So, I didn't cross the finish line. But, I made it through all four parks. I have experiences that will help shape who I am in the future. And I am ready to go again.
A lot of times we start a journey and forget to enjoy the way there. I enjoyed (or hated) every step of this one. I still can't be too upset that I didn't cross the finish line. I went 24 miles before they had to tell me to leave. I didn't stop. I didn't give up. I may have been able to keep going for 2.5 more miles given an extra 15-20 minutes. (Although, at the time, I was sure it was a good medical desicion for them to take me off the course. I was very sick and may have blacked out...) I did something others haven't.
I started a journey once to get my wisdom teeth removed. The dentist mentioned one little aside thing, and it lead to my cancer being found and treated early. That was not what I thought would happen.
Last year, I took a trip to see my sister run a stupid race. I was true to myself when I told her I thought it was pretty dumb and you would never see me try to run 26.2 miles. Well, here I am having run only 24, but so proud of it, and ready to give it another try soon.
I want to capture all the little thoughts along the journey. I captured a bunch already in the blogs, but there are so many little ones. Often times (like will happen today) - I can chose to run or I can chose to write about running. I hope I get to do a little of both.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Post-Disney Run Summary (Short?)
THE RUN is done and I want to write all about it to remember it for next time. I slept deep the night of the run, then the second night was awake with all the cramps and thoughts to put into the blog. With all the runners there, we talked and talked about the race. Now, I have been home 15 hours, and attended a PTO meeting, walked the dog, helped my husband with chores... and the race seems years away. The real world comes back and the runners high and experiences fade - just with many of life's best things.
In summary: I made it to mile 24. I was on pace at mile 22, by 45 seconds (they count the time down at the mile marker for those of you not used to being at the back of the pack). I slowed down drastically after that - and I estimate that I would have finished at 7:12 to 7:15. The race very clearly states you have to maintain 16 minute/mile pace. So, you have to reach mile 24 by 6:24. It was 6:27:~35 when I got there. I was keeping a 17:30-19:30 pace after I left mile 22+. I wear a Garmin and was watching it very much during the race. (I went past mile 22 @ 5:51:~15.) **Note - those are personal times from Garmin. The official race time would be a few minutes later because I crossed the start time a few minutes after the gun.
I was the last person swept off the race course. I was exhausted, and dizzy from sun exposure. I was very dehydrated, and sick. I have already checked plane fare to OKC for the April 26th marathon there. It is a 6:30 race, but has an early start 1.5 hours earlier for slow pokes like me.
Of course, that was with the runners high. I also know there is a marathon in Lowell, Mass in October that would be fun. It is one of the fastest in New England though... And, there are a ton of half marathons.
I want to give the gory details of the race in a separate blog. Just to get the word out though: I ran 24 miles, and I had the great and unique experience of being at the end of the pack. For a short time, maybe half a mile, I was sure I would be the distinction of Dead Last Finish. And I loved the idea. I took photos during my run, got pics with Minnie and Mickie. I got through all four theme parks. I talked to many people. I wore a sign saying Cancer Schmancer 3 years Cancer-Free and I inspired others. I met a woman who was only two months cancer-free who's hair was just growing back and she left me in her dust! She inspired me.
I still think running is horrible. I hate it. The best part is when you finish a run and you are the longest away from having to run again.
I told the story to my friend - a nurse. She said running on only a turkey sandwich and half a muffin from Saturday, with neusea and diahrea for two days and vomiting a little during the run (but being affraid they would kick you out if they saw you throw up so hiding it by pouring a water over your face so you can keep going another mile) was the dumbest thing I ever did in the world. She doesn't get it. It is dumb and horrible. But, I can't wait to do it again - just 15 minutes faster next year.
In summary: I made it to mile 24. I was on pace at mile 22, by 45 seconds (they count the time down at the mile marker for those of you not used to being at the back of the pack). I slowed down drastically after that - and I estimate that I would have finished at 7:12 to 7:15. The race very clearly states you have to maintain 16 minute/mile pace. So, you have to reach mile 24 by 6:24. It was 6:27:~35 when I got there. I was keeping a 17:30-19:30 pace after I left mile 22+. I wear a Garmin and was watching it very much during the race. (I went past mile 22 @ 5:51:~15.) **Note - those are personal times from Garmin. The official race time would be a few minutes later because I crossed the start time a few minutes after the gun.
I was the last person swept off the race course. I was exhausted, and dizzy from sun exposure. I was very dehydrated, and sick. I have already checked plane fare to OKC for the April 26th marathon there. It is a 6:30 race, but has an early start 1.5 hours earlier for slow pokes like me.
Of course, that was with the runners high. I also know there is a marathon in Lowell, Mass in October that would be fun. It is one of the fastest in New England though... And, there are a ton of half marathons.
I want to give the gory details of the race in a separate blog. Just to get the word out though: I ran 24 miles, and I had the great and unique experience of being at the end of the pack. For a short time, maybe half a mile, I was sure I would be the distinction of Dead Last Finish. And I loved the idea. I took photos during my run, got pics with Minnie and Mickie. I got through all four theme parks. I talked to many people. I wore a sign saying Cancer Schmancer 3 years Cancer-Free and I inspired others. I met a woman who was only two months cancer-free who's hair was just growing back and she left me in her dust! She inspired me.
I still think running is horrible. I hate it. The best part is when you finish a run and you are the longest away from having to run again.
I told the story to my friend - a nurse. She said running on only a turkey sandwich and half a muffin from Saturday, with neusea and diahrea for two days and vomiting a little during the run (but being affraid they would kick you out if they saw you throw up so hiding it by pouring a water over your face so you can keep going another mile) was the dumbest thing I ever did in the world. She doesn't get it. It is dumb and horrible. But, I can't wait to do it again - just 15 minutes faster next year.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Long Runs Down
I did my last long run before the marathon yesterday. I'm nervous though, that it wasn't all running. I did half of it on the eliptical machines at the gym, and half on the treadmill. I really like the elipticals. And, it gives my arms more of a work out then the running. But, I think it may not be as difficult as the running. We'll see. The next three weeks will be short distances - 6 miles is short. I will be running all those and trying to build up speed.
It took 5 hours, and I spent the five hours thinking of what to put in the blog. Then, I had no energy and drive after the run, so it's the next day and I can't remember what I wanted to put in here.
It will come to me. Mostly, I realized that it has been a month since I last typed. I am living, breathing marathon, so there is no time to type about it.
It took 5 hours, and I spent the five hours thinking of what to put in the blog. Then, I had no energy and drive after the run, so it's the next day and I can't remember what I wanted to put in here.
It will come to me. Mostly, I realized that it has been a month since I last typed. I am living, breathing marathon, so there is no time to type about it.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Running - Excuses or Reasons?
I "ran" the four miles mentioned before. My toe went numb after the 2.5 mile, again. But, I don't have an open blister. It just feels like a scabbed or hard blister area on my foot that maybe is making the toe feel numb. So, I started to wear different shoes last week during the day. On Saturday, I did four miles in the 13-mile shoes, and sure enough, after 3.5 miles, my toe felt numb. But, I had a worse injury.
On Saturday, when I got out of bed, my right ankle was having problems. About every third or fouth step, it wouldn't hold my weight. It kept feeling like I was twisting it anew. Now, I had very weak ankles before I started this running stuff. I was 260 pounds, and now at 220, I have removed ~1600 lbs of pressure off my ankles. So, it was discouraging. I put on the 13 mile shoes for the 4 mile walk. I tried to run, but every time I did, I would have the ankle twinge. But, by walking, I was sort of ok. I did four miles in a long time (~20 minutes per mile, way worse then Disney), but I did it. And, after the first mile, my ankle didn't do any twisting - unless I tried to run on it. So, i walked. And, yes my toe started to go numb, BUT, I felt like my shoes were giving me some extra support I really needed. It was very rainy and wet, so maybe that will help "break in" my shoes. I remembered that with the other pairs, I had run through rain early in each's life with me. I know - you should not "break in" new shoes - that only breaks them. But, I gotta be able to use these sneakers.
On Sunday, I woke up with the ankle almost as bad. It was supposed to be a 9 mile day. I AM committed to my long runs, but this 9-miler was to be a recovery run post-13 miles. SO, I walked the dog for two miles, then went to the gym. I lifted weights - skipping the one that requires my ankle use. Then, I did 45 minutes on the reclining bike. I had to use my ankle, but not to hold my weight. I wore an older pair of sneakers because the new ones were wet still.
Today (Monday), my ankle isn't too bad. I have had some twinges, but not nearly as bad as the weekend. Today is a rest day - only a two mile walk with the dog. No running. Tomorrow, I will do the gym again. Lifting and bike. I will do a couple of hours on the bike tomorrow. I think the 9-miler would have taken me 2+ hours, so that is how I will compensate for not running it. I need to strengthen the ankle, but not re-injure it. I don't know how I injured it in the first place.
SO, is the bike use a suitable substitute? Is the ankle just an excuse not to run, or a valid reason? I am disappointed in myself that I missed my long run. B told me that you just have to committ to your long run days and you can train for the marathon. I think I am committed. I am thinking already of the 15 miler I have to do on Sunday...
On Saturday, when I got out of bed, my right ankle was having problems. About every third or fouth step, it wouldn't hold my weight. It kept feeling like I was twisting it anew. Now, I had very weak ankles before I started this running stuff. I was 260 pounds, and now at 220, I have removed ~1600 lbs of pressure off my ankles. So, it was discouraging. I put on the 13 mile shoes for the 4 mile walk. I tried to run, but every time I did, I would have the ankle twinge. But, by walking, I was sort of ok. I did four miles in a long time (~20 minutes per mile, way worse then Disney), but I did it. And, after the first mile, my ankle didn't do any twisting - unless I tried to run on it. So, i walked. And, yes my toe started to go numb, BUT, I felt like my shoes were giving me some extra support I really needed. It was very rainy and wet, so maybe that will help "break in" my shoes. I remembered that with the other pairs, I had run through rain early in each's life with me. I know - you should not "break in" new shoes - that only breaks them. But, I gotta be able to use these sneakers.
On Sunday, I woke up with the ankle almost as bad. It was supposed to be a 9 mile day. I AM committed to my long runs, but this 9-miler was to be a recovery run post-13 miles. SO, I walked the dog for two miles, then went to the gym. I lifted weights - skipping the one that requires my ankle use. Then, I did 45 minutes on the reclining bike. I had to use my ankle, but not to hold my weight. I wore an older pair of sneakers because the new ones were wet still.
Today (Monday), my ankle isn't too bad. I have had some twinges, but not nearly as bad as the weekend. Today is a rest day - only a two mile walk with the dog. No running. Tomorrow, I will do the gym again. Lifting and bike. I will do a couple of hours on the bike tomorrow. I think the 9-miler would have taken me 2+ hours, so that is how I will compensate for not running it. I need to strengthen the ankle, but not re-injure it. I don't know how I injured it in the first place.
SO, is the bike use a suitable substitute? Is the ankle just an excuse not to run, or a valid reason? I am disappointed in myself that I missed my long run. B told me that you just have to committ to your long run days and you can train for the marathon. I think I am committed. I am thinking already of the 15 miler I have to do on Sunday...
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
13 mile recovery
I did the 13 on Sunday, then did 4 on Monday - as my plan said. I definitely have a blister from the new shoes and 13 miles. My foot started hurting by mile 2. My middle toe seemed to feel numb (like it did on the 13 mile run), but I think it was the position of a blister.
I walked the dog for 2 miles on Tuesday - which is a rest day. My foot hurt differently, but I could get past it. I feel rested and like it will do ok. I am excited (?!) to run today for another 4. I'll be in the 13 mile shoes tonight, and I'm interested in how they will feel. Maybe Excited isn't the right word, but I am interested in my run today.
I walked the dog for 2 miles on Tuesday - which is a rest day. My foot hurt differently, but I could get past it. I feel rested and like it will do ok. I am excited (?!) to run today for another 4. I'll be in the 13 mile shoes tonight, and I'm interested in how they will feel. Maybe Excited isn't the right word, but I am interested in my run today.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Half Marathon - Almost
I did my 13 mile run yesterday. It didn't do 13.1, like I had planned. I made a common rooky mistake. I wore a new pair of sneakers for the first time on the run. I figured - oh, it's only 13 miles, so it can't be bad. It was aweful. They felt really stiff, and my middle toe on the right was really hurting by mile 3. I had to edit my run and my walk style. I know - I should not do that because it could hurt something else. But, I got through my 13 miles. It was the most painful run I have done to date. As soon as I got to 13.01, I stopped and took off those shoes! My feet feel fine today - and did last night as well. So, no permanent damage. I will break in the new shoes before the next really long run - 17 miles in two weeks.
I did this run a little different as well. I took the dog out first and we did 5.09 miles together. It was raining when we started, and the leaves on the ground were a little slick. I was hurting and went home after the 5 miles. I stopped to pee (I always have to do that when running I guess), then immediately got onto my home treadmill. The treadmill didn't help the pain, and I much prefer to run outside (who would have known that when i started all this?), so after exactly 2 miles in 30:02, I went back out for another 5 miles. I ran/walked to the running park that is 2 miles away. I figured as long as I could get there, I'd be forced to get more miles because I had to get back home. I did a 1 mile lap there, then headed home again. I got home with 0.94 miles left to do, so back on the treadmill. When I hit 0.95 miles, I stopped! So, I had to add my distances (twice on the treadmill, and once on the Garmin), and add my times (which my wonderful hubby wrote down from the treadmill).
I did 13 miles in 3 hours, 26 minutes! The Disney marathon requires 16:00 miles, sustained through 26.2 miles. That would be 3:28 for the 13 miles. So, I beat it by 2 minutes!!! The first mile overall was my slowest. That was the section in the woods with the dog, and I did it in ~20 minutes. (I was worried about wet leaves, and trying hard to stretch out muscles. I was damaged after last week's run, so I didn't want a repeat.) I made up the time, and my fasted mile was towards the end of the first five miles - 13:27. That was when I realized that running (instead of walking) made my toe hurt less. The last five miles had very little running, mostly walking - but that is ok for Disney.
I haven't taken an Tylenol, and I guess I won't. I like that I can recover. Everything is just stiff.
I did this run a little different as well. I took the dog out first and we did 5.09 miles together. It was raining when we started, and the leaves on the ground were a little slick. I was hurting and went home after the 5 miles. I stopped to pee (I always have to do that when running I guess), then immediately got onto my home treadmill. The treadmill didn't help the pain, and I much prefer to run outside (who would have known that when i started all this?), so after exactly 2 miles in 30:02, I went back out for another 5 miles. I ran/walked to the running park that is 2 miles away. I figured as long as I could get there, I'd be forced to get more miles because I had to get back home. I did a 1 mile lap there, then headed home again. I got home with 0.94 miles left to do, so back on the treadmill. When I hit 0.95 miles, I stopped! So, I had to add my distances (twice on the treadmill, and once on the Garmin), and add my times (which my wonderful hubby wrote down from the treadmill).
I did 13 miles in 3 hours, 26 minutes! The Disney marathon requires 16:00 miles, sustained through 26.2 miles. That would be 3:28 for the 13 miles. So, I beat it by 2 minutes!!! The first mile overall was my slowest. That was the section in the woods with the dog, and I did it in ~20 minutes. (I was worried about wet leaves, and trying hard to stretch out muscles. I was damaged after last week's run, so I didn't want a repeat.) I made up the time, and my fasted mile was towards the end of the first five miles - 13:27. That was when I realized that running (instead of walking) made my toe hurt less. The last five miles had very little running, mostly walking - but that is ok for Disney.
I haven't taken an Tylenol, and I guess I won't. I like that I can recover. Everything is just stiff.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Aftermath of 10+ miles
I am feeling those miles today still (two days later). Yesterday, the day after the long run was tough. My one calf muscle is so tight, it really hurts. I was supposed to do 4 mile run, but I did a 2.5 mile fast walk with the dog - I did a lot of hills which made the calf fell better. I know - it needed a lot of stretching. T - you were so right with your note on the last post. The rest of me felt ok - a little tired, but nothing major. Just that one calf.
It is best to learn this now, though. I will have to stop to pee during the race, and I have a bunch more long runs to go before I get there. So, today is a rest day, and I will be resting - but stretching every chance I get!
It is best to learn this now, though. I will have to stop to pee during the race, and I have a bunch more long runs to go before I get there. So, today is a rest day, and I will be resting - but stretching every chance I get!
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