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...
Monday, May 16, 2011
Training is Officially OVER!!! - Kara
I'm very happy to report that as of yesterday around 9:45am, our training is over! Well, over for the most part... After 16 (twice), 18, 20 (twice) miles, an 8-mile run this weekend is practically a warm-up.
Yesterday, Jen, Jennifer and I set out on our 20-mile trek around 5am, and 4 hours later were more than happy to have our last long training run behind us.
It wasn't the best run I've ever had, in fact it was probably one of the worst-which makes no sense... For the first time, it wasn't hot, raining, or storming, there wasn't any humidity in the air, there were few puddles on the ground to dodge, and even less traffic on the road to watch for (which also means less curb hopping). It was the first time we didn't have to rearrange our schedule to accomodate the weather, etc. All conditions were perfect, except for my body.
It's usually a mental game for me, but yesterday it was my body that was telling me no. The first 10 miles weren't too bad, but the second 10 were painful. My foot hurt, my knees hurt, my hip flexors were screaming at me with every step. So much, that the last 4 miles I think I walked more than I ran. I just kept telling myself that after this run, our training was going to be over, with the hopes that this would keep me going. I also like to repeat "the faster you go, the sooner you'll get there" with all intentions of hoping to speed up the run. haha
Four hours is a long time to be on your feet, much less repetitively pounding them on the pavement. I don't know if it was the bad luck of the draw or if it was just the timing. I've added up my running miles since January and it totaled right around 300. I also have a lot of miles added up on my bike, the elliptical, etc. and those miles aren't even figured in! So this 26.2 is just the grand finale of all of the miles we have put in.
For now, the excitement will be the anticipation of the big day. No more counting down long runs or counting down days. Twelve days remain until the marathon.
Goal = to finish
Finishing = winning
Yesterday, Jen, Jennifer and I set out on our 20-mile trek around 5am, and 4 hours later were more than happy to have our last long training run behind us.
It wasn't the best run I've ever had, in fact it was probably one of the worst-which makes no sense... For the first time, it wasn't hot, raining, or storming, there wasn't any humidity in the air, there were few puddles on the ground to dodge, and even less traffic on the road to watch for (which also means less curb hopping). It was the first time we didn't have to rearrange our schedule to accomodate the weather, etc. All conditions were perfect, except for my body.
It's usually a mental game for me, but yesterday it was my body that was telling me no. The first 10 miles weren't too bad, but the second 10 were painful. My foot hurt, my knees hurt, my hip flexors were screaming at me with every step. So much, that the last 4 miles I think I walked more than I ran. I just kept telling myself that after this run, our training was going to be over, with the hopes that this would keep me going. I also like to repeat "the faster you go, the sooner you'll get there" with all intentions of hoping to speed up the run. haha
Four hours is a long time to be on your feet, much less repetitively pounding them on the pavement. I don't know if it was the bad luck of the draw or if it was just the timing. I've added up my running miles since January and it totaled right around 300. I also have a lot of miles added up on my bike, the elliptical, etc. and those miles aren't even figured in! So this 26.2 is just the grand finale of all of the miles we have put in.
For now, the excitement will be the anticipation of the big day. No more counting down long runs or counting down days. Twelve days remain until the marathon.
Goal = to finish
Finishing = winning
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
And the countdown begins-Kara
In my post last week, I explained how I was counting down (or dreading, whatever you want to call it) the days, weeks, and long runs leading up to our big day. Yes, the thought of 26.2 miles seems so unreal to some, but it's only a mere number compared to the hundreds of miles we have logged leading up to the actual marathon. I've been keeping a mileage log and am going to reveal my number after I complete this 26.2 mile feat. One, because I was just curious to know, and two, because I didn't really want to know just how much time, how many miles, and how many shoes I have burned through until it's all said and done.
I e-mailed Jennifer just yesterday about the fact that I have had a countdown calendar on my phone for months now. Triple digits have rolled into double digits. I haven't looked at it in quite some time and when I pulled it up yesterday and the number 19 popped up, it kind of surprised me.
The thing that comes to mind when I saw that number was a shirt that I have seen at numerous marathon expos that reads 'This all seemed like a good idea 3 months ago." It still is a good idea, I just can't believe how fast it's arrived. And now, more than ever, I am ready for it to be here. I am mentally and physically prepared. Physically more than mentally, but once I get "in the zone" of the race, I think it will all be okay. As I keep telling Jennifer, mainly to remind myself more than anything, "We can do this."
Six long runs down, one one go... We've got our last long run, a 20-miler this weekend. Wish us luck...
I e-mailed Jennifer just yesterday about the fact that I have had a countdown calendar on my phone for months now. Triple digits have rolled into double digits. I haven't looked at it in quite some time and when I pulled it up yesterday and the number 19 popped up, it kind of surprised me.
The thing that comes to mind when I saw that number was a shirt that I have seen at numerous marathon expos that reads 'This all seemed like a good idea 3 months ago." It still is a good idea, I just can't believe how fast it's arrived. And now, more than ever, I am ready for it to be here. I am mentally and physically prepared. Physically more than mentally, but once I get "in the zone" of the race, I think it will all be okay. As I keep telling Jennifer, mainly to remind myself more than anything, "We can do this."
Six long runs down, one one go... We've got our last long run, a 20-miler this weekend. Wish us luck...
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Benefits of Wisdom
“Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; for if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding”
Proverbs 2:2-3
The bible is clear on the benefits of wisdom; how important it is to not only seek sound advice but to use the advice that has been given to you. I, however, have always considered myself rather hard-headed. I typically don’t take advice. I like to do things my way. As I grew older I began to realize that advice may be beneficial but I would still take it with a grain of salt. Over the past several months, my thoughts on advice had changed drastically.
In my experience, training for a marathon is much like having a baby. People can tell you what to expect but you don’t really understand until your buried knee deep in it. Sure, you realize that it’s going to take a lot of time to train, you’re going to be tired, and your body’s going to hurt but just how much can only be experienced. I’m blessed to be surrounded by experienced marathoners, physical trainers, physical therapists and strong athletes. I began asking for and using their advice and the results have been my saving grace. My leg would still be in a world of pain had I not followed the advice of a knee brace change. I may be seriously injured if I didn’t follow advice to stop running on a long run day. Cold baths are amazing on hurt legs. Missing a training run here and there is not the end of the world.
I can’t wait to use the advice I’ve received for the day of the marathon. “Make sure you download good, inspirational music on your iPod (and make sure they’re not ringtones.)” “Have a good mantra you can say over and over when you are exhausted beyond belief.” “Make sure you pace yourself.” “Take your water breaks.” “Remember to have fun and enjoy the race.”
We have less than 3 weeks until our big day. What a journey it has been. I will not only cherish this experience, I will remember some of the amazing life lessons I have learned along the way.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Surprise!
Check out this link and/or the May issue! Jennifer and I are the "Dedicated" Story for the May issue of Jonesboro's Occasions Magazine!
Monday, May 2, 2011
T - Four Weeks! (and two more long runs), Kara
For me, not only am I counting down the weeks to our big marathon day, but I am also counting down the long runs until then. We have two more long run weekends, a "taper" day, and then it will be here!
This past weekend, I traveled to Nashville for the Country Music Half Marathon. This is part of the Rock and Roll Series and is one of the largest races in this area. There were approximately 30,000+ runners, the largest race I have ever been in.
The expo leading up to the race is amazing. It's a candy shop for runners. Items we have never seen before, or those we have only heard of or seen in magazines are hanging from a string in front of us. Shoes, clothes, jewelry, nutrition products, socks (socks are very important!), hydration products, etc. are all within an arms reach. It's so cool to have so many items available for purchase, and it's also so neat to have so many healthy active people in one place, for one reason.
I wasn't running this race to set a personal record, heck, I didn't even know I was going to this race until the Wednesday before, so I went into it with a group of friends to pace another teammate/friend. We went into it planning to set a goal time of 2:30 for our friend Lisa, and two and half excruciating hours later, we crossed the finish line with our goal time in sight.
In addition to the half marathon in Nashville on Saturday, I returned home to Jonesboro to complete my 20 mile run with Jennifer on Sunday. It's the most I have ever run at one time, and I was very nervous about completing this distance. No, it was not pretty... But I'm hoping that it was only so sloppy due to my 13 mile distance the day before. Jennifer and Jen led a great route, despite the rain...
I ran over 33 miles in 2 days. Ice, biofreeze, and Aleve, please!
Three more weekends, two more long runs. We can do this...
This past weekend, I traveled to Nashville for the Country Music Half Marathon. This is part of the Rock and Roll Series and is one of the largest races in this area. There were approximately 30,000+ runners, the largest race I have ever been in.
The expo leading up to the race is amazing. It's a candy shop for runners. Items we have never seen before, or those we have only heard of or seen in magazines are hanging from a string in front of us. Shoes, clothes, jewelry, nutrition products, socks (socks are very important!), hydration products, etc. are all within an arms reach. It's so cool to have so many items available for purchase, and it's also so neat to have so many healthy active people in one place, for one reason.
I wasn't running this race to set a personal record, heck, I didn't even know I was going to this race until the Wednesday before, so I went into it with a group of friends to pace another teammate/friend. We went into it planning to set a goal time of 2:30 for our friend Lisa, and two and half excruciating hours later, we crossed the finish line with our goal time in sight.
In addition to the half marathon in Nashville on Saturday, I returned home to Jonesboro to complete my 20 mile run with Jennifer on Sunday. It's the most I have ever run at one time, and I was very nervous about completing this distance. No, it was not pretty... But I'm hoping that it was only so sloppy due to my 13 mile distance the day before. Jennifer and Jen led a great route, despite the rain...
I ran over 33 miles in 2 days. Ice, biofreeze, and Aleve, please!
Three more weekends, two more long runs. We can do this...
Lisa's Personal Pacers
Team 2:30
MJ, Lisa, Addy and I
4-30-11
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Jennifer - And the Confidence Builds…
Running tells us the good news about ourselves.
As you’ve read from my blog posts, the past several weeks have been quite a challenge for me both mentally and physically. Struggling with a knee injury, several bad runs and just an overall self-defeating attitude towards the marathon had really taken a toll on me. Last Sunday it all came to a head at about 13 miles into our 18 mile run. I was faced with a runner’s worst nightmare; the wall. That’s when your body tells your brain “um, it’s time to quit now. You cannot move another inch.” If it weren’t for my most amazing running partners, someone would have had to pick me up on a curb somewhere between Matthews and Washington. I completed those 18 miles and gained some more insight into how I can overcome that wall if it makes its presence known again.
I decided after that run that part of my training was going to include getting as much sleep as I possibly could last week. I was worn out both physically and mentally. And that’s exactly what I did; no cross training and only 1 day of running during the week. I slept until I absolutely had to get up. And it worked wonders!
This morning was our first 20 miler. We woke up to thunder and lightning so we had to postpone it for an hour. Just as we got started I realized I forgot my ever-so-necessary knee brace. I contemplated going back and getting it for about ½ mile and decided there was no way I could successfully complete 20 without it. When I got back to the car my legs started cramping up and it began to rain. I argued with myself the entire drive back home as to whether or not I would persevere through this. My bed sounded much better than fighting pain in the pouring rain. Without thinking I grabbed my brace and headed back out. Thankfully they were only a couple of miles into the run so I only lacked about a mile really. I finished strong! What a difference a week makes! Between rest and my legs just plain getting used to running more miles, it was like I was dealing with a totally different body! We had a great time running in the rain. We were drenched but it actually felt pretty good. We got back to our cars just as the next thunderstorm was hitting us. God granted us that perfect little 4 hour window to complete our goal.
Prayerfully my self-defeating attitude is now under wraps. I have no doubt in my mind now that I can complete 26.2 . The good news my body told me today was that it was getting stronger. And each week for the next 4 weeks it will only get stronger. Of course, this week is back to normal training but I believe I’m more capable of handling it now. I’m finally excited about completing this marathon. I look forward to the final 4 weeks of training.
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