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2 Posts tagged with the tug-mcgraw-foundation tag

Who says you have to run to do a marathon?

Posted by Jen McDevitt Jun 24, 2009

As I write this, I am trying to plan out how I am going to chase Glen around not only Chicago this year but New York City. It has been a huge debate. And the reason is because I am going to be carting around my little buddy, Jack , who may or may not be all that cooperative with both situations. I am fearing that if he gets a feel for how Chicago goes he may catch on to the program come November 1st in New York City. The 4am wake up call and the random running to various spots across both cities may not be that exciting for a kid who only joy in life is to be the center of attention.

This will be the first year in 6 years that I am not participating in either marathons. And it will be a bit of a transition in that I am usually the person people are cheering for not me being the cheerleader. (see where Jack gets the center of attention thing. I know....it is not his fault) So I have my work cut out for me....

I have to learn to be a spectator not a runner. This is a highly stressful situation and I am diving right in to training. I have to motivate, encourage, replenish, endure, sacrafice, agonize, prepare, support, dedicate, recover and succeed. Did I mention that I am not running in the marathon because I all of a sudden feel like I am running. So THIS is what it is like to be on the "other side"! I do believe that I see the light!!!!!

In this role that I am participating in I have made several promises to myself. One most importantly, I will have a greater understanding and respect for the specators and volunteers who keep the runners moving. Without you, there would not be a race!! Second, I have to train myself to mentally not feel like even though I am not running I am still participating! And finally, I have to put together a pretty kick butt route so I can scream my head off and push Team McGraw on! If I am not out there running, I better be out there screaming, right?

So, in conclusion, YES I am running my own marathon. It is just not on a closed course with water stations and timing mats.And the people are not yelling at me but with me for the fabulous Team McGraw and the Tug McGraw Foundation!!

104 Views 0 Comments Permalink Tags: training, running, endurance, run, new-york-city-marathon, chicago-marathon, prepare, team-mcgraw, spectator, tug-mcgraw-foundation, ya-gotta-believe

Who says a fire hydrant can't get you through

Posted by Jen McDevitt Mar 5, 2009

Jennyism #1: It's always good to have a goal

Jennyism #2: It's even better to finish the goal

Jennyism #3 First you gotta go up the hill then you gotta go down

I haven't even taken off my shoes yet but I got so exicited becuause I just ran 5 miles...no problemo! Okay, maybe I should go and stretch and take off my muddy running shoes but this is the start of something good!!! My goal was to run to every fire hydrant and see how I felt. But pretty soon...okay here is goes....I WAS ROCKIN' AND ROLLIN' WITHOUT MY EVEN KNOWIN'!

AND THERE IT WAS...A FORK IN THE ROAD

Coach Kevin is going to cringe when he reads this because I know when you just start out running you have to take it slow. And I did. I ran from fire hydrant to fire hydrant in my neighborhood but all of a sudden, like a flash before my eyes there was a trail. Yes, a glorious trail that had my name written all over it. So I did what any other normal girl never listening to anyone's sound advice would do. I went TRAIL RUNNING! Oh my gosh, it was so much fun. I laughed and laughed and felt like I was on a closed course running route on crack. I went up the hill and I almost just wanted to roll down the hills. Now, let me clarify. In Illinois a hill constitutes as any incline of 20 feet. Totally no big deal. But how much fun. I am muddy, smiling and well....just like a pig in poop!

Totally needed that run. What a way to get things started. Spring is finally here! And the fire hydrant is my newfound hero! Now I know why dogs love them so much!

293 Views 4 Comments Permalink Tags: chicago, marathon, chicago_marathon, team-mcgraw, nashville_half_marathon, shamrock_shuffle, tug-mcgraw-foundation

Mentally preparing, training and completing a marathon is tough. Try doing it while undergoing treatment for brain cancer. I have done it 5 times before and I'm doing it again. As I train for New York...I might even throw in Chicago for fun!!

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