Twin Cities Marathon 2

Running Goals

Though it's been an excruciatingly slow process, I've gradually begun to rebuild speed and distance with my running. I had a terrific run outside yesterday topping off around four and a half miles that could've extended to the six range, but I didn't want to overdo it. Plus I went to the gym in the evening with TheGuy where I continued to struggle when benching the bar, but at least my arm muscles aren't sore today. I also tackled squatting with the bar but it proved to be just as much of a challenge as I anticipated. My legs still burn. And once again, my horrible form caused me to look like a buffoon.

Short-term Goal: Running of the Pigs Part Deux. Last year RockStar and I participated in this 5K that marked the very first race for both of us. Naturally, there was a mixture of nervousness and excitement. This year, however, I can just relax and enjoy it! We've even recruited several others to join us so it should be a good time. In looking at the website, we were disappointed to notice we didn't make any of the photos so we plan to get noticed this year by sporting pink bandanas. The guys aren't too thrilled about it, but too bad for them.



Mid-term Goal: I'm going to do the Downtown Half which will be my first half marathon. It's an iPod friendly race that takes place right outside my apartment so how can I NOT do it? Plus there will be a lot of dogs there since they're having a couple 5K's where they allow you to run with one or two dogs. Unfortunately, I don't think Brody is up to the challenge. Maybe next year.



Long-Term Goal: I will do Twin Cities Marathon again. If I don't PR, I'll kill myself. Luckily, this is still a long ways off. Because I'm not mentally prepared to really start focusing on this yet.

Work It Out

After taking a long hiatus from working out, and noticing my shirts and pants puckering in places they were once roomy, I forced myself to go to the gym last night. It was a crummy workout, as to be expected when you slack off for months. I ran three miles, pausing several times for various reasons such as water break, muscle cramp, or to mop up my drool from staring at the hot personal trainer. Still gorgeous as ever.

The thing I was most pleased about was how much more energized I felt after the gym. Some days after work, I get home, plop down on the couch, stuff my face, watch Young & the Restless, and stalk my junior high crushes on the internet. Yesterday after I worked out, I went to Old Navy and bought a couple pair of running shorts, got home and showered, made myself a salad for dinner, watched Young & the Restless, cleaned up a bit, made my lunch for today, and did some ironing. I didn't even feel sleepy like I normally do. For most people, this is probably a typical day, but that was super productive for my lazy ass.

This is the worst part -- trying to get back into the swing of things when you're out of shape, but once you're over the hump and you've integrated exercise into your daily routine, it's not so bad and I fully intend to do so. Plus I am planning to sign up for Twin Cities Marathon again so the sooner, the better.

Marathon Stats

I know, I know. You're like, "STFU up about the marathon already!" Too bad.

How pitiful is it that I got beat by a pair of hairy balls?

Mind Over Matter

Patience is a virtue! Here it is, what you’ve all been waiting for…

Well, I finished! I was a nervous wreck the past three days leading up to the race. My biggest concerns were: (1) the weather (2) running alone (3) hitting “the wall.”

Much to my dismay, it was the hottest weather in the history of the Twin Cities Marathon. The average high during the race was 77 with a dew point of 69. All those steamy training days paid off since my body had somewhat of a chance to acclimate to the muggy conditions. However, the possibility it would be so miserable in October never crossed my mind! I was very much looking forward to cool, crisp temperatures -- should we have been so lucky.

Did you hear they closed the Chicago Marathon due to heat? A 35-year-old man died and 250 were treated for heat-related ailments.

When I first arrived at the metrodome Sunday morning, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Many were gravitating indoors so I followed the crowd and plopped down on the cold concrete to do a very weak job of stretching (I hate it). I guess I wanted to appear as though I actually followed the rules of running. Five minutes of stretching was all I could handle.

I then headed back outdoors and made my way to the starting line. Just arriving at the start and seeing the 10,500 runners who signed up was inspiration in itself. I thought to myself, if all these people can do it, I certainly can. It no longer seemed like such an unattainable feat.

Flags were posted with times of fifteen minute increments and we were to line up accordingly. My heart nearly leapt in my throat when the first flag I saw said 5:30, as I assumed it meant 5:30 mile pace. Then I realized it meant finish time. I was set to make my way to the 4:30 group (you had to push your way through the crowd) when around 5:15, I spotted a friend of mine, Roxy, from college. She was with two other girls – one she works with, Sasha, and the other girl, Amanda, was Sasha’s friend from Portland.

Quick back story on Roxy – she lived in my section freshmen year of college and if there’s one thing to say about her, she’s got balls. Back then, she drove a bright yellow pick-up truck and every morning around 7:30, she’d blast Juvenile’s “Back That Ass Up” as she was getting ready for class. My fellow section mates didn't share my admiration. Given that I didn't care for most of them, I loved her even more. Needless to say, I wasn't surprised that she and Sasha were wearing black t-shirts, hot pink skirts, and matching pink ribbons in their hair. They looked cute and sassy.

I knew Roxy was a runner but didn't know she was a marathoner. Turns out, this was her third. In fact, I remember her going for ten mile runs back in college and thinking she was insane. I was so relieved to see someone I knew who had done this before! They were all former marathoners so it was comforting to know they'd all managed to complete them.

The girls said they were in the 5-5:15 range so while I knew that was slower than what I was shooting for, I was just grateful to have people to run with. Having someone to encourage and push you along the way is crucial! Earlier I'd had all these visions of me sprawled out on the ground as I was trampled by other runners with no one to pick me up. At the time of sign-up, I was freaked about not having anyone to run with, but ultimately decided that was a poor excuse for not running a marathon. During training people kept asking if I was running/training with anyone and when I'd say "no" they'd get this blank expression on their face before saying, "Oh, I'm sure you'll be fine."

You know it’s a bad sign when the announcer says, "This is not the day to set a PR, folks" before the start. The humid conditions were brutal and only got worse as the sun came up and beat everyone down.

So we began as a foursome but Sasha kept insisting we were going too fast. Around mile 4, Amanda and I surged ahead. At first, we kept slowing and checking to make sure they were within sight, but eventually we lost them in the pack.

Amanda and I seemed to match one another’s pace until mile 10 when she began to drop back. She first wanted to walk because she needed to use a port-a-potty so when we arrived at the next one, there were four people in line. She encouraged me to go ahead more than once but I declined and waited for her. Afterwards, she needed to walk the next hill.

At the next water stop, she seemed to perk up a bit after re-fueling with Gatorade and water, but I still had to decrease my pace quite a bit ‘cause she was lagging behind. The humidity really began to take its toll so she began to get dizzy and needed to stop and walk at other points as well.

They have designated runners set as “pacers” whose sole purpose is to set the pace for others. They carry balloons and wear a sign that denotes their time so when the 5:30 pacer passed us around mile 16, that was when I made the decision to take off on my own. I definitely didn’t want to finish after 5:30 or even worse, risk not finishing in the 6 hour time limit. I felt terrible leaving Amanda but my competitive side was raring to go in hopes of coming in under 5.

At mile 20, they have this giant inflatable “wall” so if you weren’t thinking about it before, you are once you get there! After the 20 marker, you think, only 6 to go, that’s nothing!

I never caught the 5 hour pacer and instead came in at 5:11. Not the best time by any means, but I did manage to beat Sven Sundgaard, a local celebrity weather forecaster. Of course I did also get beat by an 80+ year-old man. I struggled those last few miles, but nearing the end was motivation. I stopped and walked a couple times due to dehydration. I learned that one misconception about marathoners is that people assume they run the entire time. Not true. Some even power walk and beat the runners. I felt discouraged by the number of walkers for it made me want to walk, but I don’t do so well with the pattern of walk, run, walk, run etc. so I only walked during those weak moments when I felt as though I might collapse.

I finished strong (adrenaline goes a LONG way) and when I came down the home stretch outside the St. Paul Capitol, I was thrilled to see GC and another friend cheering me on. A few steps later, my parents shouted my name as my dad attempted to snap a picture but he was a few seconds too late. Since you’re wearing the micro chip to identify you, they call your name as you cross the finish line and volunteers immediately place your medal around your neck. Then they place a silver blanket around your shoulders for warmth since you’re prone to the chills afterwards. Every finisher also receives a shirt.

I got the backside of my medal engraved with "1st marathon."





Despite the killer heat, it was a positive experience and easier than I anticipated, but it could just be that I'm prone to imagining the worst-case scenario. I'm curious to know how I'd perform in mild temperatures for I know the weather significantly hurt my performance as was the case for others.

The fans are AMAZING. I swear, I think some of them exerted more energy into cheering than I did running. If you put your name on the back of your shirt, they'll call you by name. I knew this beforehand, but chose not to partake. Even so, a few called me by my bib number. They were right there supporting you -- some sprayed runners with their garden hoses, handed out food and even beer, and provided music and entertainment. One chubby, middle-aged guy wore a t-shirt that said, "If I've Done It, You Can."

When I got home, I slept. A lot. I think my exhaustion was actually more mentally strenuous than physically strenuous! It truly is a case of mind over matter. While I enjoyed it and fully intend to do more, I'm so relieved to have it over and done with. I would’ve been sorely disappointed if I hadn’t finished. For the last few years, every time a marathon has come and gone, I've felt disappointed in myself for not participating. Not anymore!

Fortunately for me, I experienced no chafing, no blisters, and very minor soreness. Prior to the race, I feared I hadn't trained hard enough, but my body held up in good physical condition even post-race! My mom couldn't believe I wasn't panting or breathing heavy after I finished. I think it just comes naturally.

My only question is: now what? I’d like to do a half-marathon. Maybe not anytime soon but I think I could do well.

Thanks once again to all my supporters and well-wishers! I've never felt so loved!!

On the sleeve of shirt:

In Looking Back

Feelings of nostalgia swept over me as I did my final six-mile run Wednesday evening. I've run the same course every training day for the last 90 days. Some may find that boring, but I prefer it. I like knowing exactly where I've come from, how far I have left to go, and where it is I need to get back to. This last year has been a huge transition and that was a major motivator for me. Had I taken training more seriously (less drinking, more miles), I would be in a better position from a physical standpoint. But I don't regret any of it. The fact remains I haven't enjoyed myself this much since college. If running this marathon meant sacrificing all the fun from my life, it wouldn't have been worth it to me. My goal is simply to finish.

I stuck to my plan of doing 3-4 miles last night, then relaxing 'til Sunday. For the first time since he told me he always sees me running, I saw the bartender from Psycho Suzy's biking last night. I'd stopped looking for him so it was weird that I happened to see him on my last day of training. Hopefully it's some sort of positive sign or something! I'm nervous, anxious, and excited all rolled into one.

Not sure if I'll feel like posting the next few days so just wanted to say thanks to all who have listened to my venting and offered support!

Chip Me

So I just called and ordered my microchip for the marathon. We were given the option to purchase one last spring when I registered, but I hesitated to pitch in the additional $38 in case I failed to train or backed out. Participants are required to use a properly functioning chip so as to accurately record one's time, with the posted results available online after the race.

I should be receiving an information packet in the mail any day now that I will need to bring to the Target Health & Fitness Expo on October 5 &6 (race is the 7th), the final step in race registration. While browsing the Twin Cities Marathon website, I learned all finishers receive a t-shirt and medal. I know it's totally dorky of me, but I am excited for the medal. I mean seriously, when was the last time I received one of those? Not since junior high soccer...

Now What?

Ho hum, life is so dreadfully boring as of late. I feel totally unprepared for running 26.2 miles come October 7. My workouts have been sporadic -- I've failed to keep up with my training. I managed to squeeze in 4 days last week, running 6 miles each time, so a grand total of 24 for the week. According to my schedule, I should have completed 18-19 miles so maybe I'll be okay. It's the long Sunday runs I've been neglecting that will ultimately screw me over. I was supposed to do 9 on Sunday, the number rising by 1-2 every Sunday. Much to my horror, the humidity returned in full force after a 6-day stretch of relief, so my run yesterday was not a pleasant one.

Today I headed to the gym for the first time since the "re-modeling." They added new machines and granite benches and countertops to the locker rooms, but other than that, I couldn't tell much difference. Within thirty seconds on the treadmill, I stopped and opted for one of the new elliptical machines. Why is it I had to get stuck beside the guy who insisted on blowing his nose directly into his towel?! The same towel he then proceeded to use to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Trust me, there was nothing discreet about several loud honks of a blow that sounded like a Canadian geese mating call!! Snot and sweat...what a combo.

On my way home, guess who I had the privilege of seeing again? BellyBulgeGuy --same green khaki shorts and all. Like a bowl full of jelly!

5 Miles in Hell

Why did I think I could run in this heat?!? Big mistake. My body prefers cold over hot any day of the year. I figured maybe I should try to acclimate my body to the humidity since this is my last week of freedom before marathon training starts.

In fact, I received my official participant of the '07 Twin Cities Marathon card in the mail today. I don't think the training itself will be the difficult part. I'm actually dreading the commitment of following a regimen more than anything. I hate the fact I'll no longer have the freedom to do whatever I want for my workouts.

123 Days 'til Twin Cities Marathon

So I've been averaging 6-6 1/2 mile runs. I don't intend to start training until June 19, which is 18 weeks out from the race (October 7). For the most part, I feel somewhat confident in my ability to run the full 26.2 miles, but that could drastically change once training begins. Granted, I've run nowhere near that distance, but I completed that 12-mile run with minor pain. I know I could've gone further that day, but it was like, what's the point?

As I mentioned before, my goal is simply to finish. If I went all-out in training, I think there'd be a good probability I'd suffer a major case of burn-out before the race. At least I know I'm not the only one taking a half-ass approach. I felt a sigh of relief when my friend sent me this article a couple weeks ago. Check it out.

"Whether covering as little as 15 miles as week or as many as 100, the primary goal of all marathon programs is the same: to build your endurance to the point where you can cover 26.2 miles. Hence, the common denominator of every program is the weekly or every-other-week "long run" — a slow-paced run that starts at whatever distance you can now complete and, over months, grows longer."

I spoke to another runner friend of mine the other day about how I need to find a 5K and 10K to do as part of my training regimen so she suggested the Aquatennial Torchlight Run. It'll be exciting because the race begins at 7:30 pm! I invite any and all to join us!

At Least I Made it...

...to the gym this weekend. Saturday was a slow struggle to make it 4.5 miles and today I took it easy by opting for the elliptical. If I go to the Maple Grove Lifetime, they have 4 different types of elliptical machines. The one I like best does a really good job of working your glutes because it is raised at more of an incline so it works different muscles than the standard elliptical. I tried out another elliptical today that sits lower to the ground, but it aggravated my knee, causing it to pop, so I guess I won't be using that one. I'm certain knee replacement surgery is in my future!

As for other updates, I am officially registered for the Twin Cities Marathon on October 7. On Friday, there were a couple people at the birthday shindig who have run marathons so they were discussing it in great detail.

This former co-worker/friend of the birthday girl ran Twin Cities last year and the way she described it, made it sound so exhilirating! She said she literally felt like a rock star because people are constantly cheering you on, and even though you know they're not just cheering for you, it genuinely feels that way.

One of the guys also present has run many marathons and I guess people often write their name on their shirt so that the crowd yells your name and then you really feel pumped! He also told this fantastic story about how one of his friends collapsed so he and his buddies physically carried the guy to the finish. How amazing is that!

I'm not a believer of fate, but in this case, I strongly feel as though I was meant to run this marathon. It's something that's been in the back of my mind for years and years. This year, by chance, I heard the bit on the radio and then when I was in the company of marathoners on Friday, I knew I had to go home and register for the race. Failure to finish is my biggest fear, but that's a lousy excuse. I know I'll feel even more rotten if I don't at least try.

Mother Knows Best

Phone transcript with Mom...

Me: I'm gonna register for the Twin Cities Marathon.
Mom: How many job interviews do you have lined up?

Oh, snap.

Twin Cities Marathon -- Now or Never

This morning, Dave Ryan talked about the "love it" or "hate it" experience of marathon runners, in preparation for the Twin Cities Marathon. He did Twin Cities last year and loved it. Registration opens Thursday, May 3, and online registration starts Friday, May 4. Running a marathon has always been on my list of things to do before I die. I figure this is the year to do it -- I'm 26 years old so there's a mile for every year of my life. Besides, I'm not getting any younger!! So I'm going to take the plunge and sign up.

It's comforting to know it should be relatively cool that time of year, October 7. Also, Dave said it's pretty much all flat except for a slight incline on mile 19 and no matter where you are on the course, there are supporters cheering you on. No music will be a difficult adjustment for me, but hopefully the adrenaline rush will somewhat compensate. At least if it's horrible, I won't have to spend the rest of my life wondering what it would have been like...