Races

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Race Report



The race started promptly at 7, but I barely realized it. The wheelchair racers took off and the runners followed a minute afterwards. I never heard the go, but started off with the rest of the runners. I positioned myself just ahead of the 4:45ers because I wanted to run around 10:30miles and the 4:45ers were shooting for 10:53.

Mile 1--Fairly uneventful, made our way past Memorial Stadium. At this time there was no wind, that would come to haunt many runners a few hours later as we finished the race. Saw my mom and sister, that was a pleasant surprise. My sister asked me if I needed anything and I thought to myself, "Dear God, if I need something now, we're in trouble!" A lone frat boy sat outside one of the frat houses and cheered his little heart out. We all got a laugh out of that since clearly he had not slept last night early.

Mile 2-Went through Campus Town. Volunteers were awesome and supportive, not too many spectators. I was feeling good and keeping my 10:30 pace and was very thankful of the Garmin Allison loaned me because I caught myself trying to speed up and forced myself to slow down a bit.

Mile 3-4-Continued through Champaign and moved into Urbana. I continued scanning in front of me and behind me for my running mates, but couldn't find them. I put my best smile on any time I saw a camera, just in case I'd see the photo again.

Mile 4.?-Saw Tony, Allison, Macy, and Tyler for the first time. Macy looked less than thrilled to be there, but I was sure thankful. It put a little more pep in my step and made me forget about what I was doing for just a few moments.




Mile 5ish--Saw my dad and Steve for the first time and that felt good. I continued on pace and was feeling great. Started to get a little irritated with the Relay participants who were walking. Towards the end of mile 5, I saw Dave and Karen for the first time holding up signs to support me. Once again, this helped me pick up my pace for a stretch and got my mind off of the next 21 miles.

Mile 6-The first of the wind. I knew this would be a windy part because it goes through open land in Urbana. I had run this stretch at least twice in my training and even on non-windy days, it's windy. Add the 15mph wind we had at that time and it was reason enough that I started to see marathoners walk through this part. I enjoyed my first of many Gus here and was surprised to get passed by the first male 1/2 marathoner at this point. I had calculated thinking it would happen closer to mile 8 since they started a 1/2 hour after us, but they were faster than I thought they'd be.


Mile 7-8-Got in line for one port-o-potty to go pee, but decided it was taking too long so I got out of line and continued on. Fortunately not too long afterwards there was another one and this one didn't have a wait. Saw Mandy and her cute little baby here, along with quite a few other spectators during this part.

Mile 8-10-Headed into Meadowbrook park and must have just missed Jen and Marissa, but didn't miss all the half marathoners that started to come in larger groups. I felt phenomenal during this part, I put on my headphones, enjoyed the Marathon Mix that Mix 94.5 had playing (which was PERFECT), and lived it up. I sang to myself, smiled the whole way, and took a minute (or few) to enjoy what I was doing. I saw Tony, Allison, Macy, and Tyler near mile 9 and even saw our Superintendent as I headed out of the park. I spotted Jim and gave him a high five and kept my eye out for Marissa and Jen, thinking they'd be near Jim.







I quickly went from my high to a minor low just after this point because I was running low on fluid and was not enjoying my Gatorade mix that I had trained with all along. I just wanted water and didn't have any. Of course I got some at the stations, but I am a sipper and need it on demand!


Mile 11-Saw the fam and informed them that I needed to switch out my water bottle at the next one. I was still staying on pace and feeling good, but mentally started thinking about how many miles I still had left in the race.


Mile 12-Split with the halfers and saw Cara, John, and Ashlynn. Again, another boost of happiness...thanks, guys!

Mile 13--Really wanting water, took another Gu, got passed by the 4:45ers who seemed to come out of nowhere.


Mile 14ish--Saw Angie from work, gave her thumbs up and felt pretty good thanks to the Gu from mile 13.







Mile 15-Started looking forward to seeing my family again. I kept my eye out for my sister because I knew she would be running a bit with me. That didn't seem to come soon enough, my pace started to slow, but I still hadn't walked yet other than quickly through a couple of the water stations.


Mile 16-17-All kind of a blur, but got the biggest surprise of the day...Kristin shouting from the sidelines! I was shocked that my bestest friend growing up, who happens to be 38 weeks pregnant, had driven over 2 hours (against my advising and knowing) to cheer me on in my first marathon. She gave me a big hug and, of course, I cried, but it was AWESOME! Kristin ran with me for a little while and my sister continued on with me. I was so thankful to have her by my side, something I had in my head throughout the process. I refused to talk, so she amused me with small talk and then let me on my way. My student teacher, who had just finished one of her teaching exams, was standing outside of the high school and cheered me on.


Mile 18-Saw Danielle and Jeremiah, who got a great video of me telling them to never do a marathon, and passed my classroom. Allison joined me here and this was phenomenal. I was still running, but had slowed considerably and knew that the next 8 miles would be interesting. Jen, Marissa, Maddie, and Luke were waiting around the corner for me as well, so that was another pick-me-up. Towards the end of the mile, I stopped to go pee and my legs were telling me it would be a bad idea to stop again. I took in another gel in hopes that it would get me through.


Mile 19-Saw Igor, Andra, and Bilbo, who got a few pictures of me as well. I started playing some mind games, but thankfully Allison was there to tell me stories of her previous marathons. I realized that there would be a few walking breaks in my future, so I told myself at mile 20 I could walk a bit.




Mile 20-Came soon enough and I took my first walking break. I do think it only lasted about 30 seconds-1 minute, but it was worth it. I informed Allison that I would be taking some water breaks and she informed me, "That is fine, but do realize, I will be trying to get you to run!" I knew that she was right because my legs had already been telling me that I was better off to keep running.



Mile 21-Allison continued passing the time with other stories and memories of our college days together. She gave me words of encouragement and reminded me that I would forget about any pain I was feeling. I considered taking the orange slice that came near the mile marker, but feared it would upset my stomach. Enjoyed the cheers from a current student and the surprised faces of some old students who saw me during this stretch. Tony, the kids, Marissa, Maddie, and I believe my sister and mom?, were also here at a time when I really needed it. Once they cheered for me, two of my running partners must have heard my name and turned around and for the first time, I saw Matt and Sue Ellen. I found out that they, along with Del, were speed demons and had been quite a bit ahead of me the whole time! Matt was starting to cramp, but was still looking strong.


Mile 22-I took a quick walking break, chatted with Sue Ellen and Matt, and then continued on. Kristin and Dave saw me again here and gave me some more words of encouragement along with some more Gu that I used to fight the fatigue.

Mile 23--Danielle and Jeremiah caught me again and Steve and Dad got a picture of me as I ran by the mile marker. I decided against a walking break at this mile marker and pressed on. I knew I was close, had run the furthest I had ever run before, and really just wanted to get it over with.


Mile 24-25-Again, another blur, except for the gentle incline that I can say I conquered thanks to Allison, who told me to just look down and not ahead--probably the best advice of the whole race. I know if I had been alone I would have been cursing the hill and mentally breaking down. I realized I probably was going to be one of those lucky runners who didn't hit the wall, but was afraid to say it out loud in case I would jinx myself. I can say with utter confidence that this was COMPLETELY as a result of all of the support I had on the course, along with Allison running by my side during the miles I needed someone most.


Mile 25-I knew the end was so close, but it felt like the longest mile of my life. Mike ran into us and joined in, that was GREAT. I asked that Mike and Allison keep talking to me to keep my mind off the race. As we approached Memorial Stadium, the dreaded wind attacked. Wind speeds were now closer to 20-25 mph and they were horrendous. Fortunately Mike and Allison ran a little bit ahead of me and blocked the wind for me for a little while.


Mile 26-Mike announced my name to the crowd as I approached the final shoot and Kristin and Dave cheered me. Allison informed me that I had to beat the people in front of me and, at first, I thought she was crazy. I quickly got a burst of energy, though, and blew by them with a HUGE smile on my face and my hands in the air. I saw Mike and Donna (my fearless training pace leaders) and Del cheering me in and I was PROUD.


Finish--I was greeted by Mary who gave me the biggest hug I think I've ever gotten and I gave a wave to my family, who was cheering in the stands.








Stay tuned for post-race pictures with my AWESOME support team and post-race celebration pictures at the 27th mile.

Pre-Race Report

My family starting arriving around 6:30pm on Friday. I slaved all day over a meal for us, cold-cut sandwiches and some side salads purchased from the deli. We enjoyed a light meal and my sister and mom informed me that they didn't get around to making signs, but instead made something even better!

My mom busted out awesome support shirts for all (or so we thought!) of my spectators. This made me cry, once again. My sister and mom made the shirts using some sort of iron-on computer method and screened the saying "Run for Pride" along with Go Jill! I don't have any individual pictures of them right now, but you will see them in other pictures. Macy and Tyler even had shirts to wear.

The rest of the evening was spent relaxing, watching Friday Night Lights, finalizing the spectator route, and me bossing Tony around on last minute details--thank you honey, I love you!

My family headed off to their hotel around 8:45 or so and Allison arrived around then. She walked in the door fully stocked to be a spectator and had gifts galore for me and Macy...awesome balloons, DONUTS, goodies for Macy, Runner's World, a 26.2 magnet, and a motivational card that I didn't actually fully read until just now because I knew I would cry AGAIN!


We all went to bed around 10pm, Tony slept great. I rested well the entire night, but I don't think I actually slept at all. I didn't stress too much about this because I had read that it was really two nights before the race that really mattered.


I got up around 5am, worried about getting my PRP (if you don't know what this is by now, there is no hope for you...sorry), and ate my breakfast.


Allison and I left at 5:45. We actually ran into Donna at a stop light and ended up following her a different route, which ended up being a much better choice--thanks, Donna! We got to one of the south parking lots without any trouble, visited with Donna for a few minutes (didn't get a pic) and then met up with my mom and sister.


Mary and I caught up with each other and took a few pics (don't have them on my camera) and got in line for the port-o-potty. We made small talk with the others in line and chatted with another Mary, who would end up running near me the last 3 miles or so of the race.


Tony and the kids arrived around then and I took a few more pictures.




As you can see, Macy is ecstatic. She is not as good about hiding her emotions as I am, I guess she'll have to check out all of my pictures from the race because I think I fooled quite a few people!


Before I knew it, the National Anthem was being sung and I was nowhere near my pace group. I never bumped into the rest of the Second Wind Running group so I kept my eye out as I weaved through the crowd to make it near the 4:45 pacer. In all the frenzy, I forgot to grab my water bottle, but thankfully my sister was Johnny on the Spot and caught up to me and gave it to me---HUGE THANK YOU!


I spotted Mary and Cass just as I stepped away from Allison. I turned from giving Allison a huge and tear-filled hug and gave both Mary and Cass a huge and tear-filled hug. I couldn't even talk, but I think we all knew what each other was thinking and just gave each other a nod.

Friday, April 29, 2011

SO Loved




Today I was reminded how special some people are to me and how nice they are. I am so thankful for the place I work and the great friends that I have near and far. Today 26 items were delivered throughout the day to my classroom with special notes from students and teachers to support me on my run tomorrow. I think I only cried 3 times, but could have cried more if I wasn't fighting it.




I don't have time to note every item for each mile, but a few of the stand-outs are the anti-diarrheal medication and the Depends. I am sure with all that chocolate that was sent my way, I'll need those both at some point!



Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way...so many people to thank, I'll wait until after race day.




Selfishly, I did have my students make signs for the race. Technically, the signs are generally for ALL the marathoners, but they added the special C-A-P-P-A just for me. The students selected 4 sayings they wanted, but took a vote and decided on Don't Stop. I made them put the apostrophe in!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

It's Go Time





Tonight I headed to the Expo with Mary and Cass hoping to also run into a few of my running mates from Second Wind. The expo was set up nicely and really wasn't too crowded. I am glad we went tonight, as I could see how logistically it could have been much worse if there were more runners checking in.



We found our numbers and those of the other's we were picking up for. Got our bibs and checked them in with the computer to make sure the information was correct.


Got our bags, complete with a pink shirt, strength training book--?, and many brochures for upcoming races.




Cass visited the taping area while Mary and I checked out the race.


I hoped to run into Del and Donna, but didn't see them...we must have just missed each other.


I checked in with the pace leaders, but didn't get much information since the pacer for 4:45 was not there.



We took a few pictures and we were out. I don't know why I expected the expo to be more than what it was. Maybe this was because my only other big expo experience was when I tagged along with Tony and a friend for the Chicago Marathon. I had anticipated that the expo would really get me mentally pumped and excited for the race, unfortunately I didn't feel this way. I walked away feeling about the same as I did walking in...I can only imagine what tomorrow will bring.


I am the Coolest Runner Ever!

7 Miler in the Rain on Wednesday

7 miles completed!


6 mantras that I can use on Saturday...Run for Pride, Go Big or Go Home, Get this S%$& done, There are worse things being done right now, Slow and Steady, This one's for you (______fill in the blank)

5 puddles avoided

4 stoplights passed


3 more days until the marathon (on Wednesday)


2 newer shoes now dirtied by the rain and mud


1 completely gone toe nail on my right foot...I mean, completely gone, non existent.






1 could have been 1 really dorky runner!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Marathon Madness

It is probably not surprising that I am a bit anxious about Saturday. I've tried to stay as focused as possible, but I feel like I have a lot to get done between now and Saturday. One thing that I need to pay attention to is what I am eating, especially starting tomorrow.

I've done a lot of reading throughout this process and have tried to figure out what works for me. I still don't have the answer. What I do know is that I need to fill my body with healthy items. So, today I made it to the grocery store and cut up a bunch of fruit for the next few days and made a pasta salad for my lunches the next few days. Now I still need to figure out what we will be eating for dinner. I do plan to cut out dairy starting now until after the race when I will consume my post-race chocolate milk:)



I always had heard that you want to carbo-load the night before, but I came to understand that the process really starts three days out. Eating carbs has never been a problem for me, so I really don't have to change that too much. My true challenge will be cutting back on the Easter goodies, which should be a bit more problematic.

Monday, April 25, 2011

You Know You're a Runner When...

A few months back, I came across this list of truths for runners. Sadly, nearly all of them now apply to me. Here are some of my thoughts:

You know you're a runner when...

Your first thought when you look at the weekly weather forecast is, "When can I fit in my runs?"

You have more running clothes than regular clothes in your laundry pile. I recently went on a shopping spree and intended to buy a whole bunch of new clothes for me...I walked away with a new pair of running socks, SmartWool of Course.

You've lost a toenail. And you tell people, "It's not that bad." Currently I am without two toenails.

You smirk when non-runners ask you, "So how long is this marathon?" This actually makes me angry.

You have a drawer full of medals and other race souvenirs that you're not sure what to do with. Can't relate, yet:)

You go into Starbucks more often to use the bathroom than to actually buy coffee. Not limited to Starbucks, add gas stations in general.

You no longer make fun of fanny packs because your running belt looks very similar (although cooler) to one. I actually considered wearing a fanny pack as an alternative.

You've used an old race T-shirt to wash your car, dust furniture, or clean something else. Okay, maybe.

Your treadmill has more miles on it than your car. Don't own a treadmill and have actually grown to loathe them.

You get an invitation to a wedding and you automatically think about what race the date will conflict with. Not necessarily true, but have been planning my summer schedule around possible races.

You have dreams about showing up to a race late or not wearing any clothes. Thankfully, no.

You're not embarrassed to wear spandex. True, but that is thanks to my years of playing volleyball.

The salespeople at your local running shop know you by name. True, but that is because I run with them too!

You're always hungry. True!

You know how to take a cup of water from a water stop without choking on it or spilling it all over yourself. I think this is true.

At least one of your web site usernames or email addresses has the word "run" or "runner" in it. Thankfully this is not true.

You know where your illiotibial band is located. Yep.

You no longer hate port-a-johns. In fact, there have been times when you've been very happy to see one. OMG...I can tell you where every one is located in Central Illinois.

You wear your running watch even when you're not running. ("It matches, right?") Yes

You've had your running shoes for three months and you know it's already time to replace them. Just switched them out in prep for the marathon.

You spend more time researching running routes than local restaurants when traveling to a new city. So, so true.

Your physical therapist's receptionist knows you by the sound of your voice on the phone. Nope


You know where exactly one mile from your front door is (in any direction). Of course.

You know how to correctly spell and pronounce plantar fasciitis. I believe so, although I've heard it pronounced two ways and both times people claim their way is right. I can tell you it is part of your heel...I think?!?

You own more pairs of running socks than dress socks. SmartWool, of course.

You get jealous when you're driving in your car and pass runners. Not only that, I wonder how long they're going, what they're training for, and how they're feeling.

You spent more timing researching a running watch than you did your car. Plan to...next purchase, Garmin.

You're excited for your next birthday because it means you'll be in a new age group at road races. I guess so.

You spend more money on running clothes than work or casual clothes.
True

You frequently get asked, "When's your next race?" Not necessarily.

When you hear PR, you automatically think "personal record", not "public relations". True.

You pack more running clothes than bathing suits when going on a beach vacation. False...I love beachwear and have too much of it.

You have running clothes and an extra pair of running shoes in your car, "just in case." Now that is just crazy.

Your holiday wish list can be fulfilled at any running or sporting goods store. Becoming true.

You have several drawers dedicated to running shirts. Kind of, more so dedicated to athletic shirts (volleyball ones)


You get excited when the new Runner's World comes in the mail.


Your Facebook or Twitter updates frequently involve running. Check.

Your only recent photos of you alone are race photos. Yep.

You always have your next race on the calendar. Uh huh.

Your runs are sometimes longer than your commute to work or school. And sometimes I even run to work:)

Your running partners know more about your bodily functions than your significant other. Wish this wasn't the case..."What happens with running buddies, stays with running buddies."