Tag Archive | Chicago Marathon

Done is Done

5:48:52

Done is Done!

Some people might be upset with an almost 6 hour marathon.

I wholeheartedly admit there might be a time that I might have been one of those people. I am not today. I will be 100% honest with you…..

I am happy

I worked my ass off.

I didn’t stop.

Ever.

I never thought I wouldn’t get to the finish line. I also knew that I had such a wonderful support team.

I went into this marathon with no real plan other than to finish. No paces. I knew that I would be doing walk/run. I had thought I might start with a pace group, but did not. I just ran. Maybe this isn’t the smartest way to do it (ok it’s not), but this is what I was going with.

Once again I went out too fast. I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY tried not to. My first few miles went like this…

8:54, 10:02, 8:24, 8:36

I knew this was not a good way to start. I knew that this was way fast. Even at my best, this is not the way to start a marathon. I wasn’t following the plan. I wasn’t walking. I had not even turned on my timer at this point. I heard my friend’s voice in my head telling “SLOW DOWN! STICK TO THE PLAN.”

I even texted her that I heard her in my head and that I was trying to be better. Her texts of support continued during the day and I knew I wasn’t in alone.

At this point, I turned on my timer and made a conscious effort to slow down and stick to the plan. During a race even if you are not planning to race it is so hard to do. You are so caught up in the excitement of the day. I was in it for the long haul, so I did what I could. I will say that I did not pay attention to my pace. I was watching my heart rate as I did on training.

I saw my sister and brother-in-law twice on the course. The first time around mile 5 which was wonderful, but the second time was key. They were waiting for me at mile 21 I knew that I had to make it there before they needed to leave for the airport. I had been slowing down at this point, but I was determined to make it to them. At this point they were my destination, not the finish line.

I made it to 21.

Hugs

Goodbyes

Unbelievable support

Spectacular.

Then it turned to counting down the miles.

It was hot but I’ve run in hotter weather. It was humid but I’ve run in more humid weather. That being said, I don’t do heat well. I ran through every hose offered. Took ever sponge filled with water handed out. Put the ice in my bra when offered. And on occasion dumped water on my head at water stations. The heat was sapping my strength, but not my will to finish.

I kept pushing forward. I ran when I could. Finally, I reached a point where I could no longer run. My legs were dead. My foot was hurting. Even with this I did not stop. Moving forward. Slow but steady.

I admit that by mile 25, I did start to get emotional. There were tears. Partly because of the discomfort and partly because as much as I wanted to run, I just couldn’t bring myself to run. By this point, my emotions were just raw. The ups and the downs of the marathon are real.

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The tears dried.

The moment passed. My head was clear and I was focused. Never stopping. Never quitting. Moving forward.

I proudly walked across the finish line.

This marathon was always about proving that I could do it and

I DID!

This was the slowest marathon that I have ever run, but one that I know that I worked the hardest for. Someone asked me if I was happy with my time. Hell Yeah I am. Any day that you can finish a marathon is a good day. I am proud that I was able to push through and get the job done.

Done is Done!

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How to prepare for a Marathon in 10 Days

Sep28

If you think that’s possible, you might be crazier than I am.

Ha.

But I can’t believe that Chicago is only 10 days away.

It seems like I’ve been training forever for Chicago, but at the same time it has gone by in a blink. I’m not sure that I’m really ready for this, but I’ve come too far now to quit. Besides my heals are pretty dug in to cross that finish line.

My mantra

What ever it takes.

How ever long it takes.

Just finish the damn race!

Seems like a good mantra to me.

So now 10 days to go and things are settling into place.

Foot is feeling better after my 3rd sugar shot (Prolotherapy)

New shoes.

But not too new and worn it

Flight and hotel all booked.

Today I had lunch with my Running Mama Roomie and traveling partner.

It’s all good.

Now all that is left is to get there, pick up bibs, and yeah

Run/Walk 26.2 miles.

marathon

Let it Go, Let it Go

Sep20

As Elsa said, It’s really time to Let it go….

I never really let things go.

It’s time.

Ok. It’s past time.

For example, I ordered these pace bands once I got into Chicago.

If you can’t tell, these are 4:15 and 4:30 pace bands.

Crazy now. At one point, it was a goal. Actually it wasn’t even a crazy goal.

In the back of my mind, this was while not a goal, it was possible. I was secretly holding onto it. I couldn’t let it go. No matter how improbable or silly, I held onto it. In the deep recesses of my brain, I admit now that this was always there. I kept imagining a miracle in my training. That something would click and I would be right back there. As much as that seed was in the back of my mind, I realistically trained for where I am today.

I am at a 5 if not a 5 1/2 hour marathon.

I’m a firm believer in goals. It’s what kept me running.

Some people have goals for speed, some distance, some just getting out the door. My goal at this point is honestly just to finish. Each goal is a worthy goal. Each brings it’s own set of challenges. That is the beauty of being a runner. You are only competing with yourself and your own limitations. Some real and some imagined.

So with a goal of getting to the finish line, I need to run smart. As I’ve said before, I’ve hit the wall before at a marathon. It’s not pretty. I, honestly, don’t know if I can push through it today. I’ve got a lot going on… The calcium issues, the stomach issue, the tendonitis, and oh yeah being 15 pounds heavier than last year.

I’ve sought out advice from those who have dealt with hypoparathyroidism longer than me. One thing that stuck with me is this response…

“We live a very measured life. We don’t get the option to give it a 70% or an 80%. If we are to accomplish what we are aiming for, We have to give it a 100% . At all times.”

So with this advice, I know that I have no room for show boating. I’ll save that for a later date with friends whose hands I will grab as we cross the finish line.

A 5 hour marathon is still a marathon.

A 5 1/5 hour marathon is still a marathon.

And I’ve got 6 1/2 hours to get to the finish line. I will say that I’m hoping to get there before then, but I will get there and be happy about it if that is how it rolls that day.

All I know is that when I get to the finish line, I might hug the person giving me a medal. worth it

Taper Town

Sep17

Well some how I have arrived at Taper town without feeling like I have fully trained or am ready to run a marathon.

Good Times.

Chicago will be my 5th marathon. I’ve gone into some in what I may have thought was under trained, now I look at those training cycles and realize how ready I was for them. This is the first marathon where I actually went and read what the cut off time would be as I think I might really need to know this.

A smarter person may have decided to defer Chicago. A smarter person might have said, “another year.” Here’s the thing though…. I may be crazy, but I am definitely not stupid. I’ve adjusted my training. I’ve adjusted my expectations. I’ve prepared.

I’ve trained for this marathon using the walk/run method. To go the distance right now, this is what I need. Then part of me thinks, well I did run a half marathon in April so why not just run the marathon. But I trained with the walk/run, so I need to use this on race day. I’m pretty sure when they say don’t do anything different on race day this would fall under that category. Just saying. My subconscious is obviously trying to make sure that I know that too because I’m already dreaming about Chicago.

In my last dream, another runner came up to me, got in my face, and yelled at me to run my own race.

Um, ok.

I guess that should be the plan.

Everything is falling into place and as long as I don’t fall apart on the course all should be good. I will say that I’m praying for a cool race day. I just can’t seem to tolerate the heat when running anymore. I’m not sure why but it seems to be a common complaint with those with hypoparthyroidism. I think it is my meds as dosage did go up after that race. One of the side effects of Calcitriol is sweating more than usual leading to electrolyte imbalance. I will also say that while I was always a sweater, I am epic sweater now. I do think my dosage is too high which is something I will discuss at upcoming appointment with specialist in NY. Although this close to marathon, I would be reluctant to make any dosage changes.

The other day, I went out for my last long run. Between mile 12 and 13, I fell apart. I didn’t need to look at my pace to see that. I was running in a patch with no shade and I started to overheat. I was sweating so much I look like I’d peed my pants and I was drenched. Luckily I pushed through till I got to a bathroom in the park where I proceeded to fill my empty water bottle up and dump it over me. After about 4 bottles of water down my back, over my neck, and down my shirt I felt much better. So note to self, if hot I will be dumping water at water stations on my head. I’m sure that I will look fabulous in my race pictures too. Ha!

Anyway, I will stick to the plan.

My Race

My Pace

Walking isn’t a crime.

Do what needs done.

determination

Putting the Pieces back together

Jul17

Humpty Dumpty sat on a Wall

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.

All the kings horses and all the kings men couldn’t put Humpty together again.

I admit it, I’ve been feeling a little bit like Humpty for a while. Say, since November 18th. That being said, I have recently been coming to terms with my cracked shell and the realization that it’s up to me to put the pieces together again. They might fit a little different, but that’s the way things go.

I’ve also realized thanks to the reminder of Training Peaks that I am now six weeks into my training. They were also nice enough to point out that the Chicago Marathon is only twelve weeks away. Time flies and I know it will be here before we know it.

I’ve been happy with my training recently. I think it has something to do with the above realization. Anyhow, I am (trying) to not beat myself up anymore and just roll with it.

You know what?

I’ve had some good runs recently. Now my good runs to a front of the packer might make them scratch their head, but I’ve been happy and isn’t that enough? Why yes, yes it is!

Case in point

Last night I went out for 7 miles. I was comfy on the couch after a nice dinner, but forced myself to leave the mindless TV watching to go for my run. It was bordering on becoming dark, so I suited up accordingly. I forgot how nice it is to run at night when the streets are quiet and everyone is inside their house. I went out knowing it would be a slow run. Still trying to balance the walk/run thing and just figured that I would just let things take a natural progression. Another plus is that once it got dark enough, I could NOT see my Garmin for pace.

I ran just to run.

I ran for the miles

I ran just to enjoy the night.

I ran just to see how I would run.

Most of all, I allowed my mind just to focus on the run.

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Here are my paces and to be honest, I am actually very happy with them.

Once I hit my groove at mile 3 and after miles 4 I had negative splits. Not bad considering that I wasn’t aiming for them or thinking about pace. I did consistently ask if “I needed to walk” or “If I wanted to walk.” I found that last night I didn’t need to walk as much. I think part of it was that I was having a good day, I was well hydrated, and I am slowly getting back to running mojo. Either way, I will take a good run when I can get one.

Yes, I am sore today and was much sorer last night than I should have been for 7 miles. I’m noticing that it is my feet and my right quad that seem to be paying the price. Going to see if I can squeeze in a massage this week and I really should foam roll more.

I’m also putting the pieces together for Chicago logistically speaking. As soon as I realized that I got into Chicago, I did book a room for the day before the marathon and leaving the day after. I’ve literally gotten into a car and driven home after running the Marine Corps Marathon and thought, “never again.” I also figured that I would just see how things play out. They seem to be playing out nicely:)

One of the other Moms in my Moms Run This Town group is also running Chicago. We’ve started formulating a plan to fly to Chicago on Friday. We can get a room near the airport for Friday night. Then the next day move to the hotel room that I already have booked. (Yes, I tried to see if I could add Friday onto my stay, but it was a no go). Anyway, it is nice to know that we are in this together. Plus she’s a sweetheart and it should be lots of fun!

I do so love it when a plan comes together and it finally seems like things are coming together for Chicago.

Plugging Along

May9

Most of us lead ordinary lives. This is not necessarily a bad thing. It is just a fact of life. Most of have a pattern to our lives which changes over time. My Mother refers to it as the “seasons of our lives.” Right now I feel that I’m between seasons…..

As with the “seasons of our lives,” we also have seasons in our training.

Right now I feel that I’m in between seasons……

I just came off the NJ Half. A race that I went in under trained for, but still finished well and with a solid time of 2:20:23. The race went well. For the most part, I felt good overall and it gave me hope that I will be ready to start Chicago Marathon training. I’m to the point where I need to start preparing for my training. First thing first is to put the actual date of the Marathon on my calendar. When people ask me when it is, I truly only knew that it was in October.

Date: October 8, 2017

152 days from today.

This means that training will start literally in a matter of weeks.

Oh Boy….

My mind is a flurry thinking about gearing up my training, getting handle on calcium (hypoparathyroidism), figuring out nutritional and supplements, and being a busy Mom of three.

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy….

treadingwater

Honestly right now I’m plugging along with the calcium, but I often feel like I’m just treading water. There appears to be a fine line between keeping your head above water and letting yourself sink. It feels like a constant state of not being able to plant your feet. It is a strange feeling trying to keep your calcium high enough to not be too symptomatic but not so high as to cause other problems. Plus even with keeping my calcium high enough, it is still keeping it in the low range thereby figuring out how to deal with those symptoms. Those that have dealt with it for a while do say that you eventually get used to the “new normal.” I’m trying to believe them.

I’m looking forward to the day where I’ve figured it out a little (lot) better than I have right now. It’s just a constant guessing game. Plus I’ve come to the realization that what has changed most for me is that really overnight I started to feel my age if you will. Although I do think that even if I don’t look it being in such good shape has helped with some of the symptoms.

But I will work it out. I will get my head out of the sand. I will start training. Most of all, I will cross the finish line in Chicago.

I’m trying to find the excitement. It sounds bad, but I’m not excited about running. I’m not happy about running it. I’m not unhappy or unexcited either. I’m just blah. It’s not that I don’t want to run it. It’s just right now I’m not feeling it. But I’m not feeling a lot of things right now, so I’ll just go through the motions.

One day at a time.

One step at a time.

Every runner no matter what their health knows that nutrition plays a key role in not just their training but their general well being. That is where I plan to start.

Off to make an appointment with nutritionist.

Lucky, Lucky, Lucky Me

Dec13

My Mom is a very lucky woman. Really she is. The first time she went to a casino which wasn’t till she was in her mid 40’s, she put a few coins in a slot machine and all the bells started to go off. This was repeated many times like almost every time she goes to the point that the one time it didn’t happen she was confused. She also has the same type of luck with lottery tickets. Never hitting big, but always just enough at just the right time.

It’s funny because the other day she was at my house showing my family her latest Christmas Scratch off where she won $400. Perfect, right before Christmas. My hubby was joking that as much as I’m like my mother why couldn’t I have her luck when it came to lotteries. Then I realized that I do just not the lotteries that pay you cash.

Seriously.

I threw my name into the Marine Corps Marathon just on a lark. Actually forgot about it.

Got in.

After the New York City Marathon which I got in with 9 plus 1 on the runner’s high I threw my name into the Chicago Marathon lottery. Really not expecting much as only half get in. I thought the odds were worse than that till I looked this morning. Again forgot about it until a friend texted me to ask if I got an email.

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Got in.

How does this keep happening to me? Yes, I know it happens because I keep putting my name into these things but I really never expect to get in. Never.

So I realized this morning, that I do have my mother’s luck. I think my hubby would prefer if I had different lottery luck, but for a runner this isn’t a bad kind of lottery luck to have.

So apparently, I will be running Chicago.

I might need to start running again for this to happen though:)

Don’t worry, I’m on it!

The Accidentally Running Mama

Run, Bike, Swim and Have a Life!