My NYC Marathon 2015 Adventure - 26.2 miles to shedding your doubts

Guess it’s time to get this post done! It’s been 5 days since the marathon and my body is finally feeling back to normal.  Tuesday was the worst.  They say the 2^nd day after a big effort is when DOMS hits and believe me… IT DID!  I was so glad I had taken that day off work also.  We didn’t get back home until late Monday night and from the travel and marathon I was basically worn out.  

So here goes the details (it's long so be prepared.. ha):

We arrive in NYC Friday around 5:50pm. I had hoped to catch the ending of the opening ceremonies of the marathon but due to the World Series baseball game and tons of people arriving for the marathon it took us 2X as long to get from airport to our hotel. We arrived after 8pm! I was starving. However, my husband was dealing with bad bout of diverticulitis. It was so bad the night before we left that he debated on me taking him to the ER at midnight.  I was so concerned about him traveling and even told him before we left that morning that I would just go alone. However, he kindly told me he was going and would try not to be a distraction.  I wanted to really cry now.  He knew I needed to focus and not worry about him so he planned to try not to let me know how bad he felt.  So when we arrived at hotel finally all he wanted to do was go to bed. I knew I needed to be eating, but I didn't want to leave him. I had brought some cookies and protein bars in my bag so I grabbed a pack of cookies.  I slept really well for it to be the first night in a hotel. I guess because I had limited sleep during the week with dealing with my husband sick for several days. 

Saturday morning  - I wanted to get to the expo right when it opened at 9am to try to beat the crowd. I had read that so many people would make it into town Saturday around lunch to pick up their bib so it was good to go early. I arrived right on time but so did a million other people. It was so very crowded and HOT!

I had dressed warm because it was 45 degrees when I left the hotel for my 1.3 mile walk to the expo. I tried to shed a few long sleeves but had nowhere to put them so I ended up buying an Asics marathon backpack. I was so mad I left my St Jude backpack in the room.  I ended up buying several items. I really wanted the official marathon jacket. And I got it! For me, it was like I was doing Boston. Which NYC marathon was the biggest last year in the US with over 50,000 finishers!

 I tried to not spend too much time on my feet at the expo because I knew I needed to save my legs for the race on Sunday. I had left my husband in the room and told him I'd be back around lunch. I sure was hoping he would feel better. I quickly grab a picture with one of my team mates on Team Run4TheKids.  We had never officially meet and I was glad to finally be able to do that.  He’s a big marathoner.  He runs several a year.

When I arrived back at hotel my husband still wasn't feeling real good so I decided to take a nap. I had pre-purchased pasta in the park tickets for 5pm and hoped he would be able to go. I really wanted to take in the full marathon experience. I've ran races where you just show up and run.  But when I've done St. Jude in the past and attended the pasta dinner it just makes the whole experience much more memorable.  After my nap, I asked my husband if he felt like walking to the park. He said yes so off we went. It was a truly a beautiful night. It was chilly but the chill felt great. Plus the pasta in the park was at Central Park at the Tavern on the Green. Beautiful setting with lots of lights in the trees. We sat on the patio and it was amazing. The food was hot and very good. You could even go back for more if you liked. The volunteers working were awesome.

They had a cheer line you walked thru going inside where they all gave me a high 5 you and wished me luck. It was super! We headed straight back to room afterwards so I could get in the bed. Sunday was going to be a long day! However we took a different street heading back and ended up right at St. Patrick’s Cathedral so you know I had to stop.  It’s a beautiful church!  We went inside and I sat and prayed. 

I’m not catholic and I know that I can pray anywhere and God hears me, but being inside a church makes it feel a little different in my opinion.  I prayed that Gary would get better and that I would have the endurance to finish the race.  We both sat quietly for several minutes in the church then headed on to the room.

Sunday.... Up at 5am.. Coffee.. Get dressed... Head out to catch my bus right outside my hotel at 6:30am. When the NYRR marathon organization sent me my info packet where I had to pick my race morning transportation which was bus or ferry, I chose bus since it picked up at my hotel. I figured that would be easiest route with me being from out of town. Let me just say that the marathon workers are very strict. I had to show my bib a million times just to get on the bus! And when I walked out, apparently that bus stop was for several hotels…not just mine. The line was a mile long. I had to walk around the block to get in the end of the line. It took 45 minutes to board the bus. Right before you could board there was another security check point... Show bib again and they checked your bags. You were issued a specific bag in which all the instructions said you would only be allowed into start Village with that bag. I’m not sure why some people want to buck the system. Two guys in front of me did not have the proper bag. They were made to dump their bag right there at the gate. One of them empty all his prerace food and toted it in by hand. So it was 7:15 heading to Staten Island. Somehow I ended up on a bus with Brazil and France runners. I think I was the only person that spoke English on the bus! With no one to talk to, I tried to use the time to pray and get my mental focus on. However, one lady In a very bright yellow shirt with Brazil written across it sitting in the back of the bus directly behind me was screaming at another person at the front of the bus most of the one hour ride! I so wished I had picked the ferry as my transportation. You could see nothing on the bus! We went thru tunnels and I was on the inside seat not by the window. 

When we arrived at the start village we had to wait in line for several busses to unload before it was our turn to unload. Once off the bus, I followed the crowd to what looked like a big gate entrance. There were security guards everywhere.  The closer I got to where I could see, I realized it was like an airport TSA check. Everyone had to be screened and they were checking bags and bib numbers again!! I can honestly say it felt like I showed my bib a million times before the race ever started.  Once inside it was huge and very confusing with so many people walking around. I needed to find the blue corral so I was looking hard. I knew I had plenty of time before my wave started but I wanted to find my corral and get settled. I hate being late. Drives me crazy.  Blue corral was what seemed like a half mile walk to the left. I was so happy to finally get there. People were laying all over the ground. It reminded me of a refugee camp. Some were asleep. I walked directly up to the corral gate and the nice lady working told me that I couldn't go in yet. Only wave 1 was allowed. So I asked her what I was to do and she said find a spot and sit here in the staging area. You will be allowed when they call your corral. Now I understand why people were laying all over the ground. We were all waiting. Ha I quickly scanned the area and find me an empty spot on the grass close the fence. I saw people that were propped up against the fence and that looked better than just sitting on the ground. It was now around 9 am. My wave was not till 11 so I had plenty of time to sit and wait. I wondered why they make you travel there so early to just wait. I had to catch bus by 6:30am or find my on way to Staten Island which would have been crazy on race morning. I did see people rushing in when their wave was closing and they would beg the worker to let them in. Some got in and others were told they had to wait till the next wave. I was laying there on the ground at that point so glad I was early. I was right where I needed to be.

It turned out to not be as cold as past races so I was comfy. I had worried about wasting energy to stay warm before the race. Everything I had read said that gloves, at hat, and throw away clothes were a must while you wait. I saw one woman that had nothing but her race clothes (shorts) on and she was shivering the whole time. I felt so sorry for her. When wave 1 started and people shed their clothes, she quickly grabbed a few things that were thrown down on the ground. I was so happy to see her get warm. I tried to talk to her and offer her something, but she kept saying ... NO ENGLISH!  

I really enjoyed just watching and observing people. The excitement was indescribable. I read my note cards my sweet friends made me and prayed. I also ate my peanut butter sandwich, drank a Gatorade, had a half a bagel, and a cup of hot tea. They had tents throughout the village where you could get tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and bagels. I felt so relaxed when they called for my wave. It was now 11am and it was warming up. The sun was trying to come out but kept hiding behind the clouds. I quickly got up, discarded all my extra clothes and entered my gate to the start. It was loud. Everyone was cheering and ready to go. We were the last wave of the race. Luckily I was in C and not Z so I was at the front of the line to start.  The announcer made announcements, someone sang the national anthem and then the cannon fired. Off we went. 

I had read several blogs that runners who had ran the race gave very detailed instructions on the course. I knew the first bridge (Verrazano-Narrows Bridge)

was right out the start gate and it was a steady 1 mile climb, but I was pumped. I was amazed to see two helicopters flying over as we started up the bridge. I had read about it but it so different being there in person. I felt like I was in a movie. My body felt great. I was glad to have done my taper. Plus I was on the top level of the bridge!!! I had worried about being on the bottom level and getting peed on.  Which they say that really isn’t true..but you never know.  Mile one clicked and I had ran it in 9 minutes. I was like .... Oh no... Slow down.... Remember those that start out fast don't have anything left for the end and from everything I had read, I needed energy for the last 5 miles of hills going to the finish. So I slowed my pace way down. I had to remind myself again once we came off the bridge into Brooklyn.  The crowd was HUGE.  It was flat and easy to get caught up in the crowd cheering you.  They say some runners lose it here and will start flying and waste so much of their energy that they need to save for the end.  I kept playing that over and over in my head….. Don’t get caught up in the excitement…pace yourself… you’ll be glad for it at the end.  But it sure was hard!!! Sometimes I’d look down at my watch and be right at an 8 min mile, and would have to slow down to almost a walk to regain my steady average pace.

When I reached the 5K mark, my time was 32 minutes. I felt good and decided to try to maintain that pace. It was comfy. No breathing hard, no exerting, just running and enjoying all the people on the streets cheering.  And let me just say…..when they say 1 million people cheer you…. It’s REAL! There was not an inch of the entire 26.2 miles, except for the bridge where they wouldn’t allow people that was not covered by fans cheering, and bands playing.  It was the most unbelievable thing I’ve ever seen in a race!

Brooklyn is where you run the most miles on the 26.2 mile course.  It takes you to the half way mark (13.1 miles) where you cross another bridge (Pulaski) into the borough of Queens.  I was at a total time of 2:14 (which is a 10:16 min pace).  I still felt really good. Not pushing it. I started to think that I may just run another 4:30 or maybe 1-2 minutes better. However, I kept warning myself to get time off my mind. Run easy... Remember another marathon is just 4 weeks after this one. So I stayed right where I was at on pace. 

Around mile 16 another bridge (59^th Street – bridge #3)

and my legs were getting tired.  Not to mention this was yet another hill and no one is allowed on this bridge.  It gets really eerily silent on this bridge.  The wall was hitting me now. The bridge was very quiet because no fans were allowed on the bridge to cheer us. It was another mile long bridge that is sort of enclosed.  It’s not the pretty part of the course.  I was thankful for my tunes at this time. I wondered why I hadn't gotten my cheers thru motigo yet. However most parts of the town so far were so loud with people cheering that I couldn't even hear my music so I figured maybe I had missed some. I was hoping the app would save them for me cause I so wanted to hear them so badly.  Coming off this bridge I was rushed with cheers for the next three miles.  It’s was incredible.  The crowds here carry you to the next bridge (Willis Avenue #4) which connects you to the Bronx.  The crowds here must really know that you are hitting that wall because they are even louder than the ones before.  People are holding all sorts of signs that will make you laugh out loud while running. 

Well, somewhere between 17-18 mile markers, my earbuds beeped and I heard a message that said battery low. I started to freak out! I figured now my phone will die and I'll have no tunes to carry me those last hard miles. I hoped the crowd would continue to be as great as it had been because I was going to need it. I had packed my extra power box for my phone in my flip belt but forgot to plug it into my phone. So I tried while jogging to get the dang phone and battery out of my flip belt but my belt was so wet from sweat and getting a dang iPhone 6 Plus out of that thing is hard so I had to stop and walk. Too me several minutes to get the phone out, plug the battery in, and get the phone back in my flip belt. I started running again and nothing. No sounds from my earbuds. I was so mad! This was my first time to run with blue tooth earbuds so I got to thinking that if my phone had died completely (I didn't check when I took it out) that maybe I needed to reconnect Bluetooth to my earbuds. So I had to stop and walk again! I got the phone out and the Bluetooth was not connected so I reconnected and there was music. Praise Jesus. But then I had to worry with that phone in a zip lock bag trying to get it back in my flip belt so I could run. Another several minutes lost walking. Grrrrr.  I finally got it back in and had not even ran a half mile and again the message... BATTERY LOW!  I was like you've got to be kidding me. I just hooked my battery to my phone and it normally works great. I have used it several times. So again I walked and got my phone out. It was fine. It was at this point I realized my battery on my phone said 78%, which there was no way my backup battery had charged it that fast so I realized it had to of been my earbuds all along saying low battery! So I took them out of my ear to look at the buttons which flash different colors. And yes, they were dead!! Oh I was furious. I had recently purchased them and the box said the battery should last 6-8 hours. I figured it would be plenty for the marathon. I didn't even use them while waiting to start. The only thing I can guess is maybe they got turned on in my suitcase or the battery wasn't fully charged or the info on box is just plain false. 

Oh and let me say that the water stations were covered with cups all over the ground.  Just imagine 50,000 people getting a sip of water and dropping their cup! They also gave out wet sponges at one point and the ground was covered in sponges.  You really had to watch where you stepped.  There was even a man with a rake at one water stop trying to rake up the cups quickly in between burst of runners. 

So here I am around mike 18-19 with no earbuds to get cheers from my friends and no music!! AND guess what happens?? I was grabbing a water and a guy came running up behind me and stepped on the back/side of my foot. Took my shoe completely off and turned my foot in a weird motion. I thought I was going to fall but caught myself (and sometimes that can make you so sore... Straining to stay upright).  He did stop and come back to check on me. Which he didn't speak English. Just kept saying .. Ok?? I had to sit down on the curb and put my shoe on. If you've ever ran a long distance, you know to stop and bend down hurts!! I got back up and started to run thinking to myself how much time I had lost fooling around with my phone and now this. As I was running my foot/leg started to cramp. Oh it hurt badly. I wanted to cry. I finally reached mile 20 and was honestly in so much pain I wanted to stop. The crowd was cheering wildly but I was not feeling it. My foot would not bend.  It was hard as a rock straight.  Normally in the last couple of miles, I will get like a 3rd wind and can push it on in to the finish line sometimes with negative splits. However, I had nothing left. No drive. I had to start walking off and on to get the cramps under control. I looked down at my watch and knew I was not going to make 4:30. One reason my mind kept thinking about that 4:30 was I had read that all finishers 4:30 and under would be published in the NY times on Monday. I had felt so good during the race that I just thought that just maybe it was possible. But not now. I was hurting.

I needed my music. Yes, the crowd was unbelievable with their cheers but I needed more. The last stretch into the park is rolling hills and then one final hill all the way up to the finish line. My husband and I had walked it the day before going to pasta dinner so I would know how the finish was laid out. I kept thinking about that last hill and telling myself I had to keep going. That's when Rocky Stage hit me. This is when you will deep dig and pull out every ounce of determination you have in your body. I begin quoting scriptures, quoting my favorite inspiration sayings and as I passed people that were struggling more so than me, I prayed for them also. I prayed for God to give us all strength to finish. And then I saw the finish arch. It was like no other finish. They had grandstands sitting on both sides in which fans could purchase for a nice high price to sit and watch the finish. The stands were packed and they were all roaring. It was amazing.  I still felt like I was on a movie or something.  I finished in 4:44.  Not a PR, but decent compared to what I dealt with the last 6-8 miles.  I don’t think I’ll ever run with Bluetooth earbuds again in a long distance race and I will certainly not run with my music playing on that big old iPhone 6 Plus!  I’ll go back to my iPod which is much easier to get in and out of the flip belt.  I’m not sure why I worried so with that stuff and wasted time! I could kick myself now. 

As soon as I finished a guy stood waiting to hang medals around our necks. He congratulated me and did so with sure delight. Then they ushered us to keep moving. It was crowded. Runners finishing on both sides of me. Another lady wrapped a silver sheet around me and told me if I had signed up for post-race poncho to keep moving forward on the left. I was so glad I had signed up for that and not a checked a bag. They said bag check runners would take another hour to get out of finish line area and you would not get the very nice poncho.  The sweet lady that wrapped me in my poncho was literally an angel. I was sweating badly and was starting to get cold. I was starting to shiver and it’s better to stay warm afterwards. I had read how long the walk was out of the park but until you have to do it after you've run 26.2 miles, you don't realize how long it is. The map said 3/4 mile and it seemed like 10. Ha.  As we were all walking another worker handed us a bag with an apple, water, Gatorade, and protein bar in it. There was no big after race food. But honestly can you imagine ordering pizza for 50,000 runners? 

Once out of the park there was more walking. I did reset my Garmin and I ended up with over 2 miles walking by the time I got back to my hotel.  They the street blocked off with barricades and security officers everywhere. My hotel was very close to finish but I couldn't get out of that area until I reached the end so another 1/2 mile walk. Boy I was tired. Once outside the fenced off area, I had to turn and go back almost half way and then turn to my hotel. So for the day, I think I got like 30 miles not just 26.2 miles counting prerace and post-race. 

My husband was waiting for me at the room. He had text me when I finished telling me how proud he was of me and I texted him back and told him to have ice ready when I got there.  And guess what? He had the bucket ready when I walked in the door.  He normally doesn’t say much about races, but he had flipped from football to the race on the TV all day long and was just amazed.  He called me champ and made me feel like a million dollars.  It really touched me.  As I was getting in the tub he asked me how the first bridge was and I told him tough.  He laughed and said the news casters were talking about how people get wrapped up in the emotions of the crowds and end up running too fast and then the hills/bridges kill them.  They even say Brooklyn is where an elite runner can lose the race if they don’t pace themselves. 

Oh and the best part was getting up Monday and as I was walking to Rockefeller Center, I grabbed a NY times just to save the article on the marathon for my scrapbook and guess what?????? My name was in there among the finishers!! I guess they decided to change the cutoff this year because everyone that finished under 5 hours was listed! Oh it was the best feeling ever! J 

It certainly was the race that will forever be etched in my memory.  I hope one day to be able to do it again.  I’m even tempted to go ahead and enter the lottery drawing for next year but I have another goal for next year that I’m already striving to obtain.  I’m turning 50 next year and my goal is to do an Ironman 70.3 in September if all goes as planned.   I know sometimes plans change.  Heck I even missed a half marathon this year that I love to do, but it wasn’t in the books for me due to a shin issue.  For me I need something in my sights.  It helps keep me focused so I will continue to train and not become happy with doing nothing.  Plus as I’ve aged, I’m starting to try to do different races that I haven’t done before.  I have a bucket list and I’m slowly but surely marking things off.  What about you?  Got any plans? If not, I’d say …. GET YOU SOME.  Find something to get you out the door and getting 1 mile at a time. 

Arrived back at work on Wednesday to a graph that my coworkers did on me and my race progress.   Talk about crazy analysts! At least they also supplied me with some sugar.

You can do anything you believe in! 

I had a blast! I didn't get to take all the picture I would have like to because of my husband being sick the entire weekend, but it was an awesome marathon and as the pictures says... when I look back.. I marvel at how far I've come.  It's all through God's grace that I can do the things I do.  He give me my strength!  God Bless! Until the next marathon! (just 28 days away..)

2 Days and counting down.......

Tomorrow I'll officially board that plane and be up, up and away.  The past couple of days have been nerve racking to say the least!  My husband has been having bad stomach issues since Tuesday.  He was awake most of the night on Monday in severe pain.  He called his doctor on Tuesday morning but they didn't have an appointment until Thursday (today).  So I've been worrying myself sick as to whether he would be able to travel or not.  I begged him to go on to another doctor on Tuesday but you know men.. STUBBORN!  

He has a history of Diverticulitis. Which is bulging pouches that can form in the lining of your digestive system and when one or more of the pouches become inflamed or infected the condition is known as diverticulitis.  Diverticulitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea and a marked change in your bowel habits.  When it flares up it is bad.  He has not been able to eat anything for 3 days so he's been on a liquid diet.  So you can say I've been a little concerned about our travel this weekend!  It's like an act of congress to change a plane ticket into another name especially this late in the game.  

He called me after lunch today and said the doctor is treating him with some medicine and a very bland diet for 10 days.  He can have no sauces, fried food, nuts, seeds, pizza, rich desserts or alcohol.  So now there goes some of my pre-planned meals in New York. :(  

We fly out tomorrow morning and I was sure looking forward to stopping and getting me a big old slice of New York Pizza late Friday! He may have to watch me eat it!!  I had also pre-purchased pasta in the park tickets thru the marathon organization and was looking forward to that Saturday evening before the race on Sunday.  Guess that's out now.  Then I had made reservations at Carmines, which is a family style Italian place, for Sunday night after I finish the race and I guess that's out now also! BOOOO HOOOO (it really is halloween..ha)  I did check their menu a few minutes ago hoping they would have something he could eat, but I don't think there is anything he can have that wouldn't make him sick.  

However, as of right now, I really feel like a "can of busted biscuits".  While in taper mode, it makes me feel like I've gained 10 pounds.  I feel like I've done hardly any exercise in the last two weeks to burn calories and I've been eating non-stop! 

I have no idea what I'll be eating now in NY.  I just hope and pray that he feels better and we have a nice time.  I would hate for him to have to sit in the hotel room all weekend, which he reminded me that it's FOOTBALL season and he would be just fine sitting in the bed watching it.  He really hates the race scene anyway and was only going with me because I wasn't traveling with my run team as usual.  I guess he felt like he needed to protect me in New York. :>) 

I should be working to get all my work caught up because I'm off a couple of days, but my mind keeps drifting.  I'm about to run one of the top 5 largest marathons in the US! I've seriously been so pumped for about a month until the past few days.  I know there is a reason for everything and I must trust God that it will all be fine this weekend.  It's just so dang hard to do that.  Even my devotion this morning was about casting all your worries at God's feet.  I'm trying.. I promise! I'm a work in progress (RTE).

Three of my coworkers who are also on my run team brought me the sweetest gift this morning.  It really touched me.  They know how I've been worrying this week about my husband.  Since I'll be at the starting line from 7:15 am until 11 am when my wave starts, I plan to read each of these 26 cards that are filled with bible verses and inspirational quotes.  They will help me focus and take my worry away.  Thanks so much to my friends!  You are very special!

I really do have AWESOME friends!  Several have sent me sweet emails, text, and called with best wishes for this weekend.  I have one that has sent me an inspirational quote every morning! She may seem like a tough cookie when screaming at us in spin class, but she's really a sweetheart. :>)  Then I have another friend that HAND wrote me a 3 page letter.  Now who hand writes these days?? LOL  It brought tears to my eyes.  It takes special people to take the time out of their busy lives to do "little" things for others.  She reminded me to just be ME and enjoy the race and that's exactly what I plan to do.  My husband may be laying in the hotel not feeling well, but I can't let that distract me.  I may never get back to do this race so I plan to enjoy it to the fullest.  

When I did the Disney Marathon back in January I asked my family and friends to send me inspiration quotes.  This is the one my son sent me: 

I will be thinking this on Sunday! 

Let's do this thing! I'm ready! D

What's my plan? Do I have a plan?

Well it's 5 days till New York! I remember a few months ago it seemed like it was so very far away.  After months of training, it's time to let the hard work pay off.  I've had people ask me over the past couple of days things like... so what's ya plan?, what's ya pace goal?, what is your goal time to finish the marathon in? 

I've debated back and forth on this for probably 2 months.  I would love to beat my best marathon time of 4:30, but honestly I do not believe this is the race where I could aim for that goal mainly due to a couple of reasons.  First the race is going to be super crowded.  I read today that there are 52,800 runners! WOW!  Yes, we will start in 4 different waves and the waves are like 30 minutes apart, but still.... 52,000 people! I'm just amazed! The most runners I've ran with was like 22,000 in NOLA back in 2011.  However, I've read several marathon blogger post where they ran an excellent time in this race.  One lady claims she is just average, but yet she finished NY last year in 3:36! That's not average to me!  She's fast!  Second, my degenerate disk disease and my arthritis has progressed lately.  I'm currently having to wear a new pair of inserts in my shoes that cost $200 (insurance covered some cost thank goodness) due to my big toe joint.  It's starting to fall apart.  They call it osteonecrosis.  This is where the bone starts to die and may break down with the joint collapsing completely.  I was just thrilled to hear this info a couple weeks ago at my doctor's office.  See my grandfather had arthritis so bad he couldn't even straighten his fingers and now my dad is starting to show the same signs. So lately I've been doing more of Hal's run/walk programs when doing my long distance runs.  My body seems to like that much better. :>)  And I really want to run until I'm 100! I need to stay healthy.  And BTW exercise does help arthritis.  I may not be able to run fast for long, but I can always walk and still cross that finish line. 

Look at that CROWD!

So as for my plan...... I was first thinking I would do my run/walk program and not stress over time, but all the info they keep giving us to read talks about how crowded it will be and if you are running to please not stop abruptly and walk.  You must look behind you and weave all the way to the outside, raise your arm and then walk.  You don't want a runner behind you to run slam into you because you had to stop and walk all of a sudden. So I'm thinking of discarding that plan as of right now. 

I believe I will just listen to my body.  I will start slow and easy.  I will try to enjoy the experience.  If I do get so fatigued or hurting where I need to walk, I will weave over to the outside and walk.  There is no shame in walking in my book. To me it's more important to finish what you start then quitting.  Even your best marathoners may stop and walk 30-45 seconds here and there then start back running.  Some say that when you are running two marathons 4 weeks apart to treat the first marathon as a normal LSD run and not push it.  This is supposed to give your body time to recover and then you can push the 2nd marathon.  It says if you push too hard on the first marathon that your body won't recover in time for the 2nd marathon and you could end up injured.  You can read all kinds of advice on the running websites these days.  However, I am doing St. Jude marathon 4 weeks after NY so I do need to keep my body healthy so that I can finish my overall goal of running for the kids at St. Jude.  That race is very dear to my heart!  My run team, Run4TheKids, has collected over $33,000 in donations so far! I can't wait to see several of them run their first long distance race! It's going to be awesome sauce as my friend Jenn says! 

If you've never done a marathon, it will change you forever!  This will be my 5th marathon and each one has been so very different.  You never know what kind of day it will be on race day.  You may feel awesome or you may feel like crap.  The weather may be perfect or it can be crappy.  As for me, I know no matter how I feel on that day or what the weather is, my goal is to cross that finish line. No goal time, no pace time, ..just FINISH. 

A Runner's Prayer:

Run by my side, Lord 

Live in my heartbeat.  Give strength to my steps.  As the cold whirls around me, as the wind pushes me, I know you surround me.  As the sun warms me, as the rain cleanses me, I know you are touching me, Challenging me, loving me - And so I give you this run.  Thank you God, for matching my stride.  Amen 

Isaiah 41:10,13

~ Don't panic.  I'm with you.  There's no need to fear for I'm your God.  I'll give you strength.  I'll help you.  I, your God, have a firm grip on you & I'm not letting go. ~

Pray for me on November 1st as I run my 5th marathon! Pray for safety and for strength.  I'll pray and thank God for all of you as I run. :>) 

Love, D

Who is Mo?

This post is in honor of my friend Maureen Higgins or “Mo” as her friends call her.  I meet Mo through a mutual running friend.  My friend had been running races with Mo for several years on the coast and kept telling me that she wanted me to meet her.  Finally in January of 2013 at the Gulf Coast Half Marathon at Lulus I got the opportunity to meet Mo.  Mo was so nice and asked all about my running.  I could tell right off that she had a passion for running.  I had just recently had neck surgery 2 months prior and my voice was still very weak from my damaged vocal cord at this time so I didn’t get to talk to her in depth like I would have loved to do because they had music playing, etc. in the background which made it very difficult to hear me (as it still does today! background noise makes it where no one can hear me good! so aggravating! but life so smile and accept it).    

Mo, Me and Robbie at Lulus after the Gulf Coast Half Marathon 2013

Right after I meet Mo she was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer.  I would get updates from my running buddy that had connections on the coast with people who checked in on Mo.  I had wondered if she was still running and every time I asked she was still running.  Even during her chemo she continued to run.  She said that running gave her hope.  I believe it also kept her sane while going through such a hard time but I honestly don’t know how she did it.  Chemo really zaps a person of all their energy.  I was amazed each time to hear that Mo was pushing through and running.  She was even doing races.  I begin to write her letters.  It took months before she finally wrote me back.  Mo isn’t big on letters. LOL  She told me how much my letters meant to her and she encouraged me to keep running.  Go figure…someone with CANCER who is struggling and still encouraging others.  That’s MO!   She is an early morning runner and her husband often follows her in his truck before daylight to make sure she’s safe.  

Mo & me at Double Bridge 15K 2014

I saw her again at the Double Bridge run.  She told me she had lost most of her hair and wouldn’t take off her cap.  I told her how amazing I thought she was going through cancer and still running races.   I could never tell how religious Mo was but I told her I had prayed and prayer for her.  She would smile and say “my Mississippi runner friend” to others as they would come up while we were talking.  I remember this race very vividly because I passed Mo as I was running and as I was passing her, she was steadily giving me pointers on running.  She’s known for being a mentor to other runners.  She says she enjoys it.  And let me just say she’s got a vast knowledge!  She has ran 148 marathons overall.  She will be returning to the Marine Corps Marathon this weekend for the 29^th time at the age of 61! If you go to their website and click on their Hall of Fame she is listed in the class of 2014! 

Here’s the info: 

“Maureen Higgins, affectionately known as the ‘Leading Lady of the MCM,’ has crossed the finish line 27 times - the most of any woman - as of her Hall of Fame induction.  Higgins was diagnosed and treated for stage 4 breast cancer in 2013, and heroically completed the MCM while undergoing chemotherapy. Now in remission, Higgins plans to continue participating in the MCM.  She boasts a personal record at the MCM of 3:53:00.”

Mo running the MCM

Her Plans this year is to maintain a 12-minute mile and her nephew will pace her in the race for the 3^rd year in a row.  She plans to run the MCM as long as she is breathing.  She once told me that the older we get the slower we will run but we can keep moving forward and still cross that finish line.  She’s such an inspiration!  This year she will not only be a runner, but she will be helping out at packet pickup handing out bibs so if you see her tell her that her Mississippi friend said hello. :>)   I mailed her a letter this week wishing her the best and I’ll be tracking her on Sunday.  Go MO GO! Maybe I’ll get to run her 150 marathon with her sometime in the future. :>)  I hope to be still running when I’m 61!  All you got to do is BELIEVE in yourself! :>) 

Good luck MO! MUAH!

Stages of a marathon (or half marathon)

Disclaimer.... this is based on how I feel.... You may feel differently and in 11 days after I run New York, I may update how I feel. :>)  If you've notice there are tons of post on social media about races lately.. why? It's the season (cooler temps) to run! So I thought I'd share my feelings on a marathon. :>) 

  1.  Excitement / Eagerness (Marathon miles 1-7, half-marathon miles 1-3) – you’ve put in countless hours of training and given up so much during the months leading up to now.  You’re walking to the start line and you’re so ready to kick this marathon’s booty!  You are pumped.  The energy in the crowd is contagious!  You just can’t help but be EXCITED.   The gun goes off and you are so pumped you run out like a race horse jumping out when the gate springs open full force.  However, that race horse has a much shorter distance to go than what you are about to do!  So DO NOT let that excitement take over.  Remember that pace that you’ve trained to run and save your energy for the last miles of the race.  

Tks Nestor (One of my teammates)

2.   Nervousness / Apprehension (Marathon 8-14, Half-Marathon 4-7) – Now the miles are starting to hit you and you start wondering what the heck! You think why didn’t I just sign up for the half or the 10K… why am I doing this longer distance… can I do this??  Have I done enough training??? What have I done?  Am I really ready??? You’ll question everything… but as you do the miles will continue to tick down…. And soon you’ll enter the next stage.

3. Community  Determination / Willpower –  (Marathon 15-20, Half Marathon 8-11) You are now bonding with other runners… everyone is looking for encouragement… you’ll start to really notice the people on the streets cheering you on and you’ll be thanking God for them.  and You’ll keep telling yourself that you are going to do this… that Determination of not being defeated will show up … You’ll begin to encourage other runners just so they’ll say something back to you also. :>)  You really will mean what you say..but you’ll also be begging for it yourself.

4.    Rocky Stage – (Marathon 21-26, half Marathon 10-13) Now you will question your sanity.  I must be insane to do this! Your whole body aches.  You want to quit so badly.  You begin to pray whether you are religious or not.  You beg to just cross that finish line and say you’ll never do it again.  Most people call this the WALL.  Many training programs only go up to 20 miles for a marathon and 10 miles for a half so you’ll begin to question whether you really are sane or not because you may not have ever do the full amount of miles depending on your training.  But guess what…. That’s when GRIT/TOUGHNESS will enter! That’s why I like to call this the Rocky Stage! No matter how much pain you are in, there’s nothing that can stop you from finishing.  You’ll dig deep within your soul to gather all the strength you have to finish.  Heck, you may even picture Rocky while doing this (I know I do!).   and if you listen.. you’ll hear God speak and say… YOU CAN DO THIS>>>TRUST ME>>>

And then of course I'm also hearing so many quotes from my Rocky Movies like these that I love:

"The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done. "

“Until you start believing in yourself, you ain’t gonna have a life.”

“Going in one more round when you don’t think you can – that’s what makes all the difference in your life.”

And then of course I'm also chanting my fav bible verses in my head that I love:

Isaiah 40:31 - but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

You'll do almost anything to cross that finish line. :>)  And you'll never forget your first long distance race!

  5. ELATION – You cross that finish line and they put that medal around your neck! You’re so happy that you forget all the pain and you may even jump for joy.  All that self-doubt & all that negativity will no longer be in your mind.  You may even feel that you could run longer if you had to.  You are a MARATHONER (or Half marathoner)! You are a HERO! St. Jude HERO (for my team)! There is nothing like it! ENJOY!

Wishing all my peeps a great race! And to those that might read this and ask.. "why the heck do they do this?"... well all I can say is because we LOVE IT!  D

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