Ok people... Race day is upon us. In order to get to bed at a reasonable time, I will keep this brief and not 100% precise. Here are some figures though:
16 weeks ago I started a journey and set the goal of running a sub 3:10 marathon in Boston at the age of 30.
During that time I averaged roughly 50 miles a week for somewhere around 800 miles. These miles were logged on 3 pairs of Wave Riders (4th for the marathon). These babies now run $115 but I always get a deal.
I had a half dozen or so training buddies that helped me log the miles and For whom I am forever thankful.
My goal was to raise money for Girls on the Run. The goal started at $1000, then $1500, then why not $2000. If you can do it, why not? Nearly 40 donations came in and helped me exceed my goal with a race day total of $2620.00. A big thank you to my parents for the last push and putting me at 100x my distance!
All of these numbers bring me to one that is sort of sad. Tomorrow it is supposed to be 87 degrees. Having lived through Chicago in 2007 I know this means my dream of a sub 3:10 is out of reach.
It breaks my heart a little really. All this time and effort--and I don't get to put the hard work on the line tomorrow. I'm hoping to run a smart and safe race. Some friends aren't running because they know it's not a PR day. But you know what? I'm here. I worked hard and I want to cross that finish line!
It's time for bed. Thank you for all the well wishes. I can't believe I'm running tomorrow!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Well said & in town...
"Running has given me the courage to start, the determination to keep trying, and the childlike spirit to have fun along the way. Run often and run long, but never outrun your joy of running."
--Julie Isphording, ran 1st women's Olympic Marathon in 1984
I'm pretty sure this sums up my relationship with running. God I would have loved to been at the 1984 Olympics, the women are just remarkable.
Made it to Beantown. Race day weather: 87 degrees.
--Julie Isphording, ran 1st women's Olympic Marathon in 1984
I'm pretty sure this sums up my relationship with running. God I would have loved to been at the 1984 Olympics, the women are just remarkable.
Made it to Beantown. Race day weather: 87 degrees.
Team Crazy :)
I can't begin to express how thankful I am for all of the support I have received in the past four months--and especially in the last few weeks and days.
Every time I turn a corner I feel like well wishes and gummies are being bestowed on me--how does one girl get so lucky?
Today, I had several of surprises, all of which brought a smile to my face. But one also brought tears of joy and pride (?). As we prepared to head out for practice the team suddenly just up and left. A few minutes later they returned with "team crazy supports bib #7150" shirts on. Awesome. A coach lives for these kind of moments.
I really hope I can make everyone proud. You'll all be on my mind.
Thank you! Hopefully more pre-race. Depart tomorrow!
Every time I turn a corner I feel like well wishes and gummies are being bestowed on me--how does one girl get so lucky?
Today, I had several of surprises, all of which brought a smile to my face. But one also brought tears of joy and pride (?). As we prepared to head out for practice the team suddenly just up and left. A few minutes later they returned with "team crazy supports bib #7150" shirts on. Awesome. A coach lives for these kind of moments.
I really hope I can make everyone proud. You'll all be on my mind.
Thank you! Hopefully more pre-race. Depart tomorrow!
Secret Entry
The content of this entry will be revealed on Monday, April 16th or soon after the running of the Boston Marathon.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
GRATITUDE
A few weeks ago I was asked to fill in for a Girls on the Run coach at one of our sites. I hadn't coached since last spring at Swanson. I was both anxious and excited to be back. Being passionate about the mission and messages of GOTR makes it easy to get back into the groove.
These girls were amazing! A unique bunch, like always, there were all types of personalities, energy levels and feelings towards running. The lesson for the day was Gratitude--which I noted at the time as being so fitting for me to sub in light of my campaign.
I started thinking about all the things I was grateful for: in my life, my relationships, my career, etc.. And it's a long list. In light of this SoleMates effort though I decided to do the activity like the girls--think of something for each letter of gratitude--and run a lap after each letter. They come up with some funny stuff! Ice cream, underwear, traffic lights! You never know where their little minds go, and some of them can be challenging.
This is an attempt I came up with on my run the other day. Yes, this is what I think about some days.
Goals--that is what started this challenge and continued to motivate me along the way.
Relatives--oh man they have heard about the ups and downs and still put up with me (sort of!).
Alumnae--These women make my world a better place.
Team--they become alumnae, 'Nuf said... And the concept of team never gets old for me.
Insight--why I love training, it helps me learn more about myself.
Training partners--while infrequent, they are always enjoyed and provide a great pick me up.
Underwear--hey! Why can't I use this one too!? I think we're better off for it!
Donors--I'm continually surprised and inspired by the willingness to give to my cause.
Enthusiasm--it makes anything easier--and more fun!
Ok, this does not do my list justice... But it's an attempt.
What are you thankful for?
These girls were amazing! A unique bunch, like always, there were all types of personalities, energy levels and feelings towards running. The lesson for the day was Gratitude--which I noted at the time as being so fitting for me to sub in light of my campaign.
I started thinking about all the things I was grateful for: in my life, my relationships, my career, etc.. And it's a long list. In light of this SoleMates effort though I decided to do the activity like the girls--think of something for each letter of gratitude--and run a lap after each letter. They come up with some funny stuff! Ice cream, underwear, traffic lights! You never know where their little minds go, and some of them can be challenging.
This is an attempt I came up with on my run the other day. Yes, this is what I think about some days.
Goals--that is what started this challenge and continued to motivate me along the way.
Relatives--oh man they have heard about the ups and downs and still put up with me (sort of!).
Alumnae--These women make my world a better place.
Team--they become alumnae, 'Nuf said... And the concept of team never gets old for me.
Insight--why I love training, it helps me learn more about myself.
Training partners--while infrequent, they are always enjoyed and provide a great pick me up.
Underwear--hey! Why can't I use this one too!? I think we're better off for it!
Donors--I'm continually surprised and inspired by the willingness to give to my cause.
Enthusiasm--it makes anything easier--and more fun!
Ok, this does not do my list justice... But it's an attempt.
What are you thankful for?
Monday, April 9, 2012
Boom shakalaka
One week!!!
I had some awesome training runs in the past week. I'm taking that as a sign that it is all coming together.
Thursday was 3xmile at tempo interval pace. Ended up doing 6:35s roughly and felt good. More than anything gave the lungs a workout. Just great.
Proudest of my Saturday run. By design it was shorter--for the taper--but was a fast finish run. I have been unsuccessful at most of my fast finish run attempts (I have my theories) so I really wanted to do this one well and feel confident.
Well, Friday I finally got a much needed massage, which probably helped Saturday's run as well. The idea for the 10-12 miler was to mimic the course as much as possible and do the last 4-6 building to goal pace and just beyond--really fatiguing the legs.
So I picked what many people would consider an awful course to run. Down Cleveland to SMC and back. Basically 5 each way. I like it because I don't have to think and it's a down hill at the start and a series of upgrades in the last few miles.
Started out faster than I was supposed to but was even trying to control the pace--it just felt ghat good! Rolled through the first five like nothing. Then it was time to change gears.
First time it's been easy for me all training. I think at least partially, if not mostly, because it wasn't a dramatic jump in pace. Anyway, the last five were great. It's exactly where I want my mind to be next Monday. Nothing was too big. Climbed the hill at Castle Point faster than race pace and felt good. Last mile came in at 6:50. Of course then I wanted to be done--but mission accomplished! Bada bing! Bada boom!
I'm ready to tear up Heartbreak hill. Bring it!
I had some awesome training runs in the past week. I'm taking that as a sign that it is all coming together.
Thursday was 3xmile at tempo interval pace. Ended up doing 6:35s roughly and felt good. More than anything gave the lungs a workout. Just great.
Proudest of my Saturday run. By design it was shorter--for the taper--but was a fast finish run. I have been unsuccessful at most of my fast finish run attempts (I have my theories) so I really wanted to do this one well and feel confident.
Well, Friday I finally got a much needed massage, which probably helped Saturday's run as well. The idea for the 10-12 miler was to mimic the course as much as possible and do the last 4-6 building to goal pace and just beyond--really fatiguing the legs.
So I picked what many people would consider an awful course to run. Down Cleveland to SMC and back. Basically 5 each way. I like it because I don't have to think and it's a down hill at the start and a series of upgrades in the last few miles.
Started out faster than I was supposed to but was even trying to control the pace--it just felt ghat good! Rolled through the first five like nothing. Then it was time to change gears.
First time it's been easy for me all training. I think at least partially, if not mostly, because it wasn't a dramatic jump in pace. Anyway, the last five were great. It's exactly where I want my mind to be next Monday. Nothing was too big. Climbed the hill at Castle Point faster than race pace and felt good. Last mile came in at 6:50. Of course then I wanted to be done--but mission accomplished! Bada bing! Bada boom!
I'm ready to tear up Heartbreak hill. Bring it!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Choices...and finding the "right" answer
Yesterday one of my athletes came in to talk to me. After a few minutes, she shared how distraught she felt over a recent decision--which required choosing between some family time and school work. Visibly upset, I tried to empathize with her. The only solace I could offer though is the decision has been made, and now you just need to move forward with that choice.
After talking with her I headed out for my workout and thought a lot about what she was going through. Being comfortable with the decisions you make is easier said than done. As you get older, there are more decisions to make. The choices carry a little more weight.
I've actually been thinking about this a lot recently. This past weekend after my long run I felt a little down. I started reflecting on my training--the past 13 weeks and beyond. My conclusion: I could have done more. I could have cross-trained more to be fitter. I could have lifted more to be stronger. I could have done more hills to be more prepared for the race course. These were all decisions that I had along the way but as I sulked, I had to be ok with my choices. And after my 10 minutes of pouting, I did feel ok about my choices.
Why don't I train more? Harder? Longer? I'll tell you. Somewhere along the way to becoming who I am today, I decided that I wanted a 'balanced' life. For me that means being able to spend time with my family and friends, working my odd hours, and being involved in the community---while maintaining a good relationship with exercise and running specifically. So while my day is often arranged best as possible around my running (nutrition, sleep, weather make for scheduling better running times), it is not the end all.
In fact, why I was so bummed on Saturday after my run was because my training partner was sharing how much time and effort she had put into her training and it made mine feel sub-par. It's hard to remind yourself that everyone is different and has different capacities and abilities. It worked for her---but for my training time to increase it would probably mean I was sacrificing somewhere else in my life.
The hard lesson is finding what is "right" for you. There is no right or wrong. For the people that make running their life---I'm jealous, in a way. I tell myself that if I were able to give that time and devotion to training, I could be even better than I am today. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening. Largely, because I do work hard now and know that my other responsibilities and interests take up so much time that something else would have to give to actually be successful. So it works for some and I need to live with my choices.
I don't regret the choices I've made. I have phenomenal friends and family and I couldn't imagine not spending time with them. I have a team that I love to work with and wish I could be with more often. It's just hard to imagine that I haven't tapped all my potential because of my choices---not because I'm unable.
And... well life is funny... your choices will always change. You will graduate from college and not have to worry about picking studying over something else. There will be phases where some things need to come to the forefront and others need to sit on the back burner.
Ultimately though.... isn't it pretty damn good to have choices?? I'd say so.
After talking with her I headed out for my workout and thought a lot about what she was going through. Being comfortable with the decisions you make is easier said than done. As you get older, there are more decisions to make. The choices carry a little more weight.
I've actually been thinking about this a lot recently. This past weekend after my long run I felt a little down. I started reflecting on my training--the past 13 weeks and beyond. My conclusion: I could have done more. I could have cross-trained more to be fitter. I could have lifted more to be stronger. I could have done more hills to be more prepared for the race course. These were all decisions that I had along the way but as I sulked, I had to be ok with my choices. And after my 10 minutes of pouting, I did feel ok about my choices.
Why don't I train more? Harder? Longer? I'll tell you. Somewhere along the way to becoming who I am today, I decided that I wanted a 'balanced' life. For me that means being able to spend time with my family and friends, working my odd hours, and being involved in the community---while maintaining a good relationship with exercise and running specifically. So while my day is often arranged best as possible around my running (nutrition, sleep, weather make for scheduling better running times), it is not the end all.
In fact, why I was so bummed on Saturday after my run was because my training partner was sharing how much time and effort she had put into her training and it made mine feel sub-par. It's hard to remind yourself that everyone is different and has different capacities and abilities. It worked for her---but for my training time to increase it would probably mean I was sacrificing somewhere else in my life.
The hard lesson is finding what is "right" for you. There is no right or wrong. For the people that make running their life---I'm jealous, in a way. I tell myself that if I were able to give that time and devotion to training, I could be even better than I am today. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening. Largely, because I do work hard now and know that my other responsibilities and interests take up so much time that something else would have to give to actually be successful. So it works for some and I need to live with my choices.
I don't regret the choices I've made. I have phenomenal friends and family and I couldn't imagine not spending time with them. I have a team that I love to work with and wish I could be with more often. It's just hard to imagine that I haven't tapped all my potential because of my choices---not because I'm unable.
And... well life is funny... your choices will always change. You will graduate from college and not have to worry about picking studying over something else. There will be phases where some things need to come to the forefront and others need to sit on the back burner.
Ultimately though.... isn't it pretty damn good to have choices?? I'd say so.
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