Philadelphia Marathon 11/22/09
by Coach Janice Rodriguez
We got up at 5am after a good night’s sleep. I set my phone alarm but forgot to turn it on. Luckily, I woke up on time anyway – disaster averted! We laid our clothes out the night before so we dressed quickly and headed downstairs to breakfast. We stayed at the Embassy Suites about ¼ mile from the start and it was one of the official race hotels (we even had Philadelphia Marathon room keys). There was a runner’s breakfast in the lobby so we had a bite to eat and some coffee. We saw a guy dressed as a Star Wars Storm Trooper and couldn’t help but think that he was going to have lots of extra weight to haul and hoped he was running the half. We stayed inside to keep warm for as long as we could and headed out around 6:30am.
The weather was chilly, about 41 degrees at the start. Forecast called for a high of 57 and sunny. It was a perfect morning for a race and we were feeling energized and apprehensive at the same time. Tony donned his trash bag but I wasn’t cold as we walked down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the start. We worked our way into the Gray Corral, the 4th and largest wave. Bill Rodgers, Bart Yasso and Philadelphia Mayor, Michael Nutter, were the emcees. They were doing a great job of getting the crowd energized. Bill Rodgers called the time – 7am – and the gun went off. The elite athletes were off. They called the next wave in several different languages. It sounded like “lalalalalala….five minutes to your start!” I got butterflies in my stomach as Bill Rodgers called our wave. He called us the tsunami since we were the largest wave. Tony told me later that he got choked up as they called our wave! We are doing it…and we’re off! We decided not to run with a watch and just enjoy the race. We ran the last training runs without our Garmin and felt like it relieved pressure to run at a certain pace.
We headed down the Parkway, passing the Catholic Church that I went to growing up and then we spotted our cheer crew ringing the most obnoxiously wonderful cowbell. We hooted and hollered at them as we passed and then ran right past my Dad’s old office building. I was feeling very emotional but we soon settled into a comfortable pace. The start begins with both half and full marathon runners which made for a very congested first few miles. There are a few quick turns and we almost slowed to a walk just to get around the corner. It was warming up quickly and people were shedding clothes like crazy. We took our gloves off and keep running. I got lost in a trip down memory lane as I ran along the streets, remembering times with my family. Soon we were running along the Delaware River and could see the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the waterfront. Porta potties had very long lines and people were sneaking off behind the bridge supports and into the bushes. The street was a bit rough and a woman just behind us started to fall and then caught herself. I thought back to my training and some of the mishaps we endured. Like the day I tripped over a root on the Greenway and cracked my rib. I was only at mile 5 of a 15 mile run and dusted myself off and kept going even though it hurt to breathe deeply. The day Tony got sick on our 18 mile run and went home. Thought I would have to run without him but he felt better and actually ran and caught up with me. I come back to the present as we turned onto Front Street and ran past quaint old townhomes built in the 1700’s. Next we turned onto South Street which is famous for its nightlife. We passed by crazy shops like Condom Kingdom. The crowds were loud and the music was good. We had our names on our bibs and we heard “Go Tony and Janice” the entire race. I forgot to mention that we wore matching red shirts so that our friends could find us in the crowd! Tony ran on the side closest to the curb and was yelling and getting involved with the crowd.
Next up we head towards Independence Hall and saw Ben Franklin himself ringing his bell and he told us, “You have arrived at mile 5.” Quick break to use the porta potty (less crowded now), take a gel and some Gatorade and we were off again. We were pretty chatty, pointing out things we saw and signs we liked along the way. Long stretch down Chestnut Street and across the Schuylkill River. We ran through the Drexel and University of Pennsylvania campuses and the frat boys were wildly banging pots and pans. The crowd here was very energetic as we made our way up a long incline. Across another bridge and then through a park towards the Philadelphia Zoo. We came back along the river and we could look across and see runners on the other side. They looked so far ahead of us! There was a huge crowd on a bridge overhead and they were yelling our names. We were surprised they could read our bibs from that distance! We were feeling great as we headed back towards the Art Museum and we were running strong. Lots of cheering as we head towards the 13.1 mark. There was the sign that read “ Half Marathon Finish this way, Mile 14 that way” What have we gotten into? We head towards the Mile 14 sign and we see our cheering section, Janet and Charlie, again clanging their cowbell and holding our sign high in the air! We were pumped up and yelling with our hands in the air. Tony keeps up his yelling as we headed out onto the other side of the river. I reminded him to conserve his energy but I can see that he is having fun. Our pace was steady (think we were 9:45 ish for most of the race) and we took another gel and more Gatorade and water. We walked quickly through the aid station so that we could drink the entire cup without choking. Volunteers were busy raking cups and gels out of the way and giving encouragement as we passed. Back on the run, the crowds have thinned along this section since there are no buildings and we have entered Fairmount Park. There are lots of people riding bikes on the sidewalks trying to catch a glimpse of their runner. The course is a bit hilly here and the inclines felt long. Not as much to look at, and so we got quiet.
We head towards Manayunk, an area with funky shops and good restaurants. At mile 17 (I found this out later) Tony started to feel bad and tucked in behind me and kept on. Mile 18, more gel and Gatorade. I was looking forward to seeing our friends again at mile 20. We passed a group of people handing out small cups of beer and the smell made us nauseous. Tony told them to wait until he was done the race. Turnaround at mile 20 and then we were headed back towards the city. Didn’t see our friends and spent the next mile scanning the crowd for them. This section of the course is the hilliest and I yelled out “We love hills” even though I wasn’t really feeling that way.
Mile 21 goes up a freeway onramp and lots of people are walking. I got a side stitch on my left side and then one on my right side. My entire midsection cramped up and I slowed down a good bit. Tony asked me why I got slower so I told him. Didn’t really want to tell him that I felt bad because I didn’t want to bring him down as there was nothing he could do. During our training runs we called each other our “wingman” and said that “you never leave your wingman”. My wingman moved in beside me and we kept running. I had my iPod on in one ear and concentrated on the music as we headed into this unchartered territory together. The mile markers seemed so far apart, probably because I was looking for them so intently. I spotted a sign that said, EMMA – every mile melts away, and it made me smile. We also got some much needed energy from the gang dressed in matching red t shirts that said “Free High Fives” Another guy held a sign that said “Anthony is Awesome” but he looked like a zombie when we yelled at him. Side stitches miraculously disappeared and I started to feel better. Didn’t take gel at mile 23 since I felt full of GU and Gatorade. Couldn’t even force it at that point.
I got a bad attitude at mile 25! I thought that I would be thrilled to be so far along but I thought that one more mile just seemed ridiculous. I looked over at Tony and thought that with his longer legs, his run must be much easier than mine. Lots of walkers here but we don’t even think about walking, we want to get to the finish line.
As we started to run along the side of the Art Museum, the crowds were huge and screaming. The barricades are holding the crowds back as we pass the Rocky statue and the front of the Art Museum. The crowd is calling our names and Tony was pumping his fist in the air. The crowd cheered louder and we held hands and raised them in the air. The finish line is straight ahead and we ran hard towards it. I see Bart Yasso standing at the finish and he points and calls out my name as we cross the finish line. Chip time – 4:24:55. We got our medals and headed towards the food area – soft Philadelphia pretzels – I had been looking forward to them for weeks but they didn’t hold much appeal for me just then. Had a sip of chicken soup and found our friends right away. Got our photo taken and then changed into the dry clothes that Janet and Charlie brought for us. We didn’t hang around at the finish long but instead walked back to our hotel. More friends joined us and we went to lunch with all of them. After lunch we went back to our hotel and they all stayed for a while visiting with us. We could still see runners finishing the race from our balcony.
Later we had a chance to reflect on our race together. We were thrilled that our training program worked well for us and that we finished the race feeling strong and healthy. Our hip flexors felt a bit sore after the race and Tony’s kneecaps were sore. We were happy that our pace was consistent and we finished ahead of what we expected. I think that not having my Garmin on to obsess over helped make the run so enjoyable. We stuck with our nutrition plan and really think it helped us.
Doing this race together and training together for these past months has been a remarkable experience and we feel even closer to each other than we did before.
To Tony, my wingman: With both of our wings, we were able to FLY! I love you.
To our friends at USA Fit Gwinnett: Thanks for running with us, strategizing with us, biking with us, and encouraging us every day! A special thank you to Jenny Christiansen Fancher for running the long runs with us and to Jan and Scott Kelley for their inspiration and practical advice and Krista for being our biggest cheerleader!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Nearing the End of the Season
So we are in the last week's of the current season. It has been a busy, hectic, and good season. I think many members found it hard to stick with their running programs because of all they had going on. But, the ones who did stick with it as best they could have been racing, running, and having a great time. We've had so many "firsts" this season, with first 5Ks, 10Ks, Half Marathons and Triathlons. Its been exciting and fun.
Progress, improvement, and reaching goals is often difficult. Yet, when you can stick with it through the difficult times that is when you often have the most rewarding results. This is the way it is with running, and also in life. Daily we face challenges, whether they be large or small. And daily we make choices, to tough it out or give up. Giving up sometimes seems like the easier, better route to take. It seems like it will lessen our burdens or make life easier.
Yet, oftentimes, when we give up, it can actually make parts of life harder. When you give up questions remain. What would have happened? Could I have overcome? Could I have reached my goal (or completed the task/event/etc)? Could sticking with it have brought something more to my life? Will I ever know the strength that I really have?
If you've given up lately.....don't dwell. The past is the past and new challenges await you tomorrow. Just make a decision now that with the next challenge you face, no matter how tough it may seem, you will believe that good will come and you will find the strength to stick with it - somehow even if it doesn't feel like it right away. YOU are worth it.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
CrossFit and the Warrior Within
By Lisbeth Darsh
(from CrossFit Fairfax Blog)
Most of us are not Marines or Navy SEALs. Not all of us are cops or firefighters. Most of us don’t live heroic lives or even talk about bravery in any real context. We know little of real need, and less of sacrifice. Instead of facing danger daily, most of us face boredom daily; there is too much of everything in America. We have wants and large appetites. Discipline is relegated to putting half a teaspoon of sugar in our tea, or buying a smaller car to save on gas, or skipping dessert. Like it or not, this is modern-day America. We are not warriors. Yet, within our microcosm of daily abundance, we CrossFit. We willingly subject ourselves to a rigorous, demanding program that brings us to our knees. Why?Why CrossFit? Why not just go to a globo-gym and use the cupholder on the elliptical and watch the mindless television on the treadmill and push ourselves only as hard as we feel like? Why not take the easy path? Why subject ourselves to an hour of agony each day, alone in our garages, or in a group at an affiliate, driven by some crazed trainer who asks questions like, “Doesn’t that suck?” And when we gasp, “Yes!” she laughs and hoots, “Faster!” Why take the sweat-soaked, muscle-aching, tear-producing, hand-tremoring path of pain and perseverance that goes by the name CrossFit?
Because we must. Because CrossFit hurts. Because it makes us cry. Because it really sucks. Because it is the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do. Because it is the easiest thing we’ve ever had to do. Because we hate it. Because we love it. Because, ultimately, we want to know what courage really is. Because, in all of our time on this planet, we have never once put our lives on the line and learned what it really, really means to be afraid and step forward anyway. Because in the darkest depths of our workouts, in the minute of greatest pain, in that last ten Burpees of the Filthy Fifty, in the last Clean of “Linda”, in that airless, starry moment when we place one foot over the edge of the cliff and walk forward to see if the very clouds themselves will hold us up, in that moment – that moment alone — we are truly alive.
Matraca Berg sang it best: “Leap. And a net will appear.” That net is us – the person we didn’t know we could be, the warrior within, the conqueror unleashed – that very part of us that forces perseverance, that demands discipline, no matter the consequences. CrossFit brings us to that place inside of ourselves.
In this plush, overfed part of the world that we live in, CrossFit strips us to the bone and lets us see the very marrow of our souls. And what lies there, inside of us, is not always pretty. Sometimes it is a bitter heart, or a quitter’s attitude, or a cheater’s nature. It is raw and revealed and naked. But it is us. It is who we are, who we were, and, most importantly, who we will be if we do not work harder. In that realization of our own inadequacies, however, lies our very salvation. For, within the confines of the Workout of the Day, if we’re lucky, in that moment of dedication and drive, in that frenzy of encouragement, support, and love for our fellow CrossFitters, we also catch a glimpse of our very best selves – and, if we’re observant, we see it in others too. Through our CrossFitting efforts, we see who we could become, with a little more effort, a little more honesty, and a little more courage. Just like a faster 5K time, that better self is within our grasp; if we try hard enough, if we do the work, if we believe. Try. Work. Believe.
This is the true challenge: to use CrossFit to become a better person, not just at CrossFit, but in life. Allow CrossFit to awaken that warrior within and then use this force to make a difference. How do we do this? By not settling for the easy option. By not using the phrase “good enough.” By learning to use — to live — words like “serve” and “sacrifice” and “community.” By doing the right thing. Always. Even when it hurts the most. Especially when it hurts the most. By living our lives so that thorough examination of our actions reveals only character, prudence, and honor. By living as a warrior should. Now, more than ever, in this overindulgent society of ours, we need warriors. We cannot continue to expect our warrior class – our Marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen, cops, and firefighters – to bear the entire burden of protecting the very fabric of our society. We all, in small ways, must do what we can in our communities to uphold values like honesty and justice and responsibility. We must be warriors in our hearts, willing to fight for what is right, and to face the enemy, even when the enemy is us. When we CrossFit, maybe in some small way, we take that first step toward mentally joining the warrior class. And then, hopefully, we take another step. Hopefully, we inspire those around us to join us in what could be described as a crusade for a better society, a better nation, and a better world. The future really is in our hands.Leap. And the net will appear.
(from CrossFit Fairfax Blog)
Most of us are not Marines or Navy SEALs. Not all of us are cops or firefighters. Most of us don’t live heroic lives or even talk about bravery in any real context. We know little of real need, and less of sacrifice. Instead of facing danger daily, most of us face boredom daily; there is too much of everything in America. We have wants and large appetites. Discipline is relegated to putting half a teaspoon of sugar in our tea, or buying a smaller car to save on gas, or skipping dessert. Like it or not, this is modern-day America. We are not warriors. Yet, within our microcosm of daily abundance, we CrossFit. We willingly subject ourselves to a rigorous, demanding program that brings us to our knees. Why?Why CrossFit? Why not just go to a globo-gym and use the cupholder on the elliptical and watch the mindless television on the treadmill and push ourselves only as hard as we feel like? Why not take the easy path? Why subject ourselves to an hour of agony each day, alone in our garages, or in a group at an affiliate, driven by some crazed trainer who asks questions like, “Doesn’t that suck?” And when we gasp, “Yes!” she laughs and hoots, “Faster!” Why take the sweat-soaked, muscle-aching, tear-producing, hand-tremoring path of pain and perseverance that goes by the name CrossFit?
Because we must. Because CrossFit hurts. Because it makes us cry. Because it really sucks. Because it is the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do. Because it is the easiest thing we’ve ever had to do. Because we hate it. Because we love it. Because, ultimately, we want to know what courage really is. Because, in all of our time on this planet, we have never once put our lives on the line and learned what it really, really means to be afraid and step forward anyway. Because in the darkest depths of our workouts, in the minute of greatest pain, in that last ten Burpees of the Filthy Fifty, in the last Clean of “Linda”, in that airless, starry moment when we place one foot over the edge of the cliff and walk forward to see if the very clouds themselves will hold us up, in that moment – that moment alone — we are truly alive.
Matraca Berg sang it best: “Leap. And a net will appear.” That net is us – the person we didn’t know we could be, the warrior within, the conqueror unleashed – that very part of us that forces perseverance, that demands discipline, no matter the consequences. CrossFit brings us to that place inside of ourselves.
In this plush, overfed part of the world that we live in, CrossFit strips us to the bone and lets us see the very marrow of our souls. And what lies there, inside of us, is not always pretty. Sometimes it is a bitter heart, or a quitter’s attitude, or a cheater’s nature. It is raw and revealed and naked. But it is us. It is who we are, who we were, and, most importantly, who we will be if we do not work harder. In that realization of our own inadequacies, however, lies our very salvation. For, within the confines of the Workout of the Day, if we’re lucky, in that moment of dedication and drive, in that frenzy of encouragement, support, and love for our fellow CrossFitters, we also catch a glimpse of our very best selves – and, if we’re observant, we see it in others too. Through our CrossFitting efforts, we see who we could become, with a little more effort, a little more honesty, and a little more courage. Just like a faster 5K time, that better self is within our grasp; if we try hard enough, if we do the work, if we believe. Try. Work. Believe.
This is the true challenge: to use CrossFit to become a better person, not just at CrossFit, but in life. Allow CrossFit to awaken that warrior within and then use this force to make a difference. How do we do this? By not settling for the easy option. By not using the phrase “good enough.” By learning to use — to live — words like “serve” and “sacrifice” and “community.” By doing the right thing. Always. Even when it hurts the most. Especially when it hurts the most. By living our lives so that thorough examination of our actions reveals only character, prudence, and honor. By living as a warrior should. Now, more than ever, in this overindulgent society of ours, we need warriors. We cannot continue to expect our warrior class – our Marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen, cops, and firefighters – to bear the entire burden of protecting the very fabric of our society. We all, in small ways, must do what we can in our communities to uphold values like honesty and justice and responsibility. We must be warriors in our hearts, willing to fight for what is right, and to face the enemy, even when the enemy is us. When we CrossFit, maybe in some small way, we take that first step toward mentally joining the warrior class. And then, hopefully, we take another step. Hopefully, we inspire those around us to join us in what could be described as a crusade for a better society, a better nation, and a better world. The future really is in our hands.Leap. And the net will appear.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Springtime Energy
It is definitely springtime, yet it is hard to believe that the mornings are still so chilly. It seems like winter has lasted forever because the first days of cold began way back in October. The cold and rain have been keeping so many cooped up inside, hoping for warmer and drier days. I know that many have been saying "I REFUSE to go running in the cold even one more day!!" (I'm one who has been saying that). Sometimes it just feels hard to push yourself day after day after day, when for months on end the weather has been not so cooperative for the every day runner!
But, I believe we are now over the hump and are ready to ride smoothly into some beautiful days of running! Even if it rains, it will still feel good because it will be warmer. The exhilaration of being outdoors, running with the cool breeze, hearing the wonderful sounds of brand new birds singing their songs, smelling the amazing scents of the blossoming flowers! AHHHH....I am at ease just imagining it all. It makes me want to throw on my running shoes, get the leash on my dog, and head out for one of those long slow runs!
Spring is the time for everything to be renewed and come alive! Us included. What were those health and fitness goals you were thinking of on New Years that you set on a shelf when the cold would never let up? Now is the time to pull them back out and start focusing on them again.
During the winter I pushed on through the drudgery and used CrossFit to energize me and keep me going. It has done the job! Not only did it give me something new and challenging to look forward to each and every day during the toughest part of winter, it motivated me to reach new goals and accomplish new things. The amazing thing is not just how CrossFit has been transforming my body and my general fitness (I can now do 15 pull ups in a row), but how it has also transformed my running.
When I began CrossFitting back in December 2008 my average 3 mile pace was around 10:30, 10:00 on a great day if I was pushing it, 11:00 on a tougher day. Today, my average 3 mile pace has reached as low as 8:29 on a great day, and 9:00 on a slower day! All that while running LESS miles since the end of January.
Add the advent of Spring and a renewed energy lifting my spirits to my recent CrossFit accomplishments, and I can't wait to see what there is to come. Maybe an 8:00 pace on a great day? How about 25 pull ups? Maybe 20 sets as Rx'd in a Cindy workout? There is no telling what can be achieved with a little push, a lot of excitement, some good weather to boost your spirits, and great friends to cheer you on!
LET'S DO THIS!!!
But, I believe we are now over the hump and are ready to ride smoothly into some beautiful days of running! Even if it rains, it will still feel good because it will be warmer. The exhilaration of being outdoors, running with the cool breeze, hearing the wonderful sounds of brand new birds singing their songs, smelling the amazing scents of the blossoming flowers! AHHHH....I am at ease just imagining it all. It makes me want to throw on my running shoes, get the leash on my dog, and head out for one of those long slow runs!
Spring is the time for everything to be renewed and come alive! Us included. What were those health and fitness goals you were thinking of on New Years that you set on a shelf when the cold would never let up? Now is the time to pull them back out and start focusing on them again.
During the winter I pushed on through the drudgery and used CrossFit to energize me and keep me going. It has done the job! Not only did it give me something new and challenging to look forward to each and every day during the toughest part of winter, it motivated me to reach new goals and accomplish new things. The amazing thing is not just how CrossFit has been transforming my body and my general fitness (I can now do 15 pull ups in a row), but how it has also transformed my running.
When I began CrossFitting back in December 2008 my average 3 mile pace was around 10:30, 10:00 on a great day if I was pushing it, 11:00 on a tougher day. Today, my average 3 mile pace has reached as low as 8:29 on a great day, and 9:00 on a slower day! All that while running LESS miles since the end of January.
Add the advent of Spring and a renewed energy lifting my spirits to my recent CrossFit accomplishments, and I can't wait to see what there is to come. Maybe an 8:00 pace on a great day? How about 25 pull ups? Maybe 20 sets as Rx'd in a Cindy workout? There is no telling what can be achieved with a little push, a lot of excitement, some good weather to boost your spirits, and great friends to cheer you on!
LET'S DO THIS!!!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
It's a New Season and I'm turning 40 this year
Our newest season is officially underway and now it is time to get serious. Serious about our goals, serious about running, serious about getting to know some new people, but most of all, serious about having some FUN!!!
Our group is now 70 strong. We've lost a few folks, which is sad. But, we've gained some new (and really great) people!
I love the start of a new season. The fresh, new smiling faces. The familiar, friendly faces. The excitement and renewed energy of them all. It is infectious! You can't help but get excited about meeting up with everyone to run when everyone is happy and ready to go! If you miss a day, you might miss out on something. At least that is the feeling.
I love hearing about everyone's goals, the new PRs they want to set, all the new things they want to achieve. It makes me want to do something new too. What will it be? Will I run more or less? Will I run harder or easier? Will I start swimming and cycling, and do a Triathlon? I honestly don't know yet! So far the only goal I've set for fitness is to get serious about my diet and CrossFit. I want to get my overall fitness in to peak condition, and then see what else I can do beyond that. Having overall fitness topped out will help with everything else that I might want to do. Maybe I really will run an Ultramarathon during the year I turn 40 (between 7/2009 and 7/2010).
I sit back and remember the year that I turned 30 - 1999. I hated that year and that birthday. I was in the best shape of my life (to that point) and I had 3 amazing daughters. Yet something was still missing. It wasn't something that I didn't "have", it was more fear of the future. Not believing in myself, not feeling like I had accomplished much, and feeling as if I hadn't done much to make a difference in this world. I had no purpose.
Since that time so much has changed. I found purpose, to find a way to try to change the lives of as many people as I can through fitness. I want to help them build their self-esteem through running and fitness. Getting fit can give someone a confidence they've never had before, and when that happens the possibilities are endless. Believing in yourself, believing that you can overcome challenges, it changes your life. I found that through fitness, and since that time have had "purpose" in my life.
So, regardless of what I choose to do, this year, one thing I will keep doing is living out my "purpose". And so far this is shaping up to be one of my best years yet. I'm looking forward to all there is to come.
Bring it on 40's....I'm ready for you!
Our group is now 70 strong. We've lost a few folks, which is sad. But, we've gained some new (and really great) people!
I love the start of a new season. The fresh, new smiling faces. The familiar, friendly faces. The excitement and renewed energy of them all. It is infectious! You can't help but get excited about meeting up with everyone to run when everyone is happy and ready to go! If you miss a day, you might miss out on something. At least that is the feeling.
I love hearing about everyone's goals, the new PRs they want to set, all the new things they want to achieve. It makes me want to do something new too. What will it be? Will I run more or less? Will I run harder or easier? Will I start swimming and cycling, and do a Triathlon? I honestly don't know yet! So far the only goal I've set for fitness is to get serious about my diet and CrossFit. I want to get my overall fitness in to peak condition, and then see what else I can do beyond that. Having overall fitness topped out will help with everything else that I might want to do. Maybe I really will run an Ultramarathon during the year I turn 40 (between 7/2009 and 7/2010).
I sit back and remember the year that I turned 30 - 1999. I hated that year and that birthday. I was in the best shape of my life (to that point) and I had 3 amazing daughters. Yet something was still missing. It wasn't something that I didn't "have", it was more fear of the future. Not believing in myself, not feeling like I had accomplished much, and feeling as if I hadn't done much to make a difference in this world. I had no purpose.
Since that time so much has changed. I found purpose, to find a way to try to change the lives of as many people as I can through fitness. I want to help them build their self-esteem through running and fitness. Getting fit can give someone a confidence they've never had before, and when that happens the possibilities are endless. Believing in yourself, believing that you can overcome challenges, it changes your life. I found that through fitness, and since that time have had "purpose" in my life.
So, regardless of what I choose to do, this year, one thing I will keep doing is living out my "purpose". And so far this is shaping up to be one of my best years yet. I'm looking forward to all there is to come.
Bring it on 40's....I'm ready for you!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon
Well, we finally completed our Season's final goal - the ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon. Four of us finished the full Marathon, three finished the Half Marathon. It was the first Full for 2 people, and the first Half for 2 people. It was awesome to have everyone achieve their goal - to FINISH!!!
Racing is a difficult thing. You can train and train, yet you just never know what race day will bring. Sometimes you wake up feeling amazing and ready to reach a new PR, yet sometimes you wake up and feel the dread of impending "defeat" (whether its valid or not). For me, I woke up Sunday morning feeling good but as we walked out of our condo towards the start area my fuel belt felt like it weighed 10 pounds. It never feels like that. It didn't occur to me immediately that the heaviness of my belt would be an indication of how I would feel during the race, but it sure came back to me later!
I had intended on running a 10 minute pace for the first couple of miles, and walking with every water stop or mile marker. Instead, I felt pretty good so started out averaging a 9:30 pace. I started the walk breaks early, because I wanted to make sure I conserved some energy. I figured that if I could hold a 9:30 pace WITH my walk breaks then I would be sure to finish in 4 hrs 10 mins. By the halfway point I was definitely not holding my 9:30 pace and my hamstrings were already starting to get really sore. This was not good.
Every mile saw me getting slower and slower, and by mile 20 I was taking walk breaks not just every mile but every half mile - at the water stops AND the mile markers!! Sigh.....this was not what I had planned. I tried to cheer up and enjoy the scenery around me, but at about that point I think the city had their fill of the race and the people stuck in their cars at the intersections were blaring their horns and cussing out the runners and police officers. It was getting "hot" out, and I was so naseous that I couldn't drink any sports drinks or water. I resorted to rubbing on the BioFreeze to cover up the aching in my hamstrings and calves. Since I couldn't drink anything I started swishing water and spitting it out so that I could at least "feel" hydrated!
I guess it was around mile 23 when there were young kids handing out sponges out of a big bucket of nice, cold water. I HAPPILY took one, but as I wiped it across my face realized that one side of the sponge was scratchy. Combine the scratchy side of a sponge with the huge amounts of salt on my face (from sweating) and you have one very painful instant exfoliation! Not exactly what I wanted during my Marathon! But, I figured it out quickly and the soft side of the sponge felt so good I carried it with me to replenish with water at the remaining water stops!
During the race I had seen "Elvis" several times, but somehow during the last 3 miles of this race we kept passing each other. He was having fun getting all the shouts and cheers, but I was annoyed because I kept having to look at his butt with his pink or orange underwear showing through his white pants. So, I decided that I just couldn't have Elvis beating me in this Marathon! It was my motivation to keep running and stop letting the exhaustion and aches and pains make me want to sit down and whine! I think that I actually did beat him, if only by a minute.
For the first time ever, I finished a marathon feeling like crap, not just physcially but emotionally. Usually there is a sense of elation just to have finished! This time it was odd. It was like the negativity of the angry crowd stuck in traffic had washed over me. I just wanted it to be OVER!!! But, after getting my food and goodies, I went back to the tent and my friends eventually found me. After getting to relax, I started to feel better and started to feel happier about the race.
No, I didn't finish as fast as I wanted. I was, in fact, at least 20 minutes slower than I had wanted to be. Yet, considering how much pain I was in back in October during the Steamtown Marathon, and this time my knee wasn't even really hurting at all (just achy by about the 23rd mile), I realized this was actually a good race. October wasn't that long ago, and it took me a good two months for my knee to stop hurting, and I've now just run another Marathon and it didn't hurt at all!
So, I guess it isn't always about speed! I can whine all day that I didn't run 20 minutes faster, but the fact is - I FINISHED and I finished without injury! My strength training is working because I am getting stronger and I am recovering incredibly fast! Besides that, I was there with friends, and being able to share the triumphs and disappointments together - that is what REALLY mattered!!
Its not about the speed....its about the friendships, the small successes, and just having fun!!!
Racing is a difficult thing. You can train and train, yet you just never know what race day will bring. Sometimes you wake up feeling amazing and ready to reach a new PR, yet sometimes you wake up and feel the dread of impending "defeat" (whether its valid or not). For me, I woke up Sunday morning feeling good but as we walked out of our condo towards the start area my fuel belt felt like it weighed 10 pounds. It never feels like that. It didn't occur to me immediately that the heaviness of my belt would be an indication of how I would feel during the race, but it sure came back to me later!
I had intended on running a 10 minute pace for the first couple of miles, and walking with every water stop or mile marker. Instead, I felt pretty good so started out averaging a 9:30 pace. I started the walk breaks early, because I wanted to make sure I conserved some energy. I figured that if I could hold a 9:30 pace WITH my walk breaks then I would be sure to finish in 4 hrs 10 mins. By the halfway point I was definitely not holding my 9:30 pace and my hamstrings were already starting to get really sore. This was not good.
Every mile saw me getting slower and slower, and by mile 20 I was taking walk breaks not just every mile but every half mile - at the water stops AND the mile markers!! Sigh.....this was not what I had planned. I tried to cheer up and enjoy the scenery around me, but at about that point I think the city had their fill of the race and the people stuck in their cars at the intersections were blaring their horns and cussing out the runners and police officers. It was getting "hot" out, and I was so naseous that I couldn't drink any sports drinks or water. I resorted to rubbing on the BioFreeze to cover up the aching in my hamstrings and calves. Since I couldn't drink anything I started swishing water and spitting it out so that I could at least "feel" hydrated!
I guess it was around mile 23 when there were young kids handing out sponges out of a big bucket of nice, cold water. I HAPPILY took one, but as I wiped it across my face realized that one side of the sponge was scratchy. Combine the scratchy side of a sponge with the huge amounts of salt on my face (from sweating) and you have one very painful instant exfoliation! Not exactly what I wanted during my Marathon! But, I figured it out quickly and the soft side of the sponge felt so good I carried it with me to replenish with water at the remaining water stops!
During the race I had seen "Elvis" several times, but somehow during the last 3 miles of this race we kept passing each other. He was having fun getting all the shouts and cheers, but I was annoyed because I kept having to look at his butt with his pink or orange underwear showing through his white pants. So, I decided that I just couldn't have Elvis beating me in this Marathon! It was my motivation to keep running and stop letting the exhaustion and aches and pains make me want to sit down and whine! I think that I actually did beat him, if only by a minute.
For the first time ever, I finished a marathon feeling like crap, not just physcially but emotionally. Usually there is a sense of elation just to have finished! This time it was odd. It was like the negativity of the angry crowd stuck in traffic had washed over me. I just wanted it to be OVER!!! But, after getting my food and goodies, I went back to the tent and my friends eventually found me. After getting to relax, I started to feel better and started to feel happier about the race.
No, I didn't finish as fast as I wanted. I was, in fact, at least 20 minutes slower than I had wanted to be. Yet, considering how much pain I was in back in October during the Steamtown Marathon, and this time my knee wasn't even really hurting at all (just achy by about the 23rd mile), I realized this was actually a good race. October wasn't that long ago, and it took me a good two months for my knee to stop hurting, and I've now just run another Marathon and it didn't hurt at all!
So, I guess it isn't always about speed! I can whine all day that I didn't run 20 minutes faster, but the fact is - I FINISHED and I finished without injury! My strength training is working because I am getting stronger and I am recovering incredibly fast! Besides that, I was there with friends, and being able to share the triumphs and disappointments together - that is what REALLY mattered!!
Its not about the speed....its about the friendships, the small successes, and just having fun!!!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Overall Fitness
This weekend will basically "tell the tale". I've been working hard the last few months trying to improve my overall fitness, instead of just focusing on running and running alone. My intent is to try to improve my running by improving every other aspect of my fitness. I've seen the results and I certainly feel the results. This weekend will be a TEST of the results....by running the ING Miami Marathon and hopefully running it better than the last few of my marathons.
Since 7/28/08 I've gone from 131/2 lbs. and 28% body fat down to 123 lbs and 20% body fat. I feel wonderful, my energy levels are at "high" most of the time (when I sleep good), and I just FEEL happier and better. I love the feeling of my clothes being loose, and I love seeing the changes in my body. I've got muscles where everything had begun getting flabby again. I'm seeing the hint of that ever elusive 6-pack that I never fully achieved but once came close to having (maybe this time I'll actually get it!). I'm strong and can actually do a few pull ups, which I never even tried doing before even when I was at my most fit.
There is most certainly something to be said for MAKING time in your schedule for even a short workout. When I first started working out this way, I asked my Trainer (Jerome) if a 10-20 minute workout was really going to be enough. I was so skeptical. I was of the school of thought that it took an hour or two a day, at least 6 days a week, of heavy lifting to get the fitness I desired. I couldn't have been more wrong.
My workouts range between 10 and 30 minutes, but more often than not are around 20 minutes. It isn't the time I spend working out - it is what I DO while working out. My short workouts are intense, and they work! Too bad I was only doing this 1 or 2 days a week for the first two months. Its only been since about November that I stepped it up to 3 or more days a week. I should have started sooner.
That is why even if I have an "average" Marathon time, compared to my other Marathons, I will still be pleased. The true test will come this fall when I run an October Marathon after taking the next few months to REALLY focus on my overall fitness. I'm going to have fun doing CrossFit, take the pressure out of running, and head into my 40th birthday being in the best shape of my entire life!
That's the goal for the year, and I INTEND and EXPECT to achieve it. GET SOME!!!
Since 7/28/08 I've gone from 131/2 lbs. and 28% body fat down to 123 lbs and 20% body fat. I feel wonderful, my energy levels are at "high" most of the time (when I sleep good), and I just FEEL happier and better. I love the feeling of my clothes being loose, and I love seeing the changes in my body. I've got muscles where everything had begun getting flabby again. I'm seeing the hint of that ever elusive 6-pack that I never fully achieved but once came close to having (maybe this time I'll actually get it!). I'm strong and can actually do a few pull ups, which I never even tried doing before even when I was at my most fit.
There is most certainly something to be said for MAKING time in your schedule for even a short workout. When I first started working out this way, I asked my Trainer (Jerome) if a 10-20 minute workout was really going to be enough. I was so skeptical. I was of the school of thought that it took an hour or two a day, at least 6 days a week, of heavy lifting to get the fitness I desired. I couldn't have been more wrong.
My workouts range between 10 and 30 minutes, but more often than not are around 20 minutes. It isn't the time I spend working out - it is what I DO while working out. My short workouts are intense, and they work! Too bad I was only doing this 1 or 2 days a week for the first two months. Its only been since about November that I stepped it up to 3 or more days a week. I should have started sooner.
That is why even if I have an "average" Marathon time, compared to my other Marathons, I will still be pleased. The true test will come this fall when I run an October Marathon after taking the next few months to REALLY focus on my overall fitness. I'm going to have fun doing CrossFit, take the pressure out of running, and head into my 40th birthday being in the best shape of my entire life!
That's the goal for the year, and I INTEND and EXPECT to achieve it. GET SOME!!!
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