NIke Women's Half Marathon, Part One

I have so many things I want to tell you.  The weekend was so very cool.  I guess I will just start at the beginning.

I was up in the middle of the night and at the airport at 4:30 am.  It was dark and cold but I was wide awake, exited to be on my way.

The first leg to Chicago was uneventful.  When we got to the gate of the second flight, we were delayed a half hour.

Once we were all on the plane and the door was closed, we taxied a little bit and then the engine was turned off.  We were asked to hold because of weather in San Francisco.  I was getting a little frustrated because we had such a tight schedule.

Just as the engines started up, I got a text from Shawna.  It read, "Our flight got cancelled. We are flying to Sacramento and renting  a car from there."  Oh, no!!!  I felt so bad for them.  This was going to be a long day without delays, and now we were all getting in so late.

Once in the air, the flight was pretty good.  Landed late, but we were finally there!

There were 16 of us traveling form Rhode Island but I was the only one going to a different hotel.  Once I finally made it to my hotel, I found myself alone.  This really wasn't a big deal.  I flew for 10 years before having my son but I was disappointed to go to the expotique alone.

The Expotique was right across the street, so I went to check it out.  The music was so loud, I couldn't even think.  (insert old lady comment here).  There was a TNT section with a huge banner with pictures of the people we were running to remember.  I started to look for Haley, but got so emotional at seeing so many children and babies, I had to walk away.

I found my way to the line to pick up my packet and that went quickly.  It was well organized in that department and I was excited to see my number, 19,036.  My highest number to date.

Kara Goucher and Shalana Flanagan were going to speak for a little at the expo and were also running. I was so sad to see, that I got in too late and had missed it.  This really bummed me out.

I was through the expo rather quickly and as I was walking out, I got a phone call from Shawna.  Her and the crew from South Carolina were returning the rental car and were on there way.  She told me that three of our teammates were at the expo somewhere and sent me there number.

I gave them a call and asked if I could meet up with them.  It was David that I called and he said they were on the 3rd floor over at Nike Town.  It took me a minute to realize that Nike Town was different from where I was standing.

I headed over and at the stop light I could see people standing on the side of the building looking at a wall.  A women next to me was telling her girlfriend that that was where all our names were written.  Wow, that amazed me.  I went straight to that wall.

I found David, Robin and Leah after riding the escalator a bunch of times.  This store was a mad house!  So many people and the music was even louder than the expo.  Lines wrapped around for miles and I thought I was on the third floor but soon realized I was on the 5th.  Don't ask me, I can't explain it either.   Back down the escalator and finally I met the first three teammates.

We stopped at the wall and found our names, snapped a few pics and then headed to the nearest bar.  We sat and had a drink and a great conversation.  I love meeting new people!

Me, Leah, David and Robin

After our drink we headed back to the hotel to get ready for our boat ride to Sausalito.  That is where Shawna's aunt and uncle live and they made us a wonderful dinner and we celebrated Haley's 16th birthday.  It was a beautiful and emotional evening and it was the reason we were there and I was so happy to be able to share in that special moment.

On the ferry to Sausalito

Haley was a little girl who love to give presents more than receive them.  Sound familiar?  If you know me, you know I am not fond of receiving gifts.  I don't like the attention or the fact that people spent money on me.  However, I get so much joy from buying and giving gifts for my friends and family.

Shawna had us all bead our own wine charms as a fun activity and then she put our creations in a gift bag filled with little gifts for us.  Everything in the bag was special and had something to do with Haley.  I will treasure everything I received.  Except of course, for the chocolate.  I will eat the chocolate.  LOL

The dinner was delicious and the company was fabulous.  I am sure Haley would of enjoyed every moment and I know in my heart, she was with us.

Shawna lighting the candles on Haley's cake.

Since we all got in so late, our dinner and party were also late.  We were all so exhausted and by the time I got into bed that night, I had been up for 23 hours and 15 minutes.  I barely remember hitting the pillow but I do know that I fell asleep smiling.

Sometime in the middle of the night, I woke up in a sweat.  I realized I had never turned the air on and went over to do so.  I hit buttons but no air.  Shoot, my AC does not work.  I went back to bed without covers and slept until the morning.

I felt pretty good considering how many hours I was up the day before.  I looked out my window and saw a diner.  I was staving and was in desperate need of coffee.  I got dressed and went to eat. It was a really cute place and I got the biggest breakfast on the menu.

I was joined by Shawna, Patricia and Tracy.  From there we went back to the expo so that they could pick up their packets.  It was a little more fun this time with people and we snapped a fun picture.

One of the things on my must do list for San Fran, was to see Alcatraz.  We had tickets for the 10:30 ferry over.  The ride was just about 15 minutes.  Once there we made our way up and entered the prison.

Yes, that is Flat Stanley!

The gate in.

We chose to do the audio tour, which gave us the most information.  It was really cool and a little creepy.  The voices on the tape were of real guards and prisoners.  It was hard to imagine what life was really like there, but they did a good job of putting it all together.  I would recommend this tour if you have plans to go to San Francisco.

On the way out, they had a man signing copies of his book.  He was an ex con who had spent time in Alcatraz!  His name was Robert Luke and I had to talk to him and get his book.  Now don't think I am crazy.  This man was 84 years old, with his wife of 37 years and never hurt anyone physically.  He was a bank robber.  He spent a little over 5 years on the rock.  Not too many people can say they met someone who spent time there and I think it was pretty cool.

From there we got a quick bite at Fisherman's Wharf and then we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the inspiration dinner.  I stopped at the desk to get my new room key for a room with AC.

I met everyone in the lobby and we walked to the Inspiration dinner.  I wasn't sure what to expect but I was told to bring tissues.  You don't have to tell me that twice.

We got in line to go in and you could hear the excitement.  As we got closer to the entrance, the TNT mentors, coaches and staff members were dressed in crazy costumes, hats and wigs and they were blowing horns, ringing cowbells and yelling as loud at they could to cheer us on.  I got emotional right away and took out my first tissue.

Our cheering crew!

As we ate our dinner, they had a slide show of the people who we were running to remember and honor.  I had a very hard time looking at all the photos and there were just so many children.  I am crying writing this.  No family should have to go through this.  I prayed for every one of those people up on the screen and their families.  And when Haley's picture came up, I lost it.  I sent a message to Mr. RWM telling him I wasn't' strong enough to do this.  I needed him to be my rock and even though I  was with friends, it was him who I really needed at that moment.

I survived the dinner and enjoyed the speakers but I left there a different person.

After the Inspiration Dinner.  Loved our shirts!

We went back to the hotel and met in Shawna's room to write all the names on our shirts that we were running for.  I had a little trouble with the shirt staying in place and figuring out which pens worked best.  I was disappointed in how my shirt turned out, but the meaning and the thought were there.

After that, I laid out everything I would need for the morning, set my alarm and got in bed.

Next post to follow shortly.

Run Strong, Think Big!

On My Way

Well, this is it!

I am packing and getting ready to go.  Friday morning at 4:30, or the middle of the night depending on how you look at it, I will be at the airport getting ready to fly to San Francisco.

My nerves are in full swing but so is my excitement.  I have worked hard and trained hard and I feel ready.

It is crazy to believe that it was January when Shawna first asked me to do this with her and her family and friends.  I officially signed up with TNT and for Nike in April and in just three months, I had raised $3900.  What a whirlwind!  I can not wait to see Shawna and meet her friends and family.  I am looking forward to running with them and seeing everyone cross the finish line.

This past week, I did not run.  I am not too happy about it but it is, what it is, and I can't go back and change it.  I did get in some yoga, a few PT visits and one adjustment.  I will be well rested if nothing else.

People have told me that the excitement of the weekend will carry me through and I hope that is true.  13.1 miles is not easy, no matter how many times you have done it in the past, and this one will be no different.  However, I am doing this for Haley.  I am there to support her mom.  I am there because cancer sucks.

Haley, 6 years old.

On our shirts, we have have the names of people who we are running in honor or memory of.  Mine will have ten names written on it.  I will think about each and everyone of those people and their families and that is what will carry me through.

Ten people, thirteen miles and for me, almost three hours of reflection, prayer, struggles and I hope, victory!

Besides the race, my weekend is jam-packed with fun.  The expo, Alcatraz, birthday party for Haley and the Inspiration and Victory dinners.  We pretty much hit the ground running once I get off the plane and I welcome it.

I have been in contact with a few bloggers, Touch Chiks and SPA's who are all running.  I am hoping to meet a couple  of them and snap some pictures.  I really hope it all works out.

I will pretty much be offline strating on Friday.  I will have my phone and will probably post an update on Facebook, but the next post will not be until the middle of next week.

You have all been so supportive and it is your encouragement that motivated me to get up and run.  Thank you for being there for me!

Now back to packing.  This is my first destination race, so please feel free to comment and let me know what you think I should have with me.   I am pretty sure I got race day covered but I learn something new every day.

Are you racing this weekend?  Will I see you in San Francisco?

Run Strong, Think Big!  (Yup, that's the plan.)

Like Starting Over

My last post, the recap of my first half marathon, was also my 100th post.  Wow!  I can't believe I let that slip without acknowledging it.  Seems like something I should of celebrated.  Oh wait, in a way I did celebrate.  I just ran a half marathon and by some crazy coincidence, the recap of it was my 100th post!  Cool, right?

Ok, anyway...

Today, I met with a podiatrist.  Right off the bat, I liked the doctor.  Super nice and he has been a running since he was 15 years old and is now 51. Nice!

First we talked, then he watched me walk.  We talked about my pronation issue with my right foot and he suggested an orthotic. I kind of expected that.

I told him how I felt like maybe I was doing something wrong when I was running and first he told me not to beat myself up and then he said he would film me running and see what was going on.  This is called a gait analysis.   Cool, let's do it!

I hopped on the treadmill and walked for a little then ran a little and then I was done.  This is what we discovered.

From the back view, my hips fell too much.  He said they should move slightly and that was not happening with me.  Watching the video it made me laugh.  It looked like I was doing some crazy swagger.  What must people think who run behind me. LOL

From the side view, he said I went up too high, so when I am coming down, my leg is extending too far forward.  Picture slamming on your brake.  This is causing me to land wrong and in his opinion, causing a lot of my hip pain.  Hope I explained that right and you understand.

So what does all this mean?  Well, I have to change the way I run.  I am not gonna lie, this has me a little freaked out.  I am sure this will not be easy and honestly, I am not sure where to start.  The doc had some suggestions and I will see him again when my orthotics are done.  He is going to spend a little more time reviewing the video and may have a few more things to share with me.

So my friends, I know some of you have had this done and have changed how you run.  How did you do it and where did you start?  How long did it take you to get to where you need to be?

Do you wear an orthotic?  Did it help you?

Tomorrow will be the first time I run since Sunday.  My knee is still hurting a bit but I have stretches that seem to be helping.

Wish me luck!

Run Strong, Think Big!

Ocean's Run Half Marathon Recap

I am a half marathoner!!!

It feels so good to say that.  Months of training, time away from my family, early mornings and tears have all paid off.

I went to bed about an hour earlier than my normal time on Saturday and slept really well.  Surprised?  Yeah, me too.

I ate breakfast and was out the door right on time.  Parking and the shuttle to the start was easy and I was feeling pretty good.

I stretched, drank a gatorade and used the bathroom 100 times.  No, not really, but it was a lot.  My nerves kicked in.

This was a small local race, only 160 runners.  While in line at the start, my friend Tara, who was running the 5k, found me and gave me a big hug and said good luck.  It was so nice to see someone I knew.  I texted Mr. RWM to tell him I was about to go.  He texted back, Run Strong, Think Big and it brought tears to my eyes.  Geez, I am crying already, great!

We took off and the crowd broke up right away.  There were a few people running at my pace and I stayed with them for a while.  Right off the bat, mile one, we started to hit hills.  I have been lax on my hill training and I didn't expect this but it was good for me.

At the end of mile two, I passed a man who appeared to be a little younger than me.  Wow, that never happened before.  He was wearing bright orange, parachute/carpenter pants.  No, really.  They were very loose and baggy with big side pockets.  Hmmm....

In mile three, my left knee started to hurt.  Seriously, are you kidding me!  I kept on trucking and after about a mile I started to feel a little better.

This race was very well marked and the volunteers were great!  Every mile had a water station and starting at mile six, they had water, Heed, gels, pretzels, oranges and animal crackers.  Also, the great people of NBX, rode their bikes around us to make sure we were ok and they all had extra water and gels with them.

Mile four, Mr. Orange Pants passed me but at mile five he stopped to use the porta potty. So technically, I passed him again, right?  HeeHee

This course was beautiful but crowd support was minimal.  We had a long stretch that was mostly farm land and I was alone for a lot of it.  I really felt great, except for my left knee.

The next several miles were uneventful.  I was running, my knee hurt and the only interaction with people were at the water stops.  My tunes were good though, thank you Shinedown.

In mile nine, I couldn't remember what mile I was in and had to ask the volunteer.  I also thought I would walk a minute and realized my knee hurt more to walk than run.  Great!

When I saw the sign for mile ten, I felt relived because I was getting so close and then I felt like, "shoot, I still have 3 miles to go!"  Oh, and .1!  No worries, I got this!

Mile 11, a girl ran up next to me and we chatted for a few minutes.  Nothing earth shattering, but it was nice to talk a little.  About a minute later, Mr. Orange Pants had caught up to me.  That's right the last time I saw him was 6 miles ago.  We talked for a couple minutes and he told me his knees were hurting and that he would never wear those pants again.  Honestly, I had to control my laughter.  But he was cool and again, I was happy to have someone to chat with, even if it was only a minute.

He passed me and I used his pants as a guide as to how far I had to go.

When I approached the mile twelve marker, I started to get teary and could barely say thank you to the women who handed me water.  I was so close and I was going to make it.  This was also the longest and hottest mile.  The sun was beating down but there was a women on a bike that really kept me going.  She was so positive and she kept telling me I was doing great.  She was like my own personal cheerleader.

The last .l, I heard a cowbell and then saw it was attached to my son.  Yes, my kids were there and I was thrilled.  I rounded the corner and saw the finish.  My kids ran along the cones and I ran through the finish!

A cute little girl handed me my medal and a man gave me some water.  My friend Tara was the first to greet me and it was so nice that she had stayed to see me finish.  Thank you Tara!

Mr. RWM was there and it was then, that I really lost it.  I hugged him and cried and was just so happy!   He said I looked better than he thought I would and I laughed.  He was right though.  Remember that 12.93 mile run?  The one where I didn't fuel properly, yeah well, what a difference food and drink makes.  I felt awesome!

We hung out for a while, I stretched, had some snacks and clam chowder and then we went out for a bite to eat.  I had hit a wall as I was finishing my lunch and couldn't get home fast enough.

I spent most of the day in the lay-z-boy with my feet up and some ice.  My knee is not good and it hurt to walk, hoping it is better tomorrow.

When I turned on my laptop, I got emotional again as I read every comment and message that you all had left for me.  Your support cannot be measured and I thank each and every one of you for being there for me.

Based on my training runs, I expected to finish with a time of 2:40/2:45.  I was pleasantly surprised that my official time was 2:37:34.  I love the feeling of being in a race and running with other people.  Even though this was a small race and most of it, I spent alone, I still felt the energy from the people around me.  That excitement carried me through and I enjoyed every minute.

Me running through the finish line.

My babies met me at the finish and had a 13.1 magnet for me and my Xterra.

A little thumbs up, still feeling good!

Had to put the magnet on my car before I drove away!  You would of too, right?  LOL

The bling!

All in all, this was a beautiful race and very well run.  I had fun and would do it again.  Oh, yeah, I am doing it again, October 14th.  I am so ready for Nike and can't wait for what is sure to be one of the most amazing weekends of my life.

I hope you all had a great weekend.  I would love to hear about your training runs and races.  Feel free to comment here or on my FB page.

Run Strong, Think Big my friends!

My 10 Questions

I was tagged by Lisa Runs For Cupcakes to do the Another Mother Runner 10 Question Game.

So here goes!

Best Run Ever:  Well, I went back and forth on this one, but I have to say it was my graduation run form the C25K program.  Not only was it such an accomplishment for me because at times I didn't think it would happen, but it fell on my girls weekend in Nantucket.  It was such a beautiful weekend and I was there with some of the best friends I have who all ran with me.  It was such a fun run that I was able to share with the people who encouraged me to run in the first place.

Three words to describe my running:  peaceful, happy, challenging

My go to run outfit:  I really don't have a specific outfit that I go to. I love so many different things.  I love my Asics, my run like a mother tank and my Women Run tech shirts.

Quirky habit while I am running:  Yeah, right like am going to tell you that.  LOL  I actually play air drums when I am really feeling my groove and a rocking song comes on.

Morning, midday or evening runner?  I prefer midday, but do most of them in the morning because of time.

I won''t run outside when:  I won't run when it is icy or in the dark.

Worst injury and how I got over it:  I have degenerative disc disease and for a while I couldn't even stand up straight let alone run.  PT and tons of core work is what got me back on track.  I still keep up with the core work.

I felt most like a badass mother runner when?  For me, it was the first time I ran 10 miles.  I felt like superman when I was done and when I think about it, I still smile.

My next race is:  The Ocean's Run Half Marathon, this coming Sunday, September 23.  It will be my first half marathon and I am nervous and excited.  I can't wait to put that sticker on my car!

Potential running goals for 2013?   Well, I would really love to do a Rock and Roll half, probably Philly or Providence or both.  Beyond that, not sure.

And I will tag...

Diary of an Aspiring Loser

Run for the Boys

No Limits Running

If you were already tagged sorry.  And if I didn't tag you, it doesn't mean, I don't want to know your answers.  Feel free to answer them here or give me the link to your post.  I would love to read all of your answers.

Run Strong, Think Big!

Diagnosis

Ok so here it is,  I have a bunch of stuff going on.

My right leg is shorter than my left, this is causing me to go out of alignment and also contributing to the hip pain.  

I have bursitis and planter fasciitis.  And to finish it out, sacroiliac joint pain.  Wow, can you say that three times fast.

What does this all mean?  Well, for starters, on Thursday I will see a chiropractor for the first time.  The following week, I will see a podiatrist for orthotics and, of course, one month of PT.  

Can I run?  Yes.  Will I?  You betcha!  On Sunday, the Ocean's Run Half Marathon will be taking place and although I am not registered yet, I am planning on running it.  

This has been on my mind for some time, but I have been putting if off until I knew what was causing the pain.  My plan was, no matter what, I will be at Nike and I didn't want to push myself and make things worse to the point that I would not be able it run in October.  

Now that I know all will be good, I wanted to experience 13.1 before I got to a strange city with 40,000 plus other runners.  Do you think that is crazy?  Everyone I asked so far, have all said go for it.  I mean I am up to 12 miles plus .93 so why not, right?

I have heard all good things about the race and as of right now, it should be a beautiful day to run.  The other motivating factor, is that Mr. RWM and the kids will be able to see me cross the finish of my first half marathon.  I have been disappointed thinking that they would miss me doing something that is so important to me, and now my best cheering squad can be with me.

So now, I need to know, what do you bring with you for your half marathons?  I know I will need a GU or two, so I will bring that, but do you rely on water stops on bring your own too?

 If you ran 13 miles on Saturday and plan to do a half the next Sunday, how many miles would you run this week?

 (haha, if a train leaves Boston going 80 miles an hour...) 

I know I should take it easy, but I am guessing a couple 3-4 mile runs, maybe today, Wednesday and Thursday? Your thoughts?

Now that it is in black and white and more people know besides just Mr. RWM and a few friends, I am getting nervous.  How do you handle pre race nerves?  

One last question.  Have you been to chiropractor?  Have they helped you?  A few of you have told me you love your chiropractor but I am little leery.  Does it hurt, feel good or what?

And for my Rhode Island friends, do you want to run a half marathon on Sunday?  No really, I am serious, who's with me?!  I know a few of you are doing the 5k so I will see you there.  

Ok, that about covers it.  Can't wait to hear form you.  Thanks everyone!

Run Strong, Think Big!

When 12 MIles Equals 13

On Friday, I had planned to run 12 miles, my longest run yet.  Life got in the way so I planned to do it Saturday.

Saturday morning, we had to get out early for soccer pictures and then two games.  It was a cool and cloudy day and I knew it was going to be a nice day to run.  I was looking forward to it.

By the time we got home, the sun was out and it was 70.  Not what I was expecting.  I couldn't do it later in the evening because we had a sitter and dinner plans and I wanted Sunday to be our day to just be together without any worries.   

So, at 1pm I set out for my run. 

I ran the neighborhood before I set up the dreaded hill and was hot already.  It seems to always take a few miles to find my groove and Saturday, it was no different.  Mile three was not great, I was hot and I had those negative voices in my head telling me to just go home and do it in the morning.  Somehow, by the end of mile three, I felt good and mile four was my fastest.  

Crazy how that happens right?  One minute it sucks the next, you are having the best run of your life.

In mile 5, my water bottle was almost empty and I knew I needed to fill up.  I was a mile and a half from my house and about 2 miles to the next store where I could of bought something.  Then I realized, I was passing a friends house so I just stopped there hoping they were home.  They were, I filled up and thanked them and went on my way.  So nice to live in a small town.  

I changed my route up a little because of the extra miles.  And it was nice.  It was hot but it really was a beautiful day and I was enjoying it.  

When I hit mile eight, I thought I should turn around but after second thought, I thought I would be short the 12 miles and still have to run when I got to my door.  I decided to go to nine and then turn, thinking it would be exact.  Things went down hill from there.

I did not fuel properly and I only drank water.  It wasn't clear to me at the time, but I needed something like a gatorade or NUUN.  I also had a GU but didn't take it.  Don't ask me why, I have no idea.

In mile eleven, the back of my legs tightened up and I found it hard to take a step.  I stopped and stretched and and ran until I hit twelve.  That was, unfortunately, a mile from my house.  I calculated wrong, my legs hurt and I just wanted to stop.  

After a moment of deep breathing and more stretching, I decided I could make it.  I started to run again. Once I got to the hill and started down to my house, my legs were screaming.  I called Mr. RWM and told him to get an ice bath ready.  

For some reason, as I was running down the hill, I decided to stop my Pandora radio and Endomondo, I guess my thought was I was going straight into the tub and didn't want to have to stop and turn everything off and taking off my shoes was going to be challenging enough.  When I hit stop it said, 12.93 miles.  Shoot, I still had a little to go and I am sure it would of read 13 exactly.  

When I walked into my house, my kids were cheering for me which was really cool.   They both thought it was funny that daddy was putting ice in the tub for mommy.  When they saw me get in with my clothes on, they really laughed.  I was also given a mermaid barbie to play with.  Thanks kids!

I sat in the tub and had a hard time putting my legs straight.  It was Mr. RWM who started to drill me on what I ate and drank and when I told him I ate nothing and only drank water, he ran down the stairs for Gatorade and pretzels.  I promised him and I promise you, I will never do that again.  Lesson learned the hard way.  I know better too, which makes it even worse.  

My hip did well while I was running which I was happy about.  I am still going to have it checked out and if it is nothing or an easy fix, there is a race I will do Sunday.  I will tell you more about that after I see the doctor.

There is not doubt in my mind that I will successfully complete 13.1 miles and do it under 3 hours.  Nike is less than a month away and every day, I get more excited.

Tell me what you drink on your long runs and how do you carry it?  What mistakes have you made along the way of your running journey?  

Run Strong, Think Big!