Blog Posts From Kat Ran Antarctica Tagged With marine_corps_marathon

Marine Corps Marathon 2009

DCtoPgh — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:52:07 GMT

The 2009 MCM was my 9^th marathon, my 7^th since March. The goal of this race was yet another training run for JFK50 (total training races: 2 marathons and 2 ultras), but after coming so close to a PR two weeks ago at the Baltimore Marathon, I knew it could be a PR day.

Saturday: Expo and Pre-Race

I got to the expo and it was enormous, crowded and overwhelming.

Only some of the really huge expo

The volunteers were exceedingly kind and helpful and I just love seeing the Marines in their uniforms. I ran into my buddy Dane and we chatted for a while.

Me and Dane. He runs a LOT!

I also went to the Semper Fi Fund table where I finally got to meet Corey, an injured Marine who was helped by The Fund and now works for them. We’ve been in touch since I raised funds with Antarctica. She was so sweet and I was so happy that I was able to help the cause; if you would like to donate to an incredible organization, you can do so here.

I also bargained a $110 jacket down to $80 (paying cash, asking for deals and male vendors all help) and got a $50 Dick’s gift card for signing up for the Pittsburgh marathon. I love deals! Next up I headed down to Ike’s where we would meet Shell to go to dinner with friends. I was relaxing on his couch, curled under a blanket when I see Shell come in… followed by Ben! Why is this notable and/or exciting? Ben is one of my very best friends and my neighbor in Pittsburgh who is supposed to be visiting his family in New Jersey this weekend. So why is he in DC?! Well, come to find out, ever since Ben met Shell and Ike at the Pittsburgh marathon, he has been scheming to come down and surprise whoever was running MCM! I love Ben! Both Shell and Ike were out with injuries so they were co-conspirators! After a lot of confusion as to why he was there, squeaking about the fact that he actually WAS there, telling him I hated him, proposing to him, and hitting him a few times so that I wouldn’t cry (and yes, I realize the diversity of that response) we headed to an awesome dinner with friends in Crystal City.

Me and Ben at dinner

The rest of the night was spent making signs, drinking pumpkin beer, eating ice cream and watching Grey’s Anatomy.

Shell making one of several awesome signs

Good times with great friends. I went to sleep feeling so excited for race day and so well-loved to have such fabulous people rallying to support me. If I’m not the luckiest girl in the world, I want to meet the girl who is.

Sunday: Race Day

Shell and I are up and going a million miles a minute and before 6:30 she had already rewritten song lyrics to reflect race day (e.g. “Shorty fire burning on the race course, whoa-o; Kat’s gonna run real fast, she’s gonna kick a lot of @ss on the race course, woa-o”), hosted a disco party in Ike’s car (courtesy of his emergency light/whistle) and slow danced with Ike while waiting for balloons.

I love, love, love, love, LOVE race morning. Getting to the start of the race was such a rush and we timed it so that I could use a porta potty, meet some old friends and make some new friends before the start. Perfect.

Me, Mike, Carl (who is also running JFK50) and Chris

Since a PR was a possibility my plan was to start out conservatively (9:45-10 min/miles) and pick it up if I felt better later; I think I tend to go out too fast in the beginning of races and I wanted to mitigate that.

MCM Start

Video of the start, and thanking Marines

Immediately after the start we pass by Arlington National Cemetery. My step-dad’s sister was just buried at Arlington and it simultaneously shook me and inspired me. There are always inspiring stories at races, but MCM seems to have more- they are everywhere you look. But I wasn’t ready for one so early, and also not such a personal one. I turn a corner not much later to see an enormous American flag suspended over the marathon course. I’m such a giant, sappy, bleeding heart and this race is going to tug on every heart string I have.

American flags were hoisted

and carried

We run down Spout Run and turn onto Canal Road where I befriend Wayne, a Navy guy who is also running with Team Semper Fi.

Running by Georgetown University

I catch up to a runner from a DC running group that I ran with when visiting DC this summer and then I have my next tear-jerking moment. I see a singlet with a very handsome Marine who was killed in action- Bill Jacobsen. The singlet also says, “My son, my hero.” I’m compelled to say something, but what can you possibly say to a father that has lost his beautiful son? I tell him that I’m sorry for his loss and am completely overwhelmed by tears that I choked back as I ran ahead. What I said felt too superficial and I regretted it, but couldn’t figure out what else to say. I spent most of the rest of the race running right behind Bill’s sister (wearing a similar singlet) and trying not to think of my own brother who is a Marine about to deploy to Afghanistan.

We then turned into Georgetown where there are lots of great crowds and really fun personal memories. MCM was less of a trip down memory lane than the Baltimore marathon, but the house I grew up in is 11 radial miles from the White House so I’ve spent a lot of time in DC and I love so much about the city.

Georgetown spectators, Part I

Georgetown Spectators, Part II (shorter but better quality)

Before we reach the Kennedy Center I start to pass a man when I read something on his singlet that makes me realize he is Will Brown, one of the Groundpounders, a group of 4 men who have run every single MCM. All 34 of them! I know Will through the MCM message boards, but instead of treating him like a friend, I act like a total groupie and ask to take a picture of him. He humors me, but as I run on I can only hope that I didn’t annoy the Marine and ultrarunner with my obsequiousness.

As we head into Haines Point there are lots of spectators, even MY spectators!

Ben, Ike and Shell cheering for me

Lined up and ready to cheer

I also remember that last year this is where I started to fall apart and, in contrast, this year I feel great and I’m keeping my sub-10 splits as planned. I find Haines Point peaceful and I see my friend’s girlfriend who cheers for me and I stumble upon Ray, who is carrying an American flag. The theme for the day is tearjerkers and seeing a Ray immediately made me think of my friend Ray who is currently deployed in Afghanistan. I thank runner Ray and try to shift my focus to anything but worrying about “my” Ray. On one hand, as an American I am so proud to have amazing men like Ray doing good for our country; on the other hand, as a friend, it breaks my heart that someone that I care about is deployed. After dating my ex through 2 deployments, I want my heart in the US and not in Iraq or Afghanistan.

I think it is so amazing that people carry flags the entire race.

Check out this amazing tree in Haines Point!

After Haines Point we turn onto the National Mall where I see Ike before I am swarmed with spectators. I’m holding onto my pace but it’s a little more work now. I keep telling myself just to run the mile I’m in, make it to the Sports Beans, and to get to Ben, Ike and Shell.

A high school band playing for the spectators

Pink gorilla. There were also spectators dressed as a beaver and a bumble bee

Mile 15 had an awesome band and a great view of hte Washington monument

Runners and spectators behind the Lincoln memorial

Around mile 16 I see a man who is walking on crutches who is missing some of his calf and he is being followed by men pushing a wheelchair. I have this overwhelming wave of feeling so thankful that I have two working legs and lungs and heart that are more healthy than not. A flash of an e-mail that Corey once sent me sticks out: she asked me to enjoy running because she misses it so much (she is paralyzed). I suddenly feel so thankful yet burdened by wanting to do well for all those people who can’t do what I take for granted more days than not. I keep running, trying not to cry. I can’t believe I’ve held back so many tears in one stupid race.

It was such a perfect day for a race

Capitol Building

Bagpipers played for the runners on the National Mall

A ridiculous womens drumming group that comes out every year

I see my friends at Mile 20 coming onto the bridge. I hate the bridge. It’s long, boring, there are very few spectators and it’s a hill. Plus, people start to fall apart here so it’s easy to thinking about stopping to walk with everyone else. The problem is, if you’re strong enough to keep running there are so many runners who have stopped or slowed that it becomes a contest in weaving which makes running even harder. I see my friend Tuan, who is running across the bridge with runners from his running group and I run with him for a bit before I tell him to go take care of his own. He later told me I looked “so relaxed” like I was “going to get the paper.” I don’t believe him based on how I was feeling, but I get to the end of the bridge and turn into Crystal City.

A member of Team Semper Fi

Best end of bridge spectator EVER!

I also don’t like Crystal City. There are lots of spectators but it’s an out and back and that late in the race it’s tough to mentally have a loop going in the wrong direction just to tack on mileage. I make it to mile 23 and I start to have problems breathing. Stupid asthma. I’m so angry and frustrated, it feels like I’m sucking air through a straw into lungs the size of golf balls. The rest of my body feels great and mentally I’m so in the game but it’s all I can do just to get enough air to keep moving forward. This means I also can’t cheer for spectators, encourage other runners or thank the volunteers- my favorite parts of racing. Add to this that I see a group of motorcyclists who escort the coffins of members of the armed forces who were killed in action. Tears well up as they cheer for me and I choke them down again, telling myself I can cry at the end.

The last few miles are some of the hardest I’ve run because I feel muted by my difficulty breathing. I want to interact with people around me, but don’t have the air to do it. I run in silence and as the spectators begin to thicken near the finish line so many people look me in the eye and cheer for me by name. I can’t thank them and it kills me. A thumbs up just doesn’t express how thankful I am that they are cheering for me. I see friends Brett and Steve and begin up the hill towards the finish at the Iwo Jima memorial. The hill isn’t terrible but men are walking and limping up it and I think of how hard it would be to be a wheelchair athlete. There are Marines standing near the chute and I muster all I can for a high-five as I cross the finish line at 4:26:53.

Final hill on the way to the finish line. What's it like to cross? You'll need to find out for yourself.

A Marine puts a medal around my neck and I think of Dan, who I met at the start. Dan said that he had ordered a hundred medals that he passed out to runners so that the runners could give the Marines a medal that was so deserved. Dan, thank you for sharing such a wonderful idea; I hope you don’t mind if I borrow it next year.

Salty and not cute after 26.2 miles but so honored to be getting a medal from a Marine. I tried to thank him for his service but ended up a stupid, stammering mess and shook his hand.

The medal Dan was going to give a Marine at the finish.

My race wasn’t a PR, although I think it could have been if a) my asthma wouldn’t have started to give me problems and b) I wouldn’t have run an extra (are you ready for this?) 0.8 miles! I love this race, but it’s so crowded and so many runners stop to walk in the middle of the course (please move to the side), which resulted in a lot of weaving which really compounds over 26.2 miles. My pace applied to 26.2 miles and not 27 would have been a PR by almost 2 minutes, but such is racing. At the end of the race I got to give the pink balloons that Shell and Ike carried to help me locate them to little kids! I am the biggest fan ever of random acts of kindness so this was possibly the best part of the race! Next up: JFK50!

At the end with great friends and awesome signs

Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund

DCtoPgh — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:36:12 GMT

On a perfect day in October 2008, Marines, with full professionalism and precision, helped runners find their places near Arlington National Cemetery for the Marine Corps Marathon.The starting gun fired and the sound of running shoes on pavement combined with spectators cheering, pacers shouting instructions, and runners chatting with friends. Three miles into the race, I heard quiet come over the noisy crowd. I looked to my left and saw the incredible sight of the morning sun slanting through dense fog, the spires of Georgetown peering down upon us. As the hush turned to applause and cheers of hundreds of people around me, I looked to my right to find what had really caused people to quiet with respect and applaud with encouragement, enthusiasm, and pride: a member of Team Semper Fi.

A Marine, wearing a specialized prosthetic for running, had fought beyond the loss of his leg, beyond his recovery, and had made his way to the start of this event, where I know he inspired everyone he passed. As I prepare to run a marathon in Antarctica, I know my course will be difficult, but it will be nothing compared to the challenges and triumphs of that young man.

I am so immensely proud to be raising awareness of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund (IMSFF), so that other Marines can have the support and services that they need after suffering injury and illness while fighting to protect our freedom. The IMSFF serves Marines through several programs, including family and medical support, transportation, housing assistance, specialized equipment, transition assistance and therapeutic arts (more details here).

Please support this amazing (c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 26-0086305). All donations are tax deductible and even the smallest contribution can help with the vast needs of those recovering from injuries sustained during their service.

You can donate here. Thank you for your consideration and generosity.

Esprit De Corps Ultra Update

DCtoPgh — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:36:08 GMT

I just wanted to update and let my readers know that Jimmy and four other Marines completed a 177.5 ultra marathon to raise money for the Inured Marine Semper Fi Fund. They did a phenomenal job, but they are unfortunately still short of their fundraising goal. Please check out the video below and support our men who ran 177.5 miles to raise money for the men and women who were injured to protect our freedoms.

Click here to donate

RR: Marine Corps Marathon 2008

DCtoPgh — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 03:08:49 GMT

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!

Great Friends

DCtoPgh — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:46:11 GMT

The marathon is coming up and I've been battling colds and midterms. I've been having a really hard time getting myself psyched up for the race, but today I came home and found this:

Jen, a running friend, and my boyfriend Chris, decorated the hallway of my condo and my door. I am just floored by how thoughtful they were and honestly it completely turned my week around. I am now so excited for this marathon and completely amazed by and so thankful for the people around me. I'm totally blown away- I'm at a loss for words! Which may be a good thing, because every time I start thinking about it, I start to cry. What great people. "Thank you" doesn't show my appreciation, but thanks guys!

Esprit De Corps Ultra

DCtoPgh — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 19:51:11 GMT

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.

20 miles at Elora Palooza

DCtoPgh — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:36:12 GMT

Today I was up at 5:30 to run 20 miles around the lake at beautiful North Park.

Pre-20

I get to the boathouse around 7 (it's at least a half an hour drive from where I live) and I see about 10 Team In Training members, balloons and maybe 20 volunteers. This is either a really big Team event or a race. Either way, people come to North Park to run the 5 mile loop and there isn't much of a way around it. I may be in trouble.

I ask one volunteer what is going on and I find out there's a 5K, Elora Palooza, starting at 9 am which would benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She doesn't know the route, so I ask another volunteer who directs me to "the man in the white hat" who is standing with another man who is wearing a MCM 2007 shirt. Our conversation goes something (very roughly) like this:

Me: Oh! I ran MCM last year!

MCM shirt: Yeah? Me and my dad (he points to White Hat) ran it together last year.

Me: It's such a great race! I'm training for it again this year. Actually, that's why I came over. I'm running my 20 today and if I can avoid it I don't want to interfere with your race- what is the route?

White Hat: We're just running an out and back. Don't worry about running around us.

MCM shirt: If you hear a thunder of runners, it's us on the way!

White Hat: Do you want a donut?

Me: No, I'm okay.

White Hat: No really, you can have a donut!

Loop 1

I ended up leaving them without taking a donut. But, what I did leave with was this incredible impression of very nice people. Early in the morning, trying to get a race together and organizing volunteers, the race director took the time not only to explain the route, but to offer me food. As I ran my first 5 mile loop I couldn't stop thinking how nice they were. It made me realize how much I love running and the camaraderie. I don't think you'll ever meet people who are friendlier than runners. I also thought about how great it was to have father and son involved together not only in a charitable cause, but also as running partners! One day, many years from now, that is the relationship that I want with my child. With all of that milling around, the first five went by quickly and easily.

Loop 2

Before heading out for my second five, I realized that even if I couldn't run the race, I could still donate. I didn't have much cash on me, but I donated something and suddenly realized that I'd be finishing up my 20 around the time they'd be closing up shop. As I was filling out the form for my donation, I asked if I could volunteer at the end and they said I could, I'd just need to find them. I was leaving the parking lot for my second loop when I realized that MCM shirt had changed- he was now wearing a bib that read "Elora's Brother". This might have seemed transparent, but I don't think clearly in the morning or while running, so I was sort of suprised by this (maybe Elora's dad should have offered me coffee instead of a donut?). Running my second loop I couldn't help but feel so thankful. Thankful for all that I have and my good health that I was able to be out there running 20 miles. I passed a man in Army PT clothing and said thank you. He looked confused until it clicked and he said "You're welcome." I cheered on other runners. I don't know what got into me but I didn't feel like I was running for me today.

Loop 3

Before embarking on loop three I stop to talk to another runner I had passed several times. We're both out for 20 but he's a loop ahead of me. He's training for Chicago, loves the finish at MCM, and just comes across as another genuine, happy, runner. I really can't believe my good fortunate to be meeting such nice people this morning. The first three miles of this loop are rather uneventful; if anything they are a little fast. But at mile 4, I intersect with the 5K walkers. I also notice that the mile signs are pictures of a young girl beaming at mile markers. I got extremely choked up. I didn't know Elora, or her story, but meeting her wonderful family and seeing so many people out in her memory, combined with seeing her sweet smile just broke me a little. I ran towards the finish line with the other runners and walkers, so happy to be peripherally part of such a wonderful event.

Loop 4

The last loop was just a pretty darn uneventful five miles, unless you count man #1 who was running while talking on his cell phone or man #2 who was running with a huge Sunday edition newspaper under his arm. Runners are such a wonderfully quirky bunch. Honestly, what kept me going strong for the 20 was my promise of volunteering at the end of the 5K. I wanted to get back in time to help clean up. I finished my 20 miles in 3:19:47, for a 10 minute pace. A strong run that I was very happy with.

Post-20

I tried really hard to volunteer- I asked three separate people how I could help. They only told me to take their food. I'm stubborn and I wasn't going to leave without helping, so finally one woman said that the most helpful thing would be to tell others about the race next year. I told her that witnessing the event was so moving that I was already planning to blog about it. She thanked me and sent me off with some Powerbar meets Sport Bean things.

It was a beautiful day and everyone looked so happy. There were cute little kids eveywhere, as it was very much a family event. They even gave the kids teddy bears, which I thought was such a sweet and thoughtful gesture. From what I could tell, it was really a great event.

Very post-20

It's a few hours later and with the help of Google I learned a bit more about Elora and her story. Taken from the website, Eloras Hope ,I learned the following: "In April 2006, Elora, a 7th grader in the North Allegheny school district, lost her life after a courageous battle with Leukemia. Elora faced her illness bravely as she had faced so many other challenges in her life. Before she was two years old, she was hit by a car and sustained a brain injury—but her academic and physical struggles did not stop her “can do” attitude and her loving spirit. She loved school but required adaptive education. Elora especially enjoyed 5K Races in spite of always finishing long after the other runners crossed the finish line. This never stopped her from encouraging others along the way. Elora brought out the best in others and Elora’s HOPE Foundation wants to continue this tall order." Last year the Foundation raised $11,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and also has a scholarship for a college student majoring in special education.

I feel really privileged to have been part of today. A lot of people ask me why I run, but after today I really wonder why other people don't.

I should also mention that while I was running and being so inspired by those who are helping to fight cancer, I didn't yet know that my step-Aunt Carol lost her battle with ovarian cancer early this morning. I found out as I was finishing this post. This is the point where I lose my words, but more can be read here.

Super Sweet 17

DCtoPgh — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:59:44 GMT

Today I ran my 17 miles in North Park which has a 5-mile paved running/biking loop around a beautiful lake about 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh. The course has rolling hills which I really like because where I live in Pittsburgh the hills are moderate to steep and completely unavoidable, even on short runs.

I was up at 5:45 and was at North Park by around 7:15 in the morning. It was a brisk 51 degrees. Recently I've been struggling with my paces... not struggling in that I haven't been able to keep them, but struggling in that I'm not sure how fast I can go. I've had a fairly successful string of long runs this training season, but I was still hesitant to push my pace. Based on planned marathon pace (9:40) I should be running my long runs at 10:30 pace slower, but I ran my 15 miles in 9:55 pace two weeks ago.

The first few miles I went out conservatively because with long runs, who knows what the day might hold (miles 1-5, average pace: 10:13). Then, I just started feeling strong and the pace kind of picked up on its own (miles 6-11, average pace: 9:31, including mile 11 which came in at 8:59 and included this absurd fist pumping wiggle dance while running after I saw that split). Now, with 6 miles left I had to make a decision about whether I should try to keep my fast pace or slow down. I thought that I would try to hold on to my fast pace as long as I could; even if I had to slow down substantially, it was still going to be a great run. Miles 12-17 average pace: 8:47!!!! Holy sh!t, I can't run that fast! But I did run that fast!! My last mile was 8:39 and my last three miles were 30 seconds faster than my hilly trail 5K last weekend! Overall pace for the run was 9:28; 30 seconds/mile faster than the last long run I did (15 miles at 9:55) and a full minute faster than my long runs should be based on PMP. I ran 17 miles in 2:40?!

It was a great way to end a landmark month: highest long run (17 miles), highest mileage week (42 miles), and highest mileage month (160 miles!) this training season.

Maybe that sub-4 is within reach after all?

Marathon Pace?

DCtoPgh — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:01:46 GMT

It's been a while since I've written and personally it's been a bit of a tough month with lots of tests and doctors visits to try to explain why my heart rate averages in the 190s when I run- regardless of weather, distance or pace. The verdict is still out but more results should be back this week and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is something as simple as my HR monitor being miscalibrated. In what was either a very stupid or very smart move (verdict is still out on this one, too), I didn't ask any of my doctors whether I could keep running because I was scared they'd say to stop. So, with no doctors (including a Boston marathoner) telling me not to run, I've been continuing with my marathon training. Running is always such a great thing, but it's been such an invaluable source of stress relief over the last few weeks.

Independent of it being a great outlet, my training has been going far better than I could have hoped or expected. If you would have told me this spring that I'd be running as strong as I have been this summer, I never would have believed you. Great runs include, but are not limited to, several 7 mile runs that turned into tempo runs and several pace runs where I came in under my original 9:40 planned pace. My long runs have been the most rewarding. Last weekend I ran 14 miles in 9:59 pace with the last few miles coming in at 8:37, 9:00 and 8:23. Yesterday I ran 15 hilly miles in 9:55 pace with the average pace for the three five-mile loops coming in at 10:17, 9:54 and 9:29. Not only were my long runs strong, and fast (both should have been 10:30 pace or slower based on planned marathon pace), but both capped off the highest-mileage weeks of my running career.

Based on all of this information, I'm wondering if I'm either running my long runs too hard (I feel strong at the end of them, obviously) or whether I'm undershooting my goal this fall. The marathon also isn't until October 26th which means I still have 2 1/2 months of training ahead of me. Currently, my easiest goal would be to come in sub-4:30, but I would be very happy with a sub-4:15 and ecstatic with a sub-4:00. However, they're very different goals and if I'm going for a faster marathon pace then my pace and long runs should be a bit faster. Any advice?

Going Strong

DCtoPgh — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:19:44 GMT

Training's going well and I'm feeling strong:

Saturday

6.1 mile run with a friend from out of town. Didn't push, just kept it comfortable and ran a nice 9:42 pace. My pace runs are supposed to be 9:40ish and I turned an easy run into a pace run without trying. Perfect.

Sunday

12-miles shooting for a 10:30ish pace. I couldn't reign myself in and I finished in 2:01 for an overall pace of 10:05. Two factors that should be mentioned: 1) Overall increase of elevation: 4109 feet (so not a flat course); 2) Last four miles: 9:30, 10:10, 9:44, and 9:05(!). I have never in my life felt so strong on a long run. It was incredible to know that I could have gone further or faster. I did a few things differently, but I think the important factors were getting out early when it was still cool and taking gu every 45 minutes (usually I try to stretch out the length between gu a bit more). I also focused on staying hydrated and eating well the day before. I felt so good I went to Ohio for a birthday party and was up and about all day when usually long runs really take it out of me.

Monday

Feel fantastic and it definitely doesn't feel like I ran 12 miles the day before. Calves are a little tight so I walk a mile to the pool, swim 2000 meters (get kicked in the ribs by a guy I'm sharing a lane with which I am none too happy about, especially since he didn't stop to apologize!), and walk another mile home. Took a nap Monday afternoon and had to work out some knots in my calf, but otherwise feeling great.

Tuesday

Ran the trails I ran about two weeks ago after the Bulgarian squats. Two weeks ago I ran 3.3 miles in 33:28 and today I ran a similar course (but 3.5 miles instead since I got lost) in 34:07 for a 24 second per mile increase in speed! Trails were still hard, but I just love running them and I can't wait to see how I improve on them.

So all in all a good few days for training and I'm happy to see that some combination of better nutrition, more knowledge of exercise physiology, more (and better quality) cross training and an extra mid-distance run are really paying off this season. I'm not sure what the critical factor is, but I want a fast Fall so I'm not going to stop anything to find out! Tomorrow: 5 mile trail run and 1 mile swim.

Pgh to DC

DCtoPgh — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:00:46 GMT

Since Saturday I have been in DC for the annual meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism (imagine a big science fair for anyone who studies anything related to alcoholism). As a doctoral student I wear a lot of hats, one of them scientific researcher, and I was at this meeting to learn, network and present some preliminary findings from my Masters (although collateral- and self-reports of smoking, drinking, and deviance are significantly concordant, adolescents are not sensitive in their reporting of their friends' problem behaviors). I had a great conference and I learned a lot, met a lot of really incredible people and saw some old friends.

Even though I did was I was "supposed" to do, one of my favorite parts of this trip was the time I spent running. I like running in Pittsburgh, but a thousand miles later my routes have gotten a little stale. I know hills are good for my training, but a break would be nice. I wasn't necessarily looking forward to running in DC because I knew I'd be so busy with the meeting, I thought I'd really just be squeezing them in when I could.

Sunday I was up at 5:30 to meet Jen, a colleague from Pittsburgh and an MCM runner from last year, and Isaac, a member of the Marine Corps Marathon community. Ike brought a friend, Dave, and we headed out for an 8-mile run along the mall, Haines Point and the tidal basin. It was hot and humid (much more than Pittsburgh) and we were going at a pace about 30 seconds faster than I had run my 8 the week before. I'm not sure whether it was running with a group (I always run solo) or just the excitement of seeing the city early in the morning, but the run was the easiest long run I've ever had. Not only did we come in under our target pace as a group but I had enough in me to push the last bit. I can't imagine a better way to start a Sunday morning than a sunrise run in the Nation's Capital with a group of friends. We met some other MCM friends at Lincoln Diner and I had some scrambled eggs and blueberry pancakes and I was ready to start a very long day. Not only was the run great, but I really do think it set me up for a great rest of the day as well (including a student luncheon and 6 hours of meetings!).

(Tidal Basin)

Tuesday I ran 4 miles around the monuments... I hit the Washington, WWII, Korean War, Lincoln (including running up the steps), Vietnam, and then ran by the White House. I've seen all these monuments dozens of times, but I really think running them is the way to do it. See, with the monuments, once you see them, you see them. There isn't much to DO there. You can stand, look, take pictures. But then you go to the next one and see that. I basically condensed a good morning worth of sight-seeing into about 35 minutes. Awesome.

(Lincoln Memorial)

This morning I ran a 5-mile loop with Jen. We started at the Woodley Park metro and ran to the National Cathedral, down Embassy Row and then through Rock Creek Park. It was so different than seeing the big touristy spots and it was wonderful not to need to dodge a million scattered sight-seers. Instead it was a really nice tour of beautiful neighborhoods, amazing architecture and DC's famous traffic circles (I've heard the traffic circles were to protect the Capitol during a war to confuse enemy troops). It was also nice to feel like a DC-er as opposed to a tourist.

(National Cathedral)

I miss DC a lot. I love the architecture and the people. I LOVE the food! I'm sorry Pittsburgh, but just because you put fries on it (salads especially) doesn't make it cultural, and it definitely does not make it good. A lot of people think DC is stuffy and Type-A.... but I'm formal and Type-A. When Jen and I were walking out of the Metro I realized where I got my impatience for slow Pittsburghers. In DC you can't stand and be confused because otherwise you create bottlenecks and inconvenience lots of people. I've learned not to do that and it drives me CRAZY when people in Pittsburgh (read: everyone!) does that (especially in the grocery store as they stop in the middle of the aisle and wonder where, or where could the milk possibly be).

It was great to be back home and although the conference was great in itself, running was definitely the icing on the cake. It made me feel really privileged to be healthy and in-shape enough to be able to enjoy the experiences I did (sight-seeing, being with friends) as I ran around the city this week.

(Pictures taken from the web... if I wasn't supposed to use them, tell me and I'll happily take them down)

Overtraining

DCtoPgh — Sat, 03 May 2008 21:08:39 GMT

In my very first blog post I promised, in other words, to post the good, the bad, and the ugly. So, here's the ugly.

After the end of a CRAZY semester, I hit the ground running. I couldn't wait to get back into training. I went from monthly mileage of 20 miles (read another post about a near-amputation and pneumonia) to 80 miles in April. Now 80 miles a month isn't anything so spectacular, but I made the mistake of forgetting to put it in perspective. Last Tuesday I went for a 5 mile run and BONKED. Bonked like I have never bonked before. I ran about 2.5 miles (thankfully I was on a treadmill) and I felt worse than I did at mile 25 of a marathon. I didn't have the energy to walk or stretch. I took the elevator up one floor to my condo, I grabbed a banana and I laid on the ground. It was PATHETIC (and no, I'm not the type to be unduly hard on myself, it really was a disaster).

That day I was also the most irritable I had been in YEARS. I'm a sunshine, happy kind of person. I'm that obnoxious friend who always looks for the silver lining. Yes, some could even call me perky. But not on Tuesday. I was cranky. I was bitter. On Wednesday I went shopping with a friend (another psychologist) and as we were driving and I was cursing at drivers, she had the courage to say, "It sounds like you have a lot of anger today" in perfect therapist speak. She was right and that made me even more mad. Later that day I had the pleasure of catching up with a friend from college:

Jake: Hey! How are you?!

Me: Eh. I'm pissy. I'm in a bad mood.

Jake: What? Are you allowed to do that?!

Yes. On Tuesday and Wednesday I was allowed to do it. I did it rather well in fact. I hated being in such a bad mood, but nothing (not even running! ) could break me out of my funk. Add to this the fact that I was EXHAUSTED. And anxious. My heart was pounding out of my chest, just racing. I couldn't relax, even when I was going to sleep (and I am a champion when it comes to sleeping). I realized that for the last few days I'd been sleeping terribly, having a hard time going to sleep and waking up in the middle of the night. Well, my dear readers, my post title gave it away. At some point on Wednesday, a lightbulb went off. Decreased performance. Low mood. Fatigue. Increased resting heart rate. Insomnia. Classic signs of overtraining.

I rested all day on Thursday (after sleeping 12 hours Wednesday night!). I slept another 12 hours Thursday night. Friday I ran 5 deliberately slow miles and today I'm resting before a 12 mile bike/8 mile run tomorrow. For now I'm going to increase my rest days from one day a week to two. I'm going to reorganize my workouts so that I don't have two hard workouts together (currently following Hal Higdon's Intermediate Spring Training which has Saturday as Tempo/Fartlek days, followed by a Sunday long run). I'm also going to temporarily cut my hill workout. At this point in my training, I think mileage is more important than hills, and Pittsburgh is so hilly, I can't avoid them. Instead of having a separate hill workout, I'll just handle the hills on my regular runs.

So cheers to training, but keeping it in perspective. Happy running (notice the smile's back!)

Inspiration

DCtoPgh — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:46:59 GMT

I find running inspiration EVERYWHERE. Right around the corner from me is a rehabilitation hospital so I am always inspired whenever I run by there because the patients sit outside in their wheelchairs. It reminds me how blessed I am to have my health and the ability to run. Within a half a mile in two other directions there are two other major hospitals that have the same effect. Even when I pass other runners, they inspire me... they find time in their schedules and they're pushing and fighting and loving running, just like I do.

Well, today I found incredible inspiration in my friends. I am active on the Marine Corps Marathon message board because I had the good fortune of meeting lots of the posters last year at MCM. Today 10 of them ran the Country Music Marathon or Half-Marathon. Another, who is injured, went to cheer them on. One who is injured and is having hip surgery next week ran the half! In spite of all that pain, she was out running! Now THAT is determination and drive! Everyone had PHENOMENAL races... One PRed by 15 minutes and ran a 4:10 at the age of 45! And I know she looked gorgeous while doing it. Not only that, but a year ago, she was starting the couch to 5K program. Not only did she go couch to 5k, she went 5K to marathon! All in a bit over a year! (And I'm neglecting the fact that 3 weeks ago she placed 3rd in her age group at the Big D marathon!)

Another friend PRed and finally broke 4 hours. A third is shooting for a decade PR... he turned 60 between MCM and now. I know so many people in their 20s who can't (or won't) run a mile, let alone 26.2; here is someone who is older and who could sit out on life, but instead has the good health and motivation to run marathons! How amazing! How inspirational! Even though they had great races, the most amazing thing is just that they did it. That more days than not, they get up and they run. They find ways to fit it into their busy schedules. They make it a priority in life. And their hard work paid off today... their good results a symptom of all they've done before now.

And whatever right I have to be proud, I am SO proud of my friends today! And because of them, I have another 10 or so sources of running inspiration!

Uh-oh Ultra

DCtoPgh — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:03:44 GMT

Somehow, somewhere, the idea was planted that I should run an ultra (read: Rich encouraged me). If I'm trained for a marathon, why not push myself a little further? Limitations have been logistics of cost and travel. Plus, my friends who run ultras run 50 or 100 milers or 50K trail races. I need to start small (as small as an ultra can be, at least). Well today, while looking for directions for a race I have tomorrow, I stumbled upon this:

JC Stone 50K

It is a 50K that, if held next year, will be two weeks after Antarctica (when I hope to be in the best shape of my life). Cost is $20 and it's less than a half an hour away. I can run three marathons and an ultra between October and May, right? We'll find out!

Current race schedule:

End of October: MCM

Beginning of March: Antarctica

End of March: 50K

Beginning of May: Pittsburgh (not official yet, but everyone says it'll back in 2009)