Well, at least that's what I kept telling myself. Mouse and I were pretty excited and were ready to run. JP came over at a totally ungodly time and drove us downtown. (After he sent a text message saying he was coming over... an hour early. Hon, I told you to set your clock back an hour.)
On our way down, we heard the best song on the radio, "I'm too sexy." Since mouse had on her hot pink, leopard print skirt on we, of course, changed it to, "I'm too sexy for my skirt." Ah yes, nothing like getting ready for a race by singing bad 80's music. Traffic was getting a little congested downtown, so we jumped out of the car and JP went to park. After finding Mo, we sadly had to strip down and check our gear bag. "Brisk morning run, brisk morning run." It was very cold and windy, but honestly, it wasn't as fridged as I had mentally prepared myself for. I opted for shorts and a long sleeve, gloves and a head band to keep my ears warm. It was pretty much perfect most of the race.
The first half was so much fun. Mouse, Mo and I all ran together and were having a great time. The bridge to Canada wasn't that bad. Again, I had mentally prepared myself for The Great Wall of China, so this wasn't too horrible. And, I'm happy to report that small people were not blown off of the bridge. The underwater mile (the tunnel back to the US) was fun, but not quite what it was hyped up to be. I guess we get a certificate with our underwater mile split - mine was 8:17.
Throughout the first half, we were hitting our pace right on (well, at least the miles where the mile markers made sense. There was no way one split was 6:31). Mouse yelled out, "we're right on. Aren't you glad I'm so excited about you hitting your goal time." I told her that it didn't even matter because I was having fun. That was the important part. I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this race, if I would race again, or if I would even finish. So, the fact that it was fun was a victory in itself. (sorry, I'm a little cheesy and have been pretty emotional the last couple of days.)
After the half, we seperated and I went on ahead. The wind sucked ass. Getting onto Belle Isle was absolutely crazy. Most of Belle Isle was abolutely crazy. Getting off of Belle Isle, at mile 20, I started to think I would conserve more energy and go just as fast if I walked. Right as I had made up my mind to walk, the wind was blocked and I could continue on my way. The last six miles were so windy, and we weren't going in the same direction the whole time so it baffled me. At one point, somewhere between mile 24 and 25, it actually stopped me mid-stride. At this point I was on pace for sub 4:00, but I was really starting not to care. Ah yes, the mental battle. Right before mile 25, I looked at my watch and knew it would be close. I knew I wanted it, so I dug down and found some energy in my big toe. My last mile I was totally zoned and feeling good. Right before we got to Ford Field, the spectators made a gauntlet and were cheering like crazy. It was SO cool. Right before I ran into the Ford Field tunnel, JP and my parents were cheering me on to the end. Crossing the finish line - what a feeling. I looked down at my watched and I was 4:00 and some odd seconds. So, I had either just made or just missed sub 4:00 hrs, but it didn't mater. I got really emotional when I finished and the woman who wrapped my mylar blanket around me asked if I was okay. She had no idea. I finished a marathon and had a PR by around 3 minutes. Oh, and I was fucking tired. :)
My splits aren't exactly right and the mile markers weren't exactly right, but here's about where I came in:
9:09
18.17
36:56
6:31
10:59
18:53
9:23
9:31
10:16
7:45
8:30
8:39
8:44
8:59
8:39
9:35
9:29
9:29
9:57
9:33
9:34
It won't add up correctly, but chip time was... 4:00.48 (pace 9:12). No, I didn't go sub 4:00 but I'm blaming it on the wind... :) Seriously, I thought I'd be really hard on myself if I didn't finish under 4:00, but I still PR'd and honestly the wind was a big factor. And, I've decided that I don't hate running. I was seriously thinking I didn't like it anymore. I finised 71/266 in my age group and 1468 overall. Guess I'll have to run another one to go sub 4:00. :)
Thanks to everyone for you support through my training and the well wishes for yesterday's race. I'll continue to run and workout, but I need to focus on getting better. I have a nerve block procedure scheduled for Nov. 9 and I'm ready to do it. It's been pretty bad lately, so I'm anxious for some temporary relief.There hasn't been a day in over a year where I wasn't in pain. I think I'm read for a break. Please keep your fingers crossed for me.
P.S. Walking out of Ford Field is pretty rough. Those stadium stairs up to get out weren't the best thing ever, but again, not what I had mentally prepared myself for so it didn't seem like complete torture.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Ready to run the mean streets of Detroit!
Stupid Blogger. It must know I haven't been active in a while. I just wrote this nice blog about my race tomorrow and now it's gone. Stupid Blogger.
My clothes are laid out, my bag is almost packed, I feel like a lard ass from all the pasta I've been eating and I am practically living in the bathroom from all the water I drink (well, that last part isn't anything new). Yep, I'm tapering and tomorrow is the Detroit Marathon.
Yesterday, I was scared nervous. This evening, I'm excited nervous. What scares me is that I can't remember how it feels to run a marathon. I've done two before, and both times were great (unless I've blocked out the bad memories). But, not knowing is what scares me. Well, that and the fear that I'm going to blow off the bridge to Canada. It's suppose to be quite windy, so the bridge, along the river in Windsor and Belle Isle should be interesting.
Since we're crosing the border, there are extra measures that had to be taken prior to the race. One is if anyone has radiation in their body, they needed to be scanned by Border Patrol at the packet pick-up. Since I've had an MRI in the past year, I had to be checked. So, I walk up to an officer and say, "I've had an MRI in the past year. I hear you have to scan me or something." He looked at me and said, "You must be okay because I'm not going off." Umm.... okaaay... It all made sense when he pulled out a little beeper looking thing and said that I wasn't triggering his alarm. Oh. That's what he meant. ;) So, I don't have to wear a little bracelet to signal to the armed guards at the border that I'm not smuggling harmful substances into their country.
So, my goal time is sub 4:00. My bib is 546. I need to finish packing my bag before heading to bed. Thankfully we gain an extra hour tonight - something I think my friends and family that are coming are more excited about than I am. Thanks to everyone for their support through my training. It's been so encouraging and more helpful than you know.
To anyone running this weekend -- GOOD LUCK! Kick Ass!!!
To anyone who had a race recently -- GREAT JOB!
My clothes are laid out, my bag is almost packed, I feel like a lard ass from all the pasta I've been eating and I am practically living in the bathroom from all the water I drink (well, that last part isn't anything new). Yep, I'm tapering and tomorrow is the Detroit Marathon.
Yesterday, I was scared nervous. This evening, I'm excited nervous. What scares me is that I can't remember how it feels to run a marathon. I've done two before, and both times were great (unless I've blocked out the bad memories). But, not knowing is what scares me. Well, that and the fear that I'm going to blow off the bridge to Canada. It's suppose to be quite windy, so the bridge, along the river in Windsor and Belle Isle should be interesting.
Since we're crosing the border, there are extra measures that had to be taken prior to the race. One is if anyone has radiation in their body, they needed to be scanned by Border Patrol at the packet pick-up. Since I've had an MRI in the past year, I had to be checked. So, I walk up to an officer and say, "I've had an MRI in the past year. I hear you have to scan me or something." He looked at me and said, "You must be okay because I'm not going off." Umm.... okaaay... It all made sense when he pulled out a little beeper looking thing and said that I wasn't triggering his alarm. Oh. That's what he meant. ;) So, I don't have to wear a little bracelet to signal to the armed guards at the border that I'm not smuggling harmful substances into their country.
So, my goal time is sub 4:00. My bib is 546. I need to finish packing my bag before heading to bed. Thankfully we gain an extra hour tonight - something I think my friends and family that are coming are more excited about than I am. Thanks to everyone for their support through my training. It's been so encouraging and more helpful than you know.
To anyone running this weekend -- GOOD LUCK! Kick Ass!!!
To anyone who had a race recently -- GREAT JOB!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Life is Good
First of all, GO TIGERS! It was a great sports weekend - Tiger's game, Michigan/Michigan State game, Wings.
Did my last 20-miler of the training plan on Saturday. It was a beautiful fall day, and the colors were beautiful around the lake. I had a great run, although faster than it should have been (9:09 pace). Oh well, guess I'll just have to make my desired race pace faster... :)
Mile 1 - 9:40
Mile 2 - 9:22
Mile 3 - 9:14
Mile 4 - 8:53
Mile 5-7 - 27:15
Mile 8 - 9:01
Mile 9 - 8:49
Mile 10 - 8:44
Mile 11 - 8:47
Mile 12-14 - 27:11
Mile 15 - 9:40
Mile 16 - 9:05
Mile 17 - 9:23
Mile 18 - 9:28
Mile 19 - 9:31
Mile 20 - 9:20
It felt good, but I wish I had one more month to train. My times are fine, bu I just don't feel strong enough yet. I've just missed so many runs because of my stupid abdomen. And, it's been really bad the last two weeks - I'm actually looking forward to those procedures. Any relief, even temporary, is going to be a welcome change.
Sunday, it was still a beautiful fall day. JP and I went down to my parent's house to pick apples from the orchard and get some veggies out of the garden. It was the perfect day to do it. After being loaded up with bags and bags of food, we thought we had better start using it right away.
We got a head of cabbage, because he thought cabbage rolls sounded good. Now, I like to cook but not necessarily very good at it. So far, I've made pasta for him. If you can't boil water and put in noodles, I don't know what to tell you. But, cabbage rolls!?!?! We made them last night (his with meat, mine with veggie crumbles), and they actually turned out quite well! I was so proud of us! We were eating out too much for my liking, and he eats out way too much, so I told him we need to start cooking more. He told me I was spoiling him too early in our relationship, and now I was going to be stuck cooking all the time. :)
Now, you're probably wondering why I'm blogging at 8am on a Tuesday. Well, today is the 4th annual mother/daughter shopping trip. Every fall, in the middle of the week, my mom and I take a day trip to Frankenmuth to go shopping and just spend time together. I am SO excited. She's going to be here pretty soon, so I better get going. Yay! A whole day of shopping!!!!!
Did my last 20-miler of the training plan on Saturday. It was a beautiful fall day, and the colors were beautiful around the lake. I had a great run, although faster than it should have been (9:09 pace). Oh well, guess I'll just have to make my desired race pace faster... :)
Mile 1 - 9:40
Mile 2 - 9:22
Mile 3 - 9:14
Mile 4 - 8:53
Mile 5-7 - 27:15
Mile 8 - 9:01
Mile 9 - 8:49
Mile 10 - 8:44
Mile 11 - 8:47
Mile 12-14 - 27:11
Mile 15 - 9:40
Mile 16 - 9:05
Mile 17 - 9:23
Mile 18 - 9:28
Mile 19 - 9:31
Mile 20 - 9:20
It felt good, but I wish I had one more month to train. My times are fine, bu I just don't feel strong enough yet. I've just missed so many runs because of my stupid abdomen. And, it's been really bad the last two weeks - I'm actually looking forward to those procedures. Any relief, even temporary, is going to be a welcome change.
Sunday, it was still a beautiful fall day. JP and I went down to my parent's house to pick apples from the orchard and get some veggies out of the garden. It was the perfect day to do it. After being loaded up with bags and bags of food, we thought we had better start using it right away.
We got a head of cabbage, because he thought cabbage rolls sounded good. Now, I like to cook but not necessarily very good at it. So far, I've made pasta for him. If you can't boil water and put in noodles, I don't know what to tell you. But, cabbage rolls!?!?! We made them last night (his with meat, mine with veggie crumbles), and they actually turned out quite well! I was so proud of us! We were eating out too much for my liking, and he eats out way too much, so I told him we need to start cooking more. He told me I was spoiling him too early in our relationship, and now I was going to be stuck cooking all the time. :)
Now, you're probably wondering why I'm blogging at 8am on a Tuesday. Well, today is the 4th annual mother/daughter shopping trip. Every fall, in the middle of the week, my mom and I take a day trip to Frankenmuth to go shopping and just spend time together. I am SO excited. She's going to be here pretty soon, so I better get going. Yay! A whole day of shopping!!!!!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Rookie Mistakes II
Ironically, someone sent this to me today and I had to laugh out loud. Now, I will not claim (or deny) I did any of these things Saturday night:
WHEN GIRLS DRINK TOO MUCH............
1. WE HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHERE OUR PURSE IS.
2. WE BELIEVE THAT DANCING WITH OUR ARMS OVERHEAD AND WIGGLING OUR BUTT WHILE YELLING "WOO-HOO!" IS TRULY THE SEXIEST DANCE MOVE AROUND.
3. WE'VE SUDDENLY DECIDED THAT WE WANT TO KICK SOMEONE'S ASS AND HONESTLY BELIEVE WE COULD DO IT TOO.
4. IN OUR LAST TRIP TO PEE, WE REALIZE THAT WE NOW LOOK MORE LIKE A HOMELESS HOOKER THAN THE GODDESS WE WERE JUST FOUR HOURS AGO
5. WE START CRYING AND TELLING EVERYONE WE SEE THAT WE LOVE THEM SOOOOO MUCH.
6. WE GET EXTREMELY EXCITED AND JUMP UP AND DOWN EVERY TIME A NEW SONG PLAY'S BECAUSE "OH MY GOD! I LOVE THIS SONG!"
7. WE'VE FOUND A DEEPER/SPIRITUAL SIDE TO THE GEEK SITTING NEXT TO US.
8. WE'VE SUDDENLY TAKEN UP SMOKING AND BECOME REALLY GOOD AT IT.
9. WE YELL AT THE BARTENDER, WHO WE BELIEVE CHEATED US BY GIVING US JUST LEMONADE, BUT THAT'S JUST BECAUSE WE CAN NO LONGER TASTE THE GIN.
10. WE THINK WE ARE IN BED, BUT OUR PILLOW FEELS STRANGELY LIKE THE KITCHEN FLOOR (or the mop?)
11. WE FAIL TO NOTICE THAT THE TOILET LID'S DOWN WHEN WE SIT ON IT.
12. WE TAKE OUR SHOES OFF BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IT'S THEIR FAULT THAT WE'RE HAVING PROBLEMS WALKING STRAIGHT.
Ah, yes. Good times. Seriously though, I'm with Cryst@l. This training thing sure is getting in the way of my drinking... :) Really, generally when I'm training alcohol just doesn't have the same appeal. I'd much rather be in bed sleeping.
Had a kick butt workout with Ricky last night (my back, core and calf muscles are sore today!) and an enjoyable 8 mile run tonight. Temps were in the high 60's. I was scheduled to do 10, but it was so dark I couldn't see my hand in front of me and thought it would be best to go in. Thought about finishing on the treadmill, but after such a nice night there was no way in hell I was going to finish inside. I'll probably regret not doing those 2 miles during the race - you know, between 24 and 26... :)
Lots to do tonight - study, work and laundry - so I better get going.
WHEN GIRLS DRINK TOO MUCH............
1. WE HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHERE OUR PURSE IS.
2. WE BELIEVE THAT DANCING WITH OUR ARMS OVERHEAD AND WIGGLING OUR BUTT WHILE YELLING "WOO-HOO!" IS TRULY THE SEXIEST DANCE MOVE AROUND.
3. WE'VE SUDDENLY DECIDED THAT WE WANT TO KICK SOMEONE'S ASS AND HONESTLY BELIEVE WE COULD DO IT TOO.
4. IN OUR LAST TRIP TO PEE, WE REALIZE THAT WE NOW LOOK MORE LIKE A HOMELESS HOOKER THAN THE GODDESS WE WERE JUST FOUR HOURS AGO
5. WE START CRYING AND TELLING EVERYONE WE SEE THAT WE LOVE THEM SOOOOO MUCH.
6. WE GET EXTREMELY EXCITED AND JUMP UP AND DOWN EVERY TIME A NEW SONG PLAY'S BECAUSE "OH MY GOD! I LOVE THIS SONG!"
7. WE'VE FOUND A DEEPER/SPIRITUAL SIDE TO THE GEEK SITTING NEXT TO US.
8. WE'VE SUDDENLY TAKEN UP SMOKING AND BECOME REALLY GOOD AT IT.
9. WE YELL AT THE BARTENDER, WHO WE BELIEVE CHEATED US BY GIVING US JUST LEMONADE, BUT THAT'S JUST BECAUSE WE CAN NO LONGER TASTE THE GIN.
10. WE THINK WE ARE IN BED, BUT OUR PILLOW FEELS STRANGELY LIKE THE KITCHEN FLOOR (or the mop?)
11. WE FAIL TO NOTICE THAT THE TOILET LID'S DOWN WHEN WE SIT ON IT.
12. WE TAKE OUR SHOES OFF BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IT'S THEIR FAULT THAT WE'RE HAVING PROBLEMS WALKING STRAIGHT.
Ah, yes. Good times. Seriously though, I'm with Cryst@l. This training thing sure is getting in the way of my drinking... :) Really, generally when I'm training alcohol just doesn't have the same appeal. I'd much rather be in bed sleeping.
Had a kick butt workout with Ricky last night (my back, core and calf muscles are sore today!) and an enjoyable 8 mile run tonight. Temps were in the high 60's. I was scheduled to do 10, but it was so dark I couldn't see my hand in front of me and thought it would be best to go in. Thought about finishing on the treadmill, but after such a nice night there was no way in hell I was going to finish inside. I'll probably regret not doing those 2 miles during the race - you know, between 24 and 26... :)
Lots to do tonight - study, work and laundry - so I better get going.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Rookie Mistakes
So, Saturday. I got drunk. Really drunk. And, it was stupid (as most "I got drunk" stories typically are).
Mistake #1 - I ran 20 freaking miles. No matter how much you hydrate afterwards, you are going to be dehydrated and probably should not drink excessively.
After waking from a great nap, JP called to say that some people were coming over to his place to watch the game. Sounded good to me. I asked if I should bring some beer (duh, who watches a game without beer?) and he replies, "Hmm. That's a good idea." Okay... I asked if he had dinner of if I needed to eat before I came over. He replies, "Hmm. No, I didn't eat yet. We'll figure it out later." I'm thinking we're going to order pizza or something and don't worry about it. So, which at the store I call to see if I should bring any snacks. "Chips and salsa sound good." Seriously, you invited people over to watch the game and you don't have food or beer!?!?
It ended up just being a few of us, so more beer for me. And, only chips and salsa. Then, we decide we're going out for the night. At midnight.
Mistake #2 - Not eating a hearty meal before a night of drinking. I had 3 beers during the game. They tasted SO good! (And, by the way, shouldn't I be in bed sleeping at midnight after a 20 mile run?)
We went to a weird, basement, lounge-type place to meet up with some of his friends, and ended up only being there for maybe 30 minutes. In that timeframe I slammed 2 drinks. We then moved to a club, where we girls were having a great time dancing. And, drinking several more drinks. I did stick to one liquor that night (I generally get tired of the same drink and (even more stupidly) mix my liquors).
Mistake #3 - Drinking too much.
It didn't seem like a lot, but I was dancing and having a good time. It didn't hit me until it was time to go. Stef and I pretty much passed out in the back seat on the way home. Good think our boys are so good to us - they were a big help in the whole walking thing.
Mistake #4 - I pretty much didn't want to change into my PJs that night, so drinking some water before bed was the furthest thing from my mind. Still dehydrated and becoming more so as the night goes on.
Woke up around 9am with a killer headache. Took some Advil and slept for a few more hours. By 12:30pm I was perfectly fine, except for the fact that I hadn't had a real meal since 3pm the day before. I was SO hungry!!!! We went for breakfast, but after not having food for so long, as soon as it hit my stomach I thought I was going to be ill. Finally, after munching on some dry toast, I was okay and could finish most of my food. (Runny eggs never look good, let alone when you're not feeling well).
Sunday was pretty much a wash, but I did have fun. I felt so dumb for being so stupid, though. You'd think I would have learned by now. Sadly, it wasn't the first time and I'm sure it won't be the last time. :)
Mistake #1 - I ran 20 freaking miles. No matter how much you hydrate afterwards, you are going to be dehydrated and probably should not drink excessively.
After waking from a great nap, JP called to say that some people were coming over to his place to watch the game. Sounded good to me. I asked if I should bring some beer (duh, who watches a game without beer?) and he replies, "Hmm. That's a good idea." Okay... I asked if he had dinner of if I needed to eat before I came over. He replies, "Hmm. No, I didn't eat yet. We'll figure it out later." I'm thinking we're going to order pizza or something and don't worry about it. So, which at the store I call to see if I should bring any snacks. "Chips and salsa sound good." Seriously, you invited people over to watch the game and you don't have food or beer!?!?
It ended up just being a few of us, so more beer for me. And, only chips and salsa. Then, we decide we're going out for the night. At midnight.
Mistake #2 - Not eating a hearty meal before a night of drinking. I had 3 beers during the game. They tasted SO good! (And, by the way, shouldn't I be in bed sleeping at midnight after a 20 mile run?)
We went to a weird, basement, lounge-type place to meet up with some of his friends, and ended up only being there for maybe 30 minutes. In that timeframe I slammed 2 drinks. We then moved to a club, where we girls were having a great time dancing. And, drinking several more drinks. I did stick to one liquor that night (I generally get tired of the same drink and (even more stupidly) mix my liquors).
Mistake #3 - Drinking too much.
It didn't seem like a lot, but I was dancing and having a good time. It didn't hit me until it was time to go. Stef and I pretty much passed out in the back seat on the way home. Good think our boys are so good to us - they were a big help in the whole walking thing.
Mistake #4 - I pretty much didn't want to change into my PJs that night, so drinking some water before bed was the furthest thing from my mind. Still dehydrated and becoming more so as the night goes on.
Woke up around 9am with a killer headache. Took some Advil and slept for a few more hours. By 12:30pm I was perfectly fine, except for the fact that I hadn't had a real meal since 3pm the day before. I was SO hungry!!!! We went for breakfast, but after not having food for so long, as soon as it hit my stomach I thought I was going to be ill. Finally, after munching on some dry toast, I was okay and could finish most of my food. (Runny eggs never look good, let alone when you're not feeling well).
Sunday was pretty much a wash, but I did have fun. I felt so dumb for being so stupid, though. You'd think I would have learned by now. Sadly, it wasn't the first time and I'm sure it won't be the last time. :)
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