I do when at the race site. Like tucking, checking, stretching, meditating, etc. I went directly to the expo tent. I remembered yesterday when I was there to pick up my packet that there was a big blue felted stage at the back of the tent with nothing on it. Perfect spot to stretch and focus. I am in the middle of the square of Sundance so there really wasn't a spot unused to go to. And it was still really cold out. At least in the expo tent they have a few heaters going. So I made it over to the little blue stage and started my focus and zen search. Mr. S, my husband, and his brother, Stephen, found me and then I had to go pee again. I went out and found a CAN-DO john. When coming back to my spot in the tent I noticed my mom and sister had made it. Mr. S took pictures of us and we cut up a bit. Next thing you know it's time to take the stage to the starting line. Amy and I said our goodbyes and went into the huddle. My sister is like another momma to me. She took care of me a lot of my teenage years during the rough spots of my dad leaving us. So, she kind of just takes over without a thought and I let her; almost like a itty bitty baby monkey. It was still under 40 degrees and I'm wearing itty bitty shorts and a tank. My sister squatted down and started rubbing my legs up and down and giving me prep and pep talks. She joked that we probably looked like a running lesbian couple with her rubbing my legs but she didn't care. She rubbed my arms and told me that I had this in the bag. The Andrew Sisters were there and sang the anthem and then we're off. The first 8 miles was almost a party. It fel like I really just ran a half marathon that morning because of her with me on the first part of the run. I'm with my sister and we're talking like sisters do. Joking about the weirdos that passed by, singing cheesy songs, took a few quick photos on her cell, going on about mom, our kids. Oh no, I was one of "those" runners. The ones that irritate me so during races. But,really, it was seriously the best feeling. We kept our pace at about a 9:40 to 10:00. I would of gone a bit faster if my sister wasn't there. But I was enjoying us being together. The split finally came for the half'ers to go another route. I yelled, "I love you's" and she yelled them back. I felt good. On the highest cloud. I felt no pain whatsoever. My previously injured foot was not an issue...ever. I love Ft. Worth. The town is seriously a gorgeous town. But I'm always in Ft. Worth when it's time to party...at night. So I only see the the Sundance area or the arts district if there's an exhibit I want to see. It's almost like a mini Austin. The residential areas are absolutely amazing. We ran around the famous golf course, through the botanical gardens...that was beautiful. And the people. There is nothing like it. In the front yards, people had little card tables giving out bananas, oranges, GU, and vaseline. I had forgot to lube my thighs just before. I even had my vaseline in my backpack. I was on a mission the whold race in search of vaseline. Every aid station...no vaseline. Finally around mile 16 a family had vaseline. I was so happy grabbing 2 swipes and thanking them over and over. One yard...this was the best cheer in my vote, 3 teenage Ramones looking boys. A drum set, a bass and a guitar. They were totally rocking out playing some Ramones tune. I threw my fists up whoo hooing as loud as I could. The other thing that helped was a tip that another marathoner had suggested. Tape your name on your shirt and the spectators will yell your name. It's a great uplifting thing to hear when you're hurting. And it worked. Every single spectator that I passed yelled out a "GO WENDY" or a "Looking good, WEndy." And every person I yelled back a "Thank you" or a "whoo hoo." The fire fighters and officials...every one of them that was holding back traffic at intersections got one of those "thank yous" from me, as well. Mile 17 I had to pee. Thank goodness they have CAN-DO potties all over. Mile 18 in a part of the Trinity Park there was a woman playing the viloin for the runners. I yelled to her that she was awesome and she yelled back that I was awesome. Kids in their frontyards cheering with clappers and dancing, older women still in nightgowns with coffee cups cheering; it was all such an unbelievable feeling to take all in. And the scenery. To see my town from a different view. It's usually from my car going 30-40 mph. This is so much better. I kept remembering the lady in Luke's Locker telling me to watch out and remember mile 24. From there on out it's all uphill till the finish. That's when you hit your "wall" and so don't want a hill. Especially one that never ends. I'd rather have one quick steep hill than a gradual one for 2 miles. I hit mile 24 and see Tara, her daughter, Jayden, Joey and Amanda. I instantly get a jolt of energy back that was much needed. I was really starting to drag and hurt. Both of my Achilles tendons were throbbing and my quads were aching. Tara is yelling for me to go and I'm looking good. I hear Joey and Amanda yelling and whooping. It was just so awesome. Little 6 yr. old Jayden starts running with me down the block. It was almost slow motion seeing this little girl with the wind blowing her hair and this big huge smile at me all giggling. Oh, it just brings tears to my eyes. I told her she looked like a true runner and next thing you know, I've turned the corner and they're gone. Woo, I feel good. 2 miles left. Let's get this done so I can just enjoy my family and success. I hit the aid station for water, look up and notice a familar face handing out water. I know he was from the Runners World.com forum. I'm almost sure it was 5ksandcabernets. Coolio. So I blurt out in my weird 24 mile craziness, "Hey, Runner's World. com." And I'm gone. Looking back on that he was probably like, "Man, who is that nutso chic?"So the chic at Luke's Locker was not lieing. OMG!! That hill was taking people down. People started dropping like flys. People that looked very experienced in the sport were cramped over, puking, hobbling, crying. It was like a death march. I couldn't believe the magnitude of what this does on your body and the reality of it was all becoming known to me instantly. I felt so thankful and blessed to have trained properly and well. The pains and injuries that I had were nothing like some of these other people. The hill...It hurt so bad. I kept telling myself that it's almost over just run as fast as you can. Find it somewhere deep, way deep and pull it up and just do it. You're already hurting, Wendy. So just give it your all and be done. I start my hill mantra, " I love hills. I love hills." I started saying it out loud. I know I looked ridiculous. I passed these two girls that were walking. They looked over at me as they heard it. How cool...they started back up running as soon as they heard my chant. Come on people. Don't let this road take you. I get to the last half mile. It's right off the access road getting ready to turn left to go straight into downtown. I see a guy at the intersection that looks like an offical getting ready to shot my time and pace. It was Stephen, Mr. S' brother. He starts yelling that I look good and I'm almost there. Just a few more turns. I'm so thankful, emotional and overwhelmed. I yell out that I love him and pass. After I pass I just start bawling. I pass the next corner and there's Dillon standing on a City bus bench with a sign and my sister and mom are standing next to him. My mom starts running on the street towards me at the other runners and yelling to those runners and spectators, "That's my girl. That's my girl. That's my baby girl." Amy is yelling that I look awesome and I'm almost there. I turn the corner and I see it...2 blocks down, straight ahead...the finish. I just start hauling ***. I reached down somewhere in my reserves and just started sprinting. I hear my name called out on the P.A. and see Sean to the left of me saying that he loves me. I run threw, fists in the air crying my eyes out. Thank God I had my sunglasses on through this whole crying thing, so no one could see how hidious I really looked. I get through the finish and am given my medal. There is a a gated off circle that I'm standing in with spectators all around me. I'm just walking and walking in circles to keep from cramping up. Sean comes up to me and reaches out to me over the barricade and gives me a big hug saying he's so proud of me. I just bury my head in his chest and let it all out. 18 weeks of training, blister, callouses, strains, cramps, ice baths, it was all such a long hard journey but this moment...this moment right now, it's all so worth it. This moment is completely locked in my soul and will remain there and no one, no one can take that away from me. I feel so much pride and peace in myself that nothing matters. I feel love, accomplishment, self-worth, all of those cheesy cliches, yes, I feel it all. Within seconds my sister, Dillon and mom come running up the sidewalk and my momma grabs me and lifts me up like I'm 2 again and she's holding me. I wrap myself around her. It's just so awesome to know that there are these people that really care for me and love me. Joey and Amanda walk up with their kids. And I'm just hugging all over everyone. Hugs, hugs, hugs. They had to leave and my sister quickly tells me I need to start eating right now before my body just freaks out. Again, she's another momma and is making sure I do things right. She's saying not to drink much alcohol because my body is in shock even though it doesn't feel like it. She goes on saying she doesn't want me to be hospitilized, yadda yadda. I ate and had a few beers. Got my finishers tech shirt, went home and did the ice bath, shower, icy hot cream, ate 2 bowls of mashed potatoes for carbs, had some champagne, took a nap, then went to momma's for food.This was the most amazing experience that I've ever had. And I will do this again. I'm officially hooked. Expect to see me in Dec. at White Rock biatches. And until then I will be training on my speed doing tempo and speed runs, 5k races and 15k races. My favorite sign held by spectator: Toenails are 4 wimps!My stats:4:13:18 9th place in age group263 overall place9:40 pace per mile. Hey, not bad for my very first marathon, eh?
So this is going to be long and winded so get some coffee and expect a long read.This story starts about a week ago when my mother told me of one of our family friends that is living in Austin. She owns a tattoo shop and has some...well, many super cool tattoos. A friend of hers was flying in from Australia to run the Cowtown Marathon. She was going to go to California first to see friends then fly into DFW for the Cowtown Marathon.The same marathon that I'm running. Our friend told my mother that she couldn't make it out here in time to pick up her friend from the airport and asked my mom to pick her up. My mom accepted the favor and said that as long as she gave me my marathon tattoo, she'd do it. So, my mom gave me a call and asked if I would go with her to pick up this lady that neither of us have met. I thought it would be great to talk to another marathoner and see where she was at in her training. Thurs. came around and my mom and me made a sign so the lady would know what stranger to go to when getting off the plane. Her name was Christine Getz. We get to the airport and park ourselves at the revolving door just by the baggage carousel where she would be picking up her bags. Dillon wanted to hold the sign and I thought that would be great since he can't stand still. The lady would be sure to see the sign with her name on it. Mom and I are talking about what she looks like and how old she is...then I notice on the other side of the baggage carousel a lady dressed a bit fancy with black shades (mmm) and a leopard print jacket. She looked very familar to me. I say nothing and my mom is still chattering away. This lady is coming closer towards us and my mom then blurts out that she thinks that's the lady. I'm soo fixated on looking for this other the lady that it doesn't register. I say very nonchalontley..."NO, that's Amy (my sister)." Then a, "OMG!! That's Amy." It still didn't really click. Her husband is a test pilot col. in the Air Force so I was assuming that maybe she had a layover or something and just thought she'd surprise me with a "good job" before my big day. Then I keep asking over and over, "Is this a joke?" Then she tells me that not only did she fly down to see me do my marathon but she entered in the half marathon and she is going to run the first 8 miles with me in my first marathon. I was so overwhelmed with a perma-grin. Amy has been running marathons for over 10 years and she's been my "go to" tip person threw most of my training. What a huge, great thing to come about for my first marathon. And, I see her maybe once a year. Needless to say there was no Christine Getz and Jenny wasn't going to give me my marathon tat. Oh well. This was a much better gift. So, the next two days...TH. and FR. we did nothing but eat out and shop. We went to a greek restaurant the night before the race and I ate a ton of lamb souvlaki and pita bread, baba ghonoush (sp?), tahini, and a ton of water. I had been carb loading so much that week and especially the last two days that I honestly felt like I couldn't put another bite in my mouth, I was so miserable. I felt as if I would just pop. Went to bed around 10 and slept like a rock. 4 am came quick and I was up and stretching and getting dressed in the closet so as not to wake the rest of the house. I huffed down a half of a bagel with peanut butter even though it made me feel even more bloated than I already was. I went to the bathroom so many times I can't even count. But, this is a standard for me the morning of the race. I make myself. I want to get it all out so as not to have issues on the trail, and if you've read any of my past running stories you know that I usually do have issues during my long runs in my training. BREAK....My weird rituals that I do before a race:The night before Dillon, my son, gave me his mood ring for me to wear for good luck. I instantly put it on my thumb and told him I would wear it for the whole thing. I always wear my sisters LA Marathon t-shirt the night before a race. She gave me the shirt when she found out I was training for my first marathon. I put my runner bib under my pillow to "sleep on" the night before. The day before the race day my sister and mom and me went to have lunch at this awesome mexican place. When we were getting out of the car my sister stopped and pointed to a dime facing heads up. She said, "Look a lucky dime. That's good luck. Get it." So before I went to bed I put it in the inside of my running shorts pocket. One ritual I always do the morning of any race even if it's just a 5K, I unlace and relace my shoelaces 2x. I don't know why. Maybe just to make sure they are where they should be. So, there's my list of rituals. A few new ones have been added. We left the house at 5:45 am and I felt so pumped and ready that I could hardly stand it. We made it downtown and parked in the parking garage. I felt as if I was being brought to a "coming together" if you will, for my people. I felt so at home and excited. As I'm getting out, I see other runners by their cars going through some of the same rituals as I do when at the race site. Like tucking, checking, stretching, meditating, etc. I went directly to the expo tent. I remembered yesterday when I was there to pick up my packet that there was a big blue felted stage at the back of the tent with nothing on it. Perfect spot to stretch and focus. I am in the middle of the square of Sundance so there really wasn't a spot unused to go to. And it was still really cold out. At least in the expo tent they have a few heaters going. So I made it over to the little blue stage and started my focus and zen search. Mr. S, my husband, and his brother, Stephen, found me and then I had to go pee again. I went out and found a CAN-DO john. When coming back to my spot in the tent I noticed my mom and sister had made it. Mr. S took pictures of us and we cut up a bit. Next thing you know it's time to take the stage to the starting line. Amy and I said our goodbyes and went into the huddle. My sister is like another momma to me. She took care of me a lot of my teenage years during the rough spots of my dad leaving us. So, she kind of just takes over without a thought and I let her; almost like a itty bitty baby monkey. It was still under 40 degrees and I'm wearing itty bitty shorts and a tank. My sister squatted down and started rubbing my legs up and down and giving me prep and pep talks. She joked that we probably looked like a running lesbian couple with her rubbing my legs but she didn't care. She rubbed my arms and told me that I had this in the bag. The Andrew Sisters were there and sang the anthem and then we're off. The first 8 miles was almost a party. It fel like I really just ran a half marathon that morning because of her with me on the first part of the run. I'm with my sister and we're talking like sisters do. Joking about the weirdos that passed by, singing cheesy songs, took a few quick photos on her cell, going on about mom, our kids. Oh no, I was one of "those" runners. The ones that irritate me so during races. But,really, it was seriously the best feeling. We kept our pace at about a 9:40 to 10:00. I would of gone a bit faster if my sister wasn't there. But I was enjoying us being together. The split finally came for the half'ers to go another route. I yelled, "I love you's" and she yelled them back. I felt good. On the highest cloud. I felt no pain whatsoever. My previously injured foot was not an issue...ever. I love Ft. Worth. The town is seriously a gorgeous town. But I'm always in Ft. Worth when it's time to party...at night. So I only see the the Sundance area or the arts district if there's an exhibit I want to see. It's almost like a mini Austin. The residential areas are absolutely amazing. We ran around the famous golf course, through the botanical gardens...that was beautiful. And the people. There is nothing like it. In the front yards, people had little card tables giving out bananas, oranges, GU, and vaseline. I had forgot to lube my thighs just before. I even had my vaseline in my backpack. I was on a mission the whold race in search of vaseline. Every aid station...no vaseline. Finally around mile 16 a family had vaseline. I was so happy grabbing 2 swipes and thanking them over and over. One yard...this was the best cheer in my vote, 3 teenage Ramones looking boys. A drum set, a bass and a guitar. They were totally rocking out playing some Ramones tune. I threw my fists up whoo hooing as loud as I could. The other thing that helped was a tip that another marathoner had suggested. Tape your name on your shirt and the spectators will yell your name. It's a great uplifting thing to hear when you're hurting. And it worked. Every single spectator that I passed yelled out a "GO WENDY" or a "Looking good, WEndy." And every person I yelled back a "Thank you" or a "whoo hoo." The fire fighters and officials...every one of them that was holding back traffic at intersections got one of those "thank yous" from me, as well. Mile 17 I had to pee. Thank goodness they have CAN-DO potties all over. Mile 18 in a part of the Trinity Park there was a woman playing the viloin for the runners. I yelled to her that she was awesome and she yelled back that I was awesome. Kids in their frontyards cheering with clappers and dancing, older women still in nightgowns with coffee cups cheering; it was all such an unbelievable feeling to take all in. And the scenery. To see my town from a different view. It's usually from my car going 30-40 mph. This is so much better. I kept remembering the lady in Luke's Locker telling me to watch out and remember mile 24. From there on out it's all uphill till the finish. That's when you hit your "wall" and so don't want a hill. Especially one that never ends. I'd rather have one quick steep hill than a gradual one for 2 miles. I hit mile 24 and see Tara, her daughter, Jayden, Joey and Amanda. I instantly get a jolt of energy back that was much needed. I was really starting to drag and hurt. Both of my Achilles tendons were throbbing and my quads were aching. Tara is yelling for me to go and I'm looking good. I hear Joey and Amanda yelling and whooping. It was just so awesome. Little 6 yr. old Jayden starts running with me down the block. It was almost slow motion seeing this little girl with the wind blowing her hair and this big huge smile at me all giggling. Oh, it just brings tears to my eyes. I told her she looked like a true runner and next thing you know, I've turned the corner and they're gone. Woo, I feel good. 2 miles left. Let's get this done so I can just enjoy my family and success. I hit the aid station for water, look up and notice a familar face handing out water. I know he was from the Runners World.com forum. I'm almost sure it was 5ksandcabernets. Coolio. So I blurt out in my weird 24 mile craziness, "Hey, Runner's World. com." And I'm gone. Looking back on that he was probably like, "Man, who is that nutso chic?"So the chic at Luke's Locker was not lieing. OMG!! That hill was taking people down. People started dropping like flys. People that looked very experienced in the sport were cramped over, puking, hobbling, crying. It was like a death march. I couldn't believe the magnitude of what this does on your body and the reality of it was all becoming known to me instantly. I felt so thankful and blessed to have trained properly and well. The pains and injuries that I had were nothing like some of these other people. The hill...It hurt so bad. I kept telling myself that it's almost over just run as fast as you can. Find it somewhere deep, way deep and pull it up and just do it. You're already hurting, Wendy. So just give it your all and be done. I start my hill mantra, " I love hills. I love hills." I started saying it out loud. I know I looked ridiculous. I passed these two girls that were walking. They looked over at me as they heard it. How cool...they started back up running as soon as they heard my chant. Come on people. Don't let this road take you. I get to the last half mile. It's right off the access road getting ready to turn left to go straight into downtown. I see a guy at the intersection that looks like an offical getting ready to shot my time and pace. It was Stephen, Mr. S' brother. He starts yelling that I look good and I'm almost there. Just a few more turns. I'm so thankful, emotional and overwhelmed. I yell out that I love him and pass. After I pass I just start bawling. I pass the next corner and there's Dillon standing on a City bus bench with a sign and my sister and mom are standing next to him. My mom starts running on the street towards me at the other runners and yelling to those runners and spectators, "That's my girl. That's my girl. That's my baby girl." Amy is yelling that I look awesome and I'm almost there. I turn the corner and I see it...2 blocks down, straight ahead...the finish. I just start hauling ***. I reached down somewhere in my reserves and just started sprinting. I hear my name called out on the P.A. and see Sean to the left of me saying that he loves me. I run threw, fists in the air crying my eyes out. Thank God I had my sunglasses on through this whole crying thing, so no one could see how hidious I really looked. I get through the finish and am given my medal. There is a a gated off circle that I'm standing in with spectators all around me. I'm just walking and walking in circles to keep from cramping up. Sean comes up to me and reaches out to me over the barricade and gives me a big hug saying he's so proud of me. I just bury my head in his chest and let it all out. 18 weeks of training, blister, callouses, strains, cramps, ice baths, it was all such a long hard journey but this moment...this moment right now, it's all so worth it. This moment is completely locked in my soul and will remain there and no one, no one can take that away from me. I feel so much pride and peace in myself that nothing matters. I feel love, accomplishment, self-worth, all of those cheesy cliches, yes, I feel it all. Within seconds my sister, Dillon and mom come running up the sidewalk and my momma grabs me and lifts me up like I'm 2 again and she's holding me. I wrap myself around her. It's just so awesome to know that there are these people that really care for me and love me. Joey and Amanda walk up with their kids. And I'm just hugging all over everyone. Hugs, hugs, hugs. They had to leave and my sister quickly tells me I need to start eating right now before my body just freaks out. Again, she's another momma and is making sure I do things right. She's saying not to drink much alcohol because my body is in shock even though it doesn't feel like it. She goes on saying she doesn't want me to be hospitilized, yadda yadda. I ate and had a few beers. Got my finishers tech shirt, went home and did the ice bath, shower, icy hot cream, ate 2 bowls of mashed potatoes for carbs, had some champagne, took a nap, then went to momma's for food.This was the most amazing experience that I've ever had. And I will do this again. I'm officially hooked. Expect to see me in Dec. at White Rock biatches. And until then I will be training on my speed doing tempo and speed runs, 5k races and 15k races. My favorite sign held by spectator: Toenails are 4 wimps!My stats:4:13:18 9th place in age group263 overall place9:40 pace per mile. Hey, not bad for my very first marathon, eh?
Monday, January 28, 2008
The last long run before the big marathon
I did my 24 mile this morning. It's my last big run before the big marathon. I was so anxious to get it under my belt even though I've been sick this past week. My supercalifragilisticexpealidocious cousin was in town and took me and my parents for dinner at Buca di Beppo for a huge carb loading dinner. I got home ready to jump in bed early 9pm to get up for the early 6am run. It was so cool getting ready early this morning while the whole town is still sleeping. I shoved a bagel down and went to check the weather one last time before running out the door. It read that the temps would be from 35-40 during my morning run, which I was dressed and ready for. It also stated that there was huge heavy fog. NOOO! That goes against the route plan that I had for starting in the wooded trails. I quickly had a flash of the opening scenes from Silence of the Lambs where Jodie Foster is running on a wooded trail in the fog. I instantly got the chills and decided to take the access roads of hwy. 121 first and then hit the trails when, hopefully, the fog dissipates and the sun is up some...and the psychos are tucked away nicely in their beds from staying up all night waiting for early morning joggers to pounce on. =) Well, it could happen.
I load my fuel belt with a full packet of kleenex for my still congested nose, 5 packets of GU, water and my ipod. I strap on my Garmin and hit the road.
I hadn't ran in 5 days because of being so sick. I missed the road and the road missed me. I felt like Seabiscuit getting back on the track after nearly being put down and considered lame. I truly love running. The things that are most important to me: 1st- my family, 2nd-punk rock and running is sharing the same seat with punk rock.
Mile 2 I gotta pee. There isn't a porta-john around but I know of a really big bush just in front of a back fence near the opening of a trail that's perfect for jumping behind and popping a squat. I know where all the porta-johns are within a 20 mile radius of my house. Hey, ya never know. I succeed with ease and am back on the road. I then start to think that there is a possibility that I may need to go #2 somewhere along this run. I thought I worked everything out before I headed out. But I'm starting to think that choosing the lasagna last night may of been a bad call. Or was it that tiny bit of Caesar Salad? Anyhow, the #2 was in my thoughts. Well, no big deal, I'll just hit a porta-john if that happens. But what if there isn't any tp? A lot of those johns aren't stocked well with tp. Well, I've got my full packet of kleenex. But then what will I use to blow my congested nose with? Oh, you'll figure it out, Wendy.
That's a little taste of the mind banter that I do when I'm on my long runs. It helps pass the time and keep my mind busy so it doesn't wander off to pain in my body.
And speaking of pain. Around mile 5 I start to get a really bad cramp in my calf muscle of my left leg. The kind that feels like an ice pick being shoved into it. I step off real quick to lean on a fence for stretching and try to work it out some with my hands. I run off and it's still hurting just as bad. No, I will not have this, whatsoever. I then remember my mind over body skills. Ah yes, this once weak running grasshoppah is no longer. She is now mastah mind runner. I start to think of things other than my pain and it quickly fades.
Mile 7...hello #2. Yep, I gotta go and it doesn't want to wait. I'm very relieved to know that there is a porta-john around 200 yards up the trail and it couldn't be coming up at a better time than now. I jog up to see the construction site off the trail where the porta-john is and...it's not there. WHAT??? I know there was one here. I've used it before. Why would they take it away? It looks like they are still doing construction around here. UGGGHH! This means I have to go off trail, just into the bushes to do my bidnez. I do not want to do this because there isn't really any leaves on any of the trees or bushes to hide me. At least I'm wearing dark clothing so hopefully I'll be somewhat camouflaged. And I really have no choice. Besides, it's getting tired of knocking and will be opening the door soon. There isn't anyone on the trail. It's barely 7am and still real foggy. I can pull this off. I sneak into the woods and find as much of a place of coverage for my ass, point it into the woods so I can be facing the trail in case a human approaches or passes, and proceed. Thank God for those kleenex. As I'm going from squatting up to a standing position to pull up me knickers, I notice through the trees and on the trail about 20-30 yards away a very portly fellow with a very portly corgi dog. I hurry and pull everything up and walk out of the clearing as if I was just coming from the woods onto the trail from having a nice run through dead trees and marsh. Yea, like that's believable. I'll tie the pants up and put things in its place once I pass this guy. As I get back on the trail I notice he's leaning down towards the ground as if he's looking for something that has dropped or like he lost something. Okay, I'm going to go ahead and say that it's safe to assume this guy saw some of the action in the woods. Or at least saw a glimpse of "the beave." I think, from looking at his expression and body language, that he felt embarrassed for me and didn't want me to think that he did see me, so he decided to not make eye contact and start acting like he's looking for something as if he never saw a thing. I had a second of a thought that he may possibly try to start something. I mean it is super early and there is no one out here...WHAT??? Wendy, seriously now. 1. You just took a dump in the woods. How attractive can that be? 2. The guy is pushing 250-275 and that corgi is no greyhound. He'd never catch me even if he wanted to. Okay, it doesn't matter anymore because you've been running for awhile now and have already passed him.
I get around a turn, tie up my pants, put everything back in order as it should be and have a nice little laugh to myself. I'm now in the heart of the trails. I love these trails. It's a huge nature trail with markers everywhere, showing what type of tree is what and markers stating what animals to look out for. I think all together the trails total about 7 miles. When I first had Dillon I would jog these trails with him in my baby jogger. He loved it and I loved it. He was my jogging buddy, pointing out all sorts of animals and plants on the trail. We've seen a huge ass snake crossing our path together on these trails, a turtle...or tortoise the size of an ottoman on these trails. It's just super crazy cool.
This morning I saw at least 4 cardinals. They were gorgeous. Especially this time of year when there really isn't any color to the trails. It's all browns and everything is dead. All the leaves have fallen and died. The grass is dead. So to see any color through miles of brown, is a surprise. And the cardinals are no exception. I also saw a bush with very vibrant red berries. With that being the only color, it almost looked like the "burning bush."
Mile 15 I had to run off trail again under a bridge to pop a squat. I think these construction workers are getting wise to me and are offended of the fact that I'm using their facilities. So now they've moved them all to other areas that I know not of. Bastards.
I really didn't feel bad for the whole run. My legs were getting sore at the 23 mile mark. That's when I stepped it up in pace. I pretty much kept a 9-10 min. mile pace for the majority of the run. But at 22 mile I tried to pick up the pace a bit and kept it at around 8-8:30 mile pace.
I got home to Mr. S and his brother in the kitchen greeting me. The first thing that came out of Mr. S' mouth was, "You wanna ice bath?" You know it. I grabbed the whole tub of ice from the ice maker, stripped down, turned on the cold water and dumped it all in. Mr. S came in for support. He's good like that. If it was just me in there, I'd just stand there staring at the ice water and never get in. Before getting in, I informed Sean's brother that he will hear screaming but to not be worried. I jumped in up to the waist and sat there for 2 solid minutes. That doesn't sound like very long. But when you're to your waist in ice water, 2 min. is a long time. After that, I did my long hot shower and Mr. S made me french toast.
And all was well.
Later that day I went over to my mom's for a few glasses of wine and more food. Afterward, we did some shopping and then I met T-bone at the mall for an hour. The walking really helped work out my calf muscles. But now my legs hurt pretty bad. In fact, it hurts just to walk. Other than that, I feel superb!
So I think I'm ready for my big day. Only 2.2 more miles than what I did today. I'm kind of disappointed with my time. I was really hoping to hit the full marathon with a 4 hour time mark. But given today with my pit stops and all, I'm not sure if I'll make that. I'm thinking of a more realistic time of 4:15 for the marathon.
My time today was 3:54 with an average pace of 9:46 a mile. Oh, and according to my Garmin 205, I burned 2046 calories. WOA! That's awesome. Well, that helps out for the bagel before the run, the 2 french toast after the run, the 2 glasses of wine, lasagna and fettuccine at my mom's and 2 pieces of pizza dipped in garlic sauce at home. I got on the scale earlier and I had actually lost a pound even after eating all those carbs. After this marathon I don't think I will want to see a bagel or a noodle for quite some time.
I got my eye on you, Cowtown. I'm so ready for you and you will not take this girl.
I load my fuel belt with a full packet of kleenex for my still congested nose, 5 packets of GU, water and my ipod. I strap on my Garmin and hit the road.
I hadn't ran in 5 days because of being so sick. I missed the road and the road missed me. I felt like Seabiscuit getting back on the track after nearly being put down and considered lame. I truly love running. The things that are most important to me: 1st- my family, 2nd-punk rock and running is sharing the same seat with punk rock.
Mile 2 I gotta pee. There isn't a porta-john around but I know of a really big bush just in front of a back fence near the opening of a trail that's perfect for jumping behind and popping a squat. I know where all the porta-johns are within a 20 mile radius of my house. Hey, ya never know. I succeed with ease and am back on the road. I then start to think that there is a possibility that I may need to go #2 somewhere along this run. I thought I worked everything out before I headed out. But I'm starting to think that choosing the lasagna last night may of been a bad call. Or was it that tiny bit of Caesar Salad? Anyhow, the #2 was in my thoughts. Well, no big deal, I'll just hit a porta-john if that happens. But what if there isn't any tp? A lot of those johns aren't stocked well with tp. Well, I've got my full packet of kleenex. But then what will I use to blow my congested nose with? Oh, you'll figure it out, Wendy.
That's a little taste of the mind banter that I do when I'm on my long runs. It helps pass the time and keep my mind busy so it doesn't wander off to pain in my body.
And speaking of pain. Around mile 5 I start to get a really bad cramp in my calf muscle of my left leg. The kind that feels like an ice pick being shoved into it. I step off real quick to lean on a fence for stretching and try to work it out some with my hands. I run off and it's still hurting just as bad. No, I will not have this, whatsoever. I then remember my mind over body skills. Ah yes, this once weak running grasshoppah is no longer. She is now mastah mind runner. I start to think of things other than my pain and it quickly fades.
Mile 7...hello #2. Yep, I gotta go and it doesn't want to wait. I'm very relieved to know that there is a porta-john around 200 yards up the trail and it couldn't be coming up at a better time than now. I jog up to see the construction site off the trail where the porta-john is and...it's not there. WHAT??? I know there was one here. I've used it before. Why would they take it away? It looks like they are still doing construction around here. UGGGHH! This means I have to go off trail, just into the bushes to do my bidnez. I do not want to do this because there isn't really any leaves on any of the trees or bushes to hide me. At least I'm wearing dark clothing so hopefully I'll be somewhat camouflaged. And I really have no choice. Besides, it's getting tired of knocking and will be opening the door soon. There isn't anyone on the trail. It's barely 7am and still real foggy. I can pull this off. I sneak into the woods and find as much of a place of coverage for my ass, point it into the woods so I can be facing the trail in case a human approaches or passes, and proceed. Thank God for those kleenex. As I'm going from squatting up to a standing position to pull up me knickers, I notice through the trees and on the trail about 20-30 yards away a very portly fellow with a very portly corgi dog. I hurry and pull everything up and walk out of the clearing as if I was just coming from the woods onto the trail from having a nice run through dead trees and marsh. Yea, like that's believable. I'll tie the pants up and put things in its place once I pass this guy. As I get back on the trail I notice he's leaning down towards the ground as if he's looking for something that has dropped or like he lost something. Okay, I'm going to go ahead and say that it's safe to assume this guy saw some of the action in the woods. Or at least saw a glimpse of "the beave." I think, from looking at his expression and body language, that he felt embarrassed for me and didn't want me to think that he did see me, so he decided to not make eye contact and start acting like he's looking for something as if he never saw a thing. I had a second of a thought that he may possibly try to start something. I mean it is super early and there is no one out here...WHAT??? Wendy, seriously now. 1. You just took a dump in the woods. How attractive can that be? 2. The guy is pushing 250-275 and that corgi is no greyhound. He'd never catch me even if he wanted to. Okay, it doesn't matter anymore because you've been running for awhile now and have already passed him.
I get around a turn, tie up my pants, put everything back in order as it should be and have a nice little laugh to myself. I'm now in the heart of the trails. I love these trails. It's a huge nature trail with markers everywhere, showing what type of tree is what and markers stating what animals to look out for. I think all together the trails total about 7 miles. When I first had Dillon I would jog these trails with him in my baby jogger. He loved it and I loved it. He was my jogging buddy, pointing out all sorts of animals and plants on the trail. We've seen a huge ass snake crossing our path together on these trails, a turtle...or tortoise the size of an ottoman on these trails. It's just super crazy cool.
This morning I saw at least 4 cardinals. They were gorgeous. Especially this time of year when there really isn't any color to the trails. It's all browns and everything is dead. All the leaves have fallen and died. The grass is dead. So to see any color through miles of brown, is a surprise. And the cardinals are no exception. I also saw a bush with very vibrant red berries. With that being the only color, it almost looked like the "burning bush."
Mile 15 I had to run off trail again under a bridge to pop a squat. I think these construction workers are getting wise to me and are offended of the fact that I'm using their facilities. So now they've moved them all to other areas that I know not of. Bastards.
I really didn't feel bad for the whole run. My legs were getting sore at the 23 mile mark. That's when I stepped it up in pace. I pretty much kept a 9-10 min. mile pace for the majority of the run. But at 22 mile I tried to pick up the pace a bit and kept it at around 8-8:30 mile pace.
I got home to Mr. S and his brother in the kitchen greeting me. The first thing that came out of Mr. S' mouth was, "You wanna ice bath?" You know it. I grabbed the whole tub of ice from the ice maker, stripped down, turned on the cold water and dumped it all in. Mr. S came in for support. He's good like that. If it was just me in there, I'd just stand there staring at the ice water and never get in. Before getting in, I informed Sean's brother that he will hear screaming but to not be worried. I jumped in up to the waist and sat there for 2 solid minutes. That doesn't sound like very long. But when you're to your waist in ice water, 2 min. is a long time. After that, I did my long hot shower and Mr. S made me french toast.
And all was well.
Later that day I went over to my mom's for a few glasses of wine and more food. Afterward, we did some shopping and then I met T-bone at the mall for an hour. The walking really helped work out my calf muscles. But now my legs hurt pretty bad. In fact, it hurts just to walk. Other than that, I feel superb!
So I think I'm ready for my big day. Only 2.2 more miles than what I did today. I'm kind of disappointed with my time. I was really hoping to hit the full marathon with a 4 hour time mark. But given today with my pit stops and all, I'm not sure if I'll make that. I'm thinking of a more realistic time of 4:15 for the marathon.
My time today was 3:54 with an average pace of 9:46 a mile. Oh, and according to my Garmin 205, I burned 2046 calories. WOA! That's awesome. Well, that helps out for the bagel before the run, the 2 french toast after the run, the 2 glasses of wine, lasagna and fettuccine at my mom's and 2 pieces of pizza dipped in garlic sauce at home. I got on the scale earlier and I had actually lost a pound even after eating all those carbs. After this marathon I don't think I will want to see a bagel or a noodle for quite some time.
I got my eye on you, Cowtown. I'm so ready for you and you will not take this girl.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Boxing while training for this marathon
For the past 3 years I've been boxing 3x a week. It really has helped me incorporate core strength, endurance and toning in my running. Since I started my marathon training I've had to cut back some. When I have a long/hard week(40+mpw) I try to save all that energy for my run. I don't want to burn out and not have enough energy to get me through my 15+ miles.
Well, It had been about a week since I went to a class. I went last night thinking that I would die from not going so regularly. I was way wrong and am now starting to think that my running has also helped me in my boxing. I had so much energy in my class last night. More so than I've had in a while. Maybe I should re-think all of that and start going as regularly as I used to.
Well, It had been about a week since I went to a class. I went last night thinking that I would die from not going so regularly. I was way wrong and am now starting to think that my running has also helped me in my boxing. I had so much energy in my class last night. More so than I've had in a while. Maybe I should re-think all of that and start going as regularly as I used to.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
My 20 mile adventure
I have been jog journalling since I started my marathon training. Once I figure out how to transfer it here, I will.
This is my latest report on my latest long run. It's lengthy and graphic.
Dec.10, 2007
THE 20 MILE ADVENTURE!!!
The White Rock Lake Marathon was yesterday. And my first 20 mile was yesterday!! I woke up to 40 degree temps, 10-20 mile winds and constant rain. I went through the checklist in my head of everything I needed for the long haul and was out the door. Shit, I forgot gloves. By mile 4 I couldn't feel my hands. It felt like freezing needles stabbing me all over my hands. I tried sticking them in my sleeves but it made it impossible to move my arms. Shortly thereafter I noticed my husband pass me and gave me the "power fist." It's his signature move now. =) I waved him down and yelled for him to run to the store and get me gloves. And he was johnny on the spot. After he rode off, my mp3 shorted out and broke. I was so pissed that I ripped it off my arm and launched it out into bushes on the side of the road. I was so pissed because that meant that for the next 2 hours I needed to come up with songs to sing on my own to keep my mind occupied. The rain was so intense and the downpour was heavy. Every inch of clothing and every part of my body was freezing and drenched in rain. I'm slowly building up a good running wardrobe and I didn't think I'd need any cool weather tights for awhile. Especially living in Texas, the weather hasn't been that bad. The Nike pants that I wore didn't handle the job and were for sure not water resistant. My mid section, arms and face were the only things that were somewhat thawed. At mile 10 I had to pee so bad but there was really no place for me to go and I didn't want to stop. I made a quick decision and am still happy with the decision that I made. My clothes and pants are dripping wet, it's overcast and pouring down cold rain. Just go, Wendy. And I did. And I felt the warmest for those 2 minutes than I did on my whole 20 miles. If you are ever in a jam and it's cold and your clothes are already wet...travel tip: Just GO!! And I felt pretty hardcore after that and instantly started thinking of Iggy. Oh Iggy, how I love you. Then I had to break out with singing Search and Destroy. But, its heavy, "I'm freezing" breathes in between like, "I'm a...*puff puff* street walking cheetah...*puff puff* with a hand full of...*puff puff* napalm." You get the jist.
At mile 12, a water and gu spot, Mr. S (husband) hussles beside me and magically another set of gloves appear in his hands. He tells me to hand me the ones that I have on. I don't know what I mumbled to him. It was something like "No no I'm fine. I don't want to mess with it." I obviously didn't get what he was trying to tell me so he instantly barked instructions that were to the point. "Wendy, take off those drenched cold gloves and put these dry ones on that I've had on the heater vent of the car!" I quickly mustered them off and mumbled to him about me peeing on myself. I don't think he thought I was telling the truth then. He probably thought I was talking crazy. So, I tried to hand the gloves to him while running and him running along side me. As I'm trying to hand him the gloves he tells me to just drop them to the ground and he'll get them when I've jogged off. Those warm, dry gloves felt so good. But, It took me about 5 minutes to put them on because my hands were so stiff and cold. I barely had feeling in them. Mile 15 I met up with Mr. S again and told him I had to pee again. I ran off the road to trees and bushes and back that thang up and popped a squat. Mr. S quickly yanked the car around and positioned it just in front of me so cars wouldn't see me. He's a sweetie. Then I'm off again. Still completely soaked and so cold. I then remember the marathon that over 4,000 people are running. They're out there in this too, Wendy. And they're doing 6 more miles than you. Suck it up and keep going.
Mile 18...I'm getting a little coo coo with the weather. I start trying to think of songs I know all the words to. Andy Williams Holdiay Season/Happy Holidays was the only one that came to my head. I sang that over and over for the last 2 miles and at the finish line...there was no one. I was crazy pissed. I waited there for awhile then realized that I needed to keep my legs moving so they don't completely tighten up on me. My calf muscles were that sharp, quick pinch. I start walking back home and see Mr.S approaching. He pulls to the side and I honestly don't know what I was yelling at him. I just remember him and my son looking at me with huge saucer eyes, and then I told him I'm walking back home (which was only like a half a mile away). I start walking and he's driving along side yelling for me to get in the car. I just shouted back asking what the time was. He told me and it wasn't what I wanted to hear. I keep walking and just start bawling...boo hooing. I don't know if it was because of the time or because I was so numb and cold. I shuffle back to the house all cold. It felt like the walk of shame. Mrs. S runs up to me sweetly saying he's proud of me and pulls me into the bathroom. I sit down on the side of the tub and finally start to realize how frozen I am. He helps me get my shoes off and I just fall on him bawling telling him how sorry I am for yelling at him and how awesome he is to be there to help me. He helps me get out of my wet clothes and my whole body is red...like an apple. I thawed off in the hot shower for about a half an hour and then ate a huge bowl of pasta and diced tomatoes...
And all was well. The storm is over; the one with myself, and the one outside myself. I did it. I'm alive. No major pain aside from aching calves. I wanted to go at the most 10 minute mile pace finishing in 3:20. I was close. My pace was like 10 minutes and 15 seconds with a total time of 3:25. I think that not having the right pants on really did it for me. And 2 other potty stops plus the weather slowed me down a bit. I know, excuses. Hey, it was my first 20 miler. I didn't give up. I didn't stop. And I can't wait to do it again.
This is my latest report on my latest long run. It's lengthy and graphic.
Dec.10, 2007
THE 20 MILE ADVENTURE!!!
The White Rock Lake Marathon was yesterday. And my first 20 mile was yesterday!! I woke up to 40 degree temps, 10-20 mile winds and constant rain. I went through the checklist in my head of everything I needed for the long haul and was out the door. Shit, I forgot gloves. By mile 4 I couldn't feel my hands. It felt like freezing needles stabbing me all over my hands. I tried sticking them in my sleeves but it made it impossible to move my arms. Shortly thereafter I noticed my husband pass me and gave me the "power fist." It's his signature move now. =) I waved him down and yelled for him to run to the store and get me gloves. And he was johnny on the spot. After he rode off, my mp3 shorted out and broke. I was so pissed that I ripped it off my arm and launched it out into bushes on the side of the road. I was so pissed because that meant that for the next 2 hours I needed to come up with songs to sing on my own to keep my mind occupied. The rain was so intense and the downpour was heavy. Every inch of clothing and every part of my body was freezing and drenched in rain. I'm slowly building up a good running wardrobe and I didn't think I'd need any cool weather tights for awhile. Especially living in Texas, the weather hasn't been that bad. The Nike pants that I wore didn't handle the job and were for sure not water resistant. My mid section, arms and face were the only things that were somewhat thawed. At mile 10 I had to pee so bad but there was really no place for me to go and I didn't want to stop. I made a quick decision and am still happy with the decision that I made. My clothes and pants are dripping wet, it's overcast and pouring down cold rain. Just go, Wendy. And I did. And I felt the warmest for those 2 minutes than I did on my whole 20 miles. If you are ever in a jam and it's cold and your clothes are already wet...travel tip: Just GO!! And I felt pretty hardcore after that and instantly started thinking of Iggy. Oh Iggy, how I love you. Then I had to break out with singing Search and Destroy. But, its heavy, "I'm freezing" breathes in between like, "I'm a...*puff puff* street walking cheetah...*puff puff* with a hand full of...*puff puff* napalm." You get the jist.
At mile 12, a water and gu spot, Mr. S (husband) hussles beside me and magically another set of gloves appear in his hands. He tells me to hand me the ones that I have on. I don't know what I mumbled to him. It was something like "No no I'm fine. I don't want to mess with it." I obviously didn't get what he was trying to tell me so he instantly barked instructions that were to the point. "Wendy, take off those drenched cold gloves and put these dry ones on that I've had on the heater vent of the car!" I quickly mustered them off and mumbled to him about me peeing on myself. I don't think he thought I was telling the truth then. He probably thought I was talking crazy. So, I tried to hand the gloves to him while running and him running along side me. As I'm trying to hand him the gloves he tells me to just drop them to the ground and he'll get them when I've jogged off. Those warm, dry gloves felt so good. But, It took me about 5 minutes to put them on because my hands were so stiff and cold. I barely had feeling in them. Mile 15 I met up with Mr. S again and told him I had to pee again. I ran off the road to trees and bushes and back that thang up and popped a squat. Mr. S quickly yanked the car around and positioned it just in front of me so cars wouldn't see me. He's a sweetie. Then I'm off again. Still completely soaked and so cold. I then remember the marathon that over 4,000 people are running. They're out there in this too, Wendy. And they're doing 6 more miles than you. Suck it up and keep going.
Mile 18...I'm getting a little coo coo with the weather. I start trying to think of songs I know all the words to. Andy Williams Holdiay Season/Happy Holidays was the only one that came to my head. I sang that over and over for the last 2 miles and at the finish line...there was no one. I was crazy pissed. I waited there for awhile then realized that I needed to keep my legs moving so they don't completely tighten up on me. My calf muscles were that sharp, quick pinch. I start walking back home and see Mr.S approaching. He pulls to the side and I honestly don't know what I was yelling at him. I just remember him and my son looking at me with huge saucer eyes, and then I told him I'm walking back home (which was only like a half a mile away). I start walking and he's driving along side yelling for me to get in the car. I just shouted back asking what the time was. He told me and it wasn't what I wanted to hear. I keep walking and just start bawling...boo hooing. I don't know if it was because of the time or because I was so numb and cold. I shuffle back to the house all cold. It felt like the walk of shame. Mrs. S runs up to me sweetly saying he's proud of me and pulls me into the bathroom. I sit down on the side of the tub and finally start to realize how frozen I am. He helps me get my shoes off and I just fall on him bawling telling him how sorry I am for yelling at him and how awesome he is to be there to help me. He helps me get out of my wet clothes and my whole body is red...like an apple. I thawed off in the hot shower for about a half an hour and then ate a huge bowl of pasta and diced tomatoes...
And all was well. The storm is over; the one with myself, and the one outside myself. I did it. I'm alive. No major pain aside from aching calves. I wanted to go at the most 10 minute mile pace finishing in 3:20. I was close. My pace was like 10 minutes and 15 seconds with a total time of 3:25. I think that not having the right pants on really did it for me. And 2 other potty stops plus the weather slowed me down a bit. I know, excuses. Hey, it was my first 20 miler. I didn't give up. I didn't stop. And I can't wait to do it again.
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