Boston 2011

Journey or Destination…You Decide

November 2002.  I told my sister, Annie that I had a dream of running a marathon.  It was one of those dreams that was so far out there, yet doable.  Christmas 2002 I received the book, “The Non Runners Marathon Training Guide” and the training began.  The plan was 16 weeks long and I found that the Cleveland Marathon was April 27, 2003.  Perfect.  Close to mom and dad, Annie would drive from Boston and Hope, Mo and Mari could also come and cheer.  The book was divided into 16 chapters so I would read a chapter each Sunday evening.  There was no real pace to follow, just miles.  I just wanted to finish this crazy thing.  While I was training, I had a dream, a dream to qualify and run the Boston Marathon.  I trained in a Red Sox hat and never washed it.  The hat could stand alone and nearly clear a room on its own.  (I have since washed it)  It is a dull gray now, but I promise, it started navy blue.  I finished my first marathon, 3^rd race ever, in 4:54:19.  Boston?  Seriously?  A BQ is 3:40:59.  Keep dreaming Katie.

I caught the running bug, and still have it.  I wish I could count the number of races I have done since April 2003, but I could not even start.  Hundreds, I am sure.  I do not have numbers from all of them, but if I got a number, I still have it.  In the spring of 2006 my left ankle started to really bother me.  I went to the orthopedic doctor and found out that I had a crack in my talus (the bone that connects the foot to the leg) and I needed surgery to get the blood flow back into my foot.  I was told that I was not allowed to run until I had the surgery.  Good Lord, what am I going to do with all of this energy?  Well, I can swim and I have that bike in my basement.  I started swimming and struggled to do a 100 without stopping and a 20 mile ride just about wiped me out, but I never stopped.  October 27, 2006 I had surgery and was off of my foot for 6 weeks.  I taught PE from a wheelchair, and managed crutches the rest of the time.  Once my stitches came out, I was allowed back in the pool.  No walking, but swimming was okay with no kicking.  I loved it.  After months of PT, my goal was to do Apple Blossom and I did in 1:00:21.  A 10K in over an hour…Boston??

My first tri was in 2007 and I nearly placed.  I registered as an Athena, but if I would have done age group, I would have placed.  Kind of backwards, but oh well.  After 2 years in tris, I was ready to tackle that coveted ‘BQ.’  My times had gotten faster and there was a chance that that dream could possibly become a reality.  When I have a training plan, I do my best to follow it to a T.  I spoke to my brother in law’s brother at our nephew’s christening on November 1, 2009 and he was confident that I could qualify in Phoenix in January 2010 and he would send me a plan.  The plan arrived and I started training.  I had 12 weeks to train to run a 3:40:59.  On January 17, 2010, Allyson and I flew to Phoenix for the big weekend.  Brian was meeting me at the start line to keep me on pace.  Allyson was to run the half, but sprained her ankle in December, so she was in a boot.  I met a new friend on the flight and he ended up being a great support in Phoenix, being our driver and cheer leader.  Allyson was going to hang with Stephan for the day while Brian had decided to fly in and pace me to qualify.  At the end of the race, I crossed the line with a 3:35:40 and I am now an official Boston Qualifier!!

October 18, 2010 was sign up day for Boston.  At 9 am, I started to register.  No luck, so I called my mom and she tried as well.  No luck.  We went through the registration process for 2 hours and 47 min before I finally got to the second page.  I was officially registered for the 2011 Boston Marathon!  27,000 people registered that day and it closed at 5:03 pm.  I was so lucky to get in.  Now the training begins.

Through my 6 months of training, I trained over 1,000 miles through heel pain, shin splints, and knee pain.  2 marathons in training, many, many long runs with Brad through all parts of VA and PA.  Wind, rain, snow, sleet and sunshine, but as I got closer, my body fell into a groove and I was feeling really good.  Plans were being made and the whole family was going to be in Boston for the big day.

On Friday, April 15^th I flew into Boston so that I would have a couple of days of rest prior to running.  My mom and dad were already there and Betsy and Brad were arriving on Sunday.  For dinner we had pizza and just hung out in the evening getting geared up and making plans for the rest of the weekend.  I made it to bed just after 9, as it was important all weekend to get enough sleep.

Saturday was expo day.  My dad and I caught the 10:00 train into Boston, then the green line to Copley.  This put us right at the finish line of the Marathon.  The station will be closed on Monday to ease congestion, which was virtually impossible.  When we were standing on Boylston St. my dad realized just how crazy and big this was going to be.  I said to him, “dad, I tried to tell you, but you kept saying that you knew.”  He then said, “I really did not know!”  We walked through all of the barricades that were being set up, the finish line and just took it all in.  What an operation to put this event on.  One truly has to experience it at least once.  There is actually plywood put up right at the finish line so that no one can be even with the line.  It also protects all of the equipment at the line that is used to track and photograph the runners.  Along one side of the road is a huge set of bleachers and the other side basically has 4’ walls with flags for each nation represented.  There is no possible way for a spectator to get onto Boylston St. 

My dad and I then headed to the Hynes Convention Center with throngs of others to get to the coveted expo.  We had to go up to the second floor to get our bib numbers and t-shirts.  I was able to walk right up to where my number was, 14030, showed her my license and participants’ card and she handed me my bib!  I was so excited!!  My dad was recording me and I turned to him and said, “here it is, it is official!!”  The number comes in a sealed plastic bag with your number, pins and a big sticky number for your gear bag.  We then walked into another hall to get my shirt and bag.  The bags already have the shirts in them, so you walk up to the shirt size and get everything in one.  I stopped to get my picture taken in front of several HUGE billboards and then we needed to move onto our next stop, the 5K room.  My mom entered her first 5K, but since she was at music class, my dad and I got her bib and shirt.  We also picked up Paul’s bib and shirt, it made it so much easier.  After all of that, it was time to enter the expo.

OMG!!  Talk about TONS of people!!  It was runners, and families and just those who are here to experience the event.  My dad said, “this is like Christmas shopping on steroids with no fat people.”  He described it to a T!  We walked to the back of the expo hall and they had a small store there, so I tried on some stuff, but we made our way to the big store of official gear.  It was a mad house.  There were things on wrong racks, hangers on the floor and people everywhere!!  It was past my lunch hour, so I was getting tired and just did not want to be with all of these people!!  We headed back to the smaller store and I got my official jacket, a sweatshirt, t-shirt and some other smaller things.  Hey, this could be a once in a lifetime experience, take it all in.  The next thing on our list was to get my dad a new pair of sneakers.  I told him he needed the Brooks Adrenaline, so he tried them on and really liked them.  There was also a deal that if you spent so much, you got a free Heart Break Hill t-shirt, so I helped get the total up and we got our shirts!

                After more pictures were taken, we headed out to the finish line to make sure I got to cross itJ  We were allowed to climb on the videographers stand for a photo and take all kinds of pics.  Wow, I sound like a little kid, but I also felt like one.  I am smiling as I write this.  After the photo shoot, we headed to The Parish Café for lunch.  While in line for 30 min, I started to talk to the lady next to me.  Very nice, a runner, but not running on Monday.  She asked about qualifying, so I mentioned my coach, blah, blah, blah, then I happened to say ‘Brian.’  She was dumbfounded and then said, “MIT – Mondays and Wednesdays?”  I said, YES!  My coach is her coach, even though I live 500 miles away, and she works with him personally.  I think I convinced her that she can also qualify, Brian will get her there!  I hope it works for her.  We were seated at 2:18 and had our food by 2:30, amazingly fast service and it was SO good!  I had a steak tips with portabella mushroom sandwich, it was so good!  I am not sure what my dad had, but he loved it as well.  One thing that is small, but stands out about The Parish Café is when our waitress asked me about my sides, she said, “would you like, A or B or a little of both?”  GREAT question/offer!  After lunch, we grabbed the T and the train back to Acton.

            Saturday night was nice and relaxing as all the chaos was going to start on Sunday.  I was actually feeling like the race was on Sunday since all of my other races have been.  It was nice to have another day off before the big race.   I did not feel well as I think I did not drink enough and my eating was off.  Not the smartest thing, but some things are also out of our control.

            Sunday morning came awfully early.  It was 5K Sunday and both of my parents were participating in the walk while I was going to jog the course just to stay loose.  It was about 50 degrees and raining.  I convinced the family that the rain would stop, so we loaded the car and headed into Boston.  While we were waiting, the rain slowly went away and we lined up with about 5,000 other people.  After the National Anthem, in which everyone stopped to honor America, unlike in DC, I looked to the sidewalk and my cousin was walking by!  I ran over, shouted his name and he came right over.  What were the chances?!  He wished me luck, I told him Annie was at some Dunkin Donuts and I was off.  I felt so relaxed and felt sooooo good!  I got warm as I was running, so I managed to take my long sleeve shirt off from under my short sleeve shirt and never missed a step.  As the crowd never thinned, we took a left on Hereford and I remembered I had my camera still on me…and it hit me…record the finish line!  It is the same finish line as the marathon, so people can get SOME idea, even though the crowd support does not compare, you can get an idea.  When I got to the bleachers, I heard crazy screaming for me and I looked and it was Annie and Mike (our cousin that I yelled to) going nuts for me.  I panned over to them, then the finish line, a very dizzying video.  I did not stay in line for water and my medal because my parents were on their way and I did not want to miss them.  I went and spoke to Annie and Mike for a while, then we saw my dad!  We went nuts for him and shortly behind him was my mom and cousin Paul.  We were so excited for both of them.  Just 2 weeks earlier, Paul suffered a heart attack and was not sure if he would be able to participate.  It is his exercise that kept him alive through the attack.  After they crossed the line, we met them to get our water and medal.  We all stood around for a while and my mom and Annie headed home and I rode with my dad and Paul after talking to Mike about his first Ironman this fall!  Time for a shower and to relax!

            Brad was to arrive at 7:55 am, but when you fly standby, you are at the airlines mercy.  With the terrible storms on the east coast on Saturday, flights were cancelled and passengers were bumped.  He did not make it.  The next flight was scheduled for 11:00 and it was going to be really close.  It was all booked and all the standbys were taken.  Someone who had checked in did not show up, so he got the seat and was on his way!!  Woo Hoo!  He had been up since 3 am and also raced a tri on Saturday.  Betsy was to land at 1:20, but after the whole plane was loaded, they realized they did not have a pilot!  After getting everything straight, she would land at 6:05.

            I headed to pick up Brad from the train at 2:15.  I was told to turn left and then go straight and I would run into the train station.  Too bad the road splits and I did not know where to go!  I did figure it out, after a phone call to Scott and Brad got off the train.  He def. looked like he had been up since 3 am and was ready to just sit and relax.  So that is what we did for several hours and it felt so good!  We were having a dinner party, so it was nice to keep the couch in place.  Annie’s neighbor had a friend who was also running on Monday, so she stopped by to meet us and make plans for Monday.  Not only were we in the same wave, Amy and I were in the same corral.

            At about 5:30, the guests started arriving.  We were having spaghetti for 13 of us!  What a great night.  Homemade Steadman sauce and all of my favorite people together for dinner.  When I had my plate loaded, Paul looked at it and said, “that is a modest portion.”  I went back for seconds.  After great conversation for dinner, I made my way to bed by about 9:30.  I have a LONG day on Monday.

            Today is Marathon Monday and I feel great!  I woke up just after 6 and Pete was awake as well.  I think he was just so excited!  Breakfast was Wheaties Fuel, coffee and orange juice.  I still have 4 hours prior to my race, so I knew I would be good.  One by one, everyone started appearing in the kitchen.  I was in high gear, but it seemed like I was the only one.  We have these crazy bright yellow shirts that say “Run Steadman Run” on them with numbers on the back.  My dad is #1, mom #2, Betsy #4, I am #4, Brad is 4 ½, Annie is #5 and Scott is 5 ½.  Everyone was appearing in these and it was great.  My mom was making lunches for everyone because they did not think that Gu would carry them through the day.  We all lined up for several pictures before Amy arrived.  My mom, dad and Brad were all riding together and Betsy, Annie, Amy and I gathered our goods and headed out the door.  The next time I would see everyone would be at mile 16 ish.  I knew we were going to Hopkington and Annie and Scott mapped it out on Sunday. 

            As we got close to Hopkington, there was more traffic and I was getting more and more excited.  I was recording as we were driving and taking it all in.  As Annie described it, it was like dropping your kids off at school.  We followed the signs to a parking lot at Hopkington State Park, shared our hugs and kisses, I shed some tears and we loaded the bus.  There are nearly 475 school buses used on Marathon Monday.  If you do not live close to Hopkington, you MUST report to Boston Commons to load a school bus and ride for an hour to the Athlete’s Village at Hopkington High School.

            When we got off the bus in town, we just followed the crowd.  We were basically caged in the roadway.  There was a huge parking lot full of port-a-potties, so we used them and just followed the crowd to the high school.  The runners were kept off the yards of the home owners, and the locals could not get onto the roads.  It was really kind of cool.  I had been in contact with an Aquaphor teammate, so once Amy and I made our way though more school buses, the bag drop, we set our stuff down and I went and found Robert.  It was too bad that I did not have my Aquaphor kit yet, but that was okay, we still made sure to meet.  Amy and I sat and stretched for a bit and at 9:30 we decided to get in line for the bathroom.  We knew it would be a while because the lines were so long!  Luckily the first wave was already lined up, so that took care of about 10,000 people.  In the village, there were roughly 27,000 people all gearing up to do the same thing, conquer the Boston Marathon.  After our 25 min wait in line, we stripped down to our race gear and put our warm clothing in our gear bags.  We headed out of the “village” and found our school buses for our gear.  I was at bus #29 and I had to go to the window that corresponded with my bib.  I lifted it up and handed it through the window, it was really kind of cool.  Amy and I then walked with all of the other runners to our wave/corral.  We were both wave 2, corral 6 and it was so easy to find.  We were not even there for 3 min and the gun went for our wave!

            We were off!  There were people EVERYWHERE!!!  Runners and spectators were in abundance!  I felt like I was at a finish line, not a start.  Because it was downhill, I could see the thousands of runner in front of me and it was awesome.  I was feeling really good, but realized soon after I started that my shoes seemed loose, but there was nothing I could do.  I guess I could have stopped to tighten them, but I would soon forget about them and think positive thoughts.  I was still boggled by all of the people.  I had heard that there were throngs of people the WHOLE way, but to “know it” and to “experience it” are two totally different things.  One of the first major groups I remember was a biker bar on the left.  They had all ridden to the race and were on the side of the road in their chaps, what a great group!  Amy and I were running together and trying to find our groove.  There were so many people that it was hard to get to an open area.  Our 5K split was 25:12, right on target.  I knew that I had to keep my pace in check with it being downhill, you do not want to get ahead of yourself.  There are some hills in Newton and you want to own them, they hills cannot own you.  The crowds never diminished and neither did their cheering.  I did have my name on my shirt and it was awesome.  I had done that for a previous race, but the crowds were not nearly as good in San Diego and I did not realize what it would mean here.  I was constantly hearing my name and Amy wished she had her name on her shirt and if we got separated, she knew I was close from the cheering.

            I started to get really warm, really fast.  I had arm warmers on, but they were down by mile 4.  I really wanted to get rid of them, but I really like them, so I was going to keep them around my wrist until I saw my mom’s cousin at mile 14ish.  I knew it was important to take in the water at the stations and the Gatorade.  I would be sweating quite a bit, and I needed to replenish my electrolytes.  I had done so much of my running in the cold/cool weather that I was not used to the heat.  My pace was starting to slip just a bit, but it was still a 2012 qualifying pace.  10K – 50:32.  At this point, Amy and I had separated, but since we had never run together before this, it was okay, we needed to run our own race.  I do not remember passing the 15K mark, but I was still running a good pace, 8:06 with a time of 1:15:20.  The crowds are still amazing.  There was never a time where there was not someone on the side cheering.  There were little kids handing out oranges, twizzlers, gummie bears and tissues.  The oranges were SO good.  I remember thinking, ‘there is not an orange left in the grocery store in this town!’  It was obvious that the kids were told to stay on the curb and that if the runners want what you have, they will come to you.  If you step on the road, you may get run over.

            I was now approaching Wellesley College and the girls were screaming!  You could hear them before you could see them.  All of the girls were lined on the right hand side of the road with signs that read, “Kiss me, I’m from…”  Most of the women runners moved to the left as the men moved to the right to get their kisses and photos.  It was really, really cool!  There were barricades to hold the girls back, as there were at several parts of the course. 

            My pace has slowed at the half marathon mark to an 8:14 pace with a time of 1:48:03.  I was still in qualifying time, but was not hitting the pace I wanted.  I knew this was the case and settled in that I was NOT going to hit the pace, but I now needed to just take it all in.  I knew that my mom’s cousin was going to be past the college and past a stop light on the right hand side and I could give him the stupid arm warmers that I was sick of wearing and now carrying.  I took them off early in hopes that I would see him early, but I did not see him until after the 15 mile mark, I think.  I saw Jim before he saw me, but I did get his attention and tossed him the warmers, ahhhhh, relief.  I was really warm and could feel the pace slowing.  I was not sure what was going on with my body, but I was trying to listen and do as it needed.  I knew that my family was going to be soon near the hospital between miles 16-17.  My 25K split was 2:10:37 and the pace slowed to an 8:25 pace.

            As I was approaching Newton, it all looked familiar!  2 years ago, I was running from Annie’s old house and ran part of this same route.  I knew where I was.  I am sure that added a pep to my step, in addition to the fact that the family was right around the corner!  I came around the bend in the road and THERE THEY WERE!!!!  My family was there for ME!!  They were cheering so loudly and I ran right up to them and gave them all hugs!!  They were so easy to spot in those hideous shirts, it was perfect!!  I remember saying, “I am not breaking any records.”  My mom assured me it was okay and I was off to conquer the rest of Boston.  It was such a welcome relief to see them, now I just had 10 miles to go, I could do that in my sleep.

            I got going, but the going got me.  My stomach started acting up and I just wanted a bathroom.  In total, I had to stop 3 times for stomach issues.  As much as one trains, why is it that the stomach has a schedule of its own?  I also started taking the oranges from the kids.  If you think an orange tastes good on any given day, multiply that by 100 on race day.  They were wonderful!  I also decided to take a tissue to blow my nose.  Snot rockets do not bother me, so why would I need one?  Well, that was the best nose blow I think I have ever had!  Just past the lady was a pile of dirty tissues that we had all left for her.  Apparently she did not mind, or she would not have been handing them out!  30K split – 2:39:06 (18.6 miles@8:33 pace)

            Welcome to Newton, we have hills.  And fans, LOTS of cheering, happy, positive fans, and that is just what I needed.  I think the first hill in Newton was tougher than Heartbreak Hill.  I was still plugging along, passing some and being passed by others.  I did walk some and I did stop to stretch my quads and calves.  It felt great to stretch them.  Luckily the fans came through to help push me.  At times, I would hear someone from the other side of the road and I would look over and they would point and cheer for me.  If there was a big group, they would start chanting, “Katie, Katie, Katie, Katie.”  How can you NOT pick up your pace when you hear that?!  It is obvious that the hills won, because my pace has continued to slow.  21.7 miles(35K) 3:12:22, 8:51 pace.  This is my recovery pace, however it DID NOT feel like a recovery!

            Less than 5 miles to go, I am going to get this!  The Green line T is now on my left and the cheers continue.  Because it is now nearly 2:00 pm, the alcohol has taken great affect on many of the spectators, and I am loving it.  Going through Boston College was spectacular.  The guys were great and loving life at the time.  They definitely had more energy than I did.  My pace was slowing, but there was never any doubt about finishing the race.  There is a difference between uncomfortable and pain.  I was just uncomfortable.  From running downhill the whole way, my toes were really sore, and my quads were on fire, but I was going to keep pushing.  As we approached Fenway Park on the right, the Red Sox had beaten Tampa 9-1, and the fans were out cheering.  I think it was a parking lot of Red Sox fans, and it was awesome.  I felt several times like I was in a parade, and I guess I was, but it was just incredible.  I was now at the last split mark, the 40K, 24.8 miles in 3:42:04, 8:57 pace.  If I wanted to qualify again, I would have had to cross the finish line in 3:40:50.

            The course went down in an underpass and we made the infamous “Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston.”  I was SO ready to be done!  The crowds were absolutely incredible and I could not get enough of them.  As I looked up, a friend of mine was in front of me!  I recognized his shirt as a “Winchester Wheelmen” and I knew it was Jerry Brown!  I caught up to him as we made the final turn and I yelled his name.  I gave him a hug and high five and then moved to the left.  My family was to be on the left and I was searching for them, but did not see them.  I could not believe that I was finishing The Boston Marathon!  OMG!  It was for real!  When I crossed, the clock read 3:59:xx, but my official time was 3:54:46.  There must be something about 3:54:xx, it was my third marathon this year in 3:54:xx!

            After crossing the line, there was plenty of room to walk, stagger, sit and stretch, just be done.  There was PLENTY of medical staff and if you said you were fine, they believed you and let you be.  I saw a lady on the side of the road and used her phone to call Brad.  I did not know where they were, but I wanted them to know that I was okay and would see them at Arlington St.  This was the first big race that I have been to where they let you stop and stretch after you cross.  Typically you hear, “keep moving,” and that is the last thing you want to do.  I was able to keep walking, got my blanket taped on, got my water, Gatorade, food, etc.  About that ‘plenty of room,’ ya, that was gone.  It was shoulder to shoulder again as we staggered to get our gear from the school buses.  You had to look at the big sign in the road to find your bus.  Mine was straight ahead and I almost missed it.  There had to have been 50 or more school buses just in my row.  I went to bus #29, got my gear through the window and made my way to Arlington St to find my parents and Brad.  When I got up there, they were waiting for me, along with everyone else’s families.  It was so good to see them and give them all hugs and kisses.  We staggered over to the Commons, placed my table cloth on the ground and stumbled down.  With my handy dandy silver blanket as a dressing room, I was able to get my wet clothes off and put dry warm ones on.  With much assistance, I was able to stand, say good-bye to Brad and move gingerly towards the T.  There were stairs DOWN to the T in which 2 other runners and I went down the stairs backwards!  All of the runners were able to board the T for free, and I met my parents to head home.

            Everyday for the past 9 years, my destination has been Boston.  On April 18, 2011, it took me 3:54:46 to get there, but I did it.  Dream.  Dream big and believe in yourself.  When YOU believe in YOU, others will also believe in you.

Team Aquaphor 2011!

I just received my confirmation that I will be on Team Aquaphor for the 2011 racing season!!  Woo Hoo!  Nothing like having a national sponsor.  I was contacted back in February by them to fill out an application, so I did and low and behold, they want me! 

I am sure you are wondering what all this entails...well, one thing is for sure, I am now, and finally part of a VERY supportive team.  No matter what race I do, I know that my teammates are behind me 100%.  I will be wearing Aquaphor gear and promoting their product, an anti chafing healing product.  I am a regular user of this and have been for over a year now.  Pete is also a user of this and call it is butt cream.

More to follow as I learn more.  I will also be posting my race report from Shamrock Marathon last weekend!!

Holy Monsoon Batman/Aqua Jogging...

As I sat in school all day yesterday, I knew it was not raining, but that it was on its way.  I headed home right after school in hopes that my carpet was all done being installed, but it was not.  The guys did not leave until 4:00, which set me back nearly an hour.  The weather was warm, 56 degrees, so I only put on a t-shirt and shorts.  I also had a hat on because I always wear one, but it was going to rain and it protects my face.  I did not grab my ipod because I knew it would get wet.  I checked the radar and knew the rain was south of us, but I did not know when it was going to hit.  I had to get in 12 miles in about 1:35:00, 7:49 pace.  I was bummed that I did not get to start on time, but was enjoying the fact that I was getting to run in nice weather, regardless if it was going to rain.  I set out on my regular route for my long runs.  But wait, when did 12 miles become a 'short' day??  I took a water bottle and 7 honey stingers with me to get me through.

The weather was nice and I started sweating.  I was feeling good.  Not quite at pace, but lately it has been taking me about 3 mils to get into my run.  At mile 3.5, the drops starting falling from the sky!  No heavy, but enough that I was noticing it.  It continued to pick up as I rounded Brickkilne Rd. and was a steady rain as I crossed the tracks and headed south on Loudoun St.  Mr. Whipkey passed me in his drivers edu car, but they never stopped.  I wanted to keep running anyway, but I am sure that the Davis twins were laughing at me.  I then turned up Peyton St. and 522.  When I hit mile 6, it was pouring.  I had to jump in the grass becasue some guy was right on the curb driving and I stepped in a puddle.  Great, now my foot is soaking wet.  No sooner did that happen than I swear, a monsoon hit.  I looked up and the sheets of rain were coming in my face.  I was running north, directly into the wind and rain.  The flags were straight out heading towards me.  I put my head down and prayed that I would stay alive.  I made it to Sheetz as a drowned rat.  I filled my water bottle as people just stared at me.  Not a single one of them offered me a ride home!  I then headed back into town on Fox Dr, otherwise known as "A River Runs Through It."  Fox Dr. is always cold and I started to shiver as I ran down it.  There were parts where the water was up over my shoes.  I knew that there were no pot holes, so I was okay to run through the streams.  I was wearing a Brooks Night Life shirt, so I was still very visible by the drivers.  When I got to the end of the road, I had warmed back up, but not any drier.

I turned left onto Amherst St, but I had to run on the sidewalk.  I HATE sidewalk running, it makes my feet hurt so badly, but I did not have a choice.  The water was flowing down the street.  At one point, I thought to myself, what is moving faster, the water or me??  There was one point, near that big yellow house that as the cars went through the puddles, I had to cover my right ear so that when they splashed the water on me that it would not go into my ear!  I thought of turning up Stewart to a friends to have them take me home, but what was the point now?  I was starting to prune and only had 2 miles to go.  Just keep running!!  I ran past Runners Retreat, waved at Lorenzo and headed home.

The rain had let up, but never stopped.  As I was running over 81, I saw lightening to the south, but had to keep running.  I hit 12 miles, but why walk when there was rain and lightening, just get home.  I stopped at 12.5 miles and 1:40:00.  What a run!!  As I as doing my foot drills, I could not wipe the smile off my face.  Did I really just run in that weather?  Wow, that was crazy!  As soon as I got in the door, I stripped down naked.  I had put 3 towels next to my door when I headed out, but had not even dreamed about what I went through.  When I put the clothes in the washer, they were more wet going in than when they came out!!

I later found out that there were tornado warnings in Leesburg and Sterling.  Not sure about Winchester, but I can tell you that it was pretty crazy out there!

Called On The Carpet

For nearly ten years, I have had some great friends.  Our friendship grew through training and racing and has also temporairly fallen apart through the same.  Last year, I was so focused on my Ironman that I  neglected to pay attention to my friend.  I had written training plans for him and even given him a book on training, but that was all.  I never checked how he was doing, or even trained with him.  Granted, or schedules were WAY different, but that is only an excuse.  Since the New Year, I have only seen my friends one time and I emailed to find out why.  At that point, I learned why.

It is very heartbreaking when you friend tells she feels that I did not help her husband when he asked for it and treated him shitty.  I have also learned that some people need more prodding than others when it comes to fitness.  Some want it, some do not.  What is your balance?  I had figured that I had asked him to enough events; races, rides, etc and when I was not taken up on it, I just quit asking.  A local 5K here and there is a great training tool, if you let it be.

Now that I have re-read this, it is kind of rambling, but I now know what my friend needs and if I want to stay friends, I need to look outside my box.  Races come and go, but you need to hang onto real friends.

Still Running...

As you read, last weekend was rough.  Needless to say, I had to contact my coach and we made it an even easier week.  I did get up and swim on Monday, but did not run and it was nice.  I was still trying to figure out what happened on Sunday.  I was now eating fine, but relieved not to run.  On Tuesday, I slept in and skipped Pilates.  As much as I should have stretched, I needed to sleep and recover from whatever was going on.  After school, Brian had me run 3 miles at 7:27 and I did it at a 7:05 pace!  My legs thanked me for a short run, but my belly was still rumbling.  Why cannot I now run 3 miles without stopping twice!  Yuck.

Wednesday was my scheduled off day.  I love Wednesdays.  Just a day to let all my hard work pay off.  I usually babysit on Wednesdays, which means I get to hang out with a 5th and 7th grader who are really good.  We sit and talk and solve all the world's problems.

Thursday was back to a "longer" run, 8 miles at a 9:01 pace.  I headed out on the 3rd Battle Trail and onto Red Bud Rd.  I like that road, but traffic is quick and there is not much of a shoulder.  There is also a little white dog that scares the crap out of me.  It has chased me on the bike and one time running.  If I want to run there again, I will have to call animal control for my safety.  After I hit my 6 mile mark, I headed back to top off at 8 miles.  I felt really good and did not have to stop to answer "natures' calling."  Why do I have to stop 2x in a 3 mile run and 0 in an 8 mile run.  I guess I was feeling better!

My legs have been feeling better.  My shins are almost back to normal and as long as I get a good stretch in with my R knee, I am usually feeling pretty good.  Friday was my first day in nearly 2 months for hill repeats.  I have to do these in front of Greenwood Mill from Senseny Rd to the school.  It is about a 2% decline and .5 miles long, just what the coach ordered.  I had to do 5 miles on this road, and I was kind of nervous in the beginning, but as I got going, I was feeling good.  I managed to arrive just before school got out and the safety of the Fred. Co. Sherifs' Dept arrived and convientely parked his cruiser on the bike bath that I was running on.  If he had moved 5' forward, he could still have been off the road and off the path that I was running on.  I am not sure if he got tired of me running by, or the school speed limit went off, but if he had been there 10 more min, I would have stopped to talk to him.  Just a friendly, "I am using this bike path and it is very inconvient to have to slow down to fit between your cruise and the guardrail and since you are blocking the crosswalk, I noticed that a group of boys had to crosss in an unmarked area."

Saturday was going to be just my recovery run, then my big run on Sunday.  Too bad I like to pay attention to the weather and saw that I was to rain all day on Sunday.  Brad and I headed to the last Winter Series race in Front Royal.  The weather was spectacular, overcast and about 50.  Shorts and t-shirts were all that was needed.  I did a 2 mile warm-up, followed by the very hilly 5K.  I did not start in the front and just kind of ran the race, but did not race it.  I felt good and was happy with my finish.  I knew that my spot for the series finale was locked in, so why push it and ruin my legs.  After the race, I did a 2 mile cool down.  Brad did not join me, as he was still sick from Thursday and Friday.  He managed to get what I had last weekend.  It was a bug that got me and I felt the need to share with other:)  He was in BAD shape.

After the race, we headed to JMU to watch the girls basketball team DEMOLISH  the South Hampton team, 96-23.  After we got home, I did another 7 to cap off my 14 for the weekend.  It felt good and I was very greatful I did that!  It rained all day on Sunday.  Brad came with me to the gym to knock out 7 on the TM.

I am so glad that that week is over.  On to bigger and better things this week!  6 weeks til Boston!

Bucket Run

Ugh.  As soon as I woke up today, I felt sick, then it passed and I felt great.  I had cereal and coffee for breakfast and headed to church. Mentally, I was ready for this run.  I had had a blah week, so I was not sure how I would feel about today.  I was really excited that it was going to be about 60 and sunny.  I waited to do my run this afternoon so that I could run when it was nice and warm.  That may have been a mistake.

I set out at 1:00 for this run.  I was contemplating switching my route, but I know where everything is on this route.  I was feeling good, right on pace at 8:25 miles.  I had heated my leg and stretched well before going out, so there were no issues there.  I stopped at Ed and Robert's to get water at mile 5.4.  I was already half way through the water and only 5/20 were done.  I headed up Fairmont and it turns into 522.  I was at mile 6.5 and started feeling queezy.  Next thing I know, I am puking on the side of 522.  I kept going and struggled to keep my pace, but did it.  As I got down Fox Dr., my pace started to drop and I was at about 8:34.  I made it to Dunkin Donuts at mile 9.8 and lost it there as well.  I was not sure what to do.  I called Brad and he was really worried and I had to keep him posted.  I ran up Stewart St. and ran into David Black.  He was willing to take me home, but I wanted to keep pushing.  I then came down Washington St. and struggled to make an 8:39 pace.  WHAT IS GOING ON???  I got to Runners Retreat at mile 11.22.  I spoke to Jordan and then Matt and Rebekah walked by.  I filled them in, and they offered to take me home.  I declined, but agreed to head home. 

I made it as far as the bridge on 81, mile 13 and I had to walk.  I was at a 9:25 pace and dying.  I started dry heaving near Packs and in front of Dowell J.  After I got home, I lost it again.  I stretched and then headed to the store to get Gatorade, Ginger Ale, and english muffins.  I had soup for dinner.  I am sure I need more, but am scared to eat.

Brad and I are trying to figure out what is going on?  Do I have a bug?  Am I not eating enough?  Over training?  I guess time will tell.  I am going to bed.

Winchester Wheelmen Race Team

Some of you have wondered why I did not apply for the Winchester Wheelmen Race Team for the 2011 season.  I have several reasons and we will start at the beginning.

 

In June 2010, I competed at the Eagleman triathlon in Cambridge, MD with several of my teammates.  Prior to the race, the team tent was set up along the race course and there were several teammates and their families hanging out in the tent.  My mom had driven over 300 miles to my house and then to the race to be my biggest fan.  I introduced her to my teammates and told her she could stay in the shade of the tent with the others while I raced.  After I took off in the swim, and then the bike, my mom went to the WWRT tent.  Not a single person spoke to her or made her feel welcome.  She stayed for nearly 20 min before just walking out and sitting alone.  We all knew it was going to be a long day, and I had faith in my teammates and their families to make all feel welcome.  This did not happen.  After the race, my mom and I returned to the tent to find the same un-welcoming feeling.

 

Throughout the summer, there were several WWRT members who were all training for IMLOU.  Steve LaDrew had a ride/picnic for the Wheelmen which I attend with several club members.  After we returned from our ride, I went for a run, as I had a brick planned for the day.  Several race team members decided to do their own ride that morning and come for the picnic, passing me as I was running.  Upon returning to the picnic, I felt like I never existed.  Here I am training for IMLOU, and so were they, but I was never asked about my training or the race.  I am not looking for personal satisfaction, but a sense of belonging from my "team."

 

As we got closer to IMLOU, I never heard from my teammates.  Here we all are, training for the same event with no team feeling.  I hear of other teams doing rides, runs, swims, dinners and even breakfasts together.  I do not sense that team feeling on the WWRT.  I spoke to Jerry Brown about driving to Louisville so I did not have to drive alone, but he was going with his family to Blacksburg on his way to LOU.  He had not heard from his "teammates" either about going down, or getting together down there, etc.  So now I have to drive to Louisville, 9 hours alone, even though I am on a 'team' and several of my teammates were going.  When we got to IMLOU, it was a struggle for my teammates to speak to me.  I was in the elevator at one point with several WWRT members and it was the most awkward feeling, even though we were teammates.  The stress that I felt was unbleviable.  There was no further communication while we were there, dinners, swims, rides, etc.  Was I REALLY on a team??

 

I was not expecting anything in the way communication from my teammates for the rest of the season, and that is what happened.  At the Christmas banquet, I spoke to very few teammates, as I could tell that many were avoiding me.  I really enjoyed the ones that I spent time with and was glad when it was over.

 

As we moved into 2011, I continued to feel neglected by the WWRT.  Pictures were posted about WWRT parties, but only select individuals were invited.  I could care less, have your parties with your friends, but please don't list them as race team parties when the entire race team is not invited.  When an individual is on a team, generally you share ideas about training and other races that you will be racing.  While at the Christmas party, it was shared with certain individuals as to what races they were doing, but would not let me know.  I have not signed up for those races, as I have others to race, but it is still fun to talk about them.

 

I was called several weeks ago by a fellow teammate who had gone into Blue Ridge Bicycles to purchase a new bicycle after fulfilling her quota of races.  She was told that she had not done enough races, and that the "rinky dink tris" should not count.  She was also told that the rules of the race team were not written down and never will be.  I know that they are now in progress, but how can anything be done on a regular and fair basis for all on the team if it is not in writing?  She did end up being able to order her bike, but it was a fellow teammate who told her that she only did 'rinky dink tris."  Who is he to judge?  After this incident, I did post a question on facebook about the bylaws of a group, but never mentioned the group.  I was told by a friend that they were told that the WWRT was receiving calls from several people and sponsors about my post.  Seriously?  Why was I not informed of this and the questions that I was asked about my post was if it was my HOA!

 

Because of the stress that was brought onto me by my fellow teammates and lack of team feeling, I have chosen not to be a member of the Winchester Wheelmen Race Team.  Teammates do not do what was done to me and I do not need to support those who do not support others.

 

Thank you,

Katie Steadman

Tempo?? Run

For the last couple of days, I have been feeling...well...blah.  I had a grilled chicken salad for dinner on Tuesday night after some really tough intervals.  It was enough food at that time, but not nearly enough calories.  Yesterday in first period, I nearly got sick and my stomach was also queezy.  Just not a fun day.  No workouts on Wednesdays - I really look forward to Wednesdays.


This morning I happened to wake up at 4:50, 7 min after my alarm was to go off.  It was set, but I later found out after walking into my room this afternoon, that it was set for 4:43 PM!  Oops, it is now fixed.  I still made it to Pilates class on time.  I have been doing this for about a month now instead of lifting.  I think my body is really appreciating the down/stretching time.  I really enjoy the change of pace.  I was still feeling a bit out of it after class and was not sure why.  Because I am not really burning the calories in class, I drank cranberry juice after class and it really hit the spot.  I knew that after school I had a 5 mile tempo run that I was kind of dreading.  Seriously 37 min of running and I just did not want to do it.

At 2:30 the bell rang and I could not wait to get home to take a nap.  I am sure I was out within about 30 seconds.  I woke up and noticed it was drizzling, but not enough to make me run on the treadmill.  I laced up and headed out the door.  I did not get satellite signal for about 2 min and that had me all screwed up.  After about 1 mile, I realized that I had forgotten to eat and drink before I headed out.  Now, I am physically TRYING to get into my run at a 7:27 pace and realizing that I am truly running on empty did not help.  I completed the run in about 38:14, which was a 7:38 pace.  I am okay with that.

I feel like running is still a chore.  With not feeling well this week, and I can also tell by what I am not wanting to eat (salad everyday for lunch) that I am off.  Lets hope the sun can shine soon and I can get back in my groove.

Tomorrow my Winchester Wheelman Race Team application is due.  Stay tuned for that one!!  I am also getting a massage by the massage therapist for the Dallas Mavericks NBA team.  Yes, it is all in who you know:)

Snow Day Intervals...

Last night, I heard the ice pellets hitting the window, so I knew that we would not have school.  Grandpa was in the hospital, Brad had just left, I had taken Excedrin for a headache (it has caffeine) so even though my body was tired, my mind was flying.  My car is in the shop, so the only hope for working out was Bridget.

The call came at 6:04 am, right on time.  No school.  Bridget was going to leave at 7 instead of being here at 7 to go to the gym.  She arrived at 7:45 and we were off.  I had intervals to run and she lifted.  I got on the TM next to another friend and took off.  10 min warm up followed by 20x 1:00 on and 1:00 off.  I was a bit tight at first, then I got into it.  My slowest speed was in the beginning at 9.5 (6:18) and got it up to 10.6 (5:36) and settled at 10.5 (5:39)  I was whooped when I got done, but I did get it done and did not have to stop and pee!  I think that has to doing it in the morning, rather than after school when I have already had 64 oz of water throughout the day.

I am now on the couch sipping coffee wondering who is going to put my clean clothes away...

Back at it...

Sunday's run seemed like such a chore.  I am not sure if it was being lonely/bored out there, or what.  Brad was riding, so he rode from home since his mom was there and I ran from here.  We met up for lunch and it was wonderful.  All I wanted to do was see him and not run.  I did a 14 mile loop around town and stopped to stretch several times, but I think it was out of boredom than anything else.

Because of how I felt on Sunday, Brad joined me on Monday.  It was so much better.  An easy 8 miles with a stop at RR to exchange some socks.  I made up the route as we went and it was a perfect 8 miler.  We finished at an 8:50 pace.

I mentioned to Brad after dinner how I was just tired.  He then said, "well, how many miles have you run in 3 days...?"  9 on Saturday, 14 Sunday, 8 Monday.  The 9 on Saturday was in 25-30 mph winds, so that may have something to do with it.  I was just blah.

Video from Mardi Gras Marathon

Here is the video that Brad and I did from race weekend!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPXlKdzrzK0

Mardi Gras 2011 Race Report

On Sunday, February 13^th, I was scheduled to run 28 miles.  How boring…unless you find a marathon someplace warm…like New Orleans!  Brad and I arrived late on Friday night, dropped our stuff off at our hotel and headed to the French Quarter for dinner.  We really did not want a hole in the ground place, but the Hard Rock Café was not at the top of our list either.  We settled in at a brewery, had some ribs, mac and cheese and headed back.  Seeing all of the junk shops was really a lot of fun.  They were FULL of beads and masks and all of the Mardi Gras “kitch.”  We found out that the parades will start of Feb 20^th and run through March 8^th, the actual Mardi Gras Day – Fat Tuesday, 46 days before Easter.  We also found out that Mardi Gras begins on January 6^th, the 12^th Day of Christmas, making Mardi Gras a true Christian holiday in my book!!

Saturday morning, we got up, had a great breakfast at the Embassy Suites (which I HIGHLY recommend, if not for the cleanliness, then for the FULL, cooked to order, unlimited breakfast).  After breakfast, we headed to the expo, knowing to get their early before all the good stuff is sold out.  After several purchases, and it helps that Brooks is the sponsor of the race, we walked around the expo talking with other vendors and asking questions.  One vendor gave us a great idea as to where to do our 7 mile pre-race run.  Upon leaving the expo, we noticed that Dodge was doing test drives on their new 2011 line and if you test drove the car, they would donate $20 to a charity of your choice.  I chose the Challenged Athletes Foundation.  If you have ever seen a racer with a carbon leg, or a swimmer with one arm, you may donate to them as well.  Anyway, we got in our 2011 Dodge Durango with a local Dodge employee and hit the Big Easy.  We could have cared less about the car, although it was nice, but getting a personal tour of NOLA was great!!  After about 30 min, we pulled up to our hotel, got out and he drove away.  A chauffer service as well.  We were getting hungry and decided to eat lunch before our run, because if not, we would eat lunch at 2, then dinner at 6.  Possible, but no thank you.  We found a local Po-Boys shop, and we each got a sandwich.  We did inquire what a Po-Boy was and all it is a sub, or hoagie, just another name. 

Seriously, 7 miles the day before a marathon??  We put on our shorts and t-shirts and headed out to St. Charles Ave.  We learned that you can run down the street car tracks, heading towards the oncoming streetcars and have a great run.  The tracks are on a grassy median strip and EVERYONE walks/runs on them.  The streetcars are not going very fast, so it is very safe.  The man at the GU stand told us of this and we LOVED it.  Brad and I headed out with him doing 4 and I was doing 7.  You do have to watch for turning cars, but they also look for you.  It was about 55 degrees and sunny when we headed out.  It felt so good.  My legs were a bit tight and the bottoms of my feet were sore.  I am sure this had to do with the flying, pains the last 3 weeks in my legs and all the walking earlier in the day.  The houses along St. Charles Ave were absolutely gorgeous.  Houses like I have never seen before.  After mile 3.5, I turned around and ran in the other tracks back to our hotel, but did not head straight there.  I heard some music and ran towards it, to find a small parade, about 10 units, 2 of which were bands.  The trucks were all pulling Ford Focus’ and throwing beads.  It was official, I saw a Mardi Gras parade and had beads thrown at me!  It was great, I could not wipe the smile off of my face.  Did I really just run 7 miles the day before a marathon…yes I did!

Pre-race dinner is very important, as we all know.  Gumbo or jambalaya was NOT on my menu!  We headed to the French Quarter, not really knowing what we were looking for.  We passed several places and overheard them say that it was a 45-60 min wait, or longer.  No thank you.  We went down a side street and came upon Ralph Kacoo’s.  They had seating right away, so we went in.  The table that we wanted was not ready, and it took about 15 min to get ready, but we had time.  I had a feeling that it was going to be a LONG night at this restaurant.  Brad and I each ordered the same thing, chicken with mushrooms, shrimp, artichoke hearts topped with a lemon sauce.  We ordered pasta as a side dish.  It was the best dinner!!  While we were eating, we decided that we were going to record the whole weekend from that point on.  All of my students ask what a race weekend is like for me and now we can show them.  It all started with an empty plate…

After dinner, we headed to Bourbon St.  never having been to NOLA, we were unsure what we were going to encounter.  Oh my!!  It reminded me of Ybor City near Tampa.  No vehicular traffic, only drunk foot traffic.  There were bars of ALL kinds with anything you could imagine.  The funniest was some chick dancing on a table in front of a window and some fat guy dancing on the outside to her.  He was just a jiggling away!!  There were people on the balconies drinking and throwing beads as you walked by.  If this is what it is like on a normal Saturday night, I am afraid that I would not be able to handle it come parade time!  Time to head to the hotel to get the gear ready for the big day!!

4:53 am and the alarm clock goes off!  Brad got up to shower as I laid there wondering why I was actually going to run a marathon for “fun.”  I got up, had my oatmeal, coffee and juice.  I was still tired.  Not the “what am I really doing today” tired, but the “oh my gosh, we walked all day yesterday, plus ran” tired.  I got my gear on, put dry clothes in my gear check bag, checked the weather to make sure it was still going to be 65 and sunny and we headed out the door.  We got almost to the starting area and I realized that I had not put deodorant on my “chub rub.”  Yes, I do have some chub that rubs between my legs and the chafing is very painful.  Since I had to run 2 miles prior to the race, I handed Brad my gear and headed back to the hotel, grabbed my deodorant as my chafe guard and ran back to the start, around the corrals and found him at the Brooks area.  It was 40 degrees out and I was sweating, which was a good feeling.  I was able to use the Brooks VIP toilets, got a shirt that I had entered a contest for on Facebook and we put our gear in the trucks.  You can put any gear in the bag that is given to you at the expo, put your name tag on it, and pick it up at the finish.  Brilliant idea.  We head over to our corrals, Brad was in 2 and I was in 4.  As I was standing there, I learned that the girl behind me was trying to run a 3:40 to qualify for Boston and the lady next to her had missed getting into Boston by about 2 hours on registration day.  I was feeling pretty lucky as I stood there.  Then the National Anthem started.  That always gets the mind flowing, especially as I look down and over and notice that the gentleman next to me does not have a right leg.  He is running on a carbon leg.  What is YOUR excuse for not running??

And the race is on!  I was feeling pretty good at this point knowing that I had to keep roughly an 8:50 pace.  Brian wanted me to finish just under 4:00:00, but not less than 3:50.  It took me about 2:00 to get to the start line and we kind of all fell into a rhythm.  I did not run with my music due to lots of bands on the course and listening to others talk.  We were not .25 miles in and there were some people who were trying to pass several others by running on the sidewalk and that turned disastrous.  There was a piece of re-bar that was connecting the sidewalk to the street and it was sticking about 6” up off the road.  Some lady tripped over it and went “flying.”  Her saving grace was the fact that she had gloves and pants on.  She landed on her hands and knees, but got up right away.  I think she was more embarrassed than anything.  She appeared fine and kept running.  The roads were packed with 15,000 runners, 3,000+ full marathoners and 12,000+ half marathoners.  I was not familiar with the area, so I was just taking in the sights.  There were lots of people cheering us on along the route, mostly with their great smelling coffee in their hands and some still in their pj’s!  I was doing great at keeping my pace – close to 8:50, but my calves were still tight.  They did not hurt, but I could not get them loose. 

Just before mile 5, they started splitting the full and half runners.  The full went to the left and half to the right.  There was a guy announcing this on a bull horn and several women in the street looking at everyone’s numbers.  Full were green and the half were purple.  Just after the 5 mile mark, the crowd definitely thinned out and it was nice.  I have now been running for nearly 45 min and have not said a word to anyone.  I am sure that surprises most of you, but it is true.  Out next main turn was onto St. Charles Ave where Brad and I ran on Saturday.  It was flat and lined with people.  We passed a house where they had their own band on the porch providing us with great music.  I think the best part was the little boy in the doorway tapping the beat on his leg to his dad’s music.  As I was running, I looked up and nearly ran into a little boy who was in the middle of the road with his hands out giving everyone high 5’s.  It was annoying, but cute at the same time.  Our next turn in the Garden District was onto Henry Clay Ave.  I have NO clue what the houses were like on this road, but the road was the worst I have ever run on.  The pot holes and cracks were terrible.  All I could think about was ‘I sure hope there would never be a bike race on this road!’  We then entered Audubon park and it was gorgeous.  Flat and open with huge, old trees that easily could have come alive.  They looked like storybook trees that would have a face and start talking.  After leaving the park, we were back on Henry Clay where I had to keep my head down, and also pee.  I went the port-a-potties, but they were full, so I went behind them, facing some house and “popped a squat.”  Hey, I was in a hurry and did not have time to wait!  I was gone before anyone could figure out what was going on.

Back onto St. Charles Ave for a beautiful 3 miles along the street car line and gorgeous houses.  The little boy was back in the street giving high 5’s again.  What a great way to bring on a smile!  I did have to stop and stretch my calves and it felt great.  I happened to look to the side and realized that the half marathon was on the “other side of the tracks.”  I did not know what mile they were on, but it was great to see them.  We ran through the French Quarter and I realized that we were heading towards the French Market and we had just driven there yesterday!  The road splits and so did the race.  I was at mile 14 and the half was at about 10.  For the next 2 miles we ran up Esplanade Ave. split only by cones.  It was great all running together at this point.  We split again at mile 16.5, having nearly 10 more to go, as the half was nearing the finish.  I was starting to get tired.  The bottoms of my feet were hurting and I was on the verge of throwing up.  I think the 4 Honey Stingers every 20 min was too many, so I dropped to 2, then back up to 3.  This made my stomach feel much better.  I knew that I could not stop taking in fuel, but I had to cut back.  Because I was not ‘racing,’ I was able to balance out the fuel better and relax a bit.  After I passed the mile 18 sign, I knew I was feeling good, and heck, I only had 8 miles to go, that is nothing at this point, right?!?!  I started seeing runners coming towards me, but I did not know what mile they were on.  Of course I knew where I was, but knowing where they were gave me a sense of the turn-a-round.  Never having seen the course, I was feeling blind.

Marconi Dr. was, of course, beautiful.  I was heading towards Lake Pontchartrain with City Park on my right and beautiful houses on the left.  Seeing the families out supporting us was still a great feeling.  At mile 19 was the first and only conversation that I had the whole time.  Some guy asked if I was okay and if I needed Gu.  Silly man, it was not time, my watch did not beep!  I thanked him, and said that I was set and was on my way.  Yup, he got chicked.  Up at the lake, we had 2 turn-a-rounds at separate cones.  Turn-a-rounds at miles 21 and nearly 22 are tough, but they led us for a wide turn-a-round and it was really nice and not as hard on the legs.  Finally, 4 miles to go and still right on pace.   Heading back to City Park was fun.  I was completely relaxed and felt like I was just out on a training run with thousands of friends. 

After the water at mile 25, I turned it on.  I was able to go from an 8:55 pace to a 7:49 pace and I felt great.  I had been trying to count runners, but I got lost and could not remember what number I was on at the water stops, so I would just start over at the mile markers.  I started laughing at myself because I was thinking of so much, but not about the actual run.  The last .2 miles was great.  The crowds lined the finish chute and the music was blaring.  I knew that Brad was there somewhere cheering for me, but where??  I looked up and he was right on my left recording me crossing the line.  It was perfect!  3:54:16 – right on track!!

When I crossed the line, the guy next to me was super confused.  He was sure he was not done and that he had only run 16-17 miles.  He had on a regular face watch, so I am not sure why he would think that, or know that?!?!  After looking at the race map, I am not sure where he messed up, if he even did.  I contacted the race director and told them what he had said and asked if they could let me know the outcome.  They said that they would look into it.  I tried to look up his number since it on camera and I could not find him.  The race director wrote back and said they would look into it.  I then told them again how concerned I was for him and they confirmed that they would look into it, but due to privacy rights, they cannot fill me in on him.

I gathered my medal, foil blanket, water, banana and oranges and met Brad after the finishers chute.  I was SO TIRED!!  My legs felt pretty good, not really sore, just completely worn out.  Brad and I sat on the side of the road, stretched and had a snack.  It took me a while to stand up, but I had to keep moving, just very slowly.   We picked up my dry goods bag and found a nice, sunny place in the grass.  I did not want to get too close to the band because I wanted to call my parents and fill them in.  Laying down on the soft grass in the sun was the perfect ending to the race.  Brad and I laid there and talked about each of our races.  His first half marathon in 1:43 and my “fun run” of a marathon.  I think we laid in the grass for about an hour before we got moving again.  We headed across a huge field towards some shuttles.  The shuttles were going to take us back to town, just blocks from our hotel.  Once we walked about .5 miles to the shuttles, we boarded the bus and rode back.  We noticed that we were definitely in Katrina area.  All of the houses have new roofs and siding on them with new townhouses  nearby.  There were just a few houses that had not been touched, and they were completely destroyed.  As we passed the cemeteries, all I could think about was the bodies that floated away in the floods.  While we were on the bus, we realized how hungry we really were.

Everyone slowly got off the bus and went in their own directions.  We just happened to pass a pizza place on the way back, so we stopped in our stinky gear with big smiles on our faces.  I don’t think either one of us has eaten a pizza so fast and were still so hungry.  We then strolled back to our hotel, stretched and relaxed.  After Brad showered, I took an Epsom salt bath and loved every minute of it.

The rest of the day consisted of moving slowly and talking about the race.  We made it to the French Quarter again for dinner.  Not really sure where to go, we stopped and talked to some police and asked them where to go.  After a fun conversation, we ended up at Embers on Bourbon St sitting on the balcony watching the people truly enjoying life.

After running this race, I know that I am going to be truly ready for Boston.  A huge thank you to Brian Hamill for the training program and all the help over the past 4 months.  And a huge thank you to Brad for putting up with me this weekend.  It is a tough job, but someone has to do itJ

Let the New Year Begin!

I have decided to get with the times and start a blog with my training and racing.  I have 2 major races this year with Boston in April and ITU World Championships in November.  I plan on taking more pictures and even some videos this year for all to see.  Many of you ask what a race weekend entails, and now you will be able to be part of it, not just with my race/weekend reports, but with the video as well.

This past weekend, I ran the Mardi Gras Marathon in New Orleans and LOVED it.  I will soon post the video and report from the weekend.  After the race on Sunday, I did run 4 miles on Monday and another 6.4 on Tuesday.  Because I did not "race" in NOLA, it did not take the same toll on me as if I would have pushed myself.  I was as tired, exceptionally tired, but not nearly as sore as I thought I would be.  I guess my training is truly paying off.