The rest of the story...

So you've gathered from the earlier post that yesterday's run wasn't the prettiest that I have had. But it was an exciting day since it was our last official group run.

When we got to Shelby Farms, we found out it was the first day of training for the TNT teams for the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francicso and the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington. I mentioned something to Joyce (their coach) about remembering our first day and she asked that I share that with the group. So I told my little story. I talked about our first group run when they warned us about the black ice on the trail and I was just so scared to begin with and I was wondering what on earth I had gotten myself into. I said that Joyce had told me early on that there would be a day when I would say "today we are running just 3 or just 5" and how I didn't believe I would *ever* say that. And I said, "But today we are running just 8." So, good luck to the new teams. Yea for them! GO TEAM! I do feel very sorry for them because their entire training season is in this brutal summer Memphis heat.

There was a 5k being held at the lake a little later and one of the race organizers said "Y'all want to register for the 5k?" "No thanks, we're running a bit farther today." How about that? We totally dissed their little 3 mile run.....

The run yesterday was just quite ugly. I probably walked more than I ran during the last 3 miles. At mile 7, as I was nearing the finish line (and death) I was approached by 2 ladies running heading out. She noticed my TNT shirt and said "What race are you training for?" "San Diego - NEXT SUNDAY!" "I thought so - great - good luck!" Woo hoo for me! It's always nice to receive a little cheer along the way.

Poor George, again, ran double the scheduled mileage since he runs up and then comes back to check on me. I would say "I'm just so hot" and he would say "San Diego is nothing like this." The last time he came back to 'get me', was almost to the finish and he returned WITH A BOTTLE OF WATER. Thank you George! What a nice coach he is.....

So, that is the end of the group training runs for the San Diego team. We all left hot and exhausted, but so excited. Because the next time we would be together would be in SAN DIEGO!!!

Thanks to Lacy R., April D., Elizabeth S., and Karin E. who all joined the list of my wonderful supporters and made donations this week. My new total is now $4276. And I think that is just uber great!!!

Some friend....

Dear Weather Man (who shall remain nameless):

I know it wasn't all your fault. And I'm not going to blame you for the whole thing. But WHAT ON EARTH WERE YOU THINKING THIS MORNING BETWEEN 7 AM AND 9AM?!?!?!? It was so incredibly hot and humid. It was just brutal. I know you said something meterological like 'warm and muggy conditions' this holiday weekend. But good grief. It. Was. Hot. And I thought you were my friend...

I was sooo hot. I was *dripping* with sweat. I was sweating in places I didn't even know I could sweat. I was sweating so much that my earbuds wouldn't even stay in my ears.

Now, part of the problem, I admit, is my own fault. At the last minute this morning, I changed from a little tank to my TNT shirt. Mistake #1. I had not really had any water this morning or enough last night. Mistake #2. I chose not to wear my hydration belt since it was just 8 miles and I knew I had water waiting for me at mile 4. Mistake #3. So you see, part of my misery was my own fault. But that 80 degree temp at 8 AM and that 75% humidy. That's all you. And I guess when you factor those in together to get the infamous "heat index", that calculated to be something like 127 degrees. In the shade. In fact, if I had carried my cell phone, I would have called you at home and given you the big what for. Don't think that I didn't consider it at about mile 6.

Now, I knew that this weekend was going to be warm. It is almost June, so that's normal for Memphis. I'm ok with that. And you did tell me and all your faithful viewers that. But I thought that since it was 7 o'clock in the morning, that *surely* it wouldn't feel like I was already in Tijuana....and I didn't expect that 127 degree heat index. Or at least that's what it felt like to me.

So, thanks for a brutally ugly 8 mile run this morning.

You know I love ya' -- we've been friends for over 20 years. But this morning you really just weren't one of my favorite people. I'll be over this later today and will be seeking your forgiveness and your friendlier forecasts. Maybe you can make it up to me with a great forecast for me for San Diego next Sunday.

Your friend and fan,
Angie

Taper to Twelve

Yesterday's route was from the Visitor's Center to the Shell, to the end of the Greenway, back to the Shell and then back to the Visitor's Center. Each leg of that is 3 miles. For a total of 12 miles. That sounded most appealing. No Chickasaw Trail or laps around the lake.

I started a bit earlier than the group. I figured my turtle self would be running alone, so I might as well do that on the front end and then finish with the group rather than the other way around. So off I went....


The first 3 miles to the Shell were beyond awful. In fact, there was a time very early on that I actually thought I was going to have to turn around and go back. My IT band was flaring up, my calves were tight, my legs were like lead. Everything just hurt. It was not pretty at all. Couldn't even run. I was just walking. And barely doing that. I was stopping to stretch every few steps. I worked through most of the ouchiness and then just thought I would have to walk the whole 12 stupid miles. But then it started getting better, so I trotted along to the Shell. George had already left the cooler, so I had some water and a gel and headed to the Greenway. The only good thing that happened during these first 3 miles was I saw a cute rabbit on the trail.


We have never run this trail this early in the morning. It was just *so* pretty. The sun was low and was coming through the trees shining onto the path. It was peaceful. The temps were nice. The birds were singing. (I even turned my iPod off during part of this leg so I could just listen. Of course, the loudest things I could hear were my feet pounding on the pavement and my labored breathing.) I was just looking and listening and smelling everything and thinking how beautiful it was. Then I thought, "This is what Daddy sees every day!" and that made me happy.


Halfway down this trail, I ran into a guy that I used to work with. He's a runner, but it was just so out of place to see him there. (CC friends, it was PTambur! How funny is that?!). We chatted for awhile. He was aware of my TNT quest and was actually the very first donation I received. So, after a little chit chat, I was off again.


Made it to the end of the trail where the glorious bathroom is. A little pit stop and more gel. Then turn around and head back. I was halfway! Yippee!


It wasn't too long before I saw George and Julie. They were the only ones running. Nicole wasn't feeling well and Jessica's brother was getting married this weekend so she had commitments. A little chatty chat. And we all continued. I felt pretty sure they would eventually catch up to me anyway.


Back to the Shell. And then back to the Visitor's Center. I did it! The end. It was nice to just run that and not have to go into the farm for the Chickasaw. So I hung out at the cooler and ate some grapes and peanut butter crackers. I was feeling pretty good about my little 12-miler until I saw three guys come up from the lake trail riding UNICYCLES. Thanks a lot.

My total time was 2:55:50. That's a 14:40 pace. The good thing about that is, I must have made some really good time on the last half of my miles because those first 3 were just so awful. So, my time *could* have been better overall if I had not had the rocky start. Gives me a little encouragement for the marathon that I just might finish with a moderately respectable time (for turtles).

George & Julie showed up shortly after I finished, and, while I did start almost an hour before them, it was kind of nice to be at the finish line and cheer for others coming in. What a change!

I did get to relax a good part of the afternoon and sit outside with my book. The weather was so very nice and I am sporting a nice little sunburn today as a result of that. I was really tired and sore last night and am still very stiff this morning. Hope to stretch it out today. Jodi wants to get a run in and the kids want to ride bikes & scooters - so we may go to the Greenway. We'll see.

The marathon is 2 weeks from today. Can you believe that?!

Thank you to my sponsors

Memphis is buzzing this weekend with the Memphis in May Barbecue Contest. Used to be my cup of tea, but now large crowds make me twitch. The weather for the weekend, however, looks great. In fact, this is the best forecast I've seen in a long time. Can you believe no rain in sight for days? Will be nice. We'll definitely be spending lots of time outside.


Tomorrow is 12 miles. Quite doable. And it feels a bit different heading into it. No pressure. No angst. No worries. It's still a LONG run. But nothing compared to last week .... We are definitely in the home stretch. Two weeks from right now, I'll be on a plane to San Diego (by way of Minneapolis). And my mind is whirling already with thoughts of the race -- what I need to pack, things I need to do, etc.

Remember my three goals that I set when I began this journey? (1) To FINISH the marathon, (2) to REMEMBER my daddy, and (3) to raise MONEY and AWARENESS for the leukemia society. I think I'm well on my way to accomplishing #1. I know that through this process I have thought about my dad so much and I hope I have helped you remember him too (goal #2). And, you all have helped me achieve goal #3. My fundraising total is $4,176! I'm so, so, SO excited about that. THANK YOU!!! I'm just so grateful and appreciative of your generosity. And I've said this many times, but I just really want you to know that you are making a difference and your gifts are helping find a cure for leukemia and other blood cancers. So, THANK YOU to all my generous sponsors. Muuuah!

Angie A.
Cindy A.
Todd & Cindy A.
Dr. Frederick A.
Kent & Jennifer B.
Carol B.
Darrell & Emily B.
Jeff B.
Carolyn C.
Julia C.
Barry & Cheryl C.
Ron C.
Matt C.
Janet C.
Sally C.
Anne & Allen C.
Anna Mae & Howard D.
Nanette F.
Dean & Sherri F.
Gayle & Al F.
Sue H.
Debby & Paul H.
Kenny H.
Cindy H.
Chris & Angela H.
Nancy H.
Neil & Lois H.
Judy H.
Curtis & Tamora J.
Dr. Robert J.
Carol K.
Tim L.
Marlene L.
Justin L.
Dr. David L.
Kelly L.
Eddie & Judy L.
Barbara M.
Molly M.
Connie & Ty M.
Bob & Pat O.
Tom & Arlene O.
Kelly & Sean P.
Allisa R.
Wendy R.
Dr. Jeffrey S.
Shannon S.
Jason & Valerie S.
Patrick T.
John & Ann T.
Maribeth & Harry T.
Patti T.
Rebecca T.
John V.
Gwen W.
Sherrill W.

George is proud of his peeps

A congrats email from Coach George:



Is WHEW an understatement or what?


Congratulations to all of you! Superb job!


You have conquered the big 20. WOW! And virtually everyone who happened to be at Shelby Farms around 12:30 knows it because Angie told them! And strong is another understatement. You guys (gals) looked like you had just taken a jog around the lake! Look out San Diego, the Memphis TNT folks are on their way and lookin' good!


Hope all of you are feeling OK. Soreness is fine, but if you have anything more serious that lingers past tomorrow, please let me know. And do not slack off the mid week runs. But in every case, take them nice and slow.


Also hope Lindy is on the mend, and continues to take it easy to get that IT band all fixed for race day.


We now start the well deserved and much appreciated TAPER! That means a big reduction in the miles for next week's long run. Unless you are really unique, the long runs (especially the 20 miler from Saturday) resulted in microscopic tears in your muscles, and now is the time for rebuilding, so they are even stronger for June 1. You can load up on the protein to help in this process.


So, we back way down to 12 next Saturday, and then 8 the following. Yahoo!


Any questions now that we are approaching race day, shoot them to me. I know I have left out something or many somethings, so don't be shy about asking anything!


And remember the jersey party on Monday, May 19!


See you Saturday, 7 am.

The Twenty Miler

The day of the 20. We met at 7am ready (?) to go. I was glad to hear that I wasn't the only one who was a bit nervous to tackle the big 20. We talked George out of running the Tour de Wolf trail because we didn't want to sprain an ankle or get our shoes muddy (He has to *love* having all females on his team.) High five from Nicole "Here we go!". We're off.

It was overcast and a little chilly and at first I was rethinking my sleeveless tank choice, feeling stupid about the sunscreen, and being content with the no-sunglasses option. All three of those thoughts were quickly thrown out the window.

We took off toward the west and ran a new trail all the way to Walnut Grove Bridge. It was a nice change of scenery. Jessica & Julie took off early and it wasn't long before I couldn't see them anymore. Nicole was just ahead of me most of this time. George was going back and forth between her and me. Then we turned around under the bridge and headed back east toward the entrance to the farm. And along the outside loop to the Shell. These were about the first 4 or 5 miles. I felt pretty good. Started off at a good pace and really felt good. Nothing was hurting. I was busying myself with lots of thoughts and songs and was doing a nice job of distracting myself. Nicole was just leaving the refreshments at the Shell when we got there. A little reloading of water and accelerade and some gel and we were off again.

I wore my hydration belt yesterday and was so glad I did. I had drained my bottles before I hit the refreshments both times.

We headed down Germantown Road (Man, there was a lot of fast moving traffic. I'm not used to running on a real street with cars on it.) I saw Anne & Denise (a walker and walker coach on our team). Waves across the street. Now, down the Germantown Greenway. That is such a pretty trail. I enjoyed running down there. It smelled good too - lots of bloomy things going on. Passed Julie & Jessica coming back. Later passed Nicole, also coming back. To the end of the trail (thank goodness there were bathrooms there) then back. Along the way, I saw 2 of Germantown's finest, Officer G and Officer D, on foot patrol of the trail. We stopped to chat with them for a second and were off again. I wished Happy Mother's Day to a pregnant lady strolling with her husband. Back to Germantown Road, but under the bridge to the *other* end of the trail. Then back to the Shell. Loaded up on fluids again and we're off. This is where it gets dicey.

These were probably miles 13-16. The trail back to Farm Road was tough. It was really heating up and I drank all my water. Running just wasn't coming very easy. My shoulders were hurting and the side of my lower back. For some reason, I just thought I was going to cry. Looking back on it, all of that was so weird. But at the time, it was very real. I had taken a picture of Daddy with me and pulled it out and ran with it in my hand. Running. Walking. Lots of walking. Just pressing on. Then my stomach started hurting. Bathroom. Bathroom. BATHROOM!! I thought we were going to have to cut back into the Farm Road entrance (which would cut our route short), but I toughed it out and kept going. Back down Walnut Grove and under the bridge. The sun was out. I was hot. I was dripping with sweat. I was Not. Having. Fun. That leg of the run was probably the worst experience I have had since I started this. It was just brutal. George was running ahead and then coming back to check on me. I was whining at this point. "I'm out of gas." "I'm so hot." "Should I die now or later?"

George said all we needed was the long side of the lake and the Chickasaw Trail. I could do that. Saw Anne & Denise. "Nice to be back in this zip code!!" There's a porta-potty on the long side of the lake. One quick stop there and then around the lake. I couldn't get back to the Visitor's Center quick enough. I needed water so badly. I WAS SO THIRSTY. George had gone on ahead and was waiting with Nicole's husband and Jessica's husband (?)/boyfriend (?) (Not sure). Lots of water. Then Julie & Jessica came up and finished their 20. Yea!! Cheers all around. They made great time. Strong runners. More water, some oranges, some gel, another bathroom break. All I needed was the Chickasaw Trail and I was done. We chose the entrance to the trail where we knew we would see Nicole.

We passed her at about her last half mile. She looked good and was moving along. High fives. The trail is marked in .25 increments. We entered on the 'end' of the trail, so it counted down. Appropriate it seemed. More running. More walking. I was counting it down. It seemed very doable at this point. I knew I could go another mile, half mile, etc. I was carrying Daddy's picture along this trail. I knew he could help me get to the finish.

A younger guy was fishing in the big lake. I had maybe 3/4 of a mile to go. "How are you?" "I'm tired, how are you?" "I'm doin' alright." "I have run 20 miles today." "Wow. I can't even walk 20 miles." I ran off. I heard him say "YOU GO GIRL!!" as I ran away. Thanks Mr. Sleeveless T-shirt Fisherman.

Oh, we were almost done. Down the big hill. Around the curve. Down the walk. Into the parking lot. FINISH LINE!!!

Julie, Nicole & Jim were waiting for me (they said Jessica had just left). Sweet of all of them to wait for me since they were exhausted too. Cheers and hugs and high fives all around. I consumed more oranges, more water, a banana (I think). We were all just so darn proud of ourselves. I showed everybody Daddy's picture. "My daddy!!" A couple walked by us and I said "Hey - we all just ran 20 miles today!" George said "Tell everybody you know!!". Nicole & I hugged each other. "WE DID IT!!!" George was tired, probably because he isn't used to running that slow. Welcome to the Turtle Club.

I finished in 4:50:00. Which is a 14:30 mile. I was thinking last night that I could have really shaved some time if I had not had the crash during miles 13-16. But that's ok. I was just proud to have finished in under 5 hours actually.

The usual when I got home. Cool bath, warm shower, lunch. Little nap. Another hot shower. I really felt ok. Much better than I thought I would. Don't get me wrong - I was tired and wasn't moving too fast. And would have been content doing nothing - which really didn't happen. The kids gave me my Mother's Day present early. A lumbar massage pillow from Brookstone. Aaaahhhhh. Timing is everything. Nothing was hurting. Nothing ever hurt - even during the run. Just stiff. I hit the bed early. During the thunderstorm/tornado watch. Told Jodi to wake me up if a tornado came. Good night.

Today I feel good. Was a bit stiff this morning, but feeling good this afternoon.

Nicole & I wondered yesterday where the other 6.2 miles would come from during the marathon. But I think during the actual marathon the crowds and the bands will carry us through. I really can't wait! I am certain that I can run this marathon and finish it!!!

We are 3 weeks away. Next Saturday is 12 miles, then 8, then the marathon.

I feel so good. I'm just really proud of myself.

I RAN 20 MILES!!! Yea!!!

I DID IT!!!

Twenty miles!!! Full report later -- I'm totally wiped out right now. But just wanted to get a little post on here so you would know! TWENTY MILES!!!!!

20 miles -- here I come!

Here is our route for today. We're starting this blue route on the first map. We begin right at the top middle of the lake. Completion of that route will give us 15 miles.

Then we're running the red trail here - Tour de Wolf Trail for the additional 5 miles. George says it's uneven terrain which will help strengthen our feet, ankles and other leg muscles.

These maps are a bit hard to read. The bottom one is actually the north part of the top one. If that makes sense....You can make out Walnut Grove and Germantown Parkway on both of them.

I slept ok last night. Was awake off and on. Gauge had some 'doggie surgery' yesterday and is wearing a fashionable lampshade so he won't mess with the stitches. He kept banging into the bed and furniture all night..... Poor guy.

OK, am getting ready to head out shortly. Skies look cloudy, but nothing is showing up on the radar. Current temp is 64 with 80% humidity. May not need sunglasses today. Or sunscreen either. I'm trying a bandana rather than a hat - last week my head got so hot. We'll see how that goes.

I'm stopping by the post office on the way to mail my last few donation checks. My total is $4,176! Isn't that awesome! Thanks to you all!!!

Well, wish me luck. I'll fill you in later today. If I have the strength to type.....

TWENTY MILES!!!

Twenty Eve

Happy Twenty Eve. I'm ready.

I had spaghetti for lunch yesterday and made pasta salad for dinner last night which I will eat again for lunch today. So my carbo loading is progressing. Drinking enough water is never a problem for me. So I'm good there.

No change in the weather for tomorrow. Warm and muggy. Hate that, but nothing I can do there. Maybe some scattered stuff, but the rain should hold out until tomorrow night.

I need to give a little more thought to some mental strategy and get some thoughts a little more organized in my brain. But that's an easy task.

My legs are feeling ok today. I was on my feet a lot yesterday on Jordan's field trip, so I will try to take it a bit easier today. I did 45 minutes of pilates and stretches this morning. Feeling pretty good. Ready to just do it.

I'm going to run twenty miles tomorrow. Unless something 'postworthy' comes up today, I'll catch you all tomorrow afternoon and tell you all about it!

A message from Coach George

Greetings RNR's:


Well this Saturday is the culmination of all the hard work and dedication that you have put in for the past 3 months. The twenty miler. Two zero. Ta when tee. 20. 10 times 2. My age divided by 2 point something.


This one is really important, both from a physical and mental perspective. All of you are physically well prepared - you have logged the miles necessary to break the 20 mile ice. And, once you have a 20 miler under your belt, your level of training is so strong that it will take you the remaining 6.2 on June 1. Heck, the crowds and camaraderie you will experience will make it seem like a walk in the park...well, maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration, but they do help tremendously!


Besides the physical preparation, the 20 also will test your mental senses to their max. I know I have come up with every great reason why I should not take one more step, why I should call it a day, even though I have more miles togo. I know all of you have as well, whether it was during those early 4 milers or the recent 18 miler. Funny how our minds try to discourage us at different points in a run. The 20 gives you an even better chance to stand the challenge - to face and defeat each of those great reasons. And once you do, you will realize that they were really worthless reasons in the final analysis. So the next few days, get psyched up for the challenge, and prepared for the mind games.


Otherwise:


You know the drill on clothing and equipment - tried and true duds.


You know the drill on pre race and during race nutrition - good carbs.


You know the drill on pre race and during race hydration - lots.


You know the drill on speed - distance matters, time does not.


One more thing that we have not experimented with is the use of salt mid/late race...a small packet to replace sodium lost thru sweat, even moreso with higher temps. I'll bring some if any of you want to try (and have no medical reason to avoid). The gels and accelerade also have sodium and similarly work well for this purpose.


As always, feel free to bring your ipod if you wish, we may be out there for a while...and as you know, my singing gets really old after 3 or 4 hours.


So, see you at Shelby Farms at 7 am on Saturday. The route will be sent in the next day or so, with an attempt to stay in the shade as much as possible due to temps (80's). Plenty of water and your favorite - accelerade - will be available.

I get by with a little help from my friends

May 10. It is the date that has been looming on the training calendar since January when I received my copy. It's the big twenty miler. And it's this Saturday. Lots going on in my brain about this. I'm dreading it. But I'm looking forward to it. I want to do it. I don't want to do it. Just the challenge of attempting it. Doing it. I am fretting about the recovery from it. Will I live to tell about it? Will I *want* to tell about it? Twenty miles. That's a long way. But after this Saturday's huge hurdle, I really feel like I'm in the home stretch. Because then it's 12 and 8 and then the marathon.

This week my legs and feet seem to really be feeling the 180 miles that have been put on them. Not real sure what's going on there. They are just achey and are so tired. I hope they'll hang in there with me. They have served me well. And I only need about 80.2 more miles out of them. Then they can retire.

WEATHER
The weather isn't looking too favorable for Saturday. Highs are expected to be in the low 80s. My email exchange with my personal meteorologist went something like this:

TO: Ron

FROM: Angie

RE: Cut it out

AW: You're killing me with the Saturday forecast Childers. I'm gonna' die in that heat. And the low Friday is mid 60's. I won't even start off with cool temps. Are you kidding me?! I thought you were my friend.

RC: Come on....a little rain and heat never killed anyone....intentionally

ROUTE
I asked George yesterday what the route would be. He said he was still working on it. But was looking for somewhere shady. No such place in Shelby Farms. He said, with a lilt to his voice and a sick smile on his face "The Hills of Walnut Grove Lake are shady!". Ugh. I. Hate. Hills. He also referred to this Saturday's run as "a nice twenty miler". Nice? NICE?!? Can you use that adjective when you describe a TWENTY MILE RUN?!?!? He's a good guy and a great coach and all. But he's just sick. (Sorry George. You know I love you.)

RIGHT BRAIN
It will be key for me this Saturday to keep Mr. "You Are Tired. Stop Running Right Now" Left Brain out of this. I've got to focus on positive -- and distracting -- thoughts. Last weekend, I admit that at one point when I was so tired and beyond bored, I started rattling off state capitals. I may try that again. Or just all the states in alphabetical order. Or maybe reciting Pi to 100,000 places.... So, the suggestion box is now open. Anybody have any ideas on things I can think about on Saturday? Any lists anybody wants me to create for them? Problems to solve? Any song requests that I may perform? I'd love to hear from you.

THINK TWENTY!!!

Thus begins the big week

Feeling ok this morning. Just a bit stiff, but that should improve as I move around a bit more. Nothing hurts, so that's good.

This Saturday is the big TWENTY. This week I will need to mentally prepare almost, if not more, than physically prepare. It worked well yesterday with my thoughts and music and distractions. I *have* to keep the messages from the left brain contained. There's lots of good info on ways to do that outlined in the marathon book I'm reading. So much of this running stuff is mental. It's crazy.

Yet another thing I can think about while I run...my form. George & Julie pointed out a problem yesterday that they saw with my arms and upper body. I was twisting my upper body and almost crossing my arms in front of my chest. Need to keep my arms tighter at my side, parallel with my body. I need to use that energy to move me forward. Julie said a high school track coach said to pretend there are ropes along your sides and you are grabbing them and pulling yourself forward. I have grown to recognize when I am holding my shoulders up too high or when I can lower my hips a bit. All that form stuff - it does make a difference. And every bit of energy I have needs to be directed forward. FORWARD MOVEMENT!

Even though it is Sunday, I am a bit concerned about the weather for Saturday. The week looks to be a warm one with highs in the 80s by the end of the week. Of course, that can change several times by Saturday. But if it is that warm, I'll need to think about wearing my hydration belt. I got so hot yesterday and was ready for the water way before we got to it. Can't let that happen.

My plan for the week: I will do lots of stretches and maybe some Pilates today to loosen everything back up. I've got a set of strengthening exercises that I've been doing - I can do those every day too. I'll probably walk on Monday and Wednesday and run on Tuesday and Thursday. Rest on Friday. RUN ON SATURDAY!!

So, we begin the week of the 20! THINK TWENTY!!!!

Fab Fourteen

I had a pretty good run today. Fourteen miles! Yippee! For the most part, Mr. Right Brain did a good job. There were a few times starting at about mile 9 or 10 that Mr. Left Brain started telling me how tired I was. I did choose to believe him sometimes. It was very warm this morning. Probably one of the warmest long runs we've had.

Our route was the long side of the lake, up the gravel road to Raleigh Lagrange, back the long side of the lake to the Shell. Then back to the Visitor's Center, around the Chickasaw Trail and one loop of the lake. I had mapped it online and figured it to be 14 miles. Or close to it...

For the first 7 miles, Lindy and I ran alone together (if that makes sense) while George & Julie headed on. I had eaten a gel at about mile 5 without water. Probably a mistake. My stomach was thinking about cramping up a bit. But I made it to the Shell where we had some water, Accelerade (disgusting, but apparently necessary) and some yummy oranges. It was so hot and I was already dripping with sweat. The last half, Julie stuck with Lindy and George hung with me. Lindy's IT band was giving her some fits today. I hate that. She walked more than she usually does but kept saying she was ok. I know she was hurting.

When we got back to the Visitor's Center, we already had run a little over 10 miles, so we just needed to hit the Chickasaw Trail to total our 14. Small mental victory there to find out I was closer to finishing than I had originally thought.

At one point on the trail, a guy was running toward me and said "GO TEAM!" (I had on my TNT shirt) Just the encouragement I needed at mile 12 to end my walk break and start running again. Thank you Mr. Bandana Head Tattoo Arm Man.

During one walk break I passed George, who was also walking. He said "You walk faster than I do." I turned around and said "You RUN faster than I do." Sure enough, he passed me later.

Before I knew it, we were back at the Visitor's Center. 14 miles completed. And I felt good.

Shelby Farms was pretty today. Saw several families of baby geese today and also 4 turtles sitting on a log. Enjoyed the scenery. The sun was extra shiny after our day of stormy weather yesterday.

I was quite proud of the way Mr. Right Brain put the kibosh on Mr. Left Brain. I thought about a lot of different things today. My dad, of course. Some other thoughts that kept my brain busy. Anything to keep my mind off my tired legs and how hot I was.

I had some great music today including:

• Pretender by The Foo Fighters
• These Are the Days by 10,000 Maniacs (good running song)
• Lovesong by The Cure (great song)
• List of Demands by Saul Williams (from the Nike commercial)
• Tempted by Squeeze
• Abracadabra by Steve Miller Band
• Brandy by Looking Glass (she's a fine girl....what a good wife she would be....*love* that song)

I got this little belt thing last week. It's like a teeny little fanny pack. Isn't he cute? It's called a SPIbelt (small personal items belt). Holds my gels, key, chapstick. Can also fit a camera or phone. It's small but kind of stretches. I didn't want to put anything in my shorts pocket since I got that ouchy chafed blister spot last week. Anyway, this little thing did the trick. I'll use that for sure in San Diego.

A cool bath when I got home - yowie! One of my PT friends told me it helps to keep some of the soreness away. Lunch (which I enhaled) a hot shower, and then a little nap. I'm moving a bit slow this afternoon. But I feel pretty good. My body is definitely getting used to the longer runs. Well, maybe not getting used to it. Just not having as much difficulty as before.

Hard to believe we are almost done with this whole thing. Next week is 20 miles. I'm definitely going to need to get psyched up for that. That's the peak of all this training. Then 2 little runs of 12 & 8. Then the marathon. Can't believe it. The end is in sight.

This week's message from Coach George

OK ladies, it's official - it's us for the San Diego Rock 'N Roll marathon, and we are at T minus 30 days and counting!

As you know from the schedule, this is a step back week, backing down to 14 miles, in prep for our 20 miler next week! And after that, we TAPER! You will come to cherish that word, by the way.

So, it is important from now on out that you try out exactly what you plan to use in the RNR on June 1. Shoes, socks, shorts, shirts, hats and other paraphernalia if used. You want to break in everything, be sure all of it fits well, and none of it rubs you the wrong way. Nothing worse than a raw spot developing midway thru the race and having to bear with it for the remainder.

Same with the use of vaseline or bodyglide on your toes or other body parts. You want NO CHAFING! So experiment with these for all of the upcoming runs, even your shorter mid week runs. You don't want to do anything new on race day that you have not experimented with previously.

And, same for beverages and gels. I will bring Accelerade (the brand provided at RNR) tomorrow and the remaining weeks, so if you plan to drink it during the race, which I recommend, need to get used to it now. And remember, the temps in San Diego are projected to be in the mid sixties, so hydration will be even more important than when we have run in cooler temps.

Same with pre race nutrition. Heavy on the carbohydrates, especially of the pasta variety for the days leading up to the race. And something like a bagel before the run works well for me. Don't get out there hungry due to concerns about food not agreeing with you - you need the nutrition and need to see what works well in the hours before the race.

See you at 7 am tomorrow. Shelby Farms lower level parking lot. Angie has mapped out the course.

On the radar today

This picture really has nothing to do with anything. I just thought it was sweet.

On the radar for the next 24 hours.....


1. Rain. Of course. It's Memphis in May Music Fest. It always rains at least one day. Supposed to be pretty severe this afternoon. However, I have been assured that tomorrow morning at 7am, "the rain will be gone and we'll have temps in the mid 50s to lower 60s." (Thanks Ron. Only 3 more personalized forecasts for me and then you're done.)


2. 14 miles. George asked me to put together a route for us for tomorrow. I gave him my attempt. He suggested the Hills of Walnut Grove Lake. I personally hate hills. So does my IT band. So I didn't include that in the route. As coach, he has veto power. We'll see.....

I am certain that the 14 miles is doable. I read more last night about Left Brain and Right Brain and lots of 'mental mantras'. So I will work on that again tomorrow. Right Brain got me through 16 miles last Saturday. And this is only 14. (Did I just say "ONLY 14" ?!?)



3. Carbo loading, hydrating, stretching, and rolling. Just need to do all I can today to make tomorrow's run a good one. Need to get a good night's rest. Tricky since everybody wants to stay up late on Friday night.

4. Gear. I bought some more gel yesterday, so I'm set. I also ordered some new running shorts and they are expected to arrive today. That could be a nice mental boost for me tomorrow - my new little shorts. My iPod. I heart that thing. I added some more songs last night and I am really diggin' my current playlist. He's all charged up and ready to go.

That's all for now. THINK FOURTEEN!!!! Enjoy your Friday!

Sweet Sixteen

So 18 turned into 16. But the 16 was good.

I decided to get to Shelby Farms earlier since it was going to take me awhile to get my miles in and I would also be running by myself anyway. Why wait 'til 7? I got a good parking place on the outside lot so I could use my car as the refreshment stop. Regardless of the trail I would be on, that spot would be a good central place. So I put my water by my tire and some gels on top of my tire so everything would be easy to get to on the go without unlocking my car, etc. There was already some activity at the Visitor Center because it was the March of Dimes March for Babies.

The lake was very quiet that early; I passed only one other person. The temps were pleasant and the sun was coming up so it was very nice. Lots of geese on and around the lake. One goose kind of charged at me at one point. Shoo! I also saw some little baby geese too. They were cute. I headed to Chickasaw Trail and saw Nicole. Quick chat with her about what was going on and off I went.

I quickly found out that my Nike iPod was NOT callibrated. So I was going to have to wing it in terms of mileage. I know what the miles are for the trails, plus, I am pretty consistent with my time. I ended up using Mr. Right Brain during the runs to add and readd my mileage.

My original plan was to run to the Shell station after that, but when I was ready to head that way, Farm Road was bumper to bumper with people coming in for the walk. There is very limited pedestrian space there (and I *hate* getting down that road to Walnut Grove - it is so tight) so I nixed that and stayed within the Farm.

Back around the lake and up the gravel road. I made it about a mile up the gravel road and then remembered it was *very* hilly. Decided the big hills may not be good friends to the IT band, so I turned back. I was already gambling a bit since Chickasaw has some hills too, so I thought that may be enough. Back to the lake.

A bit of inspiration for me then. A younger woman was approaching me and she must have noticed my TNT shirt (or the pure exhaustion on my face - I was probably 9 miles into it at this point) and she said "Good job! You're doing it!! You're doing it!!". Love that. I can't tell you what a difference it makes to have somebody say things like that when you are DYING. Definitely some added encouragement there. So thanks to Miss Purple Shorts. (George says during the big races, there are people all along the road cheering - and that just carries you to the finish. Am hoping this will be the case in San Diego too.)

It was looking like the walk was about to start, so I hit the Chickasaw again to get ahead of them. Toward the end of the trail, a few runners started passing me. This trend continued when I got to the lake. They were probably thinking "Slow poke turtle." I was thinking "I've already run 13 miles mister." Their walk route was apparently one lap of the Chicasaw Trail and one lap around the lake.

My last two laps of the lake were full of the March of Dimes runners/walkers. The March of Dimes walk did have some benefits for me since there were extra porta-potties all around. I also visited their water stations a few times. (I felt a little bad about that at first, but then thought it may be ok since I didn't take any of their food and I had actually made a donation to a family at church who had a team, so maybe that made it better.) During my very last lap around the lake, I was right in the middle of all the walkers and the trail was very crowded. Poor timing there, but no other choice. I did my best to kind of run through them. But by then, I was walking quite a bit more anyway. All that activity and the people gave me some new things to look at and some needed distractions.

There were lots of babies there and teams wearing t-shirts honoring and remembering premie babies who had been lost. More inspiration as I was thinking a lot about my own two healthy kids. Thankful for that.

I finally just called it quits after 16.25 miles. I know I only had 2 more miles to go, but I just ran out of everything. Time, trail, willpower, energy. Yes, Mr. Left Brain won out there. But all in all I felt really, really good yesterday. Mr. Right Brain did a good job for 16 miles. The run felt good. And afterwards, I was not really wiped out, not sore or anything. I stretched and iced and rolled. (I have one spot on the side of my stomach where apparently the gels I put in the inside pocket of my shorts rubbed pretty bad. A major ouchy there. But if that's the worse blister and chafing that I ever get, I'll take it.) I felt very good all afternoon. Even went to Morgan's volleyball tourny. At 7pm, I totally ran out of gas and just got so tired - I was in bed by 8pm. Today, I am just a little bit stiff and tight, but nothing is hurting. YEA!!! I think the key to all that was my water, the gels and my walk breaks (I read some more about walk breaks in the Galloway book. I'll share that later.) All in all, it was a good run - before, during, and after. I feel great!

There are only four more long runs. 14, 20, 12 & 8. One of those is a little intimidating. The other are very doable.

A very good day!

Today was a very good day! I arrived at Shelby Farms with the attitude of "I'll just do what I can do."

Jessica, Julie & I were the only RNR's that were there today. (Today was the last run for the Country Music Marathoners. They race on Saturday!! Go Team!) I told Julie & Jessica to go on and not hang back with me today since I wasn't sure how long I would last. It didn't take very long at all for them to pull away from me. So I ran by myself. And it was just fine. I trotted along to the Shell and only stopped one time. Julie had left the cooler for us and had filled it with water and fresh orange slices. How yummy. They really hit the spot and gave me some added energy.

The original plan was to go beyond the Shell to the 6 mile mark and head back. I went ahead and turned back at the Shell so, in case my knee did give out, I would be that much closer to my car. But, my knee held on so I took the long way around the lake. My plan was to go around the lake 2 or 3 times to push it to the 12 miles. After one lap around, I was starting to question how much longer I could go, so I called it quits. That was probably 8 miles total. I decided to cut it short while I felt good, rather than push it until I felt crummy.

I really felt good afterwards and have continued to feel pretty good most of the afternoon. It was the first time, after a long run, that I have not felt like just dying in the bed for three hours. I did have 3 gels during the run, so maybe that was beneficial. I never thought while I was running, that I just needed to stop. I walked, counting the refreshment break, four times. Wow! That's pretty good for an 8-mile trot. It is really working for me to slow my pace down just a little bit (yes, hard to believe I can go even S...L...O...W...E...R than slow). I am able to go much longer distances without having to stop. I think that is also keeping me from feeling totally wiped out during or after. It's a good thing.

I was diggin' my tunes today. Music that kept me going was some Bon Jovi, The Police, John Mellencamp, Huey Lewis, and 10,000 Maniacs.

Today I wore my hydration belt because I wanted to try some Accelerade during the run. I'm not a fan of any of that "ade" stuff, but thought I should try it. And, Accelerade is the brand they will serve in San Diego, so that's what I need to train with. It wasn't bad. Just don't know if it made any difference. I think the gels played a larger role in my success today. I need to use more of them throughout the run, especially at the end. I'm also going to just stick with water.

I remain very consistent in my pace. My entire 8 miles was 2:01. Comes in to just a teeny bit shy of perfect 15 minute mile....Slow and steady!

Am having a little pain in my left knee tonight. The left was the bad, that became the good, which is now apparently the bad again. My right knee feels great. I have rolled on ol' Foamy several times this afternoon and will hit it a few more times before bed. I have grown fond of the 'hurts so good' pain he inflicts on me.

This message was waiting for us on the path heading to the lake. Our whole team (RNR, CMM & MIM) has raised $118,166 so far! I think that's great! That is money toward a cure!!! My current total is $3,451. THANK YOU!!! I am just $549 from my goal. YIPEE!!

It was just a very good day. The weather was beautiful, my run was "perfect", and I feel great.

Easier said than done

Friday. The day before Saturday. The day of the LONG RUN. Why do I get myself so worked up about the long runs? For one thing, I haven't really run in two weeks. That's a long time. Then I just roll it all around my head over and over....What if I can't finish? What if it takes me forever? What if my knee starts hurting? What if....What if.....What if.... I HAVE to stop doing that.

The LONG RUN. I read this little description this week which sums it up nicely. "Going long" is a hallowed weekend tradition that is despised and loved, feared and revered, bragged and complained about. Amen to all that.

We're scheduled for 12 miles tomorrow. Easy enough, right? I've done that distance. Twice. I asked Nanette this morning if I should attempt to run until I couldn't or plan to just run a shorter distance. She said to play it by ear, run until I need to stop and avoid all hills. OK, I can do that. Route tomorrow is Visitor's Center to Shell Station up Germantown Parkway to Greenbelt (If it's not still flooded. More rain expected today.) until we hit 6 miles and then back. Easy. Straight. Flat. Doable.

Julie is leading our group tomorrow, because George in Boston to run the Boston Marathon on Monday! Good luck to him. Run George Run!!!

Tonight I will charge up my iPod, maybe add some new songs (that playlist is a good one, but man, I've been listening to it FOREVER), and use the foam roller to get my muscles loosened up real good. And I will RELAX.....or try to.....

Have a good weekend everybody!

Fifteen Miles - WOW!

FIFTEEN MILES!!! And I did it! And actually, except for the first 2 and the last 2, it really wasn't that bad.

The weather was nice. The sun never really came out, altho it sure wanted to. And it wasn't raining. Temps were pleasant. Cool at times, especially around the lake, but it felt nice.

I was cramping up in the beginning of the run. But eventually it all worked out. I bought a knee brace last night at Dick's and it seemed to do the trick with the bad knee. No pain at all other than the initial cramping. The first 7 miles or so I ran a 6/2 interval. It was ok. Made it to the Shell station which is halfway. Yea for that. Water and gel break. Someone was driving down Germantown Road and said "Go Team!" out the car window. (I had my TNT shirt on). Nice encouragement there.

Then the next 5 miles I just slowed my pace down a bit and only had to stop two times. Wow. Can you believe that? That really worked for me. I just trotted along and enjoyed the scenery and listened to my tunes. And it was really ok. And to think I went that whole way only stopping twice. OK, I really stopped three times, but the last time, it was to pet a dog, so that really doesn't count....It was a retired racing greyhound named Link. (He was kind of orange and black stripey looking - good Tiger karma there.) I told his owner I wasn't very greyhoundy today and he said "Let Link be your inspiration." Nice.

Made it back to the parking lot and the other RNRs were there. They were done. I had 3 more miles to go. Then some of the CMMs showed up. They were also done. They had just completed 20 miles. Whatever.... The little pitstop was very much needed, but it also gave my knees time to stiffen up. It was quite a bit harder to get rolling again for those last 3 miles. My 'good' knee was screaming, so I switched the brace to that knee.

The Multiple Sclerosis Walk was kicking off just as we headed to the last 3 miles on the Chickasaw Trail. That was their route too, so we planned to go the opposite way to meet them on the path rather than go along with them in the same direction. But first we had to wait for the National Anthem. "...and the home of the brave." Off we go.

At about mile 13, an elderly lady was coming toward me. She must have felt real sorry for me (can't imagine what I looked like) because she clapped and said "Good job. Go! You're doing great." I got teary with that encouragement.

Then we started seeing all the walkers coming toward us. All that people watching definitely helped pass the time and distance. I was thinking that all these people are walking to support a cure for this debilitating disease. And, even though I was truding along, I was trudging along. I can run (or whatever you want to call it.) - and I'm thankful for that.

Lots of Tiger shirts at the Farm today. I greeted them all with a breathless "Go Tigers!".

Almost finished, I'm whining. George said we had less than 1/4 of a mile to go and if I wasn't in complete agony, to push through it and finish. OK....

I made it back to the Visitor's Center and there were 3 CMM coaches there. They cheered. I got a little teary. I had done it. FIFTEEN MILES. I am beyond certain that I was the very last person to come in. But I really did not care. Some very encouraging words from them which was appreciated. I made some comment about "In case you didn't know it, I'm not a runner." and one girl said "Oh, but you *are* a runner. Look what you just did." More crying.

George ran along with me today. Most of the time, he would run ahead and then come back to get me. He probably put in 42 miles with all the 'up and back'. He's actually supposed to be 'tapering' because he's running the Boston Marathon in a few weeks. (Tapering is when you start decreasing your mileage as you approach race day.) So, thanks George for hanging with me and for running way more than you needed to.

I did the entire 15 miles in 3:54:46 which calculates to a 15:40 pace. Again, slow but steady.

Some tight knees this afternoon, but I really don't feel that bad. Kind of surprising. I'm sure I'll be dying tomorrow. But I don't feel as bad right now as I did after the half marathon. Yea for that.

Overall, I am very pleased with what I did today. I like the way I slowed my pace a bit so I didn't have to stop as much. That really worked. It was a good day. There was a lot of encouragement today from people I know and people I don't even know. Some emotional thoughts went on in my head this morning. But it was a very very good day!

Mom and Connie and her crew are coming over shortly to have dinner and watch the game. I'm very excited! Some interesting articles today about the Tigers. I think Cal is amazing and very intelligent. I can't wait to see the Tigers whip up on the UCLA Bruins. (We went to dinner at Rafferty's last night and there was a guy wearing a North Carolina jersey. I pointed to my Tiger shirt and shook my head and hollered at him across the restaurant 'What's wrong with you?!' Jodi told me to cut it out. Jordan said "Oooh Mom, you scared him." You bet I did! GO TIGERS!!!!!)

We are about an hour and a half away from tip off. I'm totally psyched! GO TIGERS!!!

And now a message from Coach George

Good Afternoon RNR's:

OK, tomorrow is one of those "step up" weeks, with a total of 15 miles. We will break it down into manageable bite size pieces. Start at the Visitor Center at 7 am. One loop of the Chickasaw Trail, then around the lake, out toward the Agricenter and end at the Shell Station. Replenish and rest rooms, then back - around the lake, another Chickasaw Trail loop, and end at the Visitor Center. I hear that the Germantown Greenway is closed due to flooding, so we will stay on higher ground and make the Chickasaw circuit to get the miles to add up.

At one point, I considered the hills around Walnut Grove Lake as an alternate, but extreme pressure from one of your compatriots gave me the opportunity to rethink this plan. Without naming names, thank
A _ _ _ E ...

Hope to see all of you there.

Looks like the weatherman is going to cooperate fully, with temps and skies perfect for a nice 15 miler!