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.

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!

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!

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.

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."

Just a few days to go

This morning I set out early to get 4 miles in before work. It was quite nice to get it done before my day and there was no traffic. My hamstring was a bit tight the first mile and a half, but loosened and I felt more in my groove. I am slightly concerned about that for the actual marathon, but there isn't much I can do about it now.

I have two more runs before the race, 7 for Wednesday and 2 for Friday (which I haven't decided if I will do or not). I can hardly believe that the race is really here. The weather will be questionable according to the forecast, but Jennifer Ketchmark (our local weathergirl) assured viewers tonight that the rain will hold off until Saturday evening. We shall see.