10 Things I Learned on Last Night's Run

in no particular order

• I need to invest in warmer tights.
• Getting blasted by 16-17 mph wind gusts make you feel like running in cement.
• It is possible to freeze your woohoo.
• You can still sweat when it feels like it's 15 degrees.
• Running in the freezing cold makes  you crush your tempo goals...so you can get warmer faster.
• Or rather...Running in the freezing cold makes your running buddy drop the hammer, and in turn crushes your tempo goals.
• I really did freeze my ass off.  I couldn't feel it for an hour.
• I'm so glad I learned to launch snot rockets.
• Your dog has to pee on every single leaf on his night time walk when all you want to do is get inside and get warm before your limbs begin to fall off.
• Running in freezing temps with one of your besties makes it not so horrible, actually, it makes it pretty fantastic.

Thank you, Coach Lolo, for your carrot dangling, conversating and keeping me honest!

This Girl's Recap of 2013 Richmond Marathon

In October 2012, I ran my first marathon at the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.

This year I decided to run marathon #2 at the Anthem Richmond Marathon on November 16th.  I had heard great things about the city and the course from many folks and my friend Rebecca.  It was close to home and I discovered a bunch of my favorite people (who happen to be runners!) were going as well so choosing Richmond was a bit of a no-brainer.

Coach Sarah decided to take a different approach to this training cycle.  We concentrated on quality miles instead of quantity, only running three days and getting three rest days per week, throwing in a couple swims in there as well.  Not only did this approach give my body plenty of rest, but it gave my mind rest as well.  I was able to hit 90% of my training targets because my body was well rested for them and in turn, gave me confidence.  I went to Richmond with a healthy body and a quiet mind.

So, Jyl and Bonny picked me up and we were off!  GIRLS WEEKEND!!!!

The race was on Saturday, so we decided to hop in the car on Thursday night, after work.  It was a long tiring drive at night, but I'm glad we did it.  Being able to wake up all settled in Richmond kept all anxiety and chaos away.  We woke up, took our time getting ready, went on a Starbucks adventure and hit the race expo to get our numbers.  And I was able to find some pretty sexy compression socks.

The female version of the 3 Musketeers
Jyl, Bonny and yours truly

After the expo we did some race recon, checking out some of the course and seeing exactly how far our hotel was from the start and finish lines.  Shout out to one of the sweetest men I know, THANK YOU JACK!!!  That hotel was in a PRIME location!  I mean, think of rock star parking, and then translate it to hotel location.  And they had Gatorade in dispensers in the lobby.  Nice touch Crowne Plaza Richmond!!

Friday flew by, and before you knew it, it was time for the group pasta dinner at The Tobacco Company with quite a group of people.  (Holla to Jo, Marc, Rebecca, Jack and Molly!! They rounded out the group, making the trek to Richmond earlier that Friday) Dinner took a little longer than we all probably would have liked, but the food was fantastic and the building was exquisite.  Again, kudos to Jack!  The maestro of this orchestra :)  With our bellies full and our eyes heavy, we made our way back to the hotel to get ready for the morning.  Rebecca was staying with us that night, and with as much giggling as there was going on, I'm surprised we got any sleep at all!  GIRLS WEEKEND!!!

For Lisa

Now, I'll be honest.  I wasn't sure how smoothly the morning was going to go being that there were 4 women in one small hotel room.  Needless worry! We weren't even rushed for the Sharpie tradition.  This is where we write motivational things on our arms and hands.  I know it's hard to believe, but sometimes we need a little reminder of just how awesome we are and why we are there.

Mr. Weatherman on the
local was WRONG.
But did that dampen
our spirits?

Everything was timed perfectly and excitement was brewing even though it was raining outside.  But that was okay, because Mr. Weatherman on the local said it was going to stop well before race time.  Sure it is Mr. Weatherman....

Jyl, Bonny, Rebecca, Jack and Molly were running the 13.1 and started a half hour before Marc, Jo and I.  Regardless of the cold sprinkle that turned downpour, it was a lot of fun to see all my friends off to their start.

Once they were off, it was time for me to find my corral.  I had a goal of a sub 4 hour marathon which put me in the 2nd corral.  This was feasible when I first registered for Richmond eight months prior, but a lot can happen in eight months.  I decided that I would ultimately try to get that sub 4 (I REALLY want that sub 4...), but I would be pleased as punch if I could get at 4:10:00.  If you recall, this was my goal for Marine Corp last year that I completely missed by 9 minutes.  So.  There I was, in the back of the 2nd wave...Ready...........GO.

Folks. I really wish I could say I did it.  That against all odds and opposition I pulled it off.  I had 3:05:00 at the mile 20 mark but I just couldn't hang on.  Mile 16 the struggles began, 21 the wheels started coming off…I know, not an original tale.  Since this is supposed to be a race recap, I guess I should talk about my race :) Here is how it went:

I thought I had a good plan, to do a 9:15 for the first 8 miles, then decrease 5 seconds for a 9:10 for the next 8 and a 9:05 for the rest.  No rhyme or reason for what actually happened.  I did a good job ignoring the rains and clouds and handling an early equipment failure. I know I spent too much energy around mile 7.5 when I saw Jo ahead of me. I tried to make my way to her but finally decided I had to let her go.  She had an awesome race, by the way!

Mile 16 saw a bridge and a nasty highway and that is when I started hating the world.  I want to say around 18 my calf muscle felt like it was going to snap in two.  I tried so hard to hang on but I finally broke down and walked around 21.  I couldn't take any more gels so I skipped the 3:15:00 and 3:45:00 gel and instead took Powerade from the stations from miles 21 on in.  22 saw my longest walk and lowest point.  People asked me what I needed (so nice!) and I said “a bike”.  All their giggles helped me rally to run to the next stop.  Then I decided to try to run to each water stop and then walk through them.  I saw Jyl on the course around 22.5-23, and that helped for a moment. 

I remembered Coach Sarah telling me to smile, it helps get through those down points.  I looked down at my watch and saw that I was going to miss both goals.  I thought to myself, that sucks but I can’t change that now, so what can I do to make this better for me right this moment.  So, I walked off the course to my left to a DJ stand, broke out into some serious dance moves and then went on my way.  I know I must have looked like a complete nutball and everyone most likely thought I was having a seizure and needed medical attention, but it must have done the trick because I think I ran the last two miles all in.   

The last segment to the finish is down hill.  Let me tell you what.  I flew down that hill whooping, hooting and hollering the entire way!  And then I heard Jack and then spotted him, Rebecca and Molly...I started screeching with joy and I don't know how but I went even faster. That part was SO MUCH FUN!  I really did not care about time or goals at that point!  And this might be hard to believe, but I honestly had no idea what my finish time was.  I stopped my watch, but I never looked at it.

Bonny was there at the finish to "catch me".  She was so patient and took such good care of me :) We couldn't figure out what it was that I really needed.  I knew I needed something in my body; remember, I hadn't taken any fuel since 2 hours and 45 minutes into the marathon, which by this time was at least 1.5 hours ago.  So I tried multiple food options but as soon as I took a bite I threw it away.  The only thing I could take was my NUUN and forced down the protein recovery bar we all got in our race packets.  Of course, the race doesn't count unless you take the finish picture!

sexy compression
socks

Bonny got me back to the hotel where we met Jyl.  I was able to get into the shower and warm up; and then I crawled on my bed and curled up with the sweet fleece blankets all the participants got.  I couldn't nap, I was way to wired.  So I propped up my feet, watched tv and spent a lot of time texting EVERYONE ON EARTH!!!

I have to say I was feeling pretty good considering what I just did.  I was slow moving, but I could still move!  No, I wouldn't be busting out dance moves anytime soon, but I could walk to our celebration dinner with Jo and Marc at the

Marc, Jyl, Me and Jo
Here's to our awesomeness!!

coolest British pub this side of the Atlantic.  Marc talked us into a shot of Fireball to kick off the celebration (named appropriately) and then I had the best beer, grilled cheese ever, some sweet potato fries and fried pickles.  And Coach Sarah, if you happen to be reading, just pretend you didn't read that part....

And that, my friends, was my experience during the 2013 Anthem Richmond Marathon.

Oh, and for inquiring minds that need to know, I ended up with a 4:09:40.  I'll be honest, it took me a few days to get over the stab of missing that sub 4, but the more I thought about it, the more pictures I saw, the more I realized that I did awesome.  And after seeing my race photos, it was proof that I really was having a blast.

Through this cycle,  I've learned a couple valuable lessons.
1) While it is important to have goals (I'm still shooting for that sub 4, people...), it doesn't mean anything if you can't share your experience with the people you care about and who care about you.
2) You are always stronger than you think you are.  In all things.

Who's having fun?  

This girl!

Stupid Words for Friday

I just received this through my email.

This was meant to be motivational.

This literally made me laugh out loud and squirt water from my nose.

A run begins the moment you forget you are running.

-an Adidas ad

To Marathon Or Not to Marathon....

That is the question.

I honestly don't know which is harder, deciding to run your first marathon or deciding if you want to run a second.

For the first one, let's be honest, you REALLY don't know what you've signed up for.  I mean, yes, you know it's going to be hard.  It's 26.2 miles for heaven's sake, how can it not?  You know it's going to be a big commitment of time and focus. You've heard all the stories about long training runs, lost toe nails, sore muscles, but you hear about this "amazing feeling" once you cross that finish line.  So you register for The Big One because you need to see for yourself what it's all about.

Now, for the second one, let's be honest, now YOU KNOW.  Now you know all about sore muscles, lost toe nails, aches where you didn't even know things existed.  You've since named your foam roller because, well since we're being honest, you two really need to be on a first-name-basis to roll the places you need to roll.  You've learned about epsom salts and Biofreeze.  You've had your crash course in gels and chomps, whether or not your GI system can handle regular or x2 caffeine, or if any caffeine at all.  And hopefully you learned this lesson while you were safe at home near a bathroom and not out in the middle of a run (no pun intended). You know what it means to be truly exhausted, you know that once the training cycle starts your social life takes a bit of a hit.  Not to mention the no-beer-for-a-month thing.  And then, throw in the I'm-unable-to-move-any-part-of-my-body-for-a-week-after thing.

You now know all this.  You now understand what marathon is, what it entails.
But now, now you've already figured out how to hydrate, how to eat, if you can tolerate caffeine or not.  You have named your foam roller and you two are now BFFs.  Now you've figured out the more difficult stuff, you've lived the learning curve, you're now a step ahead.

And you now know what doing a marathon really means.

So. So now I know.
Decisions, decisions.  Why on earth am I considering another?  Especially after the Battle of Myrtle Beach?

To marathon or not to marathon.  That is the question.

The Battle of Myrtle Beach

Sounds like a history lesson, doesn't it?

Well, I guess it is a lesson of sorts.  I know I learned a few last weekend.

Last weekend was the Myrtle Beach Marathon and Half Marathon.  I started eyeing this race for a few reasons; lots of good friends running, close to home, I've never been there (I know, right?!) and it is nice and flat.  I thought it might be the ideal spot to try for one of my 2013 goals, a 1:48 half marathon.  So, I hit that registration button and started the training cycle mid-November.  For those that note such things, that was only 2 weeks post-marathon.  I thought it would be easy peasy, coming off that marathon.  I was in shape, right?  What was 13.1 when i just did 26.2?  Piece of cake, right?  (and yes, it was exactly this attitude that led me to eating many pieces of cake....)

November was spent easing back into it, December started business as usual and then the holidays hit. What's a few pounds?  I'll work that off no problem, right after Christmas...then BAM.  Mr. Knee decided he wasn't happy.  And when Mr. Knee isn't happy, Mama ain't happy.  I was thankful for training runs when I could do them, and ecstatic when I could actually finish them which unfortunately didn't happen often.  So here I am, losing fitness, losing confidence, losing motivation, losing faith.  One week from Myrtle, I pretty much decided to just to go enjoy it, no pressure.  Eat, drink and be merry, and get through the weekend and to not worry about anything*.  (*yes, I realize that those who know me personally are laughing hysterically at that statement....)  Come Wednesday evening after I wrote this and after a session with my massage therapist/voice-of-clarity/guardian angel, I was actually beginning to look forward to it.  Thursday morning greeted me with a sore throat, clogged nose and that spacey sick feeling.  W. T. F.  Enter Zicam and Advil Cold and Sinus every 4 hours.

Friday I woke, vowing that I was going to make the best of it.  A positive attitude is what is going to get me through.  This was definitely a test for me.  I like to control as many variables as I can.  And when I can't I get very very anxious.  So, I promised I would do my best to just sit back and enjoy.  No stress, right?  So, off we went, the hubs and I.

Late travel start?  Charlotte traffic?  I handled surprisingly well (very proud of myself!) Myrtle Beach traffic? didn't see that one coming...but still, on time for dinner at 5 with my good friend, Rebecca and her hubs.  5:00 came and we're still in traffic but not far out.  We made it, I saw no line at the number pick up, so I grabbed my packet and we were sat down to dinner around 5:30ish.  I don't know what it is about getting your number and sitting down for dinner that makes me relax.  But it did and we enjoyed a nice quiet pasta filled dinner, saw more very good friends (shout out to Dave, Marc and Johane!!!), enjoyed more time at the expo (they had baby tigers!!!!!)  and ran into newly arrived Jyl and Graham (they got stuck in Myrtle Beach traffic too) and my new friend Bonny (holla!). Getting tired and wanting off my feet, we went to the hotel to settle in for the evening and get ready for the next day's 4:30am alarm for the 6:30am start. (zicam and advil are never an arm's length away)

Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep.  PB and English Muffin with Banana time!  then crawl back into bed until it was time for the mad rush to leave the hotel (late).  Thinking we were smart we thought we'd drive the back way to the start.  EEEHHHH  Wrong answer.  I ended up hopping out of the truck and got my "warm-up" in by jogging to the start, which was a mad house, then frantically trying to find Rebecca and her hubs so I could tell him to call my hubs (they had plans to meet up at the start to head out to the course).  No dice.  I was able to find Jyl and Graham thank goodness.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to enjoy the nervous-tinkle-time-pre-race-porta-potty-visit.  The clock was clicking dangerously to 6:30, still no sign of Rebecca, we decided to go ahead and find our place at the start.  I was so frazzled by this point, that I didn't even see the elephant at the start line.  Leave it to me to be oblivious to the presence of a 4-ton animal.  Clearly my mind wasn't in the game.

Then, we were off.  Graham and I started together, but I got caught up in foot traffic and we got separated after the 1st mile.  Miles 2 was much the same, lots of people and I was unable to find my stride.  By #3, I was finally feeling okay.  So okay, that I thought, "1:48...should I? I mean, I'm here right....might as well give it a shot!"  I caught up with Graham.  He was looking comfortable and strong.  I was feeling decent, so after a quick check-in, I continued on and tried to get on pace for 1:48:00, which I finally was able to do around mile 5.  Mile 5.  Exactly the time I had to start my self-talks.  Exactly the time when those thoughts of "I can't" and DNFs enter the mind.  I took an inventory of how I was physically.  Legs, dead.  Energy level, dead.  The gel I took at the 40 min mark, not helping.  What is happening??  I was truly miserable for the next mile and half or so.  I did catch some much needed energy from seeing the faster runners after they made it past the turn around and cheered on as I saw Dave (who ran a 1:26, averaging 6:36 pace!!) flying by.  I got another gust of energy after seeing the hubs after mile 6 (I got so excited I almost cried!).  This helped carry me through to mile 9 between an 8:14-18 pace.  Then, it was all leaving me.  All the energy, all the will...I was leaving it in a trail of footprints behind me.  Nothing was working.  Gel, water, electrolytes.  Nothing.  Legs were like cannon balls, hips on fire.  Never have I felt this bad.  Never had I battled so hard to finish.  Finish.  I had to finish.  Just finish and then you can rest.

Hubs got this as I was coming in
at the finish.
Not the most flattering shot,
but you can see how ready
I was to be done!

Just keep going.

I don't know how, but I did.  I crossed the line with a 1:52:02.  Not goal, but it was a PR by just shy of 2 minutes.

After icing the knee (thank you Med Team!), some chocolate milk,  a little chatter and post-race photo op, we headed for the hotel.

me and Rebecca,
post-race photo op!

Hurricane Myrtle at
Margaritaville

post-race treat

Then after sending all the "i'm alive" messages to friends back home, it was time to get cleaned up for a much needed post-race lunch.  Thank goodness we made it just in time for Hurricane Myrtle.

I wish I had more pictures, of me and Jyl and Graham and Bonny and The Hubs.  But honestly, I was really digging on my post-race treat.





I learned a few things from Myrtle Beach.
1) Respect the distance.  There is no such thing as "just" anything.
2) You can't control things that are out of your control.  Control what you can and try to flow with the rest.
3) Attitude is everything.
4) Your body (and your mind) needs rest.
5) You can't be in top shape all the time.  And that is OKAY!!

Closing thoughts:
I did battle that day in Myrtle.  I fought harder for those 13.1 than I have for anything else, even the marathon.  Not my best day, but I think it might be a day I'm most proud of to-date.  The odds were definitely not in my favor.  I was afraid the knee would bomb, I didn't know if my calves would cooperate, I was sicker than I would let myself admit.  I was not in shape to run that race physically or mentally.  The fact that I finished is a victory and then a PR on top...I don't know if that was luck or sheer determination...or maybe a little bit of both?

What now?  Now it's time for a little break.  I've taken this week off to kick that nasty cold and I've decided to take a slight hiatus from running to let my knee heal.  March will be race free.  It's time to get back to strength training to help prevent against future injury.  My training schedule will be light on running but filled with more swimming and biking to start getting me ready for my first full sprint-distanced triathlon in May....where I'm sure there will be stories of transition areas, bikes with lots of people, a lake and possible wet suit fiascos to share!  Until then?

Do like Jyl says....just keep going.

I don't know which is more bad a$$

Running 10 miles in sub 30 degree weather when there was an ice storm the night before?

Or running 10 miles on a freaking treadmill for an hour and a half with no music and only the the side pony tail boppers, men with their guts sucked in as the boppers bop by and the Wiggles on the television to keep you occupied.

Something's been missing

It's no secret that I'm getting ready to run my first marathon this weekend (see previous post).  Every once in a while, I have mentioned training, but you may have noticed I have not giving "updates" like I did when getting ready for the Flying Pirate half marathon back in April.  It's not that I haven't wanted to share, but there are only so many times you might want to read, "I ran today," because my friends, when you are training for a marathon, your life basically consists of a combination of three things,

• eat
• run/cross train
• sleep

and then, the rest of life's little pleasures like working and such, you fit in around those 3 basic elements.

Now I will recap 16 weeks of marathon training in one swoop .....

And there you have it.

It's been the longest, yet fastest, 16 weeks I've ever experienced.

Let the carb load commence.

Oorah.

Things I Might Do Post Marathon

Today was a big day.  Today my training plan called for 20 miles.  Of running.  I don't think you realize just how far that is unless you are on your feet going 6mph eating this nasty GU stuff every 45 minutes.  Things hurt, things went numb....

It was awesome.

Dude.  I ran 20 miles today.

I RAN TWENTY FREAKING MILES.  AT ONCE.  Holy crap.

We all run for many reasons.  Some of us, 1% of us, decide to take the plunge and go for 26.2.  We begin a 16 week period of ups and downs and blisters and pain; and it's also a 16 week period of sacrifice of sorts.  One question that every runner training for a marathon can relate too is, "what are YOU going to do post marathon?"

And so, when you're running for 20 miles, you have lots of time.  Lots of time to talk, to cuss, to blow snot rockets......and to think.  And today I thought of a list of things I might do post marathon:

• throw the biggest party EVER.  Drinks all around!
• eat greasy-bad-for-me pizza
• sleep in until 6 a.m.
• drink a diet Coke
• quit running
• relax
• eat pancakes
• stay up past 9 p.m.
• celebrate Oktoberfest in November
• soak in a hot bath for a week
• clean my house
• burn my sneakers
• read more than 2 pages of a book without falling asleep
• buy the entire series of Dawson's Creek and Felicity and enjoy a different type of marathon where the fuel is miniature Reese's Cups, Hershey Nuggets with Toffee and Almonds and a pint of Ben & Jerry's

and just to keep things balanced....

Things I WON'T Do Post Marathon

• eat Gu gels for breakfast
• go on 15-20 mile runs for the hell of it

I have two words for you....

Therapeutic Massage

Sounds all roses and daffodils, doesn't it?

Let me enlighten you.  It's more like blood, sweat and tears with lotion that smells good.

And they fool you.  They fool you into thinking it's going to be all zen and stuff.  Your sweet little therapist introduces herself.  You tell her that your calves are a bit tight from running, and maybe your quads could use a quick once over as well.  She angelically nods her head with wisdom and experience.  She leads you into a nice dim room with relaxing music playing and a comfy looking table.  She takes a short leave of absence while you hop on the table under the fresh linens.  You think to yourself, "Self? This is going to be so relaxing and nice.  Don't drool on yourself while you doze off into Sandman Land."  She re-enters this haven of serenity with her jar of lotion at the ready.  And then it begins....the pain.

Oh my heavens above did it hurt like hell!  I had knots and bumps deep in my muscles from my toes to my butt.  And let me tell you what, you do NOT want this little angel to hop up on the table to get a better angle to work one of those suckers out.  My. Gosh.  I thought I was going to die!  I didn't know there were so many dang muscles and ligaments and things I can't even pronounce.  And it seemed that each one of mine had a twist here or a bump there.

It was torture.  Absolute torture.

....and I've already made my appointment to go back in month.

Oh dear J.B, you are an angel indeed.  You are our guardian angel helping us prevent the bad things from happening to our bodies after the hell we put them through.  And we thank you :)

And I PROMISE to roll like a champ!

Boilermaker 15K & 5K Road Race 2012

Sunday, July 8, 2012.

A day that will go down in the history books, well...for the Family Dunlap at least!

It was about a year ago my mother told me that I should run the Boilermaker.  She also told me that I should run it with my nephew, Adam, who is on his school's cross country team.  I had grown up hearing about the Boilermaker, but I never really paid attention to it...until about a year ago when I really started running.

Mom was onto something (moms usually are though, aren't they?).  My sister-in-law thought so too and she got in on the action as well.  And so, running became a family affair and Team Dunlap was born; and for the first time ever, not one, but three Dunlaps heard the bagpipes and crossed the finish line after running 9.3 miles in the 2nd largest Boilermaker on its 35th anniversary!  Registration was capped at 14,000 runners for the 15K event, and 11,360 crossed the mat.  By far the biggest race I've ever participated in, and so far the most meaningful and FUN!

I don't know if you want to hear about all the family fun time, so I won't recap that part except to say THANK YOU MOMMY AND BROTHER for making sure I had enough snacks and dinners and snacks and peanut butter for the yummy goodness that I know as carb loading.  And thank you sister-in-law for introducing me to what I like to call, Cherry Yum Yum.

Moving on.

Race weekend for me actually started the day before.  On Saturday morning, I joined sis-in-law, Jenn, and nephew, Adam, for an easy mile run with their running group, the Utica Roadrunners.  

Jenn, Adam and I (in the middle)
pre-run.  We're having fun :)

Me.  Post-run.  Oh my.  Aren't
I colorful...

A big shout out to the Roadrunners!  They are a great group of folks, who made this stranger that talked funny feel welcome AND they know how to treat their members post race...under the tent...with tomato pie...and right close to the porta-potties (this may be more important than the tomato pie....).  And for those that don't know about tomato pie....well, good.  That means more for me.  But I digress....

The Utica Roadrunners!

  
After the run, it was time to hit the expo

Me, getting my number.

Adam doesn't look as happy as I do...
He must be troubled by the
baby poop brown color of the bibs...

and preview the course.

driving down the Parkway

going into the golf course

a pretty view from the top of the golf course.

a wedding party thought so too

My niece, Jordyn.
She's having fun, trust me!

It seemed my camera skills were
suddenly lacking.

Then, after some family time, good spaghetti and meatballs (MEATABALLA), we hit the sack.

Race day saw the family up and about earlier than maybe it ever had before!  I don't know if we were all awake, but we at least were conscious.

a shirt we saw at the starting line.
a runner armed with her iPhone
sent it to me when she heard
"dang, i wish I had a camera...
that would have been perfect for my blog..."

I tell you, you have never seen so many people IN YOUR LIFE!  And they were all in line for the porta-potty before the gun went off.  We were probably in the middle of the 11,360 people...us with the baby poop colored bibs, waiting somewhat patiently.  We sang the national anthem, had a prayer and then we were OFF.  Well, the Kenyans and the Ethiopians and the Morrocans were.  It took about 10 minutes for us to actually cross the starting line.


The first 3 miles were filled with runners and spectators. Heck.  The course was lined with spectators for the ENTIRE 9.3!  The road had a very slight incline, but not so much to cause anyone any problems.  We then took the Parkway, tree lined and gorgeous, to the humdinger of a hill, the one that I was most worried about, going into and then another inside the golf course at mile 4(ish).  We made it back down from the golf course and back onto the Parkway.  It was at this point I looked to the heavens above and said "Thank you, dear Piedmont of North Carolina!"  I met those hills, the heat and humidity with little to no problem.  This is when the suffering of southern training became completely worth it!


From here to mile 6 or 7 was level for the most part.  The scenery here, not so nice.  We were on a highway for some and then behind a college for some.  But the people, oh the people, they kept you going with their shouts and clapper hand thingys and their tireless enthusiasm. Around mile 6 or 7, the course begins to take you into the belly of the city.  And it was at this point I was starting to fade.  You see, as much as I was worried about the hills at the golf course, I should have been worried about this little silent killer.  You know the ones I mean.  The ones that when you're driving don't seem like much of a hill until you get out of your car, lace up your shoes and run it.  That's when you learn about gradually increasing elevations.

By mile 8, that misery is behind you, you may (or may not) hear a drum line (I either lost the drum line, they were taking a break or they just weren't there...very sad...I love a drum line), and then mile 9 comes out of nowhere, you hear the bag pipes play (or a note...before they take a break.  sigh), and then you RUN LIKE HELL for .3 miles.


And then.  Just like that, after the months of anticipation and training, it was over.


And then you ask yourself, "Did that really just happen?"  "Did I really just do that?"


Hell yeah you did!


So next year, I invite you all to run or volunteer or spectate the Boilermaker 15K & 5K Roadrace.  It's an experience like none other.  And then...party at brother's house :)

Adam at the Finish.
Putting in a fantastic time of 1:21:40

Me at the Finish.
Ready for my half moon cookie
time:  1:29:45

Jenn got a little emotional :)
She started running in the winter,
Her first big race, and she chose a 9 miler.
You go girl!
So proud of you!!!
1:57:16

Post-race party at a brewery = a shit ton of people.

Yes, this is what a shit ton looks like.

Race Best-ofs

• Doing it with family, hands down.
• Running on the Parkway...just wish I could have gone to the zoo, I love the zoo.
• The amount of entertainment on the course, from porch djs, to belly dancers to live bands.  Fun, Fun Fun!
• The spectators.  Simply awesome.
• I got a pint glass instead of a race t-shirt.
• The winner was a male from Ethiopia this year (it's usually Kenya) with a time of 43:01, that is a 4:37 pace if anyone is wondering.  The first female finisher was also from Ethiopia with a time of 49:26, a 5:19 pace.  If you'd like to see all the results/times whatever...you can find them here:   http://www.leonetiming.com/2012/Roads/Boilermaker/

Race Not-so-cools

• Some runners were not so familiar with race etiquette.  I have no problem if you have to walk, I would just rather you not do it in the middle of the road where I trip and almost fall so I don't run you over.  Walk, please do, just do it on the side please.
• Navigating water stops.  You could never tell when they were coming up until people all around you were running you over while making a mad dash for the sides.  Big flags up up in the air would have been most helpful.  
• So, you had mad water dashers and walkers in the middle....you had to pay attention and it was pretty hard to keep a consistent and comfortable pace.

"Doing Life" in Charlotte!

Some of my friends know that I've been following blogger extraordinaire, Ben Davis, for well over a year now.  If you don't know of Ben, I highly recommend you remedy that RIGHT THIS INSTANT and visit him at bendoeslife.tumblr.com AND watch the video of his 120 Pound Journey.  Great stuff.

Ben, his father, John "Pa" Davis, and brother Jed, founded the Do Life Movement.  What is Do Life?  Well, I'm going to let their website tell you:  "Do Life is the idea that life doesn't have to be ordinary or inconsequential.  The idea that, through running, racing and doing these things together, we can find and spread happiness."

I love these men.  I love what they are trying to do and I love their openness, honesty and humor.  They are my daily dose of inspiration, and without even knowing, they each helped me get to where I am today.  They kept me going when I didn't think I could and pushed me further when I thought I had done enough.  And they make me laugh.  A LOT!

Anyway, the Do Life crew (minus Jed, whom I'm REALLY sorry I couldn't meet) made their way to Charlotte yesterday, the last stop of the first leg of the 2nd Official Unofficial Do Life 5K Tour.  It's a time for all of us to come together, run/walk a 5K and celebrate what we've accomplished and what we will accomplish.  As Ben says, everyone has a story.  I say, inspiration is all around us if you just take a second to listen and witness it.

I have this familiar, this comfort zone where I don't venture more than 2 exits away from my little town.  And I really don't do well with meeting new people (stranger danger!!).  But Ben and Pa were going to be in Charlotte.  What was I going to do?  I couldn't miss meeting my heroes!  So, I had to put on my big girl panties and deal with leaving my 2 exit radius AND meet Ben and Pa and more strangers....  So, with sweaty palms and all, I did what any self-respecting weeny baby would do.  I made Jyl go with me, and we met up with our friend Graham!

We met Ben and Pa, I did talk (say a few words) to a couple of other people; we ran and then we headed to Bruegger's Bagels for a snack and some more chat.  I do regret that I couldn't bring myself to talk to Ben and Pa more; to thank them for what they did for me and ask them more meaningful questions than "what has been your favorite cities to visit" (For Dirty Dancing fans out there, you can equate this to: "I carried a watermelon").  I regret not getting to know the fellow Do-Lifers in the area.  BUT, to look on the bright side, I was able to venture from my town without too much difficulty, did shake the hands of some amazing men, had a fun morning with two great friends and the best damn cup of coffee I've had in a while!  Maybe next time I might even be able to talk to people?

Here are some photos of the best Sunday morning EVER!

Jyl and Graham...they're happy I made them come!

The Three Amigos!

Jyl, Ben Davis and Yours Truly

Jyl and I, action shot.
Yes, I took this while running and I didn't even hurt myself.
BUT, Jyl may have stepped in goose poop.

Me and John "Pa" Davis.  I LOVE THIS MAN!
And I hope he didn't mind that I called him Pa....

I cannot tell you enough just HOW HAPPY this
cup of coffee made me.....
not to mention the sea salt bagel with smoked salmon....
(starting to drool from the memory of the absolute deliciousness of it all)

Drum roll please...

You may or may not remember that in the beginning of March I mentioned that I may or may not have a big announcement to share.

Turns out I do.



Well, there it is.

Oorah!

Dear Jyl,

So, I've been trying to come up with a really cool gift or something to send you off on your marathon adventure in Nashville.

At first I was going to give you a get well basket, but your mom took care of that.  Your brother has you all set up on the Boston Red Sox hat and Sam Adams Boston Marathon commemorative beer.  So...what does that leave?  Those are already the most awesomnest of gifts ever...

And then I thought I might get you jewelry.  A pendant more specifically, for you to put on your shoe when you're running that day.  And then all the inscriptions were so....and I'm like, "how dorky is that".  I need to come up with something completely awesome and cool because Jyl has rocked her training, has pulled me through my own, so I need to come up with something great to say "Thanks.  You're awesome.  It's going to be fantastic...."  all those things rolled into one little somethin' somethin'.

And then it hit me.  

Now, what I came up with, I can't actually give you....but I can sure as hell post it:

Even if I'm not "there", remember I'm with you every step of the way.  Imagine me talking nonsense, making you laugh with stories of Darth and other dumb stuff I do.  

Yes, it might hurt.  It might suck at times and if you plan on stopping, just remember what you told me a week or two ago when I didn't know if I could...

Just keep going.

And when you cross that finish line?  Man o man!

Now....go kill it!  And I'll be waiting for you to get back, with a grilled cheese in hand.  

See ya on the flip side,

Hope

It's almost time...

One week from today, you will find me on my way to the Outerbanks to go party with bunch of pirates.

In one week and three days, I will be running with/away from/to a bunch of pirates (it's too early to tell exactly which) for 13.1 miles.

...and then I will eat grilled cheese. 

Training, Racing and Drumlines

This past Saturday, I went beyond my normal two-exit radius and ventured into the big city of Charlotte, North Carolina.  You see, I was able to talk some of my co-workers into running with me in the Alston+Bird LLP Corporate Cup 5K and Half Marathon.  Now, we work in the fundraising biz, hence the really cool team name and awesome t-shirts.  May I present to you Team Fund Racers!

I'm the one on the left, looking like she has to pee....

We met at 7:30 am on a beautiful, yet windy, morning among 2,333 runners. We had some folks running the 5k and some running the Half.  After our photo op, we all headed to the start line with our racing faces on.....

 We don't put the "Fun" in Fund Racer for nothing, yo!
 
Anyway.  I had 12 miles scheduled for Saturday as part of my training.  Seeing that I'm "saving myself" for the Flying Pirate, I decided to run the 5K and run some miles before and after.  Plus, I was really curious as to what kind of time I could put in since my very first race last April, almost one year ago.

I did a 3 mile warm up with Jyl, (you remember Jyl).  She ran the Half as part of her marathon training.  Then, at 8:00 we all started running the streets of Charlotte.  I have never ran with so many people before!  It's good practice though, as the Pirate will have about 4,000 runners and the Boilermaker I'll be running with my family in July has just SOLD OUT, capped at 14,000.  Also, navigating water stops is new territory for me too!  (oops getting off topic...)  So.  Well, plainly said, I set out way too fast!  I didn't think I'd make it the 3 miles....almost puked at mile 1.75.  Somehow I pulled it together and made it through.  Then, when I looked at my watch it said 26:23....my last 5K was 32 minutes.  That's a sub 9 minute pace per mile.  (p.s.  official chip time came in at 26:24)

Booyah, my friends, Boo. Yah.

Now, if you're doing math with me, you'll remember that I had 12 miles to complete.  So, with 6 miles down and 6 miles to go, I decided to head out backwards down the half marathon course to see if I could meet up with Jyl.  After 3 miles down and a nice chat with a police officer, there she was, looking strong!  After a mile or two of chit chat and me spilling Powerade in my shoe, we come to one of the last hills of the course.  And on this hill was a drumline.  Man I LOVE a drumline!  Sexy. As. Hell!  And it is at this point I must issue a public apology to all that had to witness me doing the run/dance combination.  Sorry y'all, I just couldn't resist it!

Thankfully, Jyl resisted her urge to push me down (no, I wouldn't blame her if she did!), and we made it to the finish, Jyl getting a PR too!  Made for a great day!

And now, I leave you with these parting words of wisdom.

If you hear a drumline, you just gotta dance.... even though cute cops will laugh at you.