Monday, April 26, 2010

One week later

So-I've had a chance for Boston to settle and it's been exactly one week since race day! Since I haven't been doing much running I've been doing A LOT of thinking and here's what I've come up with in absolute CLASSIC random fashion:

*There are way too many crazy people who have already run ANOTHER marathon since Boston

*I am not one of those crazy people!

*I will never be one of those crazy people!

*I was more tired at the end of Boston than at the end of Twin Cities. Does that mean I really didn't make that much of an improvement, I just ran harder?

*The Boston course was not quite as difficult as I anticipated. I like downhills and they were quite helpful to me.

*I have totally packed on weight in the last 4 weeks and I am NOT happy with myself right now!

*I don't know what to do with all this Boston memorabilia. I want to save it but don't know what to do with it.

*Recovery SUCKS and I can't run for SHIT!

*I have a half marathon in less than 4 weeks and I need to decide whether I have a goal for this

*I am not running much but I don't feel relaxed. I feel highly stressed and anxious!

*Have I mentioned I HATE recovery

*I am running a 5K with my daughter on Saturday. She is 9 and very excited about this! It is her 3rd 5K.

*I miss Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks.

*At one point I swore I would only ever run one marathon and cross it off my bucket list. This is now the ONLY race I like.

*I need to find some sort of pill to make me sweat less. Seriously, anything over 6 miles and the people on the treadmill next to me at the gym get a free shower!

*Would I have gotten 3:15 if I ran with the 3:15 pace band? Probably not...

*Running occupies no less than 75% of my thoughts

*I love reading race reports!

*My house needs an overhaul but I don't care about it right now.

*I cut out sugar again and it is ABSOLUTELY killing me!

*2 people have asked me how long the Boston marathon was

*My sister paid my entry fee and travel expenses to travel to Chicago for the Rock n'Roll HM in August! I LOVE Chicago!

*Do I really have to wait another year for a vacation alone with my husband?

*I need a fall marathon in September or Late October, early November. I don't want to spend a million dollars to travel there. I hate making decisions.

*I am totally craving this Greek pizza I had in Boston! SOOO Good!

*What if I never get below 3:18:37.

*Did anyone else go into Johnny Cupcakes in Boston and think they sold cupcakes..lol!

*Why do I live in Roseau?

*Why is it so D*MN windy here?

*I want candy!

*Is the Boston Marathon really over???????????

Friday, April 23, 2010

BOSTON RACE REPORT!

So-I wonder if I can compile all this junk into one single race report! We'll see!

Official time-3:18:37
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/30909183

Got to Boston on Friday! Raining, cold, and not exactly cheery! Basically checked into our hotel and headed over to the mall by the Convention center. We were too late for the expo but not too late to check out the Lululemon store that I was dying to go to. Awesome store, spent WAY too much money there. Good thing there isn't one around here although I've already been stalking their internet site!!

Saturday we went to the expo, picked up my packet and my husband picked up his for the 5K. We did a little walking around but it was pretty cool and windy and not the greatest weather for sightseeing. I managed to get a nap in and a short run! I don't know if it was just inspiration from the Expo but I wanted to run SO fast on Saturday! My legs felt great and I was praying they would feel like this on Monday!




In front of Legal Seafoods-Good food!!


Sunday morning-up early because Joe was running the 5K. I LOVE being a spectator. I was scanning the crowds for other bloggers that I knew were running but no luck! So many people! After the race we stuck around to watch the mile races which were AWESOME! Watching Sara Hall was definitely a highlight of the weekend for me! I just really think she needs to lose some weight and get in shape though..lol!!! What a cute girl! I also had a friend running a half marathon this morning way up in Canada and I was super pumped to be cheering for her from afar as well! She KILLED IT and this was practically as exciting as my own race for me!!


Seriously, get in shape Sara!

Sunday night we went out to dinner with my sister and her husband (My sister was also running (finished in 3:24) and shoved down some bread and pasta! I managed to get to bed by 9:30 and for someone who hardly ever sleeps more than 3 hours straight I was OUT COLD!!!

Race morning! Sunny-WTH! I thought it was supposed to be rainy and windy. Anyway, this totally brightened my mood and although I was beyond nervous, excitement was also settling in. I got ready for the race and tried to conceal the monster crater that was appearing on my chin (I'm attributing this to stress..not the junkfood I'd been eating for the past few days!) Joe walked me down to the buses and as we said goodbye I had my first of several meltdowns over the weekend! Yes, I need therapy.


In the hotel room stretching out a bit before the race!


Before leaving the hotel to walk to the buses!

The busride to Hopkinton was great. I was actually excited to get on the bus because it was pretty cold just standing around. Great running weather but a little cool for just standing. I sat next to a guy who had run 40 marathons and had a great conversation the whole way. When we arrived at athlete's village I hopped off the bus and got in line for the bathroom. When I came out, I got right back in line. Checked my bag and headed to the start corral! It was super sunny and absolutely PERFECT running weather!

The RACE:

So-I did have a goal- 3:20 -and I decided to follow a paceband and use my watch to try to acheive it. I also wore my Garmin because I love having the data afterwards. I had custom made my paceband online because the Nike one wanted me to run a 7:23 first mile and I am more of an 8 minute starter! Anyway, started the race completely void of all my previous nerves. I was just SO excited to finally be running. The first mile was downhill and I clocked a 7:52. I was aiming around 8 minutes so I was under but I also wondered if I could hold 7:37 for 25 more miles which weren't all downhill. Quickly got into a groove and was able to stay on pace comfortably through 15K. Somewhere between here and the half I started to really warmup and wanted to pick up the pace. I've learned a few lessons in the past and knew I had a special treat coming from mile 16-21 so I held back!

The towns we passed through were awesome! Great spectators! I was totally soaking in every part of this race and felt fantastic. Crossed the half in 1:38:59 so in great shape to meet my goal except for the fact that the second half of the race is OBVIOUSLY more difficult than the first half. I think mile 15 or so was entirely downhill. Downhills are good for me and this was the best part of the race. Totally let me rest and get ready for Newton. The first of the Newton hills was a breeze and for a moment I thought the hype was a bunch of bull. The second one however was a bit nastier. Somewhere in here fatigue started setting in a bit and I got the first glimpse of what was ahead. I also knew I had only single digits left and that I could certainly finish. Heartbreak hill was definitely there and no piece of cake but the spectators were awesome and I knew my husband was waiting at the top so I just kept pushing forward. I felt a huge sense of relief to get over this hump!! I saw my husband at the top and he was so busy trying to take my picture that I darn near had to attack him to get my handheld water bottle he was supposed to hand me!!


Mile 22-I really hate race pics of myself because I always look like I'm in labor but my husband worked his *ss off to get this picture practically trampling spectators in the process. Just a little saturated from mostly sweat but also water I kept pouring down the front of myself!


OK-not trying to be mean but someone please tell me why the lady spectating is wearing a fuel belt, a Garmin and standing on her tiptoes..lol!!

The worst part of the race for me actually set in around mile 23. I have NEVER hit a wall in a race and I usually finish much stronger than I start. Anyway, about mile 23 with a 5K to go I seriously considered not trying for 3:20 and just getting a PR (sub 3:25) I don't think I entertained this thought too long but in retrospect I know I was tired or it wouldn't have crossed my mind. I walked through a water stop somewhere around here which was the first time I stopped running in the race. I think it was probably less than 5 seconds but it gave me enough of a mental breather to start up again. Coming into Boston down Commonwealth was awesome! The spectators were unbelievable!! At the one mile to go marker I looked down and knew I would be under 3:20. This was a huge relief and the most exhilarating feeling! I also decided since I would reach my goal I didn't need to have any semblence of a finish kick and just cross the damn line. We had watched the mile races the day before and after coming around the corner onto Boylston the finish was just up ahead. I thought this was the case in the marathon and when I saw I still had to run a long way down Boylston I was a bit deflated. Anyway, crossed the finish line and really felt a sense of accomplishment that I'm not sure I'll ever feel again. A flood of tears erupted when they gave me my medal!


Wet, Gross, but HAPPY!!

Overall, the Boston experience-UNBELIEVABLE! So great to meet up with people at Jill's B-day party and if anyone has pics please send them to my email!!!

I will probably do a follow up post in the next day or so with some of my reflections from the week but since this is already a marathon post in itself I'll sign off for now. Thankyou so much for all the well-wishes and super congrats to all those who completed this amazing race!!!!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Boston

Just a very quick update to say that I completed the Boston Marathon!! Woohoo! Definitely the experience of a lifetime! Official time 3:18:37. I will follow with a race report when I'm back to Minnesota!

Made it to Jill's birthday party and got a chance to meet Meg, Katie, Bethany and Ryan, and Jill! How fun! Also, Julie from MN sent me a card that totally choked me up! You are so awesome Julie! I've got to make the trek south to run with you sometime!!!

Anyway, congrats to the many runners yesterday! SOOO much fun! More later!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Quick update!

I haven't updated much because I'm going crazy and I thought that might come forth in my writing!! I will keep this short and simple but this evening I am leaving my 3 kids and starting on this journey. I could definitely feel better about my training but I could definitely feel worse. Regardless, it will all be over in just a few days and I hope to bring home some awesome memories! As far as the running goes, I'm hangin' in there! Only 30 miles last week and plans for 27 this week. Other than the blister I'm getting on my left foot from my "race" shoes, I'm fine. Seriously, this is the 3rd pair, same brand, and I've never had to break them in!!! So, to risk sounding like I belong in an institution I won't update until after the race! Truly, I am wishing all of you running the VERY BEST!!!!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Reflections!

OK- it's taper time!! The time you wait for for months and then dread when it actually comes!! Finished my final 20miler (2:36:37/7:50) on Friday and now time to give my legs a little break and work on my mind!!!

Soooo-in typical random format, I'm listing whatever comes to mind as I think about and reflect on the last 6 months:

*I've run over 1300 miles since my October marathon. I have had zero injuries!

*Tuesday April 13th will mark 1 year of continuous running for me (no training breaks). Stats from April 13th, 2009 (3 miles/8:41/pretty much all out effort)

*I am absolutely certain I am the only person in bloggyland that has never taken an icebath!! Apparently, these work wonders and at some point I will need to jump on the bandwagon!! Also, never used a foam roller or worn recovery socks!

*I've run through snow, wind, temps up to -8 below, had frozen snot, frozen eyelashes, frostbit cheeks and fingers and had 2 ice wipeouts in front of people!!! Not to give myself too much credit because I also have MANY MANY miles logged on the treadmill.

*I spent 2 solid months running between 4:45 and 5:00 am everyday. I finally moved most of my running to the evenings a couple of months ago. Unfortunately, I still get up at this God forsaken hour but instead drink coffee and read blogs:)

*
I've run only one race-a 10 mile in the last 6 months. First time is always a PR!

*I've spent 3 weekends at home since the middle of October. I've traveled nonstop with my kids and hockey and did not travel one weekend with my husband until March!!!

*My family has made more sacrifices for the sake of this training schedule and I promise they will get their wife and mother back 100% on April 20th!

*I wasn't a huge success case on the cross training but I managed more of it than I've ever done since October. Some P90X, some 30 day shred, some biking, some weight lifting, hundreds of pushups and situps....

*
I ran my first ever 70 mile week while working and traveling over the weekend.

*On paper, I've greatly improved my training paces in every aspect except the speedwork since my last marathon. Darn speedwork:) Improved Yes. Greatly improved?-NO!!

*For the first time, I've connected with people who have the same running aspirations as myself through this blog! I follow so many of you and not to name names but I have to list a couple (all running Boston):

Jill-LOVE this blog-Always makes me laugh-This is like marathon #17 or something for her! She is SO encouraging with her comments and I can't wait to meet her at her Birthday party in Boston!!

Meg- Kick ass Grandma Meg. She is the coolest grandma around and I could only hope to be like her! Amazing runner and I expect her to rock it in Boston!

Katie- nobody runs as many races as Katie! She is also running Big Sur the week after Boston and then a relay the week after that. Unbelievable! She is so prepared and will celebrate the end of tax season with a GREAT race in Boston!

Running and Living-She ran a 3:29 marathon in October. Based on a recent half and her current paces she should be under 3:15. Definite award for Most improved! Amazing progress and on way less miles than I run! I will be stalking her results!!

To all these gals and the so many others that I didn't mention but am also rooting for, I cannot wait to experience this and know you are all there with me striving to reach your own personal goals! I can't wait to meet many of you and I wish you all the BEST of luck!!

I've also made what I'm certain is a lifetime friend! Not running Boston this year but killed it last year with a nursing baby, training outside all through the winter in CANADA!!!! I could go on and on about how inspirational she is to me and I could NEVER thank her enough for the impact she has made on my life the past few months! Thanks J!

So-there you have it-Episode one in the book of Reflections in the life of a 30 something MN mom who is going to run and finish the greatest marathon in the world in just 2 short weeks......

Thursday, April 1, 2010

What's new?

Rainy, dreary, WINDY, but warm! I guess I'm thankful for the warm!!! March in Minnesota is crazy as far as weather goes. Now, will Boston be rainy, dreary, WINDY, or warm? My obsession begins.....

News:

Yesterday was my daughter Ryan's 12th birthday. She is getting SO old. Now, if she would just get a little taller we could maybe at least start sharing shirts which would perhaps cut a few expenses for me! I'm sure she would be only to thrilled to have her mother wearing her clothes around town! Anyway, she had a great birthday and for the first time in awhile we all ate supper together and hung out in the family room the WHOLE night! I totally bagged the running and did not feel guilty one bit!



My niece Kaitlyn's 16th birthday was also yesterday. She takes her driver's test tomorrow morning which is my other niece Savannah's birthday. If she passes the three of them are going out to dinner and to a movie to celebrate! Ryan is so excited!

Somehow my boss found out about my inappropriate text message awhile back and will not let it die (I'm thinkin' my husband has a big mouth)! I sit next to him for 9 hours a day. He literally gave me crap for all 9 hours on Monday!

My mom is kickin' butt on her 5K training. I am so excited to cheer her on in Fargo in May. I'm so proud of her determination and this will be a major accomplishment for her.

I have an ENORMOUS amount of yardwork to tackle. The snow is all gone and it looks like a dreary mess!! I need a gardener because I don't know when I'm going to fit this in.

On the running front:

Monday-off to relax after the weekend and reward myself for NO off days last week.

Tuesday My sister came over and we ran 11 miles in 70 degree weather. Killer south wind. 11 miles/7:41

Wednesday-Off again for birthday party!

Thursday-(today) 10 miles/7:50. Very sick and tired of this wind. It is really knocking me out!

Plan is for 20 tomorrow! This will be my last long long run before Boston. My body is ready to taper-my mind is not. Have really been slacking on the speedwork the last 2 weeks. I've brought a few miles up to 10K pace but really enjoy just running around 7:40-8:00. I'm guessing this is where my marathon pace will be (hopefully on the lower end of it. Time will tell and have I mentioned I can't wait until April 20th!!!!!



BEFORE


AFTER-Sweat much!! No, I don't think I will be wearing this shirt in Boston..lol!!