Christmas with the Jews -- and running, of course!

The holiday break/vacation began around 1pm on Friday and I could not have been happier.  In my life, I do not remember looking forward to 10 days off more than I did, last week.  So, it’s here and I am still enjoying it. 

Saturday evening mom flew in from St. Louis.  I warned her that there’s typically a 30 degree change in temperature from morning to afternoon to evening – but I don’t think she was quite prepared for it to actually be cold at times.  She’s complained several times that this weather is really no different than St. Louis (eye roll).  Wait ‘til she calls home and my brother informs her that he awakened to snow on the ground – then we’ll see just how “like” St. Louis our weather is .

That being said, I’ve really enjoyed her visit.  On Sunday, I invited my good friends D and Brent over for Christmas with the Jews, where I assured them both there would be a holiday meal and lots of games.  D showed up around 9:30am with all of his presents (from his family) and we had the opportunity to Skype with his entire family in Philadelphia.  Two of the great things about my friendship with D are his parents, Lynette and Mark – oh, and their friends.  It was really fantastic to watch their neighborhood come alive in their living room in Philly.  My good friend, Bob – their neighbor from across the street – has become a pretty amazing runner these last couple of years, so I always love seeing him or hearing his voice in the background, since he and I are merely FB friends.  He pulled his ten miler this weekend with an 8:15 pace.  Oh, how I envy his skill. 

Picture taken during our run in Oct!

Another friendship that blossomed out of a love for running is my friendship with Brent.  We met in July when Ben Davis hosted a 5K in Tempe.  After the 5K, Brent and I were fortunate enough to be sitting at the same table over dinner and became fast friends.  We've remained friends via FB and our blogs (Brent's is here) - and, of course, the 10 miler he joined me for in October as I trained for the St. Louis marathon.  

Brent joined us around 1pm for the holiday.  I invited him knowing he was from out of town and had no family in the area.  And, I was simply thrilled that he accepted my invitation to join us!  

Brent, D, mom and I played Trivial Pursuit and Mexican Train (Dominos) for hours and hours and hours.  I won none of the above, but it was an absolute blast.  I honestly cannot remember such an enjoyable holiday with friends and family.  We even sang the Hanukkah prayer and had Brent light the candles.  However, around 9pm, I announced that everyone needed to leave so that I could rest up for what would be my last truly long run before the marathon – 20 miles – the following morning.

Sadly, I slept poorly – tossing and turning, thinking about the potential success and/or failure of the 20 mile run I was about to do.  I think I slept in 2 hour increments.  It wasn’t terrible, but not the kind of sleep one hopes for before a long run. 

I awakened at 5:30am and thought about my route –  two 6 mile loops, one 4.5 mile loop and another 3.75 mile loop – 20 miles.  In order to make things easy on everyone, I kept my 20 mile run close to home.  The only problem with running near my house – it’s all hill training.  My last 20 mile run was to Anne’s house in Chandler – flat, flat, flat (save a highway overpass or two).  I completed it in 3:30 – and knew that would not be a reality with the hills.  But, I had high hopes.

The toughest hills are in the first two 6 mile loops.  The view and scenery of the Equestrian area of Ahwatukee are fantastic, but I took it easy – my pace was right around a 10:15.  I wanted to be able to finish this run and talk about it today.  I staged water and Gu a block from my house and on the route (for the most part).  The really tough part of the run came in my last loop – there’s an unavoidable hill, 1.5 miles up.  I started to ascend it and mid-way through thought, “Meh, there’s no hill like this in the Phoenix marathon,” so I walked about 3-4 minutes of it.  The walk felt great, but as I saw another runner approaching, I figured it would be awful for her to see me walking, so I trudged my way up the hill.  5 minutes later, I took another small walk break, but knew the finish line was approaching.  My Garmin had been beeping for 4 miles, telling me that the battery was low; I just wanted to finish the run so I wouldn’t lose my data.  It made it to the 20-mile-beep and, although I continued running for another ½ mile, I stopped it as soon as it hit 20.  And, fortunately, the data was intact when I got home to plug it in. 

3:37 – not the 3:30 from 2 weeks prior, but with the hills and necessary water/Gu rests, I’ll take it.   Three and a half hours is a long time to think about anything.  I think I speak for a lot of runners when I say that the thinking part really becomes an issue after the second hour.  It’s almost like we’re all “thought-out” and now all we can do is focus on the pain or the boredom.  This is why having people on the marathon route is so critical for runners.  The distractions are amazing – and looking forward to seeing someone you know is a wonderful boost for the 15-20 minutes of running you do before their mile marker.   I have been VERY fortunate – each and every marathon I have completed I have had a slew of friends and family on the route.  I have no idea who might be willing to be out there, this time around – but the marathon is Sunday, January 15^th – and I would be eternally grateful to any and all who would be willing.

Mom departs on Wednesday morning and I will be sad to see her go.  She was all smiles, yesterday morning, when I walked in from my 20 mile run.  “You look great for someone who just finished 20 miles,” she said.  Ahhhhhh – I needed that!

Just a couple more MUCH shorter runs to go.  Happy New Year, everyone!

Health -- not to be taken for granted!

I was beaten by a horrible cold, this week.  Tuesday night I started to feel it.  By Thursday I was wishing I had stayed in bed – rather than infecting my workplace and all of the people I love dearly.  Every night I went to bed hoping I would wake up healed the next morning.  But, nothing I did seemed to improve my health – I simply got worse and worse.   By Friday at 4pm I was moving in a haze, thinking about my bed and the 14 mile run I was planning to do Saturday morning (so that I could enjoy my BFF Lora’s 40^th birthday festivities Saturday evening). 

I went to bed at 7pm on Friday night with a box of tissues at my side and a vile of Nyquil at the ready.  When I dragged myself out of bed at 6am on Saturday morning, I still felt dreadful.  Between the coughing and the nose blowing, NO ONE was sleeping in my house (that included Brunhilda, the dog, and my roommate, Claire).  I hope they have both forgiven me.

By 7am, I had texted Lora to give her the bad news – no 40^th birthday festivities for me.   I was falling into a pretty significant depression and by 11am was sound asleep on the sofa – with a roll of toilet paper at my side (yep, I’d gone through all the tissues and did not feel well enough to drive across the street to Walgreens to get more).  Claire must have moved around the house like a mouse, because I didn’t rise again until about 2pm.  However, when I woke, I felt better – seriously better.  5 days of poor health and here it was 2pm on Saturday and I actually felt better.

I had purchased a Wii several weeks prior, but it just sat there – like a doorstop – all plugged in and ready to roll.  By 3pm, I was knee deep into Season Two of The League on Netflix, thinking the Wii was the greatest purchase of my life.  Claire made me a nice dinner and we watched some crappy “straight to DVD” flick called Bed and Breakfast before retiring to our rooms around 9pm. 

I set my alarm for 5am, hopeful I might feel well enough to push out my 14 miles.  (I was also aware that the weather forecast for the morning was rain, rain and more rain.)  When the alarm went off, I let the dog out – yep, in the rain.    I looked at the forecast online and, low and behold, the weather was supposed to clear for a few hours.  So, I decided to attempt my mileage. 

8 miles of serious hills + 6 miles of relative flatness (save climbing the I10 overpasses) = 14.  I was feeling ok for the majority of the run, but petered out a lot in the last 3 miles.  My body reminded me (1/2 way into mile 12) that I had been death’s door for the prior 5 days – and I moved through the last couple of miles with several small walk breaks.  But, dang it – I made it!  My nose dripped, my chest was not thrilled, my body was tired, but I made it.  Not my best time – but I am not remotely displeased.  I would still pull a 4:40 marathon if I’d kept up my pace.

 

Clearly I am on the mend.  Next week my mom will be in town to help me pull out my last 20 mile run.  I am super excited for her arrival.  Thinking about having my friends over for a little wine soiree on Tuesday the 27^th – so mark your calendars, friends! 

Bring it!

Vindication!

I spent most of yesterday completely stressed about my 20 mile run.  I consumed copious amounts of water ALL day, ate smartly and went to bed at 830pm.  This all means that I was so anxious I awakened 30 minutes before my alarm went off – oh, well. 

At 6am I texted Anne and let her know I’d be on time to our meeting spot between miles 7-8.  Even with 2 babies – she’s still my rock!  As I stepped foot outside, I realized that short-sleeves would be a mistake, so I grabbed a long sleeved running shirt (which I had just acquired the day before – so I was excited to try it out).  I thought I could wear it to our first meeting spot and then probably ditch it (with Anne), but it never happened. 

When I saw Anne in front of Whole Foods, it was still really cold – and moving from the city into the suburbs just meant it was getting colder and colder as I moved away from Phoenix.  Poor Anne – she was a mess.  She showed up in her PJ’s all panicky!  Evidently, baby Lyla kept the whole house up for the entire night – her husband finally took the baby at 3am and gave her an opportunity to sleep.  This meant that she overslept her alarm and worried she would not make our meeting spot/time.  But, she was there – as she always is.  I hope she knows how much I appreciate her (love you so much, Anne)!

As I left her I said, “Ok, see you in an hour and ten minutes.”  I was having a particularly good run.  I continued on and only struggled a little between miles 11-12.  This just meant I knew I should take some additional supplements by mile 12 or 13 and not wait until my meeting spot with Anne (at 14).  And, as I approached the park at mile 14, I realized I was early – OOPS!  No Anne in sight – but I had already taken my Gu and water and was really not in the mood to wait – I just wanted to finish.  My goal was to hit 20 miles in 3:30 – something I knew I could do if I remained focused.  I quickly grabbed my cell from my Camelbak and let Anne know I beat her to the park and that she should stay home and sleep.

6 miles left and I was still feeling pretty good.  As I continued on my route, Anne came around the corner about 5 minutes later in her car and asked if I needed anything.  I waved her off with a smile and pushed on.  I was really great until about mile 17.5.  I took another Gu and thought, “I am ravenous!”  There are so many points I can cut my mileage short on these runs, but I knew that I had already had one tough week (last week), and couldn’t really afford another.  So, although I walked 30 seconds here and there between miles 17-19, my watch still told me I was going to make my goal.

Little Lyla - 2 weeks, 2 days old!

I stayed focused in my last mile as I approached Anne’s street – 20 miles in 3:29!  I did it!  Vindication for last week’s crappy run!  YES!  Next week is only 14 and should be a piece of cake…

And, look at who I got to hang with right after finishing my run (picture on right)!!!  

(Also giving a HUGE shout out to my good friend, Brent, who ran the Tucson Marathon, today -- making it his second marathon!  Go Brent!!)

Disappointment...

I have little say, today, except that I failed on my 18 mile run, yesterday morning.  The temps were in the high 30's in Ahwatukee, so I dressed as warmly as possible - given that I did not want to be uncomfortable for 18 miles.


I headed out at my usual 6am start time -- and within the first 4-5 miles I began feeling a tightness in my right hip flexor that I had never felt before.  Hoping the hip would loosen up, I carried on.  20 minutes later the pain in my hip was excruciating.  I had planned to stop for some water and Gu around mile 9, but decided it was probably best to abort this mission and rest for the day.  


I walked home after the 9 miles ... VERY disappointed.   

Turkeys, Trots and Little Tots!

A lot has happened since, last weekend.  I travelled to St. Louis to be with my family (mom, grandmother, cousins, aunt, aunt’s BF and my brother) for Thanksgiving – which, in and of itself, is a bit of an adventure.  My family (who I love dearly) always finds something to complain about.  I find myself incredibly happy in my Arizona life, and going home sometimes reminds me that others may be unhappy in their choices.  I have a beautiful family who finds fault in one another – I worry that I am that person, too.  And, I don’t want to be.  This realization hit me on Thanksgiving morning as I ran 6+ miles around Fairview Heights, Illinois’ barren streets.  (That is NOT a town of runners!)  Maybe this year we can all learn to appreciate each other – after all, we’re all pretty brilliant and relatively attractive!  So, I think that’s going to be my goal – to appreciate my family more.

In Chillier STL area -- with fields of nothing behind me.

Additionally, while away in St. Louis, one of my best friends (seen in last week’s bday photo) had her baby girl, Lyla!  As soon as I got off the plane, I rushed to the hospital to be with Anne and the baby!  So amazingly adorable!

Lyla would not move her hands from in front of her face...alas.

However, the birth of Lyla also meant Anne would not be available to “Sherpa” for me on my 16 mile run on Sunday morning.  It made me laugh when Anne apologized for this fact – and as she reassured me that she’d be able to assist the following weekend (on my 18 miler).  She is amazing – I hope she thinks I am anywhere near as good a friend to her and she is to me!

That being said, I mapped out my route for Sunday morning to include 3 loops: 7.5, 4.75 and 3.75.  When I don’t have Anne as my water/Gu Sherpa, I am relegated to sticking close to my house – which is in the foothills of Ahwatukee.  This means LOTS of hill training.  This route included 8 miles of uphill climbing – but I knew I was up for it.  The STL Marathon did a lot to boost my hill-confidence.

Saturday evening I was at a friend’s house sitting by the fire, eating ‘smores and sipping a delicious scotch.  I had the smallest amount of scotch, as I feared it would affect my run adversely.  That, in combination with the ‘smores (and no dinner), was definitely a potential recipe for failure.  But, sometimes you need to have fun and think less about the 16 miles the following morning.

In truth, the 16 miles felt great!  I was out the door before 6am and took on the hills like a champ.  By the time I finished the first, long loop I knew I was on the path to success.  Stopping for water and Gu always gives me a little anxiety because I want a good time – but I know that without them I will putter out somewhere around mile 10. 

I finished the second loop strong, as well.  It’s an incredible feeling to know your last loop is under 4 miles – so every time my watch beeped, I smiled.  In fact, my housemate Claire said that as she passed me on my run (en route to church), she saw me smiling away – I think that was somewhere around mile 9 – so nothing is really bad at that point. 

At mile 14, I started to hate the hills and wanted to take a break from them by walking.  I slowed down and looked at my watch:  2:25.  It was the first time I had looked at my watch all morning and I realized I was just over a 10 minute pace – with the hills, and the stoplights and the water stops.  It was exactly what I needed to keep me from walking any of those last two miles.  In fact, I busted out a 9:38 in my last mile to finish with a 2:43 overall time.   Felt good – felt really good.  

Now…on to this being less critical thing.  

What a GREAT week!

My 39^th year has finally arrived and I cannot remember having a better week of celebrations.   It started on Tuesday with coworkers bringing Hello Kitty cupcakes, cookies, flowers and students singing happy birthday to me in groups of 10+ at a time.  The comment I made to my roommate, Claire, when I got home that evening was “I genuinely feel loved, today.”  Not that I don’t feel loved or appreciated most days of the year – but it meant more (than anyone even realizes) to have received all of the well wishes, songs and goodies ALL day long.

Cupcakes, cookies, cards, flowers and an Edible Arrangement!

The birthday week ended, last night, with a celebration among many of my closest (and longest standing) friends.  Each year, Anne and I get to celebrate our birthdays together (I am the 15^th; she is the 24^th) and its become a nice tradition.  Anne and I met the summer before 9^th grade when her mom (also pictured) and dad moved to our neighborhood in Fairview Hts, Illinois.  Also at dinner last night were Amy (another high school friend who also lived in Fairview) and Marcy – who, if you jumped my backyard fence, lived a couple houses away from 5^th grade on.  If you do the math – that’s something like 28 years (Oh dear lord!). 

(L --> R: Loretta, Anne, Pat, Marcy, Mer and Amy)

But, this blog is about running – not about my birthdays…

So, I am in training for the PF Chang’s Rock n Roll Marathon on January 15^th, 2012.  I figured – what the heck, I can do another one, right?!  My friend, Kris, will be doing this one with me, as well.  I absolutely loved being with Lora, last year, as she finished her first marathon. 

Last weekend, I had a 15 mile run, which was not easy.  I think the soreness from the previous marathon and then the ½ marathon made my legs, knees and back extra sore.  I was looking forward to the short-ish 10 mile run slated for today.  It was time I finally had a shorter run.

However, yesterday was the annual Maricopa Community College’s “Maricopa Moves Mountains” hike through/around South Mountain.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I have done this event for a couple of years and always enjoyed it.  It was a nice hike through intermediate level terrain.  I knew that they decided to move the event to a different location, this year – but I still encouraged my roommate to awaken early on Saturday morning to hit the mountainside with other employees in the district.  (She happens to work for KJZZ/NPR station which is part of Rio Salado CC in our district.)  My comment to Claire was “It’s really not a bad hike – we’ll be fine.”  After all, my long runs are on Sundays and there’s no way I would jeopardize a long run with a tough hike the day before.  O.O

Right – so, the first mile of the hike was nice – we bobbed and weaved and hiked.  It was not remotely difficult and was good exercise.  At the 1 mile mark there were a couple of MCCD wellness employees letting us know that this was our opportunity to bail if we didn’t want to go farther.  NO one turned around; I mean, the hike simply wasn’t tough enough to merit quitting (at this point).  That being said the next couple of miles were sheer hell.  We picked up a couple of friends, Scott (from Rio) and Amy (from Mesa) before the hike started and the 4 of us were a good team.  However, there was a point a mile further up the mountain that NO one was nice and NO one wanted to be there anymore.  In fact, the hardest part of the hike was about 1000 feet from the top.  People were bailing right and left.  Kids were falling, people were tripping, legs were giving out and people were MEAN! 

Trying to ignore the obvious sadness surrounding me, I trudged on and didn’t look back.  Poor Claire was stuck between an onslaught of dying, complaining children.  And, I carried on. 

By the time I reached the top, I could see just how far we’d come.  And there, right behind me, was Amy.  We high-ten’ed one another and smiled at the amazing Phoenix landscape beneath us.  It was SO hard!  We took a few pictures and then waited for everyone else to get to the top of the mountain.  

Amy and I finished and within minutes posed with Phx behind us!

First among our gang, was Mesa’s President and his son, Nathan.  Then, I could see Claire approaching and I was thrilled.  About 150 feet from the top, she quit and sat on a rock.  But after a couple of coaxing friends, we got her to finish the mount!  She was NOT pleased – the invitation to join the hike was definitely deceiving and she was annoyed about the difficulty level.  To be honest, we all were.  All I could think was, “how the heck am I going to survive a 10 mile run on Sunday after this?” 

Dr. Pan and his son, Nathan, at the top!

Claire (pre-nose dive) at the top - with Michael Bryant!

We made it to the bottom with a lot of trepidation – as the rocks were steep and sharp.  Poor Claire took a nose dive and landed on her face en route down, leaving her bloodied from her forehead to her knees.  And, so it ended – 2 hours to the minute after we started and 5+ miles later. 

So, you can imagine that when the alarm went off this morning – I contemplated calling the run off.  I had done 2 hours yesterday (and 5 miles on Friday and 6 miles on Thursday) – how were my knees going to make it?!  But, I always feel awful about myself when I miss a run – so I stepped cautiously out of my bed to see how my knees and legs felt.  In truth, I felt strangely fine.   

I was out the door by 6am and feeling good.  It was a gorgeous 55 degrees.  I hid my water, stuck my Gu in my back pocket and headed out.  I decided, rather last minute, to incorporate a LOT of additional hills into my run.  I figured it was only 10 miles and it was a great opportunity to do so.  I started out easy, wanting to save some energy for the miles of hills and it worked.  I literally had a blast.

I was thinking about my friend PLo’s run, this morning, and how great it feels to be able to do something you love after recovering from a minor injury.  He’s back on track and will finish a marathon one day in the coming year, I know it.

I barely needed water, but took some at the 7.5 mile mark and headed back out immediately without taking any supplements.  I simply didn’t need them at all.  Back up the hill I went for the last 2.5 miles and I pushed hard.  It felt so good to know I could do it – even after a strenuous workout the morning prior. 

1:39:06 – and proud.  Even with the hills and the climbing, I still pulled out a decent pace – a pace, I can be proud of.   Here’s hoping next Sunday’s 16 are anywhere near as successful!

I <3 my Garmin -- 9:54 pace, great elevation changes!

15 wet-ish miles!

The forecast was for rain.  In Phoenix.  I was dismayed.  My friend, PLo, assured me that running in the rain would be refreshing, so I went to bed praying to Darwin that the rain would subside prior to my desired 6am start time.

At 11:30pm, I rolled over – pitter patter.  Again at 2:30am, drip drip drip drip.  At 4:45am I heard nothing and decided it was time to look outside to see my morning fate.  When I let Brunhilda (yes, my dog has a ridiculous name – rest assured I had nothing to do with it) outside, the rain was at bay.  This in no way shape or form means my dog did not track mud onto the carpet (from the evening’s rain fest) – it is, after all, what she does best.  I happen to really love it when she is the one who creates the muddy spot and then proceeds to step in it with multiple paws – and then brings it into the house with her.  But, I love her and she’s pretty good looking. 

Brunhilda - she's deaf as a post, but damn-cute!

At 5:45am I text Anne to let her know I will be cautious and slow – but would be honored if she’d grace me with some water around mile 7 ½.  The last time I attempted a long run post-rain, I took a horrible spill that sprained my left knee and kept me out of the game for 7 weeks.  I had trepidation about these 15 miles, to say the least.

I decorated my iFitness belt with red flashing lights – yep, pretty much looked ready for the holidays – hoping that every automobile within 200 feet would avoid me like the plague.  And, they did. 

My first several miles were relatively uneventful – I bobbed and weaved around the puddles, but nary a drop came down.  However, at mile three, I began to feel the little droplets on my face and could see them all over the road.  Keep thinking about what PLo said…you’ll be fine.  Let’s be honest, people who live in Arizona forget how to drive in the rain – my fear was that I would forget how to run, as well.  It rained from miles three through about seven, at which point I was soaked.  SOAKED! 

Anne was surprised to hear I had rain, since there was nothing from her house to the meeting spot at mile 7 ½.  I was relieved – I’d be running to her house another 8 miles to the east.  As she looked over my shoulder while standing at her car, she could see the ominous clouds approaching, so I quickly wiped my face, took my Gu and inhaled some water.  But, I was wet – VERY wet – and every step in my shoes reminded me of my incredibly uncomfortable dampness.

Alas, I trudged on for the next several miles – and managed to avoid rain until just before I hit her house at the end of the run.  However, the damage was done – there was no drying off on this run!  15 miles, 100% humidity, and a slow 2:45.  I felt disgusting, but proud to have completed it!

After the run, I showered at Anne’s, but was unable to warm my bones.  The hours of wet clothes and skin simply did me in.  I am such a ridiculous wimp!  It wasn’t until my 4^th cup of coffee at breakfast that I finally found myself comfy. 

Anne’s mom (Pat) treated me to an early birthday present after breakfast – a lovely pedi!  There’s nothing better than having someone work on your feet and calves after 15 miles – NOTHING!  Thanks, Pat!  I have the greatest friends (and Friend’s moms) EVER!!!!

Onward and upward!

Four days after I finished the marathon I felt great.  In fact, I cannot remember feeling as good after any of my prior marathons.  So, I asked my friend, Kris, is she would prefer to run the Women’s Half Marathon (on Nov 6^th) with me at her side – or if she’d prefer to see me on the sidelines screaming and providing moral support.  Her response, “Oh, definitely run!”

Friday afternoon, in the middle of our work day, Kris and I traveled to Scottsdale to pick up our race packets.  We each got some necessary items (Gu for Mer; earphones/buds/thingies for Kris) – and we went back to work. 

Sunday morning, I woke up at 4:30am ready to go.  Kris, her sister, Jennie, and I met up at the starting line about 45 minutes early – excited and ready to go!  This was to be Kris’ first long race – I was really excited for her.  I texted Kris just before I left the house to say I had decided to bring my phone with me on the run – for the mere fact that I wanted a pre-run photo of the two of us (for my blog, basically.) 

You should all know, the Women’s Half Marathon is a special race and not just because it supports Breast Cancer Research.  It’s 99% women (yes, a few men do run in tutu’s and wigs).  The camaraderie amongst women is so very different than men – we’re very encouraging, we don’t fight for space in the corrals and we laugh…a lot! 

The race started ON TIME and we were OFF.  Again, the crowds moving through the narrow streets of downtown Scottsdale, Arizona made for a very slow start – with women apologizing right and left for bumping elbows with a stranger at their side.  Not my favorite start to any race.  Kris and Jennie were gone – we were together for maybe 50 feet and BAM they were gone into the crowds of women moving steadily through the streets.

We’d met a nice, young woman in the corral named Trina.  She noticed that Kris and I were wearing pacing bibs with 2:15 on them.  She wanted to finish in 2:15 because she knew she could; she confessed that in her first half marathon last January she did a 2:25.  Shaving ten minutes off of a half marathon is no easy feat.  But, I told her she could stick with us because I intended to finish in 2:15 – it was 2 weeks after the full marathon and I was in no mood to push myself any harder than that.  Trina never lost me or left my side – not even in the crowded streets of downtown, Scottsdale.

Kris found me just before the first mile marker and the three of us were rolling through the race.   The first few miles were easy – it was super flat and the temps were around 50 degrees.   I watched my Garmin sit right around a 10:00 min mile pace as we passed mile markers, 1 – 2 – 3 and 4.  Trina and Kris were doing brilliantly.  I was trying to keep us just over a 10 minute mile so that we’d all have the energy to finish strong.  At mile 5, we picked up Vienna – a woman who had been pacing with us for the prior 4 miles and finally asked if she could join us at the 5 mile marker.  However, shortly after mile 6 we headed up the Papago Hill; its 4/10^ths of a mile up.  Kris took a break and I told her I’d see her at the next water station – as I would need water and Gu.  Trina, Vienna and I moved on – they held strong up the hill and through the crowds of spectators just after mile 7.  (Mile 7 goes passed the finish line, so everyone and their child is there.)

I do have to say that male spectators kind of stink.  (Sorry guys!).  They spend the entire time on the sidelines completely silent – as if they don’t want to bother us while we run.  They only cheer on their own runner.  Seriously – we all see you there; give us a clap or a “you look great!” 

I saw my roommate, Claire as I made my way through the streets of Tempe – and she was super enthusiastic!  It gave me a quick boost of energy as I made my way through the crowds of screaming people. 

I never saw Kris again, but remained hopeful that she got through the tough hill with success and was right behind me.  Trina,Vienna and I stuck together, talking and encouraging each other up and over the next three dreadful hills of the race.  In fact, it was Vienna that said, “Come on Meredith – you told me it’s the last hill – I am expecting you to run it.”  So, we did.  The three of us ran and ran and ran.

Somewhere around mile 11 I took water and Trina trudged on.  In our fog, Vienna got lost in the crowds and it seemed I would finish alone.  I glanced at my watch and as I passed the 12^th mile marker it said “2:03:52” – yep, this was going to be EXACTLY 2:15 – how did I plan so well?  Just before the finish line, Trina nudged my shoulder and smiled.  I said, “Trina – you’re going to finish in 2:15, as I promised.”  She was nearly in tears. 

I pushed out the last 10^th of the race and glanced at my watch again – 2:15 it was.   I turned around and High-Ten’ed Trina as we accepted our ridiculously HUGE race medals from strikingly attracted young men in their Military Class A’s. 

The crowds at the finish line were awful.  I found Jennie, Kris’ sister, and explained that we’d gotten separated at mile 6.  I went to look for Kris to cross the finish line, but I think she crossed as I was trying desperately to make my way through the crowds.  I waited what seemed an eternity and then went to find Claire.  I was disappointed that Kris and I didn’t connect, but I know I will see her at work, this week.  We can embrace, then.  She finished strong – and she did it!  I am so proud.

I would also like to give my friend, PLo, a shout out – he completed his first ½ marathon this weekend, too – in snowy, Boise, Idaho. 

And, my last comment of this blog has to be a HUGE Thank You to my former student, Adam.  Adam sent me a FB message on Friday night offering me his family’s club seats to the Cards/Rams game on Sunday afternoon.  I guess my letter of recommendation got him a sizable scholarship J -- YES!  Adam, Claire and I had a BLAST!  What a win – what a game!  Yay, Cards – at least you’ve won TWO games, this season!

It's a long way, but I'm comin' home...

You learn to run, you learn to race through life, this unforgiving pace
These lines we’re tracing to the truth
And, stepping over endless cracks, I navigate these crooked paths
But all my roads lead back to you… 

(Casting Lines by Jacks Mannequin)

These were the lyrics that popped on my iPod as I trudged up the hardest part of my hilly run, this morning.  As it came on, I remembered hearing it in my last mile of the marathon, last weekend, and I remembered the irony of being in my home town of St. Louis looking forward to seeing my mom and my brother within minutes. 

In another 3 weeks it will have been 14 years since my dad passed.  A lot has happened since he passed away – marriage, divorce and 5 marathons.   Ron asked me on our flight out to STL why I spoke of my mom all the time, but never mentioned my dad.  It was odd; at 38 I guess most of my friends still have both of their parents.  Yet, I haven’t had a full set of parents for over a decade – and I was sad to realize that (I guess) my dad doesn’t come up much when I talk to friends, anymore. 

My dad was my running inspiration for a lot of years.  I first started running when I lived in New York City shortly after my dad had passed – it was a great outlet.  I’ve always said “it’s tough to cry when you run.”  There are simply too many endorphins and, of course, running was something he and I had done together for many years when I was a child.  In fact, my dad loved to be outside – running, skiing, biking, tennis.  He was proud that he had raised a relative athlete.  I cannot remember a sport he didn’t encourage me to play.  He was the parent on the sidelines of every soccer game, every volleyball tournament and every tennis match. 

But now, I look back at all of those accomplishments and I think about how much I would have like to have had him there, standing with my mom and my brother at the finish line, last weekend.  And, the more I think about it, the more I realize, he would probably not have joined them – he would have joined me, for all 26.2 miles.  

Cheezy faux-marathon finish pics (at the expo).
I'm wearing Doc Martens for crissake!

What a fantastic weekend this has been.  I lived in the St Louis area for 12 years as a much younger person, but I never appreciated it until this weekend. 

My running friend, Ron, and I arrived in STL mid-afternoon on Friday and were met by my mom who whisked us off to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery to catch one of the last tours of the day.  Ron and I knew we had to do the brewery tour on Friday – Saturday needed to be about water and smart eating.  The tour was fantastic!  Naturally (and as I remembered), the greatest part of the brewery tour was the drinking we were allowed to do at the end.  One thing I did learn was that, although InBev (a European bottler) purchased Busch last year, it wasn’t such a bad idea – after all, we weren’t relegated to Budweiser-only products at the end.  Rather, Ron and I drank Shock Top and Stella!  Bam – a nice way to spend the afternoon.

Ron's Shock Top Wheat on Left; Mer's Shock Top Pumpkin on Right

Friday evening, we checked into the hotel and I finally got the official word on the Associate Dean position at the college.  Yes, ladies and gentlemen – looks like things will be changing for me in the next couple of weeks!  That evening, Ron and I enjoyed a nice dinner at an Irish Pub about ¾’s of a mile from the hotel and retired to our rooms early. 

Interesting little tidbit – my mom is a very involved locally and made arrangements with someone she knew to get us into this hotel, The Crowne Plaza, (which we would not have chosen due to the price).  However, her friend gave us a GREAT rate, so we accepted.  Little did we realize that we would have such amazing rooms.  I was practically on top of the STL Arch – balcony and all. 

Literally the view from my balcony at 6:45am Sat morning.

Saturday morning, Ron and I got up early to stretch our legs and head out for a 2-3 mile easy run.  I took him through more of the downtown areas and he absolutely fell in love with the charm and amazing architecture of the city.  I confess, I was not able to see it until seeing it with Ron.  He was like a child in a candy store – appreciating every architectural nuance of the city.  I even brought him down to the water-front on our little jaunt and he touched the Mighty Mississip!  Yuck!

A break to capture the Cardinal Red water, the old courthouse and the Arch on our morning run.

Ron touching the Mississippi River

After our run, we found a great little breakfast spot called “Roosters” – a delightful little mom-n-pop joint with super strong coffee and breakfasts that were creative and delicious!  After breakfast, we did a tour of the new Busch Stadium – since the Cards were in Texas for the World Series.  The vibe in STL around the Cards was amazing the entire weekend, making the tour THAT much more interesting.  We learned a ton about STL Cards history and the 3 ballparks they have had.  I even had the chance to sit in the radio announcers chair and see the field from his vantage point! 

I was sitting on the announcer's exercise ball while taking this -- totally a blast!

My mom, grandmother and brother, Michael, took us to dinner on “the Hill” Saturday evening.  “The Hill” is the Italian area of St. Louis – and they knew light pasta was on the menu for the two marathoners!  Lorenzo’s Ristorante was benissimo.  Ron and I both had a simple angel hair pasta dish with some fresh tomatoes and shaved parm. 

After dinner that night, we both knew we needed to get to our rooms to do “our own thing”.  It was 12 hours from the start of the marathon and we were hopeful we would sleep through most of the night.  We gave each other a supporting hug, and off to our rooms we went.

When I rose the next morning, I learned that the Cardinals had won (16-6) and that Pujols had delivered three amazing homeruns during the course of the game.  I am pleased I didn’t watch it – I would never have slept through any of that!  (Naturally, they have lost the last 2, but we’re still in it!)

This was waiting for me in my email on race morning - Thank you, Anne!!!

Ron and I met at 6:30am in the lobby of the hotel and walked to the starting line about 2/3’s of a mile away.  The weather was beautiful – 50 degrees and overcast.  As everyone knows, I spend the entire time I am waiting for a run to start in line at the port-a-potties.   In fact, we finished with only 6 minutes to spare and had to bob and weave our way to corral 11 – where the 4:30 anticipated finishers were lining up.  This race seemed ridiculously overcrowded.  The ½ and full marathoners lined up together – in the same corrals.  So, those finishing the ½ in about 2:10-2:15, were with us in corral 11.  Naturally, the corrals were STUFFED to the brim.  But, no one was in a foul mood – we chatted and embraced one another.  We all knew what was ahead. 

The gun went off and corral after corral we were led into the streets of downtown St. Louis.  Ron and I planned to stay together for the run – just as Lora, Cat and I did the year prior – but within 30 seconds, the crowd gobbled us both up and I couldn’t find Ron, anywhere.  So, I put my music up louder and smiled my way through town. 

The route was odd, we literally twisted our way through narrow streets in the main portion of downtown STL for several miles.  At mile two, I was rounding the bend and saw a familiar face ahead – my good friend, Loretta.  There she was right next to me – finishing what was probably her 100^th ½ marathon.  I passed her, smiled and told her “Good Luck”.  She seemed equally as thrilled to see me on the run.  It was truly a delightful start.

The scenery only got better the more we ran – the old buildings, St. Louis University’s campus and so much more – and we were only to mile 6!  As I was making my way to mile 7, I peeked to my crowded left and there, right next to me was my now good friend, Ron.  “It took me an hour and six minutes to catch up with you.”  He uttered with a laugh.  I said something not worth repeating here, but feel free to ask me when you see me (or ask Ron – personally, I think he tells this story better than I). 

By mile 10, the hills were starting to get to me.  Ron and I chatted and marveled at the town I once knew as home.  We talked about some of the crazy people we saw, I told him what little I knew about the regions of town we were running through – we were doing fine. 

As we rounded a corner, coming down the 12^th mile hill, I saw my college dorm-mate, Nancy, and her 6 year old daughter, Lily.  Lily was holding a little sign that said “Go Mer!” with a drawing of Hello Kitty running on a street.  Adorable.  I took a moment to walk with them, and Ron obliged.  Lily was so excited to see us – so much so that she was willing to leave us, get back in mom’s car and meet us several more miles down the route.  I had no idea if they would figure out another spot, so I left them with hugs and love and continued down the path.

Don't you just want to squeeze her!  <3 Lily!

Sure enough, somewhere around mile 15-16, there were Nancy and Lily – all smiles!  I told them I wasn’t going to walk this time – but that I would call them after the race.  Nancy and I stayed in touch after college for several years – but its only been in the last couple of years that we’ve really made an effort to talk and spend time together.  Seems extra special to me, now, that she would take the time on a Sunday to show her daughter the marathon and cheer me on.  I cannot express my gratitude – I am simply humbled. 

The hills were REALLY killing me, now, and I became pretty whiney.  Ron smiled and laughed at me as I complained about them.  But, there, as planned, at mile 18, was Michael – my devoted brother.  “Did you bring water?” I asked.  “Oh, I left it in the car.”  He uttered.  He was so cute – standing there waiting for us!  He took pictures, but you’ll have to zoom in to make us out!  It was fantastic to see him, but it was short-lived and Ron and I were back at it moments later.  “See you at the finish line,” he uttered as we ran away.  I couldn’t wait!

Michael swears that's us running towards him.  

At this point, the only thoughts going through my head were getting this horrible, hilly thing over with.  I could not believe that every inch of the marathon was either up or down.  In fact, we went up so much that Ron actually said “come on, the rest of this HAS to be all downhill, right?”  But, it never was.  It just seemed that we went up for ¾’s of the race and down very little.  Only my Garmin showed the truth. 

We ran through and around park after park – the trees had recently changed and the colors were incredible.  They could not have planned this weekend better.  We had slight overcast and 50-65 degree the whole race.  So, for all the hills – the weather was ideal.

Mile 19 seemed impossible – I was losing hope.  Ron sang to me, talked to me – and occasionally patted me on the back.  I don’t know what I would have done without him.  I was sore everywhere.  However, I got a HUGE lift just before the mile 19 marker, when out of nowhere I heard a group of people in kickball tshirts yell “Meredith” in the distance.  I could see her.  She was like a light at the end of a very dark tunnel.  Lorena and I ran to each other and hugged and hugged and hugged.  There she was – another amazing friend, waiting for me on the marathon route.  I had only met Lorena 6 months prior, but we worked closely on a project together – which made our reunion that much more special.  I was sobbing with excitement (and pain).  But, just like Nancy, Lily and my brother, we had to leave her (and all of her supportive friends), too.

Lorena gave me a boost for a couple of miles – which I know pleased Ron.  He looked at his watch and said “I predict we finish in under 5”.  I didn’t care – I knew I would finish, whether 4:45, 4:55, or 5:15.  This was the hardest marathon I had ever done – I would be happy with my medal regardless of my time.

Out of nowhere, at mile 22, was my mom and her friend, Nancy.  I almost passed right by them!  But, you always know your mother’s voice! “Meredith, Meredith, Meredith!”  There she was, like a ray of sunshine.  I embraced her (poor woman – she commented on how disgusting I was later in the afternoon).  I high-fived Nancy and was off to finish this horrible race!

Sadly, as we rounded the next corner, the sun came out in full force.  I was annoyed – I knew that had I made my 4:30 time goal, I would have been running in cloud-cover the entire time.  But, now I had 4 miles to go heading into the sun.  Yuck!  The next four miles were hard – some I got through well, some I suffered through, but at my side, cheering me on the entire time, was Ron.  I know he could have completed the marathon sooner, but he wanted to finish with me.  He felt he’d made a promise and he would keep it.   I couldn’t have been much fun for that last 30 minutes, but we did it.  We rounded the final corner and pushed our way to the finish line.  My mom and Michael were there to witness my accomplishment for the first time.  Nothing was more special to me than to have them there. 

Ron and I reflected on the weekend and the marathon as we sat at the airport and on the plane the following day.  It was probably one of my favorite marathon experiences.  I owe a lot of that to Ron.   He may not be the most prompt person, but when it counts – he’s there. 

…next.