The New Blog Name Is Funny.....

I had some people ask me about the new name for me blog....I went with "My Name Is Kelly And I'm A Runner" like I'm at a meeting and I'm finally admitting I have an addiction....clearly I do have an addiction to running.  (Oh well, I think it's funny)

So yeah, I am officially addicted to running-I guess there are worse things to be addicted to.  When I'm waitressing and overhear people talking about running I always stop and come right out and say, "I was eavesdropping and heard you talk about running..."  (20 minutes later...) ha ha
Let the record state I was NEVER an athlete...NEVER!   My parents LOVE to tell the story of my first day of volleyball practice in HS when I came home begging for Nuprin or how I'd stand by the goal in soccer doing my hair and picking flowers with my friend, Ashley.  (<--Not in HS, btw ha ha)  I actually "ran" track in HS too....well I was on the team, I was a "sprinter" and bailed on workouts all the time. ha ha It's kind of funny/sad to look back on it.  I bet if I was a distance runner in HS I would have been pretty decent.  Oh well...

So, back to training...The training differences between training for Chicago and training for NJ are quite noticeable so far and I just started.  
-In my warmer training I'd set out water the night before a run and get up super early before the day got too hot.  With  my winter training I can't leave water out because it will freeze and be worthless to me the next day.  I also go as late as I can (while there's still light) so it's a warm as possible and black ice can melt.
-Getting out the door for a winter  run is MUCH harder-it's really cold out there.  Once you are out it's just like a summer run where you instantly feel better for being in your element.
-Maybe it's because I just started running outside after two months of running inside, but my aches are different and I think a lot of that has to do with how tense I am about running and not slipping on what may or may not be black ice.  I also attribute some of my new aches to how cold it is-either way, massage appointments have been made and I've touched base to start seeing my chiropractor again.
-In the summer wearing a tank top was sometimes too much clothing.  In the winter I'm wearing TONS more.  Trying to wear enough, but not too much because you heat up very quickly and don't want to wear more than you have to is tricky. 
I'm sure I'll be adding to this list as I get further into my training...

So far winter training is tough, but....
I need to do this to get the time I need to qualify for Boston.
I need to do this because I miss it and needed some focus.
I need to do this because the winter is depressing and I don't need extra winter weight.
I need to do this as a reason to get outside in the fresh air & sunlight as much as possible.
I need to do this because I'm a runner and runners are like the post office...Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night.

“There is an expression among even the most advanced runners that getting your shoes on is the hardest part of any workout…” -Katherine Switzer

 

It's been 2 months.....a post needed to happen!

Here I am, 2 months since the marathon and it's safe to say it's been a difficult 2 months.  I found everything relating to the marathon was tough once it was done.  I wanted nothing to do with blogging about it because I was having a tough time with it being over.  I REALLY enjoyed the entire process.  I loved training.  I loved the routine of training.  I knew that every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday were my run days and I my life revolved around it-and I was okay with that.  Training made me very structured in what I ate and drank....turns out I needed that ha ha.  The endorphins running gave me were incredible and once it ended I missed them.  Even the week after the marathon I was starting to get the post marathon blues.  Originally, I planned to take a good month or so off from running...that lasted about 3 days.  ha ha Even when I went back to running it wasn't the same-nothing was.
The marathon gave me a goal, a focus and in an instant it was gone.  My post-marathon workouts were a waste of my time (in my head).  Going from a workout where I ran 20 miles to a workout of an hour of lifting and 40 minutes of cardio was a joke.  I missed the structure.  I liked making my life happen around my training so once it was gone I felt like all I had was time-too much time.  I started breaking all of my eating and drinking rules and felt completely out of control. 
Once the marathon ended and runs were just "whatever" I started to focus on shorter runs where I killed myself to get quicker times so I can cut time and hopefully run a race that will qualify me for Boston.  In the 2 months since the marathon ended I haven't had a run longer than 6 miles...sad!  I've been so much faster, but could I maintain that quick speed for more than 6 miles?...doubtful, but I'm going to get there!  
As I mentioned in other posts, I ran for OAR (Organization For Autism Research).  They had a team that ran in the NYC marathon so Alice and I went to cheer our team on...it was so great to be there and see a marathon from a totally different vantage point!  I wanted nothing more than to go out and run with them.  I can't lie, I was pretty jealous. 
These two months have been rough....add to it the intro of winter where it feels like it's dark all day.  I'm the kind of person who needs sunlight so this has made post-marathon blues worse.  As the darkness began to increase and my mood decrease I realized something had to be done....I registered for another marathon!!!!  I'm back to training!  I will be running the NJ Marathon at the end of April.  (While I haven't registered, I will also be running the Key Bank Vermont City Marathon Memorial Day weekend)  I can already see that training for the NJ Marathon will be MUCH different (and I fear harder due to weather and the fact that stakes are higher with me having a 3:40:00 goal so I can qualify for the 2015 Boston Marathon).  I am happy to be back tho and while it's still week one of training I'm feeling my mood brighten.  I'll be starting a new blog-name to be decided soon so keep checking back or like my blog FB page.  One change....no dating "blog fans" this time around HA HA!

My final thought: The marathon changed me....that's all I can say!

John Hanc, running writer
"I've learned that finishing a marathon isn't just an athletic achievement. It's a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible."

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A MA ZING!!!

I DID IT!
I can't believe it's over. Race day was an incredible experience from start to finish. While I can't put into words the emotions and all that surrounded race day I will try my best...just know to magnify it by like a bunch ha ha
Waking up on race day was a lot of nerves and excitement. I will admit a lot of my nerves were (as I've mentioned before) related to pooping before the race so I wouldn't have to during the race. Ha Ha. Alice and I were super prepared by laying everything out the night before and setting apx 12 alarms to make sure we got up, but it didn't stop there. With our fear that we'd never get a cab to get us even remotely close to "charity village" (Charity Village is where those running for a charity had set up heated hospitality tents. It was great...you had to be associated with a charity or have a friends and family wristband to get in so while others were out in the cold we had heated tents and tons of port o potties ha ha) Our charity, OAR (Organization for Autism Research<--amazing organization, btw) was set up there and taking a 6:00am team photo. Alice and I left our hotel by 5:15 am...ps we had to go 2 miles from our hotel ha ha. Needless to say, at 5:30am, we were the 1st team members there ha ha. I was happy we arrived on time but still, I was carrying my lack of pooping fear with me. Around 5:45 they started to announce that all charity village members had 15 minutes before they needed to go to the main gates to go through security. (Our wave was starting at 8:00am but since security was tighter than usual they wanted everyone to be ready and expecting long lines). This was it...my last chance (or so I feared) to poop. I will spare you the details and just say it was the greatest port-o-potty experience I have EVER had ha ha. I'm sure others knew as I came out, with arms raised, yelling, "VICTORY" ha ha After that hurdle crossed I was ready to roll! Our "team" photo was taken with the few members who made it in time then we were on our way. After leaving the cozy hospitality tent in Charity Village we realized it was actually quite cold and we had a good deal of time before we were going to get running. After a lot of waiting around and hearing the same race day announcements 50 times it was time to finally make our way to our corral.

As I stood in the corral waiting I wasn't nervous or scared or anything...I was kind of excited I guess. I was literally taking it all in. "Born To Run" was playing, the MC was trying to pump everyone up and the corral was starting to fill up. It was surreal in a way. I knew this day was going to come eventually, but it was finally here....all the training and planning were coming down to this moment.

I have to admit I didn't really understand how people kept thinking running a marathon was crazy, amazing, impressive, etc. I thought it was a running race that I was spending a good deal of time getting ready for. I didn't think it was anything out of the ordinary, I guess. In my heart I believe anyone can do what I was doing. As time went by the number of people who shared the above mentioned thoughts increased and I thought maybe this is a big deal. If kind of made me feel special. Well that feeling special ended when I was there in the thick of 35,000+ runners. I didn't think I was very special...I was a dime a dozen on the streets of Chicago....everyone was doing it! ha ha

We stood and listened as they started the race for the elite wheelchair division, they were followed by the regular wheelchair racers. Soon the elite runners were off....then the 1st wave. We were about 30 minutes away. As the time ticked by runners checked (or if you're me-re-checked) watches, made sure ipods were on and ready, gps running apps were prepped and last minute photos snapped. Alice and I took our last pre-race photo and then we waited some more. ha ha Slowly we inched our way closer to the start....then we'd stop and wait more. We'd inch then stop, inch then stop. We tossed out warm layer and then it happened we started the trot. Before we knew it we were wished well by the MC and the start line was right there. I wished Alice well and I was on my way.

I had my ipod on insanely loud then took it down to listen to the crowds. The cheers were thunderous. It was a very emotional few minutes in which I was actually holding back tears. Sure I didn't know a single person in the crowds, but it didn't matter. It felt like they were there for me. I remember one sign said, "Go Kelly" and I made believe it was intentionally made for me. ha ha

I thought a lot as I was running the first two miles. I didn't want to start too hard as this was my 1st marathon and I didn't want to gas out too early. I had a pacing bracelet helping me focus on my long shot goal of 3:40:00 (my BQ time). The first two miles were packed. They were packed to the point where I couldn't have run faster if I wanted to. In those 2 miles I lost a good 2 minutes and knew hitting 3:40:00 was going to be near impossible...as much as I
wanted to I knew it was a long shot and I couldn't let it bother me. I never got negative about the reality of not hitting my 3:40:00 goal-I just shifted my goal to "sub 4 and enjoy the hell out of the race because you've worked for 18 weeks to get here." I tried to listen to all the advice I had been given like, take it all in, look, listen, high-five spectators and I did each thing. It was MY race and I was going to enjoy it (as much as you can enjoy it with all the pain you experience ha ha)
As I ran, amazingly, it wasn't my knees or hip that bothered me...it was my neck and shoulders. I remember making conscious thoughts to pull my shoulders back and down.

When I got to mile 7 I remember thinking, "if this was a 1/2 marathon you'd be more than 1/2 way done...this is a full and you have 19.2 to go..that's a lot" ha ha I also remember looking down to my wrist to see what my pacing bracelet said vs my watch. My watch said 0:48:and change and my bracelet said 0:58:44 and I was in shock. I, for some reason, thought I was 10 minutes ahead of what I had to be at. I gave my watch and bracelet a 2nd look an realize, "no, no....you just hit your watch and stopped it" (ha ha and boo all at once). I stated to do math...something I like to do when I run to really keep my mind off of the pain or discomfort I'm in. I decided to just run without my watch until mile 13 then I'd start it at the 1/2 way point to refocus me. I realized I could lose a complete focus and then I'd REALLY be tossing my possibilities of 3:40:00 out the window. So at mile 10 I started my watch again. I was still off the times I needed to hit, but not by tons. 2 minutes isn't a lot of time...except when you need to take it off your run that is already hard for you.

The beginning few miles seemed to go by quickly, by the time I got to 15 I realized I was more than 1/2 way, but still there was a hell of a lot to still run ha ha. Some people were fearing mile 18 as 18 is a good chuck done with a decent chunk still to go. I wasn't fearing any mile (I was told to also fear the wall at mile 20, but my thinking was in training I did 21 and felt amazing after so I can't be worried about a wall at 20 now). While I didn't fear a wall I met one ha ha At mile 22 I literally became exhausted mentally and physically. I remember saying to myself, "Holy shit, you still have 4.2 miles to go and the last .2 is a hill...what the shit are you going to do? How will you get there?" My legs felt like heavy, my neck and shoulders agonizing, my form was sloppy, I was chaffing at the bottom of my sports bra and (for whatever reason) in my left armpit. The hardest part was the crowds had thinned out a good deal at mile 22...It was literally the point I needed perfect strangers to help me the most. Somehow I dug deep and pushed through. When I saw the 23rd mile marker I was thrilled. I thought, "A little more than a 5k to go...no possible way you'll be running more than 35 minutes" I felt like everyone was thinking that too. Mood seemed to change...it was probably just me thinking that, but whatever it helped ha ha. Crowds started to increase again and it was the final stretch. (Thankfully the end was coming because if I had to eat another jelly bean or chomp or sip more Gatorade I'd die ha ha) I don't know where it came from, but I (THANKFULLY) had a little more energy to get me through the final 5k. My other two saving graces were some random spectator who made direct eye contact with runners and pointed at them saying, "YOU CAN DO THIS...THIS IS YOUR RACE." Luckily I caught her eye and she uttered those words and it was like she knew me and believed in me-it worked and I'm thankful for her. The last saving grace was some announcer saying, "Ok everybody let's give these runners some added encouragement because if they don't push it they won't hit the 4 hour mark." Well that was about all I needed. I lost my 3:40:00 miles back and was cool with it, but not doing sub 4 hours wasn't going to work for me. I pushed it up that final hill and watched as the signs told you how far you had left. I saw the 400M sign and thought 1 time around the track. 200M and I could visualize myself on my high school track about to start a 200M race. As the meters decreased I was getting happier and happier. To be honest, I wasn't exactly sure where the actual, exact, finish was. ha ha I remember thinking, "you did it, you actually did it." then my legs got shaky and I realized the tightness in my chest. They keep you moving through the finish line handing you emergency blankets, medals, water, food, ice bags and beer....yes, beer! Once I was through the lines they ushered you down I realized just how badly the chaffing hurt. I went to a medic who winced when I left my arm and my shirt....in hindsight I hope she was wincing at the burn and not my smell ha ha.

It was incredibly cool to have runner tracking. While my friends and family weren't at the actual race they were there with me as they received text messages when I hit different mile marks like my 5k, 10K, 1/2 marathon, etc. As I ran I thought, "they know exactly where I am..how cool. I wonder what they are saying about my times." Seconds after I finished text messages starting coming it congratulating me. I couldn't keep up with the congratulation messages on Facebook. Since my watch had stopped I wasn't actually sure of my time so it was my little sister who actually notified me that I did hit my sub 4 goal!

Getting a text from Alice was great! While we only ran one training run together we had the same schedule and experienced very similar ups and downs so I felt as much a part of her training/race as she did mine so I was thrilled for her finish like I was thrilled for my own. We reconnected and head for Charity Village to connect with our team and enjoy the amenities of the hospitality tent. I ate like I hadn't eaten in days and winced through a massage. We talked with other runners from OAR, shared race stories, and took photos to capture memories of this amazing experience.

Alice and I went to Chicago not knowing anyone, but through OAR (the group we raised money for) we met some really great people. We even made a friend and went out to dinner with him as we now had Chicago marathon and OAR to link us.

After the race Alice and I talked for hours about it. We didn't run together but we remarked on things we both saw along the course..mostly the clever signs (which I will post about). In one of our talks I told her how it didn't feel like I had been running for close to 4 hours and in that time I can only name about 5 songs I actually remember running to. I had been listening to my ipod for a majority of the run but I think my focus on everything around me had me ignoring the music. While we knew we needed to ice and nap before going out that night we found our bodies to be exhausted but brains on overdrive and unable to slow. We went out that night and crashed early from all the excitement and emotion (and lets face it, physical demands) we went through that morning.

It was a motionless sleep. Getting up and actually out of bed the next morning was tricky but I wouldn't have had it any other way!

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
-John Bingham

Photos From Chicago

Here are some photos from our marathon weekend....

10 hours to go!!!

Well, it's here...the night before the big race. I am excited, but keep coming back to the same thought: this marathon is like a final exam....I've been to class, taken notes, read and studied all semester...tomorrow's the exam and there's nothing left that I can do but show up and try my best! 
As I've mentioned, I'm running for OAR (The Organization For Autism Research). Tonight we had a team recognition dinner and got to meet other team members and hear where all the money we raised goes.  More importantly, we got to hear stories of how autism has affected some of the team members.  Hearing those stories really made me proud to be a part of this team.  As we walked back to our hotel, after the dinner, we realized that no matter what happens at the race we have made a difference.  Yes, training was painful, but those struggles were nothing compared to the struggles people with autism face every day. 
It's time to lace up and get running!
 

70 Training Runs Down, 1 To Go!

CRAZY!!! 

Tomorrow morning I'm going to get up and run for less than 20 minutes!
It almost seems counterintuitive that I will be running such a small amount tomorrow then such a large amount Sunday....oh well!  ha ha

I can't believe the marathon is this weekend!  As I reflect on my training (I have all this time now since the taper has you running such short runs ha ha)  I think of it like a flashback montage of clips on a sitcom ha ha Each memory is from a different me.  Each run shaped/changed me in some way. 
The taper period has been interesting to me.  I've read a lot about tapering and I think I'm pretty typical, but still perplexed by this phenomenon.
 
Here's a quick list of things I've noticed during my taper:
(please keep in mind some of these are just who I am and how my brain works)
-I am finding I'm starting to get a little anxious-this is mostly because I've had an annoying cold for about 2 weeks now and I can't fully shake it and I'm worrying how it will effect my performance on race day.
-I'm very hard on myself.  Since I'm not running NEARLY as much as I was (and I've cut out the other things I did during training like lifting since these last two week are really about resting for the big day) I feel like I'm being lazy.  This thought couldn't be farther from the truth, but it's all relative to the mindset I've been in where I've been building, building building and now I'm slowing down.  My current runs are still more than a "typical" person is doing, but in my head I'm not doing anything and therefore I'm lazy and should be doing more.
-I'm am so completely excited I can't wait!
-I've mentioned that I only junk food once a week but I've had a hard time recently..mostly because I'm of 2 minds 1) I'm training for a marathon I can eat whatever I want 2) I'm tapering and barely running-this is not the time to be eating junk, you can't burn it off as quickly AND I don't need crap in my body right now. (It also doesn't help that I lack willpower and while some eat A cookie I eat A BAG of cookies ha ha)
-I'm exhausted all the time.
-I get annoyed and overwhelmed very easily.
-My focus is off.
-I'm not hungry (could be partial because of my cold).
Yes, most of that was negative, but it's a part of the process and I think a lot of that will go away when I actually step on that plane to Chicago where I will REALLY start to see my hard work and dedication pay off. 

With 1 training run to go I can say this journey has taken me place I never imagined!

2 WEEKS!!!!!

I can't believe it's 2 weeks until the big day!  I was thinking back to the end of May when I posted that it was 2 weeks until the training started and where I was physically and mentally.
This journey, both physically and mentally, has changed me for the better so no matter how the marathon goes I'm proud of myself!   

Going back and reading my blog has been very cool for me.  When I write I just write (often times how I talk) without much thought (shocking, right? ha ha) so going back to really see things that came out is interesting.  I'm happy I chose to blog about this journey.  I have to say, I get really excited when I meet people who have found my blog, relate to my blog, enjoyed my blog, shared my blog, gave running a try because of my blog...hell, I'm just happy people read it ha ha.

So hear I am 2 weeks away and it still stands...I'm sad it's almost over, but I'm excited to get to Chicago.  I keep reading about the taper weeks where we are cutting back our running significantly to help our bodies rest and repair before the big day and while it's barely been much cut back, it's been a challenge.  In the beginning I thought a 3-5 mile jump was tough and here I am thinking a 20 mile run to a 12 mile was tough.  It's crazy how your perspective changes!
I've realized just how mentally and physically strong I am.  I never thought I'd be able to do a 20 mile run (I took a wrong turn and actually did 21 ha ha) on a random Saturday morning, but I did it and felt great!  To date, I have run 405 miles in training runs!  I still have 30 miles of training before I go out to earn my 26.2 car magnet ha ha!  It's both incredible to think and easy to understand how I've been able to run what I've run. 
I've read and experienced how runs can go from bad to worse in seconds-not physically, but mentally.  Once you let the negative thoughts come into your head you're done so (as I've mentioned) I've been really focusing on positive thinking and even shared this link on my blog Facebook page about mantras.  Check it out....not just for running.
I am organized and a list maker so things like making my packing list and starting to set things out for Chicago has also helped me stay positive and excited while I'm struggling with, "It's almost over..what am I going to do Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturdays when I don't have training runs?"
My goals for the marathon moved all over the place throughout my training. 
My goals were: finish -> don't have a heart attack -> sub 4 hours, and since my 20 mile...er 21 mile run it has moved to more seriously, "maybe you can qualify for the Boston marathon."  That's where I'm at today.  Am I holding myself to it and keeping that as my end all, be all?  No, but over the last few weeks I've watched my times, felt how my body was reacting/feeling on long runs, and I've noticed some consistency to where I may have what it takes to qualify.  (For me to qualify for Boston a lot depends on age....if my BQ time is my age the day of the Boston Marathon I have a much better shot than if it's my time is based on my age when I run the Chicago Marathon)  If I do qualify, great, 2015 here I come.  If I don't that's okay too I'll run another marathon instead, but it's another example of how my mental and physical have changed throughout this process. 
I can't stress enough how manageable and attainable a marathon can be....What's holding most people back are the negative thoughts, "I could NEVER do that!" My continued advice...Start Small! Pick a 5k and set your goals incrementally from there! 

"Anybody can be a runner. We were meant to move. We were meant to run. It's the easiest sport." -Bill Rodgers

The Dreaded Week 15

Most training programs have a high week of training.  I'm following Hal Higdon's training program and week 15 is the highest week.  In total, week 15 is 40 miles of running.  (5, 10, 5, 20)  Since signing up for the marathon in February I have been dreading this week of training wondering how I'd EVER be able to run 20 miles in one day.  Well week 15 has come and gone and so is my fear of running 20 miles in a day.   

This 20 mile run wasn't looking promising for me earlier in the week.  On my long run in week 14 I had to run 14 miles and the last 2 miles felt like I my legs couldn't support my weight.  I started to get nervous for the 20 miler.  All week even touching my shins was painful.  I did everything I could to feel better.  After finishing the 5, 10 and 5 mile runs I was feeling confident for my 20 miler...then I woke up Friday morning with awful vertigo.  As the day progressed I felt like I had a fever...sure enough, I did.  I considered holding my run off until Sunday but prepared for it to be on Saturday just in case.  Ice packs on my knees and ankles, peace of mind lotion rubbed into my temples and eucalyptus oil rubbed on my chest I went to bed.  I woke up Saturday morning feeling great...ish.  By 6:30 the sun had finally risen and I was on my way.  Sure I had some crazy pains in my legs but who wouldn't after training for 14 weeks.  My pains shifted as I ran; pain I felt going uphill was different from the pain I had on my downhills.   There were times I was wondering if I was even picking my feet up to run and there were times I felt like I could really push it.  While it was tough at times I never thought to throw in the towel.  I actually ended up doing a 21 mile run...a little extra practice and proof that I could do the full 26.2 in 3 weeks. 

After the run I had a date with my pal...the ice bath.  As I sat in there shaking and cursing I thought, "This is it!  I have done it...I made it to 20 miles!"  On race day pure adrenaline and cheering spectators will carry me through the last 6.2 miles.  I can honestly say I'm ready and pumped.  I was pleased when I saw my times.  I was able to maintain a decent avg pace that will certainly make it possible to hit my goal for the marathon.  Originally my goal was not die, then it moved to finish the marathon and finally ended at sub 4 hours. 
This afternoon I had to attend my sister's engagement party...I'll just say I may have been in a dress but I didn't look like much of a lady today.  My sister told me my walk looked like I had just gotten off a horse and each time I sat down or got up or if I went up or down stairs I yelped a bit. I am beyond tired but am fighting with myself to stay up....I'm hoping I can keep this fight going until 9.   ha ha  I think I'll be sore in the morning, but it's expected. 
While there are still 21 days until the race and plenty of runs to do, I think it's safe to say I'm ready for 10-13-13!

One and Done!?!?!

Going into this marathon Alice and I kept saying, "one and done."  She still holds firm to that belief.  I, on the other hand, am not convinced I'm done with marathons. (We'll see what happens on race day ha ha)  I don't know if this "I'll do another marathon" is really just the excitement of my 1st marathon, actually making it through the training so far, doing something I still can't believe I'm doing-successfully, or enjoying this all, but it is my current thought.  While I've had some tough times in my training, I can honestly say I've enjoyed the training process.  In fact, I'm already sad that it's almost over.  It's like Christmas or a vacation....you anticipate and build up to it and then it's gone in the blink of an eye.  Since early June I have tailored my days and activities around this marathon.  When making plans I would think about the run I had that day or the next, but it wasn't an inconvenience, it was a focus for me. 
Like with yoga, it took me a while to really learn to clear my head.  I'm finally in a place where I can be completely void of thought.  When I start a run I get into a zone where I'm completely present in the moment.  I'm not thinking of to-do lists (although I love them), work, etc. I've also learned to really listen to my body and I'm getting good and figuring out what I need and what I can handle.  With my head being clear I'm finding I'm more relaxed and have better form.  Better form has led to fewer injuries and better times.  Prior to being able to clear my head I would finish a run stressed out because I was thinking of a million things, my jaw and shoulders would be tense from everything I was thinking about, and I wouldn't enjoy my runs.  (Don't get me wrong, there are times when I am completely dying on a run and hating every minute-see my post "DNF," but I'm aware of why since I'm paying more attention to myself as a runner)  I never thought I'd say it, but I'm a runner!  (Not one of those weird runners tho ha ha!)
I want to enjoy my last few weeks of training so I'm really trying to stay present in my training (when I'm not running) instead of looking at the end and how I'm sad it's almost done. 
It's funny how my thinking has changed as my training progressed.  In the beginning, training for 18 weeks seemed like a lifetime.  Going on a 14 mile run scared me, now they're "nothing."  Week 15 seemed like a goal I'd never get to and here it is.
I honestly believe if you believe in yourself you can run a marathon.  I can't say it enough....small bites-nobody is asking you to get up one day and run 26.2 miles.  Following a program helped me stay focused and made training foolproof.  Just when you think you can't handle another long run you drop down your mileage for a week and gain back your confidence and then you're fine again!  On my 18 mile run last week I felt amazing!  After it was done, I really thought I could do another 8.2 miles-I never thought I could/would EVER say that when I was starting the training!  Training for this marathon has taught me a lot about myself and what I'm really able to do.  (I won't start getting sentimental yet...but get ready for it when I finish! ha ha)

So as it stands, "One And Done" doesn't look to be true for me.  I kind of have my sights set on The Great Wall Of China Marathon.  We'll see! 

"If you keep it at, one day something which at first appeared impossible will become merely something very difficult indeed." Danny Paradise

Just Keep Swimming.....Err Running

With a disaster of a run Saturday, a 3 mile "make-up" run Sunday I left week 12 behind me ready to move forward and conquer new challenges. For week 13 my new challenge is working while training. I was in school for a few weeks in the beginning of training but the mileage then and now are two completely different things. As I entered week 13 I felt tired. I'm finding my Monday runs are tough. They are the shortest run of the week and maybe it's the mentality of "it's only 4" has me thinking is a whatever run and therefore it's tough. Today was a 9 mile run and my 2nd day back to work. (Yes, I worked all summer waitressing, but it's not the same. I'm tired when I go back to teaching on a regular, not training for a marathon, year this year is crazy.) A 9 mile run should take a little less than 1 1/2 hours and generally I run in the mornings. Today getting up at 5:00am to run 9 miles was not happening so I was forced to work all day then run. It was a disaster of a day with little issues popping up left and right and I stayed later than I expected. I left work exhausted and overwhelmed I found myself looking forward to my run so I could destress a bit. My run did just that. Each step I took gave me a greater sense of accomplishment and positive energy. I must have had some extra negative energy to burn off because there were parts of my run where I flew effortlessly (and no, I wasn't going downhill ha ha). I was pleased at how great I felt; it was a huge difference to how I felt Saturday. Maybe all the stress I had at work today was a actually a good thing...it gave me energy I didn't think I had. My stress gave me a purpose and in the end, gave me the positive feeling I need to get me excited for my 18 mile run on Saturday. I was worried that while I said "no negative thoughts" that some would creep in....no at all!

The past few weeks have been really tough at times. My mileage is increasing and my available time is decreasing, but with only 38 days until race day I have my eye on the prize and I can't back down!

"Just keep swimming, just keep swimming" (well running) :)

"Running is one the best solutions to a clear mind." Sasha Azevedo

DNF....The 3 Worst Letters To A Runner

DNF describes my 12 mile drop down long run for training week 12. 

I don't think I mentioned it in my blog but in June I went to the ER because I had numbness/pain down my left arm and and was having a lot of pain/difficulty breathing.  To boot, it had been ridiculously humid and putting it all together was the perfect storm making it look like I was having a heart attack....it was a pinched nerve in the perfect spot-ooops and ughhh!

Flash forward through the summer.  I had been waking up with weird shoulder/back pain but nothing like the night I went to the ER and nothing I couldn't deal with.  Saturday morning wasn't unlike any other morning.   I got up at regular time and made myself go back to bed because I had worked a long day the previous day and wasn't in a rush to go anywhere.  I finally got up, hydrated, "ate" and was ready to get running by 9:00.  I set out on my run and felt a lot of pressure/pain in my shoulder/neck but pushed through.  I also was sweating waaaaay more than normal and was finding each step laborious and awful.  Then came the chills...CHILLS!!!  It was insane heat and humidity and I was running yet I had chills!  I thought about how some runs start off tough but get better as you go and tried to let that push me...no such luck!  This was NOT happening.  Each mile seemed like 5 and at the 6 mile mark instead of saying "I'm 1/2 way there" I was saying, "shit, IDK if I can do another 6."  I pressed on....I knew where I had planted water/Gatorade and I knew I needed them badly.  (I usually keep a small water with me and barely touch it for the at least 5 miles...today it was gone by mile 3)  I got to the spot where I planted a water, but it was GONE!!!!!!   I thought maybe I was in the wrong spot...NOPE!  I was were I needed to be and my water was gone.  I'm not usually this hard up for a drink, but I was today with all the humidity.  I decided to talk myself up and down several more hills until my next hidden Gatorade.  Thankfully it was there, but it wasn't enough.  I knew something was really wrong today.  I tired to talk myself up but it wasn't working.  I tried to push all negative thoughts out of my mind, but it was more than that.  I was light headed/dizzy, dehydrated, having breathing pain, unable to really take a deep breath, with the chills AND I was 3.5 miles from home.  I got to the 9 mile mark and knew I was going to pass out if I kept going.  I did the unthinkable....I threw in the towel and called my parents!  From the time I called them until they picked me up I thought it best to keep walking (mostly bec. I feared passing out in the rd)  I made it to about mile marker 10.5. 
When my parents got to me, they put me in the car and took me to their house.  I felt like the night they had to take me to the ER.  I started to legitimately worry I was going to end up in the hospital again.  I pounded a water they had for me and continued to shake with chills and sweat like I've never sweat before.  I stayed outside (AC would have been too much for me) and fell asleep, in minutes, on some patio furniture.  I'd get up drink some water and re-evaluate my pain.  Also during this time I went from thinking I was really smart for knowing my body and stopping because it was too much to thinking I was a quitter and should have kept going.  I am very hard on myself and the quitting still has me upset the next day even though I know stopping was the right thing to do.  I slept most of the day Saturday, but did have to work at night.  I had aches, pains, fatigue greater than after my 16 mile run, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, and a cranky attitude for quitting and for letting it bother me so much.  All in all it was a terrible run/day.  The scariest part was the dehydration.  I drank, easily, a gallon of water from the time my parents picked me up until 6:00pm.  I used the bathroom at 8am and didn't go again until 6:30pm-scary and unhealthy? Yes, but having that happened confirmed I REALLY was unable to finish that run and would have really hurt myself if I had. 
All night the OCD in me continued to be int he back of my mind saying, "you skipped 3 miles, Kelly" and while normal people say, "that's ok..you can even skip a training run here and there" I said, "You're getting up tomorrow and running those 3 miles you skipped."  Maybe it was against better judgement, but I had to....I got up this morning and struggled through a 3 mile run.  I can now, officially say, I have fully completed my 12th week of training!   I am 2/3 done with this training!  Am I still in pain? Yes, but the training must go on.  I'm taking it easy, but I have to keep going and gear up for my 18 mile run on Saturday....only positive thoughts for me moving forward! 

There will be more ups and downs I'm sure but in my head the end justifies the means....43 more days until race day!

Marathon training is like a power hour…in the beginning you wonder when the next run (beer) is coming and think “this isn’t so bad” then as you get into the training (hour) you think, “no way is it time to run (drink) again”

Marathon training is like a power hour…in the beginning you wonder when the next run (beer) is coming and think “this isn’t so bad” then as you get into the training (hour of drinking) you think, “no way is it time to run (drink) again” 

No lie, this is truly how I feel and the best way to explain it.  You know what it was like to do a power hour....30 minutes in and you're swearing at the time keeper accusing him/her of lying. ha ha   Training is the same way...you start checking your calendar saying, "no way is it another run day." 

What really stinks about me feeling this way is I'm thinking this with SEVERAL more weeks of training ahead of me.  OH  MY!

A professor I had has run quite a few marathons and told me training gets worse before it gets better....I guess this means things can only get better?  I hope (gulp).  I can't complain too much considering I'm 11 weeks in and this is where the miles REALLY start adding on.  Most of the "problems" I'm having are mental.  I find I'm getting myself worked up about long run.  I start to wonder if I can actually run what they are asking me to run.  I also get worked up when I plan my runs...There are tons of places I can run by my home, but no matter which way I go I have a hill at the end of my run.  So that turns into a  mental issue where I am literally talking (panting) my way through hills to keep myself going.  I have said any number of things like, "power through-you own this hill" to "each step gets you closer to being done" or "keep looking down...you can't see any hill if you are just watching your feet."  Then I starting thinking, "I'm officially talking to myself, out loud, and with my iPod on and I don't know how loud I am....I hope nobody is behind me!"  ha ha

My running week starts out with a low mileage run (it started with 3 mile runs for 10 weeks, 4 mile runs for 3 weeks, 5 mile runs for 3 weeks then the last 2 weeks are a 4 miler then a 3 miler).  I then have a higher mileage mid week run which started out with 3 miles and every 2 weeks adds a mile. (This too will go down in the last 2 weeks of training) The 3rd run of the week goes back down to a low mileage run similar to the Monday runs.  Each week ends with a long run on Saturday.  (Every 3 weeks there is a drop down for the big Saturday run).  Lately all of the runs have been coming faster and faster.  I had a 4 mile run this week that was easily one of the worst runs of my training...4 MILES!!!  I guess it's better to have a short run go poorly as opposed to a 16 miler.  I just wish they were all great runs ha ha!

Most people get excited for the weekend....not me anymore!  Weekends mean I have a long run waiting for me.  Sure I feel accomplished and proud when it's done, but until it's done I can get apprehensive, anxious and at times I'm straight up dreading the miles I have to run on Saturday. (except for the drop down Saturdays...I treasure those ha ha)  Leading up to the long runs kills me, but when I'm out there I feel great!  I need to get over my mental block that makes me crazy each week because I know it'll be fine come Saturday.  While it may seem completely contradictory to everything I've just written, I can honestly say I'm liking the training. 

As I've said before...this is my journey and you're getting the good, the bad and the ugly!  Happy Running!  :)

What kind of crazy nut would spend two or three hours a day just running?
(This is how Steve reacted in Junior High when he saw the High School Cross country team running)

1/2 Way There.....Race Day Is 2 Months From Today!!!

I biked a "race" once that had the slogan "1/2 the hills are down."  I thought it was genius and true....It's how I feel now that it's official and I am half way through my training-so far I've done the down hill portion of the training...from here on out it's uphill!  As of today, the marathon is 60 days away! 

Hindsight is 20/20
As I sit and look back at the last 9 weeks I can honestly say it wasn't what I thought.  It's not necessarily easier than what I thought it would be, but it's totally manageable. (I can also say this because I don't "technically" work over the summer...I waitress when someone needs me which worked out to being most days this summer, but my schedule is pretty free for running unlike during the school year) When I look at my calender and see a 7 mile run I don't freak anymore.  7-10 mile runs are "whatever" runs.  I never thought I'd be in a place where a 7-10 mile run would be a "whatever" run but it is.  Alice and I continue to think back to the time when we were about to run our 1st 5k and it blew our minds that we'd be be running 3 whole miles ha ha. 

LITTLE BITES
Little bites is the best way to describe what you have to do to get through marathon training.  It's like a brunch buffet....(I know how to eat so I can give advice about buffets) you don't go in and get everything the 1st round.  To REALLY master the buffet you go in, scope it out, get some stuff but don't overdo it and don't waste your time with salad, fruit, and bread....they're fillers ha ha  A little bit of everything over a few trips will totally satisfy you.  You can't go into the marathon thinking you can just get up and run a 17 mile training run one day...you build up to it.  As of now, the highest mileage we've had to run in a week was 25 miles...the next few weeks are 29 miles, 32, 36, 33, 40....we'll be getting up there AND I'll be back to teaching so perhaps my, "It's totally manageable" comment will be tossed and spat on ha ha. 

See Ya 3 Mile Runs....
Yesterday was the last time I'll be running only 3 miles for a training run until October 3rd when we REALLY start backing down out mileage.  A few thoughts on that last 3 mile run 1) I was sad that now, after 9 weeks I'm no longer running just 3 miles. I looked forward to these "baby" runs. 2) I thought I'd be a badass and run with 3 lbs weights in each hand today.  6 lbs, I thought, would be nothing, WRONG! After about 1.5 miles I wanted to DIE!  It's amazing how heavy the weights can get and how long a 3 mile run can seem-NEVER AGAIN!  3)I started to break in my race shoes...ahhhh!  My race shoes have been sitting in my closet for a few months and finally came out...to me that says, "shit's getting serious!"   Little bites, little bites, little bites! 

Enjoy the next month!
I hold firm the belief that you can't drink the month before a big race* (*Disclaimer If your life turns upside down, as mine did right before my last 1/2, you can do whatever you want including, but not ltd to, drinking hrs before the race-it ended up being my best race! ha ha)   As of Sept 13th (ok, ok Sept 14th because my little sister is having her engagement party on the 14th) I will no longer be drinking until the marathon is over-Just another test of my dedication and willpower! 

Here Goes Nothing....
The runs are going to REALLY start getting long....this weekend I have a 15 mile run...I've never run that far in my life.  I'm nervous and excited at once. 

If you keep at it, one day something which at first appeared impossible will become merely something very difficult indeed. Danny Paradise

Everybody Poops!

I told you...good, bad and ugly. I'm giving you all of it.

Interestingly Enough, A Baby's Nap And A Runner's Poop Are Really Very Similar....

Parents who keep their children on a schedule often say things like, "We'll be a little late, (insert child's name) is napping at that time."

Runners on a pooping schedule say things like, "I can't do my run yet...I haven't had my poop yet." 



I, like many other runners, fear pooping in my pants on a long run or worse-race day.  Once I hit 12 miles my stomach is not a happy camper and after each 1/2 marathon I've done I have suffered from terrible stomach pains the day of and (usually) 2 days following the race.   

My poop is dictating my running schedule!
I've learned to be flexible with my runs.  I'll get up on a Saturday morning at 5:30 hoping to be on the road by 6:15 running then still sitting around my house at 7:00 doing random stuff to waste time until I poop.  I have yet to give in and just go run without pooping, but I may have to-I fear that day. 

I am not one of those people who has to eat several hours before a run or I will cramp up/can't run.  I can eat Thanksgiving dinner and hit the pavement 20 minutes later-food doesn't affect me.  Some runners plan what they will eat the night before a long run so they know they will poop before running.  Some people will drink coffee to get things going.  Unfortunately, the flip side to eating whatever I want means I don't have a go to plan to fix my pooping my pants fear.  I have also read about people who poop before a run then take anti-diarrhea medicine to avoid having to poop during a race/long run.  I haven't tried this, but I'm tempted....it's probably not healthy, but the embarrassment of pooping my pants might kill me before popping some anti-diarrhea meds ha ha!

Everybody Poops....And Talks About It!
As I was reading a blog about this very topic you can see I'm not the only one talking about this.  It's quite the hot topic and people aren't embarrassed to tell all (probably the safety of being behind their computer screen helps people speak so candidly) ha ha. Here are some replies I read:

"Unfortunately, I do not have bowels that run like clockwork like some people. Nor are there foods that I can depend on to "clean it out". I'm not irregular, per say, I go plenty (tmi yet??) -- but my body just does at it pleases, when it pleases, and follows no schedule."

"I will say I worry much more about the prospect of a #2 during a marathon than actually being able to finish the marathon itself. The best advice I feel is to figure out your body's time clock and then just get up earlier and do your business naturally before leaving for the race. You DO NOT want to be the one pooping in your shorts!"

"This is a fantastic subject, haha. I always just get up at least a few hours before race time and have a small cup of coffee. I might have half a bagel or yogurt as well, but try and keep the food to a minimum. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I also do some light up and down jumping or jump rope. It can help!"

"I love this topic, it made me laugh! I have had so many conversations over the years with fellow runners about pooping before (or during) a race. I was extremely worried about having an episode during my first marathon but it never turned out to be an issue thank goodness!
I am a coffee drinker so that usually does the trick in the AM. I just make sure to get up early enough to drink it along with my breakfast and let it do its thing and still have time for the belly to settle before the race. and I am extremely superstitious about my meal the night before a marathon. I eat the same thing before every marathon just because it worked the first time and I go with it."

Hopefully some of these tips will help you or at least make you laugh!

I found this amazingly funny story about very topic....check it out Everyone Poops!

So what is it?  Why is it that runners are know to be pant poopers?
“Contributing factors likely include the physical jostling of the organs, decreased blood flow to the intestines, changes in intestinal hormone secretion, and pre-race anxiety and stress,” said Dr. Stephen De Boer, a registered dietitian with the Mayo Clinic who has studied this topic. “What is clear is that food moves more quickly through the bowels of athletes in training.”

For more on this check out these articles:

 Why do I have to poop when I run?

Out There: Everyone Poops

Hilarious internet find for this topic!

I hope writing this today didn't jinx my long run tomorrow! :)

Color Me Rad!

Today I ran the Color Me Rad 5K at Met Life Stadium....I thought it was IN the stadium, but it was just some cones set up in the parking lot OF the stadium...whatever!  ha ha

Was it a hard race? No!  Was it a serious race? No!  Was it a fun race? TOTALLY! 

There were points on the race that my sister, her fiance, my friend, and I thought it was kind of lame (we thought/wished there were more stations to have corn starch thrown at you), but we made it fun as it went on.  We opted to wear white so the colors really showed...obviously we went with white tutus to help pull the look together. ha ha They also give you "RAD" tattoos and neon framed glasses....You really need them with all the dust in the air...and to help you look rad!  (wear old sneakers you don't mind trashing)



As you ran there were stations along the course where people threw colored cornstarch at you.  Sure they throw it at us and we got some color, but we took the cornstarch up a notch too....we rolled on the ground in colored cornstarch and we grabbed handfuls of colored cornstarch from the boxes the volunteers had to throw at the runners...I don't know if they loved us doing it, but it made the run so much more fun to have cornstarch fights.  We got an amazing ab workout from laughing so hard.  At the end of the run they give you a "color bomb" (bag of colored corn starch) to get yourself that much more colorful before going home ha ha. 
We realized we were beyond gross and didn't want to get our own places messed up so we went to my parents' to jump in the pool to "clean off."  It took several hours in the pool and a shower with lots of scrubbing to get to the point where we didn't look like we had been beaten or or had some freak disease all over our bodies ha ha  

When we got to my parents' my mom was LOVING our stories about the run and decided she wants to do it next year!  (We actually now have a huge group or family members who want to do it next year!)  I'm so excited she and other family members want to do it!   It's fun runs like this series that get people who wouldn't normally run a 5K into running a 5K.  My mom ran her 1st 5K at 67 and swore she wouldn't run another....here she is today saying she's in to run a Color Me Rad 5K next year!  If you've never run a 5K try out a Color Me Rad 5K to get your started...not all 5Ks will be this much fun, but this might be the "race" you need to get started on your running career! 
You can't tell me you don't want to look like this after a 5K!  :) 

COLOR ME RAD

What To Bring On Your Runs....

Something to know about me....I'm always prepared for any situation.  If you're ever trapped in a snowbank, in a car, hope you're in my car ha ha  I have everything you could possibly need from blankets to books ha ha  Maybe it's fear of the unknown, OCD, my many years of being a girl scout-who knows, but I pride myself in being ready for any situation.

With that being said, people have asked me what I take on my runs so I'm prepared BUT I'm not loaded up like a Sherpa heading up Everest!

That photo basically spells it out...
Watch and iPod:
These two need no explanation.
Chapstick:
I'm addicted and the idea of being on a run without it makes me crazy. ha ha  As I've mentioned in a previous post, I put it in my bra-easy access when I'm running.
Belt:
They claim the belt won't slide or move when you run-lies!  (slides less/more depending on my outfit tho)  Regardless of the annoyance of it moving, I keep using it.  It can actually hold a lot.  It has loops to store gels but as I've mentioned, I don't do gels so I use the loops to hold my house key.
Chomps/Jelly Beans:
I always have them on me for 7+ mile runs, but in general I keeps some with me in case I start feeling dizzy or weak.  I don't need the entire pack so I just keep a few wrapped up.
Phone:
I ALWAYS have my phone, for a few reasons: GPS if I happen to get lost, ability to call someone if I need help, to check in on FB mid run <---jk  (I keep my phone in a ziplock bag in my belt...protection from rain and sweat)
Insurance Card:
I'm just being prepared, but what if something happened and I was unable to tell EMS my info?  Having my insurance card takes care of things.  I don't carry my license because I don't want to forget my license in my belt and be out somewhere without it and I have several copies of my insurance card so one stays in my belt at all times. 
Small Water Bottle:
You can tell in the photo how small I'm talking with the water bottle.  (I got it in the travel size toiletries section of Target for like $1) After my incident with the bug I choked on while running and the humidity in NJ during the summer I always have it.  Some people do hydration belts, but that's not my thing.  The belt I wear annoys me enough.  On longer runs I generally plant water along my route so I don't have to carry extra weight but I don't skip hydration either.  (I still have to post about hydration while running...it's coming)

Sure there's more I COULD bring, but I find these to be the bare bones essentials...Happy Running! 


"To be prepared is half the victory."
Miguel de Cervantes

Believe you can and you’re half way there. -Theodore Roosevelt

Running can test your mental strength as much as your physical strength. 
 
Physical:
Training for the marathon is A LOT of running.  I am not even 1/3 of the way through my training and I'm feeling the miles.  (not to mention sleeping and eating more) I'm also realizing training is a learning process.  Take my hamstrings for example..I haven't been able to touch my toes the past few days because my hamstrings are so tight.  I've learned (or more like remembered) I need to stretch more and continue/up my hamstring strengthening.   
I'm really working on pushing through, but realizing my limitations and paying attention to my body.  I've mentioned running on the treadmill and hating it....sometimes the treadmill can be a savior.  The other morning something in my body (or maybe the humidity) told me running outside was a bad idea-not my ideal to hit the treadmill, but it was safer and I had to run. "Listen to your body. Do not be a blind and deaf tenant." -Dr. George Sheehan

To date, I've run 76 miles of the 461.2 get ready for plenty of posts about walls I hit, running frustrations, and injuries.  As of now I don't have too much to say about the physical because the truth is, if I had to runt he marathon tomorrow I could.  It would be insanely hard, but I'm physically fit and with each run I learn more and more about my endurance and my ability to pace myself.
 
Mental:
There are a million stories out there about the power of positive thinking.  You've probably read stories about people overcoming something nearly impossible by changing their outlook on things.  I really think this is true.  I didn't overcome some great adversity, but I am realizing the more positive my thoughts the better I feel when it comes to my runs.  Take this morning for example, I woke up kind of achy but I had time in my schedule so I didn't have to rush off and run.  I started writing this post and wanted to get some quotes about positive thinking for runs.  The quote page opened with this, "The following is a compilation of my favorite motivational running quotes. Keep these handy. Running can test your mental strength as much as your physical strength, and these quotes are a good source of motivation…" as I read through them I did in fact feel empowered and stronger.  I went out to run and I really did feel great-I even did some speed work.  On the flip side to today's run are the days when getting up to run is the LAST thing I want to do, but I grudgingly get up and go...my runs on those days are terrible.  I've seen/experienced both so I'm really trying to approach each run as a way to make myself better.  As I run, I'll visualize something I REALLY want when I'm done (sadly it's usually a cold shower and tons of water to drink)...Sometimes it's a type of food/drink treat I want and a lot of times by the time I'm done with my run the craving is gone so it's a super win win...I win because I'm working out and I win because I beat the craving!  I often visualize myself and different mile markers..it helps get me through.  As I run I often think things like, "think about all the people who aren't doing this" or "people in way less shape than you have done this-get moving" or I can think about stories like this --> Team Hoyt.  Anyone can run a marathon after reading that story!  :)  We aren't all Team Hoyt material and we all run or do what we do for different reasons.  Celebrate your reason for what you do and go with it!
 
After reading that story about Team Hoyt I look ridiculous for even writing this, but this is my blog about my journey so it is what it is.  :) My long run last week was 9 miles and it's been pretty hot and humid so I was a little nervous.  I had my route all planned, I had water with me and I had my mom put some water in her mailbox so when I ran passed my parents' house I could hydrate, I was running early in the day so the heat wasn't too bad....I was ready.  As I started my run I reminded myself this is an hour and a half (tops) of my life and I shouldn't perseverate and let negative thinking hold me back.  I was feeling great...I was 3 miles into a 9 mile run.  I wasn't pushing myself too much (they say on your long runs you should be able to sing or hold a convo and since I was running alone I was trying to sing along to my ipod).  I'm not gonna lie, I was listening to "Party In The USA" by Miley Cyrus (back off ha ha) all of a sudden the music stopped.  I thought maybe I had sweat too much and temporally killed my earbuds-I've done it before.  I took them off and tried to shake out sweat, blow into them...anything to make them work again.  I kept them out for about a mile to dry out and tried them again-no luck.  I was now 4 miles in and annoyed but realizing I had 5 miles left and no choice.  I depend on my music to keep pace up I started thinking that hour and a half idea was out the window, but I kept on running.  I really couldn't judge if I was going to hard or not hard enough.  My splits seemed too good to be true.  As I mentioned before, I visualize different mile markers to keep me going but without music the visualizations turned into  me visualizing the different mile markers and the hills they had.  I started thinking "hmm should I run with a backup ipod/earbuds for the marathon?"  That got me into thinking about different things I absolutely want/need to have with me on race day.  That got me thinking I should write a post about what I have with me on training runs.  Before I knew it, I was on my last mile.  I looked down at my watch and realized I had been running consistent 9 minute miles...I was pleased.  As I ran that last mile I realized that if this happens race day I know I can run without my music and perhaps this mishap gave me one less thing to fear on race day.  ha ha  Everyone deals with/overcomes his/her own "stuff" so for now, this was the adversity I overcame. ha ha
Epilogue:  I went to Apple that day and sadly the people at the genius bar did all they could but their efforts wore unsuccessful.  My relatively new ipod was gone...Thankfully the 3-5 business days Apple told me I'd have to wait for the replacement turned out to only 2 days....phewww  let's see how long until I kill this ipod ha ha