THREE

While on vacation a few weeks ago I set a reminder on my phone to not forget my mile everyday. My daughter watched me set the reminder and asked "Would you really forget to run?"

Would I really forget to run while on vacation or any other time for that matter? In short, anything is possible. Considering the fact that I was away from home, my normal routine, on the road and in a different place, I guess the chances are greater. That being said, after 3 years, running is integrated into my daily routine. No matter what I'm doing my brain is asking "When are we running?" This goes on until I run. Everyday.  

When I first started streaking, I will admit that is was mostly for my ego. I wanted to prove to myself that running everyday wasn't that hard. The first year proved to be the hardest. I questioned my sanity more then than now. These days I have moved onto the acceptance phase of my streak. Yes, Liz you ARE crazy. 

The United States Running Streak Association (USRSA) and Streak Runners International (SRI) page has the occasional "OOPS!" posts.  The streaks range from a few months old to a few years old. They will often report that they knew something was missing from their day and it wasn't until the next day that they figured out what it was.  I have had dreams (okay, nightmares) of forgetting to run. Wouldn't be the end of the world honestly, but I can imagine what a disappointment it might be if I simply forgot to run. 

I woke up March 20, 2014 to the first day of spring and proclaimed "My run streak begins today" It was a day, like today (minus the record high temps) where winter was a distant memory and in it's place were signs of new life among the brownness.  The birds were singing their songs and the bees were buzzing.  

Today, I woke up to THREE. I let that sink in for a minute. Three years. I reflect on this past year that saw many tears. Tears of sadness for the loss of loved ones. Tears of happiness for a new job and new beginnings.  Through it all, running has once again proven to be the ONE constant thing that centers me. My heart is full because I can run. Because I do run. Because I choose to run. Gratitude.  Here's to 4

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for a quick post on GOALS 

 

Running

Since this is a running blog, I decided to title this post "Running". (Doh) Also, my brain isn't at full capacity and I couldn't think of anything else.  Go with it. Just go with it.

It's been nearly a year since I posted something. Coincidentally, my last post was about yep...running. Well, streaking to be more precise.

It is the eve of my 2 year streak-aversary and YIKES! I am a bit in denial. Two years of running every single day is pure craziness, that I am certain of. The hardest part? Getting out the damned door. So after 731 days of running, I thought I would blog about not why I streak, but why I don't want to stop running. The reasons may surprise you.

The reason I started my streak was for a very simple reason. I wanted to run more. Not just on occasion, not just for half marathon training- I wanted to run more consistently. Progress with anything takes consistency, right?

Through the initial months of running every day, I began to feel an appreciation for it that I had never felt before. My appreciation grew not just for running but for living. The daily ritual of putting on my shoes and taking a step outdoors to run was a feeling of freedom. Of peace. Of strength. It's only now that I look back on that initial first year and think about how my life has changed.

Running everyday is pretty life changing, but it's the stuff in my life that's changed that's kept me running. Like many of you my life revolved around running. Today, running revolves around my life. Literally and metaphorically. It has become that important. My reason to keep running-life.

When life gives you lemons-well, you know the rest. Life served us some humble pie and we graciously ate it all up and licked the pan. That's how you deal with adversity. You move on. You smile and thank the universe for that moment. That is how we dealt with hubby's job loss. That-and running every damned day.

Brings me to this moment. My reason-our reason NOT to stop running. It's not junk miles. It's not crazy for not giving your body rest. It's not stupid for pushing through what ails you. It's for sticking to something every single day. That something that brings you peace, comfort, strength, and clarity. Because life can be junky, life is crazy, life is hurtful-but I am strong-WE are strong.

Life is what you make it. I am making it through life by running-every day.  My choice. My life.


Thanks for reading! Until next time :)

I ran and ran and then ran some more.

Who the hell runs EVERY. SINGLE.DAY. ? Streakers, that's who!! You think you're a crazy runner? (You probably are) But, behold the streaker. An example post on the USRSA's FB group page: "I have been throwing up all day, along with diarrhea and have a fever of 105. Should I run a mile to keep my streak alive?" Do I have to tell you what the response is? It is after all a streakers group. Of course you should run!* Running through what ails you to keep the streak alive should be this group's mantra but we know as runners that your body needs rest days, right?! Sure we do. Raise your hands if you've ever run on a rest day. Don't worry, I couldn't see if you did.

Right on the USRSA's own website there is a link :"CAUTION The Dangers of Streak Running"  Yet...yet there are over 500 active streakers. So, what gives? Are we all dumb? Call us determined, call us inspiring, call us crazy. But whatever you do, do NOT call us dumb.  Listen. (or rather read) We know our bodies limits. You'd be hard pressed to find a runner who hasn't run through something.  Am I right? Raise your hand if you have run through an injury or some kind of virus.

I myself have run through horrible migraines, stomach bugs, injuries and all four seasons. I know what you're thinking, "Liz, you live in a desert, you have NO seasons." You're almost right. While we don't have drastic winters with a butt load of snow, or the extreme heat like our neighboring deserts, or the humidity like everywhere else, we do have the dry desert heat. Then there's our altitude.  Over 5k above sea level.   That's something, isn't it? 

I'm not here to brag. It hasn't been all rainbows and unicorns. I've endured the eye of the storm and have made it to my streak anniversary.  How did I get here? 

1) I took my 'rest' days as needed. (1 mile minimum)

2) I woke up early on summer days to avoid the heat. (over 100 on some days)

3) I wore next to nothing on said hot days. (scary stuff)

4) I bitched about said hot days on Facebook pleading for colder days.

5) I nourished my body properly in anticipation of the cold months. (eat all the food)

6) I woke up later during winter months to avoid the cold. (that was hard ;) )

7) I bundled up to stay warm on said cold days. (Layers are bulky + #5) 

8) I bitched about said cold days on Facebook pleading for warmer days.

9) I bitched about my injuries, my husband, dogs, people, drivers, and everything else.

10) Most importantly, I got up EVERY. DAMN. DAY to run at least a mile. EVERY DAY!

The ugly side of streaking that no one speaks of. Fits of rage when you can't go run when you want, tears when you don't want to go run (yes, I had those days) and blood when you're running and trip. Ouch. That covers blood and tears. I know you don't want to know about the buckets of sweat from running over 365 days.  Now, that's ugly...and gross. Eww

On the bright side of things, it hasn't been ALL bad. 

Streaking love. Let me count the ways..

1) I am stronger (my fitness level has improved)

2) I am better (physically and mentally)

3) Longer (my endurance has improved)

4) Lighter (I've lost weight)

5) I am faster (than before I started streaking)

6) My running form has improved significantly.

7) I have a new hm PR

8) I have a lot of new running gear (new Altras for running everyday-yipee!)

9) I have a lot of confidence in myself as a runner and as a person.

10) After 365 days, I have made the USRSA's active streak list! (#541)

How long will I go? Who knows.  I will go as long as my body allows. I'll take it day by day.



Thanks for reading. Thank you for your continued support. Until next time...

*The awesome and supportive group that is the United States Running Streak Association is a great bunch of people.  Some have been streaking for decades. When it comes to running everyday and running through illness and sometimes surgery, they offer up their own personal experiences and always, always make sure to say that the streak is not worth your health. Always run with caution and never put yourself at risk. Period. 

Puff the PF Chang dragon

Escaping to a neighboring desert city for a race is a pain in my ass. Literally and figuratively. Yet, I couldn't resist the allure of the warm temps, palm trees and of course the double double animal style at In-N-Out.

Preparing yourself for a destination race is always hectic. I've only done a few races, but with the exception of one (10K)they've all been somewhere other than my home state.When there are two of you, it's just plain chaos. Trying to be thoughtful of everything makes a person insane. "What if it's cold? What if it's hot? What if these (shorts, shirt, bra, socks) chafe? What about nutrition?What are we going to eat?" It goes on and on. And on.

This race has been my birthday race for the last 2 years and was my very first hm for my 40th birthday. It's sorta like tradition. Would I let a little PIA stop me from tradition? Well, it almost did. Almost.

Within hours of the online race deadline, I sold my soul (and hubby's) to the PF Chang Dragon.

I vowed to let this race experience be a memorable one for hubby. His first half. Yet, something about racing brings out the bitch in me. Wait, it wasn't racing that did that.

Hubby would have likely worn what he had in his closet. Some netted athletic shorts from the Academy (circa 1990) or whatever else he had. I knew better. Amazingly the elastic was still good, but they could have gone at any point during the race.  So, I shopped for a good pair of running shorts for him reading every review and paying attention to fit. In addition, I had my own running gear to think about.

Packet pick up is always a hassle. I know a lot of people enjoy the expo and stuff, but I would rather get my junk and get out of there. Since hubby also had to get his packet, we had to park this year. Normally, he drops me off and drives around. We arrived at the expo from a different route which had us turned around. Nothing looked familiar. We parked at a meter and walked aimlessly for around 10 minutes. Usually you see the crowds and people walking around with their bags. Nothing. Asked Siri for some help and she said we were 3 blocks away. Did I mention I was bitchy? Yeah, I was. I hate being lost. And I was hungry. Starving. Thirsty, Tired. And my butt hurt. Seven hours in a car was doing nothing for my aching ass.

Made it back to the car and our meter had expired. No ticket. Plugged in the hotel address into my phone and got us to the hotel with no problems.  Set down our stuff and immediately went out for our run. Glorious temps. My bitchiness faded.  Running does that. My brain shifted to organizing race gear for the am. My stuff and his.

With a new city of many food choices, I did not know what to eat.  I say this like it's something new, but in fact, it's the story of our lives. Too many choices leave me kerfuffled.  We went to Target. Cause who doesn't like to visit a Target in a different city?! Actually realized I forgot my toothbrush at home.Hubby suggested I ask the front desk for one. Ummm, no thanks! Who forgets to pack their toothbrush?  THIS girl. UGH

There we were, driving around Chandler. Windows rolled down, passing by every imaginable food place that ever existed. You know when you're over tired and just need a good rest and sleep? This is how I felt about food. I was over hungry and just needed food NOW! Any other time, I would have been okay sitting in a restaurant and partaking in the atmosphere of foodies. But this night, I just wanted food and to go back to the hotel and chill. I contemplated a double double animal style but that sounded wrong in so many ways. So, I picked the most bland fast food I could think of. A grilled chicken sandwich from Chik fil A.  No fries.

BitchinRunner was less bitchy after food and shower. After catching up on my page and text messages, I got comfy in bed and brewed a cup of bedtime tea. Sleep came later at the same time the occupants next door couldn't decide if they wanted to stay in their room or not. When I finally fell asleep, the nightmares came. I got lost and didn't make it to the race. I got my period the day before the race. Oh wait, that actually happened.

Something funny that happened. We had to buy tickets for the light rail and used a 20 dollar bill. We got change back in dollar coins. Twelve of them. What's funny about that? Hubby had to carry them in his belt during the race. He jingled all the way.

When we saw the corrals start moving forward, we jumped into corral 13. Before we started running we talked about a game plan. Don't go out too fast, maintain a steady pace, take in honey stinger at mile 7 at the water station and have fun.

Despite all my efforts to loosen my glutes and hamstrings, they were yapping at me. I snapped back and pushed on.Hubby and I ran mostly together. We would get separated by the other runners, but we were always within a few feet of each other.  Miles 1-4:  9:31, 9:10, 9:10, 9:19.  The decision had been made that hubby would wear the Garmin. Best decision ever. I always talk about being obsessed with the numbers and this was the perfect solution.  I ran by feel and it was liberating. I would see him looking at the watch from time to time and while I was tempted to ask how we were doing, I knew I was okay not knowing.We passed the 2:15 pacer and I knew I was on track to PR this race. When we approached the clocks on the course, I did get a gauge for how we were doing as well.

Knowing there was an incline approaching, we took in some honey stinger before the water station and had a bit of water and a bit of gatorade.  I think it helps you prepare mentally when you know what's ahead and this was key for me. The gradual incline came about miles 6-8 with 9 being the out and back hill. When I saw the PF Chang dragon on the hill, I realized that this is where I had passed it last year. I began pumping my arms and taking in some deep breaths.  I passed the dragon up the hill and knew the downhill was coming. I glanced around and didn't see hubby. Miles 5-8: 9:17, 9:21, 9:48, 9:41. I slowed a bit to look for him. And then there he was right next to me again.  He said "Did the stinger kick in?" He said I was sprinting up the hill. He also said his knee was hurting. I asked if he needed to walk. He said no. We pressed on.

I was counting down the miles at that point. Too bad the course didn't have any more mile markers after 10 miles cause I lost track of where I was.  I was happy to be done with the inclines and was looking forward to the finish.

After the hill, the runners dispersed and we had more room to run together. We chatted for a bit and I could feel our effort slowing a bit. With a half mile left, I stopped to walk. A half mile. I was scanning the area for somewhere to vomit. Yep. I was. Hubby noticed I stopped and said, "C'mon, you have 4 minutes left in you don't you?" I said, "yes, I do" and we started running again. The urge to vomit subsided for the time being.

The finish line never looked so intimidating. It was within a few hundred feet, yet I couldn't get there fast enough. The urge to vomit was stronger than ever as I passed the finish line. My hand was over my mouth and I was once again scanning the area for a spot. When I was finally able to sit and rinse my mouth with water I felt better. Out of the corner of my eye I could see hubby was hobbling around. He was in considerable pain.

We never made it to the beer garden for our beer and I didn't get a chance to meet Briana from Mat.Miles.Medals.

Miles 9-13: 9:42, 9:09, 9:12, 9:45, 10:10.  Official time:2:04:34

The drive home was one of reflection and pain (in my ass). Nonetheless, it was a feeling of satisfaction and pride. So proud of hubby. So proud of myself.

Slow and steady wins the race?

My official time for my very first half marathon some three years ago was 2 hours 48 minutes and some change. Simply to have finished was miraculous considering I hadn't really trained for it. And I didn't really consider myself a runner.(I know) I was mainly going through the motions and crossing off my goal of completing a half marathon for my 40th birthday.

I never considered I would delve so deep into running that I would start reading books about running. Hubby had a few running books that he had collected through the years that he had been running. A few editions of  The Lore of Running and Born to Run and a few others including non running books about endurance and such. I don't know if you've ever seen the book The Lore of Running but it's a pretty big book.  Like REALLY big.  The first book I ever bought myself as a runner was The Runner's Body co written by Matt Fitzgerald.  It was concise with many illustrations. A quick read with lot's of valuable information about the runner's body.  Just the kind of book I like.  So, after a bit of research I discovered more books by Matt Fitzgerald.* I even found him on Twitter and Facebook and often joke with him about how he once almost followed me. I have become quite obsessed with Matt Fitzgerald books about running. And well, running.

For the record, it's not just me. Apparently, it has become the obsession of many. Young and old. A quick Google search about running brings up thousands and thousands of links. The content ranges from how to improve your form, how to get faster, how to find the right shoes, how to fuel properly and on and on. When I stumbled upon a Runner's World article about running slow to get fast I had to read it. And actually the article had me from the word "slow".   The Big Book of Endurance by Phil Maffetone was again, another REALLY big book. What I got from the sample read: train in a certain heart rate zone for optimal race results.    S  L   O    W.  To go fast.  

As if by telepathy, Matt Fitzgerald announced his book 80/20 Running available for pre order. Even though I didn't exactly know what the book was about, the fact that it was about running AND was written by Matt Fitzgerald was good enough for me. Plus I had just read Diet Cults by him and I have to say that there is just something about his writing that I get. Diet Cults as it's name implies is about every diet you've ever heard of and/or tried. Awesome book.

I waited patiently for 80/20 Running and then the night before the release I got it on my iPad. I started reading and I couldn't get to sleep. The information was flowing into my brain and I couldn't get enough.

I had many questions about 80/20 Running. No. I had many questions about MY running. How much of  my running do I spend at a low intensity? And how much at a high intensity, ie speed work, intervals, tempo runs.  Do I know know how to gauge low intensity? Or high intensity? So now I'll ask you : Do YOU know how much of your workouts you spend at LI or  HI ? Take a guess. Is it close to 80/20? Or is it more 50/50? Or something else? Read on. 

The 80/20 formula has been around for centuries,but the term 80/20 wasn't attached to this "formula" right away. Coaches simply put it into play with their athletes. But what is it?  Simple. Train 80% at a low intensity. Spend the other 20 at high intensity.  Now, I'm not talking about EACH run. I'm talking about your training. Now you're probably asking what is considered low intensity. Well, I will just say that for me, it's slow. Keep in my mind that MY slow is different from your slow. It is very individual. As I've progressed as a runner, my slow is someone else's fast.  And my fast is someone else's slow. It's all relative.

With all the books out there about how to improve your form, race times etc.,  I have not encountered one that tells you how to do that without injury. Until 80/20 Running. Now, he doesn't tell you specifically how to avoid injury, but the formula itself is built around some key items. One being overuse injuries. I can't tell you how many people I know right now that are suffering from some type of running injury. And having been there before, I can tell you it's no fun. At all. Down time means not doing what you love. And I haven't always loved running, but since I have implemented the 80/20 formula to my training I have had little to no running related injuries. 

Let me tell you a little something about myself. I had no running experience whatsoever 3 years ago. None. I once completed a 5k in a sprint triathlon in 2009, but that's it.  Fast forward to 2014 and I have completed 2 more half marathons, one being a very difficult trail race, one 10k and my very first marathon. And as of this post I am 260 days into my running streak. Not too shabby for a non runner. But what I have learned about running has helped me become a better runner. Not necessarily a fast runner, but a faster runner than I had been 3 years ago for my first half marathon. Every day is learning day. If you want to be good at running? Run. A lot. Want to be good at swimming? Swim. A lot. Pretty simple right? Sort of. Like anything though, you can have too much of a good thing. Running a lot or swimming a lot, or bicycling a lot leads to BURNOUT. BIG TIME. Plus, the bigger concern of over training which almost always leads to injury.

The beauty of 80/20 Running is the valuable research that went into it. There is no fluff in this book. It is a "meat and potatoes" kinda book.  Gives you what you need, including brilliant training plans for any distance, a detailed intensity control guide for 80/20 workouts and so much more.If you would rather get coaching in your ear, head over to PEAR Sports where you can purchase Matt's 80/20 Running training plans.

While I'm okay with never winning any race, it doesn't mean that I can't dream of someday placing somewhere in my age group. Slow and steady in my training will get me there! 

*******One lucky person will get a SIGNED copy of 80/20 Running in my #fewofmyfavoritethingsgiveaway happening THIS Friday. (12/5) on my Facebook Page

*Also by Matt Fitzgerald:

The New Rules of Marathon and Half Marathon Nutrition

Racing Weight Cookbook

Racing Weight

RUN: The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel

The Runner's Body (with Ross Tucker and Jonathan Dugas)

Runner's World The Cutting-Edge Runner

The Runner's Edge (with Stephen McGregor)

Runner's World Performance Nutrition for Runners

Brain Training for Runners

Run Faster from the 5k to the Marathon (with Brad Hudson)

Not related to running but a great read:

Diet Cults

A few of my favorite things

You may have seen my post a while back on my Facebook page introducing you to Arty Water. It's been a while and I just finished up my free samples. I wanted to let you  know what I really thought about Arty Water. And with the holidays approaching I thought it would be fun to have a giveaway of some of Bitchinrunner's favorite things. One of which happen to be Arty Water.

In case you missed my post on Arty Water, I'll share this link with you so you can read all about it! Ingredients are minimal and you can pronounce everything. That's pretty awesome!

If I had to choose one word to describe the way it tastes, I would say 'clean'. Weird maybe, but to me it doesn't get any better than that. I love coconut water, but it has a heavy taste. If you get coconut water with pulp it's filling. While filling isn't always bad, sometimes when I'm done with a run or workout I want refreshing and light. Water is refreshing, but let's face it, after you've lost lots of sweat you need something that helps you replenish what you lost. Water doesn't do that. Arty Water does. As for pre workout, Arty Water leaves me feeling energized and ready to tackle my run and I know I'll stay on the right side of hydration.


What does it taste like? To me, it tastes like tea. It has peppermint and a hint of lemon. Heat it up and you've got yourself a delicious warm beverage for these cold mornings and nights. Which by the way, I LOVE the cooler weather. There is nothing like breathing in the crisp air.

My samples were enjoyed at various times in place of water, coconut water and occasional caffeinated beverage (coffee or iced tea). Before and after running and sometimes just because.
I felt hydrated and refreshed after having Arty Water. No heavy stomach feeling, no stomach problems. Nothing. Did I mention it's full of antioxidants? Did I also mention its a natural anti inflammatory? What's not to like about that? Yes, I know what you're thinking. You were given samples and I have to say something nice. The folks at Arty Water wanted my honest feedback about it and I'm a pretty honest person. If I hated it, I would say so. Free or not.

Bottom line: I truly enjoyed my samples. I am sad they're all gone quite honestly.

The last 2 bottles I took with me to Denver for my marathon. If you're like me, after a long run or a hard race your appetite is just not there. This was the feeling I had after my marathon. Immediately after I could not think about eating anything at all. When we got back to the hotel, my family was naming off stuff in the fridge for me to have. Gatorade, coconut water, water, soda, beer. Nothing sounded good. Then my daughter said Arty Water !  I totally forgot I brought It! I think I chugged it in one gulp. It was EXACTLY what I needed! Minutes later I felt like I could eat something so I devoured the red velvet cupcake my daughter bought me. 

So, what have you got to lose? Stay tuned for the details on this giveaway and find out what else made my favorite things list for more giveaways.

Road trippin it to crazy

I never minded long trips as a kid. At least that's MY memory of it. My parents and siblings would probably say differently.  I knew the destination and the fun that lie ahead so I was okay with the miles, the bathroom/gas stops and annoying siblings. I was probably the annoying one!  The build up to the camping trip or California was an exciting time.  School days dragged on for what seemed like forever.  But when the time came, it was pure joy.

With a week to go before my marathon, I began prepping for the big day. The training was done and it was now "Go Time"  Time to believe in the run. Trust the training. Yet, the doubts crept in. I blame the taper.

How does one mentally prepare for 26.2 miles? The farthest I'd run was 20 miles, and I almost didn't even get that far.  Close enough some say. You don't want to put undo stress on your body or risk injury.  I probably could have gone to 22 or even 24. Would it have mattered? Probably not. Unless you've run the whole distance it's hard to know how to REALLY prepare. When race day comes, there are too many variables.

All week I drank my water, ate my food  yada yada yada.  I had it all figured out. Even my "cycle" was on board beforehand to remove that from race day stress.. Or so I thought.  I had experienced the challenge during my first and only triathlon and it was in fact a stressful time, not to mention quite the energy zapper. But I finished. And as you know, I will never do another.

We arrived to our hotel on Friday evening and then headed downtown to the expo for packet pickup. After a ton of traffic and a slight detour thanks to Siri, we were in the heart of downtown Denver. I usually don't linger at expos BUT I  really wanted to go check out InkNburn. I REALLY needed some arm sleeves. NEEDED them since it was cold. I had a light long sleeve shirt I had planned on wearing but I knew it would warm up and didn't want to just throw it. So the 4arms were a necessity.  Plus they have some really cool shit that you don't see everywhere. PLUS they had a limited edition Denver bag that I wanted. PLUS, it was free with purchase.

Saturday we took the light rail back to downtown to check out the zombie crawl and to grab some lunch. It was a great day walking around 16th street mall with my husband, daughter, son in law and grandson. They had taken time off of work to come cheer me on. I was so grateful to have them there. My son stayed behind to dog and house sit and I missed him there. We headed back to the hotel, had dinner and I got my gear all ready and called it a night.

As with other races, I woke up every hour looking at the clock. I had set an alarm but feared I would sleep through it.  I didn't.  I woke up at around 4:30 and had my normal pre race meal. Half English muffin with almond butter, bananas and honey and a shot of espresso. I made my way to the bathroom a few times before we left the hotel and almost missed the light rail. I didn't want to mess with the lines at the porta potties so I thought I would go again.Yikes.

Tailwind was mixed and ready in my handheld. I sipped on that to the start line, then dumped what was left in the Mazama. A few days before, I decided to use my Mazama hydration waist pack with Tailwind as I wasn't sure I would be comfortable with the handheld for 26+ miles

Made it to the start and ran a little to warm up. Did some stretching and then made my way through the crowds to my corral. Number 12. The previous Rock n Roll series in Arizona I had participated in the events were separated. Half marathon and Marathon starts were in separate locations. This event everyone was corralled together. We were squished pretty tight in there. A few elbows in my face and stepped on toes I was NOT a happy camper. It seemed like forever. And then my time had come.

The first couple of strides were awkward. I hadn't run with the hydration pack in a while and it felt heavy on my back. I thought about ditching it, but I knew I just needed to get used to it. My hydration and fuel were in this pack. I was depending on it. I couldn't ditch it.  Silly me.  I had to keep reminding myself to calm down and "conserve". I didn't feel like I was going too fast, I just didn't feel like I was going slow enough. A weird feeling. For the other races, I knew I could push myself a bit without feeling like I was compromising anything. This was my first 26.2 however. I could not afford a breakdown or hitting a wall. Conserve I said, conserve. So, I tried my best. At the 5k mark I was at 31 minutes. Pretty good I told myself. Conserve. Conserve. Conserve. Then right before the 10k mark I had to use the porta potty. A few people in line ahead and all I could do was wait. Tick tock. I was a little over the hour mark at that point. Conserve. Conserve. No TP in the porta potty. Damn. Too early to sacrifice a sock I thought. It was at that time I realized that I was spotting. Yep. That and my hydration pack was leaking all over my back and butt. Any smart girl would have brought along the necessary equipment, but I thought I was in the clear. Guess not. It wasn't enough to have me that worried at that point so I pulled up my big girl panties and went on my way.

The course had me all over the place in and around downtown. Weather had warmed up just a bit with a cool breeze here and there. At mile 9 I saw my husband holding his phone waiting to capture me running by.  Only he missed me.  I literally started hollering and waving my arms like a mad woman to get his attention and he was distracted by what I found out later was one person on the course accusing another person of cheating. There was a bridge with a slight incline and this person went to the flat part of the bridge on the pedestrian walk instead of the course. Any-who.  He ran ahead of me to grab this shot.

Taking in the sights and cheers of the course was a nice distraction. But somewhere around mile 11 my mind was on aunt flow (sorry guys) Another stop at the porta potty which was located next to one of the medical tents. Just in case.I wondered if they would have feminine hygiene products. Oh dear! Once again, I pressed on. My pace slowed and I was now running alongside a man. We ran together for a while around the park and had a nice chat. I asked how he was. He said his legs were lacking energy and felt heavy. We slowed to walk and chatted a bit more finally exchanging names and then I continued on ahead of him wishing each other well as we separated. Somewhere around mile 16 my stomach started complaining. Not from lack of fuel. It was AN-GRY. With no porta potty in sight I hopped into a local coffee shop and high tailed it to the bathroom. Minutes later I was back on the course singing "On the road again. I can't wait to get on the road again"

I had no idea that I would get to see my family a few miles after that. There at mile 18 was my hubby, daughter, son in law and grandson. I was beyond emotional. I tried my best to keep in together but tears were welling up in my eyes as I hugged everyone. I hated to leave them, but I was not done. I took off and my grandson was running behind me. It was exactly what I needed at that moment.

A few minutes later I caught up with Roger. "I thought you were way ahead of me" he said. I replied, "I had a bit of tummy trouble"  He responded, "Are you feeling better?" I said "Yes, I am" I asked how he was. He said, "I run when I can run but I'm walking a lot" So, I walked a while with him. We talked about how cruel it was that we could hear the finish line cheering at that mile marker. 21. He asked how I was feeling. I told him my quads were screaming at me. He said, "They hate you" AMEN.  Haha.  He said, "Jog with me"  We continued at a pretty slow pace. Walking and jogging alternately.  Then when he stopped to walk he said, "Finish strong" and I continued on ahead of him.

Miles 22,23 and 24 were around a few lakes.  Beautiful scenery as the leaves were bursting with color and the ducks were quacking and waddling around. Around the park there were several people who had stopped. Shaking out legs, stretching. Broken.  I felt a tremendous amount of sympathy for them. I was fortunate. I felt tired, sure. My quads were on fire. I was chugging along like the little engine that could. But I was good. My only fuel had been Tailwind in my leaky pack and a few cups of water. I had to spit once when the gunk was too much in the back of my throat, but overall I felt good.


When I got to mile 25 I wasn't sure how I felt. Much like the road trips I took as a kid I was excited that the destination was now within reach. The joy was around the corner. The miles were done. Yet, the fact that it was over was bittersweet. Just ahead I could hear the cheers of the crowd and then really, really loud screaming. A scream I knew. It was my daughter. "Yeah MOM!!, WOOHOO!!" I was overcome with emotion. I could feel my eyes tearing. At that exact moment, my grandson escaped through the gap in the barricade and ran to me. I grabbed his hand and we ran to the finish. As we approached the finish, my name was announced. I wanted to cry, but how could I?1 Instead I laughed. I smiled. I had finished what I set out to do. The destination was the reward, but the true reward was the journey. And oh what a journey it had been. Official time 5:06:08.