As I have done for my last two marathons, I am again dedicating my miles. Yes, there will be many dedications that are repeated, but I have also added some new ones after some dedications that were made by members of the pace group during the Hartford Marathon. I leave Wednesday for Florida to get accustomed to the weather down there and will begin the marathon with my dad at 5:50AM on Sunday morning. WIsh me luck!
Mile 1- This one is always reserved for Dad because if he never encouraged me to start running, I would not be doing this!
Mile 2- My mom
Mile 3- Melissa- the world's greatest big sister
Mile 4- Tracy- the world's greatest middle sister
Mile 5- Grandpa- who was always at the finish line of the Apple Harvest 5 Mile Road Race waiting for a hug from his favorite little runner.
Mile 6- Tony. . . and the silly penguin
Mile 7- Stan- we will miss you this year!
Mile 8- Grandma- Love you and miss you! You are always with me in my heart.
Mile 9- Uncle John and Auntie Laurie- we will miss you this year and all the fun you add to the vacation!
Mile 10- The Marines and my cousin Joe who is currently serving with them. Always in my thoughts.
Mile 11- Members of the Army
Mile 12- Members of the Air Force
Mile 13- For Tracy R. who is currently battling breast cancer- your fight is bigger than any race I will ever run- always in our thoughts and prayers.
Mile 14- Scleroderma Patients all over the world- the disease is not well known about, but someday we will find a cause and cure and I will keep running until we do.
Mile 15- Danners- Someday you will be at mile 15 in a race and begin to wonder what the hell you are doing, but you will trek on because there is a medal with your name on it at the finish line.
Mile 16- Zachers because he deserves the mile that all runners look forward to- 10 miles left!
Mile 17- Meggers- my favorite sister in law. . . nobody needs to know that you're my ONLY sister in law!
Mile 18- John and Rachel- love you kids!
Mile 19- Kyle and Jenna- love you kids too!
Mile 20- MS patients around the world- I am running with the hope that a cure for this disease will make all of you runners some day.
Mile 21- My students- who support me and think that what I do is amazing even though they cannot even begin to understand how far 26.2 miles is.
Mile 22- Dr. Goldgeier and Karen Landt- if it wasn't for them I would not be running.
Mile 23- Dr. Bevilaqua- you once told me I can't- look at me now.
Mile 24- For Firefighters everywhere- you are heroes who will never admit it and I admire each and every one of you.
Mile 25- This one is for me.
and last but certainly not least. . .
Mile 26- AJ- because there is nobody I want to see more at the end of the race than the love of my life and my biggest fan.
And there you have it folks- dedications for the 2009 Walt Disney World Marathon! As always a full race recap will be posted soonafter my return home!
Happy Running!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Here we go again!
It's hard to believe that it has been almost three months since my last running blog. That also means it has been almost three months since my last marathon which means my next marathon is right around the corner. . . in fact it is 8 days away!
A year ago, I was terrified at the the thought of running 26.2 miles, but now I've done it and maybe for me, it is better that I know what is coming. I just came off an amazing run in Hartford and have nothing but positive thoughts. Dad and I have vowed to make this run just for fun. We realized that after last year's heat and humidity, goals need to be adjusted and this will be a race we do not to set any records, but for the sheer fun of running the Disney Marathon, the medal that is put around your neck at the end of the race, and seeing thousands and thousands of spectators along the course route cheering on complete strangers. Running Disney is fun because it is the most magical 26.2 miles on Earth.
And so here we are again, with my pre-race blogs, but this time, I don't know what to say. I know what to expect, I know the route and I also know that I can run 26.2 miles, I've done it before and I can do it again.
I guess the biggest thing for me on race day will be knowing that I accomplished my running goal for the year. . . 3 marathons in one year's time. That's pretty big.
Until next time. . . happy running!
A year ago, I was terrified at the the thought of running 26.2 miles, but now I've done it and maybe for me, it is better that I know what is coming. I just came off an amazing run in Hartford and have nothing but positive thoughts. Dad and I have vowed to make this run just for fun. We realized that after last year's heat and humidity, goals need to be adjusted and this will be a race we do not to set any records, but for the sheer fun of running the Disney Marathon, the medal that is put around your neck at the end of the race, and seeing thousands and thousands of spectators along the course route cheering on complete strangers. Running Disney is fun because it is the most magical 26.2 miles on Earth.
And so here we are again, with my pre-race blogs, but this time, I don't know what to say. I know what to expect, I know the route and I also know that I can run 26.2 miles, I've done it before and I can do it again.
I guess the biggest thing for me on race day will be knowing that I accomplished my running goal for the year. . . 3 marathons in one year's time. That's pretty big.
Until next time. . . happy running!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Hartford Marathon Recap!
I woke up the morning of the marathon feeling good. I gave myself an hour and a half before dad would come to get me. I showered, drank my coffee, forced myself to eat half a bagel and I put my hair in braids. I stretched out and tried to relax and also tried to keep my mind off the fact that I was about to run 26 miles 385 yards.
Dad picked me up at 6:30 on the dot and we headed into Hartford. We parked and waited in the car for a bit before heading down to Bushnell park to pee and head to the starting line. It was a bit chilly, but perfect weather for a marathon. The sun was coming up and I knew it was going to be a beautiful day.
At about 7:30 we walked down to Bushnell Park where I knew I would have to use a porta potty. For those of you that don't know- I have porta potty performance anxiety. They completely disgust me and I dread the thought of having to use one. The only thing that gets me through is knowing that the next time I will use one will probably be the same race next year. I survived- and was sure not to touch anything but the lock.
We then headed over to the starting line and searched for the 4:30 Pace Group sign. We didn't see it, so we headed to the middle of the pack of runners and finally we saw it heading towards us. We had decided last week that we would try the pace group to see how it went and when I saw our two pace leaders, I could tell it was going to be a fun race. The guy, who we later learned was Jerry, was wearing a bright orange wig- the kind with plastic hair. And the girl, who we later learned was Marie, was wearing a hat with hand made bunny ears attached that said 4:30 on each of the ears. They were both awesome. They informed us that throughout the race we will dedicate each mile to someone to help keep our minds off the race. I was so happy that we had what seemed to be awesome pace leaders.
As 8:00 drew nearer, there were short speeches from the mayor of Hartford, an ING person, and a blessing. The National Anthem was sung and then we heard "Runners ready" and the horn. But of course, this is really anti-climactic for anyone in the middle of the pack because you walk until you get to the starting line and the group spreads out enough to be able to run. It took us about 4 and a half minutes to get to the starting line and off we went. We stayed a little behind our pace leaders and went through the first two miles a bit quicker than the 4:30 pace, but Jerry and Marie assured us it was ok. We had a great pace and as we headed out towards South Windsor the pace group turned into those that would finish the race with the group- or soon thereafter.
Running with Jerry and Marie was a great time. My dad and I were feeling great. Each time we got to a mile marker Marie would sing (to the tune of "Do You Hear What I Hear?") "Do you see what I see?" We would echo back and then she would sing "It's mile marker__" and would say the mile marker. Then, we would count backwards from the mile to one and yell "4:30 ROCKS!" Now, I know to the non-runner this sounds corny, but you would not believe how pumped it got us. We had a great time. Jerry and Marie had stories for everything from every marathon. They told us about marathons all over the country, gave us tips about running and recovering, and would just encourage us. It made the miles fly by. There was not one time when I thought about how many miles I had left. When we got to the half way point, I said to my dad "I can do 13 more!" I felt great. We did not take any walk breaks, except when passing through water stations which are only about 100 feet. We were running the whole way! At one point, Jerry broke off from our group and went and sat at a table with a family that was watching the race and had set up breakfast outside and enjoyed a mimosa with them! At another point, Jerry and Marie went and danced with some Scottish dancers outside a church! They were a great time and made the run so fun. There was no time to think about how many miles were left, the miles flew by.
As we headed back into the city, we finally got to mile 17 which is huge because it means you are in single digit miles- 9 to go! Dad and I stayed with them for a few more miles, then I needed to walk. We went 20 miles without walking- something neither of us have done before. It was awesome! We had to walk because I knew that coming back into the city there were some hills and although I probably could have run up them, I wanted to save some energy. We eventually fell behind out pace group, but we knew we would not have been in such good shape this late in the race if it wasn't for them.
So, along dad and I went, with 6 miles left, knowing 6 miles was nothing! We made a goal to keep all the miles under 12 minutes so that we could finish in about 4 hours and 35 minutes. We took our time up hills, walking and later passing people that ran up the hill because they used all their energy. Having fun and dancing when there was music, my dad stopped and sang at the water station where there was Jimmy Buffett music and we were both in good spirits.
The mile numbers got higher and the miles left got smaller (usually what happens) and soon we were at mile 25- 1.2 miles to go! We had kept all of our miles in the low 11 minutes and were going to finish in about 4:35! I was thrilled! Between miles 25 and 26 they were giving out candy, but I don't understand the whole eating a snickers during a race- it is too chewy and I just don't like it- then my dad saw ORANGES!!!! Now, in Disney all I wanted was an orange during the race. It is the one thing that I can eat during a race- aside from sport beans- and that is all I wanted. They have just the right amount of juicyness and they have teh right amount of sugar. Well, dad spotted some oranges on the table and I was THRILLED! I grabbed a couple slices and off we went, I was happy as a clam! So, we continued with two more walk breaks before getting to mile 26. The next 385 yards were the longest of my life and I asked my dad where the finish line was because at that point, although I was happy, I felt like someone was playing a mean joke and like the finish line was nowhere in sight.
Finally, we turned the corner, went under the arches and there it was. Off to our right we saw, AJ, Dan, and Meg cheering us on! We held each others hand, raised them in the air and crossed the finish line in 4:34:53! I felt awesome!!! I was soooo happy! I got my mylar (it is mylar and you put it on to stay warm after a race), I got my medal and they took my chip off. We saw Jerry and Marie who came over and congratulated us. We thanked them a million times and then went to see AJ, Dan and Meg. We had our picture taken with Jerry and Marie and a few others taken and we had done it. I had taken 35 minutes off my last marathon time and I felt a million times better than my last one. I didn't complain at all, there were no tears, it was 100% pure happiness! It was the ultimate runners high. I had never felt such a great feeling of accomplishment after running and thinking about it makes me want to do it again- every step of it.
Prior to Hartford, I was actually dreading the thought of running 26.2 miles in Hartford and then doing it again exactly three months later in Disney, but now, I can't wait for Disney! This was a truly wonderful experience and I can't wait for the next one!
Until next time. . . Happy Running!
**A note on the attached picture, the time on the clock when crossing the finish line reads 4:38. That is because, like I mentioned in the beginning of the blog, it took us about 5 minutes to get to the starting line. Therefore, the clock time is slower, the chip time, which is the official time was 4:34:53!**
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Dedicating my Hartford miles. . .
Before running the Disney Marathon in January, I dedicated each of my miles because there were countless people who inspired, encouraged, or were just there for me on the road to training for that marathon. I decided this is something I will do before every marathon because it helps me while running and there are always people who make a difference in my running and my life while I am training. Many miles will be dedicated to the same people, however, it is always good to remind the important people in my life that they have helped me in some way. You will see a recurring theme- people who have made a difference in my life because of the strength they have shown in their own. . . strength is what I will need tomorrow and I truly admire each and everyone of the people below.
1- My dad- because without him, I would have never had the courage or determination to begin my training.
2- My Mom- my best friend.
3, 4- Melissa and Tracy- my sisters.
5- Dr. Goldgeier and Karen Landt- I truly believe these doctors saved my life. When I first saw them I was so sick, and they did everything to make me better.
6- Dr. Milstone- for doing everything to keep me healthy.
7- My Grandpa- because no matter what, when I cross the finish line, I remember him being there at my first race and I know he would be there at every one if he could.
8- My Gramma whose courage and strength during her illness helped me get through my own.
9- Danners- who will someday run a marathon and understand why it is necessary to dedicate miles to get you through.
10- Meggers- the best sister in law ever who I know will have to deal with working around my training schedule when we open our business! ;-)
11- Zachers- because your my lil bro!
12- Kylers- because your strength is admirable.
13- Yanners- because your stories are entertaining enough to keep me smiling as I pass the halfway mark.
14- Jenners- the newest member of our game night crew who finds everything fun. . . I just hope I find this mile fun!
15- Rachelers- who always has the greatest shoes on that I wish I could wear. . . but know that it would heighten my risk of injury prior to a marathon. . . so I don't. . . I will live vicariously though admiring your fabulous shoes. . . and think of rewarding myself with a pair if I make it through the next 11 miles!
16- For Patients of Scleroderma- I admire your strength and courage and the thought of that will get me through the next 10.
17- Sister Pat- May you rest in peace. You are the reason that I am a music teacher and will always remember you for your neverending kindness and constant giving.
18- For me- This is the furthest distance I ran in training for this marathon. . . so this mile is all for me.
19- For Maria- a former student whose strength, courage, and determination are stronger than any 10 year old's that I have ever met. . . or my own. I admire her for being so postive despite everything life has thrown at her and always keeping her chin up. . . she is truly a hero in my eyes.
20- For Laura- I love you like a sister and you are stronger than I think I will ever be. Thank you for everything.
21- For Marissa- You defied odds at the beginning of your life when the whole world was bigger than you. You were a miracle and I am blessed to have you in my life!
22- For Anarion- our cat- who still doesn't care that I am sweaty at the end of a long run and wants to cuddle and curl up on my lap.
23- For Julio- a student of mine who will never understand what a marathon is or be able to run one, but will always look at me, smile as big as possible and say "Boom chicka Boom!" That smile and his excitement is enough to get me through what is sure to be a difficult mile.
24- For anyone who has never run a marathon but has always wanted to- get up and do it, although it is painful and you completely beat up your body. . . the reward is greater than anything.
25- For all of my students because although they complain to me about running the mile and never understand how I can run 26, I know that if they knew what it would mean to me, they would be at mile 25 to run the last mile of the race with me. They make more of a difference in my life than they will ever know.
And last. . . but certainly not the least:
26- For my husband, AJ because I know he will be waiting for me at the finish line and no matter what the clock says. . . he will be proud of me. The thought of seeing him will get me through when I feel as though I can't take another step. I love you with all my heart.
Well- that is all. The marathon is tomorrow and I will run each mile keeping these people in mind. You have all gotten me here, now it is up to me to get me through 26 miles with each of you in mind. Thank you all for your support, encouragement, and love. You all mean the world to me.
Until my post-marathon blog. . .
Happy Running!
1- My dad- because without him, I would have never had the courage or determination to begin my training.
2- My Mom- my best friend.
3, 4- Melissa and Tracy- my sisters.
5- Dr. Goldgeier and Karen Landt- I truly believe these doctors saved my life. When I first saw them I was so sick, and they did everything to make me better.
6- Dr. Milstone- for doing everything to keep me healthy.
7- My Grandpa- because no matter what, when I cross the finish line, I remember him being there at my first race and I know he would be there at every one if he could.
8- My Gramma whose courage and strength during her illness helped me get through my own.
9- Danners- who will someday run a marathon and understand why it is necessary to dedicate miles to get you through.
10- Meggers- the best sister in law ever who I know will have to deal with working around my training schedule when we open our business! ;-)
11- Zachers- because your my lil bro!
12- Kylers- because your strength is admirable.
13- Yanners- because your stories are entertaining enough to keep me smiling as I pass the halfway mark.
14- Jenners- the newest member of our game night crew who finds everything fun. . . I just hope I find this mile fun!
15- Rachelers- who always has the greatest shoes on that I wish I could wear. . . but know that it would heighten my risk of injury prior to a marathon. . . so I don't. . . I will live vicariously though admiring your fabulous shoes. . . and think of rewarding myself with a pair if I make it through the next 11 miles!
16- For Patients of Scleroderma- I admire your strength and courage and the thought of that will get me through the next 10.
17- Sister Pat- May you rest in peace. You are the reason that I am a music teacher and will always remember you for your neverending kindness and constant giving.
18- For me- This is the furthest distance I ran in training for this marathon. . . so this mile is all for me.
19- For Maria- a former student whose strength, courage, and determination are stronger than any 10 year old's that I have ever met. . . or my own. I admire her for being so postive despite everything life has thrown at her and always keeping her chin up. . . she is truly a hero in my eyes.
20- For Laura- I love you like a sister and you are stronger than I think I will ever be. Thank you for everything.
21- For Marissa- You defied odds at the beginning of your life when the whole world was bigger than you. You were a miracle and I am blessed to have you in my life!
22- For Anarion- our cat- who still doesn't care that I am sweaty at the end of a long run and wants to cuddle and curl up on my lap.
23- For Julio- a student of mine who will never understand what a marathon is or be able to run one, but will always look at me, smile as big as possible and say "Boom chicka Boom!" That smile and his excitement is enough to get me through what is sure to be a difficult mile.
24- For anyone who has never run a marathon but has always wanted to- get up and do it, although it is painful and you completely beat up your body. . . the reward is greater than anything.
25- For all of my students because although they complain to me about running the mile and never understand how I can run 26, I know that if they knew what it would mean to me, they would be at mile 25 to run the last mile of the race with me. They make more of a difference in my life than they will ever know.
And last. . . but certainly not the least:
26- For my husband, AJ because I know he will be waiting for me at the finish line and no matter what the clock says. . . he will be proud of me. The thought of seeing him will get me through when I feel as though I can't take another step. I love you with all my heart.
Well- that is all. The marathon is tomorrow and I will run each mile keeping these people in mind. You have all gotten me here, now it is up to me to get me through 26 miles with each of you in mind. Thank you all for your support, encouragement, and love. You all mean the world to me.
Until my post-marathon blog. . .
Happy Running!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Marathon Week!
Frank Shorter once said, "You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can't know what's coming."
On Saturday, I will run my second marathon. Although the memories of my last marathon are still in my head, I have forgotten all the bad and have taken only the good, and learned from it. I know I am more prepared for this than my last mainly because I am still strong from my summer training. I know I am physically prepared, and dad has reassured me of this, but it is the mental aspect. Running a marathon is 90% mental. . . and non-marathoners will say the runner is simply mental, but in all honesty, it takes a lot of mental training to run 26.2 miles. . . willingly! Not only that, but to do it after already doing it before. After my first marathon, I could have easily said, never doing that again. But I finished and was already talking about doing another one the very next day. Obviously, there was something worthwhile.
As I rest as much as I can this week in preparation for Saturday's big race, I will do a lot of mental training. The physical part is done. . . now it is simply reassuring myself that I can do it- and I know I can, but like most runners during marathon week. . . you can't help but question yourself and if you worked hard enough. I am ready for it and know that even if I struggle, there are 3000 other people who feel exactly the same way!
Marathon Mile dedications coming later this week!
Happy Running!
On Saturday, I will run my second marathon. Although the memories of my last marathon are still in my head, I have forgotten all the bad and have taken only the good, and learned from it. I know I am more prepared for this than my last mainly because I am still strong from my summer training. I know I am physically prepared, and dad has reassured me of this, but it is the mental aspect. Running a marathon is 90% mental. . . and non-marathoners will say the runner is simply mental, but in all honesty, it takes a lot of mental training to run 26.2 miles. . . willingly! Not only that, but to do it after already doing it before. After my first marathon, I could have easily said, never doing that again. But I finished and was already talking about doing another one the very next day. Obviously, there was something worthwhile.
As I rest as much as I can this week in preparation for Saturday's big race, I will do a lot of mental training. The physical part is done. . . now it is simply reassuring myself that I can do it- and I know I can, but like most runners during marathon week. . . you can't help but question yourself and if you worked hard enough. I am ready for it and know that even if I struggle, there are 3000 other people who feel exactly the same way!
Marathon Mile dedications coming later this week!
Happy Running!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
A Runner's Choice
Sunday, Dad and I ran the Apple Harvest Festival 5 Mile Road Race. This race has special meaning to us because it is the first race we ran together when I was 9 years old. The course is the same as when I was 9 and I have run it hundreds of times because the starting line is a couple hundred yards from our front door. I know the course like the back of my hand and could probably run it with my eyes closed. I know the uphills, downhills and exactly where the mile-markers are.
Sunday was humid and overcast with a misty rain in the morning, but weather doesn't bother us- we've done a 20 mile run in a wind storm. Going into the race dad promised he'd let me set the pace, so I did. We ran our first mile in 7:57, and I had a feeling dad was not having a great day. He had run 41 miles last week, so naturally, he was tired and sub-8 minute miles was going to be tough, especially considering the hills on the route between miles 2 and 3. So, on we ran, completing mile 2 in 8:01. Then we get to the hills- that we trained on a few weeks ago doing repeats- and I knew what needed to be done. My plan was to leave people behind on those hills, and I did. My dad stayed a bit behind me and kept telling me to go, but I couldn't. If there was one person I wasn't leaving on the hills it was my dad. So, I eased up and we got through them to realize later that nobody passed us out there and we passed out a good amount of people- if you aren't read for them- they are killer. We were coming up on mile 3 and dad said, "Amy, go, you can finish this is under 39 minutes, I can't." I, of course, said "no!" He again said to go, but I refused and got a bit teary eyed because he wasn't getting it. He didn't realize that I'd rather finish a race with him than PR on a 5 miler. This can be compared to the fact that instead of trying to qualify for Boston this fall, Dad is running the Hartford Marathon with me- because he'd rather run with me than qualify for Boston.
So, on we went, 2 miles left and dad asked me to ease up- and I thought I did! We completed mile 4 in 7:46 and had one more killer hill in mile 5, but still ran mile 5 at a 7:28 pace. I didn't break 39 minutes, but I had a 10 second PR, which is fine with me! Yes, I flew down the last stretch and didn't even see AJ and Meg on the side cheering me on- I was in the zone. Dad ran after me to yells of "Don't let a girl beat you!" And when AJ and Meg told the person that I was his daughter- he said "all the more reason!" But, that didn't matter. What mattered was that we finished with each other and that is all I wanted. I made a choice and I know if I left my dad to get a PR, I would have regreted that choice. There will be plenty of races that I can get a PR in, but when given the choice- I'd rather finish with my Dad.
Until next time- Happy Running!
Sunday was humid and overcast with a misty rain in the morning, but weather doesn't bother us- we've done a 20 mile run in a wind storm. Going into the race dad promised he'd let me set the pace, so I did. We ran our first mile in 7:57, and I had a feeling dad was not having a great day. He had run 41 miles last week, so naturally, he was tired and sub-8 minute miles was going to be tough, especially considering the hills on the route between miles 2 and 3. So, on we ran, completing mile 2 in 8:01. Then we get to the hills- that we trained on a few weeks ago doing repeats- and I knew what needed to be done. My plan was to leave people behind on those hills, and I did. My dad stayed a bit behind me and kept telling me to go, but I couldn't. If there was one person I wasn't leaving on the hills it was my dad. So, I eased up and we got through them to realize later that nobody passed us out there and we passed out a good amount of people- if you aren't read for them- they are killer. We were coming up on mile 3 and dad said, "Amy, go, you can finish this is under 39 minutes, I can't." I, of course, said "no!" He again said to go, but I refused and got a bit teary eyed because he wasn't getting it. He didn't realize that I'd rather finish a race with him than PR on a 5 miler. This can be compared to the fact that instead of trying to qualify for Boston this fall, Dad is running the Hartford Marathon with me- because he'd rather run with me than qualify for Boston.
So, on we went, 2 miles left and dad asked me to ease up- and I thought I did! We completed mile 4 in 7:46 and had one more killer hill in mile 5, but still ran mile 5 at a 7:28 pace. I didn't break 39 minutes, but I had a 10 second PR, which is fine with me! Yes, I flew down the last stretch and didn't even see AJ and Meg on the side cheering me on- I was in the zone. Dad ran after me to yells of "Don't let a girl beat you!" And when AJ and Meg told the person that I was his daughter- he said "all the more reason!" But, that didn't matter. What mattered was that we finished with each other and that is all I wanted. I made a choice and I know if I left my dad to get a PR, I would have regreted that choice. There will be plenty of races that I can get a PR in, but when given the choice- I'd rather finish with my Dad.
Until next time- Happy Running!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Hartford Marathon
Once again, it has been a while since I have been written, but the day has come that a constant stream of posts can again be expected. You see, last night on the news, they had a story about marathon diets and mentioned the Hartford Marathon is a mere 5 weeks away. Now, to most, 5 weeks seems like a long time. It is 35 days or a month and a week, hell it is 1176 hours (and if I did the math wrong, don't tell me- I'm no math teacher). And to most that just seems like a ton of time. . . but any marathoner would agree that 5 weeks is not much. That gives you time for one more long run, hopefully of 20 miles and then time to taper and get ready for the big day.
I was ok with the 5 weeks, honestly. Then, I opened up my inbox and had a registration confirmation saying I had been registered for the marathon. Now, most are probably thinking, "wait, didn't you register yourself so you know that was coming?" Good question, however, my dad being the awesome dad and coach he is, if we run a race together, he registers us. And he didn't mention it on our run today that he would be registering us. Then again, that would give me time to answer the "Are we running Hartford?" question with a simple, "I'd like to." However, he didn't give me that option- yet another reason why my father is such a great coach. He KNOWS I can do it, so it isn't even a question of "if" we are going to run it- it is just that we will and whatever happens happens.
So, here I am, 5 weeks before the Hartford Marathon. These blogs will be much different from the ones 5 weeks before the Disney Marathon because now, I know what is coming. I know that I will face 26.2 miles and I know what to expect. It was nice being a first time marathoner. People can tell you what to expect, but you don't understand it until you run it. Until you pound the pavement for 26.2 miles and until you cross that finish line. It isn't until your foot crosses and you have to think "stop running" to yourself that you can fully understand what a marathon is like. It is hell. It is torture. It is pain like no other. But despite all of that, it is one of the most rewarding things, if not the most, that I have ever done. There is nothing like crossing the line and having a medal put around your neck and saying "I did it." And maybe I still have a skewed vision of the marathon because despite how bad it was, I know I can do it again, but maybe that is better. There is a saying that says you cannot run another marathon until you forget how bad your last one felt. That is not to say that I have forgotten the pain, because I haven't, in fact when I think back on the pain, I distinctly remember a part in the marathon when all I wanted to do was sit down. It was after the out and back before heading into Hollywood studios. We were going up a ramp and there was a DJ playing "YMCA" and putting my hands over my head to do it was like lifting the Great Wall of China. But, I did it and I remember how I felt. But I will use that to get me through the next 26.2. My only goal here is to beat my last time. If the weather works in our favor, I think it can get done. But if it doesn't, then we make adjustments and hope for good weather in Disney.
I guess my biggest challenge is that I will run Hartford on October 11 and exactly three months later, I will run Disney. I think that is a challenge in itself. But all in all, despite everything, the real, and perhaps best reason I am doing it and looking forward to it is that I'll again be doing it with my dad at my side.
Happy Running!
I was ok with the 5 weeks, honestly. Then, I opened up my inbox and had a registration confirmation saying I had been registered for the marathon. Now, most are probably thinking, "wait, didn't you register yourself so you know that was coming?" Good question, however, my dad being the awesome dad and coach he is, if we run a race together, he registers us. And he didn't mention it on our run today that he would be registering us. Then again, that would give me time to answer the "Are we running Hartford?" question with a simple, "I'd like to." However, he didn't give me that option- yet another reason why my father is such a great coach. He KNOWS I can do it, so it isn't even a question of "if" we are going to run it- it is just that we will and whatever happens happens.
So, here I am, 5 weeks before the Hartford Marathon. These blogs will be much different from the ones 5 weeks before the Disney Marathon because now, I know what is coming. I know that I will face 26.2 miles and I know what to expect. It was nice being a first time marathoner. People can tell you what to expect, but you don't understand it until you run it. Until you pound the pavement for 26.2 miles and until you cross that finish line. It isn't until your foot crosses and you have to think "stop running" to yourself that you can fully understand what a marathon is like. It is hell. It is torture. It is pain like no other. But despite all of that, it is one of the most rewarding things, if not the most, that I have ever done. There is nothing like crossing the line and having a medal put around your neck and saying "I did it." And maybe I still have a skewed vision of the marathon because despite how bad it was, I know I can do it again, but maybe that is better. There is a saying that says you cannot run another marathon until you forget how bad your last one felt. That is not to say that I have forgotten the pain, because I haven't, in fact when I think back on the pain, I distinctly remember a part in the marathon when all I wanted to do was sit down. It was after the out and back before heading into Hollywood studios. We were going up a ramp and there was a DJ playing "YMCA" and putting my hands over my head to do it was like lifting the Great Wall of China. But, I did it and I remember how I felt. But I will use that to get me through the next 26.2. My only goal here is to beat my last time. If the weather works in our favor, I think it can get done. But if it doesn't, then we make adjustments and hope for good weather in Disney.
I guess my biggest challenge is that I will run Hartford on October 11 and exactly three months later, I will run Disney. I think that is a challenge in itself. But all in all, despite everything, the real, and perhaps best reason I am doing it and looking forward to it is that I'll again be doing it with my dad at my side.
Happy Running!
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