The three of us just celebrated our "race-iversary", once year ago we ran our first half marathon. We ran two after that. Three half marathons in less than a year. I kind of think we rock.
In celebration of our big day, we had planned to run the Grape Stomp 10K. It was the race that got it all started for us. Unfortunately, I had to have surgery not long after the last race to correct a problem from my last c-section, so I could not run.
I am not a good when someone tells me that I can't do something. I was soooooo incredibly disappointed that I wasn't going to be able to run this race. I kept telling myself I could to it. It was 2 weeks after this "minor" surgery, I could do it, right?
No, I couldn't. My "minor" surgery was quite painful. But my friends did it. And they did it well. And I was there to cheer them on at the finish line. And Erica PR'd. I may not have run it with them, but my heart was sure there!
Then we celebrated with brunch, pedicures and wine tasting. And it was a special person's birthday.
Happy Race-iversary Ladies. I love you both and look forward to many anniversaries in the future!!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Grape Stomp: One year later
What a year it's been! This past Sunday marked our one year race-iversary (Rachel came up with the fabulous term and it's stuck!). April & I (with Rachel in spirit) ran the 10K portion of the race this year as a way to commemorate all that we've done. Going into this race, I just wanted to beat a PR from 8 years ago. It seemed silly to think about at first because a lot had happened in 8 years, mainly the fact that I was heavier, with 2 kids, and just a fraction of the time to train for this than I did for that one. But I so badly just wanted a better time. I wanted to really prove to myself and everyone else that I can run faster.
I didn't really remember much of this race. As we got together afterwards for brunch, we all agreed that we were overwhelmed with excitement and nerves to remember anything but our finishes. The first noticeable difference was that registration was full. April technically didn't register to run it, but it wasn't like they were really strict about checking for bibs or chips. And the race occurred on a public trail so she would've joined me at any point in the race. The next big thing was that the forecast was incredibly different than last year. We're pretty sure it was warm then...but we had a huge storm brewing. It was forecasted to be wet & windy. Luckily, we only had the windy part as the rain came just after I crossed the finish line.
We made our way to the starting line and I was so anxious to get this going. It really didn't help that they started all the races late. But we were off--and we snaked our way in and out of the walkers in front and to get out onto the trail itself. I knew I'd start off fast--heck I was with April! I also knew that I could slow her down if need be (maybe she'll chime in and let me down easy with when I did that). ;) Soon we passed mile 1...then the sprinting 5K'ers came yelling through..and then, holy crap: we were halfway there! I felt pretty damn amazing until about 4+ miles. I grabbed some water to cut the nasty taste in my mouth. I had mentally beat myself up for not bringing a GU Chomp or even a piece of candy. I have never felt so queasy ever on a run! Really I wouldn't have kept going if it weren't for April. Sure I was slowing my pace, but as we kept going I somehow put the feelings aside. I had to--I had a number in my head. The finish line was SO, so close!
She pulled away at the parking lot and I did my best to put it all out there. I did...then I saw the time: 1:19:--. I immediately thought, 'Well there goes that personal best' followed by the ever so classy, 'F!#$'! I heard Rachel and my other friend, Lisa cheering me on but I was already defeated. I felt so bad. I thought I really had done it. I hadn't run and kept up with April (without a stroller to slow her down either) in so long. Why didn't my time show me that?
They hadn't posted results quickly enough and the storm was coming. We hurried out of there to enjoy the rest of our celebrating. Fast forward to later that day when I googled the results. This popped up:
1:11:04
I did it! I did it! I did it! I had forgotten that we started 8 minutes later than we were supposed to. I had successfully beaten my 10K time from 2002. It wasn't *the* number in my head, but it was 5+ minutes faster than the other. And I was completely in shock & so, so happy!
So here we all are a year later. We're still running. We're faster. And we're still planning our future races (can you say Disneyland?!). I sit here trying to write something awesome to finish this off, but I apologize, I'm distracted by that amazing, bold number that's flashing right in front of me. :)
Friday, October 22, 2010
Reflections {part one}
It's hard to believe that one year ago this coming weekend, the 3 of us crossed the finish line of our very first half marathon. Since then, we've logged on many more miles and captured some of our very best PRs. As I went for my 5-miler earlier this week, I kept thinking about the past couple of years. We all took an idea and literally ran with it. No huge goals were set, just the simple one of 'don't die'. We celebrated any and all accomplishments along the way. And what has surprised me most of all, is that I am still running (and that if you run enough you will inevitably start to eat bananas coming from the person who really didn't like to eat them).
I've always known that running has made me feel better but little did I know how it would really change me. I went from really dreading any sort of workout to desperately trying to find some time to put in a mile or two. It clears my head like no other workout can. I'm able to put aside some everyday stresses and worries just so I have that coveted me time. I can't take long breaks from running. It drives me crazy. I start craving that hard workout. There are times when there is nothing more satisfying than just going out and coming back completely covered in sweat but wearing it all with a HUGE grin on my face. I'll even start dreaming about running if go too long without them. No matter how hard I try to push it to the back burner, it all comes back with a big, 'I told you so'.
My expectations for Sunday's race aren't big. Just the usual, don't get hurt and run to have fun. To be honest I am more looking forward to some bigger races with the girls in the coming year. As grueling as the training can be, it's the end result that I love. That feeling that, yes, I can do anything. And yes, I can do the one thing that I think I cannot do. I've said it once and I'll say it again, I wouldn't be where I am today as a runner, if it weren't for April & Rachel.
I've always known that running has made me feel better but little did I know how it would really change me. I went from really dreading any sort of workout to desperately trying to find some time to put in a mile or two. It clears my head like no other workout can. I'm able to put aside some everyday stresses and worries just so I have that coveted me time. I can't take long breaks from running. It drives me crazy. I start craving that hard workout. There are times when there is nothing more satisfying than just going out and coming back completely covered in sweat but wearing it all with a HUGE grin on my face. I'll even start dreaming about running if go too long without them. No matter how hard I try to push it to the back burner, it all comes back with a big, 'I told you so'.
My expectations for Sunday's race aren't big. Just the usual, don't get hurt and run to have fun. To be honest I am more looking forward to some bigger races with the girls in the coming year. As grueling as the training can be, it's the end result that I love. That feeling that, yes, I can do anything. And yes, I can do the one thing that I think I cannot do. I've said it once and I'll say it again, I wouldn't be where I am today as a runner, if it weren't for April & Rachel.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
San Jose Rock and Roll, part 2
This race was different for me too.
Since our last half in June, April and I had talked about a goal of finishing under 2 hours. 1:59:59 would be ok with us! I was totally on board for this and was amped up for the training it would take. Then life happened...
Work got very busy, the kids kept me very busy, home life kept me very busy, we traveled A LOT this summer, I was finding it very hard to find time to run. I could usually squeeze in one or two runs during the week and one longer run on the weekend.
And my runs were not good. Craptastic actually. I was getting very discouraged. And, somewhere during one of my horrible runs, I realized I wasn't going to finish in under two hours. And I got a little depressed.
A few weeks before the race, April and I ran a 9 miler. We talked. I told her my frustration and she convinced me to take the pressure off of myself and just go out and run the race, at my pace and, if nothing else, have fun.
And that is just what I did.
I lost April pretty much right after we crossed the start line. Lost Becky right around mile 3. But I was ok with running this race by myself. The course was great, it wound through areas of San Jose I have never been too, and through areas that brought back so many memories (my old Junior High!).
I finished the race in 2 hours, 13 minutes and 23 seconds. Not under 2 hours, but I don't think the smile left my face until I went to bed that night. I had so much fun, was so proud of myself for finished my 3rd half marathon in less than a year and crossed that finish line feeling no pressure and looking forward to my next race.
Since our last half in June, April and I had talked about a goal of finishing under 2 hours. 1:59:59 would be ok with us! I was totally on board for this and was amped up for the training it would take. Then life happened...
Work got very busy, the kids kept me very busy, home life kept me very busy, we traveled A LOT this summer, I was finding it very hard to find time to run. I could usually squeeze in one or two runs during the week and one longer run on the weekend.
And my runs were not good. Craptastic actually. I was getting very discouraged. And, somewhere during one of my horrible runs, I realized I wasn't going to finish in under two hours. And I got a little depressed.
A few weeks before the race, April and I ran a 9 miler. We talked. I told her my frustration and she convinced me to take the pressure off of myself and just go out and run the race, at my pace and, if nothing else, have fun.
And that is just what I did.
I lost April pretty much right after we crossed the start line. Lost Becky right around mile 3. But I was ok with running this race by myself. The course was great, it wound through areas of San Jose I have never been too, and through areas that brought back so many memories (my old Junior High!).
I finished the race in 2 hours, 13 minutes and 23 seconds. Not under 2 hours, but I don't think the smile left my face until I went to bed that night. I had so much fun, was so proud of myself for finished my 3rd half marathon in less than a year and crossed that finish line feeling no pressure and looking forward to my next race.
Monday, October 4, 2010
San Jose Rock and Roll Half Marathon
This race was different for me. I wasn't nervous the weeks approaching the race. I wasn't nervous the night before the race. Or excited. I couldn't figure it out. I got butterflies as Rachel parked the car in the race lot. The only time I had real nerves was as we were trying to find our fourth running Mama before the race. Five minutes to go, no sign of her. One minute to go, no sign of her. Start whistle blows, NO SIGN of her.
It wasn't until I crossed the start mat that the emotions caught up with me. I had tears in my eyes. The MONTHS of hard work: waking up at 5 am, running with the jogging stroller, running the long runs NO MATTER WHAT, running in the heat, running in the rain, sacrifice: skipping dates with mommy friends to make sure I could wake up and run on the weekends, skipping coffee dates, lunch dates, FUN stuff to run had got me here: the START. Unlike my first half, I knew what it really meant to train for and RUN a half marathon. The time commitment. The physical commitment. The emotional commitment. The family commitment. At that moment, I had already won. I knew that I would finish. I may not like my time, but I would limp, crawl, roll my way across the finish if I had to. Despite the many challenges and obstacles, I never gave up. I didn't quit. I had set a goal and done it. And was surrounded by 13,000+ other people who had in some way or another done the same and I was overcome with emotion.
The emotions, adrenaline, and excitement got me through the first few miles. Music playing in the background. New sights. The HOPE that our fourth running Mama would come running up beside me. It took me a couple miles to get over the disappointment of not having found her. I lost Rachel super early on, before the quarter mile mark. I suddenly had to change gears and realize that I was going to have to run this as a onesome. I was not prepared for that. I focused on finding a person to pace with. Granted, I ALWAYS pick the wrong ones. The undercover super runners dressed in unassuming, older looking person clothing. I fell into a comfortable pace. Miles one through six breezed by:
Mile 1 8:43
Mile 2 8:42
Mile 3 8:45
Mile 4 8:53
Mile 5 8:51
Mile 6 8:57
By mile 7, I was hot. I could feel the blisters forming on my feet. I don't have the take-Gu-out-of-pocket-open-eat-and-drink-water thing down. I have to walk through aid stations or else risk losing all contents of my pocket, drenching myself with water, and possibly choking on my Gu chomp. I had just watched the Men's winner haul past me. FYI: he won the race in ONE HOUR. Ass. And I was realizing that there was no way I was going to find my friends.
Mile 7 9:26
I had a brief burst of energy for mile 8.
Mile 8 8:51
And then hit a wall. I knew there was an aid station around mile 8 somewhere. Turned out to be closer to 8.5. I told myself I would slow down and walk through the water station. And did. And debated why I should run again. Walking was nice. Walking was comfortable. The music was good. And then I watched the most inspiring young man run past me in an Army shirt. And prosthetic leg. If HE COULD DO IT, certainly I could. I threw down my water cup and ran right behind him. Tears welled up in my eyes. I followed him for the next few miles.
Mile 9 9:33
Mile 10 9:12
Mile 11 9:16
At the completion of mile 11 I felt like I had NOTHING more to give but knew I was SO SO close. I also knew I had two miles left and has just crossed mile 11 at about 1:40. In my mind, I knew I could somehow pull off two miles at a 10 min./mile pace. I saw my sub-2 goal slipping right before my eyes. THIS is where I wish I had one of my running girls. THIS is where you could use someone by your side to push you. Encourage you. REMIND you not to give up. REMIND you that you are completely capable of this.
Mile 12 9:21
As we near mile 13 you can hear the music and crowds cheering on the finishers. I was finally welcomed by familiar sights I had seen while waiting for the race to start. I told myself to PUT IT ALL OUT THERE. THIS is what I had trained for. If I didn't leave it all out on the race course it would have all been a complete waste of time. Blisters burning my feet. Hamstrings tightening up. Left knee screaming. I put my big girl panties on and RAN. As fast as I could.
Mile 13 8:43
Mile .24 8:14
GARMIN totals: 13.24 miles, 9:00 min/mile average, 1:59:11.
Chip time: 1:59:03
I had done it. Sub-2 hour half: DONE.
As I gimped my way from the Finish, I watched others cross the mats. Two women hand in hand, one wearing an "I survived cancer" shirt, tears streaming down their faces. A young boy, likely around 10-ish running with his parents. The young soldier with the prosthetic leg. If I ever wondered, I no longer needed to. Runners come in all shapes and sizes. All different skill levels. The lucky ones, the really lucky ones, learn that running is so much more than putting one foot in front of the other. It's about being part of a community. Experiencing success. Learning about challenges while ignoring failure. It's about mental toughness, determination, and perseverance. Never giving in to excuses, self doubt, or life obstacles. It's having an I CAN and WILL attitude instead of an I could, would, or should attitude. It's about doing whatever it takes to get you to that start line. And across the finish.
It wasn't until I crossed the start mat that the emotions caught up with me. I had tears in my eyes. The MONTHS of hard work: waking up at 5 am, running with the jogging stroller, running the long runs NO MATTER WHAT, running in the heat, running in the rain, sacrifice: skipping dates with mommy friends to make sure I could wake up and run on the weekends, skipping coffee dates, lunch dates, FUN stuff to run had got me here: the START. Unlike my first half, I knew what it really meant to train for and RUN a half marathon. The time commitment. The physical commitment. The emotional commitment. The family commitment. At that moment, I had already won. I knew that I would finish. I may not like my time, but I would limp, crawl, roll my way across the finish if I had to. Despite the many challenges and obstacles, I never gave up. I didn't quit. I had set a goal and done it. And was surrounded by 13,000+ other people who had in some way or another done the same and I was overcome with emotion.
The emotions, adrenaline, and excitement got me through the first few miles. Music playing in the background. New sights. The HOPE that our fourth running Mama would come running up beside me. It took me a couple miles to get over the disappointment of not having found her. I lost Rachel super early on, before the quarter mile mark. I suddenly had to change gears and realize that I was going to have to run this as a onesome. I was not prepared for that. I focused on finding a person to pace with. Granted, I ALWAYS pick the wrong ones. The undercover super runners dressed in unassuming, older looking person clothing. I fell into a comfortable pace. Miles one through six breezed by:
Mile 1 8:43
Mile 2 8:42
Mile 3 8:45
Mile 4 8:53
Mile 5 8:51
Mile 6 8:57
By mile 7, I was hot. I could feel the blisters forming on my feet. I don't have the take-Gu-out-of-pocket-open-eat-and-drink-water thing down. I have to walk through aid stations or else risk losing all contents of my pocket, drenching myself with water, and possibly choking on my Gu chomp. I had just watched the Men's winner haul past me. FYI: he won the race in ONE HOUR. Ass. And I was realizing that there was no way I was going to find my friends.
Mile 7 9:26
I had a brief burst of energy for mile 8.
Mile 8 8:51
And then hit a wall. I knew there was an aid station around mile 8 somewhere. Turned out to be closer to 8.5. I told myself I would slow down and walk through the water station. And did. And debated why I should run again. Walking was nice. Walking was comfortable. The music was good. And then I watched the most inspiring young man run past me in an Army shirt. And prosthetic leg. If HE COULD DO IT, certainly I could. I threw down my water cup and ran right behind him. Tears welled up in my eyes. I followed him for the next few miles.
Mile 9 9:33
Mile 10 9:12
Mile 11 9:16
At the completion of mile 11 I felt like I had NOTHING more to give but knew I was SO SO close. I also knew I had two miles left and has just crossed mile 11 at about 1:40. In my mind, I knew I could somehow pull off two miles at a 10 min./mile pace. I saw my sub-2 goal slipping right before my eyes. THIS is where I wish I had one of my running girls. THIS is where you could use someone by your side to push you. Encourage you. REMIND you not to give up. REMIND you that you are completely capable of this.
Mile 12 9:21
As we near mile 13 you can hear the music and crowds cheering on the finishers. I was finally welcomed by familiar sights I had seen while waiting for the race to start. I told myself to PUT IT ALL OUT THERE. THIS is what I had trained for. If I didn't leave it all out on the race course it would have all been a complete waste of time. Blisters burning my feet. Hamstrings tightening up. Left knee screaming. I put my big girl panties on and RAN. As fast as I could.
Mile 13 8:43
Mile .24 8:14
GARMIN totals: 13.24 miles, 9:00 min/mile average, 1:59:11.
Chip time: 1:59:03
I had done it. Sub-2 hour half: DONE.
As I gimped my way from the Finish, I watched others cross the mats. Two women hand in hand, one wearing an "I survived cancer" shirt, tears streaming down their faces. A young boy, likely around 10-ish running with his parents. The young soldier with the prosthetic leg. If I ever wondered, I no longer needed to. Runners come in all shapes and sizes. All different skill levels. The lucky ones, the really lucky ones, learn that running is so much more than putting one foot in front of the other. It's about being part of a community. Experiencing success. Learning about challenges while ignoring failure. It's about mental toughness, determination, and perseverance. Never giving in to excuses, self doubt, or life obstacles. It's having an I CAN and WILL attitude instead of an I could, would, or should attitude. It's about doing whatever it takes to get you to that start line. And across the finish.
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