This is why it's good to keep a log (or weblog a.k.a. 'blog), because sometimes you learn something. For instance, my six mile time.
First, let me say this - it is DARK during the 5:00 hour now, we could barely see each other when folks first arrived! I had to be practically on top of the person before I could figure out who they were, and it had very little with my eyesight! The four of us did find each other and went out a little after 6:00. For various reasons, L and I weren't up to our usual high-speed selves, we were lagging a bit behind the other two most of the morning. During our last mile we walked a good bit, I'd say 10 minutes or so. We still came in at 1:21, which was 6 minutes quicker than our target time. Not to mention, my quickest of all four six-mile runs! Hot spit, kids! And we walked! I guess things are looking good for next week!
They asked us this morning about how we feel for next week. One response echoes mine: I feel fine. We did it last week, we can do it again. However, I wonder about the anxiety level when we are corralled together, before we actually begin. I wonder about the heat, starting at 7:00 and being further south. I wonder what it'll be like navigating our way in a relatively small space with 20,000 other people - especially since Easton has only 15,000 or so residents and we never pack ourselves into a 13 mile stretch that loops back on itself, etc. Oh well, these questions will all be answered by noon on the 31st - just 8 days away! Yikes! :)
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Keep Movin 4Ward
Indeed I did! For 14 miles, 3 hours 14 minutes! I can't believe it. I just assumed I could, my knee was fine and I was with my Fabulicious gals, how could I go wrong?
7:00 we started, heading out Oxford Road and snaking through lovely neighborhoods - I found a house I love! We were in good spirits and the weather was in our favor, cool with a breeze. I couldn't even tell you specifics - 14 minutes and change for the 1st mile, 12 and change for the second... overall just less than 14 minute miles. I am just thankful to have done it in less than 4 hours, even better less than 3:30, and better still less than 3:15 - and that's 14 miles, we only have to do 13.1 on race day!
It was getting a bit long, I will admit. I remember saying around mile 8ish that I was getting tired, but no sleep till Brooklyn, baby - gotta keep rockin'. In the first half of our run, one of our coaches told us to slow down, and I broke out into the old New Edition song, "You've got to slow it down, ooooh watch out!" I'm the team singer, I guess. Nutcase? Whatever. If you can't laugh, really!
So we knew that there was going to be a shindig at the park at the end of our run, our families were invited and we always have postrun snackies (fruit, cheese, etc.). But, Honey, I tell you what - this was a par-tay! Balloons, banners, cheering, two huge tables of food and kid and runner friendly drinks. It was wonderful! Before we got there, our one teammate's family met us at the corner and her son ran with her. Then our other teammate's daughter joined us and the now six of us ran to the finish line. I finally spotted my family - Derek with camera in hand (a man after my own heart!), Henry with a juice box, and Katie who screamed "Mommieeee!" and ran into my arms! How awesome! I had no idea what that kind of welcome would mean to me! SO, so nice! I received my very own medal for finishing, and after the congratulatory hugs and kisses, Derek hands me a small square box. Inside, a small black velvet bag. Inside, a silver ring that he had engraved "Keep Movin 4Ward".
Now, this ring means a lot to me. I'm not going to get into all of it, but I'll say that Derek is a good man. He knows when to listen to me and when to ignore me. Besides the obvious implications, the expression "keep moving forward" is from the kids' movie "Meet the Robinsons" which is a movie I LOVE. The second time I watched it I was going to point out the part at the end that made me cry, but I couldn't because I was boo-hooing again - a trademark stamp of approval of a good movie for me. Derek and I just celebrated our 13th anniversary and he made all sorts of analogies in my card of running and life together, and this very thoughtful ring just pulls all those threads together. He made very good points today, not that I keep 'em, but if I did he got a bunch. PLUS, he rubbed my feet at the celebration. How good can life be?
The whole after-run fun time was all sorts of feel good happy times for me. Henry ran and played by himself with his friends, Kate ran between the playground and us - and it was all OK because so many people were around and watching out for them and each other. Everyone was happy, the weather was unbelievable, and it was such a happy, good for you, you rock sort of time. These folks that we've seen every Saturday since May, happy and sweaty and glad to have kicked out 14 miles (full marathoners did 18!). A beautiful, wonderful time. :)
Came home, ate lunch, showered - ahhhh!, slept 2.5 hours, ate extraordinary burgers from the grill, tomato and basil salad, and corn on the cob, got the kids to bed, and am now writing this blog. Derek is folding laundry and watching Brit Wit. I think we'll crack open a heffeweizen each and finish our British shows together. A great way to end a great, great day. :)
PS - This day may even mean more to me than the actual race day. I may be wrong, but I'm a Thanksgiving kind of girl. Thanksgiving is under-rated compared to Christmas - too much hub bub and the meaning gets lost; Thanksgiving is more of the real deal. The real deal for me was running for Easton through Easton with friends from Easton - that's what made this top notch. The beach will be nice, don't get me wrong, but I don't know if I need the 'formality' of it now. Give me authentic good times with friends, feet up on the tree with Lori, hugs for and from Amy and Susan L., seeing Christina give my kids and hers chocolate chip cookies because she loves 'em. That's what I'm talkin' bout. :] sniff!
7:00 we started, heading out Oxford Road and snaking through lovely neighborhoods - I found a house I love! We were in good spirits and the weather was in our favor, cool with a breeze. I couldn't even tell you specifics - 14 minutes and change for the 1st mile, 12 and change for the second... overall just less than 14 minute miles. I am just thankful to have done it in less than 4 hours, even better less than 3:30, and better still less than 3:15 - and that's 14 miles, we only have to do 13.1 on race day!
It was getting a bit long, I will admit. I remember saying around mile 8ish that I was getting tired, but no sleep till Brooklyn, baby - gotta keep rockin'. In the first half of our run, one of our coaches told us to slow down, and I broke out into the old New Edition song, "You've got to slow it down, ooooh watch out!" I'm the team singer, I guess. Nutcase? Whatever. If you can't laugh, really!
So we knew that there was going to be a shindig at the park at the end of our run, our families were invited and we always have postrun snackies (fruit, cheese, etc.). But, Honey, I tell you what - this was a par-tay! Balloons, banners, cheering, two huge tables of food and kid and runner friendly drinks. It was wonderful! Before we got there, our one teammate's family met us at the corner and her son ran with her. Then our other teammate's daughter joined us and the now six of us ran to the finish line. I finally spotted my family - Derek with camera in hand (a man after my own heart!), Henry with a juice box, and Katie who screamed "Mommieeee!" and ran into my arms! How awesome! I had no idea what that kind of welcome would mean to me! SO, so nice! I received my very own medal for finishing, and after the congratulatory hugs and kisses, Derek hands me a small square box. Inside, a small black velvet bag. Inside, a silver ring that he had engraved "Keep Movin 4Ward".
Now, this ring means a lot to me. I'm not going to get into all of it, but I'll say that Derek is a good man. He knows when to listen to me and when to ignore me. Besides the obvious implications, the expression "keep moving forward" is from the kids' movie "Meet the Robinsons" which is a movie I LOVE. The second time I watched it I was going to point out the part at the end that made me cry, but I couldn't because I was boo-hooing again - a trademark stamp of approval of a good movie for me. Derek and I just celebrated our 13th anniversary and he made all sorts of analogies in my card of running and life together, and this very thoughtful ring just pulls all those threads together. He made very good points today, not that I keep 'em, but if I did he got a bunch. PLUS, he rubbed my feet at the celebration. How good can life be?
The whole after-run fun time was all sorts of feel good happy times for me. Henry ran and played by himself with his friends, Kate ran between the playground and us - and it was all OK because so many people were around and watching out for them and each other. Everyone was happy, the weather was unbelievable, and it was such a happy, good for you, you rock sort of time. These folks that we've seen every Saturday since May, happy and sweaty and glad to have kicked out 14 miles (full marathoners did 18!). A beautiful, wonderful time. :)
Came home, ate lunch, showered - ahhhh!, slept 2.5 hours, ate extraordinary burgers from the grill, tomato and basil salad, and corn on the cob, got the kids to bed, and am now writing this blog. Derek is folding laundry and watching Brit Wit. I think we'll crack open a heffeweizen each and finish our British shows together. A great way to end a great, great day. :)
PS - This day may even mean more to me than the actual race day. I may be wrong, but I'm a Thanksgiving kind of girl. Thanksgiving is under-rated compared to Christmas - too much hub bub and the meaning gets lost; Thanksgiving is more of the real deal. The real deal for me was running for Easton through Easton with friends from Easton - that's what made this top notch. The beach will be nice, don't get me wrong, but I don't know if I need the 'formality' of it now. Give me authentic good times with friends, feet up on the tree with Lori, hugs for and from Amy and Susan L., seeing Christina give my kids and hers chocolate chip cookies because she loves 'em. That's what I'm talkin' bout. :] sniff!
Friday, August 15, 2008
I just noticed...
that my sneakers are dirty. When glancing down, I thought they may have been Derek's; I had to do a double-take! I proudly say that I have put some miles on those bad boys - probably not hundreds, but a bunch.
I have dirty sneakers (maybe for the first time in my life). This says I'm on the right path for August 31st! :) We will see how it all shakes out tomorrow!
I have dirty sneakers (maybe for the first time in my life). This says I'm on the right path for August 31st! :) We will see how it all shakes out tomorrow!
Gearing Up for 14!
Oy! I just ate my son's left over chicken nuggets from lunch - maybe not the best way to prepare for tomorrow's 14 mile run! Last week was great! Ran without owies in my knee or leg and was able to do 6 miles in an hour and 25 mins. The running without pain part is the best news for me! Now lets see if we can double that mileage and add two more!
We're heading out tomorrow at 7 am and hope to return by 11, I mean that is all the time we have for the race in two weeks. I'll let you know more after it's done - if I'm not sleeping for the rest of the week! :)
Yep, 16 days till race day...Amazing that I'm saying that! You just never know! :)
We're heading out tomorrow at 7 am and hope to return by 11, I mean that is all the time we have for the race in two weeks. I'll let you know more after it's done - if I'm not sleeping for the rest of the week! :)
Yep, 16 days till race day...Amazing that I'm saying that! You just never know! :)
Monday, August 4, 2008
I Am Amazed
Jesus said, "Ask and you will receive." He was referring, of course, to asking Him for things. I just asked you all to help out, and WOW, you have!
I needed to raise $1,000. That's a lot of bread. I asked for $1,310 and to date $1,450 has come in under my name! Unbelievable! I am flabbergasted! How can people think so much of me and what I'm doing? I am so floored at all of the support and well wishes and amount of money that has come to help these kids! All I can say is thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU! I am just humbled at your generosity.
Just one person. There's a poem out there with that title or one similar, and I always thought of other people being that "one person". This is the second time this year (and this has only happened twice in my life) that I feel like I myself have affected an aspect of life for scores of other people. The first was the cockamamie idea of our high school reunion - others worked harder on it to pulled it off, but really, the idea originated with me (I type in unbelief, shaking my head). An now - $1,450 for kiddos who we will never meet, but who want to have fun and learn more. We have positively touched their lives. Amazing.
Your support means more than I can express. Thank you, thank you.
I needed to raise $1,000. That's a lot of bread. I asked for $1,310 and to date $1,450 has come in under my name! Unbelievable! I am flabbergasted! How can people think so much of me and what I'm doing? I am so floored at all of the support and well wishes and amount of money that has come to help these kids! All I can say is thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU! I am just humbled at your generosity.
Just one person. There's a poem out there with that title or one similar, and I always thought of other people being that "one person". This is the second time this year (and this has only happened twice in my life) that I feel like I myself have affected an aspect of life for scores of other people. The first was the cockamamie idea of our high school reunion - others worked harder on it to pulled it off, but really, the idea originated with me (I type in unbelief, shaking my head). An now - $1,450 for kiddos who we will never meet, but who want to have fun and learn more. We have positively touched their lives. Amazing.
Your support means more than I can express. Thank you, thank you.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Note to Self
More for my own memory than anything else... I did my 12 miles in two days - 6 yesterday afternoon and another 6 today - which was kosher by our coaches. Both times I mostly walked, which still takes a bit out of you. I was able to maintain less than a 15 minute mile with the treadmill, but who's to say I'd do that without the pavement moving underneath me. I would love to maintain that pace. Funny how numbers sound better or worse depending on one's situation.
Here's my game plan 4 weeks out (and if you're one of my coaches reading this, forgivaness please) - start slowish, meaning: walk quickly (since that doesn't really seem to irritate my knee). Then I think I will speed up, meaning: run some, walk some. The 2:3 ratio, although slow, feels good to the old knee. Depending on how I feel, around mile 10, assess quick walking vs. run walking vs. "Oww, I hope I can finish" walking. I would love to finish sub3:30. Cut off time is four hours. By mile 10 I hope to be around 2:30, but will likely be slower than that. If I were to hit 2:30, I could probably walk backwards and still finish in time.
I don't know if all this is bad form, like am I jinxing myself by putting all these numbers out there, but, as I said, just a note to self, "thinking online".
Well, that's it. I know some of my friends will be zipping along at a 10 minute mile, and some at 16. Hey, in the end, it's just a number. I would like to finish before the cut off, though. At least I'm in the game, a few weeks ago that was the question, right?
Here's my game plan 4 weeks out (and if you're one of my coaches reading this, forgivaness please) - start slowish, meaning: walk quickly (since that doesn't really seem to irritate my knee). Then I think I will speed up, meaning: run some, walk some. The 2:3 ratio, although slow, feels good to the old knee. Depending on how I feel, around mile 10, assess quick walking vs. run walking vs. "Oww, I hope I can finish" walking. I would love to finish sub3:30. Cut off time is four hours. By mile 10 I hope to be around 2:30, but will likely be slower than that. If I were to hit 2:30, I could probably walk backwards and still finish in time.
I don't know if all this is bad form, like am I jinxing myself by putting all these numbers out there, but, as I said, just a note to self, "thinking online".
Well, that's it. I know some of my friends will be zipping along at a 10 minute mile, and some at 16. Hey, in the end, it's just a number. I would like to finish before the cut off, though. At least I'm in the game, a few weeks ago that was the question, right?
Saturday, August 2, 2008
12 Mile Run ... Not!
Got up on time today, that's a plus. Ate, stretched, prepared myself, plus, plus, plus. Kissed the hubster goodbye, plus. Went out to the car and noticed the cloud coverage, plus! Maybe 12 miles won't be too bad.
At the park, the crowd had gathered. I found my team and we were reviewing the route. Our head coach called us to order and mentioned the possibility of rain, and maybe some thunder and lightning (a cloud lights up behind her). Some more talking, some more clouds lighting up. "If you're uncomfortable heading out, that's OK, you can make up the run on your own," but everyone is ready to run, so we all head out.
As we pass the Middle School, the clouds are huge and ominous, rolling towards us. Someone says, "I feel like Dorothy," but we all are certain that we won't be lifted high into the sky. We start our run and feel a few rain drops. I see my old team and chit chat with them a minute while running. They pass us and we eventually make our turn off of Oxford Road. Bolts of lighting and thunder are pretty common by then, but I mostly ignored them. One of the coaches drives past us, catches up with old team and tells them to turn around, the run is being canned. So we all do an about-face and head back to our cars. By now the rain is really hard; this has grown from a sprinkle to a rain, to a storm. I caught up with my old team to run back with them a bit quicker. A car with one of our people passes us and offers a ride for two of us, but we pass it up since there were three of us. Then, one of our coaches drives up and doesn't offer, but commands us, "GET IN THE CAR!"
"Are we going to sit on each other's lap?" one of us asks.
"We grew up in the 70's, it's OK," I reply.
The thought of three of us piling into an already occupied sedan was hysterical to me! Our mom-figure yelling at us to get out of the rain, all of us obeying, two of us climbing into a back seat with two gals already there - I found it a riot. It reminded me of being in grade school, being driven to band practice - SEVEN of us in a small Honda, two in the bucket seat in front, and five of us in the back seat, instruments and book bags and bodies shoved everywhere. With my reunion only a few weeks behind me, this was really an exciting and wonderful memory to relive. However, as an adult in 2008, I knew the situation was not great, and our coach was not happy with it or the prior decision of letting us run. But this is the thing memories are made of, you couldn't plan this!
We get back to the park and our coach was heading out to pick up more soggy runners. After we sprung out of the car like clowns, I heard one girl say, "I think that's a cheerio on your back." I mean, if you can't find the humor in it!
Total time running 24 minutes. I have to run the 12 miles on me own now within 24 hours. Hello YMCA! What a hoot.
PS - As I drove home, I had to use the high-speed wipers and there were lightning bolts and thunder claps so close you couldn't even count "one one-thousand". They did the right thing by calling it. However, I bet within a half hour, it had passed. By then, I was changed and snuggy in my bed again. The kids were still snuggy on their own, and we were able to greet 8:00 on a Saturday in bed! I was expecting a good morning, but it sure did turn out differently than I had planned! A very different kind of good!
At the park, the crowd had gathered. I found my team and we were reviewing the route. Our head coach called us to order and mentioned the possibility of rain, and maybe some thunder and lightning (a cloud lights up behind her). Some more talking, some more clouds lighting up. "If you're uncomfortable heading out, that's OK, you can make up the run on your own," but everyone is ready to run, so we all head out.
As we pass the Middle School, the clouds are huge and ominous, rolling towards us. Someone says, "I feel like Dorothy," but we all are certain that we won't be lifted high into the sky. We start our run and feel a few rain drops. I see my old team and chit chat with them a minute while running. They pass us and we eventually make our turn off of Oxford Road. Bolts of lighting and thunder are pretty common by then, but I mostly ignored them. One of the coaches drives past us, catches up with old team and tells them to turn around, the run is being canned. So we all do an about-face and head back to our cars. By now the rain is really hard; this has grown from a sprinkle to a rain, to a storm. I caught up with my old team to run back with them a bit quicker. A car with one of our people passes us and offers a ride for two of us, but we pass it up since there were three of us. Then, one of our coaches drives up and doesn't offer, but commands us, "GET IN THE CAR!"
"Are we going to sit on each other's lap?" one of us asks.
"We grew up in the 70's, it's OK," I reply.
The thought of three of us piling into an already occupied sedan was hysterical to me! Our mom-figure yelling at us to get out of the rain, all of us obeying, two of us climbing into a back seat with two gals already there - I found it a riot. It reminded me of being in grade school, being driven to band practice - SEVEN of us in a small Honda, two in the bucket seat in front, and five of us in the back seat, instruments and book bags and bodies shoved everywhere. With my reunion only a few weeks behind me, this was really an exciting and wonderful memory to relive. However, as an adult in 2008, I knew the situation was not great, and our coach was not happy with it or the prior decision of letting us run. But this is the thing memories are made of, you couldn't plan this!
We get back to the park and our coach was heading out to pick up more soggy runners. After we sprung out of the car like clowns, I heard one girl say, "I think that's a cheerio on your back." I mean, if you can't find the humor in it!
Total time running 24 minutes. I have to run the 12 miles on me own now within 24 hours. Hello YMCA! What a hoot.
PS - As I drove home, I had to use the high-speed wipers and there were lightning bolts and thunder claps so close you couldn't even count "one one-thousand". They did the right thing by calling it. However, I bet within a half hour, it had passed. By then, I was changed and snuggy in my bed again. The kids were still snuggy on their own, and we were able to greet 8:00 on a Saturday in bed! I was expecting a good morning, but it sure did turn out differently than I had planned! A very different kind of good!
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