Last Day of 2008

Today is the last day of 2008 and tomorrow a whole new year will begin! What will I remember about 2008? Here is a short list:

• Training for and running my first marathon- there will be many more (I hope!) Marathons in my future but there will never be another first marathon.
• The great group runs that I had during MIT! And the not so great ones when others were willing to cheer me and support me.
• Having another nephew born in Febuary! I love you Dylan Daniel!
• The election season of 2008 that seemed to stretch on FOREVER.
• The two scandals that occured and landed Ohio as front page news- Marc Dann and Joe the Plumber.

I had great 2008 and I'm looking forward to a great 2009!

Here are some of my goals for 2009:

Run 1,001 miles this year (my friend Jenean suggested 1,001 just because!)

Work out with weights twice per week.

Keep my kitchen picked up- always a struggle for me.

Better organization in general and getting my basement scrapbooking area really set up to scrap down there.

I wish each and every one of you a healthy and happy New Year!!

A New Season Training

Yes a new season of training is upon me! Yeah! I love group running more than anything an I'm so glad to beginning my training offically for another half marathon this spring. I love having a plan each day and knowing how many miles I need to run each week. When left to my own devices I tend not to run as much as I should!

I will be missing the run tomorrow though because it is my nephew Peyton's first ever Christmas program so I'm going there instead. It's okay though I'll catch up with everyone next week. Although as my running friends pointed out to me missing the first day of MIT is a little like missing the first day of school.

I can't believe that Christmas is two weeks away now! I'm almost done with all my shopping and all I have to do to my cards is put the stamps on them (after I buy said stamps) and put them in the mail.

I'm going to my parents house for the week of Christmas so that will be fun, and I'll get to do some trail running at the awesome trail near their house. A good break for me from the assphalt I run on here at home.

Pictures of the Marathon Finish

Peyton was waiting at the Finish Line for me! So special- he also drank my Gatorade, but that's okay!


Crossing the Finish Line!! BIG SMILE and a sigh of relief too!!

Thanksgiving Week and Cold Weather Running

Yes it's Thanksgiving week, which for me means a short work week (off on Thanksgiving and the day after), and my traditional Thanksgiving Day Race. This year will be my third year running the Flying Feather 4 Miler- it's a good course and the reward is a bottle of wine or cookies. I'll probably get the cookies for the nephews this year.

It's been cold here so therefore I've offically broken out the cold weather running gear- tights and long sleeved shirts are the order of the day and of course a hat and gloves. I really don't mind running in the cold at all- in fact I find I like it much better than the 90 degree heat we trained in all summer long.

I've been proud of myself of how I've done "between seasons" of MIT this year, the best ever actually as far as keeping up my base of running. My plans for this season are a half in the Spring (Flying Pig) and a full in the Fall (yet to be determined which one).

So this Thanskgiving I'm especially thankful for the ability to run, for family and friends who support and love me, and for the many, many blessings I have in my life. I'm so blessed and have so much!

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving all!! Enjoy your time with your friends and family!

Election Day Eve (or something like that)

Well after tomorrow we will be done (at least for a bit) with polictical ads and I for one am glad! Living in the swing state of Ohio we get a ton of them.

But tomorrow is all about exercising our right as Americans, our right to elect our leaders an I for one am grateful for that right. I will never forget, nor do I want to, being a college student and watching news footage of students just my age in China, standing in front of tanks for the right to vote. I still can't see those pictures without tearing up and remembering it's my right, and my privelage to go cast my ballot tomorrow.

I will remember not only those students from a land far away, but also the women who fought for this right for women to vote.

So if you haven't already go and VOTE tomorrow! And I heard on the news that Starbucks is giving out free coffee if you have your I voted sticker and Krispy Kreme is giving free donuts. :)

Fun with Friends

Well it's now a little over a week post marathon, and my legs feel fine- but I got a bad cold so I was not running on Saturday as I had wanted too- boo!! But I'm starting to feel better so I am planning on joining my friends for the run on Saturday.

Tonight my running friends and I met up for Mexican (yet another reason to run) and had good fun, laughing and chatting and celebrating finishing our fall races. It was so much fun to hang out with the girls. They are all so fun and enjoyable and bring me much joy!!

On Thursday I have my small group meeting at my house, which means I'd better get going on the vacuming I still have to do.

48 hours post marathon

Well it's now two full days after my marathon and I'm still basking in the glow of finishing my very first marathon!! I got lots of congratulations today at work and tons of I could never do that.

I'm actually feeling really good tonight- still a little bit sore, but that is normal, and it's how you know you worked hard as Jeff says. I'm actually itching to get out for a run sometime soon and most likely will sometime this weekend- meantime I'm going to hit the bike tomorrow for an easy ride.

Nothing else much going on- I had training today at work, which was actually interesting and tomorrow I have training again, and I'm moderating one of the sessions.

I'm also looking forward to a girls night out with Cathie on Friday night. Those are always fun!

Thanks for all the congratulations on my marathon completion.

Marathon Day

Yesterday was Marathon Day- let me first say that yes I finished, and yes I had fun, and yes I will do another marathon!

The day started early at 5:00 am when my alarm went off and I got dressed in the pre-dawn, just as I had many, many times before as we had prepared for training runs. I ate my peanut butter toast and gatorade and headed downtown to meet up with my MIT team- we had a hotel conference room to stretch, and stay warm until the start. It was quite chilly at the start yesterday (around 40 degrees I think).

When it was time we walked to the very crowded start line- Christi and I went to the back (our usual postion) so it took us about 5 minutes or so to get to the actual start line. And we were off!

The first 13 miles seemed like they flew by to me, I ran much of it on my own since Christi was behind me. I did do the rookie mistake of starting too fast, so the second 13 miles were tougher. I really felt pretty good until about mile 22- and then it was harder, not to mention this was the most "icky" part of the race- through a not so very nice neighboorhood. But my friend Shannon (who had run her own half) met me at mile 23 and ran the last 3 miles with me.

As I got close to mile 26 Julie (another friend and coach) met me and ran me up the last hill. Jeff was waiting at the top of the hill for me, and when I saw him I lost it, total uncontrolable sobbing- but he ran down to the almost finish line with me and said to put my hands up and smile! So I did.

Mom, Daddy, Holly, Billy and Peyton were waiting for me at the finish line with flowers! And I got a big hug from Peyton and a "good job on your running Auntie Heather".

I wore my medal proudly all day yesterday! I feel pretty good, my legs are sore, but they are supposed to be! I'm so proud to be a marathoner!! I will definitly do another marathon (next fall in fact). I never ever could have done it without my running friends and MIT!!

Congratulations to Shannon- who PRed her half. And to Christi and Kristen- my fellow Marathon finishers.

Also 4 of my friends PRed today- 1 in Columbus and 3 in Detroit. Congratulations Nicole, Terri, Amy and Vince!! You guys ROCK!!

Tapering

This week has been intersting as I've tapered for my marathon on Sunday, I've never really excelled at the taper, and I guess training to run twice as far has made me twice as nervous- or twitchy as my co-workers have been calling it all week.

Since we've cut downs so much on our miles it's hard not to feel anxious I guess about the upcoming marathon. I've heard and been told a dozen times by experinced marathoners that this is all normal, and to be expected. Well okay if they say so!

I'm trying to get more rest, and eat plenty of carbs this week (good thing I happen to love all manner of carbs I guess). I am feeling ready for the marathon, and I know all the training will pay off.

I am to be interviewed either tomorrow or Friday by the local news regarding my marathon experince as a first timer. :) So that should be fun!

The weather for Sunday looks to be perfect with a HIGH of 63, so that's awesome and just perfect for me. Ahh the joys of a fall marathon- see I knew there was a reason fall was my favorite sesaon.

The End of Training and Ode to Friends

Today we ran our last training run of the season, a short little run of 8 miles (yes I did utter the words only 8 miles) truly it's a matter of perspective. So that brings our training for the marathon offically to an end. Can't believe it's really true but it is the finish line we've been pushing towards since May is a mere one week away.

Thursday night we had our MIT banquet- oh so much fun, I love, love, love being with these friends turned family- I love the quote (unknown to me) that says Friends are the family we chose for ourselves. I could not have chosen any better. I’m so blessed to have not only a great biological family but also great friends that are like family to me!

So on to the ode to friends:

(in no particular order):

Hannah- Thanks for asking me to join in with the midweek running- it’s made all the difference in my running this season. And you are always a joy, encouraging and supportive to all of us. Thanks for being the best cheerleader ever!

Kristen- My full marathon bud- you “forced” me to do things I would never have done on my own- Highbanks hills, speedwork and more Highbanks hills! :) You are such an incredible source of information and knowledge too- always seeking those answers and then generously sharing them with the rest of us. You my friend have found new strength this season and it shows! Oh and thanks for getting my shot blocks open on each and every run!

Shannon- Thanks for always being supportive of all of us and running some extra miles sometimes just to support us! Thanks for sharing your been there done that marathon knowledge with all of us!

Christi- My other full marathon training friend- thanks for always being willing to meet wherever and whenever and run with me. Especially when you could have been sleeping!! Thanks for sharing your shot blocks with me too when I didn’t have time to go buy any. I’m impressed with your dedication you not only ran a half marathon this summer but now you’re going to tackle a full as well.

Pat- Thanks for getting us BOPers up and out early so we could finish those long runs earlier in the day. Good luck in San Fran- have fun and run well.

Not a running friend but- Cathie- My BFF for 18 plus years now- always supportive, always asking about how the running is going. Thanks for your love and encouragement!

And last but not least my “long distance” (in miles but not in my heart!) running friend Staci (aka Diva)- You my friend are my running hero, and my hero an inspiration for some weight training. You rock!

Well that’s the end of training for this season and now it’s on to the Marathon- wow I never in a million years thought I’d be a marathoner- that was for crazy people, or for “real” runners- I guess I’m a real runner now.

Fall has arrived

Ahh Fall, my very favorite season, especially here in Ohio- the cool, crisp days, the changing leaves, the clear blue sunshine filled skies all make fall my favorite.

This year I have a brand new appreciation for fall in that I love running in these cooler temperatures, after all summer of running in the heat and humidity. Now I've run in the summer before, but I've never trained for a fall race by running through the summer until this one.

So yesterday morning as I got up and prepared for my run, it was wonderful to put on capri running pants and a short sleeve shirt (not a tank) and to enjoy the wonder of fall. We ran on new to me trails and it was great- the leaves were all changing and I enjoyed the crunch of the already fallen ones under my feet and the clear blue sky.

I had a great run and I'm looking forward to more fall runs, especially the one BIG fall run I have coming up- my marathon. I can't believe it's only two weeks from today.

A little bragging- but not about me..

Just had to come and brag a little bit about our running coach. Perhaps I never really noticed before since I didn't know him, but last month and this in Runner's World Jeff's answers to questions were featured.

This month in an article about marathon recovery if you didn't have a good race. How lucky and blessed we all are to have him here in Columbus.

I know working with MIT has improved my own running so, so much- I'm a much stronger more informed runner now than I've ever been before.

So I had to brag that I know a Runner's World contributor. I think I'm going to take my current issue to our banquet and ask for an autograph- he'll get a kick out of that!

Tomorrow is a run of "only" 12 miles- yes I really did say only 12 miles- see what marathon training will do to you.

No Running today

Today I decided to take a much needed rest day from running- I'm very tired and since I did a strong 8 miles yesterday with Christi I feel okay taking today off.

Right now I'm baking oven fries and getting ready to eat dinner then I plan on relaxing the rest of the evening. Yeah for that!

Not a very exciting post I guess.

Oh and 18 days until the Marathon- Let the Taper Begin!!!

Last Long Run- 22 Miles!!

Yes today was the day that we completed our last long run of the season prior to the marathon. Wow I can't believe it's almost here and mostly I can't believe how far I've come!

Today's run started at o'dark thirty (or 6 am) and the first 7 miles were run in the dark. Thank goodness that Kristen (thanks GIRL) had her head lamp on her hat so we could see where we were going. It actually went pretty well and I was pleased with how well I did.

I did feel a little "off" at the beginning but I fought through it and kept on going which I guess is the most important thing. I was most proud of the fact that aside from when we stopped for water/gu/cliff bars I didn't walk at all on the run.

It was fun to run to Ohio State on a game day and see all of the tailgaters there and get to see campus from a whole different perspective- I did not run or do anything remotely physically active in college.

So that's it- next week we will run a mere 12 miles and the week after that is 8. That will seem so short in relation to this run today. And then we have the marathon on October 19! I'm really getting excited about the marathon now and I have no doubt that I will finish.

Tomorrow is my Mom's birthday celebration- so I have to go out a bit later and get her her birthday gift. But right now I'm drinking plenty of fluids and watching the OSU game- GO BUCKS!!

8 Miles during the week, are they serious?

Well yes indeed they are, we (Kristen, Christi and I) ran our longest run during the week today- 8 miles. We decided to start at the Horseshoe (OSU stadium for those not in the know) and run from there.

It was nice to run on a part of the trail we've only ever seen at the end of our seriously long runs, and thus can't appreciate it very much. But tonight was nice. In fact on the way back as we passed near the Shoe we could hear the OSU marching band practicing, which for me was great- being an OSU Alum an all! Go BUCKS!!!

Another interesting thing that happened on the run was that Christi got interviewed by a TV crew who was interested in our comments about the River smell from the sewage that drains into it. So that made for an interesting end of the run- our MIT TV star!

Speaking of MIT I got asked today by the head of MIT Jeff if I would be willing to share my first time marathoner experince with the PR director of the Columbus Marathon. I of course said yes. Running really has changed my life and I'm glad to be able to share that experince with others.

The "theme" of MIT if you will is "Run a Marathon- Change your life" and for me that has been so true. Running is not something I do, it's who I am- I'm a runner. And as K and I were chatting about tonight while we ran that impacts every are of my life, what I eat, what I drink, my sleep. All of that impacts my running so it's more important to me than it ever has been before. Running soothes my stress, takes off the rough edges and 9 times out of 10 makes me smile. I'm so incredibly blessed to be able to run.

Let's see in the non-running side of things, I've been good. This weekend my family will gather to celebrate my Mom's birthday. I'm so blessed that my Mom is not only my Mom but my friend too- she's my biggest running cheerleader, as she's always been about every dream I've ever had since I was a little girl.

Drop back week...

Drop back, cut back, fall back, there are many terms and phrases for it out there in the running world, but it all amounts to the same thing- less miles!

Today's run was an "easy" 12 miles and the weather was perfectly lovely unlike our rain last week, cool and clear. We had a great talk before we got started from Tim about our mental state when we run, which was great to hear and needed as we continue to prepare for the marathon. Tim owns the running store that helps to sponser MIT and he's so great always so kind and encouraging.

Then we were off, I got to run not one but two friends today- Hannah joined Christi and I for 6 miles of our twelve and Christi and I finished off the last 6 on our own. The run wasn't fast today, but then that's what drop back week is all about- a little rest before we hit the last looong (22 miles) run next week. I wasn't feeling my best (tummy issues) but I made it through the run.

Now this week we will tackle our longest week day run to date of 8 miles. It'll be fine, just a bit of a challenge to get in after work, but we'll do it we always do! :)

Other than my running I had a great week, got to meet my sister for dinner on Wed and the ever adorable Peyton- who is oh so cute these days! He's quite the little chatter box. It was fun to hang out with them.

Well off to get some rest now!

Treadmill Running and Running Friends

Although I'm not a big fan of the treadmill running I did run on the treadmill today. I did 5 miles this morning at 5:30 am- which is early for me. But I made it through just fine, although I was a little sick of CNN by the end of the run. But that 5:30 run was all worth it for the running friends tonight.

Tonight we had a gathering of some running friends where we didn't run- now that doesn't happen too often. But it was so much fun. I had a delightful evening. Good food and good friends, not much can be better than that in my book. And as I sat surrounded by these friends that I had met while running and through running, I felt so grateful- grateful for not only the physical changes I get from running, but for the friends that running has allowed me to make. I'm so glad that each one of these friends has come into my life- they make my heart full and my life unbelievably richer.

I'm so thankful for running, for friends and yes even for treadmills!

20 Miles in the rain is well....

20 miles in the rain (well at least the first hour and a half anyway), was not quite what I had expected for today. But oh well, the weather is what the weather is and there is no way to predict or change it- so go with it you must.

I met the BOP (Back of the Packers) at 6:00 am and we were off- what started out as light drizzle quickly changed to an all out downpour complete with lightening, once we decided that the lightening probably wouldn't kill us we pressed on. Running through puddles up to our ankles in some points did not make for a comfortable run at all, wet feet SUCK no matter how you slice it.

The miles that were the hardest for me both mentally and physically were the last 5- up until then I felt pretty good (relatively speaking),but those last 5 were killers. Not helped by the fact that the last two water stops (Como and Henderson Road for locals) were out of water and gatorade-UGH. No ones fault really, just a humid day and that's how it goes sometimes.

But I made it through- and according to anyone I asked they have assured me that the 20 miles is a good indication that you can make it through the marathon! So only ONE more long run (22 miles in two weeks) before Marathon day, I can't believe it's almost here.

Thanks to all my friends there at the back of the pack, who have supported me this whole journey- good run or bad they have been right there to lend a helping hand or a gentle nudge to get through those last few miles. You all ROCK!!

After the run I did have lunch with my parents and sister, BIL and nephew and now I'm going to drink some more water and have a nap.

Have a great weekend all and GO BUCKS!!

First Blog Post

Well I did it, since all the cool kids were doing it, I decided to go for the blog thing too!

As you can probably tell from the title, I plan to use the blog to update you all on my life and goings on with my running. So here we go

As most of you know I am currently training for the Columbus Marathon on October 19- which means I'm currently seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for the training phase. I've already completed runs of 13, 15 and 18 miles (along with the shorter runs that took place before that), now I never thought I'd say that 8 miles is a short run, but hey it's all a matter of perspective.

Tomorrow I will tackle the longest run to date of 20 miles and most experinced marathoners say that if you can do 20 you can do 26.2, so I'm looking forward to this run with equal parts anticipation and nervousness. I have been so lucky to find the group that I have to run with- Marthoners in Training (or MIT) for those locals. It's a great group of people who are all so supportive of runners of all ability levels and the group I run with is especially near and dear to my heart. We run together on Saturday mornings and then we run together during the week too. It's so much easier to run with friends than alone, and the girls are great! No matter if you're having a great day or a not so good one, they are always right there to encourage you along.

In fact on my 18 mile run I was having an "off day" and they waited for me to finish my run and were so supportive on that last hard hill. Those kinds of connections and friends are priceless. Thanks gals you all ROCK!

So with that I shall go off to bed now- I know it's early but so will 5 am come early tomorrow morning. I'll try to post after the run and let you all know how it went!