Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
I can now call myself a marathoner! - Kara
I'd like to preface this entry with : Okay so my marathon didn't quite go as planned.
I was worried about stomach issues - turns out that was the least of my concerns. My knees (joint I think) and foot began hurting from the get-go. Not even one mile into my 26.2 mile journey, I knew I was in trouble. My awesome and supportive parents and aunt followed me for the first few miles. They could already tell I was struggling. So I started the race with no ambulatory aids, and by mile 5 I already had my straps on both knees. Thanks so much to mom and Ginny for going to my car to get my braces! I did my first 6 miles in exactly an hour. I was on the dot to my time schedule that I had made out. I was side-by-side to Jen Sherrod and she was trying to keep me positive and not thinking about the knees.
After mile 8 or so when my mom dropped off my knee braces, Jen took off while I had to stop and get adjusted. I never saw her again... So I was on my own. I kept thinking Jennifer, who usually passes me on the hills, would catch up and I would have a running buddy again, but she never caught up with me. It was me, myself, and my ipod.
Just then, my running buddies MJ and Margarett, complete with neon pink signs, were on Lawson Road, cheering me on, refilling my Gatorade, and filling my belly with ice cold orange slices. It was hot, I was thirsty, and those oranges were the best thing I've ever had!
I finished Lawson, the first 1/3 of Culberhouse, and made my way into Craighead. I seriously could not see anyone running in front of me or behind me. I wondered where everyone was! At the half way point, 13.1 miles, there was a good sized cheering crew, due to the relay switch off, and this was very encouraging. My half-marathon time was exactly 2:25, again, right on schedule and even a couple of minutes ahead. I had to walk the hills, depleting my Gatorade sources, when MJ and Margarett showed up again, more refill, more oranges, and an IT Band brace to go above my knee. So, two braces below the knee, one above. I was looking like I had some serious issues, and I really was. Pain spread from my foot, to my knee, now to my hip.
Back to Culberhouse, about mile 16, my calves began cramping. I have NEVER had cramps while I was running. It was so hot. The sun was beating down on my shoulders and I knew I was going to drink more and walk more. It was brutal. I was out of Gatorade again and my pit-crew showed up just in time around mile 17.
I knew in my mind that I had my friends Laura and Michelle waiting at mile 19 for me so I tried to pick up the pace but continued to walk even the flattest parts of the course. It was disappointing but painful with each step, no matter if I walked or ran.
Mile 21 my best friend Addy and her friend Tim met up with me to run (walk) the last few grueling miles. It was tough. I would run a few steps and then walk more. I got to the point where I couldn't even run at all.
Mile 25, my mom and aunt were parked across from McDonalds on Stadium and I just lost it. Pain, pride, accomplishment. Everything just went through my mind. I wanted to make my goal time, but I knew there was absolutely no way. I was walking, and it was very slow even. I got to the point where I didn't even know if I would make my 6 hour cut off time.
I decided to run in the rest of the way. About 3/4 of a mile. Tim, Addy, and now our friend Laura joined to help run me in. As I turned the corner, there were people cheering, holding signs, clapping, taking pictures. I'll never forget it. I crossed the line in 5:45. It was an amazing accomplishment for me. Less than 1% of the US population has completed a marathon. Less than 1%. I am now part of that group that can call themselves a marathoner.
I was worried about stomach issues - turns out that was the least of my concerns. My knees (joint I think) and foot began hurting from the get-go. Not even one mile into my 26.2 mile journey, I knew I was in trouble. My awesome and supportive parents and aunt followed me for the first few miles. They could already tell I was struggling. So I started the race with no ambulatory aids, and by mile 5 I already had my straps on both knees. Thanks so much to mom and Ginny for going to my car to get my braces! I did my first 6 miles in exactly an hour. I was on the dot to my time schedule that I had made out. I was side-by-side to Jen Sherrod and she was trying to keep me positive and not thinking about the knees.
After mile 8 or so when my mom dropped off my knee braces, Jen took off while I had to stop and get adjusted. I never saw her again... So I was on my own. I kept thinking Jennifer, who usually passes me on the hills, would catch up and I would have a running buddy again, but she never caught up with me. It was me, myself, and my ipod.
Just then, my running buddies MJ and Margarett, complete with neon pink signs, were on Lawson Road, cheering me on, refilling my Gatorade, and filling my belly with ice cold orange slices. It was hot, I was thirsty, and those oranges were the best thing I've ever had!
I finished Lawson, the first 1/3 of Culberhouse, and made my way into Craighead. I seriously could not see anyone running in front of me or behind me. I wondered where everyone was! At the half way point, 13.1 miles, there was a good sized cheering crew, due to the relay switch off, and this was very encouraging. My half-marathon time was exactly 2:25, again, right on schedule and even a couple of minutes ahead. I had to walk the hills, depleting my Gatorade sources, when MJ and Margarett showed up again, more refill, more oranges, and an IT Band brace to go above my knee. So, two braces below the knee, one above. I was looking like I had some serious issues, and I really was. Pain spread from my foot, to my knee, now to my hip.
Back to Culberhouse, about mile 16, my calves began cramping. I have NEVER had cramps while I was running. It was so hot. The sun was beating down on my shoulders and I knew I was going to drink more and walk more. It was brutal. I was out of Gatorade again and my pit-crew showed up just in time around mile 17.
I knew in my mind that I had my friends Laura and Michelle waiting at mile 19 for me so I tried to pick up the pace but continued to walk even the flattest parts of the course. It was disappointing but painful with each step, no matter if I walked or ran.
Mile 21 my best friend Addy and her friend Tim met up with me to run (walk) the last few grueling miles. It was tough. I would run a few steps and then walk more. I got to the point where I couldn't even run at all.
Mile 25, my mom and aunt were parked across from McDonalds on Stadium and I just lost it. Pain, pride, accomplishment. Everything just went through my mind. I wanted to make my goal time, but I knew there was absolutely no way. I was walking, and it was very slow even. I got to the point where I didn't even know if I would make my 6 hour cut off time.
I decided to run in the rest of the way. About 3/4 of a mile. Tim, Addy, and now our friend Laura joined to help run me in. As I turned the corner, there were people cheering, holding signs, clapping, taking pictures. I'll never forget it. I crossed the line in 5:45. It was an amazing accomplishment for me. Less than 1% of the US population has completed a marathon. Less than 1%. I am now part of that group that can call themselves a marathoner.
Like Jennifer, I could not have done this without the support of my mom, dad, and aunt Ginny. MJ and Margarett, who drove around with my ice cold Gatorade and 20 oranges that I devoured. Laura and Michelle at mile 19 and at the finish. Addy, Tim, Laura, who helped me the last few miles and who helped me finish strong. Leshia, who drove up as I made the last turn to the finish line, Rhonda with her posters at the finish line! Beverly who drove around checking on Jennifer and I. Diane, Pam and Marty, Mary and Bill Loucks, Megan and Michael (and Amel). All of my relay marathon friends waited at the finish, as well. I hope I didn't leave anyone out, but you know who you are! and THANK YOU!
Several blisters, one black toenail, 6+ ice bags, countless ibuprofen, I'm not even sure how many bottles of Gatorade, and 26.2 miles later, I am now able to call myself a marathoner. It's the hardest thing I've ever done. Why did I do it? To prove to myself that I could do it. I set a goal and made it a reality. And I'm proud of myself and Jennifer, and the 28 others who conquered this beast of a course in the heat on Saturday.
Yes, I already have a 26.2 sticker on the back of my car :-)
And no, I'm never doing another one again! And if I do, it's going to be a very long time!
What's next for me? Well I have a 5K on Saturday, a half-marathon in Millington on Sunday, and then I don't plan on running for a few weeks. It's time for a little break :-)
Happy Trails!!!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Jennifer – The Journey Ends
"When true friends meet in adverse hour;
'Tis like a sunbeam through a shower.
A watery way an instant seen,
The darkly closing clouds between."
- Sir Walter Scott
I have two points of view when reflecting on the marathon itself; the physical performance and the mental performance. These two points of view are in complete opposite ends of the spectrum. One is very disappointing and the other overwhelms me with joy.
I began the race with my legs feeling better than they had felt in a very long time. For about 10 miles, I was ahead of my set pace. I always struggle with my legs for the first several miles so I wasn’t too concerned when my legs began to hurt. I knew about what point my legs would relax and finally cooperate. Once I hit that point, they did cooperate for about a ½ mile and that’s when I began to struggle. The sun was up and it was hot. By the 13th mile, I was ready to stop. I had to take a bunch of water at the water station and douse myself. I needed to cool down fast! What was so frustrating was that we had run this route many times during our training. I knew that route and, more importantly, my legs knew that route. I was sick to my stomach, my legs and hips were cramping and my feet were going numb. Mile 10 to 19 gave me the struggle of my life. I was alone and left with thoughts of self doubt. I kept praying for God to get me through it. I had put in too much time into training to have a DNF (did not finish) next to my name. It was at that point that the mental performance took shape.
Unbeknownst to me, the word was out that I was struggling big time. Tony and several friends began calling each other trying to find where I was. I had so many people keeping track of me, making sure I had plenty of Gatorade and water and that I was still in good spirits. A dear friend from church pulled over and ran (mostly walked by that time) the last 10 miles with me. During that last half, I had so many friends pull over and run parts of it with me, helped keep my spirits up and encouraged me that I could still finish. A change in my mental performance was so obvious. My husband and son were so worried about me at that 13 mile point but remarked how much better I looked after I had people with me. After I finished, I found many encouraging text messages and Facebook posts.
I believe I was dehydrated. The day of the race was the hottest it has been all season and I was so worried about drinking too much that I didn’t drink enough. That and my ongoing struggle with my back/left leg are what did me in. On one hand, I’m extremely disappointed with the outcome. I should have finished a lot sooner than what I did. That was the worst run, I believe, I have ever had. On the other hand, I am overwhelmed with the support I received. I’m not sure I could have conquered that last half without them. It reminds me what’s most important in life. It’s not what you do or how well you finish that matters; it’s who you’re surrounded by that’s important. So this victory doesn’t just belong to me, it belongs to Tony, Dakotah, Randy, Laura, Michelle G., Michelle R., Beverly, Glenda, Don, Deaundra, Terry, John, Nicole, Kara, Jen, Jason and everyone who sent me encouraging messages. It’s because of you that I can call myself a marathoner. I love you all and I thank God that you are in my life. Not just for this particular race but for the human race.
So what next? I have to take a bit of a hiatus from running so Dr. Sherrod can get my back and hips straight. I’m really looking forward to running pain-free but he says that’s going to take some time so it looks like I will be gym-bound for most of the summer, at least.
Thank you to everyone that has followed our wild journey. You’ve all made this such a memorable experience.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Jennifer - Reflections
In running, it is man against himself, the cruelest of opponents. The other runners are not real enimies. His adversary lies within in him, in his ability with brain and heart to master to master himself and his emotions.
There's so many emotions I'm feeling that I'm not quite sure where to begin. Hours of battling injuries, weather, self doubt and, let's not forget, training miles have all prepared me for this Saturday. When I began this journey I had know idea how I would run 26.2. The answer quickly became " a little at a time." Over 3 months later I have run the route in one form or another several times; I have no doubt I can complete this.
This week has been preparing my body and mind for the weekend. I've slept longer, decreased my physical activity, increased my fluids, cut out sodas and eaten just a little more than I usually do. All this so that my body will be in peak condition for the race. Mentally I keep telling myself that I'm strong and determined. That this will be piece of cake. I'm also thinking a lot about when to drink and eat during the race.
So many thoughts, so many feelings. I remember vividly how I felt when I crossed the finish line at my half marathon. I cannot wait to experience that feeling again. I guess that's why so many of us run. Not because of how we feel while we are running but how we feel when we accomplish a goal we have set for ourselves. It doesn't matter if your goal is 1 mile or 26; that self esteem boast you get when you acheive it makes you eager to set another one. Although I will say, after this race, my goal will be to rest a bit more and spend a little more time with my family.
There's so many emotions I'm feeling that I'm not quite sure where to begin. Hours of battling injuries, weather, self doubt and, let's not forget, training miles have all prepared me for this Saturday. When I began this journey I had know idea how I would run 26.2. The answer quickly became " a little at a time." Over 3 months later I have run the route in one form or another several times; I have no doubt I can complete this.
This week has been preparing my body and mind for the weekend. I've slept longer, decreased my physical activity, increased my fluids, cut out sodas and eaten just a little more than I usually do. All this so that my body will be in peak condition for the race. Mentally I keep telling myself that I'm strong and determined. That this will be piece of cake. I'm also thinking a lot about when to drink and eat during the race.
So many thoughts, so many feelings. I remember vividly how I felt when I crossed the finish line at my half marathon. I cannot wait to experience that feeling again. I guess that's why so many of us run. Not because of how we feel while we are running but how we feel when we accomplish a goal we have set for ourselves. It doesn't matter if your goal is 1 mile or 26; that self esteem boast you get when you acheive it makes you eager to set another one. Although I will say, after this race, my goal will be to rest a bit more and spend a little more time with my family.
The Medal is Unveiled! - Kara
For a lot of runners, the race is all about the hardware. Recently via facebook, the medal has been revealed!
Now, judging by the first picture, it appears to be a decent size...
But, then look at the second picture...
Now we're talking!
Jennifer and I are doing the early start...
We are starting at 6am and are shooting for anywhere around 5 hours to finish (probably 5:15).
If you'd like to come see us cross the finish line, we will be finishing inside the ASU football stadium somtime around or after 11am. We'd love to have your support along the course or at least at the finish line!
I can't wait to have this hanging around my neck!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
T-3 days! - Kara
It's so hard to believe that our big day is only 3 days away!
We've worked so hard and we've come so far!
Rest for me... Just eating and drinking plenty of water and gatorade between now and then.
It's been a roller coaster week leading up to Saturday. I've been excited, nervous, and emotional, over and over again.
I want to share an e-mail with you all that one of my friends and running buddies sent me. She is amazing and inspirational. She's a great friend, great mother and grandmother. She has done like 6 marathons since November! This is what she had to share: (and yes, it made me cry :-) Thank you, Nechia! And good luck to you, too!
We've worked so hard and we've come so far!
Rest for me... Just eating and drinking plenty of water and gatorade between now and then.
It's been a roller coaster week leading up to Saturday. I've been excited, nervous, and emotional, over and over again.
I want to share an e-mail with you all that one of my friends and running buddies sent me. She is amazing and inspirational. She's a great friend, great mother and grandmother. She has done like 6 marathons since November! This is what she had to share: (and yes, it made me cry :-) Thank you, Nechia! And good luck to you, too!
YOU ARE ABSOLUTLEY READY!!!!!!!
I know this is unsolicited advice--but I am truly fascinated with the marathon experience, and I keep coming back because I learn so much EVERY time I do one.
Only positive thoughts now.
You have done the hard work--THIS is the party!
1. You will do better than you think. You WILL. And I'm not talking necessarily about finishing time, I'm talking about it being EASIER than you expected.
2. 18-20 miles training run is MUCH harder than running a full marathon. It IS.
3. An extra cup of water the rest of the week.
4. If it seems tough about mile 22, remind yourself it IS a marathon, and it's OK that it is a challenge.
5. It TRULY TRULY TRULY is 20 % physical and 80 % mental. Go ahead and practice what you are gonna tell yourself if it gets hard--I always tell myself--when it gets tough--THIS IS EASIER than I thought--I'm doing GREAT--I'm feeling STRONG. Your self-talk gets you through it.
6. Things CHANGE during a marathon. I've felt not so good, and a half mile later felt REALLY good. If you are tired at mile 8, it's your mind playing tricks with you--you can still feel GREAT at mile 24.
7. Relax and ENJOY this. You are a strong woman or you wouldn't have the courage to sign up.
8. DO NOT GO OUT TOO FAST. HOLD BACK.
9. A secret ONLY for marathoners. A training run of 16 miles is far enough--we just do the 18, 20, and 22 milers to PROVE it to ourselves.
10. A marathon changes you forever. You never knew how tough you really are.
11. Thank God you have such amazing health to line up at the start and HAVE FUN!!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
My Training Roller Coaster
There's no magic to running far or climibing Everest. Endurance is mental strength. It's all about heart.
~ Bear Grylis
It seems like my blog posts have played out much like a soap opera. Packed full of high, lows and plenty of drama. This post is sure to not dissappoint. haha
Last week brought on a curious set of drama along with many new lessons. During our 16 mile run I had to stop about 3 miles in. Over the past several weeks my legs have been seizing up on me and it came to a head that day. I knew I was in trouble when I swallowed my pride and called my husband at 6:30 am on Saturday to come and get me. I couldn't run another step. I thought it was my shoes causing the pain, so I purchased a new pair.
During Tuesday's run the new shoes helped...a little. I broke down and saw Dr. Jason Sherrod (Jen Sherrod's, part of our running trio and one of my dearest friends husband) that day and that was one of the best things I could have done. X-Rays revealed a pretty bad curvature of the spine and out of aligned hips. The good news is that he can and is fixing it! Thankfully I went in soon enough. Sunday's 20 mile run was a breeze (as much of a breeze as 20 miles can be.) I honestly believe I would not have been able to complete the marathon had I not gone to see him. Another lesson!
I'm in awe of how far we have come. I can't believe how long we have been on this journey and how rapidly it is coming to an end. It wasn't very long ago that I thought 20 miles was totally unreachable and now I've done that and am about to surpass it. I'm really excited to get back to "normal" life but, I must admit, I will be sad when it is done.
On a side note, making this whole marathon journey even sweeter, last week I accepted a new position in the clinic as the Wellness Program Manager. My last day in my current position will be the day before the marathon. One of the programs I will be managing is Center for Healthy Children. This marathon benefits Center for Healthy Children. I can't think of a better way to begin my new position...
~ Bear Grylis
It seems like my blog posts have played out much like a soap opera. Packed full of high, lows and plenty of drama. This post is sure to not dissappoint. haha
Last week brought on a curious set of drama along with many new lessons. During our 16 mile run I had to stop about 3 miles in. Over the past several weeks my legs have been seizing up on me and it came to a head that day. I knew I was in trouble when I swallowed my pride and called my husband at 6:30 am on Saturday to come and get me. I couldn't run another step. I thought it was my shoes causing the pain, so I purchased a new pair.
During Tuesday's run the new shoes helped...a little. I broke down and saw Dr. Jason Sherrod (Jen Sherrod's, part of our running trio and one of my dearest friends husband) that day and that was one of the best things I could have done. X-Rays revealed a pretty bad curvature of the spine and out of aligned hips. The good news is that he can and is fixing it! Thankfully I went in soon enough. Sunday's 20 mile run was a breeze (as much of a breeze as 20 miles can be.) I honestly believe I would not have been able to complete the marathon had I not gone to see him. Another lesson!
I'm in awe of how far we have come. I can't believe how long we have been on this journey and how rapidly it is coming to an end. It wasn't very long ago that I thought 20 miles was totally unreachable and now I've done that and am about to surpass it. I'm really excited to get back to "normal" life but, I must admit, I will be sad when it is done.
On a side note, making this whole marathon journey even sweeter, last week I accepted a new position in the clinic as the Wellness Program Manager. My last day in my current position will be the day before the marathon. One of the programs I will be managing is Center for Healthy Children. This marathon benefits Center for Healthy Children. I can't think of a better way to begin my new position...
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