The Next Challenge

I could not be more excited – my head is in the right place, my runs feel great, and my mom is coming to watch me run my next marathon!  It’s June 12th, and I’ll be blazing through the cornfields of Iowa as the sun is coming up.  It’s called Marathon to Marathon because it ends in the town of Marathon.  According to Wikipedia that’s a town of about 300.  I don’t expect a lot of spectators but I imagine the scenery will be beautiful.  I think it’s so important to pick races that inspire you.  I was planning to do St. Louis in April but couldn’t get excited about the course.  Whether you’re into trail running, big city races, or rural courses, I say make sure it’s a place you want to explore and experience.  Maybe if I was a faster runner or more competitive this wouldn’t matter as much.  I love that a couple folks on Marathon Guide wrote about all the cows and farmers you’ll pass running through Iowa.  I grew up on a big farm and remember fondly running into a tall field of corn with the sole purpose of getting lost and then finding a way out.  I’m sure, watching at the finish line, my mom will be thinking back to all the photos of me (about age 5, red hair in two pig tails) grinning from ear to ear at the edge of the cornfield having found my way out after getting lost for what seemed like hours in the tall corn. 

Off for a run now… 

After Iowa I’ll announce my big news about the marathon I’ve decided to do for my 30th birthday.  It’s taken me awhile to decide, but it’s going to be perfect.

Running While Sick

Despite my stubbornness, a really bad cold has kept me indoors for the past nine days. Doctor’s diagnosis: upper respiratory infection and sinus infection. Running sites will tell you to take a break if you’re sick like this. (Great tips here from Runner’s World.) In the past, I’ve been able to battle through most illnesses and at least squeak out three or four miles. I did 14 miles last Friday, the day I got sick. I didn’t run again until yesterday, and I did eight. The feeling in my legs was unbelievable as I picked up my pace from a walk to a run. My legs were so glad to stretch out and GO! My lungs tried to hold me back the whole way. My chest was burning, and even now, it hurts to the touch; I can only imagine how congested I must be. I wanted to put a sign on my back, for all runners to see: “I’m sick, not out of shape. Pardon me as I huff and puff.” Even in my sickness, my competitiveness got the best of me. My goal starting out was three miles, then I switched to an hour, finally I stopped at eight.

I took today off because I ended up working a really long day. I can’t wait to get back out there tomorrow. I’m still sick and a bit congested, but not being able to run makes me feel so much worse. There’s nothing like the post run euphoria to make you feel like things are going to get better- you’re not going to be sick forever. I’m headed to Cincinnati this weekend. I’ll probably get in a couple short runs while I’m there, but not my scheduled long runs. That means, tomorrow and Wednesday I have my work cut out for me! 

Treadmill vs. Outdoors

This is the first really nice weekend we’ve had in months in Missouri. Today it is supposed to be almost 60 degrees. My lungs and legs are loving getting to spend some time outdoors. I feel like I really get to stretch my legs when I’m outside versus on the treadmill or at the track. Although running is probably physically easier on a treadmill because you don’t have the wind resistance and you’re on a moving surface, I still end up going faster when I’m running outside. I think the combination of the gym temperature, the short running surface, and the monotony of my surroundings just slow me down when I’m on the treadmill.

I have noticed a negative change in the way I feel though, since I have been doing my runs outside. My joints miss the padded treadmill surface. My foot and knees aren’t used to the pounding on the pavement and the concrete sidewalks. In Columbia we have an amazing trail system. It’s accessible, well-maintained, and it stretches across the state so you could run forever! The surface is mostly pea sized gravel. It’s quite nice to run and bike on. But I really like running on the roads for a couple reasons: I am more motivated when I know people can see me. I keep a better pace and there’s no chance I’m going to walk if I am running in public where my students, colleagues, and just random folks can see me. My biggest problem with the trails though is they are completely flat. The MKT Trail gets its name from the MKT Railroad. Tuesday, I ran a lot of the hilliest parts of Columbia, then did a couple miles on the trails so I could get a mix. Since then, I’ve stayed on the roads. A number of my running friends do the trails and then they’ll compensate for the flat surface by doing a brutal 8 mile hill routine once a week. I’m beginning to think I may have to experiment with this option. Last night my knees, left hip, and foot woke me up several times with a shooting pain.

I’m Back!

I’m back…

After a depressing post a week or so ago, I’d say it’s about time I write an update. I had a great 16 miler following my last post and some short five and six milers. Today though <drum roll> I did 20 or 21. It was great! I started off at the gym and put in 11, then I hit the streets around town. It was only about 31 degrees, but the temperature actually felt okay once I hit a good pace. I found myself running mush faster and easier outside versus inside. I let my mind wander more when I’m on the road. I don’t worry about the people around me, and I’m able to just go… It hit me at mile 16 or so that I must be in pretty good shape to be able to run so much and still feel good. I was still fresh at mile 16 and felt like I could go forever. I was tired near the end, but I definitely had more in me. It’s funny because I have never really been in shape. In high school, I was overweight and hated exercise. In college I exercised a lot and didn’t eat right – not a good combination. Now though, I’ve achieved a good balance. I feel healthy, and I’m really beginning to feel like an athlete.

So I have Go! St. Louis in 40 days. I drove the course over the weekend, and I was not impressed. I think doing my first marathon in Miami really spoiled me. I don’t feel like any course is going to be able to compete with that. Haha. St. Louis will be fun though. A lot of people I know are doing it, and my family is coming in to watch! I’m so excited to have my mom and sister watching me as I cross the finish line. I hope when they see how happy running makes me they will be more supportive of it.

Now that I’m in the thick of training, and not feeling so dopey I’ll update more.

Oh, and one last thing… Congratulations to Shawn Goertz! Shawn finished his second marathon over the weekend in New Orleans and did great! He suffered through blisters and other ailments and still finished in a time I strive to someday reach!

In a Funk

I don’t like to be negative about anything, but especially my running. Running is my little escape; my time to think about anything I want, or for that matter nothing at all. It’s hard for me to describe how much I enjoy this time. But for more than a week now I am struggling during my runs. I am not finding my groove, and now I‘m almost dreading getting back out there. I don’t want to be a downer, but selfishly, I hope talking about it will help me get back on track. I did 13 last Sunday, but I felt like quitting at mile 9. All my friends try to be supportive and wonder what I’m complaining about… “Nine miles is great!” They say. But it didn’t feel right. I was sluggish. I was breathing too hard, and my foot hurt a lot. Monday was scheduled off and Tuesday I did an easy 4. Wednesday I had to take a sick day at work because a nagging cold knocked me on my back. I took Wednesday off from running, and Thursday and Friday. I don’t know when I’ve taken that many days off! Tonight I was determined to get in some miles. I did six. My lungs and upper chest were burning and my sweat was hurting my chapped nose. I was tired, my pace was off, and I never found my groove. Is this just because I’m sick? What should I be doing about my training? I have a marathon April 11… Am I going to blow it because I am throwing my training off? I am just becoming really stressed out because I am already on an accelerated marathon training plan since I only have nine weeks between marathons. I almost feel like throwing in the towel on this marathon, and I am aggravated at myself for even thinking that.

I promise to return to my chipper self soon. I just need to get in a good long run soon, and I think I’ll get over this current funk.

Foot Day and the Last Year of My 20s

Last week was a big one, relatively speaking, in Sara’s world. I celebrated my 29th birthday (yikes!) and I marked the one year anniversary since I broke my foot. “Foot Day” on Tuesday was actually a bigger celebration than my birthday. I went out for comedy and a drink with some friends from work. Several times throughout the evening, I stopped and thought about what I was doing one year prior….hmmmm at this time I was crawling across my living room, Oh gosh, I was at the ER around 8, around 9 I got the news I didn’t want to hear. The rest of the night and into the morning I just cried and searched the Internet about Jones Fractures. It’s amazing how clear it all still is in my head a year later.

But I can celebrate. With the help of Dr. T I made it back and did my first marathon. I love this quote by Steve Prefontaine…

“Most people run a race to see who is fastest. I run a race to see who has the most guts.”

I will never be as fast as Steve Prefontaine, but I’ll slog out the miles anyday and be grateful that I can. My next marathon is about two months away, and while I’m having trouble getting really excited about it, I know I’ll be thrilled after I do my first 20 miler in a couple weeks. More on that training soon….

One last thing that gets back to last week and my birthday: one of my former students planted an idea in my head. He said as a joke, “You should run your age each year.” I’ve been thinking about it seriously since last week, and I think it’s a great idea. 30 miles next year for the big 3-0? Yeah, I think I can do that! I’ll have to do it in place of a long run though because on my birthday I plan to be some place exotic running a marathon.

26.2 Miles is a Long Way to Run

Outside the arena a few minutes before the start. That is definitely a nervous smile!

This post has taken me a long time to write, because I’ve been searching for just the right words. How do you describe the complete euphoria, the fatigue, the sense of accomplishment, and the storm of other emotions you experience during and after a marathon? I will say simply my marathon was the most incredible experience- second only to becoming an aunt.

At least three times during the race I broke out in tears when I realized, “I am doing it!” After all these years and after my crazy foot surgery I was finally doing it! During the marathon, I wore a simple diamond heart necklace that my grandmother had given me. She suffered a stroke a few years ago, but continues to show so much determination to live… she’s my inspiration and grasping onto that necklace during my run gave me so much strength.

The race start was 6:15. It was 71 degrees and I think the humidity was about 75%. I got up at 2:30 for the run, and immediately began drinking water and eating. I drank a cup of coffee, ate a bagel, a protein/carb Powerbar, ½ banana, and a handful of cereal. I typically don’t shower before morning runs, but I thought it would help wake me up. Given the heat at the race start, I was glad I did; the wet hair helped keep me a little cooler. When Ryan Hall fired the gun, I could see the crowd ahead of me begin to move. I was about four corrals back so I had to control my pre-race jitters and follow the crowd flow to the start line. I began with the 4:15 pace group. I felt good as together we crossed the start line with about 5minutes and 30 seconds already on the clock.

Right after the start we made a quick right across the MacArthur Causeway to get to South Beach. I sprinted after my pacer up the on-ramp onto the bridge. My ipod was blasting “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” but I couldn’t hear it over the sounds of thousands of pairs of feet, cheering, and shouting between runners. You know what it’s like some days when you just don’t feel like running? You try, because you have a training plan to follow, but for whatever reason, it’s just not clicking? That’s how I felt by mile 2. We were crossing over the beautiful Biscayne Bay, and I tried to will myself to just enjoy the scenery, but instead the only thing in my mind was “What are you doing? You are never going to make it!” The pacer would speed up and I’d weave in and out of runners to catch up…then he’d slow down and I’d start looking back over my shoulder trying to find him. This went on for five miles, until finally I realized I didn’t have to stay with the pacer. I wish I would have thought of this sooner, because after I left my pacer, I had the time of my life. Now it was just me. I could run at a steady pace the way I had trained. I could listen to my music, enjoy the amazing scenery, and take in the crowd. I remember smiling to myself as I made the corner leaving South Beach, “Here we are!” I thought.

Those first five miles were the hardest part of the marathon for me. I won’t lie and say the rest was easy, but from then on I just broke the distance down into segments and started counting down the miles.

I popped a gel at mile 6. The night before I wrote on my bib each mile where I should eat a gel. When I was running, though I didn’t even remember to look down at my bib. It’s crazy the things a marathon does to your mind! I continued eating gels every three- four miles during the race through mile 18. I’d eat the gel when I saw the water station approaching- that way when I made it to the water station I could just take a sip, swish it in my mouth, take a drink, and keep moving without ever having to stop running. I took some Gatorade about four times always getting a cup of water, pouring in a little Gatorade and then drinking it that way. I then grabbed a cup of water to rinse my mouth. I developed a system that really seemed to work for me, and I don’t think it slowed me down much.

At mile 10.5 there was a huge cheering section! You ran through a tunnel of cheering supporters that extended probably a couple blocks. My friend John was there. He gave me a bottle of water and some Jelly Belly Energy Beans. I popped those and kept running. At about mile 12.5 the half marathoners were corralled into separate lanes, but we continued to run together. “No turning back now,” I thought. As the half-marathoners approached their finish line, we made a right turn and headed in the direction of Coconut Grove. I wasn’t tired – only 13.1 to go. About a block after the separation, one gentleman in front of me turned around and started a slow jog back toward the half finish. I was sad for him, knowing he could probably do the miles, it was just his mind now telling him otherwise. A few spectators lined the course, and I thought to myself, “They are probably thinking I look like Hell and will never finish the full. If that girl’s smart she’ll turn around and stick to the half.” Onward! …and across a drawbridge with a grated surface. My foot complained so I slowed down to nearly a walk and gingerly crossed the surface.

By this time, my clothes were all stuck to me. I am shocked but somehow I avoided serious chafing. As we gathered to start the marathon the air was thick with the smell of Glide. Clearly everyone had generously applied it. In my training runs I still had problems with chafing despite liberally applying Glide – the important thing is though, it didn’t fail me in the marathon.

We continued through a couple neighborhoods with very little spectator support. When someone was out in their yard, I took off my headphones as I approached them and thanked them for coming out. Every time they thanked me for running! HAHA. A couple people sprayed us with water hoses and some made their own water available. At least one person had cups of beer sitting out on a table in his yard.

As we approached Coconut Grove, I expected to hit the wall at any moment. I can’t believe it, but this mythical wall I worried about for months never got in my way. I walked through the first water stop in Coconut Grove, drank my water and picked up my pace again. I think it’s my stubbornness, but I never felt like I’d run out of gas and had to stop. Coconut Grove was fun. There were people out at the little cafes and plus, I knew I only had a 10K to go! The next two miles were less than exciting as we took the same route back to downtown Miami. There was no one to cheer you on, and I learned quickly spectator support is really important. To avoid the increasing temptation to walk, I looked down at my feet and focused on each step… one foot in front of the other…one foot in front of the other. When I looked at other runners around me or people slowing down to walk, it only increased my desire to walk. When I was in my own world, I was fine. I did pat a couple people on the back as I started to go around them, and I’d say things like, “You can do this!” “You’re almost there!” “You’re looking good!” People would smile, and I felt good hoping I was helping others achieve something that was as important to them as it was to me.

It was reassuring when I realized at about mile 21 that I could walk the rest of it and still finish under five hours. That was my original goal time when I started training so I was thrilled to know I was going to finish under that time. To my surprise my breathing wasn’t heavy and I hadn’t experienced any side stitches. The bottoms of my feet by this point were burning and my legs were feeling really heavy though.

At mile 22 we turned the corner to head across Rickenbacker Causeway. “WOW!” I exclaimed as I climbed the overpass and got my first glimpse of the view. It was amazing. The water was beautiful and it extended in every direction. At that point I cried again- I was so happy.  I was having a good time and really taking in the sights and even the smell of the salty water. After passing through the toll booths, I began running in the right lane of the bridge; the other lanes were open to vehicle traffic. I’m fortunate this was near the end of the race because this leg of the course spelled trouble for my foot. The right lane of the bridge sloped to let water drain along the side. This slope put my foot on a slight angle and thus all the pressure was hitting on the side where my pin is, in my fifth metatarsal. Every step felt like a hammer hitting the side of my foot. I’m sure I was grimacing in pain as I approached some spectators dressed as parrots. They were very excited, screaming, “Looking Good!” “Way to go, Sara,” they shouted, “only 4 more miles!” I rolled my eyes and shouted something inappropriate back. I was in pain, and my good mood had vanished. Four miles seemed more like forty. Still, I thought, there was no reason for me to be rude. There were more parrots immediately ahead. As if repenting for my sins, I smiled at them and even took one of their orange leis and wore it all the way to the finish line.

I guess, I gave it away there…. Of course I finished! At mile 26 I got a burst of energy and took off flying. I sprinted the last 2 tenths. I don’t think I was quite in my right mind at this point. My head was just swirling, and I was crying. I leapt across the finish line and looked back. “Now what?” “Yikes, I’m done. Where do I go? What do I do?” I had been running for so long that I think I was just really confused. A volunteer with a big smile handed me a bottle of water. I asked seriously, “Where do I go to get my people?” She directed me and I began to shuffle forward, weaving a bit, and trying to resist the urge to sit on the grass. We were roped off from the crowd as we moved through a tunnel. Another volunteer stepped in front of me and asked if I was ok. “Yeah,” I said, “but can I have another one of those waters?” She handed it to me but I had to hand it back and ask her to open it for me. My hands were shaking. She smiled, patted me on the shoulder and gave it back to me. I resisted the urge to hug her because I was so sweaty, but she seemed so kind- sort of like my mother.

A few yards later I got my medal. Then photographers took our pictures. I looked like a raccoon from crying!  Eventually I met John. My stomach was in bad shape. I couldn’t eat anything, and all I wanted to do was go to the hotel. Back in the room, I couldn’t stop crying. I had done it! I had run a marathon! It was everything I thought it would be and so much more. It’s unbelievable what an endurance event like that can do to your mind. You have so much time to think about what you’re doing and why; it’s a great time for reflection.

Of course I’ll have much more to say about Miami that I’ll incorporate into future posts, but I should end here before this post gets anymore unwieldy.

I’ll close with just a couple things I learned in this, my first marathon. (1) Pacers can help you get started but don’t be afraid to leave them if it’s not working. (2) Training on the treadmill made me more prepared for the stuffy Miami air, but training on a treadmill doesn’t prepare you for the shear willpower you need to power through the last few miles. The belt on a treadmill keeps moving unless you make a point to stop it. Your legs will stop as soon as you decide to stop. (3) I’m reluctant to say this, but I think runners looking for advice may find some good in it… I can’t emphasize enough the importance of emptying your stomach before the race. I didn’t and suffered through the entire thing. It really slowed me down and kept me for enjoying any of the post-race festivities. (4) Look up and enjoy it. A marathoner advised me to do that and I think it was better than any advice I’ve gotten from Hal Higdon…and I don’t say that lightly. (5) Set a goal immediately. My foot is still a bit sore from the beating it took, but overall I feel really good. I’m easing back in to it, and my plan is to start training Tuesday for “Go! St. Louis.” I can’t wait!

It’s Official: I’m a Marathoner!

Thanks Dr. T! Standing on Miami Beach shortly after the race with my medal and sign...and compression socks.

More later…but just a quick note to say the marathon is over! I’m still in this weird state of euphoria, tiredness, and complete disbelief that I made it! I got off to a rough start because the pacer just didn’t work out (more on that later) …but once I found my groove there was really no stopping me. I hit a good pace about five miles in and then just dug in until the finish.

I remembered to look around and enjoy it. I waved at the kids out watching, I thanked everyone who clapped for me or yelled my name, I patted other runners on the back and clapped for them if they were struggling. I also took time to breathe in the salty air as we crossed over the beautiful Biscayne Bay several times. It was an amazing race. I am so thankful to have gotten to do it. I’ll have a lot more to add tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone!

Waiting in Miami

I’m in Miami for the marathon. I’m trying to do everything by the book for this race. Since it’s my first, I am relying on the advice of others (namely Hal Higdon) to guide me through the training, tapering, and last couple days before the marathon.

This morning I woke up, went for a short walk on the beach, then tried to eat a carb and protein rich meal: egg white omelet and toast. From there we took a short trip to South Beach before heading to the expo.

The ING expo was the first marathon expo I’ve attended. I was in nervous wreck before going in. Had it not been for my friend John, who is traveling with me, I’m not sure I would have gone inside. I thought I would find being around other runners exciting, but mostly I feel intimidated and out of place. Anyway, we got inside and it was a bit overwhelming. Lots of vendors and information booths. I got my number – #4352. The prices at all the vendors are much better than at running stores or sporting goods places. Plus I felt like the quality was better as was the variety. I was tempted to get some shorts with pockets for my gels, but opted to stick to what I have just because it’s what I’ve trained with. I did stock up on gels, chews, and Powerbars at a great price! John and I separated so he could wait in line to get my Publix gift bag while I browsed some of the booths. The Publix booth had a wheel you could spin for prizes – John ended up winning the grand prize! When he and I met up he was grinning for ear to ear carrying his loot- a big bag full of things including a massager, training log, noise makers, etc. After all of this, I had really calmed down a lot and was just trying to take everything in and enjoy the expo. I bought a shirt to commemorate the race and then John and I headed out. Everything I’ve read says not to spend a lot time walking around the expo. It’s tempting to stay for the guest speakers and shop at all the booths but I’m trying not to be on my feet a lot. The whole time we were at the expo, I didn’t hear anyone say they were running the full marathon. I don’t know what the numbers look like this year, but last year 80% of the runners did the half marathon.

We went to Publix before coming back to the hotel. I wanted to get the food I needed to replicate the meal I ate before my last long run. We loaded up on bagels, bananas, apples, bread, and cereal. I’ve been trying to eat even when I’m not hungry so I have enough stores when I start the race. Dinner tonight was pasta, salmon, and bread. Now, it’s off to sleep – somehow at 7:50 I feel worn out. It’s good though, because every training plan I’ve read says the most important night to get a good night’s sleep is actually two nights before the marathon.

Tomorrow I have a two mile run and will probably drive most of the course.

One Week to Go!

Oh, tapering. At the beginning of my training, I was really looking forward to this time. After logging sometimes 50 miles a week, the prospect of eventually getting to stop at just 30 looked great. But this time has proven to be one of the most difficult parts of training thus far. I assume that goes without saying, since this is the second time I have posted about it. Before I talked about wanting to run and how difficult that was since my mileage was reduced so dramatically. Now the problem I have is my body. I feel a lot achier, and I am doing less. My foot has been giving me grief, both my knees are stiff, and it feels like I’ve pulled something in my shoulder. Several articles I’ve read report that this is normal. You’ll feel some new pains as your body repairs itself during the tapering process.

My other issue is the sluggishness. I’m not sure that is even a word, but I think it best describes how I feel. I had a five mile run Wednesday and it was pathetic. I finished at a good pace, but it was the worst run I’ve had in months. Yesterday morning I did four miles. Again, my body and mind felt like I’d done about ten. For most of the day yesterday, my head swirled with images of me not making it to the finish line because I had inadequately prepared. Not a good day…

But today, is going to be better! Last night when I was trying to figure out what I should change to pump up my motivation this last week, I ran across this blurb (below) buried in a training article.

” You may find, during these 3 weeks, that your legs feel heavier than you’re used to and you generally feel sluggish. This is simply due to carbohydrate (glycogen) filling up your stores to the brim, causing a feeling of heaviness. The best analogy is perhaps comparing your body to a formula 1 car. They start the race a little slower due a large fuel load, but are able to keep going for longer.

Come race day, due to adrenaline rush and eagerness to get going, you will feel invigorated and fresh if you taper effectively. “

So now, I feel like what I am going through is normal. I’m off for a ten mile run now. I’m going to concentrate on my stride, having fun, and what it’s going to be like to cross that finish line in one week from today!