I'll Get 'Em Next Time!

I wrote the following right after I got home from my trip to MN but hesitated until now about posting.  It is a lengthy post and I worried no one would want to read all the details.  I have come to the conclusion that its okay if you don't.  This is really a post for me.  I want to remember it all, the details, the emotions.....if you choose to, read on.  Otherwise, my journey continues and I hope you will continue to check in and see how I'm doing.  Thank you all for the support, it means the world to me!

It is amazing to me how quickly the weekend went!  I'm home with mixed emotions but mostly overwhelmed yet again by the outpouring of support I received, during, after and since I've been home (which is a total of 4 hours as I'm typing this blog).

Here's a breakdown of how the race went.....

The temperature was a perfect 45 degrees.  I took the shuttle to the start line and met a few ladies on the ride over.  We talked about how many races we had done, where we were from and what I hopes for the day were.  The shuttle dropped us off at the start which was in the middle of a parking lot with no buildings to keep warm in.  Funny thing, though, in Minnesota they have heated bus stops!  We (along with every other runner) found one to squeeze into until it was time for the race to start.  Wish I would have taken a picture of this.  Pretty comical.

My first 5 miles, were between a 8:20 & 8:30.  Way to fast, but I felt great and was behind the pacer so I thought I was doing good.  I just kept chugging along and soon I found myself in front of the pacer.  I worried for about 2 seconds & then thought just keep going.  I felt awesome!

This was the first marathon I have ever run truly by myself but that didn't mean I wasn't going to make friends along the way!  I met the Fire Chief and ran with a guy that has completed 47 marathons (yep, that is NOT a typo) and 27 ultras.  This guy was amazing and as a spectator called out, looked a lot like Forrest Gump at the end of his run, flowing beard and all.  He quickly left me in his dust!

It was then that I met up with Erin & Amy!  These ladies were kind enough to take my under their wings.  Erin was running the Mankato Marathon for the 5th time (this was the 5th anniversary) and is a native to Mankato.  Amy has daughters at Texas Tech and a 3rd that will be headed there next year. Amy's goal was to finish in 3:43.  Perfect I thought, I'll have people to talk to!  Well, we talked and stayed together for quite a while until we did our second loop out in the country.  They quickly pulled away and I heard the pacer closing in behind me.

It was okay, he was ahead of pace and I fell right in step with him.  I was still good.  The hills and headwind were over and we were headed back into town.  This is where things fell apart for me.  My legs were feeling heavy and the pacer was pulling away.  Next came the mind games, I wasn't going to make it, what was I thinking I could run this fast, I just want to quit.  I told myself, just get to mile 23.  Mom is there and you can stop!  My quads starting cramping right before I got to her but knew I had to fight through it.  She had pickle juice for me!  Anyone that laughed about pickle juice, well I promise you it works!  I got to mile 24 and my cousin was there with her daughter to cheer me on.  Thanks to them, I kept going.

Remember, Erin & Amy?  Well, I never saw Amy again but I passed Erin at some point but she miraculously appeared at my side for the last quarter mile.  She pushed me in.  She was shouting at me to stay with her, to do it for Boston!  She reminded me of Keith, who never stops pushing.  I will probably never see her again but am eternally grateful!  There were so many people, runners, spectators & everyone in TX that helped me get through this.  My mom had my phone and was communicating with everyone and she said she could feel the good vibes coming from everyone texting & messaging to check on me.  And then of course, my mom!  She was A-mazing this weekend.  I could not have asked for more from her!  We had a great weekend and I truly enjoyed spending the weekend with her.

So, I came home with an amazing PR, shaving 24 minutes off my time in February.  Official chip time, 3:46:24!  I missed my BQ by 1:42.  Disappointing yes, but what it says is I CAN DO THIS!!!  Houston is right around the corner and they say, "Third time's the charm", right?!

Wish me luck!

Tomorrow's the Day!

I'm here in MN & tomorrow's the big day!  I have my packet and have driven the course.  Kinda wish I hadn't done the second one.  We are out in the country for the first half, two loops through the corn fields & fall foliage.  That part I love!  Its the rolling hills I'm not so in love with.  We took some pictures while were driving (my mom did, not me) so I remember what I probably won't be focused on tomorrow.

I am blessed to have a great crew out there tomorrow to cheer me on!  My mom is here and has been so good to make sure I'm eating, resting and keeping my spirits up!  I hope when I see her tomorrow at mile 23, I'm still in good spirits.

I have gotten so many texts, FB posts and even a video of encouragement!  I am overwhelmed with all of the support!  A received a text with the following mantra, that I will try and remember tomorrow "By His grace, in His strength, for His glory"  And I know through Him I will stay strong, dig deep and will leave it all out there tomorrow!

Wish me Luck!

My mom, "Crew Captain"

My Inspiration!

When I started this journey, it was to hold myself accountable to do what it took to reach my goal.  I got up & got out there day after day because I knew I had so many people following my progress.  Along the way I heard several times that I was an inspiration.  This seems so strange to me.  I'm not doing anything earth shattering, nothing that changes the world.  I'm just someone who decided to see how far she could push herself.

What keeps me going is the inspiration I get from the people that touch my life.

1. Family - my husband & kids support me through it all.  The months of long runs, the sore muscles, the tiredness.  They experience it all but what I hope I am teaching my kids is dedication & drive to achieve what you set your mind to.

2. Camp Gladiator - where do I even begin, WOW!  The trainers & people I have met over the last year truly inspire.  I would not be attempting this marathon if it were not for all of them.  I AM stronger because of CG!!!!!  When your trainer comes out to run with you on a Saturday at 5am then agrees to pace you through the last & worst 6 miles of a marathon on a Sunday morning, you know you are in amazing company!

3. My running friends - these are the only people that truly understand why you get up at 5am every morning, in all kinds of weather to run for distances that make more sense to drive!  I love each and every one of you!  I am forever in debt to you for the miles you have put in to support me!

4. My Parents - My support system from day one!  They have always told me could do or be anything I set my mind to.  My parents are the example I strive to follow, always!  I love you Mom & Dad.

So, I thank all of you for inspiring me, for believing in me!  Wish me luck!

You are my inspiration!!

Seeing is Believing....

First of all, this post is so late!  I can't believe that in ONE week I'll be getting on a plane bound for Minnesota and my goal of a qualifying for Boston.  Didn't I just start training for this thing?!  I can't even begin to explain how excited I am about this!!!!  I may just grab a backpack and start running North on I-35 straight to MN today!  NOT!!!!

So here's where I'm at this week.  I read somewhere (probably Runner's World) that you need to visualize the course, the finish line, the time clock.....ALL of it!  So, that's what I have been doing.  Every time I lace up my shoes and head out the door, I see myself on the course.  I have paid attention this past week to how my pace feels.  I see the finish line and myself crossing it into a puddle of emotions as my determination has paid off and I have met my goal.

I have to be honest though, I've never been an overly confident person, so this is kinda hard.  Those inner voices have a funny way of sneaking in the self doubt, telling me it isn't right to be confident, to not get cocky.  This is where I rely on my faith.  The Lord has shown me that I am strong, I can endure and when I put my trust in him I can accomplish my goals.

So my friends, for the next week I have pictures of my finish time where I can see it, I have changed my Facebook pictures so I am constantly reminded!  Please say a prayer for me that when I am tired, when I feel pain (because I will) that I focus on the finish.  I don't want to regret!

Wish me luck!  Get ready Mankato, I'm coming!