The End

And so this is the end.....



Six months of training.


250 miles run.


Almost 200 posts to this blog.


$4,536 raised for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.


One marathon completed.

I achieved all of the goals that I set for myself when I began this journey:
1. FINISH the marathon. Check.
2. Raise money and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Check.
3. Remember and honor my Daddy. Check.

And now this amazing journey has come to an end.

So, what's next? I've been asked that many times. There is a part of me that would love to try another marathon. But a larger part of me that doesn't. For several reasons. I don't want to train for it. To put in all the time that is really required -- the time commitment is just so major. Not just for me, but it was a sacrifice for my family too. (HUGE THANKS to Jodi for flying solo every Saturday for the last six months.) No training equals no marathon. The distance running really took a toll on my body. I didn't make it through this without injury. It wasn't anything major, but it wasn't pain-free either. I just don't think that long distance is what my body is meant to do. And, even if I did another marathon, there would never, ever be another experience like the experience I had on June 1. Never.

However, I think do see some running still in my future.

I would like to focus on some 5ks. What a great distance that might be for me. JUST three miles! I would like to work on my speed a little bit. While we were training for the marathon, we really didn't focus on time or pace. We just focused on distance, just completing the miles. So maybe now I can get a bit stronger and increase my pace.

I also see some half marathons in my future. I'm seriously thinking about the St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon in December. Or maybe the Germantown Half Marathon again in March. I'm pretty sure I can talk Jodi and my brother-in-law to run one of them too. The St. Jude Half is much larger; they are capping registrants at 8,000. Last year almost 6,000 ran the half and the final time was just under 5 hours. Kind of appealing to think that I would be at the front of the back of the pack.... I was thinking about the fact that after the Germantown Half in March, we practically ran a half marathon every weekend until the week before the marathon. So, a half marathon is pretty doable for me. I would like, one day, to achieve a sub-three hour marathon. That is shaving off quite a bit of time for me, but maybe after I build up some strength and speed and conquer a 13 minute mile on a regular basis, this would be feasible.

What have I been doing since June 1? NOTHING. I have taken these last two weeks off. Completely off. No activity. The week of the marathon, I was still so stiff and sore. And just TIRED. I felt like I needed so much sleep. This last week was much better. I still have a tight hamstring, but nothing major. And there is some occasional shin pain - I think it's just some leftover 'itis' that is continuing to rear its ugly head. My toenail is not looking very promising, but, like Tom said, if that's the extent of my marathon injury, I'm doing pretty good!

I do want to say that if anybody is ever interested in running or walking a full or half marathon, please consider doing it through the Team in Training. There is NO WAY I could have done any of this alone. Just having the coaches, mentors, support and teammates along the way is what made it possible. Plus being surrounded by all the purple on race day. I can never explain it - just the whole scope of it. But it was definitely a TEAM - from beginning to end.

I have developed a huge respect for the role of spectator. I *know* that is something I can do during a race!! Just stand on the side of the road and cheer. Maybe I can do that at one of the half marathons that I don't run in. During my runs at Shelby Farms, whenever someone would say "Go Team!" or some other encouraging word, that would be just the extra push I needed to keep moving. And I can't even tell you what it was like at the marathon. Twenty-six miles of people cheering for ME! It was incredible encouragement. I have learned the true value and power of all of that.

I think I would compare the whole marathon thing to childbirth. It is quite painful while you are going through it. But when it's all over, you have this wonderful result, this amazing accomplishment. And you forget exactly just how painful it was.

We had been told that we would experience a 'low' after the marathon. Maybe like a wedding or Christmas or something. It's just this event that you have focused on for so long. All of your time and energy - all your thoughts - every bit of you - is constantly thinking about this upcoming event. And then it happens and it is wonderful. But then it is over. Maybe I've experienced some of that. OK, maybe more than I want to admit, considering it's taken me two weeks to drag out the story of my marathon. I have just wanted it to go on and on. And there is part of me that is sad that it's over. And I'm sad that I am going to end this blog. I admit, I'm a little teary now as I write this last post....

But wait! There's more!!! While this is the end of the Gonna Run A Marathon blog, I have decided to start a new blog. HOORAY! It won't be as exciting as this -there isn't a big goal I'm working towards. (And I won't beg you for donations to the Leukemia Society!). But I have just enjoyed the whole blogging experience and I want to continue to be able to have that outlet. So, feel free to check out my new blog: Me and My Good Life (http://www.meandmygoodlife.blogspot.com/). I will just ramble about whatever happens to be on my mind. Me, my good life, my family, sports, weather. Who knows....

I can't end this without thanking all of you who have been a part of this journey with me. There are so many of you and you all played so many different roles. For those who read my blog, made donations, encouraged me, ran with me, celebrated each little mile, waited for me, tolerated me, inhaled Icy Hot, remembered my dad, cheered for me, allowed me to whine, helped me heal, followed my progress, cared about my pitfalls, listened to me, rubbed my feet, shared in my victory. Thank you! I continue to be blown away by all of the support, love and encouragement I have received during this marathon quest. THANK YOU!!

It was amazing, unforgettable experience. I ran a marathon!!! And I think my Daddy would be real proud of me!!

Saturday's Pasta Party

The day before the marathon.....

The odd hours and the time difference were playing with me a little bit and I had decided the extra rest would do me good. So I slept in. Until 8am (which is 10am Memphis time - wow!). We were instructed to take it easy on Saturday - not a lot of walking. And to drink a LOT of water. Julie and I had a nice little breakfast and then I went down to an outdoor mall area and just looked around a bit. It wasn't long before we had to take the shuttle to the Pasta Party.

The Pasta Party.... It was just beyond amazing. I really didn't know what to expect, other than some pasta for our carb-loading. But it turned out to be an event that I will never, *EVER* forget. It was at the Town & Country Resort & Convention Center.


As we headed toward the entrance, we were greeted by a huge 'TNT cheer line'. All the coaches and LLS staff and mentors were lining both sides of the walkway. They were cheering and screaming and clapping. They had horns and cowbells and airhorns. It was the neatest thing. It was loud and just totally electric. I've got chill bumps right now as I type just thinking about it.

Nicole and I grabbed hands and just walked through the hundreds of purple clad, wildly decorated people. They were cheering for US. "Just think what tomorrow will be like," we kept saying to each other. I don't know how, but I saw George on the other side of the walk. He pushed through all the people and gave me a big high five. Ever play Where's Waldo? Let's play Where's George? ....

Then, I saw a younger woman holding a sign that said "This survivor thanks you." And she was just crying and smiling and saying 'thank you'. And that's all it took. Because then I was crying too. I honestly don't think I'll ever forget that image of her. Then I saw Andrea - big hugs. And then there was Lindy - our teammate, a leukemia survivor herself. She was the only person I had not seen yet since we arrived in San Diego. Big hugs and more tears.

Thanks to Jessica and Jacob for sharing their pictures with me. I was so totally overwhelmed by the whole thing, using my camera never entered my mind.....




The line ended at the pasta buffet. So we filled up our plates with good carbs and headed to the ballroom to find our assigned tables. There must have been 2500-3000 people in that room. All TNTers and their friends and family. WOW! But then I realized that this was just the first seating for the Pasta Party - there was another seating that afternoon at 5pm. So we're talking 5,000 people. We heard from John "The Penguin" Bingham. He's a writer for Runner's World and also a spokesman for the TNT. He was so hilareous and gave us an overview of what to expect on race day. Sadly, all of funny, silly, crazy things that he said would happen during the race, totally did.....He's called the penguin because of his 'no need for speed' approach. My kind of guy. Penguins are apparently still faster than turtles though...Our other speaker was David Monson who is the husband of Susan Butcher. She was a champion Iditarod sled dog racer who fought and lost a battle with leukemia. He was excellent. He said that the LLS had asked him to come and speak to the runners, to be an inspiration to us. He said that HE was not the inspiration, that WE were the inspiration. You could have heard a pin drop in that room. And there wasn't a dry eye in the house. I was crying so hard that I was just hoping I wouldn't make some kind of choking noise or gasping sound or have some sort of audible sobbing. Wow - he was something. Our last speaker was a VP from Elite Racing (the company that puts the race together). He said he was probably the only person in San Diego that had on a suit at that moment. And the reason he wore a suit is because his mother told him that when he met important people, he should put on a suit. (That's us - important people!)

They recognized an 84-year old woman who would be participating in her 11th marathon on Sunday. And there were several fundraising awards. The national winner raised $51,000! Wowie. They also announced that we had all raised $12.5 million!!! $12.5 MILLION. Isn't that awesome?!?!?

We left the Pasta Party totally charged. It was an incredible experience - full of emotion. Truly an unforgetable event.

Next on our agenda was the Team Meeting.....

#19847 in your program, #1 in your heart

OK peeps -- we're getting down to the last day of preparation here. I'm very excited. And then all of a sudden, I get this major wave of nervousness. But it's all good. I'll finish my packing today and hope to get in bed early (earliER) for a good night's sleep. I've got to get up very early to catch a 6am flight. But usually in those situations, I wake up all night long worried that I'm going to oversleep and miss my flight.

Hope you all will send me a little rah-rah on Sunday. Race starts at 6:30am. We should be rollin' by 7am for sure (remember, wave start -and we're in corral 19). And don't forget to adjust the vibes you are sending to Pacific Time. That's 2 hours behind us here in Memphis.

Thanks to Linda T. and Paige L. for their donations. My fundraising total is $4401!!

OK, more later....

PS - How cute is that turtle guy up there? Get it? TNT - TEAM IN TRAINING!?!?!

Tough Time for a Type A

Time is just ticking away. I started packing some things last night. I get real fretful about my stuff when I go somewhere. I'll make a list and go over it again and again and again. Then I'll start getting all the things together and pack and unpack and repack. I'll look at everything and talk to myself and put it in piles and then put it in different piles. Travel preparation is definitely one of my OCD's finest hours. Anyway, I'm slowly getting all my things together. I realized that my gels have to go in the little quart baggie thing. That definitely takes up some space, but I think I've got it all crammed in there and left enough room for my saline, shampoo and my beloved hand sanitizer (or 'hanitizer' as Cooper calls it).

I think I just have one more little trip-related errand to do and pick up a memory card for my camera. And I have to continue to finalize the kids' camp schedule for next week - who is picking up which kid, where and when....it's so complicated, it's spreadsheet worthy....

Soooo, mix all that up with my multitude of emotions (excited, nervous, scared, anxious, happy, teary, fired up, worked up) ... and I'm a potential wreck.

I am just so thankful for all the support and encouragement that everybody has given me during these last few months. And now your excitement for me too. It's just special and I'm forever grateful. After all, you've been going through all this with me. You *should* be excited!! {{hugs}}

A friend at work made a little sign for my office door. It has the Rock 'N Roll logo and June 1, 2008 and says "Angie Whitfield #19847". (Thanks P.T.!)

I read this little passage in an introduction to a book that I'm taking with me. While my book is a "compelling and original suspense thriller" and has "masterful suspense and explosive twists of fate" (according to the back cover), the excerpt is actually from a children's book titled "No Matter What". It is a conversation between Large Fox and little baby Small Fox. Basically Small is asking about the unconditionality, limits and endurance of parental love. When I read it, it just reminded me about how Daddy is still here with us. And how he will be with me especially on Sunday. Watching and cheering and helping and pushing me along. I'm actually not sure what it has to do with anything (especially my book)....It just reminded me of Dad and I felt like they were sweet and comforting thoughts. And I wanted to just share them with you, my faithful readers!



Small said, "But what about when we are dead and gone, will you love me then, does love go on?"


Large held Small snug as they looked out at the night, at the moon in the dark and the stars shining bright. "Small, look at the stars, how they shine and glow, some of the stars died a long time ago. Still they shine in the evening skies, for you see, Small, love like starlight never dies..."

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!!!

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!

This is becoming very real

I just got an email with confirmation for my flight to San Diego. I'm really doing this aren't I?!?!?!?!?

The homestretch is in sight

Rested today. My legs are still feeling a little weird. Especially my shinny shin shin. Can't figure out what's up with that. Will probably rest again tomorrow to get ready for Saturday's biggie.

I don't question the fact that I will finish the 20. I just wonder how it will play out. If I can get in a good groove with my walk breaks, especially early on, I should have enough steam to make it the whole distance. Plus, it's just going to take me forever. Depending on a lot of things - my pace, the route, the amount of walking, the heat, etc - it could take up to 5 hours. I'll just load up on the gels and water, make sure my iPod is fully charged, and take off. I know I can do this. It is just a wee bit intimidating. But I can see the homestretch now.

Have a good day everybody!

Think Twenty!

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!!!

The most exciting news of all

Big fat zero miles for me today. My ankles/feet/shins/calves were hurting last night and again this morning. Just felt tight and almost burning a little. Where did that come from? I got up anyway and did 45 minutes of pilates and stretches. So the morning wasn't a complete waste. It just felt like my body was saying NO THANK YOU to any running or even walking today. So I said ok. Oh well. What's a girl to do?

Now for the most exciting news of all! I MET -- AND EXCEEDED -- MY FUNDRAISING GOAL!!!!! Thanks to all of you! I'm so excited about that. My current total is $4,126. YEA!!!!! I am so appreciative of each of you and the support you have given me. I know there are so many different causes that you can choose to support and there are mortgages and tuition and light bills to pay and $4 a gallon gas to buy. So thank you so much for making your donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. For me - for my dad. I hope you know that YOU have made a DIFFERENCE. This money goes to research that just takes us one more step closer toward finding a cure for blood cancers.




I just hate leukemia. I hate the fact that any time my little innocent 5 year old son hears that somebody died, he says "Did they have leukemia?" Someone was writing a check for me yesterday and said "Help me out - I don't know how to spell leukemia." I hate the fact that I do know how to spell it. I hate the fact that it took my dad. I just hate it. I. Hate. Leukemia. And I will forever be an advocate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to raise both funds and awareness for blood cancers. Here are some facts (again) about leukemia & blood cancers:

• Over 135,000 people were diagnosed wtih leukemia or another blood cancer in 2007.
• Over 52,000 people will die this year from leukemia or lymphoma.
• Every 10 minutes someone dies from a blood cancer. That's 143 people per day. That's 6 people every hour.
• There are 4 different types of leukemia. AML, the type my dad had, currently has a 20.7% five year survival rate.
  
  

I was thinking last night about the money you've donated for this Team in Training. And the money that a lot of you have also given over the last two years when we had a team for Light the Night. When you add all that up together, the total is over $10,000. TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!!! In less than 2 years. I think that is AMAZING. I am certain that Daddy would just be blown away by that. He would be so humbled to know that you have all done that for him. So, I just want you all to feel good about what you have done. One day there will be a cure. And you will have had a part in that. Doesn't that feel good?!?!

OK, that's all about that for now. Thanks for reading. Thanks for supporting me. Thanks for remembering my dad.

Don't forget.... Saturday.....TWENTY MILES!!!

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!!!!

Fired Up or Burned Out

Details first. Then whining.

Apparently my Nike iPod isn't quite callibrated yet. Nike Voice Man said 3 miles. I think it came in closer to 2.5 or 2.75. But that's better than it was on Saturday when he excitedly told me "half way point!" at about mile 5 (when I had set it for 18).... Oh well, I'll try to recallibrate that tonight or tomorrow.

Temps were *very* warm this morning. 67 when I got back inside. I had originally grabbed a long sleeved running shirt, but changed my mind and opted for the tshirt because I thought I would rather be cold than hot. Who was I kidding. I was hot WITH the tshirt. And it was very windy too. The first mile and a half were brutal. Just dreadful. The last mile was moderately decent.

Now, bear with me while I vent for a while.

First, the burned out...

I just don't want to run anymore. Well, it's not that I want to QUIT. I'm just tired of it and experiencing some burnout. I'm ready to be DONE. I'm sick of running. Sick. Of. Running. I'm ready for June 1 to be here. I want to just do the marathon. Although I know I'm probably not ready to do the marathon. I'm just sick of training for it. I didn't want to run this morning. I don't want to run Saturday morning. I'm tired of my entire Saturday morning being taken up by running. I've been running for 14 weeks. And it's been hard. And some times it's just not fun. I'm sick of hurting and aching and icing and stretching and rolling. I'm sick of sports bras and gels and wheat bagels and advil and icy hot.

And I know the burn-out will go away. I'm so close to the end of this journey. Only four more long runs. That's all! I can do it and I will totally do it. But today I just don't want to.

Now the fired up...

I have seen the importance of the support and encouragement of others while I attempt to take on this challenge. I am surrounded by friends and family who are continually cheering me on. People who are just as excited as I am that I accomplished - and survived - a long run. Or ran an official Half Marathon. Or can walk down the hall without limping. I have a friend who has been saying "Run Angie Run!" since January. I have a huge cheering section of friends at church who are keeping up with my progress. Last night I had just told Jodi "I'm sick of running." and a minute later, two family friends said "Look how far you've come! You're doing great!" I have friends here at work who send me home on Fridays with good luck wishes for Saturday's long run. And, of course, my family and extended family. Huge cheerleaders! My biggest fan club. Especially Jodi -- who has probably had it worse than me on Saturdays since he's the one who is home alone with the kids every Saturday morning. Big thanks to him for doing that so I can do this. (I heart you Captain!) My examples of things you all say to me could go on and on.

So, all of your support and encouragement gets me through this -- even when my own excitement isn't all there.

There's a song on my iPod that I love. It's by the All American Rejects. Sums it up nicely.
"When all you got to keep is strong, move along, move along like I know ya do. And even when your hope is gone, move along, move along just to make it through. Move along. Go on, go on, go on go on."

OK, I think I'm done now. I'm feeling better already.....

Talk to me Mr. Right Brain!

I callibrated my new Nike iPod sensor on the treadmill this morning. The battery died on the old one. You don't replace the battery, or the whole kit, just the little shoe sensor thing. Easy enough. Except you have to recallibrate it. Hope I'm on target this time. It was a bit of a challenge with the first one.

I am thinking I'll do all of my running alone tomorrow so I need a pretty accurate way of marking my distance. Since I am usually running with Julie or George, I let them track distance on their Garmin. Anyway, I need to make sure how far I'm running, rather than just hitting the ol' trail... In case you forgot, I'm scheduled for 18 tomorrow!

A coworker loaned me some running books including "Marathon: You Can Do It!" by Jeff Galloway. He is considered a major running guru. There is some really good stuff in the book. I was reading last night about motivation and the whole 'mind game' of running. That's so true - a huge part of running is mental. I wanted to share some highlights from Chapter 7: The Source of Motivation.

The left brain = logic. This side of your brain is the center of logic. The left brain loves logic, details, facts, words. One of the main missions of the left brain is to steer you away from discomfort. Any form of stress or perceived stress will stimulate messages telling you to "slow down" or "stop". Since we rely on the left brain for logical guidance, we listen to these messages. We do have to pay attention to real dangers (like health things), but usually the left brain overreacts, warning us long before we are in real danger. Motivation training desensitizes us to such messages and the left brain's nagging.

The right brain = intuition. The creative and intuitive center is in the right side of the brain. Mr. Right Brain loves feelings, imagination, symbols. This side loves life and holds creative solutions to problems, challenges and obstacles. By doing things like walk breaks, mantras and motivations, and blood sugar/energy boosting (gels), you can cut down on stress, reducing the messages from the left brain.

Here's a neat test I found to see which side of the brain you use. Which way is the dancer spinning? If you can only see her spinning one direction, try this. I was definitely a left brainer here, but if I tried real hard (after seeing the 'answer') I could go back and make her spin the other way. Let me know what you saw her doing.

I am a *major* Left Brainer. This is great for Angie The Non-Runner, Obsessive Compulsive, Type A, Perfectionist, Crossword Puzzle Addict. This is a problemo for Angie Who Wants To Be A Runner, Who Got Chest Pains During Christmas One Year When She Tried To Be A Type B, Whose Spice Cabinet Is Alphabetized, Who Thinks Index Cards Are The Greatest Invention In the World, Who Thinks It's All Gotta' Be Perfect and Logical. So what does this have to do with running? When I run, I basically need to tell the left brain to put a lid on it. That's the side that is telling me "You need to quit. You can't go any farther. You are not a runner. Why are you doing this? This is crazy. Your legs hurt. You're thirsty. You're so tired. What were you thinking? Stop running right now." Mr. Left Brain needs to just nip it. Shut. Up. The right side is the one that needs to be speaking up. And make it loud. He needs to be saying "I'm a runner. I am strong. I can do this. I feel great. Daddy is with me. He is proud of me. I am in no pain. I will finish." Mr. Right Brain needs to be loud and clear tomorrow. I'm going to be paying real close attention to him.

Good luck to the Country Music Marathoners who are in Nashville for tomorrow's marathon!! Sending special speedy fast vibes to my coworker Kelly who is running in memory of her dad. I am hopeful the weather will hold out for them. Go Kelly Go!!!

The Boston Marathon

These folks are serious runners. The men's winner finished in 2:07:46. That is 26.2 miles. In the relatively same time it took me to crawl my 8 miles. These people are fast. Beyond fast. They are just downright speedy. The women's race was apparently very exciting. It was the closest women's finish in race history with the Ethiopian beating the Russian by 2 seconds. Winning time was 2:25:25. They are the best of the best. Wow.


There were over 25,000 runners.


Enjoyed keeping up with George & Debby's progress online. They both finished with very respectable times. Yea for them!!! I'm just so totally impressed.


It's kind of exciting watching these elite runners do their thing. I'll never be one of those people; nor do I aspire to be. But watching this today sure has made me excited about my marathon challenge!! Only 6 more weeks!!!

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!

Day 10 -- but who's counting....

IT Band still hurts. It is definitely better. It's just not completely gone. And from what I've read, this is not something you should attempt run through. And this flare-up does take a bit of time to heal. It's a pesky little thing. I was going to do some pilates this morning, but stayed up way too late last night and just couldn't face the alarm clock at 4:00 am...

I just need to do SOMETHING. I don't want to lose what little bit of momentum I had going. I hope to attempt at least some walking tomorrow. We'll see how it goes. I refuse to become discouraged by this.



At least my boyfriend is back in the lineup after missing six games. He went 2 for5 yesterday.

Tiger Fever

So much for sleeping in on my rest day. I've been awake since about 3:30 am when the storms rolled in....AGAIN..... Good grief. I'm starting to feel like a duck. Quack. No end in sight today. But Ron Childers assured me yesterday "It’s going to be dry Sat AM but chilly. Temps will be in the upper forties to near fifty."

I am contemplating finding a knee brace to try tomorrow. I'm wondering if some support will keep the IT band from flaring up. My knee is my main concern for tomorrow's 15 mile run. I think I can handle the distance. I know I can trudge along. But I want my knee to hold out. I am a bit afraid of the recovery too. Only because I know how *awful* those first few days were after the half marathon. And this is 2 miles farther....UGH. I need to keep those thoughts out of my head. I am DETERMINED to go the distance tomorrow. I WANT TO DO THIS. I'm just going to break it down into small pieces like George said. I can do that.

Oh...speaking of GOING THE DISTANCE!!! GO TIGERS!!!! I'm getting very excited and nervous about the game. Tomorrow is 40 minutes of YEAH BABEEEE!!! GO TIGERS!!

Email from George the Coach

Hello Rock n Rollers!

Well, Saturday is the "big one" - our first double digit run! 10 miles, count them ten! Uno dos tres cuatro cinco seis siete ocho nueve diez!

Our route will be Shelby Farms visitor center lower parking lot (8:00 am), cross Walnut Grove at the traffic light, and head out along the paved path and gravel road to the Agricenter. From there, south along the paved path to our well deserved refreshment stop at the gravel parking lot immediately across from Walnut Bend/Shell Station (cooler full of goodies). Rest room at Shell Station if needed.Then, south along Germantown Road, cross the Wolf River, and then we head west on the Germantown Greenway that borders the Wolf River. At the magical mile 5 point, we turn about and head back the same route. Same rest room stop if needed, same refreshment break.

Weather should be picture perfect!

It looks like most of you prefer the 6/2 or 8/2 run/walk strategy, so we will plan to use that routinely in our training now that we are getting into the longer distances. We may also need to dial the pace back a bit, since the key is getting in the miles, and forget the clock. (Easier for me to say than do, as many of you know).

As typical on a Friday night, I have begun to fret about tomorrow's run. I *so* want to be able to run this. I know I probably won't be able to do it all - even with a 6/2 interval. I just have to be ok with that. I have to just do what I'm able to do. And no more. I have to really listen to my body and not get stubborn about this. I really can't push myself. I can't allow myself to think that I'm in better condition than I am. I have to take this ramping back up very slowly. That's the only way that I will be able to get back on the mend and get back in line with my training and really give the marathon a good shot. Tonight, my head is not really playing along with this one. But tomorrow, I'm pretty sure my shins will over-rule.