Okay so sweet Amy's mararathon recap got me motivated to write my own, so without further ado her is teh MCM weekend recap.
The weekend began on Friday when I caught my flight to DC, the flight was smooth as silk, on time with no problems whatsoever. I arrived at Reagan National Airport where my friend Katie picked me up. I had never met Katie in person before, we met many years ago on a message board so this was our first in-real-life meeting. It was delightful to share her company as we took in Old Town Alexandria and had lunch. As a bonus I got to cuddle her 9 month old, perfect for my pre marathon nerves.
Then it was back to the hotel to check in and wait for Dana to arrive. After Dana got there we headed off to the expo to pick up the all important bibs, shirts and bags. I bought myself a shirt and a pendant to commerate Marathon #4! We then headed back to the hotel, had a snack and headed to bed. Sometime in the late night/early morning hours the other two members of the roomates arrived Colleen and Makeya!
Saturday- Twas the Day before the Marathon:
First off it was COLD in DC on Saturday, rainy, sleety, snowy, downright dreary. I was hoping and praying with all fingers and toes crossed that the weather would clear as predicted for the next day. Now I like to be cool when I run, but wet for 5+ hours no thank you.
We met up with Stacy and the rest of the gang at the expo, and got the wonderful suprise that Sherry's husband David had a shirt with all our names on it to cheer us on the next day. What a great guy!
The rest of the day was spent at the Smithsonian and then we went out to dinner with the rest of team run/walk, including Hannah who had flown in just to cheer us on! She's amazing! I had a minor/major freakout regarding my choice of clothing for the following day, but with Hannah's help made the decesion to run in long sleeves and capri pants. Lucky for me I had packed them.
Sunday- MARATHON DAY!!!
Here it was the day we had been training for, planning for and thinking about for the past four months was upon us. With 4 girls in our room when our alarms all started chripping at 4:45 am! (In case you were wondering that is EARLY). We had made the decesion the night before to get into the first shuttle lines at 5:30 am. We dressed in the pre-dawn, put on throw away clothes over our running clothes, and met up with everyone else in our hotel lobby. Last minute pictures, hugs and good wishes from our cheerleaders and we were off to the shuttles. We got right on a shuttle no problem and rode it to the start line area. We huddled together in the tent (renamed the incubator by Sherry) ate our pre-run breakfasts, and went to the bathroom. Then we began the walk to the start line.
We lined up in the corral where we thought our finish time would be 5:30 ish, and wonder of wonders we ran into 3 other MITers Jolin, Laura and Linda. My goal for this marathon was to stay with Dana the whole time no matter what, so as the National Anthem played and we got a flyover from Marine One I started to get a little nervous, I had never "paced" someone before in a marathon but here we GO!!
Miles 1-8 Arlington VA- Having Fun Now!
The first miles were in Arlington VA, and we stuck to our Galloway 4:1 method perfectly. Stacy as always was the pace master and she kept us right on track. Dana was wearing the pace band so at each mile marker we would check in with her as to where we were in terms of our 5:30 goal time. So far so good. There were some hills in Arlington but we handled those pretty well and what goes up must come down!!
Miles 9-12, Some fans, Georgetown, still keeping the pace
As we approached mile 10 we knew that Hannah would there, but before that we ran through Georgetown, saw the back of the University and many cute little shops. and actually saw David in line for cupcakes at Georgetown Cupcakes from TLC's show DC Cupcakes, he shouted out that he would save some for us! At mile 10 when we saw Hannah we ditched some of our clothes and I got rid of my hat, which was bugging me along with Stacy's jacket. Thanks Hannah for schlepping all of our extra gear around DC you rock!!
Soon after that I turned to Dana and Stacy and asked how are you doing? Fine, fine- Good let's go!
Right before the half marathon mark we decided to take a bathroom break, something I had never done in any race before, and it took us 10 minutes. Yep the line was that long. I think it messed with us mentally a bit, but what was done was done and on we went.
Miles 13-16- More Fans and the Memorial Miles
As we contiuned on I was feeling good, but Dana started to struggle, saying she couldn't catch her breath during our running intervals, eeep! We still have 10 more miles to go and the marathon doesn't really begin until mile 20. I was a little nervous, but tried to be calm and reassuring, and asked her what she wanted to do, longer walk breaks, slower running? She decided she would like to try a 3:2 interval fine with me. As we approached mile 16 I kept saying just a little further and we'll see Hannah and everyone else, just a little further. And we DID! Hannah, Colleen, Jacqueline, David, Lance and Shawna! Big Cheers, hugs and how are you doing, you look great etc. Then we ran around some more monuements and I was trying to point out the sights to take the girls mind off of things.
Miles 17-20- Beat that DARN Bridge.
You see at MCM if you do not keep a certain pace by mile 20 and the bridge, they pull you off the course and ship you back no medal, no finish time. I kept checking with Stacy regarding our pace to ensure we were going to make that. I had never seen a more beautiful sight in my life than that bridge at mile 20! - 10 K to go we got this! But that was until I got on the bridge- longest mile ever. Along a freeway with nothing to look at. At this point we were 2:1 intervals, and my hamstrings hurt more if I was walking so I was doing a slow jog next to Dana to help with the pain.
Miles 21-26.2 Home stretch!!
These miles are pretty much a blur to me, we came across Laura and Jolin who were walking, at some point I remember asking Laura how she was doing and I got the classic response of this race " I don't think I could feel any worse if I tried." We kept run/walking which at this point was more walking than running. At 3 miles to go my Garmin died- no good. And at 2 miles to go I remember asking Dana for our time and me pushing her a little so we could finish in under 6 hours. At this point Stacy looked strong so I told her to go on ahead. Actually I had told her this several times in the race, and really she could have.
And with .2 to go, Colleen appeard to push us up the final steep cruel hill to the finish. I crossed the line with Dana right beside me. I was a sobbing shaking mess, but on the plus side I got a hug from the Marine giving out the medals.
We got our pictures in front of the War Memorial, and then began the long walk to the baggage check and the family meet up area. Seriously who puts these things so far away from the finish line. We met up with everyone else!! All of team run/walk had finished as well as Kristy and Sherry! We had dinner and cupcakes later!
Overall Impression:
I LOVED IT!! It was an incredible experience, the race course was gorgeous, the weather perfect, and the company outstanding. The was the first time I had ever run side by side with a friend for the whole 26.2 miles and it was an experience not to be missed. I recomend MCM to anyone! I had never felt such and incredible sense of pride in my country, as we thanked the Marines at each water station they replied "Oh no Ma'am thank YOU! Seriously this is easy peasy compared to what they do for our country every single day! Thank you Service Men and Women!!
"Sometimes we need endurance to have the best kind of fun." -Kristen Armstrong
Run on Friends,
Heather
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Lessons Learned during Marathon Training
As I’m writing this the Marine Corps Marathon is just a little over two weeks away, I can’t believe another 20 ish week training session is about to end. Every marathon training session is different, with its’ own challenges, rewards and lessons to be learned.
This is my fourth summer training for a marathon- I can’t believe I’m getting ready to do this for the fourth time! Crazy for the girl who used to claim and loudly “I only run if someone is chasing me.” Not anymore!! And it hasn’t been that way for quite some time. My running feeds my soul in unique and special ways, and every time I lace up my running shoes and slip into my running clothes, it’s like coming home. Like this was the person I was meant to be all along, but was too scared of failure to try. I’m so glad I took my very first running step, so grateful for the life running has given me! Run a Marathon Change your Life?
you bet it has!
This season I lesson I’ve learned more than any other is joy! This was my very first season running using the run/walk method- I was little scared to try it out, not knowing what to expect, and this was a whole new group of people ( I really didn’t know anyone in the group except for Dana). But as I’ve gone through this season- from learning how that interval function on my watch works, to hot runs when we changed the interval (gasp!!), or when we miss calculated on our 18 mile run and ended up running 19 instead (oops! can’t do math when we run), and on and on, I’ve found new joy in running!
The biggest joy to me this season by far has been my early morning running partners! All 3 of them are training for their first marathons (Amy’s is Sunday, Stacy and Dana are running Marine Corps with me) and I’ve gotten to relive the excitement and anticipation of a first marathon all over again through their eyes. Those Personal Distance Records are so sweet, the first time we went past 6 miles on an early morning run was an experience I wouldn’t have missed sharing for the world. Or that first rainy cold morning when I ran with Amy, in long sleeves- with some giggles about how crazy or hard core we were.
It’s been a season of enJOYing running in a whole new way, and it’s been a delight to my heart, what my heart and my spirit needed this summer. My sister moved away in March and a dear friend in July, so my spirit was little sad- but you know what God knew that- My God is big enough to know what I needed, and in a way only He could have orchestrated filled my heart and my life right up with my early running girls.
The greatest joy is yet to come- seeing Amy cross that finish line on Sunday is going to make my heart burst- I already warned her I would be weepy! And getting to experience Marine Corps with Stacy and Dana is going to be so, wonderful, I’m sure I won’t need the plane to get home from DC I’ll be able to float here all by myself!
Hoping you find your own joy my friends!
Run on Friends,
Heather
“Sometimes we need endurance to experience the best kind of fun” Kristen Armstrong
This is my fourth summer training for a marathon- I can’t believe I’m getting ready to do this for the fourth time! Crazy for the girl who used to claim and loudly “I only run if someone is chasing me.” Not anymore!! And it hasn’t been that way for quite some time. My running feeds my soul in unique and special ways, and every time I lace up my running shoes and slip into my running clothes, it’s like coming home. Like this was the person I was meant to be all along, but was too scared of failure to try. I’m so glad I took my very first running step, so grateful for the life running has given me! Run a Marathon Change your Life?
you bet it has!
This season I lesson I’ve learned more than any other is joy! This was my very first season running using the run/walk method- I was little scared to try it out, not knowing what to expect, and this was a whole new group of people ( I really didn’t know anyone in the group except for Dana). But as I’ve gone through this season- from learning how that interval function on my watch works, to hot runs when we changed the interval (gasp!!), or when we miss calculated on our 18 mile run and ended up running 19 instead (oops! can’t do math when we run), and on and on, I’ve found new joy in running!
The biggest joy to me this season by far has been my early morning running partners! All 3 of them are training for their first marathons (Amy’s is Sunday, Stacy and Dana are running Marine Corps with me) and I’ve gotten to relive the excitement and anticipation of a first marathon all over again through their eyes. Those Personal Distance Records are so sweet, the first time we went past 6 miles on an early morning run was an experience I wouldn’t have missed sharing for the world. Or that first rainy cold morning when I ran with Amy, in long sleeves- with some giggles about how crazy or hard core we were.
It’s been a season of enJOYing running in a whole new way, and it’s been a delight to my heart, what my heart and my spirit needed this summer. My sister moved away in March and a dear friend in July, so my spirit was little sad- but you know what God knew that- My God is big enough to know what I needed, and in a way only He could have orchestrated filled my heart and my life right up with my early running girls.
The greatest joy is yet to come- seeing Amy cross that finish line on Sunday is going to make my heart burst- I already warned her I would be weepy! And getting to experience Marine Corps with Stacy and Dana is going to be so, wonderful, I’m sure I won’t need the plane to get home from DC I’ll be able to float here all by myself!
Hoping you find your own joy my friends!
Run on Friends,
Heather
“Sometimes we need endurance to experience the best kind of fun” Kristen Armstrong
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Training Update and Happiness
In 32 Days I will be running my fourth marathon! I can hardly believe it is so close! Just weeks away, hard to believe there (as I’m writing this) that there are just two more long runs left before the taper. This week is a drop back to 12 and next week we tackle the last “stupid long run” i.e distances that would be advisable to drive in one’s car. :)
Last week Dana and I tackled the 20 mile, if you can do this you can run a marathon, run! It was Dana’s very first 20 and she rocked it. We had the perfect weather overcast, with a chill in the air and a light mist for some of the run. I felt really well throughout most of the run and felt at the end I really could have gone further, which is a great way to end a long run in my opinion. Having worked hard enough, but not so hard that you left it all on the trail, that’s for race day!
The next day our two other training buddies tackled their own long run (Amy’s last before her taper of 22 and Stacy who ran the 22 with Amy because she’s a great friend!) They did awesome too!
So training and morning running continues at least for a few more weeks, and it’s been going really well. I’ve covered 750 miles this year so far! I need to get out the map and see where I could have gone with that number.
Now on for the weekly happiness:
1. My morning running girls- I can’t express how much of a blessing these wonderful ladies have been in my life this season. We run side by side sometimes talking (okay a lot of the time talking) but sometimes just drawing quiet strength from being near one another. And when one of us is struggling with a run, the others are right there with encouragement and support. We’ve shared so much on these dark morning runs, so much yet to be shared, and I’m comforted and at home in their presence.
2. Pumpkin Spice Lattes on cloudy days.
3. My new work schedule- They changed our allowable work schedules to 9 hours 4 days a week and half day Fridays! So I decided to try it out and so far so good. I like the quiet hour at the end of the day to get things done.
4. My Mom- yesterday was her Birthday and I’m reminded time and time again how blessed I am to have her. I’m so glad I got to know her as an adult friend! She’s awesome!!
5. My Bible Study- Learning so much about God. And the other ladies are incredible.
My life is so full, rich and blessed!
Last week Dana and I tackled the 20 mile, if you can do this you can run a marathon, run! It was Dana’s very first 20 and she rocked it. We had the perfect weather overcast, with a chill in the air and a light mist for some of the run. I felt really well throughout most of the run and felt at the end I really could have gone further, which is a great way to end a long run in my opinion. Having worked hard enough, but not so hard that you left it all on the trail, that’s for race day!
The next day our two other training buddies tackled their own long run (Amy’s last before her taper of 22 and Stacy who ran the 22 with Amy because she’s a great friend!) They did awesome too!
So training and morning running continues at least for a few more weeks, and it’s been going really well. I’ve covered 750 miles this year so far! I need to get out the map and see where I could have gone with that number.
Now on for the weekly happiness:
1. My morning running girls- I can’t express how much of a blessing these wonderful ladies have been in my life this season. We run side by side sometimes talking (okay a lot of the time talking) but sometimes just drawing quiet strength from being near one another. And when one of us is struggling with a run, the others are right there with encouragement and support. We’ve shared so much on these dark morning runs, so much yet to be shared, and I’m comforted and at home in their presence.
2. Pumpkin Spice Lattes on cloudy days.
3. My new work schedule- They changed our allowable work schedules to 9 hours 4 days a week and half day Fridays! So I decided to try it out and so far so good. I like the quiet hour at the end of the day to get things done.
4. My Mom- yesterday was her Birthday and I’m reminded time and time again how blessed I am to have her. I’m so glad I got to know her as an adult friend! She’s awesome!!
5. My Bible Study- Learning so much about God. And the other ladies are incredible.
My life is so full, rich and blessed!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Reflections
I've spent much of the past 10 days or so in a reflective thinking mood. Most of it due to anniversary dates I wish hadn't come. I hate the word anniversary for sad events, somehow in my mind, I think they should only be for happy things.
First of course was the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. I spent much of that Sunday this year reflecting and praying. I watched some of the memorial coverage and thought of how one day (just a few hours in reality) had forever changed the world. But more than that as I listened to the names read, and saw those families with their fingers tracing the names of loved ones, I was struck all over again that this event had forever changed those families. Forever thankful to our military and our first responders who are heros always.
The second anniversary date happened on Monday, with the 5th (how it world has it been 5 years) of my friends Angela and Shayne's precious daughter Christi's death. She was just 9 years old and she died of a rare form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma. I met Angela through the blog she kept (and still does) about Christi and her family. Is it unfair that Christi died in my mind- you bet it is! But Christi is 100% cured, healthy and happy in Heaven, no doubt of that.
In an awesome irony I found out that my running buddy Stacy knows Christi's family too! Her Mom worked with Angela on some education committees. Did Christi have something to do with us becoming morning running partners. So closely matched in temperment and personality, so much in common, running the same exact race (without even knowing it first). I know God knew exactly what I would need this training season, He knew I would need some morning running partners so He sent me Stacy, Dana and Amy. In the hot humid summer we have had having these ladies to run with has literally saved my training. I know there is no way I would have gotten in near as many runs as I have without them to meet me. God in His infinite wisdom knew what I needed, and He gave it me.
So on Monday when we finished our run, we stood in the still, dark morning and blew kisses to Heaven for Christi as I told her we loved her and we missed her, and Stacy asked for her to send us some strength.
My ultimate reflection these past two weeks, is that life is short, we never, ever know what tommorrow is going to bring- so we should enjoy the miracle of the momement. Thankful for momements this week that have brought me joy!
Run on Friends,
Heather
"Enjoy what you have while you have it." Christi
First of course was the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. I spent much of that Sunday this year reflecting and praying. I watched some of the memorial coverage and thought of how one day (just a few hours in reality) had forever changed the world. But more than that as I listened to the names read, and saw those families with their fingers tracing the names of loved ones, I was struck all over again that this event had forever changed those families. Forever thankful to our military and our first responders who are heros always.
The second anniversary date happened on Monday, with the 5th (how it world has it been 5 years) of my friends Angela and Shayne's precious daughter Christi's death. She was just 9 years old and she died of a rare form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma. I met Angela through the blog she kept (and still does) about Christi and her family. Is it unfair that Christi died in my mind- you bet it is! But Christi is 100% cured, healthy and happy in Heaven, no doubt of that.
In an awesome irony I found out that my running buddy Stacy knows Christi's family too! Her Mom worked with Angela on some education committees. Did Christi have something to do with us becoming morning running partners. So closely matched in temperment and personality, so much in common, running the same exact race (without even knowing it first). I know God knew exactly what I would need this training season, He knew I would need some morning running partners so He sent me Stacy, Dana and Amy. In the hot humid summer we have had having these ladies to run with has literally saved my training. I know there is no way I would have gotten in near as many runs as I have without them to meet me. God in His infinite wisdom knew what I needed, and He gave it me.
So on Monday when we finished our run, we stood in the still, dark morning and blew kisses to Heaven for Christi as I told her we loved her and we missed her, and Stacy asked for her to send us some strength.
My ultimate reflection these past two weeks, is that life is short, we never, ever know what tommorrow is going to bring- so we should enjoy the miracle of the momement. Thankful for momements this week that have brought me joy!
Run on Friends,
Heather
"Enjoy what you have while you have it." Christi
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Weekly Happiness
Things that are making me happy this week:
1. Sweatshirts- I love a soft comfy sweatshirt, and now it is cool enough to wear them.
2. Long hot showers after cold rainy runs.
3. Friends who make my life good, rich and full!
4. My nephews- their giggly little voices on the phone never fail to make me smile! I love you Braydan, Dylan and Peyton!!!
5. Having only 6 weeks left until my marathon- To me the race is the reward for all the training, it's the fun part (well mostly fun anyway!)
6. Honey Crisp apples- my favorite!!
Have a great Thursday everyone!
1. Sweatshirts- I love a soft comfy sweatshirt, and now it is cool enough to wear them.
2. Long hot showers after cold rainy runs.
3. Friends who make my life good, rich and full!
4. My nephews- their giggly little voices on the phone never fail to make me smile! I love you Braydan, Dylan and Peyton!!!
5. Having only 6 weeks left until my marathon- To me the race is the reward for all the training, it's the fun part (well mostly fun anyway!)
6. Honey Crisp apples- my favorite!!
Have a great Thursday everyone!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Tuesday Happiness
I've decided to make Tuesday my day that I list things that are making me happy! Tuesday seems like a good day to do it.
Things that are making me happy today:
1. Being on Vacation! I can't remember the last time (if ever) I've taken a vacation in the fall- I always take a week in July and one at Christmas, but rarely at any other time of the year. So this is nice- it's a stayaction so no agenda.
2. My parent's Keuring- love!! I think I've had 3 or 4 Chai Teas since I arrived on Monday and I'm drinking another right now.
3. Reading- I'm finishing "The Help" and about to start "Marathon Woman"- and I can read all day if I feel like it.
4. My nephews- Both spent the night last night and we had a relaxing morning together, and they came back this evening for dinner. And a walk with the dog while they rode their bikes. So much fun!
5. Cool Weather- I know this is just a fall tease but being able to walk the dog in long sleeves today was a treat!!
Hope everyone is having a good Tuesday too!
Run on Friends,
Heather
Things that are making me happy today:
1. Being on Vacation! I can't remember the last time (if ever) I've taken a vacation in the fall- I always take a week in July and one at Christmas, but rarely at any other time of the year. So this is nice- it's a stayaction so no agenda.
2. My parent's Keuring- love!! I think I've had 3 or 4 Chai Teas since I arrived on Monday and I'm drinking another right now.
3. Reading- I'm finishing "The Help" and about to start "Marathon Woman"- and I can read all day if I feel like it.
4. My nephews- Both spent the night last night and we had a relaxing morning together, and they came back this evening for dinner. And a walk with the dog while they rode their bikes. So much fun!
5. Cool Weather- I know this is just a fall tease but being able to walk the dog in long sleeves today was a treat!!
Hope everyone is having a good Tuesday too!
Run on Friends,
Heather
Monday, September 5, 2011
Giving Back and a long weekend of running
Runapaloza 2011 is offically over for the weekend!
Yesterday I had the opportunity and privelage of giving back in some small part to the running community who has given so much to me. I paced a group for the quarter marathon 6.55 miles at Emerald City. It was an awesome race, well organized, well supported and a huge medal for all finishers. I had a blast sharing the miles with my friend Kim, who was the perfect pacing partner. We were able to encourage others along the way and that's what pacing is all about. It was so much fun to see so many first timers out there including Ben from Fleet Feet. He did great in his first half marathon finish. Congratulations Ben!
Then today I ran For the Health of It, Four Mile race in Westerville. The temperature sure had changed from Saturday- it was perfect running weather in my opinion. I was delighted to be able to run with my friends Hannah, Stacy and Libby. Libby was recovering from an awesome half marathon the day before, and we were all "supposed" to be taking it easy. Thanks Hannah for making the miles fly by!
Well apparently cooler weather makes me run faster because my offical average pace was 11:46 per mile. Not too shabby after having run 16 and 6.55 miles respectively the two days before. So run/walk is apparently the way to go for me, I haven't run a 4 miler for time in so long that I'm not sure if this was a Personal Record or not. I would guess close if not one. Add that to the PR I ran at the 5K in July, and I'm loving the run/walk method! I can hardly wait to see what happens at the Marathon in October.
And now I get to extend the holiday a bit longer. I've been enjoying the afternoon/evening here at my parent's house with my two nephews Braydan and Dylan!
Happy Labor Day Everyone!
Run on Friends,
Heather
"Life is for Participating, not spectating." Kathrine Switzer
Yesterday I had the opportunity and privelage of giving back in some small part to the running community who has given so much to me. I paced a group for the quarter marathon 6.55 miles at Emerald City. It was an awesome race, well organized, well supported and a huge medal for all finishers. I had a blast sharing the miles with my friend Kim, who was the perfect pacing partner. We were able to encourage others along the way and that's what pacing is all about. It was so much fun to see so many first timers out there including Ben from Fleet Feet. He did great in his first half marathon finish. Congratulations Ben!
Then today I ran For the Health of It, Four Mile race in Westerville. The temperature sure had changed from Saturday- it was perfect running weather in my opinion. I was delighted to be able to run with my friends Hannah, Stacy and Libby. Libby was recovering from an awesome half marathon the day before, and we were all "supposed" to be taking it easy. Thanks Hannah for making the miles fly by!
Well apparently cooler weather makes me run faster because my offical average pace was 11:46 per mile. Not too shabby after having run 16 and 6.55 miles respectively the two days before. So run/walk is apparently the way to go for me, I haven't run a 4 miler for time in so long that I'm not sure if this was a Personal Record or not. I would guess close if not one. Add that to the PR I ran at the 5K in July, and I'm loving the run/walk method! I can hardly wait to see what happens at the Marathon in October.
And now I get to extend the holiday a bit longer. I've been enjoying the afternoon/evening here at my parent's house with my two nephews Braydan and Dylan!
Happy Labor Day Everyone!
Run on Friends,
Heather
"Life is for Participating, not spectating." Kathrine Switzer
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