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.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
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!!
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!!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, October 3, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
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!!!
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!!!
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