My Most Challenging Friendships...

I know I haven’t blogged in two weeks, but I simply didn’t have the inspiration.  However, I am more inspired today (and this week in general) than I think I have been in years. 

Last weekend, my friend Jacqui and I went out to attempt the Usery Pass, again – determined that we could do better than the 1:42 we had pulled the week prior with Matt.  Jacqui has become, interestingly enough, one of my favorite people.  Ten years my junior, there is simply something about her that is utterly enjoyable.  She begins every conversation (with me) with a huge smile and we follow it up with hours of laughter.  As we headed out at 7:15am (should have been 7, but she failed to remember her helmet and had to go back for it – and she knows I am safety-girl), we talked about the ride and how we struggled to get up the mountain on the backside the week prior with Matt.  We both agreed that there is an intimidation factor when riding with a seasoned cyclist. 

Interestingly, we conquered the huge, hard, back-side of the Usery Mountain area with strength.  As we pulled into the park we started from – I looked at my watch: 1:37:52.  We beat our last time by nearly 5 minutes.  Jacqui and I felt great.  Our friend, Sue, was there waiting for us to kick out a run – and she knew Jacqui and I had no idea if we’d be able to pull it off.  The run was lousy – but we all laughed it off at breakfast 30 minutes later.

The very next morning, I went out again with more of my co-workers for a 20 mile ride, after I had already completed a 1500 meter swim an hour prior.  Matt led the group of us (yes, Matt from the “Holy Crap” post the week prior).  I followed and allowed the remaining group members to fall in line behind me.  Naturally, that didn’t last long.  As we crested the first substantial hill in Ahwatukee, Jim flew passed me like he was on a motorized bike (sigh).  My thighs were on fire from the Usery Pass the day prior, so my confidence was dwindling.  It was moments like that one that really put things in perspective – Jim is 60 and absolutely kicked my ass on that ride.  I should also mention that while I was swimming, he, Matt and their friend, John, were crunching out a 20 mile ride (yes, prior to our ride).  So humility be damned – Jim is pretty effing amazing on a bike.  Fortunately, I ended the ride strong and enjoyed breakfast at Jim’s before heading home.  I certainly felt accomplished last weekend.

On Monday (President’s Day), I went to my gym and happily pushed out another 2000 meters in the pool.  I am pretty slow at this point, but getting stronger and faster each time I get in the pool.  I know I can get through the swim part of the Triathlon, now, so I just need to really focus on my bike to run combination.

Tuesday – the Triathlon Team (of my co-workers) and I all left for St. Charles, Illinois, for a work academy.  I pushed out a 10K before getting on the plane – for fear that the Chicago metro area would be too cold to do anything while we were there.  But, fortunately, as we all checked into our hotel (which was more like a dormitory than hotel), we learned about a 13 mile trail just feet from the entrance and along a beautiful lake. 

Wednesday morning the temps registered 37 degrees in St. Charles, with some snowy residue on the ground – nothing substantial – so Jacqui, Matt, Brian and I all went for a run.  We had planned 3-4 miles, but I was feeling so good in the humid temps, that I pushed us to go a little farther.  In the end, we’d completed 4.5 miles and were ready for breakfast.

Thursday morning was more of the same – but Matt was less inclined to run at 630am, so Jacqui, Brian and I headed out for a couple more miles along the lake.  It was colder and super foggy (we saw no lake), but we chatted and laughed for a couple of good miles and enjoyed the time together.

As we all waited for our plane in the airport on Friday evening, Matt piped up, “Usery Pass on Sunday – followed by a trail run?”  Jacqui and I agreed.

Saturday I pulled another great workout in the pool – over 2000 meters and never felt the need to really change strokes.  Up until this point, I had been alternating between Free Style and the Breast Stroke.  I simply could not keep up Free Style for the entirety of my swim.  But, Saturday was different.  It was as if something had significantly changed – I found absolutely no need to switch out my strokes.  I realized I was really getting somewhere with my swimming.  (grin)

So when my alarm went off this morning to join Jacqui and Matt for another torturous ride through the Usery Mountain Pass, I was actually excited.  The excitement was more about seeing them, again, and doing it together than it was able the ride/run.  I have trained for a marathon only once with two of my best friends – and it, too, was one of my favorite experiences.  This certainly rivals that time in my life.

Matt and I parked in the Usery Mountain Recreation area, this time, and were meeting Jacqui and her husband a mile or so into the ride.  It was a “first” ride for Aaron, and the poor guy really struggled.  I remember our first ride a few weeks ago and I remember thinking it was among the most difficult workouts of my life.  Now I acknowledge the difficulty knowing I am able to conquer it without dying.

After we crested the backside of the mountain, Jacqui stayed back while Matt and I finished another 10 miles back into the recreation area.  Matt is a MUCH more seasoned cyclist than I and I am so appreciative that he is willing to work with me to help me become a better rider.  I feel humiliated a lot of the time as he glides up and over the hard hills and I struggle behind him, but he glances back often to make sure I haven’t tipped over or given up. 

Interestingly, we finished the ride and were raring to do the trail run.  By now, there were hundreds of people in the recreation area hiking and mountain biking.  The first couple of miles were actually downhill – so naturally I was worried.  Matt asked how I felt about a mile into the run and the only things bothering me were my shins.  Having never experienced shin splints on a run, I was not terribly thrilled.  But, I hung with him for a little while.  Truth be told, this was my first ever trail run and I learned a lot about myself.  Even though running is VERY much my thing, cardio-vascularly, trail running is completely different than running on the roads.  My heart rate would elevate and then need to come down – over and over and over.  It’s a lot like cycling, actually – so this kind of exercise is totally different for me.  I felt like a failure and decided to take it slower, allowing Matt to go ahead of me.  Just under 3 miles into the run, I told Matt I was walking to remainder of the way.  He was kind enough to stay with me – and we moved at a decent hiking clip back to our cars.  (Sorry, Matt.)

I mentioned at the beginning of this blog that I am feeling more inspired than ever, now.  I have developed friendships – really good friendships – with a couple of fantastic people: Jacqui and Matt.  And, while I look forward to our work time together – I completely prefer our challenging rides and runs.  They push me and help me realize a lot about myself.  I am capable of a lot more than I realized and I am relishing it.  I will likely spend the remainder of the day on the couch thinking about tomorrow’s swim, hoping I can do as well as I did, yesterday.   I remain hopeful that these friendships continue and even though I know it will bother Matt enormously that I quoted Garth Brooks in my blog (since he lamented our friend Craig’s play list on the plane on Friday) – this is genuinely how I feel, today:

Yes my life is better left to chance 
I could have missed the pain but I'd have had to miss the dance

Thanks Matt and Jacqui – I (heart) you both!

HOLY CRAP, MATT!

Sunday is usually run day – but the best laid plans were utterly destroyed by my good friend Matt’s trek up the Usery Mountain area.  On Friday, I mentioned (at work) that I would like to do a 20 mile bike ride followed by a 5K, just to see how my legs would feel after the mileage on the bike.  So, Matt graciously volunteered to play guide to my friend Jacqui and me on Sunday morning – 7am sharp. 

When I awakened this morning, I was excited about the ride.  It would be my first long’ish ride, ever.  I thought a 20 mile ride might take somewhere between an hour to an hour and 15 minutes to complete.  But, I evidently had NO idea what Matt had in store.  Our starting spot was at a Park in East Mesa – a good 30 miles east of my house.

Matt was already in the parking lot with his bike unloaded when I arrived ten minutes to 7am.  I got my bike out and put my gear on just as Jacqui arrived on her bike.  Astounded, we realized that she had already ridden a good 8-10 miles to get to the park from her house.  So, I think Matt and I were both worried about how she would feel on this ride.  He did mention it would be hill work, but Jacqui assured us that she really took it easy on the jaunt to the park. 

Before we headed out, Matt re-explained my gears to me (and Jacqui) – which was incredibly helpful.  He explained that I would probably spend much of this ride in a very low gear, if not the lowest – so to make sure I was definitely comfortable going between all of the gears.  I cannot tell you how much that helped on this ride.  Within the first few minutes of the ride – we headed up over the 202 overpass and I was already ½ way down my gears.  But, I had no idea what was to come. 

My Garmin beeped at me about ¾ of a mile into the ride to tell me that I had failed to start it.    I was disappointed, but knew there were still nearly 20 miles left.  We turned left onto Ellsworth and everything started to go up…and up…and up.  It was a gradual climb for ~5.5 miles.  Jacqui was quiet for a lot of these miles, trudging ahead of me learning to shift between higher and lower gears.  I was doing the same.  Just as my watch read 6.67 miles, Matt pulled off and stopped us from riding.  He told the two of us that this was the Come-to-Jesus moment – there would be several miles down and fast and then the same number of miles (3-3.5) back up…STEEP!  Jacqui and I were already sore and tired, but we agreed that we could do this.  Matt smiled, turned his bike around and flew down the hill.  We were all three flying.  The warmth I had felt climbing up to the top of this hill immediately went away and I was FREEZING cold all the way down to the bottom.

Note the elevation change

Matt arrived to the bottom first and then Jacqui and I followed.  I admit, it was the first time I was scared on the ride – there are just too many opportunities to make a mistake while going that fast.   But, I’ll be honest, that was the least of my concerns.  The whole time I was going down I was thinking “F***!  I have to go back up THIS?!  I cannot even explain it, but here’s a snapshot of my Garmin.  1200+ up, down and up again – but a much shorter distance on the way back – nearly 2 miles shorter, this time. 

Those 3+ miles were BRUTAL!  I kept my head down and chunked it out.  I worked out distance math equations each and every time I looked at my watch.  At one point it was so steep, I wondered if I could simply run faster than I was riding – so I looked at my Garmin.  9:18 pace.  OMG – I could absolutely run this as fast as I am chunking it out up the hill.  I knew I couldn’t stop – I couldn’t wait for anyone, I just needed to get back to the top and get this over with.  And, so I did. 

Just past the very top, I stopped and waited for Matt and Jacqui.  Matt was in front of me for the first ½ mile, but smartly decided to make sure Jacqui would be ok up the mountain, so he went back for her.  A few minutes later, I saw Matt approach, so I quickly grabbed my phone so I could see Jacqui begin the descent. 

Jacqui, just beginning descent!

Ready to head back down!

Our fearless leader (Jacqui and I both hope he wasn't bored).

The last 5-6 miles were uneventful except to say they were a lot easier than the previous 3-4.  Additionally, I completely forgot to turn my Garmin back on after I had stopped and waited – so I don’t have a total picture of the ride.  I’ll also admit, that for that first ½ mile ascent with Matt, I told him that the 5K run was NOT going to happen.  I just wanted to finish this without dying. 

The three of us arrived back in the park 20.5 miles later in 1:42 (Thanks, Matt, for having another device with our stats).    1:42!  I laughed at myself – never in a million years would I have guessed it would EVER take us THAT long to complete a mere 20 miles.  Holy crap!  That 1200 foot climb was unbelievable!  I will do this ride again – I have to.  It was so hard that I know I have a lot to work on!  

I just hope I can swim tomorrow. 

Colorful Training!

Today, I am inspired. 

I began triathlon training 10 days ago with all kinds of trepidation.  Would I ever get used to the bike?  Would my body allow me to complete 1500 meters in the pool by May? I had no fear of the run – which, from everything I have read, tends to be the toughest part for first time triathlon’ers. 

Over the course of this past week, I swam 1500 hundred meters and then another 1200 meters in my gym’s Olympic sized pool.  I bought this contraption that hooks onto my swim goggles and stores my iPod shuffle without allowing water to get in – it has made a HUGE difference for me.  I get so bored in the pool (and intimidated by the serious swimmers around me), so music in the pool – GENIUS!

Yesterday, my Color Run team met around 8am for what was sure to be the absolute most bizarre 5K of our lives.  This is a new run for Phoenix – where every kilometer of the 5K you run through about 150 feet of paint – I kid you not.  The only requirement was that you had to wear a white shirt.  Hmmm…ok.  The Sassy Sprinters consisted of Kris, Anne, Claire, Amy, Sarah, Sarah(2), Kristi, Loretta and me.   

Kris and I wanted to run with as many of the gals as we could.  Kristi and Sarah(2) took us up on the offer and we allowed them to pace us.  The race was OVERLY crowded – no one needed to set a pace; we were moving like cattle through the first kilometer and even slower as we all squeezed through the first paint area.  After that Kristi, Kris and I were able to really start pacing each other – and the narrow passage ways made way for those who were choosing the run the whole thing. 

I didn’t wear a watch, nor an iPod (for fear of paint damage to either/both) – so I was really very hopeful one of the two of them would chat away with me around Tempe Town Lake.  Kris obliged as we ran with Kristi, who was very focused for the remainder of the race.  Through yellow, green, purple and pink – we ran.  Kris brought goggles – which I envied after the first paint stop.  The paint stations were gorgeous to see from afar – and less gorgeous as you made your way through them.  It was paint substance that had the consistency of powdered sugar.  We breathed it in, swallowed it and covered our contact lenses in the stuff.  It stuck everywhere.  Some maneuvered through it with mouths agape and the stuff even colored their teeth – bleh!  Not I!

Kristi crossing the finish line!

As we approached the last paint station I told Kris I wanted to run ahead so I could try to catch/film each of us crossing the finish line.  Turns out we were only able to catch Kristi because shortly after she crossed, the onslaught approached the finish line and there were hundreds crossing at a time.  The three of us watched as Sarah(2) came across, and then Loretta.  Shortly after Loretta came Anne and then Amy.  Claire and Sarah had planned to walk the race – and they had some of the best coloring, as a result.  We all finished – brightly colored!  It was the least stressful, most fun I have ever had on a run!  The crowds didn’t dampen a thing!  All you out-of-towners – look for the Color Run coming to your area. 

Kris and Me -- with a great shot of her goggles!

Sarah, Me and Claire -- finish line fun!

L-R: Amy, Anne, Me and Kristi -- friends since 9th grade!

Post-Run, Pre-Ride!

This morning, I went out for my 7.5 mile run, as usual, and the followed it up again with another ride in the company of Jim and Judy.  I feel very fortunate that we live in the same general neighborhood.  The two of them build my confidence each and every time we head out: Today, 12 miles.

So upon reflection – I am inspired.  I look forward to this new kind of training.  Moving from running to biking, I see why this is do-able.  I can absolutely switch gears and give the same amount of energy to something else – so I know I can do the upcoming Triathlons.  One of these days I will head to the gym and swim and then appropriately follow it up with a ride and a run – but I am not there, yet.  Soon…

Triathlon Training - GO!

With the marathon behind me, all I could think about was avoiding the natural depression of not being about to run for five full days.  Running on day one and two post-marathon isn’t even appealing, but when I awakened Wednesday morning (day three post-marathon) I really felt good.  I wanted to run, but knew that my knees and feet needed the time to recover.  Thursday morning I awakened at 4:15am naturally (which I know is somewhat unnatural, I get that), and headed to the gym – I would swim. 

I hadn’t been in the pool in about 9 months, so needless to say, I had some anxiety about my ability to even tread water for 15 minutes, let alone swim laps.  When I arrived at the gym at 5am, the parking lot was relatively full.  This was discouraging, since I really loathe a crowded gym.  When I got to the pool all five lanes were occupied (some with multiple people in the lane) and an eager beaver waiting his turn when one freed up.  SERIOUSLY?!  I hate the gym in January – why do people suddenly think 2012 will be different than 2011 – spending every day at the gym for month is not going to fix what you destroyed over the course of the last few years.  AND, we ALL know you won’t continue past March 1^st – so do us all a favor, come in on your lunch break, not at 5am.  Sad Face.

There is another pool in the gym, complete with slides and whatnot.  There is a spot where there are lanes about 2/3’s the distance as the 25 meter pool that is occupied.  Not wanting to be a baby (although, inside I was ALL-CHILD), I just got into the other pool – knowing I would have NO idea what my distance was at the end.  TORTURE!  I committed to ten minutes of straight laps – EASY, so I committed to another ten minutes.  I still felt good; so another ten and I could call it a day.  After 35 minutes in the pool, regardless of the distance – I felt genuinely accomplished.  It also completely turned around my sadness for not running.  Day One of Triathlon training on the books!

Friday had finally arrived and I allowed myself a five mile run at a tempo pace.  It didn’t feel horrible, but it wasn’t the best run.  I could feel some tightness in my left calf and my right hip – but it worked itself out by mid-run.  I knew there would be a couple of aches – and I still managed a 9:49 pace.

This morning, I got out of bed after very little sleep – thanks in part to an evening of phenomenal Scotch and a 3 hour game of Mexican Train with three of my best friends.  I had also convinced myself that the patio door was unlocked and that if I did not get up (at 5am) bad things would happen.  It wasn’t unlocked. 

I headed out for my favorite 7.5 mile run through Ahwatukee – hard hills and beautifully expensive homes.  But the run wasn’t even the exciting part of the morning.  About 45 minutes after I completed my run, my friends Jim and Judy came by on their bikes to take me out for a “technical” ride on my new bike.  I purchased this new bike the week after Christmas, but had yet to get on it.  I admit, I was a little too nervous about falling on it or not understanding the gears, but mostly I didn’t want to stress any new muscles two weeks prior to the marathon.  This morning, the excuses not to ride are gone – not to mention, Jim had texted me the evening prior and I was obligated to making it happen.

What a complete high!  We started going around my street several times just to get my legs ready and to help me understand why I would shift one way or another.  After a few minutes of that, Jim led and Judy followed – and we continued another 8+ miles through the hills of Ahwatukee.  It was exactly the confidence booster I needed. 

So, week one of Triathlon training is a success – swim, run, bike!  I know its out of order… but that will come with time, I am sure!  I can do this – I am convinced!

Marathon #6 - done!

Sixteen hours ago I completed my 6^th marathon.  I was telling Kris on Friday en route to the Marathon Expo that I had a hard time calling myself a marathoner until I had a few under my belt – but I think six allows me to say I do it and its mine.

I feel ok, this morning.  Not great, but ok – the muscles in my lower back and my upper quads may take a few days to recover, but for the most part, I am still intact.

I awakened yesterday morning realizing I had, indeed, slept the night – 8 hours.  This is a BIG deal for a marathoner – we find the smallest excuse for a bad run.  Lack of sleep is the #1 excuse most of us use.  The truth is – lack of sleep is the #1 cause of a crappy run.  So, knowing I had 8 hours made everything start “right”. 

I met Kris and her brother in law, Joe, at the starting line around 6:30am.  Correction – I met Kris and her brother in law Joe in the port-a-potty line at 6:30am.  Kris has run enough races with me now (or read enough of my race blogs) to know that I begin all runs getting in and out of the line for the port-a-potty. 

Once it became time to line up in our corrals – the three of us took our spots.  The start time of the marathon has always been 7:30am.  I have never heard of a marathon starting late or having issues – so at 7:15am, the three of us stood anxiously in Corral 6 (with the non-competitive, slower runners).   At 7:25am an announcement was made – “the marathon will be delayed 15 minutes.” And then, 15 minutes later, “the marathon will be delayed another 15 minutes.”  The truth is, most of us time our port-a-potty trips with the start – so this was NOT welcome news.  In addition, I knew I might catch the end of the B52’s if I managed to eek out another 5 hour marathon, but with the 30 minute delay, I had no reason to hurry.  There was NO chance I could pull out a 4:25 marathon (not on my best day).  Then I began to worry about all the people I hoped would be waiting for me – they would wonder if I quit, or had passed them.  This was just going to be the worst start to a marathon, ever!  I tried to remain upbeat, but I was shivering and wasting energy – and I knew I needed to stay positive for Kris.  She was running her first and I was super excited for her.

We crossed the starting line shortly after 8am.  Kris and I wanted to see if we could hang together and motivate one another, this time.  But, as luck would have it – Kris got a stitch and needed to work it out just before the 2 mile marker.  I assumed she and I would catch one another by mile 9 – what with water stops and the momentary walk through a water station. 

But, mile 9 came and went.  I was pleased with my first few miles, but distracted by the fact that Kris was behind me.  I desperately wanted her to catch up to me.  I knew it was irrational to think she might – but I really was hopeful.  By mile 11, I was already having doubts.  My toes had been blistering since mile 3 (naturally, I took my running store’s advice months ago and switch from Wright socks to their RoadRunners brand – HUGE mistake).  I could feel several blisters and was just hoping nothing would pop on the run.  As I crested Camelbak Road, thinking about how I still had 2.5 hours left, I could see an entire group of women and children piled on the side of the narrow road.  I thought nothing of it until I realized that the pack of people were photographing me – and then it dawned on me – ANNE!  Of course, she and Amy and her cousins and the babies would be at mile 12.  Anne always instinctively knew where I would need some assistance. 

I was elated.  To top it off – she immediately commenced her Sherpa-ness.  “I have wet wipes, dry wipes, tissues, chapstick and water – what do you need?”  I just wanted to kiss the babies!  I hugged everyone and moments after wiping, drinking and chap-sticking, I was on my way to mile 13.  THAT was exactly what I needed at mile 12 – I don’t even know if any of them know the doubt that was beginning to surface.  I was just fine after that.

As we descended to mile 13 (yes, descended), I could see my friend, Brent, smiling in the distance.  I knew he’d catch me at the 19 mile marker, too, so I gave him a quick hug and continued on my way.  Seeing Anne and the gang really made me smile – I was on cloud 9 for miles. 

By mile 14, I was in a groove – miles 13-19 repeat and the turn-around was at mile 16.  I was in the midst of mile 14 when a familiar face maneuvered through the runners like Frogger – Lora.  She had water and a smile.  I told her to look for Kris, because I had lost her a couple hours prior and wanted to know she was ok.  I knew I would be seeing Lora again at mile 17 – so off I went, hopeful when I returned she would have news about Kris. 

But the turn-around came, and I began to watch for Kris – because now I could see 3 miles of runners behind me.  At mile 16 1/2, there was Sue on her bike.  I told her I hadn’t seen Kris and that she could catch up with me in the next several miles, but I needed to her to find Kris, so I would stop worrying.  Off she went.  I hit mile 17 and out popped Lora again – “any sighting of Kris?” I asked her.  She told me not to worry – that she’d continue to watch for her.  But, now I was genuinely worried – if Lora hadn’t seen her – she might be as much as 3-4 miles behind me.  All this time, I thought she might be steps behind me – instead, I realized something had happened.  This was not like Kris.  But, I kissed and hugged Lora goodbye and carried on to mile 19 where I knew I would pick up Brent and Thuy. 

About ½ a mile before the mile 19 marker, I could see Kris running toward me – having just passed the mile 14 mark.  I cannot remember being so relieved in my life.  She was doing it – she was still in it!  She told me she felt crappy, got a migraine, stitches continued and I think she said she started her period – but all I cared about was that she was there, in the flesh.  I was thrilled!  I hugged her hard and told her I would see her at the end. 

I was dying for some genuine walk time by the time I saw Brent and Thuy at mile 19, but needed to try to keep going.  They were a HUGE boost to my enthusiasm and Thuy started in with hysterical stories as soon as she began running with me.  “I have to pee,” she announced loudly.  All I could do was laugh.  As we moved to the mile 20 marker, I swear I was seeing the “Informed Improvement” icon from my HLC Committee work in the distance.  Holy crap, I was!  There, all smiles, was Jacqui – laughing and smiling.  The sign was fantastic and soooo visible.  I saw it before I saw her.  It was perfect!  I still didn’t really need to stop and walk, but I gave her as much time as my body could muster, told her I loved her and carried on.  Only 6.2 miles left and I really began to feel the love. 

Thuy and Brent were chatting and chatting away.  I was listening as best I could, trying to stay focused without dropping back to walking.  I began negotiating with myself – “I will allow myself to walk when I see Phill and Autumn at mile 22.”  I kept pushing and pushing.  My watch told me I would have a sub-5 hour marathon, but I no longer cared.  I was going to finish another one of these!

Phill and Autumn were a welcome sight.  Sue rode her bike ahead and let them know I was on my way.  I could see my walking opportunity approaching and I was going to relish it.  Phill handed me water and Autumn kept telling me how impressed she was with me.  Last year they saw me a little less of a wreck (at mile 14).  Mile 22 looks a little different than 14.  I handed back the water and off we went – through the ghetto of Phoenix where I used to rent Phill and Autumn’s condo.  It was actually a welcome memory – mostly because I was pleased none of us lived there anymore. 

Thuy texted Dennis to let him know we were on our way to him, next.  But, I was distracted by the pain in my feet, my legs and my back.  I was walking, running, walking, shuffling and just wanting to finish.  Mile 23-24 was all downhill!  We hit the mile 24 marker and there was Dennis.  He was smiling and knew I just wanted it all over.  I told him I would see him at the finish line and off he went.

The last couple of miles were a blur.  Thuy and Brent were asked to get out of the runners line around mile 25.8 – but Brent kept yelling for people to root me on.  He was amazing – “doesn’t Meredith look great.”  Everyone was yelling my name.  It had been going on for hours and it was almost over.  As I rounded mile 26 – I could see the finish line.  And, just before I crossed, on my right, was Ron.  I became emotional for the first time crossing the finish line.  Ron is like a brother.  I had flashbacks of the marathon we had just completed 2-3 months prior in St. Louis.  I pushed and ran and smiled.  I had done it again.  Those last few miles weren’t pretty – and they get me every time.  Those are the ones I have to work on – but I did it and no one can take it from me. 

(Kris finished about 50 minutes later – through stomach aches, cramps, headaches and more.  She did it and not many people can say that.)

So, there it is.  Some of you have read all six of my marathon stories.  This blog began 5 years ago when I completed my first marathon.  I knew no other way of saying thank you to all of the amazing people who came out to support and help me through.  Two of you have been there for almost all of them – Dennis and Sue.  (St. Louis doesn’t count.)  Anne has helped me through the last 2, Phill and Autumn - the last 2, Lora (well, she ran and supported – so, 2), Ron – we’ll say 3, since he ran one with me, Thuy – 2, David - 2, as well!  Thank you all for remembering how hard it is and knowing just how much I needed you.  Thank you to Brent and Amy and Jacqui who came out to support me for the first time, today.  I am so grateful to all of you!

Now, I must eat and rest.  I am far better at the eating part than the resting part.  Triathlon training begins next week, on to a new adventure.

(I really only have a few pictures since I didn’t bring my phone with me.   May have more by next week.)

Running with Friends!

I have blogged several times about the power of running with good friends.  This weekend I was reminded, again, just how much I enjoy it. 

For Christmas, I bought my friend Anne an entry into the San Diego Rock ‘n Roll ½ Marathon.  This was for multiple reasons – primarily because Anne spent the last 6 months of her pregnancy calling herself fat and lamenting the fact that she couldn’t run to keep the weight off.   This would give her 5 full months to start/finish training for the ½.  If she can finish the ½ in June – we will register for the Honolulu Full Marathon in December.  So, last weekend I told her I would begin training with her on Saturdays to get her back into it.  Our good friend, Loretta, asked if she could come along, as well.  She plans to do San Diego with us, as well. 

Since running last weekend, Anne ran twice during the week (on her own), and again Saturday morning with Loretta and me.  In fact, she cut 3 minutes off of her two-mile time in merely one week!  It is wonderful to see someone totally motivated to get healthy and train hard.  That’s my friend, Anne. 

Dunkies - always our post-run treat!

This morning (Sunday) marks one week from the start of my 6^th marathon.  As I mentioned in last week’s blog, I was hopeful my friend, Brent, would feel up to hitting the pavement with me for my last ten mile run.  Additionally, my friends, Lora and Thuy, asked me mid-week if they could come out and try to do some of my last run with me, too!  And, to be honest, I had no idea who would show up on my doorstep at 6:30am to do ten miles through the hills of Ahwatukee.  I was hopeful at least one of them would show.

Low and behold, it was as if the gods were aligned – in walked Lora, Thuy and Brent at 6:20am ready to push out my last long run with me.   As some of you may remember, Lora and I completed the full marathon last year holding hands across the finish line.  Thuy and I were running buddies for the year that I lived in Tempe.  So, with the exception of Brent (who can pull 8:30’s on an everyday run), Lora, Thuy and I run approximately the same pace.

As we head out the door, Thuy confesses to me that she’s only been treadmill running, lately, and hasn’t really done much over 2 miles in the last several months.    Lora tells me that they are going to try to make it to the first loop’s ½ way mark, before taking a break.  Thuy and Lora admitted that they may not run the whole thing with us, but they would try for as much as they could handle.  Brent just smiled – barring any Achilles issues, he planned to complete all ten miles, just as he had in October, one week prior to my last marathon.

The four of us headed out in the dark, bobbing and weaving through the streets.  Thuy talked and talked and talked – she was as funny as ever.  Lora took a backseat and we could occasionally hear her in the background singing to a tune she was really enjoying (it’s truly adorable).  Four people running through the streets of Phoenix/Ahwatukee presents some interesting issues – not once could we all fit together on the sidewalk and occasionally we hand to run single file – but the talking never stopped and the amusement carried on. 

Lora hung back shortly before mile 6 to adjust something on her Camelbak and we knew she’d likely continue in time.  Thuy, Brent and I continued to the water stop at mile 7.5 when I looked at Thuy and said, “you might want to trace our steps and see if you can find Lora,” because like a jerk, I assumed ten miles were out of the question for someone who had only been running 2 miles here and there on a treadmill.  There was a pause in the conversation until I uttered, “…or you could simply finish the ten with us.”  In her most adorable Vietnamese accent Thuy said, “I finish the ten with you.” 

And so she did!  She wasn’t all that pleased when mile 8 to 9 was up the toughest hill all morning, but she made light of it and enjoyed the descent from mile 9 to the finish line.  Brent and I were both so impressed with her stamina.  I also assured her she might feel like crap tomorrow.

As we rounded the corner to my house, Lora was sitting at her Jeep reading the local newspaper.  She made it the 7.5 miles to my house and waited the boring 20 minutes for us to finish.  She looked pleased with herself – and she should have been!

I love my running community and the friendships that have blossomed out of my love for the sport.  I just adore all three of them – and the two from the morning prior.  I would never prefer doing anything else, if I had the choice. 

Post-run breakfast for 4 very accomplished people!

So, next weekend, my good friend, Kris, and I will line up at the starting line of the PF Chang’s Rock ‘n Roll Marathon, here in Phoenix, with ten thousand other runners.  As much as I enjoy running alone – I think I enjoy running with friends just as much, if not more.  Thanks to all five of you – Anne, Loretta, Brent, Lora and Thuy – for another truly memorable running weekend!  I hope to see all of you out there, next weekend, to cheer Kris and Me on!

12 miles -- marathon approaching!

The number of days ‘til the marathon are winding down and so are the number of miles I have to put on my tired, sore feet and knees.  My weekly mileage doesn’t change – I pretty much commit to some combination of 15-20 miles before I attempt my long run over the weekend. 

For those of you who have never completed a 4-5 hour endurance run (or any continual athletic endeavor) – for many, there is a HUGE let-down/depression that occurs as soon as you accomplish your goal.  I fall into that category, which I am sure is why I registered for a ½ marathon the weekend after my full St. Louis marathon and then signed up for the Phoenix Rock ‘n Roll Marathon the week after the half.  I literally fear the sadness and depression.

Fortunately, this year I have become very good friends with a new group of people at work.  A couple of these friends are endurance cyclists.  Because of our commitments around campus, we’re actually together quite a bit and we are constantly talking about our training.  I know it must bore others to tears, but I could talk about endurance training all day (sadly).  So, since I am a runner and they are cyclists (with some experience running), we have all committed to completing a series of triathlons in the spring. 

All of this means that as soon as I complete my 6^th marathon here in Phoenix, I will jump right into training for my very first (Sprint) triathlon on April 15^th.  And, one of my good friends (mentioned in the above paragraph) went bike shopping with me, this week!  I am all set.  This also means there will be no time for the natural depression from completing the marathon – I will have yet another goal.  I think I am more excited about these upcoming Tri’s than I am about the upcoming marathon. 

This morning I conquered my 12 miles with flying colors.  I am unsure why I committed to another VERY hilly route, but I have come to realize that the harder it is, the more accomplished I feel.  So, I am sure I will do the same for next weekend’s 10 miler.  My hope is to have my good friend, Brent, join me.  We’ll see how his Achilles tendon is healing before committing to it.  But, I have my fingers crossed.  It’s, of course, the last moderately long run prior to the marathon, so there’s a bitter sweetness to these last few runs.  My head is full of anxiety and doubt. But regardless how long it takes me to finish, I have the will power to trudge through.  I am excited about finishing my 6^th and beginning a new type of training in the weeks and months that follow.  (And, of course, I have already been told that I will fall on the bike – this displeases me.  Having been an injured runner, in the past, there is absolutely nothing I fear more than falling.)  

Wish me luck!