Maybe I'm Amazed

It's been pretty quiet here in Find Your Awesome-land. Fear not - I'm still chugging away at the training and pounding the pavement. With 8 weeks to go, I'm well over halfway through my marathon training and am feeling the pinch on my time, energy and mental strength.

But an AWESOME thing happened just a week ago and while it adjusted my training a bit, it was so worth it. I was able to check off "run a trail half marathon" from by 40x40 bucket list. While it is something I was interested in, it was really made by having Kari and Mike by my side.

A year ago, Kari suggested we sign up for the North Country Trail Race, a half-marathon in the Manistee National Forest. The sign-ups opened for the 2015 race on the day after the 2014 race. As I sat in my living room forking over $75, Mike says, "why don't you sign me up too?" Mike was not a runner. In August 2014, he was not even walking much. So I turned that $75 into $150 and it was settled. It was a secret - for awhile. Then it started to trickle out. Mike started walking with the Run Muskegon group in the fall and doing some run/walking.

Fast Forward to spring. A long winter with lots travel and busy schedules. I did a crash course to train for the Bayshore Half Marathon and Mike took to the streets again to start training. After Memorial Day and Bayshore came and went we realized how close NCT really was. By this time I had, of course, already committed to Marine Corps Marathon as well - meaning I couldn't focus all my attention on the trails.

Professional help was needed. We joined the Gazelle Sports Summer Run Camp in Grand Rapids. The Summer Safari program in Kalamazoo in 2013 helped me get to the finish line and I needed the support now to get through 4 months of training, especially when I don't have someone my pace who is training for a marathon. So we signed up and got started the first week of June.

The last three months have been some of the best of my life. Training for a long distance race is not easy and it can be very difficult on your loved ones. It takes on a new dimension when that person is training with you. Starting with the spring melt, we ran short distances together in the evenings, as Mike started with a 2:00 minute run/2:00 minute walk interval. He because a regular at Run Muskegon on Wednesdays. To prep for North Country's challenging terrain, we started running on Tuesdays at Hoffmaster State Park. I think he hated me a little, when I made sure we always ran down a dune to see the water and the evening sun. After all, what goes down must come up. When I was too tired to talk on Monday nights, he promised me that we'd catch up on the trail the next day. Our own dirty, sweaty, buggy date night.

When we started the long runs for Summer Run Camp, my distances increased at an accelerated pace, quickly rising into the double digits. However, I found comfort in starting out together, having timed walk breaks in warm up miles and chugging along, often silent. One of my difficulties in 2013 was completing my mid-week runs and cross-training. Having a real, live, in-home training partner has upped my accountability. I've been hitting most of my mid-week runs, going to yoga, and we bike almost every Saturday evening after our long run. The difference in my pace and comfort level is evident. The results were clear on August 22nd.

Kari, Mike and I headed to Wellston after work to the Big M Trailhead. We really didn't know what to expect, but when we picked up our race packets FULL of swag and saw the fun atmosphere at the site, we knew were in for a good time. A quick jaunt back to Manistee for dinner and sleep and Saturday morning we were ready. It was my 5th half marathon, Kari's 9th (I think) and Mike's first. His only race other than the Seaway Run 5k in June. The place was jumping with music, a bonfire, flags from every state represented and people just sitting out having a great time. We decided to all stick together and run/walk as we felt comfortable. With the hills, we probably couldn't keep any kind of interval, at least not for long.

Trying to get a 6'2" and 5'2" person in the same selfie

The camaraderie on the trail was fantastic. We nicknamed ourselves and everyone around us the "Mullets: Party in the Back" and learned everyone's names, where they were from, sang happy birthday to someone, cheered on the marathoners as they passed us, took selfies, the works. I've never had a better race. Kari, although not trained, was holding herself back some to stick with us because it was just more fun together. Mike and I had the rare opportunity to run with the 10:30 pace group from our Summer Run Camp. Everyone was going slow and having a good time, so we were able to hang together for several miles and get to know them better. We were holding a good pace, slightly faster than expected, but not burning ourselves out. We had heard the back of the course was challenging, especially as you're tired, so we kept it measured and took good breaks at the aid stations. Oh the aid stations! Water, electrolytes, pretzels, fresh fruit, medical attention, wonderful service and more! Just phenomenal!

So fast we're blurry.

As we rounded the last few miles we saw some confusing flags that looked to lead us straight up and then down a hill. Cranky Jamie starts swearing under her breath and then we reach to top to this sight:

Don't slow down for a picture - you might not win!

A beautiful overlook of the valley below - a photo opp if I ever saw one. And yes, everyone was taking advantage of it. So we paused, took in the view, and then headed down the hill - me freewheeling like a kid running down a dune. Thinking we had far longer to go, we could hear the roar of the crowd. We held back a little as we didn't want to burn out with 2 miles to go. But never trust Garmin in the woods. We rounded a corner and were surprised by the finish. We were MORE surprised when we were told to finish then and not do the extra 1 mile lap. That was just for the marathoners. But, but... Garmin says we only ran 12.2. Nope. There's the finish. So we made the most anti-climatic, confused 30 yard run for the finish and were done! 3:32! Right at our goal time and feeling good and ready to party!

That's some bling right there!

While I've completed a number of big races that left me feeling emotionally drained, I don't know if I can explain what this one meant. There was the standard relief it was over, sense of accomplishment, fear for my toenails, having to pee, but that's not what it really was. I was and still am so proud of Michael and everything he did to get to this point. He never said he couldn't do it. He has pushed me to be a better runner. He's been my partner in getting up early, eating late, trying to find socks, and "suck it up and get it done." He picked an incredibly difficult target and met it and signed up on Monday to do it again. Heck, he's already signed up to do another half marathon this fall. There are no words for how amazed I am.

Wow.

And with that, we feasted, drank beer, congratulated our new found trail buddies and went for a swim in the river. Best damn day.

It's the Final Countdown

Ok... this is it, don't get scared now. (Maybe I've seen Home Alone a few too many times?)

Less than 4 days until the Howitzer sounds and then some 15 minutes later, I'll cross the starting line. For those of you who have never attended a HUGE race, it takes a lot of time for 30,000 people to cross the starting line. I'm guessing for the 12:00+ min/mile pace corral, it will be nearly 15 minutes.

It's been 17 weeks of training. Even more weeks of scheming and waffling and deciding and planning. And it's here. In a few hours Kari, Mike, Mom, Dad and I will get on a plane and head to DC for the big show. Marine Corps Marathon. So maybe the whole thing was nearly scuttled by the ridiculous federal government shutdown. No one wants to hear the rantings of a runner and a nonprofit worker on that situation. The good news is that the government is back working as well as it ever did (ha ha), and we're back on to run through one of the greatest cities in the world! Asking for fundraising support ONE LAST TIME!!! Be an Athletic Supporter!

I've been very remiss in my blogging lately. I haven't turned on my computer since the last blog. A wonderful feeling, although it just means that I've been killing the battery of my iPhone faster. I was totally geeked about my 20-miler last time. It was a hot mess. We went to Grand Rapids to do with the Grand Rapids Marathon training run and it wasn't exactly what I expected.  The shirts were nice, the water/fuel stops were great and the staff was awesome! The number of people running my pace = 0. The directional signs, not so great. I got lost, I cried, I found my way back, I ran bonus tenths. After running 20.4 miles, I finally gave up and hitched a ride back with the Gazelle dude who was breaking down the pit stops. Slowest and most painful run of my season - honestly worse than the one after I sprained my ankle. Thankfully Kari and I went to Founders afterwards and I had a consolation beer, which makes everything better.

Redemption was needed. A plan was hatched. We're always hatching plans. Thus was born the Channel Challenge of 2013. The challenge? Run around Muskegon Lake from Margaret Drake Elliot Park to Muskegon State Park in North Muskegon by way of the Lakeshore trail and roads in North Muskegon. The week after the disastrous 20 miler, we started at sunrise and 3 hours and 40 minutes later, had run 16 miles and were approximately 50 yards from where we started. There just happened to be a body of water between us.

Yeah, it was pretty sweet

The Channel Challenge complete, and medals in hand, (I'm a nerd, ok? It was an event... it needed medals.) it was on to the taper. Tapering is awesome, as long as you remember to run and don't eat like you're still running 35 miles a week.

The final "long" run was Sunday. The Grand Rapids Marathon Relay. Five runners to cover the 26.2 mile course, as quickly as possible. I took the longest leg, which was billed as 6.5 miles. Garmin disagreed, claiming 6.7 miles. After sitting on a bus for HOURS waiting for my teammates (I was #4), I got the baton and ran the best 6ish miles since before the injury. The crowd was engaging, the other runners were inspiring, and the guy dressed as a scarecrow on stilts was just... I don't know. All members of our relay team and the other Muskegon relay team had great runs. It was the perfect way to kick off this last week.

Grand Rapids Marathon really does have a great post party!

So now we're beyond all the training, beyond the planning, scheming, dreaming and past the point of no return.

Because I really don't care how nerdy y'all think I am (and I know you do), here's your song lyrics of the day:

Risin' up back on the street 
Did my time, took my chances 
Went the distance now I'm back on my feet 
Just a man and his will to survive 
So many times, it happens too fast 
You trade your passion for glory 
Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past 
You must fight just to keep them alive

It's the Eye of the Tiger 
It's the thrill of the fight 
Rising up to the challenge of our rival 
And the last known survivor 
Stalks his prey in the night 
And he's watching us all With the Eye of the Tiger. 
--Eye of the Tiger (Survivor)

Thank you all for your love, support, prayers and kind thoughts over these many months. I appreciate you all and can't wait to write my "thank you and next steps" blog!

A banner week

Sunday night... And week 7 comes to a close. (ok, I didn't get this posted on Sunday, but you get the idea)

It's been 7 weeks of training for the Marine Corps Marathon with the Gazelle Sports Summer Safari crew and I'm enjoying it more every week. It's taken me a while to settle in and I've had some set backs, but with just over a third of the training completed, I'm feeling calm and confident. Of course we haven't gotten to the tough runs yet, but I think I'm ready.

This was a GREAT week! I finally made it back to EcoTrek on Monday night, had a decent 4 mile run (including the dreaded Maple St. hill) on Wednesday, did 5.6 on Thursday with Shawn and Jenn, 8 miles with the Summer Safari crew on Saturday and hit my first ever Dirty Herd today for 4.4 miles of trails at Al Sabo. While the long run was shorter this week, I'm incredibly happy that I did 4 solid runs and EcoTrek. A really successful week.

I said a few posts ago that I would talk about being an "achiever" and a runner's body. As a "back of the packer," I'm currently at what I'd call "participant" status. I tend to categorize runners in three main clumps: Performers - those who win their age group, win overall, continually work up the ranks and really, you know who they are. We don't know many of these people.

Then there are the Achievers: those runners who have been running for years, have made steady progress in their PRs, finish in the top half of their age group and have a healthy dose of experience under their belt. I know a lot of people that live here. And a lot more on their way to this level.

I'm in the third category. Participants. We make sure there is someone for the rest of you to finish in front of. We are the beginners or veterans who are in the back of the pack, running 2:30+ half marathons. Hoping to run a 5:45 marathon. In the 12:00+ pace group. Our long runs take twice as long and our fast runs clock in at 5 miles/hour.

This sounds a bit like slow runner whining, but it really isn't. On Sunday afternoon, I pulled up to Al Sabo for the Dirty Herd, expecting at least 25 people, as the Urban Herd easily draws 50 - 75. There were 10. All experienced trail runners, marathoners and ultra-marathoners. I hesitated and almost got back in my car and left. Then the group leader recognized me from Summer Safari. As expected, I was the only slow runner. I did not expect to be the slowest by 3 - 4 minutes/mile. This was also my "recovery" run after 8 on Saturday so I wasn't planning on going hard. The group leader and his running partner kept looping around back for me, to make sure I didn't get lost and didn't make me feel bad about my slow pace, walk breaks or causing them extra miles. Considering they had run in the morning, run 5 miles before everyone got there and the running buddy said her last race was a 100 miler, I'm guessing they didn't mind. Talk about performers.

At the end, they asked if I got in the miles I needed to, if I felt good and if I had fun. The answer to all 3: a resounding YES! A huge push out of my comfort zone to go out and run with the gazelles, but I'm working every time to not be embarrassed by my pace or ability. Running trails is good for my strength and (relative) speed and if that means causing some speed demons to loop back to check on me, I'm ok.

Showing up is half the battle.

I'll leave you with a quote that Dave wisely posted several weeks ago:

"I don't have a runner's body, but I have a runner's heart - and that is all you need." - Sergeant Jennifer Morris, United States Army

Al Sabo Preserve, Meadow

OK... one FINAL word. I've made HUGE leaps in my fundraising for the Epilepsy Therapy Project. Please consider bringing me closer to my goal of $1500!

One year later

I've had a blog post sitting around, half finished for more than 5 days and it wasn't writing itself. It wasn't so much a case of writer's block as it was of "thinker's block" or "runner's block." See, I'm still having some trouble with my running and some struggles in my personal life, but the negative tone the post was unsettling me. This weekend was a bit of a breakthrough, however.

Saturday I woke up with my "I hate running" face on. Thankfully, Shawn had made me promise the night before that I would be at his house at 9am for a 6 mile run. So at the crack of 9:15, I was there. It was my first run with Shawn in a long time and my first run ever with his friend Jen, a genuine rabbit if I ever met one (even nursing a knee injury). I did my best to slow them down and after 6 difficult miles and a huge breakfast at Nina's, I begrudgingly admitted the run was good. Back on the horse, so to speak.

Yesterday was nothing short of inspiration. For the first time, I went to an actual cheering station for a marathon. Our local store of all things craft beer, wine and gourmet local food, Beer and Skittles served as a water stop and cheering station for the Kalamazoo Marathon. About Mile 14.5. Again, I went with Shawn, Jen and her family joined us. A trip to the dollar store on Saturday night provided the world's most annoying noisemakers that I passed out to all the kids - and saved some for our group too!  We arrived early enough to see the first runner pass and I stayed for two hours, until at least 80% had gone by.  The most inspirational moment was when a woman came through around the 4:45 pace (nearly 11 min/mile - not part of the fast group) stopped at the corner, hugged her two school-aged kids who gave her snacks, took her discarded hat and then her mom (I'm guessing) took a picture of all three before giving her a huge hug and sending her on her way. The pride on the face of mom was clear from across the street. I'd bet all the dollars in my purse that it was a first time marathoner. The scene choked me up for longer than I expected - I have a fear I will cry through my entire marathon, especially when I see my family. Especially at the end. Oy.

But the walk back home is what inspired this post. See, last year I ran the 5k on the same day as the marathon. It was my first official race in 11 years. Here's a brief retrospective on the races/runs I've entered in the past year:

May 2012: Borgess Run for the Health of it 5k - the one the started it all!
May 2012: Girls on the Run 5k - slowest, most fun 5k EVER
June 2012: Kalamazoo Klassic 10k - first ever race longer than 4 miles
June 2012: Seaway Run 5k - a Muskegon summer tradition
August 2012: Color Run Grand Rapids
September 2012: Warrior Dash - Seriously, what was I thinking??
October 2012: Grand Rapids Half-Marathon - This is why I ran all summer!
November 2012: Red Bull Trail Daze Adventure Run
November 2012: Muskegon Turkey Trot 5k
December 2012: Run Through the Lights 5k - Santa and his reindeer sang through the entire course!
January 1, 2013: Sgt. Preston Yukon King 6 miles - longest run since the 1/2, also the only time I've ever been last (since high school track).
March 2013: St. Patrick's Day 5k - very informal, came with a free beer at Bell's afterwards!
April 2013: Hoosier Half Marathon - Happy Birthday to ME!!!

So, when I'm beating myself up for not doing enough over the past year, for not making progress in my times and my endurance, I need to look back and see what I accomplished in one short year. I've gone from barely being able to run 2 miles to THIS. And I think it's an impressive body of work.

Now, if I can just get back on a training schedule, perhaps the short, medium and long runs won't seem so difficult.  :)

Seaway Run 2012: Love Muskegon!

Many people have joined me on these events: Kari K., Shawn B., Stephanie H., Dave W., Angela C., Jen W.,  Heather T., Jen V., Cari D., Amy N., Sarah N., Adam N., Beth M., Brian H., Kylie S., and others. Thank you all!

To donate to my Marine Corps Marathon Fundraising efforts, click here!