Well I took on the heat and humidity and I have lived to tell about another Grandma’s.  Two down!!!!

 

DH, roommate from college, and I all made the trip to Duluth on Friday.  When we got to the DECC for packet pick-up we found out that they would be closing the roads in 45 minutes for the 5K.  So we didn’t stick around the expo to long which didn’t really bother me since there were too many people for me.  Then one last carbo load and off to bed.

 

Sat morning I am up at 5am to get ready and be on the first buses to the start.  The first warning sign that I got about what the weather was going to be like was that I had put on a sweatshirt for the trip to the start and I was way over-dressed.  Then the second warning sign was when you looked out over the lake it was as smooth as glass.  Now anyone that has ever seen Lake Superior when the heck is it calm enough for there not to be any waves?? 

 

Then I found out that a person has a really hard time being patriotic in the porta-potty.  I was standing in line for the potty when the F-15s flew over.  What a great thing to see them again!!!!  Then it was my turn to go to the bathroom just as they started singing the National Anthem.  This then caused a dilemma since what is the protocol for this, can you sing in the porta-potty.  I did since I was dedicating my run to my brother in Iraq.  Then off to the starting shute.

 

My goal was to break 6 hours this time around so my thought was to stick with the 5:30 group as long as possible and then settle into my finishing pace.  Good plan in theory right?  Then the next thing we know the crowd starts bobbing in front of us and we are off.  It was an awesome sight when we made it to the first gradual incline and you can see the sea of thousands of people bobbing along.  The pacer for the 5:30 group was great and once again I wished that I could have hung out with them longer but it just wasn’t meant to be. 

 

Miles 1-8 were great.  The pace felt good and things were going great.  Taking in the little bit of supporters out along the route and the marching band.  Fell off the pace group at mile 8 but still feeling good.  At mile 9 I had to stop and take a potty break.  Funny since that was the same place that I had to stop last year.  But the good thing this year was that there were no stomach issues that made me stop this time.  Miles 9-13 were just taking in the sights, sounds and the runners around me.  It was about at mile 14 that the heat really started to kick my butt and my stomach felt like I should just start tossing cookies.  Took a lot of water at the water stop at mile 15 and things started to feel a little better.  Then came the lonely miles out on the course where there really is nothing to see or any spectators.  But there was a solid group of us trying to stay together and see this thing to the end.  The drop-out bus would come up on us every once and a while and you just wanted to yell “I am not getting on the bus so just keep going.”  Then there was always the eerie sound of the ambulance sirens going.  Boy did it seem like you could hear a lot more sirens this year. Miles 20-25 I struggled a lot but I knew that I was close enough that I was going to finish this thing!!!  At mile 25 I started to pick the pace back up and I could feel the end.  Rounded the last corner and I could see the finish!!!   I was going to make it!!!!  Just as I stepped over the finish line I lost it and started to cry.  It seemed like I had to fight more to finish this one compared to last year but it felt just as great to finish!!!!

 

Final time 6:24:11 which was a 4 minute PR over last year.

So Saturday morning I was ready to take on the Frigid 8 for the second time.  I was feeling good going into the race and I was hoping for a good day.  THe only goals I had for myself were to beat my time from last year and to maybe beat someone else and not come in last.  The morning was COLD!!  I don't remember exactly but I think we were in the single digits for the temp but I had put on several layers so I was ready.  Ron came with me as my "athletic supporter"   Picked up my number and my t-shirt and then it was the stand around and wait game.  The only good thing was that there was a lot of space inside and so we could stay warm.  Then they made the announcement to head to the start.  Heading to the start was the first time that I noticed the wind.  Oh boy not only was it going to be cold but then there was going to be a head wind to fight with.  A couple announcements and then we were off.

 

The first mile was feeling good and did it in 10:35 and I am thinking if I can hold some of that pace for a little longer that would be awesome.  At 1.5 the 3 mile runners were turning around and heading back and so this is were I finally got to see were I stood in things.  Kind of bummed that when I turned around I was the last one to keep going on for the 8.  But I could still see a couple women right in front of me and I had hope.  At mile 2 we were out in the open fields and the wind became a factor but you just keep pushing along because you know that eventually it will become a tailwind and it would be great.  One of the women in front of me twisted her ankle and so she slowed up and started running with me but then I feel behind her on one of the hills.  At about mile 3 I had a strange thing happen to me when one of the people who lived along the road came out to check her mail and started asking me questions and telling me how stupid it was that they would run the race on that road with the traffic.  OK lady I am taking on a hill and I have only seen about 4 cars, I am trying to run a race don't be yelling at me.  But I kept my mouth shut and just kept on going.  Then at about mile 4 we were able to turn and get the tail wind.  Oh was it great to not have to fight the wind anymore.  At mile 7 I took on the last hill as we crossed back over the highway and I knew that I was going to be able to push it to the end but I also knew I was the last one out on the course.

 

I finished last again this year with a time of 1:35:15.  It was great to have Ron there waiting for me and telling me I looked good coming across the finish line.  I did not make either of my goals since I finished last year in 1:33:52.  But I have come to the conclusion that I will continue to take on this race in years to come and I may always be last.  These races make me want to keep up on my running and pushing to beat myself.   

 

I think this I why I love the big races like the big marathons and half marathons.  In this race there were about 60 people and I become a back of the packer.  In the big races I become a mid-packer.  I guess it's all a matter of how you look at things.

Well the adventure toward my 2nd half marathon started on Friday when I headed to my Mom and Dad's to spend the night with them. They weren't home when I got there and so my sister and I had a great spaghetti dinner. After chatting for a while with the family we headed to bed.

Up at 5:45 Sat morning to make the trip to Ashland. It was going to be an hour drive and my sister was going to make the trip with me as my cheering section. The wind had died down quite a bit from Friday but you never know what's it's going to be like once you make it up by Lake Superior. The road on the way up were slippery in spots which lead to an interesting adventure about 15 miles out of Ashland when there was a dead deer lying in my lane and due to the slippery conditions I wasn't able to swerve around it. Good thing was it only bumped along the bottom of my car and there was no damage. Got to Ashland picked up my race packet, put my warm clothes over my running stuff, and caught the bus to head to the start line. Jessica was excited I was getting on the bus because then she could go and get breakfast finally (oh the priorities of a pregnant woman).

At the start we picked up our timing chips and then just stood around. If you could find a place to stay out of the wind it wasn't TOO bad but it was still cold. Temp I think at the start was around 30 degrees. Finally we started moving to the start line to line up. There were a few final announcements that I didn't hear and then we were off. Mile 1&2 were on pavement that was wet with some slippery spots that you had to watch out for. Then after that we turn and were on the Tri-County Corridor which is a packed gravel trail that was covered in a light layer of snow. The only place that made me really nervous was when we would cross over the old train tressel bridges and they were really slippery. Miles 3-8 went by with little to mention except for the sun started to come out and warm things up just a little bit. Then Mile 8-9 I ran with a woman and it was great to have the company. At mile 10 the bikers came through and said we had to move to the left at the first marathoners were going to start coming through. It was fun to be running with the first marathoners if only of a brief second as they blew by.

Mile 12 for some odd reason became a struggle and had to do a little walking. Hit mile 13 and I put in some speed thinking the end was near. Didn't quite like the headwind coming off the lake but thank goodness it was only a mile to the finish. Once again it was a great feeling to cross the finish line.

What an awesome race!! In regular weather conditions I can see were it would be one of my favorite courses to run.

Final info

Chip Time 2:54.43 (a 5min10sec PR for my half time!! WOHOO!!)

Can't wait to take on the course again next year

WOW what an experience here is the best and worst of my first marathon experience.

 

I have to preface this by saying that runners have to be the best people in the world (especially us back of the packers)!!!

 

Friday afternoon Ron, friend from college (Sara) and I headed up to Duluth and went straight to the expo hoping to beat the crowds.  Got my packet and then we started to wander the expo.  There were so many people that I really didn’t stick around for very long but I was able to pick up a couple good deals on some stuff.  Ate supper at Olive Garden since Sara and DH weren’t too impressed with just a spaghetti option at expo.  Stayed up and chatted until 10pm just because I was trying to calm myself down to get a good nights sleep.

 

Sat. morning I was up and getting ready to go at 4:45am and at 5:15am I was eating my breakfast and walking down to the bus pick-up point (just right there on the campus).  Waiting for the buses there was excitement in the air as everyone discussed training and how things had gone up to this point.  Then the announcement was made that the buses were ready to be loaded.  The trip to the start took about a half hour and now I remember why a person doesn’t sit in the back of a school bus.  Got to the start and the drop off point and boy what a sight!!!  I had never seen so many runners all in one place before and there were what seemed like hundred of buses continuing to drop people off.  Wandered around for a little while and was able to get some pictures of the start and the sights.  Then got in line to use the biffy.  Chatted with a couple people and as we were waiting the F-15s flew over and started playing the national anthem (what a sight).  I was a little nervous since I was still waiting in line but some women behind me said it was ok and that we still had plenty of time to get to the chute.  Finally was able to drop my sweat bag and head into the chute.  Found my pace group leader (Marie) and got to chat with lots of people.  Then the announcer started talking about how this was going to be the greatest year for Grandma’s and this was the best group set to run the race.  I got a little emotional at this point and started thinking about everything that I had done to get to that point.  A runner next to me reached over and gave me a hug and wished me luck.  Then the whistle to the train was blowing and I assumed that was the sign that we were about ready to go.  A little while later we were slowly moving to the start line.  Took about 7min. to get to the start line and we were off.

 

The details of the race are actually really fuzzy in some points but here are the highlights.  At mile 1 I was amazed at how many of the men stopped right along side the road to use the rest room.  Kind of had to laugh at the sight of that as they were all lined up.  The pace group was awesome and there were a lot of 1^st timers in the group.  It was great to meet and hear everyone’s story on how they got there and what motivated them to run a marathon.  Marie was great as a pacer and boy would I love to have the energy like she had.  She was able to lead us on cheers, quick sprint up to a band and do a little dance.  Oh it was great fun!!!  Then at mile 9 I was starting to have some stomach issues and had to make a long stop at the rest room and lost the pace group.  When I was back on the road again it took a while to get back into the swing of things.  I was in another group of runners for a while and they were great!!  Then after mile 14 or 15 things started to come apart in a really bad way.  I think the heat and humidity finally was catching up to me. 

 

It was about this time that I noticed for the first time that the black flag was out (BLACK FLAG (Extremely High Risk): All runners should slow their pace, drink extra fluids and those with previous heat stress problems or heat stress problems or heat disease should consider not running.)

 

So it was down to a run/walk.  People had sprinklers along the side of the road and I think I ran through every one of them.  Miles 20-26 were horrible in the sense of running but such an awesome experience.  I would run/walk with someone for a while and they would encourage me to keep going (and I hope that I was able to give them a little encouragement) and then I would either pass them or they would pass me.  One guy and I pushed each other to make it up “Lemon Drop Hill” (mile 22) and it was great to make it to the top.  Then at mile 25 a race official was standing in the middle of the road say that be prepared to get off the course there was severe weather coming in.  I looked at the woman I was with at the time and she looked at me and we said that there was no way at mile 25 we were stepping off the course, we would take our chances of being struck by lightning.  Then I rounded the corner and one of my friends yelled my name and I knew I was going to make it!!!  I started running again and just as I did the rain started to come down.  My DH was standing close to the finish trying to protect the camera and get pictures.  I pushed it and crossed the finish line just as it was starting to really pour.  Then by the time I got my T-shirt and medal the rain had stopped.  I guess just God’s way to congratulate me.

 

Final Stats

Gun time-6:34:54

Chip time-6:28:10

Total finishers-6909

Total women to finish-2606

 

Not the best time in the world and I missed my time goal by an hour but I made my #1 goal and that was that I finished!!!!  Considering the conditions I believe I rocked!!!

 

I might actually have to do another one someday!!!

April 14-17th 2006

 

On Friday morning I left early to get to the airport.  Got there plenty early considering that I did not run into any problems with the road construction which I had planned extra time for.  After sitting around the airport for 2 hours we were finally able to board the plane and I was on my way.  Made the transition in Atlanta with no problems and on to Columus airport.  There a shuttle from the hotel came and picked me up.  Checked into the hotel and just got settled in.  Sat morning it was off to Fort Benning.  Due to multiple errors of communicaiton once I was at Fort Benning I ended up taking a walking tour of the base.  But then finally Robert was able to get a hold of me and we were able to meet up.  Got to look around his barracks and then we went shopping at the PX.  Picked up a cool shirt and a teddy bear that is wearing the uniform that Robert does all his trainings in.  Then we went to hang out at the mall and had Subway for lunch.  Robart said it was just what he had wanted.  Then went and hung out at the hotel and walked down to the Riverwalk.  Then for supper we went to a Chinese Buffet and then went to see the movie "Lucky Number Sleven."  It was a good movie.  Then on Sunday we went to a Waffle House because Robert said that if he was staying in the south he wanted to be able to say that he was there at least once.  We had a great breakfast.  Then went back to the hotel to just hand out for a while.  Before Robert had to be back to his barrack we went to the Infantry Museum and looked around.  Lots of old war stuff and uniforms.

 

The weather was warm and sunny all weekend and things were great.  It was great to see Robert again and can't wait until Graduation in May so that we can spend more time together. 

 

Flew back on Monday.

So, I am in the middle of my training program for Grandma's Marathon.  It has been a pretty good experience so far.  I was out for a 12 mile run on Sunday and it went pretty well over all.  The last couple miles were a stuggle but I think it was more mental than anything.  I have a 13 mile run coming up on this Sunday.  Earlier this week I was having some self doubt about my training but I have convinced myself the only thing to do is keep going and trust the training the many other have followed.

So the crazy side of me has convinced myself that I should try and run a marathon.  Over the weekend I recieved my registration for Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN and I have sent it back in.  I will probably know by the end of the week if I have made the cut.  I am hoping that with a field of 9500 people that I should easily be able to get in.

 

CRAZY HERE I COME!!!

So a couple days before the race I was starting to get a little nervous.  It was going to be cold out and so I wasn't quite sure what to wear.   It is a small race (64 people for the 8 mile and 84 for the 3 mile) so with my slow pace I was worried about how things would go.  I got to the registration place about an hour before the race.  Got all signed in and I was ready to go (still getting nervous).  The race was to benifit some of the High School marching band members that were injured in a bus crash that happened a little while ago when they were coming back from a competition.  I got all warmed up and stretched out.  Then they announced that it was time to move to the start line.  So down the block we went.  I was standing in the back of the pack since I was not planning on going out with any blazing speed.  We started with the group that was running the 3 mile.  I was chatting with someone next to me when all of a sudden we were off.  So I am chugging along at what I think is a good slow pace to get me to the finish.  At mile 1 they had a  man yelling out the time.  10:21 oh boy was all I could think!  I was going out way to fast so then I was worried about my pace and burning out before the end of the race.  So I slowed down and little to keep chugging along.  At 1.5 miles the 3 mile racers turned around and headed back so the people really started to thin out.  I noticed then that I was the last one to keep running past that point to continue on to the 8 miler.  Really beautiful course through the country side and farms with a light snow coming down.  Some rolling hills but nothing bad.  Even though I knew I was the last one out there I just kept plugging along and singing to myself.  2 miles from the finish I had to go back over the overpass over the highway and I was thinking that I think they made the hill bigger.  But just pushed myself to keep going.  I turned what I thought was the last turn and headed in for the home stretch.  Good thing Santa saw me head the wrong direction cuz he stopped me and headed me in the right direction.  He joined me in the final part of the run.  Then I was finally on the home stretch.  Finished with a time of 1:33:52 which was a minute faster than my goal.  The temp was 13 degrees and when I stopped my hair immediately froze.

 

I had a lot of mixed emotions at my finish.  I was excited that I was able to finish and I felt good.  But I was also last and so it made me sad and a little embarassed.  I am still trying to fight with myself and focus on that it was a good race for the standards and goals that I had set for myself.  I also don't know how I feel about the medal that I got.  I place 3rd in my age group but since there were only three of us running I am thinking it's not that great of a thing. 

 

But it's a place to start and next time I have a time to beat.

Jessica, Katelyn and I left for Louisiana on Thursday for a visit with Jonathon, Jess, and Jayden.  Had to be at the airport by 5:30 am so we were all up early.  The first airport was interesting since it only had one terminal.  So the crew that checked you and your bagage in then became the security check point.  Once we were all through security the crew then moved out side and became the ground crew.  Funny to watch.  The airlink planes are also something to see.  They are 33 seat prop planes.  First flight was only 30 min we then landed in Minneapolis and had a half hour to make our connecting flight it was a sprint to the gate and we made it just as they were announcing final boarding call.  Next flight was a tough one.  Katelyn made it most of the flight well then started getting really restless (what do you expect from a 21 month old).  Finally made it to Memphis and once again had to sprint through the airport to make it to the next flight.  Then back on an airlink flight.  At 11:30am we finally made it to Louisiana.  I was glad to be off the planes.  Jess and Jayden were there to pick us up.  We stopped for lunch and I decided when in cajun country try the cajun food.  I had crawfish etouffe' (probably spelled wrong but I will spell all the food wrong) and it was great.  After picking up Jonathon from work we headed to their house.  Spent thurs night catching up and celebrating that we were all together.  Maybe we all had one to many in the celebrating department.  Supper Thurs night was cracklins and Boudin once again very good.

 

Friday morning Robert and I went out for a run.  Did the same .7mile loop so that we wouldn't get lost.  Could only do 2.8miles and then we got bored of running in circles.  Jonathon had to work until noon and so we got ready for the day and just hung out.  When Jonathon came home we ordered lunch from the deli at the grocery store.  We had bacon cheeseburgers and us northerners were excited to have a meal that didn't set your mouth on fire.  Well we were wrong.  They can even spice up a cheeseburger to the point of flames.  Friday Jonathon took us on a road trip and we got to experience a drive through Daquiri place (open container laws a kind of not followed down there).  Then for supper we headed over to Jess's parents place and had casserole.  Now I was thinking of something completely different then what was served but great stuff.

 

Saturday we had a birthday party for Jayden (turned 3).  It was a fun day with lots of washerboard played.  Weather was awsome so we were able to stay outside all day.  Lunch was hamburgers with green peppers and onion in them and Jalapeno sausage.  Jayden got lots of nice presents (Jessica, Robert and I got her a Care Bear).  Supper was shrimp and crab meat gumbo.  Learned that the cajuns really like their food and you can't miss a meal. 

 

Sunday we packed up took some final pictures and headed to the airport.  It was a great time!!!  Flights home were about the same withe the same kind of problems with Katelyn.  But the good thing was we had more time with each layover.  Got back home by 8pm.  Great to be home but already miss Jonathon, Jess and Jayden.