ROCKSTAR For a Day

13.1m  Missoula Half Marathon

On Sunday, July 8th, I walked out of my hotel room at o'dark thirty having no idea when I returned a few hours later I'd be a rockstar.  Well, at least I'd feel like one.

Ready to run at 4 a.m.

It was my first time running the highly recommended Missoula half marathon.  My game plan was to run the whole thing and enjoy all the sights. My finish time was irrelevant; it was the medal I would give to my son for his collection that was my prize. The look of excitement when I hand him the medal makes me feel like I came in first place.

Despite wearing two watches that tracked every step of every mile down to my pace, heart rate, and exertion zone, I told myself I would not look at any of the data until after the race. And I didn't look until mile 10....

The starting gun went off and I trotted off with the rest of the herd of runners.  The sunrise was beautiful over a lake and through the distant trees.  A woman stopped to take a picture so I asked if she wanted to be in the picture. A few photos later, I was back on my way. I ran at a pace that felt challenging yet maintainable.

Mile 8

The mile markers came and went and I ran through every sprinkler I could. At mile 8 I saw Turtle Girl who snapped a quick picture of me then jumped in and paced me. She is an excellent coach and cheerleader extraordinaire. She told me I was doing amazing and had a fantastic pace. We chatted (visualize her talking and me grunting responses between my labored breath) and I told her my racing goal had always been to finish in 2:30, but my closest PR was 2:43. She told me if I kept up my pace I'd make it. So at mile 10, I looked at my Garmin and confirmed she was right.  What was holding me back? Nothing so I went for it.


Nothing is as surreal as running down the finisher chute with the crowd cheering you on like you are a rockstar.  I sprinted and crossed the finish line with an official time of 2:27:14 beating my former PR by 16 minutes! I'm still smiling as I write this!  I can't believe it! I gain something from every race. This one I got a new PR, but more than that I have great memories and some new friends who I met along the way.   I look forward to more races with them and others who I'll meet. Who wants to come with me to San Antonio or Vegas?

New friends and she's also a blogger!  Follow her at: 
http://sportymamadotme.wordpress.com

My best finisher photo ever and it was FREE!

 

My Time To Run

I think of myself as pretty easy going, but on nights like tonight I have to second guess myself. Nights before races (or as I'm packing to travel to a race) I find myself obsessing over every detail to ensure everything is perfect down to the last emergency kit detail. (If you haven't had the pleasure of digging into my treasure bag o'kit I'll leave the surprises inside for a time that you do.) Now back to my obsessing....  As a participant in the WISER Sister study, I've been progressively running more minutes each week and have reached my 300 minutes per week mark which I must maintain for the duration of the study. Knowing that I have a big run Sunday, I opted to do cross training in order to "rest" my legs for the race. Well, I'm regretting that decision as I find myself using my arms to help me to and from a sitting position or navigating the stairs.  My cross training included lunges and they got the best of me. Waking is even tricky so this race may become comical. We all need to be able to laugh at ourselves, right? Tomorrow my cousin (we'll  call her Turtle Girl) and I will take a fun road trip to Montana where I swear everything is so inexpensive it felt like they paid me to visit last time!  It will be nice to run the race this time instead of playing cheerleader on the sidelines trying to calculate pace and distance in order to make it to he next cheer spot in time to see my friends run by. I remember it was a hot July day and I was pregnant...not a good combo. But, that is all behind me and this Sunday it will be my turn to run. And, I'll have Turtle Girl, one of the world's best cheerleaders, with me! More on Turtle Girl and an official update on the WISER Sister study soon....

I'm a WISER Sister!

Since my race in January, I've gone on a hiatus from running in order to be able to participate in an exercise study with the University of Pennsylvania. Yes, that may sound backwards, but I had to have a period of inactivity in order to qualify. This weekend was my clinical visit and now the games can begin. I'm one of only 185 participants nationwide and I'm excited to think I may be making a difference!

If you've ever traveled with me you know that I always have a good time and take notes to be able to laugh again later.  Here are a few of the highlights and thoughts from my trip to Philadelphia:

• Wearing "bling jeans" will make TSA agents grab my ass. I may just start wearing them for every flight....
• I've discovered that ALL rental cars I get don't come with automatic headlights.  On this trip I was lucky enough to discover this BEFORE I had to have a State Trooper tell me.
•  I don't like driving in cities that I'm unfamiliar with especially if I'm alone. I'd be happy to have someone drive this Miss Daisy anywhere I go.
• It cost more for me to park my rental car than it did for me to rent it.  Next time I'll skip renting a car and just take a cab.
• Cab and bus drivers believe they are exempt from rules...never mind red lights, speed limits, one ways, no parking/passing zones....
• I'm now officially a WISER Sister and think Pavlov would be proud of my performance on my treadmill test. I made it 9:45 and up to an incline of 17!
• Starbucks cups are good for holding more than just coffee....
• I CAN put on my big girl panties and go sight seeing on my own. Although, I wasn't brave enough to go belly up next to a stranger at a bar and celebrate St. Patrick's Day (or maybe I was actually smart enough not to put myself in that situation).
• University of Pennsylvania was gorgeous, but the way it was completely surrounded by city life reminded of why UW wasn't a good college fit for me for that same reason. I'm a country girl at heart and I need to be able to see the stars at night and shut out the real world-even if just for a little while.

• While walking through U Penn I saw a sign that made me laugh out loud and I had to take a picture:

Then, I saw another one:

This began my scavenger hunt to tour campus and find as many signs as I could. I thought it was appropriate that this one had fallen down and was dirty...hmm:

So true:

Whew, I'm off the hook: 

 The last sign I saw as I was leaving campus was this:

Flying home in First Class confirmed that I appreciate and enjoy living a privileged life. I also had luxury accommodations at the Sheraton which I also thoroughly enjoyed. 

I love my alone time, but I get lonely after a day and find my heart aching to love on my kids--If you are reading this, you should come with me when I go back to Philly in Sept!

13.1m Princess Parking

Wow, what an AMAZING weekend! I don't even know where to start. If I had to sum it up with two words I'd have to say "Princess Parking."  Or the phrase of the weekend was "of course it is." Those of you who know me know that I have great luck and an uncanny ability to create good things through positive thinking. Let me give you an example:

I always have to set my race gear out the night before to ensure I have everything I need.

Anywhere I go I am able to find a prime parking space (Princess Parking), whether it be at the crowded mall, a busy restaurant, or at a race with 40,000+ participants who are also trying to park close to the finish line so we don't have to waddle too far to get back to our cars after the race. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when we accidentally discovered a virtually empty parking garage with free parking. Now, fast forward to the end of the race. We are tired, just finished a half-marathon and have no idea where we are in an unfamiliar city. We ask someone which direction we should start walking to find a parking garage located on the corner of Rural and 5th, to which the reply was, "turn around, that is it right behind you." And what did we have to say in response? "Of course it is."

Pre-race photo with the sign my son made for me.

Race day weather for the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half-Marathon was perfect in the 50's and slightly overcast. My race goal was to run the whole 13.1 miles instead of the run/walk combination that I have always done. Mission accomplished! I can now officially say that I have "run" a half-marathon! The funny part was that my time was exactly the same as if I'd done my walk/run combo.

My finisher medal.

I could not have accomplished the run without the support of my cousin who paced me and acted as my cheerleader, coach, friend, and number one fan. My aunt and uncle flew in from Portland and brought second cousins I'd never met who helped cheer me on from the sideline at about mile 7.5 and then again at the finish. There were DetermiNation cheerleaders at a number of places throughout the race who would cheer and ring cow bells when they saw me coming. It was the best (and most) race support I've ever had. My race belt was covered with ribbons dedicated either "In Memory of" or "In Honor of" people who have been affected by cancer. I had no excuses not to run the whole distance.

My race belt to honor my friends and family.

A few short highlights:

• Be GOOD
• "Stop the bus, I have to get off!"  I advise you not to leave your purse in the rental car you just returned.
• The Arizona State Trooper who looked at me and first words were "I already know what the problem is."  Who makes cars that don't come with automatic headlights?  Apparently Ford Fusion...(I didn't get a ticket).
• "Oh, I'm going to win that one!" (And I did win the raffle!)
• "Thank God the flight is delayed."  Because if it hadn't, we would have missed our flight.
• Puppy parade announcing our arrival...and departure...and any body movement...breathing....
• Shall we all share some antioxidants?  We did enjoy my raffle prize of wine and chocolate.
• "Before I got on him."  Don't ask.  You don't want to know.
• MIM-  I highly recommend going to this museum if you are ever in the Phoenix area.
• "These are the best potatoes I've ever had in my whole life and I've had a lot of life."
• "Nobody gets a shirt that says I just ran 11.8 miles."  A quote from one of my coaches who was running beside me, giving me a rundown of the elevation for the final distance while ringing a cow bell the whole time.
• "It's all down hill from here."  We discovered that must have been in reference to the miles we had left to run instead of the elevation of the terrain.

While in Arizona, I was able to see an old high school friend and meet his wife and kids. His wife will be one who I will get to join us on one of these crazy trips. You know who you are and you know you are always welcome to be a Sole Sister with us. Don't be afraid. You will LOVE it!

My cousin and I stayed in a friend's beautiful guest house. We really did have royal treatment and it was so wonderful to see them again. I forgot just how much I missed having them around. I connected with another friend who took us to an incredible museum of musical instruments and to eat at phenomenal places.

When I arrived home I was welcomed by my family and a brand new, beautiful wood floors in the kitchen and dining room. I am spoiled and know it. It's nice to be treated like a Princess.

This was only possible thanks to so many people who supported me along this journey.  I truly cannot thank you all enough. 

I hope to have more of you join me in future journeys.  I did just sign up for the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll half-marathon in November.  Who's coming with me?

Run Down

As I look forward to ringing in the New Year, I look back at my running accomplishments in 2011.

I ran eight races (listed by distance, not by chronological order):

(3) 5K:

·         Leprechaun Scurry

·         Strides for Strong Bones (I even won 3^rd place in my age division!)

·         Monster Dash

(1) 5 Miler:

·         Rapid Rabbit

(1) 12K:

·         Bloomsday

(3) Half-Marathons:

·         Coeur d’Alene

·         Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll

·         Run Like a Girl

I ran a total of 299 miles.  Trust me I really thought about running a mile today just to make that an even 300.  My goal is to double that distance next year.  Yep, I said it.  Now I have to do it. 

I started my year walking a mile at an 18:52 pace (remember, I’d just had a baby the month before) and finished running a 5K at a 10:21 pace!

I fractured/sprained my foot in February, but have healed completely.

I’ve committed to race on the American Cancer Society DetermiNation race team at the Phoenix Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon on January 15 and raised OVER my donation commitment!

It has been a long road (no puns intended), but one worth traveling.  I’m excited to see where 2012 takes me!

15 Days and Counting

I've started my count down to Phoenix!  I exceeded my race donation commitment to the American Cancer Society and have my race jersey in hand!

I cannot thank everyone enough for all the generous donations of support. I will run hard and make you proud. It is not too late to donate to this cause (plus it is a tax deductible donation).  Click here to make a donation now!

To the very special person who I have dedicated this race to:

You are an AMAZING woman who is beautiful from the inside and out.  You are stronger than I could ever be and will race this race for you until your strength is back for you to run it yourself.  Keep the faith.  You are my inspiration. xoxo

Who Needs Sleep?

Just when I think I’m caught up, I fall behind.   My last post was two months ago.  Let’s just say that between then and now, life happened.  Luckily for me, it happened in a good way.  I could go through it all in detail, but frankly I don’t have the time nor would you want to read my ramblings.  So here are the highlights:

• I got a new job!

o    I’m very excited and I know this year will be a whirlwind.  Fitting training into an already crazy schedule is nearly impossible.  Who needs sleep right?  My training has definitely suffered, but I’m now settling into a routine which includes working out a couple of days a week, after work and before I go pick up the kids.   Once I have my kids, ME time is over…including trying to go to the bathroom alone.

• I completed the Run Like a Girl Half-Marathon on Oct. 1, 2011!

Sole Sisters running team.

Happy pre-race photo of the cousins.

o   Twenty-two crazy “Sole Sisters” met up in Bellingham and we had a blast!  Sadly, we never had the opportunity to get a full group picture.   They treated us to something fun at every mile (tiaras, chocolate, Captain Marathon- who apparently was VERY friendly with one of our Sisters).  See picture below.    The bonus was at the end when we were welcomed at the finish line by the HOT firefighters of Bellingham.

Any guess where Captain Marathon's other hand is?

o   We stayed a fabulous hotel and had a great room with a full view of the bay.  Unexpectedly, we were all startled the first night when the room started to fill up with bright light and sounds like a UFO was coming to beam us up.  Apparently, we didn’t notice the small sign on the counter of the front lobby warning us of “Brief, occasional train sounds.”  Sigh.  Again, who needs sleep? 

Our suite had a sweet tub.

• I won an award!

o   I was honored to receive a state exemplary volunteer award which confirms that I officially do a lot.  I say that because I always feel busy and I guess I am.  People comment on how much I do and ask how I do it all.   Honestly, I have no idea, but my super woman cape is starting to show signs of wearing.  

My mom flew up and attended the award dinner with me.  One of the highlights on the way home was finding an ancient relic.    Who knew phone booths still existed?  Of course I took this picture with my cell phone.

I made my mom pose for the photo.

• I’ve accomplished some mileage PRs (Personal Records).

o   I made it up to 8 miles, non-stop running!  This is HUGE for me!  Don’t get me wrong.  I go the distance, just not at a fast pace.

• My husband bought me a new hamster wheel!

o   My mother ship has landed.  No more cold, wet, night runs for me!  Crap, this also means no more excuses…. 

• I’ve acquired 80% of my donation goal.

o   I have raised 80% of my fundraising commitment for the American Cancer Society.  Thanks to so many generous friends and family who believe in my cause to race in January!   I only have $225 left to raise in order to reach my $1,250 goal! 

• I found a few suckers to run with me.

o   I now have two others who are going to join me in Phoenix to run the half-marathon.  (The rest of you are still welcome to join us.  It’s not too late!)  I certainly have a knack of talking people into doing crazy things with me.  I LOVE it!

I could go on and on.  But instead, I’m going to end on this note.  I dare you to walk or run just a little bit further each day.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Park a few more spaces away from the door.  Love your family and cherish every minute of every day.  It is a gift.