Monday, June 20, 2011

Grandma's Marathon Mini Update

***I find it easy to find encouraging words for others at times.....I find it much more difficult to find encouraging words for myself....****


I will pop this data up here IMMEDIATELY for those of you who have NO interest in reading a race report. No waiting for the second installment, or a bunch of bullshit about my race feelings yada yada yada without putting this time out there....

Am I proud of this time-YES!!! Is it what I was secretly hoping for-NO!! Am I headed back to Boston-YES!!! Did I get my PR-NO!!! Did I run hard-YES!! Did my body cooperate-NO!! Will I need to process this for some time-YES!!! Do I think I'm a failure-NO!!

I will detail my thoughts in my upcoming actual race report. I got home VERY late last night, I'm currently laid up with a fever and strep throat that I caught from my kids (did not affect me during my race) and plan to lay on the couch which I haven't done in MONTHS and watch CRAP TV!!

A few prerace pics!


I know, you're thinking I should drop this running gig and pick up a modeling job with Victoria's Secret....a preteen training bra modeling job-ha!!



Not exactly sure what this pose with the swollen slit eyes was all about....creepy!

More to come:)

37 comments:

Allison said...

I was actually talking about your 3:20 to a friend of mine on our long run yesterday. (I looked up your number to see how you did). You rock!!! She said that it is a tough course (she's familiar with it). Congrats. I know it's not the time that you had in mind, but it's a KICK ASS time, nonetheless. Great job, hot mama!

ShutUpandRun said...

You should be incredibly proud of that time. Just think of where you were a year ago (ugh, no don't think about it). I am PROUD of you. I think it was the luck of the bib number. No, on second thought it is b/c you are a super badass who trains her butt off. congrats!

Anonymous said...

3:20 is awesome! Good for you - you did Grandma proud!

Britt @ Chicago Runner Girl said...

Hey you worked hard for that 3:20, and maybe it sounds silly but I AM PROUD OF YOU! I'm sorry to hear that the race didn't get you that ever so coveted PR that we are all always chasing, sometimes the body just wants to be difficult on race mornings and give us hell.

On to recovery and the road ahead to Boston. Strep throat sounds awful, especially when your body is probably already a bit achy.

Mon Amour said...

That is such a good time and so close to a PR! You should be happy with that time and proud of all the hard work you did

Jill said...

I was half way up a mountain when I got your text with your time and I was THRILLED for you, yet I knew it wasn't what you wanted and also felt that pain of disappointment that I knew were you were feeling! Totally sucks, and I hope you took some time to be pissed about it, you worked so hard and earned every right - but I know how strong you are on every level out there and I know you will not let it define or control you. You did fantastic on what was icky weather and not the fastest of courses - I am nothing but impressed and PROUD of you!! Congratulations girl....enjoy your day of crap tv (hell, I'm watching Price is Right (it's wedding day) and I did jack shit to earn my crap tv day!!). I am sitting here smiling ear to ear for you. (and I am sorry my thoughts are all over the place today, I am being interrupted my endless children asking for something. Grr. I hope you get the gist). LOVE YOU!!!!

Running and living said...

Yes, sitting on the couch watching crap TV sounds awesome! Darn, I wish I could join you! Have you seen "Desperate Housewives"? I tell ya, puts my problems in perspective every single time, ha!

While you are resting that nasty strep throat (blahh!) you can always browse Lulu, you know! I think I came up with a new rule for myself, buy one Lulu item for every race completed. That is a sure thing to cheer me up no matter how the race goes.

OK, you know I think you are a super runner; getting a 3:20 on no nutrition, puking (OK, I won't spoil your report), will make getting that sub 3:10 easy! Can't wait for some virtual training partnership:)

Rest up. And you look beautiful no matter how tired:)

Adrienne said...

I think that the rule that AM just made about Lulu is the best- but no more about shopping! Congrats on a great race!

Tricia said...

Congrats! and you are seriously gorgeous girl

Julie D. said...

Nice job, Jenn! I'm sorry it wasn't what you had hoped and prepped for but such an accomplishment in 3:20!! Congrats to someone who inspires me to train like a ROCKSTAR!! That you are.

XLMIC said...

Well....

Clearly, you didn't train enough.

:P

Did you just want to shoot me? Or do you know me well enough YET to know that it was an attempt at humor? I will bet you learned a lot with this race. It seems that we always learn the most from those experiences that do not quite hit our desired mark.

That said... I think that 3:20 is AWESOME. And you're going to Boston again... and with your good buddy, Amanda :) You're going to nail your goal... once you get sick of watching crap t.v. I am so jealous. We don't even have t.v. :(

ATTrio said...

Awesome Job! Glad we got to meet you. We gave you a little shout out on our blog. :)

Sarah

Quinton J said...

i know all about those kinds of races. i also know all about taking sexy pre-race photos. i know little about modeling for Victoria Secret...but I'm a fast learner. I'm looking forward to your thoughts on this race...once you've 'processed' it all.

Emily said...

your first statement is SO true. I struggle with this all the time. Your time is incredible! I want to read the full report so I know the down and dirty about what happened in the 26.2 miles and why you could be happier. just remember, EVERY marathon you run is a huge accomplishment (and especially that fast!)

Jen @ Run for Anna said...

I, for one, can't wait to see the full recap. You are awesome! A 3:20 marathon time is something I can only dream about, but I know it's disappointing to miss a PR. Yes, rest! You deserve it. Hope you feel better very soon.

Raina said...

Ah shooot. You are BEAUTIFUL.
:)& Slit eyes?? That's the *bring it on* look.

I hope everyone in your house (especially you!) gets to feeling better, Jenn. ASAP. I'd like to come and join in your little indulgence. We've watched way too much Go Diego GO around here, and my mind is starting to melt...

Not what you were hoping for, but still proud of you and it doesn't change how i look at you one bit! You are amazing!

Caroline said...

I like this mini recap
I will be back to read the long one with all the yada yada.

I can understand you not being 100% happy. I get that. But I admire you so much for being able to run that fast with the exact same body parts I have on MY non Victoria Secret body.

Boston!!!! Bravo!

Crap TV...well I vote for my fav GH but it is a secret....shhhhhh

Christy @ My Dirt Road Anthem: A Runner's Blog said...

Great job, and congrats on heading to Boston! That is such an awesome time.

Teamarcia said...

You look fab and you ran fab as always girl! Congrats!

Lisa @ Eat.Pray.Run. said...

oh my, 3:20--you AMAZE me!! hope you're feeling better soon. can't wait to read the detailed race report!!

The Hungry Runner Girl said...

AHHHH GIRL!!!! YOU DID AMAZING AND HOW IN THE WOLRD ARE YOU SO GORGEOUS!!! I think that you should be a viccy secrets model. I have been thinking about you all weekend and I am sorry your body didn't cooperate! REMEMBER YOU ARE THE BOMB.COM and you are going to BOSTON AGAIN BABY!!! Remember how you PR'd that course...you are bound to do it again!

Happy Feet 26.2 said...

I couldn't see the "training bra" (ha) for that sexy arm.

I hope when you've had time to reflect, the disappointment turns to amazement. Sounds like the weather wasn't ideal and some puking, no nutrition, and or sickness going on. ???? Wow! I'm impressed! You are SUPER!

I know it's hard when you've worked so hard. BELIEVE me, I know the feeling (I'm rarely satisfied with my time) BUT LATER, when I'm more realistic about the day, most of the time I come to clear SANE reasoning, NOT excuses, but tangible reasons WHY.

ajh said...

You did great. It is amazing how many different and varied feelings we can have. It's easy to be disappointed when we didn't get what we wanted. Glad to see you picked out many good things about the way you felt. I will read the whole report when it comes out.

Lindsay said...

Well I am glad you aren't being a beeyotch and harboring bad feelings toward yourself. Sorry it didn't quite go as planned but it's another 26.2 and a 3:20 is a very strong time! When I have not-what-I-wanted marathons I just remind myself that at least I did it, and I'm still standing. Enjoy your crap tv. I'm currently loving Guiliana and Bill. Can I please have her body?

Aron said...

You did amazing and I can't wait to hear all your thoughts on the race. CONGRATS!!!

Nicole W. said...

Oh YAY! so glad to see your post!! first off Jenn, YOU are amazing!!!! I don't know what all the details of the race are yet but I know you had some hard weather and I'm sure much more. a 3:20 is SO KILLER Jenn! you inspire me and give me hope! and you are just an all around incredible person!!! I can't wait to meet you in BOSTON!!! WOOHOOO!!!! xxx

Nicole W. said...

p.s don't try to steal my training bra modelling job...it's SO mine!;)

Nicole W. said...

p.p.s I ACTUALLY started wearing a training bra the other day! LOL..not kidding..it fit me better than my victoria secret padded one! LOL....no joke and I can't believe I just told you this! ha ha..I am trying to embrace my teeny tiny chest:)

Runnin' Momma said...

Shut the front door....you should be SO proud of your self! That time is incredible! DO not doubt that! That is so unbelieveable! Great job! Maybe someday I will run that fast...maybe?!?! not sure, that sounds like a lot of work! But, GREAT JOB! AMAZING! You looked great, and I LOVE Grandma's Marathon. Maybe next year I will feel like doing it again! Hope you are enjoying a few days OFF!

Suzy said...

Congrats on running and qualifying again! You should be very proud of yourself. I hope the couch and TV are treating you well this week.

kristen said...

Of course i already stalked you and found your time out satruday afternoon so I will sit tight and wait for the rr.

I hope you really do sit on your skinny ass and watch trash tv. You deserve it! Feel better.

Your.the.bomb.

Michelle said...

Way to go! Glad the strep didn't affect you. Proud! I'm loving the 26.2 tattoo!

Unknown said...

Holy smokes you are super fast! I love that your marathon pace is my sprinting pace! Hope you feel better soon!

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

I think you are amazing!! Your quote at the top is so fitting for many of us. I can only dream of 3:20, fabulous job. I know you have the fall mary in your back pocket to go all out and risk it.

You are so freaking legit Jenn!!! And, gorgeous!!!

Amanda@runninghood said...

first off, I am so pissed that I didn't see this!!!! I have been out and about this week with church camp for my kids, swimming, shopping, getting ready for Samuel's birthday this weekend, etc. that I have not been on blog land too much and I missed this!!! Damn! Not that I didn't know all of it anyway but still....
What you said at the top...just saying this probably took a lot for you...So, imagine that it was me that ran this race...same circumstances, same training...only I am you. What would beautiful you say to me? Your words are always the best and you are one of the people I I look forward to feedback from the most! You would say something like:

Wow, Jenn! I'm glad you are proud of yourself because you should be! YOu gave it your all when your all at that moment was only half of what your potential is. You pushed through a wall and revealed your true character...a fighter, a strong woman who doesn't quit even when things are not going your way. Are you capable of faster? yes, much faster! So much to process here...so much. This is surely as much emotional and mental as it is physical. It doesn't define you but in a sense it does...in a good way...it defines you as the person that went after this race, set your bar to where you know you are, and fought when it wasn't easy. And it defines you as the Jenn that won't just live this moment and let it pass without learning from it and taking from it what you can so that you are stronger in your next race and in your life. It defines you as the person that wants to keep climbing higher. And it defines you as a person who will be able to then sluff off those negative thoughts that come in our brains and want to "beat us up and tell us all the things that we should have would have could have done but didn't".

So much of us goes into what we train for...what we do...IF we are living the way we SHOULD live...giving ourselves and living passionately. I know I've said so much to you already in e-mail but I'll say it again and again in telling you how much you inspire me and how much I learn from you. Not just in running but in life. I love you Jenn!

Amanda@runninghood said...

oh, and BEAUTIFUL! HSB YOU!

Denae said...

Great Job Jenn!! I think that is awesome!!