Marathon Recap

Preface: This is a recap of marathon weekend with some of its ups and downs, at least those I remember. It's already become a little vague. It is a long blog with a few pictures. For actual marathon pictures, you'll have to check out the ones Frank posted on the right. Browse if you want, read it all in detail, it’s up to you. The first picture is of a tired me with race t-shirt and the ugliest, but sweetest, medal ever!

FRIDAY: Our flight left at an early 7 am so I got up at 5 so Steve could drive me and Kristina to the airport. That crazy gal, she got up early to RUN! We hit the Starbucks in the airport, made it through security with thoughts of relaxing on the flight. Of course, I ended up meeting an interesting consultant on the way, spent the flight talking (a little of dad in me?), and got off the plane realizing that, as a social worker, I’m really at the bottom of the pay scale.

The AIDS Marathon reps met us at baggage and transported us to our hotel – I swear in the hood of Miami Beach. I’m not sure what happened here. Hurricane destruction, maybe? Our room was mint green, the bed looked like it had collapsed in the middle, and the hotel itself was a long way from anything of importance, such as restaurants, shopping, the race expo, etc. We ended up paying a whole lot of money to eat brunch in the hotel where I almost ate moldy grapes. We were on the beach, however, so took a walk along the boardwalk and enjoyed the scenery.

Heads up, Jill! Red and purple flags on the beach. Know what they mean? Riptides and DANGEROUS MARINE LIFE!!!! You thought you were kidding about the sharks. At some point, Kristina did brave the water. Luckily, no run-ins with things with fins or tentacles.

We also ventured out to the race expo using the AIDS Marathon shuttle which did not run all that often. We got free stuff, checked out the merchandise, watched a video of the race course, and then missed the bus back to the hotel. We had to take a cab, got back to the hotel where various discussions concerning dinner took place. Try figuring out where a large group of anxious runners are going to eat. We finally split up, found a table in South Beach, ordered the most expensive lasagna I’ve ever eaten, and ate on East Coast time (meaning several hours after 5 for you Midwesterners.)

SATURDAY: Dannie, Sam, Amy, Kristina and I decided to jog a little in the morning to loosen up. We started out at 9am on the boardwalk, heading in the direction of South Beach and Starbucks, quickly realizing that it was a little warmer than we were used to in good ol’ DC. I also had a major freak out moment when I realized that it was humid, I couldn’t breathe, and that it could be a very long 26.2 miles. I was also kicking myself for choosing yet again to run near a beach! You’d think I would have learned the first time that me and tropical life don’t mix. Now, for those with asthma, you can relate to the feelings of pure panic which accompany an asthma attack. This was the moment when I completely missed Steve, and felt totally alone. I definitely didn’t mean to be negative, but I think that’s how I came across to other people. I made it back to the hotel, got some great support by phone from Steve, and moved on.

Saturday evening, the AIDS Marathon staff put on a pasta party with some kooky, fun entertainment.


These are pictures of me with various members of my running group.

Afterwards, we all figured out how to secure the timing chips to our shoes, race number to our singlets, and gecko/AIDS Marathon tattoos to our arms and legs. We also wrote our names and those we were running for on the singlets. Then came supportive phone calls from family and friends and finally an early sleep.


SUNDAY: The alarm went off at 3:15 am so we could catch the shuttle to the start. We checked the Weather Channel before leaving and saw (to our dismay) that it was already 70 degrees.

We made it to the start area, took a last trip to the port-o-potties, and got in our corral. The first miles were in the dark, and it was really warm. I shed the extra t-shirt quickly, and focused on the view of cruise ships, water and palm trees. The first miles felt good and we picked up the pace. At mile 5.5, the AIDS Marathon family/friends crew was waiting along with Frank, Melissa and her parents. I was so happy to see them, and so grateful that they had gone to all the effort to be there. We slowed long enough to take pictures and were off again. By mile 10, I realized that I was not going to be able to keep up with the girls and finish OK. I was doing fine, but had some tightness in my chest. We saw the cheering group again at mile 11, and then I told the girls to go on ahead. There was no way I was going to end up in a medic tent!

Miles 11 – 21 were probably the best miles of the marathon for many reasons. First, I really liked running alone with my own thoughts. Second, I met some great people from New York, Florida, England. I liked hearing their stories, and the way complete strangers can motivate each other, even if only to the next aid or medic stop. Our coach and program rep made appearances during this time too, just to check on us. Third, it was during this time that I ran through some quiet residential streets where I could just enjoy the surroundings. The residents there brought out oranges, ice, water, and positive energy. Fourth, I finally remembered the reason I run. It seems that I lost some motivation to run during the last weeks of the training program. It could be due to the fundraising stressors, the irritating nuisance injuries, the constant “group mentality,” the training schedule or a combination of all. I just remember during these miles enjoying the simplicity of running, knowing it was just one foot in front of the other to the finish. It could also be the phone call I made to Steve at mile 19, knowing that he could offer support, encouragement and absolute, unconditional love regardless of what happened that day.

At mile 21, Melissa and Frank reappeared to run with me for awhile. I felt like I had my own crew. Frank filling my water bottle, Melissa offered sunglasses, both telling me stories, taking pictures and just motivating me onward. By this time, I was starting to hurt – everywhere. The nuisance foot injury was now screaming, my shins were starting to cramp, my stomach was not handling the Gatorade or GU anymore, and all I wanted was to be done.

Miles 22-24 were the worst. I walked a lot. I thought a lot about my sister, her battle with RSD and chronic pain, and I started to cry. I knew I could get through a few more miles when other people live with so much worse every day. Somewhere during this time, the San Francisco coach appeared with words of motivation. At mile 24, Coach Fred showed up again telling me I could run the last two miles. I decided he was right. It hurt just as much to walk, so why not run it? At mile 25, the two blisters that had developed on my big toes must have popped because I felt a searing pain. There was a hill at the end, and somehow I made it over the top, then I was at the finish. I saw Amy (another runner in my group) cheering me on like crazy, and then Frank and Melissa. Someone took the timing chip off my shoe, put a medal around my neck and told me to get some food. My thoughts? “I’m done; I’m ready to go home; don’t puke in front of all these people.” My final time was much slower than I had hoped – 5:21, but I learned so much during those 26.2 miles. The best part? There was never a moment where I thought I was going to quit. I’m really proud of that.

Lessons learned:
1. Run your own race.
2. For me, it’s all about the experience along the way.
3. If you can’t have your own family, definitely bring a surrogate (thanks Melissa and family)!
4. No more fuel belt at races. The events have what you need and it left a huge bruise on my hip.
5. DO NOT REGISTER FOR ONE MORE EVENT NEAR A BEACH!!!!! Been there, done that; I’m ready for cold, northern temperatures and very few people.

After the race, Melissa’s parents took me to lunch. They all walked with me on the beach and kept me company for the afternoon. That evening, there was a brief get together/sign off from the AIDS marathon staff. Some of us ate really good pizza, napped, and packed. Some went out for a drink and dancing on South Beach, but I stayed at the hotel, took cold medicine and called Steve, happy that I would be going home the next morning.

These are flowers from my amazing co-workers the day I got back.


A FEW DAYS LATER: I've run a couple of times this week, thinking about the past 6 months. I’m so glad I had the experience of running for Whitman Walker Clinic. We raised a lot of money, met interesting people, and finished a marathon. Again, thank you for the donations, emails and phone calls. I could have run this without you, but it was far more fun and meaningful with you. I am, however, glad to be moving on to new adventures. I loved getting to know my fellow pace group members, but continue to think of myself as a solitary runner. Today was my first trip back to quiet, soft trails, where I got to run with my thoughts and a group of white tailed deer. You can't beat that!

I’ll probably enter a few smaller races and am registered for the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in April. Yes, I’ll run another marathon (I’ve set my sights on the 2007 Fargo Marathon – my home state, family close by, cheap hotels, and cooler weather), but I think I need a break from a specific training schedule for awhile. I haven’t decided about the blog yet. Maybe I’ll continue it, maybe not…check back in a few weeks, and we’ll both know! Until then...

Iris vs. 26.2

I did it. I finished. I'm tired. More to come later...

26.2 Miles Later

She did it!!!! Iris is officially a marathon-survivor! See her story in photos to the right... videos below:

Iris at the 21-mile mark:


Iris getting medal after completing marathon:

Taper madness?

Hmmmm...so it does exist. In my situation, it's been a serious case of anxiety, inability to concentrate on anything, phantom injuries, insomnia, and general selfishness. Friday night, a few people from my running group got together to watch the movie "Touching the Void." The general idea was to gain motivation by watching two men live through the impossible. I'm not sure it motivated me to run a marathon, but it sure motivated me to NEVER become a mountain climber. We did have really good food (thanks Kristina) and conversation. Amazing that we've known each other six months. It's gone by so fast. Saturday night, another friend cooked a few of us a wonderful curry dinner (thanks Marisa). Sunday, Steve and I finally got to spend some time together shopping and going to Ted's for bison burgers. YUM!!! I feel spoiled on good food and company.

Another positive - ART worked wonders for me. I've got my flexibility back, and relieved fears about my foot. I was worried about a stress fracture but with a little work on a tendon, things are looking up!

We leave for Miami early Friday morning, so I'm off to fret over what to pack!!! For those planning to send positive thoughts my way, the official start to the marathon is Sunday morning, 6:00 am, EST. A big thank you for all of the encouraging emails and phone calls I've received this week. Your support during the last six months means a whole lot, and I can't wait to share a recap of marathon weekend. See you back here next week!

A little fixin' up...

During last week's maintenance runs, I felt a little off. Although Saturday's 8 mile run was fine, and it felt good to be out running a regular pace, my right knee and foot seemed to be out of alignment. My right glute and hamstring had been tight off and on throughout the training program, but after the long runs, they seem to have gotten worse.

Today, thanks to the MLK holiday, I was able to see a chiropractor who specializes in Active Release Technique (A.R.T.). Instead of just "cracking everything back into place," (a reflection of my past chiropractic experience) it was more like manipulating tight spots to loosen things up. Several spots were "OOOWWWWWWW, I actually stopped breathing" painful; others were not. For the first time, I felt like someone was actually listening and understanding the problem, not just saying "people should not run." The experience also reminded me of how flexible I used to be and how many years it's actually been since I took a dance class. I'll keep you posted on how this goes...

The excitement of the week? I got my AIDS Marathon race singlet in the mail!!! Seeing it made me think again about why we are out doing this crazy stuff, about the huge number of people who will benefit and about those who have helped make it a reality (you, of course).

12 days until the marathon!!! Be hoping for cooler temps for us in Miami. Either way, I'm confident in our training and our ability to finish. So, let the taper madness begin...

Too many words, yet I'm speechless.

I've been sitting here trying to formulate words to describe the 23 mile run. I can't seem to do it. Here are my random thoughts from Saturday's run.

Miles 1 – 10
23 miles. I can do this…

Is that a twinge in my calf? Nope. OK, good, just checking.

I’m so glad I took those 7 days off.

I need some food. GU is just not cutting it today.

Drink some salt and Gatorade. Mmmmmm…

Can we go any slower? I could walk this fast. (Dannie tried it and yes, she can walk that fast).

Mile 11 – 15
We’ve got to pick up the pace or we’re going to be running until tomorrow.

Does this trail ever end?

We’re in Maryland. Maryland!

So glad my team members have gossip.

It’s 30 degrees and I’m hot. How am I going to run in Miami?

Beaches? Who needs beaches?

Where is the darn water stop? I need some food!

Seriously, we’ve got to go a little faster.

Miles 15 – 23
Yay, we’re running. (Four of us decided to pick up the pace).

Buffalo burger. Ted’s Montana Grill. Buffalo burger.

I’m so hungry. Does anyone have food? The monster is coming out.

Thank you Kristina, thank you. Luna Bar.

I think I might need some Tylenol after this.

Holy cow! We’re going to run 23 miles!!!!

Finish
Wow…23 miles. I ran to Bethesda. Are you kidding me?

I’m so impressed with the human body.

Oh, nice, Phil is there to cheer us in!! (Group member who is injured).

Oh, really nice. AIDS Marathon Training medals.

FOOD!!!!!!

And, there it is. 23 miles finished. Nothing can describe it. I am soooo pumped for the marathon!

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful (and safe) holiday season. It's back to work for me tomorrow, so I thought I'd better get something posted!

The last week was a little tense for me in regards to the marathon. I seemed to have developed a calf strain during the last 20 mile run. On the 23rd, before I got on the plane, I got up at 6:00 am (on a day off - see how important this endeavor has become?) to get in my 8 miles. Obviously, I didn't think this one through very well. Run 8 miles, then get on a cramped NORTHWEST flight? If anyone flies Northwest, you'll know what I'm talking about. It was also not my brightest moment, because halfway through the run I realized my calf was NOT better, yet I kept on going...

So...with blessings from my coach, I actually took 7 days off from running. And, I did not go insane, did not bite anyone's head off, did not gain the dreaded holiday pounds, and did not really lose much in way of my fitness level. Taking a week off, eating what I wanted, sleeping, spending quality time with my family without thinking of how many miles I should get in, in general taking care of myself, was really beneficial both physically and mentally. Sunday, I enjoyed some warmer VA temperatures, and ran an easy 3 miles outside. My calf did not hurt and I was really happy to be out there again. Definitely, a valuable lesson learned.

Today, due to rain, I did 3 miles on the dreadmill. Another lesson learned. No amount of rain, snow, sun, humidity, etc. is going to keep me from being outside! Anything has to be better than me in a hot, stinky, boring gym.

The countdown is on...only 27 days until the actual marathon! This Saturday, the AIDS Marathon staff will be setting the course up similar to the marathon for our 23 mile training run. Please send some positive vibes our way. Even though we are running for a great cause, I have a feeling this run is going to be a little painful :). See you after that!

20 miles come and gone

I spent the week in Minneapolis with my sister who is recovering from her SECOND surgery in TWO weeks. I've got to say, she is a trooper, and totally motivating for me, especially when pain in the last miles of a 20-miler starts to kick in. We were told by our coaches that we could take it a bit easy in the days before this big run. That was a really good thing, considering Minnesota was covered in new snow and ice. I walked the dogs, actually they kind of pulled me along on the ice, and only ran (if you call dodging ice running) one time. I got a little scared while out there, envisioning me in a cast watching someone else running MY marathon, so decided that I wasn't going to risk it.

The day before the run, I basically slept, ate, slept some more, partially due to the fact that schools were closed and I really needed to recover from the trip. The day of our first 20-miler was really perfect. 34 degrees, no wind, and some sun. Our group was smaller, more about that later, but we all seemed ready to take on the challenge. I'd like to say that the first 10 miles flew by, but they didn't. Our coaches slowed us down even more this week, and I have to say...
I think I could have crawled faster. Not sure I agree with this particular training technique.

Anyway, I felt like I was tripping over my own feet, and I was definitely stepping on the feet of others. It is really hard to shorten your stride enough to slow down that much. I was a mess. Then, around mile 10, my right calf muscle started to cramp. Not like a debilitating cramp where you MUST stop and work it out or be writhing on the ground in pain. It was more of a sore cramp that wouldn't work itself out. Strangely, it was kind of like the pain that comes AFTER a severe muscle cramp. I couldn't stop it, but could run through it. That's when I decided the marathon is completely a mental game. I kept thinking of the pain my sister lives with on a daily basis, and that I could go 5 more miles with a cramp.

By mile 15, several of us were just fed up with the pace and took off. Lengthening my stride seemed to make the cramping more bearable and we kept up the faster pace throughout the last miles. I'm all about doing the long runs more slowly, but when you can't maintain your stride and it feels absolutely uncomfortable, I think that's going to the extreme. The positive part of the training run is that my before and during the run eating/hydrating plan seems to be working! Also, I know that if I start out more slowly (within reason that is), I'll be comfortable enough to pick up the pace at the end.

Another new experience - the ice bath. When I got out of the car to walk to my apartment, I can't say that I was really walking. More of a shuffle/drag. I'm not sure what people were thinking of me at the time. My calf muscle was screaming, and I discovered I also had a huge knot in my lower back. Although difficult to maneuver, I did manage the ice bath, a shower and getting dressed (quite comical actually). My loving husband greeted me with a congratulatory hug and the best homeade club sandwich EVER. Turkey bacon and all.

On a sad note, two people in my group have had to withdraw from the program due to injuries. By now, we've become a group, and each person and his/her individual contributions will be missed.

As for the fundraising update...we are $100 from the required goal!!! Yay for many reasons including your support of me and the Whitman Walker Clinic, the money that will go to treat people living with HIV/AIDS, and least, but still important, my credit card that won't be charged :). You've all done such an awesome job, and I'm trying very hard to stay healthy, injury free, and motivated to finish 26.2 miles on January 29th!!!!!