Something for the Road

I’m alive!

Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon 2009 Stats:

• 25,000 registered runners (marathon and half-marathon)
• 21,241 finishers
• 68% women
• 5,618 marathon finishers (3,067 women)
• 1st place male finished 2:18:17, Peter Omae from Kenya
• 1st place female finished 2:38:37, Michelle Suszek
• Number in my division (female 35-39): 510
• Average finish time overall:  4:45:13
• Average finish time in my division:  4:55:55

My Stats:

• Finish time:  4:50:32
• Overall pace:  11:05/mile
• Place overall:  3352
• Place among females:  1528
• Minutes it took to cross the start line after the gun went off:  21:03

What do all of those stats mean?  Not much unless you ran the race.  My goal was to stick with my dad and have no expectations of finishing.  That was accomplished.  We had a great time.  The stats are good because I can see how I measure up to the rest of the runners.  I’m a pretty average runner.  This was a more difficult race in that finish times were slower.

                       

What I loved about the marathon: running with my dad, running, views of Mount Rainier, running over Lake Washington, running through tunnels, some of the bands, and most of all the feeling of accomplishment when I crossed the finish line.

What I could do without:  the hills, so many people, the downtown Seattle traffic confusion, waiting in lines, and all of the back-tracks placed on the course.

Would I do it again?  Hmmmm, when is the Lake Chelan Marathon?

Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon Preview

Facts:

This is the first year Seattle has hosted this race.
Maximum number of runners: 25,000 (half-marathon and marathon)
The race is sold out. 
100,000 spectators.
Race start:  7am
Most of the hills take place after Mile 16.
The course time limit for the marathon is 7 hours.
There are 27 stages from start to finish, with 48 bands playing throughout the course.
There will be 18 hydration stations along the course. 
Part of the course will be on the freeway express lanes.
This is my first full marathon.

What I’m most nervous about:

The people.  
Getting to the start-line.
The last 6.2 miles.
Eating well today.

What I’m looking forward to:

Running with my dad.
The energy of the crowd.
Finishing.
Chocolate-covered almonds.

What would I miss?

When I began running, I did it for weight-loss.  And, I did lose weight.  I have lost 25 pounds since I started running 2 1/2 years ago.  I won’t lie - that feels really good.  But, what i did not expect and what feels even better is that my confidence in myself, my self-esteem increases by leaps and bounds when I run. 

Running was not fun in the beginning.  I did want to conquer it, but it was stretching it a little to say that I was having any fun.  Every time I reached a point on my training schedule where I was required to run farther than I had run before, I would get nervous the night before and I really couldn’t think of anything else.  At first it was 4 miles, then 6 miles, then I progressed to 10 miles . . . eventually running 20 miles.  What?!  I didn’t honestly think I had it in me.  But, every time I reached a new milestone – it felt wonderful.  Every time I thought I couldn’t do it, I reached inside and overcame.  You can’t top that feeling.  When you overcome something really difficult for you, your life changes and you progress.  So, it wasn’t just my body and muscles that were being trained . . . .

Tomorrow I will run farther than I have ever run.  26.2 miles.  I didn’t think I had it in me.  So, when I reach the finish line, I will relish that “rush” I feel when I accomplish something I never thought possible.  If I didn’t run, I would miss that feeling.

My favorite resources: Jeff Galloway’s books and blog, Runner’s World Magazine, and FIRST training programs.

Again, why?

2 days and counting . . .

I feel strong – stronger than I have thought of myself in the past.   Sometimes I feel like I am invincible, and sometimes I struggle.  But mostly, I feel like I can conquer anything – physical challenges, especially.  I look for opportunities to be active because I feel strong.  I think my kids notice.  They see my strength when I follow through with a training plan, and when I run even when I don’t feel well.  I love it when they bike with me while I run and yell, “you can do it, mom!”  They are my best cheerleaders.  They see my strength in the attitude I take when I tackle something difficult for me.  They see the importance in being strong and healthy.  They see that it takes a lot to tire me out (although they constantly try), and I think that helps them to feel strong too. . . and safe.

There is nothing like pushing through a little pain or discouragement – when you push and see rewards, that’s when everything becomes clear.  So, if I can do that with running, and life throws me some devilish hills or I struggle with aches and injuries, I know that I will push, because I am a runner.  I am strong.

My favorite gear: My Garmin Forerunner 201 (gone are the days of measuring out all of your runs) and my Apple iPod shuffle (music changes everything).

Why do I run?

The countdown is on . . . 3 days until race day.  It is scary and exciting at the same time.  This week, I have really been contemplating the reasons that I run. 

I have not always run, in fact I was pretty adamant that walking is better for you than running, and that’s what I’ve done my whole life.  I have been a pretty avid walker.  I never enjoyed running and never understood it.  But, about 2 1/2 years ago I decided to start running – not because it looked appealing, but because I decided that it was time that I conquered my fear or distaste of running and I wanted to see if I could overcome it.  For me, a goal was very necessary, so I started with a local 10k race.  I can still remember the first time I ran 4 miles, straight.  I cried, knowing that I would never be a “runner.”  Once I did the 10k, I felt invincible and a half marathon just seemed like the logical thing to do.  At that time, I told everyone and myself that I was happy with that distance – it was enough of a stretch to challenge me, but didn’t require too much training.  “I will never run a marathon,” said I . . . and so here we are.

My sister-in-law suggested that I think of the reasons that I run, by determining what it is that I would miss if I couldn’t run.  So, because we are so close to race day, it’s all about running this week.

I would miss the early morning solitude.  I love waking up by myself, with no one to care for but myself.  I run at 5 or 5:30am most mornings.  I get up to an alarm, although I don’t think I need one anymore.  I walk through the house, straighten the cushions on the sofa, get a drink, open all of the blinds, take a couple of deep breaths and put on my running shoes.  I usually drive somewhere to meet my running buddies – I don’t listen to music, I just slowly wake up and keep breathing as I drive.  I’m usually mostly awake by the time I reach my friends, and we head out into the cool morning air.  I love that time of morning.  Even if it is raining, everything is peaceful and beautiful.  Sometimes we talk, and sometimes we don’t (especially when it’s a difficult run) – either way, my mind clears and anything feels possble.  When I return home over an hour later, I’m in a pleasant mood and ready to great my family, and I already have a sense of accomplishment.

If I couldn’t run (and I’m so grateful I can), I would most definitely miss my early morning therapy session that’s just for me.

My favorite clothing:  running skort (this one from Eddie Bauer is great), cool, non-chafing running top (this one feels weightless), the Moving Comfort Women's Alexis Bra, running jacket (usually shed after the first mile), and my Balega Running Socks.

Happy Birthday, Jessamyne Asenath

 

You are an amazing child – you always have been.  Being our first-born, we expect a lot from you.  I love chatting about life and school and your feelings.  I love your eyes – I can read all of your feelings and hopes in your eyes.  I love your compassion for people and your desire to do what’s right.  I love that when you love, it’s with your whole heart.  I love your passion for so many things.  I love that you love a project almost as much as I do.  I love working alongside of you and learning with you.  I’m so glad you’re part of our family.  Happy 12th Birthday!

Ingredients for a Spa Party

Introduction Games

Menu:  Egg Salad and Cucumber Sandwiches, Turkey/Avocado/Provolone Roll-ups, Fruit, Fancy Cookies, Fizzy Drinks

 

Creative Activity:  Brown Sugar Body Scrub (1/2 cup brown sugar, 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 6 drops aromatherapy oil)

 

Spa Treatment:  Facial using peel-off face mask – don’t forget the cucumbers for the eyes and music from Enya.

   

Spa Treatment:  Manicures

     

Special Take-Home Gift:  5” individual cakes all boxed up and tied with a ribbon

  

Last, but not least, great friends:  Kyla, Galen, Katie, Maggie, Sylvia, Maile, Fiona, Meg, Camryn, Shilah, and Gabi

39 Things I have Learned from My Dad

1. Any one can be successful if they work hard.
2. When you serve, your family is blessed.
3. Hard work, hard work, hard work.
4. It’s o.k. to have a sweet tooth if you exercise and brush your teeth.
5. You can never be too generous.
6. Small risks bring large rewards.
7. Integrity means always following through, even when it’s difficult.
8. Family is what it’s all about.
9. True service is done quietly.
10. You feel the best when you set your needs aside to watch out for someone else.
11. Chocolate and nuts go really well together.
12. There is an art to making cookies.
13. Another day, . . . .another nickel.
14. In life, you don’t get anything for free – you earn it.
15. Spouse comes before children.
16. Vision.
17. When you’re making fudge, there is a critical step.
18. You can accomplish anything if you train and set your mind to it.
19. Running is good for body and soul.
20. Honesty.
21. Getting up on water skis becomes easier when you’re sitting in seaweed.
22. Sturdy ankles make good, solid, runners.
23. It’s important to have someone to look up to.
24. When life doesn’t go so well, just bear it and keep a positive attitude.
25. Love your spouse by showing them that you love them.
26. Just love your kids.
27. Money is just money.
28. When you do something really hard, the rewards are huge.
29. Practice being who you want to be and someday you will be that person.
30. Watch out for others.
31. Be polite.
32. Play hard.
33. When you know something is right, stand up for it.
34. You become a good leader only after you support your leaders.
35. Treat others how they want to be treated, not how you want to be treated.
36. Hold hands and show affection in front of your children.
37. Commitment.
38. There is more to life than possessions.
39. Being a parent is the most important calling you could ever have, so treat it like that.

Why 39 things?  I have had a dad for 39 years, now. . . wow, that sounds like a long time.  Thanks, Dad, for all the great lessons.  You truly are Mr. Wonderful.  Happy Father’s Day!  I love you.

Hike #2 – Caribou Lake

This was a great family hike, just off Pack River Rd.  It really only took us about 30 minutes to get there. It was marked as a Family Fun Hike in our new Trails of the Wild Selkirks book, which gave us great directions and led us to the beginning of the hike here.  They weren’t kidding when they said it was a dilapidated bridge.

   

So, we hiked,

   

and crossed creeks,

 

and rested,

   

and climbed,

   

and finally reached our destination, which was beautiful.

  

Marathon Training – Week #2

Gulp.  Don’t say the word Marathon . . . I may just throw up.

Sunday – Rest  
Monday – 50 min bike ride up Schweitzer Mountain Rd.
Tuesday – 10-20 min warm-up, 5 x 1K(400m RI), 10 min. cool-down 
Wednesday – Rest (actually I was painting the bathroom)
Thursday –  2 miles easy, 3 miles @ Tempo pace, 1 mile easy
Friday – Rest 
Saturday – 8-10 miles (Planned Marathon Pace)

Long Run: I ran the Dover Trail and Dover Bay Loop – isn’t it gorgeous out there?  I ended up running 10 miles with a 10:10/mi pace, which puts me right where I need to be.  I ran by myself and used music after mile 3.  The temperature was perfect – about 65 degrees.

What I ate before I left:  A banana and 2 Excedrin

What I took with me:  My Garmin Forerunner 201 , Apple iPod shuffle , tissues, gum, pepper spray, and cell phone.

Aches and Pains:  New hip pain – kind of numb/achy in my left hip and right knee felt a little tight.

My favorite song:

Muse "Absolution"— Hysteria

What I ate when I finished:  Homemade Granola with Skim Milk ( a few chocolate chips make it really yummy )

What I learned this week:  A running route without dogs is the best option, otherwise carry pepper spray.

"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about." (PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian)