Monday, May 23, 2011

The week after.....What's next

True genius is the ability to make everything easy. Life is actually easy, but we as humans make it hard. A stroll in the park, a laugh with some friends, a black dress, white pearls, a black suite and white tie. Simplicity, carried to an extreme, becomes elegance! - Rex Crain

They say this is one of the hardest parts.  Yes, the training is tough, yes the actually 26.2 is tough, but what is toughest I think is the "after" part.  What to do next.  All of a sudden there is this uncertainty.  You almost feel that there is no purpose, nothing to strive for.  Because after the race is done the only thing you have left is to "rest and recover"  That's all I heard.  Doctor, friends, etc, etc....Hydrate, eat, rest and repeat.  Its like I'm in a shampoo commercial...All you have to do is just wash, rinse and repeat.  Well, there's only so much of that I can do.  (Not the shampoo part, since well, I shave my head...lol).  So all that is left to do is just think and well, to be honest, I already do plenty of that on my own, I don't need more time to ponder.
This past week flew by a lot faster than normal.  The fact that I was busy at work helped.  Not sure how much rest I got, although there was no gym time....
Saturday I decided to test out the wheels and go for a run.  It was a great morning to run and it seemed most of Columbus agreed.  Runners and bikers were all over the bike paths in Antrim.  I realized on my way there that I forgot my water, but knew I should be fine since the runners group usually puts water along the path and this was the case this time as well.
My plan was to take it easy, head out and see how I felt.  Then either turn around at mile 3 or keep trucking along to mile 4.  Decided to go to 4 and turn around.  The weather was just too nice and more importantly my body was responding well.  It's weird because I joked that I would be on crutches for a week after the marathon and here I am running.  Crazy, yet satisfying.  Made it back to the start and to my surprise there was a group gathered along the deck passing out free ice cream.  I mean, who passes up free ice cream.  I did at least get some water and stretched before succumbing to my temptations.  :-)
Later that night I headed to the Clippers game and I think the combination of the run and all that walking took a toll on my feet/legs and they felt a bit sore.  It's all good though, nothing a little rest and ice can't cure (at least that's what I'm telling myself...heehee)
This morning I got the urge to get back in the pool.  For the time being, I'm going to be safe and only run when I feel right, so to get other forms of cardio in, the pool comes a calling.  Nice quick and easy 1 mile swim.  Thought about doing another mile, but talked myself out of it....LOL
For now I'm still unsure what the immediate future holds.....I've been told, I'm still being noncommittal on my next step.  Yes, I am....I'd love to get back out there and do another marathon.  I accomplished my goal of finishing my first, now I want to run one....start to finish....Which of course would be Columbus in October.  But I also need to work on my weight, need to focus on my health and need to look at other things going on in my life.  As well as map out my long term Ironman goal. (2 years as of now if I had to decide) 
My friend Jodi has decided to get back out there and run the full marathon in Columbus, and worst case is I get to be at the finish line to watch her get her new goal.  Jenn and Marla are set to run the Half, along with a few other friends I know.  The Cleveland 10 miler girls are too good to run Columbus however......I'm teasin, I'm teasin....Deb will be attempting her first full marathon in Chicago a week earlier w/Mellisa by her side and I will be rooting them on. 
No matter what happens, I know the past 6 months or so have changed my life for the better....so moving forward just makes sense....
Until next time......

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Cleveland Marathon - The Battle Between Disappointment in Yourself and Being Proud of Someone Else

Life has no smooth road for any of us; and in the bracing atmosphere of a high aim the very roughness stimulates the climber to steadier steps, till the legend, over steep ways to the stars, fulfills itself. – W.C. Doane
 
I really was not sure how I wanted to go about writing my experience for the first ever attempt at a full marathon.  There were points while I was running where I didn’t want to write anything, there were points where I felt there was so much to say and there were points where I understood people were interested (for some reason) in hearing about the day…..But I came to realize while what happened was an accomplishment, for all 20,000 or so that were involved, the day was not about me.  It was about a great friend of mine…...I was just along for the ride, 26.2 miles to be exact.
 
Before I start, for those reading I need to clarify the story for those that don’t know Jodi.  Jodi and I know each other back from our college days at Ashland .  She ran her very first marathon last year in Cleveland .  She had originally asked me to run with her, but I had just started back into running and completed my first half marathon and well, after finishing, could not run for almost 2 months.  There was no way.  She ran it with her cousin and to make a long story short, she collapsed at mile 25.52 exactly and ended up in the hospital. (Yes for anyone curious that would be 0.68 away, so you can imagine her frustration)  The reason she knew the exact mile marker was because the bill from the ambulance had to mark where they picked her up.  Jodi however had NO memory of it and though she went down at mile 22.  She had hyponatremia.  She was devastated to say the least, but she picked herself back up and after a few weeks off started back up again….She convinced me to run this time and I said I would try.  She had also come down to pace me earlier this year and got me to break 2 hours in the half marathon, so the least I could do was help her finish her first marathon.  There were other reasons as well, which will be explained shortly.
 
Race day comes early – Wake up call 4:30am
We all get ready, grab a quick bite to eat and drink, make sure we have everything and head downstairs.  Jodi had made signs for both Jenn and I with our names on them and our favorite quotes (without our knowledge, very thoughtful)  She had made one for herself as well, but she put that on the front of her shirt, while we put ours on our back.  Jodi already had something on her back.  She printed up something saying ‘2010 finish line’ and a picture of her in the hospital and below it, ‘2011 finish line’….”26.2 miles ahead”.
Jodi's back bib for the race

While getting ready I notice Jodi quickly leave the room.  This seemed odd so I went to check on her.  I had thought she had an upset stomach but it turns out she was having a panic attack.  The nerves were getting to her and the thoughts of last year were creeping in.  Not that I was expecting it, but all week she was the calm one, she seemed to have no worries, while Jenn and I were the one’s of uncertainty.  Jodi’s response was always, “hey, I’ve done all this before, it’s the finishing part for me”.   While in the hallway a guy from Canada was waiting for the elevator and I thinking chatting with him help calm her down.  On a side note, it seems every random person I’m meeting at this race is Canadian, not that there is anything wrong with that….LOL
We made plans to meet Morgan in the lobby with her friends at 6am. 

I met "Spike", Morgan's boyfriend who just completed the Boston Marathon and all of the other girls.  Two of them mentioned they had just run a marathon the week before.  My only thoughts were that I want to be able to WALK the week after.  But that was impressive.  Took pictures and started to head off down to the Browns Stadium for the start of the race.  That’s when I look and see Jodi bent over in pain.  Out of nowhere her heart started racing.  It was then that I realized the nerves hitting and I knew then it was more important to me than ever that I help her stay strong.  She got settled down and we left.  The start line was only a ½ mile away and there was no rain in sight, an awesome sign.  Of course we mingled with the crowd, shocker I know.  While at a crosswalk we met a guy who needed safety pins and Jodi graciously gave one of hers.  Chatted as we got closer to the stadium about Ohio and different races we have done.  We were about 20 minutes to the start arriving in the packed crowd and I need to use the restroom, not what I planned.  The look on Jodi’s face was pure worry when I told her I had to head into the stadium and said to me that I better make it back.  I told her it should be no problem and promised I would be there…..or so I thought.  Everyone and their mother was up there, lines everywhere.  I tried to wait but knew if I waited any longer I more than likely would have missed the start……Failed
 
The start – Browns Stadium
I headed back down to find the 4:15 pace group.  I saw the sign and also saw Jodi and Bill’s head pop up looking through the crowd of people.  While they saw me, there was a small problem.  No one was going anywhere.  Come to find out, a lot of those people were spectators, not even letting runners get into the corrals.  I started to get worried, not for me, but for Jodi.  The plan was to stick with the 4:15 pace group, run with them and not have to worry about anything.  Not have to worry about speed or time.  The last thing I wanted was for her to add something to her plate.  Well, I failed miserably as the gun went off and the sea of people started to move.  I never felt so bad in my life.
 
Mile 1-3:  I finally crossed the start line and weaved in and around people to catch up with the group.  The thought of disappointment ran through my head and I quickly realized that things were not going to go as planned so I would have to adjust.  I hear Jodi yelling my name and I caught up with her.  She had fallen back from Bill and the pace group and was running with Jenn.  Then we headed to make up distance with the group, keeping them in sight.  The first mile went pretty smooth, despite it being mostly uphill.  The second mile I could sense something was not right.  I may have apologized once or twice for not being at the start.  She starts taking off her clothes, saying she was too hot, so off went the long sleeve.  Once she finally got adjusted, I still felt bad and kept feeling as if me not being there messed with "the plan" that was laid out.
Around this time the ‘Cleveland 10 Miler’ girls ran by us.  Mellisa, Deb, Kim and their friend Nell all were running the Half, while Bridgett was cheering everyone on throughout the course.  Their attitudes and smiles are incredible and are a great group of girls.  I thought they were long gone and was bummed that we could not meet up before the race.  I also had hoped and planned to be with them at the start line and have them run with us, since their pace was similar to our expected pace.  I gotta be honest, them showing up really helped, me at least, because it put me back into fun mode, something I would need for this whole thing.  Mellisa and Deb were trying for a PR so they headed off.  We saw Kim and Nell on the course a few times early on.  Kim I think was just happy to run and just finish after dealing with injury issues over the last few months.  At one point she snuck up behind us and mentioned how “it’s quite rude for people to walk in the middle of the road during the race”.  Knowing it was her voice, I got a chuckle but I was not quick enough to give her a smartass comment back to her.
 
Mile 4-6:  Jodi had mentioned that she had to go to the bathroom.  Looking through the crowd my main focus was finding a bathroom since I knew the port-o-pots on the course were not for another mile or so and she was feeling worse.  I spotted a Burger King, as did a few other people and told her to go there.  I waited outside for awhile and figured now was as good of time as ever and might as well go too since it just hit me I wasn’t able to earlier...lol  Gathered ourselves in the parking lot and she asked if I was mad at her.  Here I am disappointed and feeling bad for the things going on and she starts being silly like asking if I’m mad.  I just laughed and we headed onto the course.  At this point, I know there was another thing that may have been bothering her, which was not something I had hoped.  We set off running and made it about a half mile and she just stopped and for some reason could not get her breathing down....I got her calmed down and we walked for a bit.  We saw the 4:45 pace group and I could tell she saw that and we started to run.  That lasted for a minute or two and we alternated running and walking.  We then saw the 5:00 pace group and she immediately yelled "oh, hell no" and I could tell she got some spunk back and wanted to stay with them.  That last for about 2 minutes and at this point, something in me realized that she was starting to clock out and thinking of calling it a day.  She was still in "finish time" mode and now all I wanted was to get her into "finish" mode.
 
Mile 7:  May have been a tough one.  She had battled issues for the last few miles, anxiety attacks, a few tears, stomach problems, realizing a respectable marathon time let alone our goal time was lost, along with one or two new things, which I sort of knew at this point what they were…..but this time she lost it.  We stepped to the side of the road and she hugged me and cried and let it all out for what seemed like an eternity.  People would stop and give encouragement or ask if we needed anything.  She had made the comment that she didn’t know if she could continue but that wasn’t good enough for me.
 
I was not going to let her quit….There were a lot of reasons that I felt HAD to make sure that she crossed the finish line. 
The obvious was so we could set out and finish what we started, which was to FINISH the marathon, no brainer and it’s what everyone who does this wants.  Yes, our goal time would have been nice, but at this point on the course, who cares about time.  But she had other obstacles than just your average runner because of last year….Another reason was that she needed to battle those “demons” inside of her of her collapsing last year.  To do what she did, on the same course, her next time attempting a marathon was nothing short of amazing.  By finishing, she would have won the battle which she needed to get her to the next step, which I know for her is breaking 4 hours in the marathon….Only after finishing one first.  There were so many of her friends and family and acquaintances that I’m sure were worried and wondering.  Most knew she would do great, since they know what type of runner she is.
But most importantly…….I was not going to have her daughter be devastated again with having to see her mom in the hospital after last year.  After that happened she looked at her and begged her to never run a marathon again.  So I truly felt if it happened again (her not finishing) she may have never run again because of her daughters fears.  Jodi is too good of a runner and loves it too much that I was sure not going to be the reason that could happen.  Especially if I could do something about it.  There was obviously only so much I could do.  But in my mind, she was finishing…..
 
At this point she asked that I call her husband Jason and let him know that we were not going to finish when we thought we would, not even close.  I grabbed my phone from the belt and as I open it up I notice a few texts.  Two of them were from Jodi.  These were from before the race while I was in the stadium.  “Are you coming” and “You are starting to freak me out.”  At this point I feel even worse and the guilt was coming back since she did not mention she called and now it’s just more what ifs.  I call Jason and as the phone is ringing she also says, “Oh and tell him I’m fine”.  Ya, because everyone always makes random phone calls to chit chat while running a marathon.  I left a message and put my phone back in my belt loop.  I never EVER run with my phone, but something told me I should and I guess I now know why.
 
Miles 8-9:  Shortly after the mile 7 meltdown during a point of walking, Jodi said to me the 7 words that may have been the funniest to me….”You can go ahead if you want”…..4 words came out of my mouth pretty quickly (in a sarcastic and funny tone)  ummmh, ya, f**k you….I was laughing when I said it and it froze her up and got her to smile….Told her nice try , gave her a hug and said that because she pulled that stunt, we’re now going to run.  She gave me the “I deserved that look” and off we went.
 
Mile 10-13:  This is what I like to call the entertainment part of our race.  Not because of the bands playing but because of the interactions, so to speak, with people.  It started with Jodi giving the crowd another free show, this time taking her clothes off so she can put the long sleeve back on, since it was getting cold.  She got some funny looks probably wondering why this girl is undressing in the middle of the road, but still funny.  We then made our way across a bridge towards downtown.  I notice an older woman wearing a red Canada shirt and I see her asking people things as they pass her.  As we approach, she asks “Do you know what the name of this bridge is?”  Before I can respond Jodi barks out “HELL”.  The woman didn’t know how to respond to that and I said I’m not sure, but it may be called Ontario .  The woman quickly says, “No, that is where I am from and THAT is hell”.  Thought it was pretty funny and glad she had a sense of humor.  I later (as in after the race) find out it was the Lorain/Carnegie Bridge.
We pass Jacobs Field (I still call it that since that is what it was named when I worked there) and Tower City ….This is obviously near the end of the race for the Half Marathoners and the 10k runners who joined back up.  I have said in the past that I would really need the crowd and the runners to help us throughout the whole race.  What I forgot about was this part.  The crowds of people all yelling “You’re almost done” and “Keep it up, just a little bit left”.  Normally I love it, since I’ve always been “Almost done” at that point and needed the boost.  At this point we were back to walking and the runners were also cheering people on.  I knew what was coming, just didn’t know who would be the lucky one to receive it.  Finally, after about the 20th person to run up beside us to tell us we are “almost done” and “finish strong”, Jodi turns and just yells…We are NOT almost there.  The guy looks at our bibs and realizes we still have a LONG way to go and quietly keeps running.  But Jodi and I were able to crack a smile, since it was pretty funny.
Shortly after that we got what Jodi REALLY needed.  We saw Morgan and Jen B. on the side of the road with a megaphone, dressed up in crazy outfits and bright wigs. 

Jen B, Spike and Morgan cheering us on
We missed them at mile 7 (or so we thought, you can read her recap here)  After a brief hug and quick pep talk, we got going.  They may have no idea how much she needed that, but it was a huge boost that helped her a lot.  As we headed down the street, Morgan yells in the megaphone, “Dave, smack that butt”, so we both laughed and I obliged.  I want to thank Morgan and her “family” for driving down and making the best of the rain and the cold and cheering everyone on.  If everyone in the world had her positive energy, bubbly personality and outlook, the world would be a better place.
At one point Jodi turned to me and point blank said “You realize we are doing another one, since we are taking a mulligan and this doesn’t count”.  I laughed because I knew this was coming, but I figured it would be AFTER the race, not before we were even halfway through.  Of course, in my head I already had this plan, since I would need her to help me break 4 hours, just like she helped me break 2 hours in the Half.
We came across Morgan’s boyfriend Spike and her best friend, B.o.B. aka Beth.  They both gave her advice on his experiences and a quick pep talk, Jodi touched his “Boston Marathon Finishers” jacket and got the extra kick she needed.  A big thanks to both of you as well and congrats to Beth on her race.
 
Mile 15:  This may have been a tough one for me.  It was around this time where it maybe started to get to me mentally.  One top of being out there for over 3 hours already, mind wandering, going over the race, what I did wrong, what I could have done different.  Normally, I realize that the past is the past, but there was nothing normal about running 15 miles in the rain with having to do more on top of that.  I have NEVER run more than 14 miles…..EVER.  So doubts about the little things creeped in.  I started thinking about the race, thinking about my legs, thinking about the finish, keeping Jodi focused to get her to the finish line.  Emotions crept up and I may have started to shed some tears (yes, a grown man crying)  I figured I was good because my glasses were mostly fogged up with rain on them, so maybe I could compose myself without Jodi realizing this.  Well, I was wrong…..It was all good, and thankfully for me, she let it go.  Of course this would also be the time where we pass the course entertainment.  Some woman singing this slow song, something you’d hear at a wedding during a father/daughter dance.  The runners around were baffled and sort of laughed at how we ALL need some pumped up rocking music and this was NOT the time for this.  To make matters worse it started to rain harder…Jodi and I may have looked at each other and close to the same time blurt out….REALLY???...
Ahhh……To think it only gets harder from here.  The next few miles were sort of a blur.
 
Mile 19:  I could tell something was off with Jodi around this point.  She was starting to focus, and by focus I mean worry.  She told me she was worried since we were closing in on the 20’s.  While I was prepared for this, I didn’t think it would be until mile 22.  We crossed mile 19 with the cop cheering everyone on letting us know there were only 7 miles remaining.  Of course being the smartasses we were and it being a minor detail, we had to let him know there was actually 7.2 and he quickly smiled and said “good point.”  Shortly after, we reach another water stop and after refilling our bottles (and almost getting hit by a car…..ok, not that close, I’d say within 20 feet, but the lady was not paying attention to the cop or the cones and went through them) we kept running and a women was holding a sign and yelled out “#1718 we have been waiting for you and proceeded to do the same for Jodi.  I laughed and replied, thanks I guess you can get out of the rain and go home now.  Headed toward the bike path area of the course next to the shoreway.
 
Mile 22-24:  I thought a lot about how to handle this mile with her, since this is the last one she remembers from last year.  So as we approach the flag I ask what it says…She says “Mile 22” with a bit of a smile.  I ask if she is sure and she says yes.  I then ask what her name is, she gives me this weird look and says “Jodi”.  I ask what my name is and she giggles and says “Dave”.   I said, well alrighty then, I guess you remember everything, how about we finish this thing.  I still have not told her this, but at that moment, when she smiled, I saw something leave her body.  Like a white mist.  Ok, so maybe it was rain or smoke in the background or whatever.  It was like those “demons” in her body just floated away and she was finally coming back to being herself.  It was the weirdest thing, but the only way I can explain it is “peaceful”.  Or maybe I was just slightly delusional from 22 miles in the rain, but either way I know I saw something.
After that she looked at me and said, let’s run to the 3rd set of lights….then we would walk.  Then again, “Let’s run to that red building”.  She was picking out landmarks and things to run to.  Instead of me trying to get her to do it, SHE was doing it.  I could tell she was gaining confidence, even cracking jokes about certain things not being in the same place as last year.  Of course it was around this time that I really started to feel it and with Jodi now herself again, she noticed things that I was trying to hide, which was my limping.  I had been hiding it well until this point, and it really was not bad, despite me being stubborn.  It mainly hurt in the transition of us running to walking and then it would be fine.  But I was not letting anything bother me at this point, we were going to finish.  We joked around a bit, thanked each person and worker on the course for being there in the rain and could feel the finish.  I remember laughing when a woman was in the street walking around with an umbrella telling us all we only had 2 miles to go (when there was less) or people saying it’s “just around the corner” when it really wasn’t.  But it was all good….
 
Crossing Mile 25:  This was going to be the toughest in my mind but she did something that shocked me.  She looked at me and just said “Let’s run the rest of the way”.  Now, I can tell you that we didn’t, but that’s not what matters.  To me it showed that she was mentally strong to battle what was THE worst mile of her running career. (or worst 0.52 miles)  We turned the corner and headed down the homestretch and saw the mile 26 marker up ahead on the right and the Browns Stadium on the left.  The wind was crazy at this point, but it didn’t matter.  We came up to a woman who looked like she was struggling and as we got next to her we gave words of encouragement and really only said “you can do this, we’re almost there”.  The girl looked at us and immediately starting crying.  We asked if she was ok, if she was in pain.  My only thought was, “Oh great, I made someone else cry, way to go Dave”  LOL….Made it to the turn and there was Deb and Nikki, two of Jodi’s friends, who they so happened to make a pact a few years ago to run a Half Marathon in every state.  They joined in with us, only .2 to go.  Jodi saw the clock and noticed it was close to saying 6 hours and just sprinted.  She said there is no way in hell that there would be a 6 in her time.  Granted she knew that would not be our time, since we didn’t cross the start line for almost 10 minutes, but I think it was just out of principle. (Despite maybe promising there would be no sprinting at the end…lol)

Cleveland Marathon "Sprint to the Finish"
Since the start of training she has always said that she pictured crossing the finish line and that “you do realize I’m grabbing your hand and we are raising them in the air”.  I said do what you gotta do.  So as we neared the finish line, I noticed her holding her water bottle and sarcastically ask how she is going to grab my hand….LOL  She tosses the bottle to Nikki, grabs my hand and raises them over our heads and we finished the marathon….Finished, completed, done.  After a big hug, I quickly reminded her about her learning how to swim now so she can do a triathlon, since fair is only fair.  I saw her husband and kids and pointed her in that direction.  She was spent, exhausted and happy at the same time she just bent over to catch her breath.  I knew she was fine, but the moment she bent over, her daughter did not see it that way and I had to get her standing up.  She just realized what happened as well and ran over to hug her family, saying “I’m fine, I’m fine”.  I almost started to cry watching their little moment. 

Jodi hugging her family
Sort of made everything complete and that chapter is now closed.
 
Jenn was at the finish line for us after finishing her marathon and gave her a high five.  I finally got to meet her husband before they started off back towards the hotel.  We grabbed some bananas and chocolate milk and headed back as well since we were wet and freezing and just needed to get inside.  Made it up the hill to the hotel and looked for Jenn.  In the meantime Joanna, who we had met last night, text Jodi to let her know she was in the lobby.  The speedy little lady was already dressed and packed to head to the airport.  Granted she finished almost 2 hours ahead of us so had a slight headstart…LOL  She had set a goal of 4 hours “with a zero in it” and she rocked it out finishing in 4hr and 16 minutes.  Short of her goal, but still her BEST time by 11 minutes.  Very proud of her and I could tell she was extremely happy, considering the weather on the course.  She took some pics with us and off she went.  Check out her blog here to see her experience of the race.
Me, Joanna, Jodi, Jenn
The rest of the day was spent relaxing at Jodi’s with her family and some friends before it was time to make the trip back to Columbus .  Ended up getting back around midnight and was trying to figure out why I was so tired (sarcasm)  As I do after every long run, the very first thing I did when I got home was finish about half a bottle of my Monavie, which does wonders for me, then tried to stretch before calling it a day.  A day that may have been one of the longest ever.
 
I stated in the beginning that this was never about me and that’s how it should be.  Life is never about you.  You need to enjoy your life, yes.  But to enjoy life in my opinion is all about the people around you.  It’s not about what you can do for me, it’s what I can do for you.  I know some don’t agree and some say you should care about yourself more than others.
 
I wasn’t sure back when I started this little journey what would happen once the race ended.  The blog was about me stepping out of my comfort zone, holding me accountable and making it to the start line and ultimately the finish line.  It all happened….with lots of stories, experiences and lessons along the way…..I think writing these blogs were harder for me than the training.  Not necessarily the writing part per say, but the putting myself out there part.  Now of course the injuries were not fun and training wasn’t the easiest thing, but still.  I’m not comfortable with the “spotlight” part of it and the possible failure that comes with it….
 
For now I am going to rest and look forward to the next stop, the Ironman.  Ok, it’s not the immediate next stop, gotta work my way to that, but that’s the ultimate goal.  But knowing I could finish a marathon helps and may be the hardest part.  In the end while I was disappointed in myself for how things started, nothing can change how proud I am for what Jodi overcame.  THAT is inspirational.
 
Check one off the bucket list….
 
And for anyone of you reading this that think YOU could never do this, all you have to do is look in the mirror.  I will tell you right now, no you can’t….BUT…you COULD.  Everyone sees it as an unreachable goal.  Of course it is right now, because no human being can get up from the couch this weekend and just “run” a marathon.  Anyone that does a marathon or half marathon or even a 5k, just doesn’t go out and do it.  Baby steps, it’s a process….Never say never, unless you just don’t want to.
 
Take some time to do something for yourself and you will find yourself helping others along the way.
 
Until next time……which I believe there will really be a next time

Monday, May 16, 2011

Cleveland Marathon - The Day Before

Enthusiasm is also like a river. Get into the mainstream of your dream. Let enthusiasm flow through you like a river and let it burn through you like a wild fire. Keep yourself energized by believing that your success is inevitable. - Keith Cameron Smith

Just a quick "Part 1" to the Cleveland Marathon weekend.  Just got home and it's been a totally crazy day and the race day recap may be a bit lengthy, so that will have to wait until tomorrow.  I would include it now, but I'm sorta tired.  Have no idea why though....(yes, sarcasm)

Saturdays plan...check into hotel, go to expo, go to pasta dinner, hang out and relax...Sounds easy enough, right.

Let me start off by saying if you ever come to Cleveland and need to stay downtown.  Do NOT stay at the Renaissance Hotel.  They have no clue, a bit rude and play you for idiots.  They give us our room....3 people...ONE bed.  The guy tells us they don't guarantee 2 beds and asks if we want a rollaway.  We get to the room and there is already a rollaway in the room.  Why?  Because as we found out, they overbooked all the 2-bed rooms and rather than saying that, they tried to play dumb.  Housekeeping shows up with a rollaway and is confused, not only to why there was one in there already, but how exactly are we fitting that in the room.  Yes, I forgot to mention the fact the room was so small, one rollaway could NOT fit in the room without having to crawl on things.  So this guy is nice enough to call downstairs and flat out tell the front desk that we need a new room now.

With the room in limbo, headed to the Expo to meet up with some bloggers, get our packets and walk around.  As I walk up to get my bib number and shirt I notice the men's shirts are bright Halloween Orange.  Maybe something to do with the Cleveland Browns official colors.  A bit flashy for me, but hey, still a free workout shirt.  I go through the goodie bag and in it....Flyers, coupons, lady speed stick and women's headbands.  Really?  LOL  Lovely....Of course I had to put on the headband, too bad they forgot to take a pic  :-)
Walk around and they had two of the speakers sitting at the table signing pictures.  One of them was Bill Rodgers, former Olympian and also 4-time winner of the Boston Marathon and 4-time winner of the NYC Marathon.  I thought it would be neat to talk to him and I also knew he was born in the same city as me, Hartford, CT.  He took the time to chat individually with each person, sign a picture and our bib #'s.  He may have mentioned that his very first marathon, 1973 Boston Marathon, that he didn't finish, which I was 50/50 on hearing...
Then we ran into the Cleveland 10 Miler girls, as I call them.  Mellisa, Kim and Deb were there to pick up their packets and I think they were "slightly" excited to hear that the female runners got pink shirts.  Unfortunately we couldn't spend anytime with them, but hoped to all get together before the race.

We headed back to the hotel to find that the parking lot was full but we managed to flash a parking pass they gave us and quickly got that resolved...LOL  But the room issue, not so much.  Finally got them to give us another room, which the lady said she "thought" would be bigger....At least this one could fit the rollaway, but still a bit rough.  Last try and yet another room.  I may have said that it didn't matter what the size was of the 3rd room, that we are going to take it.  Come to find out on the elevator ride up, that they screwed up most rooms.  Along with the runners, they had 2 wedding parties and one of them said they screwed up EVERY one of their rooms....Nice.  We loaded up our stuff and headed to the room, finally....

The pasta dinner was pretty cool and a free meal, thanks to Jenn who won the tickets.  I was in charge of finding a table, since well, I was told I'm a magnet for people to talk to.  Found a table and ate some food and shared some stories, which is always fun.  It was there that we met up with Joanna, a blogger from Missouri, who I for some reason thought was from Florida, I don't know why, I'm a moron from time to time.  Towards the end a guy from Canada (who was sitting by himself) asks if he could join us.  Come to find out he was running the marathon.  I believe he said it was his first one and then the reason why he chose Cleveland. "It's a destination location".  Well Joanna turns to him with a confused looked and asked him if he was serious.  I thought that was funny, but he was.  Never heard that word used in the same sentence w Cleveland.

We headed back to the hotel and Jodi received a text from Morgan aka "Red".  Without going into detail, lets just say Jodi couldn't wait to meet this girl all week.  She is sorta of the "Queen Bee" as I like to say of the bloggers.  She seems to know everyone and is also great runner.  So granted, I wanted to meet her as well because I really wanted to see if how she "sounded" in her blogs and emails was how she was....Which is bubbly, smiley, full of energy.  The answer I found...um, ya, spot on.  She and her boyfriend came down from Michigan just to cheer on one of her best friends (who flew in from Florida) and a bunch of people she has never met.  Pretty cool and was much needed. (More on that tomorrow)

Went up to the room where we may have gotten slap happy and I was wide awake.  Girls were heading to bed around 10:30 and I can't remember the last time I was in bed that early.  Yes, had to be up at 4:30, needed some rest, but I just was still wired.  I went and walked around the lobby, check the weather outside until heading back up about an hour later....Time for bed

As far as a preview for tomorrow's post....

All that matters is that I was able to finish the 2011 Cleveland Marathon.  If only the explanation and story were that easy...

Until Next Time.....

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Cap City Half Marathon

Don't be afraid of failing! You must look failure dead in the eyes and tell failure, YOU HAVE NO POWER OVER ME! You have to be able to look at failure the way Master Jesus looked at death and said "Oh, death where is your sting?" Now get up, stay thankful, smile and perform your miracle. Concentrating on so called failure is a waste of mind energy. Keep good thoughts and past victories in front of your mind's eye - Rex Crain
 
After the past few weeks and what will soon be one longggggg week ahead, this seemed to be a quite appropriate quote at this time.
 
Mentally it's been a rough week.  As usual, I'm pretty good at putting on the happy face, because well, it's what I do best I guess.  As positive as I may try to be, sometimes reality creeps in and the past is hard to block out.  Obviously my goal/plan is to run the Cleveland marathon AND finish.  But because of my injuries from March there was not necessarily doubt, but uncertainty if my body could even make it to the start line.  Yes, I could have given up, rested and tried another time, but there are other reasons that go into me wanting/having to run.  As each week goes by and each run gets completed successfully in my revised training....I knew that I still could not officially settle into the fact that I would be in Cleveland May 15th for the Marathon.  The biggest hurdle of all, the half marathon, was yet to come.  While everyone else is doing 8 miles and tapering down this weekend, I had to keep testing myself, not because I like torture, (yes, and those that know my are rolling their eyes right now since I sorta do) but because I needed to be able to do it.  Toughest part was knowing the distance, knowing the past.  3 Half Marathons....3 times not being able to run after for a long time.  So all week while I stayed positive, dreamed about the marathon, I still had that wall, that hurdle to jump.  I didn't know if I could handle the disappointment or handle my body breaking down again.  But I didn't have time to dwell on that, the only way to find out was to JUST DO IT!
My mid week runs were smooth.  Tuesday was a typical treadmill run, 4 miles, nice and easy.  Thursday the rain finally stopped around here and I met up with Marla for the last training run before the half in the park, and what would be my last "4 mile" run before the marathon.
 
During the week, I was able to get in contact with a Amanda, fellow runner whose blog I follow.  She's from Chicago and is training for the Chicago Marathon in October.  I noticed a few weeks ago that her race schedule included Columbus to do the Half Marathon and have been meaning to say something.  She has been fighting a cold, so she had mentioned that she wasn't sure if she could go for her personal best time, but still going to try and finish.  Unfortunately we were not able to meet up, and seeing how there were over 10,000 people down there, didn't see myself running into her....Well, I get an email from her last night and she tells me that I beat her by 32 seconds.  I was really happy, both because she rocked it out, killing her previous best time and that she did it coming off a cold....Check out her blog to read her story of the race....
 
Cap City Half Marathon....The test
 
Woke up early, got my 5 hours of sleep and headed out at the crack of dawn to pick up Marla.  In her usual female fashion, she was a bit behind...We joked and wondered if her boyfriend Dan would be at the finish line this time, since he missed us the last race.  Found our usual parking garage, since it's easy to get to the highway after.  Probably spent about 20 minutes there, making sure we had everything, music, energy gummies, etc, etc....and of course being the nice pharmacist she is, I got scolded when I popped an advil, just as precaution...hey I didn't realize it speeds up dehydration and ruins the kidney during long exercises.....I mean I took one, not the whole bottle  :-)  Plus I hate pills to begin with, but it was more just a precaution.
 
The start of the race actually had "real" corrals...and entrances to each one with people only letting you in if you had that letter assigned to your bib....granted the closer it got to the start, people just started climbing the fences and squeezing through the bars to get in a closer one.  We were in the corral a good 20 minutes prior to start time, so being my shy self (hey, I really am sorta shy) I chatted with anyone who would smile or make eye contact.  Ya, I'm a dork, but might as well have fun, ease peoples nerves and make the time go by quicker. (of course didn't meet anyone as cool as my Cleveland girls from the 10 miler....ya, that's right, y'all just got a shout out)  heehee
They did a wave start, which I thought was pretty neat and organized.  Each corral would start and cross and each would have their own "starter" who announced the beginning....so once the corral was completely through, the next got ready.  Our starter was James Buster Douglas, former heavyweight boxing champ.  Pretty neat....We crossed the start line and off we went....
 
Started at a nice and easy pace as we were behind the 2:30 pace group and obviously, as always, there is a crowd of people.  But there was not a lot of weaving in an out of people, thanks to the wave start and corrals, which was very nice.....While the garmin I was using is not completely accurate, I still try to follow it to get a sense of my pace.  First mile was slightly sub 11 minute and the second mile was over 11 as we were still following the pace group.  I slowly maneuvered us around the pace group, without pushing Marla too much.  The area started to thin out and a bit after mile 3 I looked at her and asked how she was.  Her response...JUST GO and pointed ahead.  My plan was to run with her, but I expected to get the shoo away.  The past 2 half's we've done together, I stuck by the whole way.  This time I did need to test my legs for next weeks marathon.  I wanted to do at least half the race around 10:00 pace (ballpark range) as that is the pace we plan for next weekend....so this time I didn't fight or object, I took off....
Alright, so when I say I took off, it wasn't supposed to mean literally took off.  I mean, I just ran, nice easy pace....garmin beeped...8:35....um, really?  Crap...kept telling myself, "I need to slow down"...I thought I was and then the next mile....8:45...seriously...I can hear Jodi screaming in my ear (in my head) telling me to slow down..."Marathon pace, not half marathon pace"....I may have gave her a hard time to stay at marathon pace for her half marathon last week.  The next mile was finally over 9...I'm trying, really I am.  At this point the runners who were doing the Quarter Marathon had turned off and it begin to thin out even more.  The next 3 miles included mid 9 minute paces, so I was still trying to focus on my pace.  Tried finding adults n kids to slap hands with along the side of the road.  Tried reading all the signs, all the fun ones, the goofy ones, the serious ones.  A few Charlie Sheen signs with his picture saying "You're Winning" and even a girl holding a sign saying "I like your stamina, call me" with her number underneath.  Ok, gotta be honest I laughed and yes, tried to remember the number....LOL  Continued finding things to do to slow down, picking people to run by and see if it feels right or picking people to run behind.  After mile 8 was the sign that showed Quarter Marathon turn right to finish....Half Marathon continue left.  It was at this point where I pictured the marathon, where for the first time, rather than turning to finish, I'll be the crazy person continuing.  I did laugh how people were sorta messing with guys, tell them to turn the other way.  Hey if you fall for it, it's on you for not paying attention.  :-)
I finally got to my "pace" and hit the 10 minute mark, took me almost 3/4 of the race, but I managed to be over 10 for the next 3 miles.  I even saw more of those "I like your stamina" signs, which obviously messed me up.  I mean, I didn't know I had to carry a pen and pad with me along with my gels.  How am I to remember all those numbers.  Heehee
The last mile I decided to finish strong, but of course there was a hill....made it around 9:30, I was feeling really good, watching my stride, not overdoing it.  The course went from 2 lanes to almost one around the corner, as the crowd made it smaller.  Not sure they understand that while we all enjoy them being there to cheer us on, we just ran 13 miles and trying to get this over with, so please move out of the way  :-)
Obviously had excess energy and plenty left, but my goal was to run the pace for next week....Although I didn't think about running another 13.1  LOL  After crossing the finish they had lots of medics there making sure people were ok and getting you to keep walking and moving.  I collected my finishers medal, but I knew Marla was still out on the course.  So I removed the timing chip from my shoe and headed back on the course.
 
I kept my watch going so I could get a gauge on when Marla may pass.  Just looked for blond and blue shirt.  Kept walking, then saw the 2:20 pace group...then 2:30....I started to get worried, but I stopped at about 3/4 mile out and waited with a few people standing in the street to cheer the runners on.  I saw her come down the hill, she looks and asked if I was done.  I chuckled and said yes and joined her in running towards the finish and I asked how she was feeling.....all I got was a stern "DO NOT TALK TO ME", just want to get this over with.  Which meant let me focus and keep quiet.
Marla finished strong and I crossed the finish "again" (funny for pics).  I gave her a hug and got yelled at again (forgot she doesn't like that, or maybe I just smelled)  All she said was...where is the beer...LOL  I had to remind her water and food first.  We saw Dan standing over near the finish and all went to the "after party".
This may have been the best and most organized of any of the half marathons I've done.  Bananas, apples, Panera bagels, milk, Donato's pizza....better than the annual Columbus Marathon in October, where all they give you post race is cut up brown bananas, bags of generic chips, chicken soup and other crap as you walked through a small area.  This time, as you got through, you entered the area of tents with area businesses, people walking around passing out champagne (the cheap stuff) and chocolate, a stage with a DJ and bands, food tent, beer tent....
 
Spent some time hanging out, ran into a friend of ours who was one of the DJ's for the race and decided we needed more food.  Headed to La Casita for some lunch and then just relaxed and headed for an ice bath.  All that there was left to do....was wait.  I started talking about the Marathon, like it was tomorrow....but still had to wait and see how the body reacts.
 
On a somber note, as we were at the after party, Dan mentioned that a guy collapsed about 50 feet from the finish line, pretty much right in front of him.  Said they spent about 10-15 minutes giving him CPR, using a defibrillator and even sticking something in his chest to get him breathing again.  Not something you want to hear or see.  Its saddening and "real" when something like this happens, especially when it happens to someone in fit physical shape.  All I have read was an article saying a guy is in the hospital and his status is unknown.  Thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.
 
As of now, my body really does not feel bad, almost feels "good".  My plan is to run 2 miles Tuesday and 1 or 2 miles Thursday and maybe some bike work .  Nothing major, just to stretch out, rest my muscles.  Then somehow find a way to speed the clock up...Gametime is approaching.
We have the week to think, the week to dream.  Right now it's just excitement....I now know I can carry a 10 minute pace and while that may be the plan, thoughts of a 9:45 pace are floating around the air, so I am contemplating that.  After the half marathon, I don't see why not....
 
Until next time....