I haven't posted since the Marine Corps Marathon and now that I'm in full swing training for Antarctica, it is probably time to get back to this blog.

Part of the reason I haven't posted is because this is a running blog and during November and December I did a lot of everything, except running. I survived finals, successfully defended my Masters and escaped to Europe for a week long vacation with my boyfriend.

Chris and I at Munich's Hofbrauhaus

There were also the holidays, a nasty cold and a stomach virus that prevented me from eating for three days (and kept me eating only toast and bananas for a few days after that). Some of these things were good (Germany! Prague!), others were bad (stomach virus) but all negatively impacted my running. Importantly, I'd been able to maintain a reasonable base after the marathon, running 5 miles several times a week, including tough hill workouts, but my long runs had been lacking.

Net result: 0/4 long runs completed. This has never happened. Ever. So here lies the problem. What happens when an overachiever falls behind (I'll be the one to say it: WAY behind) on her goal? Based on my experience, a combination of freaking out and pushing ahead like crazy. After not being able to run 14 miles, I decided that I had lost all my fitness and conditioning from the past two years of running and if I didn't kick things into gear immediately then I'd never be ready for Antarctica. Hi, My Name is Kat and I'm Neurotic.

The next few days looked like this:

This left my now-dreaded long run for Sunday. I was going to try to repeat the 14 miles that have been plaguing me. Or at least have felt like they've been plaguing me. I go out to North Park, my favorite five mile loop, with Chris and meet Jen, who is planning to run 8. I plan to run SLOW. Psychologically, I NEED to finish this run. If I need to run as slow as I ran my 10 miles, that is fine with me. Our first five mile are 9:37 to 9:47 pace. Usually on a good training day, I'll run my long runs at 10 min/mile pace. We are running too fast. I verbalize that we should slow down. We do, a little, maybe 5 seconds a mile, and although I feel good at mile 8 when we split from Jen, I am terrified I won't be able to keep this pace. Chris and I trudge along, and the second his toe crosses the 14 mile mark, he is done, but I felt good enough to finish the last loop around the lake to make the run a solid 15 miles. Not only did I run 15 miles, my last mile was my fastest mile and overall, this was one of the fastest long runs I've had to date. One heck of a comeback run to cap off a 40 mile week.

So I learned a few things:

• If I miss some runs, I'll be okay. The rest may have even done me well.
• Nutrition is key. I know I flopped on my 14-turned-10 miler because I hadn't eaten in days. Before my successful 15 miler I ate very well and I don't doubt that had something to do with my performance.
• Running with a partner is the way to do runs. I run faster and it feels easier. Awesome.

On Sunday I ran my second marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon. After a summer full of strong and consistent training, quality cross-training and finally feeling like I had this marathoning thing down, I was very optimistic about the race. Based on several recent races and 20-mile runs, I thought that I could run 4:15 comfortably, with a margin of error for a particularly good or bad day. No matter what, I knew I would beat my previous PR of 4:42:18 since even my slowest training runs would put me under that by at least 20 minutes.

Sounds nice, right? Well, friends, welcome to the world of marathoning. Even with a lot of quality training and perfect weather, this was what I considered to be a very ugly race.

Pre-Marathon

The days leading up to the marathon were incredible. It started on Wednesday, when Jen and Chris decorated my condo and was followed by Thursday when I finally started to feel like I kicked the cold that reared its ugly head on Sunday. Friday Chris and I had a safe trip to DC where I went to the Expo, met Bart Yasso, saw friends and later joined some additional friends for a long and lovely dinner. Even race morning I was able to meet up with a half a dozen friends and make some new ones while I waited at the start. I had planned to run with the 4:00 pace group for as long as I could hold on, so I was exceptionally excited when I saw that there was a 4:15 pace group, which was the pace I wanted to run from the beginning. I should note (this may be important later) that to run a 4:15 pace with even splits, you would need miles that were 9:43. I've run two 20 milers at less than 10 minute pace, so I was psyched for an awesome race and a PR when the gun went off.

The Race

The race is phenomenally crowded and I continued to trip over people who were oblivious because of their iPods or who didn't place themselves in the appropriate corrals. Mile 1 is comfortable and right on target: 9:43, but both the speed and the course elevation increase sharply thereafter. I ran with the pacers until mile 8 when I realized that it was a very bad idea. Some of the splits that I ran with the "pacers" included: 9:03, 9:05; 8:59, 9:20. For the most part, about 40 seconds too fast, especially on early hills, and much closer to a 4:00 pace. I'm not sure how much of a role going out too hard and too fast played, but I know it didn't help. By mile 11 I began to feel a blister that I later found out was solidly the size of a silver dollar (three Army guys later eagerly looked at it and took pictures) and I thankfully saw some of the wonderful spectators from the MCM message board at this point. I was rather sad to see that one of the spectators was my friend, Len, who continuously gives me wonderful running advice and was my running angel at last year's MCM; he had to bow out early in the race due to an injury that had been nagging him.

At this point, the course turned onto Haines Point. In theory, changing the order of Haines Point and the Mall was smart, but in practice I thought it was terrible. There was an extra part of the course leading into Haines Point (11-15) that had no spectators, and this was true as you left Haines Point as well. This part of the race was terrible for me psychologically- I had lost the pace group, I felt myself starting to slow down, and there were no spectators to pull me through. Between miles 15 and 16 I saw my best friend, Hannah, and her husband, Andy. I cut off at least one poor person, jumped onto the grass and almost knocked Hannah over as I gave her a bear hug. I only remember telling her that I hated running and was never going to run again.

I hopped back onto the course, unsure how long I was going to be able to keep going before needing to stop to walk. My lungs were burning and hurt as though I had pneumonia. I couldn't catch my breath. I haven't had an asthma attack since high school, but suddenly found myself considering my options if my wheezing got worse. I was also favoring my blistered foot, so my knee was in pain because of my adjusted gait. My calves were knots. It was terrible. It was only mile 16.

Miles 16 through 21 were terribly difficult and really felt much more like miles 20 through 26.2. I got a boost at the beginning of the bridge where Lauren and Holly cheered me on (Lauren most definitely wins the most enthusiastic spectator award. I still smile when I think of her popping up and cheering!). A little while later, I saw the MCM support team again and I was sad to run by them because I knew I didn't have any more spectators. The last cheer I heard was Jen yelling "Who's a runner?! Kat's a runner!" It would need to carry me. I did a ton of walking on the bridge and had the realization that I had a granola bar with me and I should use my walk time for a snack. Best decision ever.

I got off the bridge and suddenly, out of nowhere, had my kick back. I was able to run from mile 22 until the finish. They were not terribly fast miles, but I ran them. Last year I remember so sadly hobbling past the Pentagon and this year I felt so much stronger. I rounded the corner at mile 25, thrilled that the finish was there and I was going to make it when I saw Chris' friend Aaron. It was so incredible to see support when I needed and wasn't expecting it. I was so disoriented and sad because I couldn't find Chris who was a few meters down course- Aaron was planted as an "early warning system"! I could have cried when Chris started to run next to me. Partly because his presence was so comforting and partly because I hated him for making running look so easy! He had water and a protein bar and when I turned down both, he came close to me and told me he loved me- something we save for special occasions- and would see me at the finish line. I remember him putting his arm around me and kissing me on the forehead. I might have made that last part up, but I like it and it is something he would do, so I'll keep it as part of the memory.

I ran up the hill and crossed the finish line, relatively unscathed save for blisters, cramps and a maybe-injured ankle. My final time was 4:42:52... a personal worst by 34 seconds! (I actually find this very funny) In some ways I'm disappointed, but I learned a lot from the race. I now know to trust my own pace (and not pacers!) and that I need more fuel on my runs. I also know I have a much faster marathon in me, and I'll continue to train hard to make sure that one day that race will end up in the books. There are always good runs and bad runs and I think I just had a bad run on a big day, and I'm okay with that.

Post-Race

I met up with some friends after the race at Carpool, a sports bar in Arlington (below is a picture of me and my friend, Isaac). It was wonderful to hear people's successes and seeing everyone's accomplishment gave me some much needed perspective on my "bad" race. Really, my race wasn't bad. I didn't meet my goal, but I finished, and did so with minimal injury. I was also healthy enough to have gotten to the start. I am very thankful for those things. I should also note that Jimmy successfully completed his 177.5 ultra marathon to raise money for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and looked better after 177.5 than I did after 26.2! Jimmy, I'm so proud of you and thankful that we have people like you in this world.

Next up: Antarctica. It certainly won't be a PR, but it will definitely be an experience!

It's been an odd month with Marine Corps coming up quickly (8 days!) which means "official" Antarctica training starts soon (about three weeks). Chris has started running in preparation for starting a training program and we're starting to get a few more updates from Marathon Tours. Yesterday we got an e-mail, which along with a packing list, invoice for a fuel surcharge and a reading list (a graduate student's dream), included the following:

"Course change: There are always complicated politics that effect tourism activities in Antarctica. A German group is trying to establish the Fildez Peninsula, the marathon site, as off-limits to many civilian activities. We cannot get permission to use the same course. Thus, we are pursuing approval to have the event in a number of alternative sites. We will keep you advised when we receive more information."

and

"You are traveling to the windiest, coldest, iciest and most inhospitable part of the planet."

I knew that running a marathon in Antarctica would take grit, endurance and flexibility, but I never expected that the entire peninsula where the race was based would become off limits! The old course had us running on trails between science stations and a glacier on the northernmost part of the continent. This was pretty much a set-up for running Antarctica in the easiest conditions possible (although not "easy" when compared to races on continents that are naturally inhabited by humans). Looks like that has changed and I'll see what "the most inhospitable part of the planet" holds for me with the new course!

As many of you who read this blog know, I am a giant bleeding heart. I blame it on being a psychologist because my profession requires me to empathize with others, to put myself in their shoes. As a giant bleeding heart, I always try my best to help others, whether it is something small like helping a little old lady while out on a run, by volunteering in a more formal fashion (e.g. coaching Girls on the Run) or supporting my friends in their endeavors. Today's blog post is about supporting a man that I feel very honored to call a friend.

A lot of people don't understand why I run or how on earth I could run as far as I do. However, when you compare my experience and distances to my friend, Jimmy's, I look like a kindergartner at a one-mile fun run. Jimmy has been running for the better part of 20 years and in the last few years has polished off 14 marathons and 1 ultra marathon. Jimmy is also a husband, father of three and a member of the US Marine Corps... he is (and should be) very proud of all of his involvement and accomplishments. Jimmy is known for doing great things, but he completely blew me away when he told me of his next endeavor.

Between October 22 and October 26, Jimmy will be running the Espirit De Corps Ultra. A lot of ultras are tests of will, pushing the body to its ultimate limits. A lot of them come with big bragging rights. While this ultra will serve both functions, it is truly serving a much higher purpose. The Espirit De Corps is a 177.5 mile run from Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, PA to the Iwo Jima memorial. 1775 was the date and Tun Tavern was the place that the Marine Corps were born. So, it is only fitting that 5 Marines (Jimmy was recently added to the team, so the website doesn't yet reflect his involvement) run to benefit other Marines. The last day of the ultra will be at the Marine Corps Marathon and all of the money that they raise will benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

If you would like to donate, you can do so here; as you can see they have only been able to raise about 30% of their $25,000 goal. You can also support them by sharing their story. Lastly, if you will be at the Marine Corps Marathon, please show your love and support for these strong and courageous men who are running in support of those who have been injured serving our country.

On Saturday I ran the Ikea Montour Trail Half Marathon. As always, I wasn't sure how the race was going to go. I haven't run a half marathon since a disastrous Baltimore Half Marathon in 2004. I've been having really good long runs recently, but I wasn't sure what pace I could sustain for 13.1 miles. My goal was to break 2 hours but I wasn't sure if it was a realistic goal or not.

Pre-Race

I was up at 5:45 with my best-thing-since-sliced-bread boyfriend, Chris. I got ready while he went on a coffee run and then we went to pick-up my friend, Steph, who was also racing the half. We got to the start/packet pick-up/chips around 7:15 for an 8 am start. I was pleased to see the shirt wasn't the t-shirt I was expecting, but instead a long-sleeve Brooks technical shirt. Nice, I'll take that! We hung around and stretched and met up with my friend Kasey and a friend of hers, David. I love the pre-race atmosphere... all the runners warming up and chatting and anticipating their potential. Love it.

Race

I start the run with Kasey and David because we're all hoping to break two hours. Kasey's PR is 2:04; I'm not sure of David's PR, but I think he has a 3:40 marathon time floating around somewhere. It isn't too hot of a day, but it is HUMID. At this point I'm just thankful that the forecasted rain has held off, but I'm not sure how the weather is going to factor in.

The gun fires and we're off. The first mile is a long downhill with a net elevation change of 300 feet. Everyone goes out insanely fast and our first mile is 8:03. If I were racing by myself, and not with Kasey and David, I would have gone out conservatively and tried to leave some to push at the end. Kasey and David are more even-split people. I figure I'll keep up with them and it'll be a bonus if I have some kick at the end. Miles 2 and 3 are 9:01 pace, Mile 4 goes through a 500 foot tunnel and my Garmin cries Uncle, yielding unreliable readings. This is where I start to slow down. I'm not sure if it's the humidity, but now I'm starting to second-guess myself about going out too fast. As a psychologist and a runner, I know that running is just as much a mental sport as a physical one, and I can't start psyching myself out. I use some time-tested mantras ("Who's a runner? Kat's a runner!") but I'm digging too deep for this early in the race. Around miles 5, 6, and 7 I'm starting to question my ability to meet my goal (splits: 9:08, 9:10, 9:18). To add to this, Kasey cramps and needs to stop to walk. I keep going and David stays with her but I'm really regretting my race strategy. An additional factor at this point was poorly placed water stops- no water between miles 5 and 9! Argh!

Mile 7 is the turnaround for the out-and-back course. A turnaround not just physically but mentally. At this point, I start flying and suddenly I have a bit of a kick in my step again (mile 8: 8:42). I realize at this point that the last few miles must have been a gradual uphill (my Garmin later confirms a 300-foot climb) and maybe I can make up some time on the downhill. From here on out something happens and my mind becomes focused and sharpened. My legs and breathing start to hit a rhythm. The pack has spread out and I keep finding people I can play mental games with: I just need to pass the girl in the blue; there's a rubber band between me and the guy in the black shirt and he's pulling me to the finish line.

The course has been devoid of spectators and was sparse on volunteers. It was amazing to start to see non-running humans around mile 12.75. The winners were cheering us on and I made eye contact with one guy (my race angel) who said "You've got it, girl! Finish strong!" He was wearing a JFK 50 mile shirt, an endurance race that happens in my home state of Maryland, and the realization I only had a little bit left to go, feeling a home-court connection, and finally being cheering for helped me kick it into high gear. I ran hard towards the finish and found Chris and Steph at the finish line cheering me on. Chris is one of my biggest supporters and it was so awesome to see him cheering for me and bringing me home. I finished in 1:58:06, beating my goal of coming in under 2-hours.

Post-Race

I got a medal, which I was really excited about (yay bling!). I was also excited I was able to break 2 hours on a trail run in disgusting conditions (runners looked like swimmers at the end). I found out Steph came within two minutes of breaking her PR of 1:40 and likely would have without a porta-potty break. Kasey and David came in at 2:02, a 2-minute PR for Kasey, even though she didn't meet her sub-2 goal. Overall it was a really great morning with really great people. I'm starting to realize there is no other way I'd rather spend a morning than racing with friends.

Today I ran my first trail 5K and it was awesome. I got to the race early, got my chip and timed it perfectly so I could run a mile warm-up and get to the start about 10 minutes before the gun. As I was starting my warm-up I ran into two of the girls I coached Girls on the Run with, Lisa and Megan, and they told me they just finished their warm-up- an 11 mile run! As I was warming up, I saw some of the kids from the 1.5 mile walk that had finished earlier. They also had a dog race so there were lots of cute pooches- with bibs on their collars! At this point I am SO pumped for this race. It's a beautiful sunny day, but warm (for Pittsburgh, not for the month of August) and humid. I stretch a little and head to the start where I chat with other runners before the National Anthem... and we're off!

The race starts on time and we take off down residential streets that aren't paved, but brick! I can only imagine the horror that would be me tripping at this point. And for those of you who know me, the potential for me to trip is more likely than not. I'm running dead on an 8-minute pace which I'm very happy with and a third of a mile into the race Lisa hauls right by me and as we turn a corner she is gone. I stick with my pace and I'm feeling great, but my mouth is getting a bit dry- yay a water stop! Boo a kid that could be no more than 8 years old cutting me off to grab water. Option A: Steamroll kid, possibly kill us both and maybe get water in the process. Option B: Hope there's another water stop soon. I curse the kid for being so stinking fast as I pick Option B. Mile 1 highlight? Not just a spectator-manned beer stop, but a champagne stop complete with plastic champagne glasses! Pittsburghers are classy! Mile 1: 8:10.

This is where the race starts getting... fun? Is fun the word I'd use? Interesting, maybe. This is the part of the "race" where it become much less of a race and, as Lisa put it, more of a "trail run with lots of people." Highlights of this part of the race: A steep downhill hairpin turn that is so steep and so sharp that again I only envison a downward death roll and headlines of "Runners Bowls Over Human Bowling Pins: A Strike with Casualties in Regent Square." And while I mention this downhill, please do not be confused. This was not a downhill course. In mile 2, there was a 300 foot rise in elevation on trails. The elevation was a barrier to speed, but so were the multiple turns, the texture of the trail, and all the runners stopping to walk because they couldn't tackle the hills. Mile 2 highlights? The water station where the volunteers, men included, were wearing huge tutus. So awesome! My friend, Kristin, also came out to cheer, but I didn't get to see her even though she saw me. So excited I have so many wonderful friends! Mile 2: 9:40 (I swear it was the hills!)

The first part of mile 3 still had some pretty substantial uphills, 430 feet worth of hill in the first half, to be exact (in case there was any confusion, 430 feet UP). Every quarter mile or so they had a musician stationed, which was almost a little creepy to have a lone trumpeter standing in the woods on a Saturday morning. Mile 3 highlight? The bagpiper! In one 5K I had men in tutus and a bagpiper! I love this race! At mile 2.5 on the nose there is a sharp downhill to the finish. Let me repeat that: sharp downhill. Again, visions of me tripping and falling are flooding my mind and these are only made worse when a man behind me yells to his friend "Ow! My ankle! I rolled my ankle" (thankfully, he turned out to be fine). Falling while running this section at any substantial speed could result in the kind of tumble where at all once you knock out your front teeth, break your arm and sprain your ankle. And yes, if I wasn't careful, it would have happened to me. Over the 600 foot drop (yes! 600 feet in 0.6 miles!) I was fast, but reigned it in a bit for safety sake. Mile 3: 8:20

The finish came up quickly and I hammered it out at 6:42 pace for an overall finish of 26:46. Even with the challenging terrain and the "group trail run" environment, that is still 20 seconds faster than a hilly road 5K I ran in April. Awesome! At the end they did the customary things like giving you water and clipping your chip. But this race had one of the best post-race set-ups I've seen. Runners got carnations, which I loved, and they had lots of food, including a grill with hot dogs, and booths (and the dogs from the dog race were out, too!). I got to spend some time with Lisa and Megan and it was such a lovely morning for a race. Lisa and Megan raved about this race and I can see why, today I added the course to a list of favorites, and a 20 second PR (even on trails!) to the record book