Without you

Without your generous donations it would not be possible to help 12,000 families each day in 350 Ronald McDonald Houses across the country.


Thank you to everyone who has already donated!  And to those who haven't donated yet...there is no time like the present :)


Please watch this short video...it will touch your heart...

"Without You" (just over a minute): http://rmhc.org/what-we-do/video-stories/#/34

With my 18 mile run coming up on Saturday, I know I will think many times of QUITTING or slowing down or walking. I will probably think "Who will know if I just decided to run only 8 or 10 miles instead of 18?" 


Two opposing thoughts:

“If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There's no point in being a damn fool about it.”
W. C. Fields

"We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face... we must do that which we think we cannot."

Eleanor Roosevelt

So.... will I follow WC's sage advice or Eleanor's inspirational quote?


Only time will tell :)

 

To keep myself accountable, I decided I would run with a pace group at the lake this weekend. The camaraderie will keep my mind occupied so I don't think about quitting (I hope :)) 


My short runs are getting much faster on Wednesday morning I hit my fastest speedwork yet.  I ran one of the eight 1/2 mile intervals at a 8:56 pace!  I know that is still slow for many people but for me it's FAST.  Again, if I can do it...anyone can do it!


Then on Wednesday night, I was hit with a bad cold.  How am I going to run 18 miles with a bad cold???  Oh well, I will have to figure something out...and hope I am much better by Saturday. 


While backing up some old photos today, I came across this photo of one of my first training runs for the Marathon.  A 6 mile run was considered the "long run" at the start of my training.  This photo is after running 6 miles and I remember being HOT and TIRED!  But I plan to run 18 MILES this weekend as my "long run".   It proves to me with heart, effort and determination you can achieve your goals. 

 

 

 

PS.  I think I am the ONLY person training for a marathon who has actually gained weight.  I am taking this carbo loading way too seriously.  Unfortunately red wine is a big part of my carbo loading and I don't think that is on the Marathoner's diet :)

PSS.  My running buddy is temporarily sidelined with an injury.  Get well soon Jan! 

Your friend Newbie,
 

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes (I PROMISE) and the children of RMHC need your help. Current total is $5,348 with a $10,000 goal...only 37!!! more days until the Marathon and blog farewell
Link to my blog
http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page
http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

A walk (or should I say run) down memory lane....

From my little book of quotes: 

It always comes back to the same necessity: go deep enough and there is a bedrock of truth, however hard.
-May Sarton

I will let you ponder that quote today...feel free to comment or email me your thoughts directly.  I will share the most brilliant thought in my next post :)




With a mere 40 days left until the marathon...I looked at some previous photos and wanted to share a few with you for inspiration.  Although I might be freezing and drenched (like I was in my first half marathon) or hot and tired (like I was in many others), in the finish line photos I always have a HUGE smile on my face.  I am happy the race is over but mostly I am proud of pushing myself and striving to achieve something I never thought I would do.

My first Half Marathon May 2011.  We were drenched!  40 MPH winds and rain!  My hands were numb from the cold.  But it was so worth it :)

Chicago Half Marathon Sept 2011,  I hadn't really trained for my next Half. It was HOT and SUNNY! I was drenched again and tired but still smiling :)

Rock and Roll Vegas Half.  It was COLD and downpoured right after we finished.  It felt strange running at night.


 

Shamrock Shuffle March 2012.  My first race for 2012.  Notice the green hat for St Paddy's Day :) Pre-race photo

Chicago Rock and Roll August 2012.  10 miles down...3.1 left to go!   My friend Shar came out to cheer me on and captured this moment :)

In a mere 40 days...what photo will I share after running this 26.2 mile course?  I don't know what the future will bring...but I hope...and I bet... I will still be smiling :)  Follow your heart, pursue your dreams and you will be smiling too :)







Looking at this map makes me NERVOUS!

 

Your friend Newbie,

 
Please donate…it only takes a few minutes (I PROMISE) and the children of RMHC need your help. Current total is $5,348 with a $10,000 goal...only 40!!! more days until the Marathon and blog farewell
Link to my blog
http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page
http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

 

230!

I was curious how many miles have I run since I started keeping track via my Garmin on June 6th.

Any guesses???? 

Well I gave it away in the title -- 230.  I can't believe it! 

I don't want to calculate how many more mile I will run during the next 41 days of my training.  Running 230 miles is the equivalent of running from my home to St Louis!

Plus 170 miles of biking since I started cross training!

I decided with 41 days left, I should probably start reading up on "marathon" advice.  I found some interesting and slightly intimidating facts.

• During a 4 hour marathon a runner can lose 4 quarts of water--that is one gallon!  and 4 ounces of salt.  I think I lost that much on my last 16 mile run...I might lose 2 gallons during the marathon :)

• It takes 30,000-50,000 steps to run a marathon (I will definitely run closer to 50,000)

• Toenails might fall off--Yikes I already heard that--at least sandal season will be almost over by October 7th :)

• The brain is continually deciding,  "Should I continue to do this painful thing?" And can decide to shut the legs down if it perceives the risk of injury is too high. (Fascinating--who knew :))

• Most sudden deaths are due to undiagnosed underlying conditions.  My mother has the genetic heart condition that causes most sudden death at Marathons and in many young athletes.  Due to many tests recently--I know I have a clean bill of heart health.  But Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a serious issue and anyone who is considering starting intense training should consult a doctor.

I found these facts and many more very interesting.  Follow the link below, if you would like more info about  "How running a Marathon affects the body"

 http://www.boston.com/interactive/graphics/20090416_marathonbody/

Some interesting facts about the necessity of the "Long Run" in a training regime:

• A long run provides improved psychological ability to handle the race distance. With each weekly long run, there is an improvement in the runner's ability to mentally tolerate exercising for long periods of time.

• Improved ability to absorb and tolerate the "pounding" the legs will take during the race. Feet, joints, tendons and muscles are all gradually strengthened over time from the overloading they receive from the weekly long run. Many runners who fail to finish a marathon do so because of leg pain and discomfort, resulting from the weight-bearing pounding over 26 miles.

Indiana University (2010, March 1). Biggest Marathon, Half-Marathon Training Mistakes. ScienceDaily. Retrieved August 23, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2010/02/100226214350.htm



Last but not least...did you know Ziggy Marley and Flea are a runners???  I had no idea!

If you are interested in their inspirational videos, check out the Runner's World website (many celebrity runners are featured)



I NEVER thought I could run a marathon!  But I will. :)   So my message for today is ... strive for the unimaginable and seemingly impossible!

Your friend Newbie,

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes (I PROMISE) and the children of RMHC need your help. Current total is $5,048 with a $10,000 goal...only 42!!! more days until the Marathon and blog farewell

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page
http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Can't plan for the unexpected...

I have to admit...I’m a planner.   Sometimes it’s a good thing…sometimes not…  I have tried to learn I can PLAN for things but I have little CONTROL over things.

I was planning for my emotional state for months (ok maybe even years!) before Will actually left for college.  :)

All is well on Friday morning, I have a decent 8.5 mile run, pack and almost ready for the airport.  I decide I would rather wash some drinking glasses than put them in the dishwasher.  I find they are more sparkly that way J

Well…I am mindlessly washing the glasses…when I look down and think…??????.....what just happened?  Is that my blood pouring into the sink????  Did the glass break while my hand was in it twisting the sponge? 

 

Damn!!!  Or I might have said something that started with an S or an F.  :)

Bree comes running into the kitchen…  What’s wrong?   

“I just cut my hand in two places” 

Fortunately, I taught her well!  She tells me to keep calm and asks me what I need.   I lay down for a bit because  am feeling light headed.
 

Damn !!  The cuts are bleeding heavily and we are supposed to leave in 15 minutes for our flight to New Orleans!  The bleeding eventually slows down...I bandage it up... and we are off to the airport.

Anyway...the point of this story is plan for the expected but more importantly….stay calm when the unexpected happens. I hope to take this recent learning to the marathon.  I think I know what to expect.  I've trained and planned for the Marathon.  But I really have NO IDEA what will actually happen.  Life works in mysterious ways…we need to adjust and adapt to whatever comes our way...and make the BEST of it.

I’m happy to report, Will is all settled at Tulane.  I’m so excited for him and didn’t cry one tear (stiff upper lip).  I’m typing this post on the return trip home while wearing a big bandage on my hand.  I wonder if I will have a scar that will always remind me of Will's Tulane move in weekend...

 

 

 

 

Your friend Newbie,

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes (I PROMISE) and the children of RMHC need your help. Current total is $5,048 with a $10,000 goal...only 42!!! more days until the Marathon and blog farewell

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page
http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

 

 

 

 

"The enemy of the “best” is often the “good."

I haven't posted for a few days because I've been kind of blogged out :) 

But, when I read this facebook post from my friend and fellow NewbieMarathoner "Naples Jen" it made me smile and gave me inspiration to post again.


 "You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically, to say “no” to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger “yes” burning inside. The enemy of the “best” is often the “good.”"

-Stephen Covey


This quote resonates with me because it is so true...we often settle for "good" when we should be pushing for "best".   My marathon training has really been a "push" for me.  Running 16 miles last weekend was intimidating but I did it.  Everytime I accomplish something I am intimidated by it encourages me to "push" on to the next.  My wish for you today:  Push for best and don't settle for good enough.



I actually have a "training tip" today.  I found a new way to cool down after a workout.  I saw this towel and didn't believe it would actually work.  Through the miracle of modern technology, you just wet this towel with water and it stays cool.  You can use it over and over again.  I love putting it around my neck and over my head after a HOT run or after speedwork. 

I bought this at Sports Authority--it is awesome!

 

 

With my cooling towel after some INTENSE speed training


 

Your friend Newbie,


Please donate…it only takes a few minutes (I PROMISE) and the children of RMHC need your help. Current total is $5,048 with a $10,000 goal...only 45!!! more days until the Marathon and blog farewell

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page
http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

"Tell me again why I'm doing this... ?"

 Hello everyone,

As usual, Charles (our RMHC inspirational running coach) captured many of my thoughts and wrote about it more eloquently than I would have so I am "stealing" (with his permission) his RMHC weekly team email.  Although he is writing to Marathon runners, as I have said many (MANY times) this applies to any race or goal you are striving for.  So, please read on to be inspired...as I always am by Charles' emails.

  When Charles sent me his photo he noted--"I'm on the left" :) 

Charles' Weekly RMHC team email

This past weekend was our group's 16-miler (our "Sweet 16")... and ANOTHER reminder that the hardest part of running the marathon is NOT running the marathon.  The hardest part of running the marathon is TRAINING to run the marathon.  (Seriously!)

In fact, these next several weeks are likely to be weeks when you say to yourself, "Tell me again why I'm doing this... ?"

The weeks where you don't go out with friends on Friday night, because you need to be in bed by 9:30 PM.  The weeks where you set your alarm for 4:30 AM (IN THE MORNING!) (on a Saturday!), so you can get up and run 16, 18 or 20 miles--before the heat and humidity totally 'clobber' you.  (Yes. These are the "bite me" weeks...)

But then, you DO remember the 'reasons why' you're doing this--which are probably the same reasons I do this...

I'm doing this because being a runner is NOW part of WHO and ALL that I am.

I'm doing this because of the commitment I've made to my own health and fitness; and (as a Team RMHC runner), because of the commitment I've made to support the health and well being of the children and families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities.

 And I'm doing this because running makes me a better me--a thought I'm reminded of when I read the quote from Kristin Armstrong--mother, writer and runner: "I am not a 'good runner' because I am me. I am a 'good me' because I am a runner."

(I LOVE that!)

If running these (really) long 'long runs' seems like a challenge--trust me, you're not alone.   (What the heck--YOU'RE RUNNING 16, 18 or 20 MILES! Of COURSE it's a challenge!)

 But (again), remember... you're NOT alone.

Look around you on the running running path, streets or sidewalks that you train on--and take strength from all the other runners who are doing EXACTLY what you're doing.  Look to your family, friends and colleagues and take strength from their good wishes and prayers; and from the donations they're making to Ronald McDonald House Charities to support YOU!

And on Marathon Day look in TOTAL awe at the 45,000 runners standing at your side, and the nearly 1,800,000 spectators who showed up to encourage you and cheer you to the FINISH.

("STRENGTH in numbers," indeed!)

Want to see what all this looks like? Please (please) check out this 6 1/2 minute "highlights" video from the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon: http://www.facebook.com/ChicagoMarathon#!/photo.php?v=10152024280770037

And IT'S OKAY if you get a big goofy grin on your face (or if big weepy tears come to your eyes) as you watch this.  Especially if this is your first marathon.

On October 7... that will be YOU crossing the FINISH line.   (Sweet!!)

 **********************************************************************************

Thank you Charles for the inspiration to run ANOTHER and ANOTHER and ANOTHER mile!  When watching the Chicago Marathon video I did have a big goofy grin on my face.  It also gave me chills and goosebumps!  I am nervous and excited!!!

Just a SHORT 5 mile run for me tomorrow :) 

Your friend Newbie


Please donate…it only takes a few minutes (I PROMISE) and the children of RMHC need your help. Current total is $4,948 with a $10,000 goal...only 47!!! more days until the Marathon and blog farewell

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page
http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

48 days until Marathon!! $4,948 raised :)

I can't believe it's only 48 days until the Marathon!  I've logged many miles in my training with MANY more to come.  It's been an INTERESTING experience so far and I know the Marathon will be an experience I never forget.

Thanks to your generous contributions we raised $4,948 for Ronald McDonald House.  The RMHC Marathon team has raised almost a 1/4 of a million dollars!  Thank you Thank you Thank you from the RMHC team and the children/families who benefit from RMHC.   I'm only $52 away from the half way point of my goal...PLEASE donate now or consider adding to your donation :)


Having another countdown of sorts, Will is going away to college this weekend.  He will not be home again until Thanksgiving but I will see him off this weekend and visit Tulane Homecoming in November so it won't be that bad.  (I hope--no crying--still upper lip :))

After my 16 miler celebrated with a going away dinner for Will.  Since I shared so many photos of Bree I thought I would share some of Will too.

Will and friends dressed up for Renaissance fair

My baby boy

Similar to the children of RMH, Will started his life by spending an extra week in the hospital.  He is completely healthy now and his experience does not compare to the challenges faced by the children who benefit from RMH but I can empathize with the families.  More on that when I write my RMHC guest blog...

Glancing through my little quote book this morning, I was struck by this quote.

"Don't be afraid your life will end.  Be afraid it will never begin"
-Grace Hansen



Will is starting a new chapter in what I know will be a long, happy and fulfilling life. 


Your friend Newbie,

PS.  Not too sore today.  My compression socks, Advil and a bath with epsom salts really helped.  But, wearing flats again today :)

PSS.  WXRT just announced a budget show with World Party on Aug 30th at Cubby Bear.  $5 tickets were still available this morning. 

"Put the message in the box
Put the box into the car
Drive the car around the world
Until you get heard"

-World Party


Please donate…it only takes a few minutes (I PROMISE) and the children of RMHC need your help. Current total is $4,948 with a $10,000 goal...only 48!!! more days until the Marathon and blog farewell

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page
http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Sweet Sixteen!!

Damn!  I can't believe I ran 16 miles today :)


I ran my own race...it was difficult but I did it!  Luckily the temperature and the sun cooperated with me.  Overcast and in the low 70's.

After I hit 13 miles, I kept thinking how only a little over a year ago I ran my first HALF marathon.  Now I'm training for a marathon!


Just an 18 miler, a 20 miler and a few half marathons left for my training before race day.  Piece of cake!  Ha!  Not really...



Your friend Newbie,

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes (I PROMISE) and the children of RMHC need your help. Current total is $4,948 with a $10,000 goal...only 50!!! more days until the Marathon and blog farewell

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page
http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Daring to Dare...

My dear friend, mentor, running inspiration and Marathon partner Cynthia gave me this card after running my first Half Marathon.  It meant so much to me and touched me so deeply I framed it.  It sits on my bathroom counter so I am reminded by it every morning.

On Thursday night I attended the final Uniquely Thursday for the summer.  I thought summer is coming to an end...seasons always change....

The end of the summer also means Bree is going back to school and Will is going off to college (next weekend!)

It reminds of something my friend and doctor told me years ago.  Our job as parents is to teach our children, love them and give them the "tools" to live a happy and fulfilling life (I'm paraphrasing her words).  I think of this often and especially now as Will is leaving to start his college adventure.

Will is much more adventurous than I was at his age...he is going far away from home...to a new city...without even one friend attending Tulune.  I admire his spirit and ability to Dare to Dare.  I am determined not to cry (although I am a crier by nature) when he leaves.  Stiff upper lip :)  I don't want him to see my sadness only my JOY as he starts this new phase in his life.

I like to think I have also developed more of a Dare to Dare spirit...deciding to run my first Marathon was definitely a stretch for me...but I Dared to Dare!  We can either live our life (we only have one you know!) mindlessly going through our days or...we can find the courage to Dare to Dare.  I can't say I have the courage to DARE all the time...but as I grow older (can't stop that either :))  ...the more I seem to find my COURAGE. 

Enough of my musings...I think you understand my message for today...Dare to Dare...I know you will not be disappointed if you give it a try...

PS.  Happy to report our first bike ride post bike wreck was without injury.  I remembered to unclip this time!

Your friend Newbie,

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes (I PROMISE) and the children of RMHC need your help. Current total is $4,948 with a $10,000 goal...only 50!!! more days until the Marathon and blog farewell

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page
http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020



Start Corral E???

I received an email from the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and discovered I am in Corral E.  I thought...it must be a mistake.  Corrals are based on estimated finish time:  Elite, Corral A-D and then E-M.  Based on my finish time (I HOPE) I should be in Corral L.  Not the last corral but second to last :)

Then I realized I was assigned to Corral E because I am part of a Charity team.  It's good to be upfront (I think!) but I am afraid I will get trampled as 40,000 faster runners pass me by...

Some serious athletes will be passing me and I hope to be inspired by their speed and gracefulness.

I, by the way, am not graceful.  I have a habit a walking into things and tripping down and up stairs!  I recently tripped up the stairs when I had Chinese food delivered.  I'm sure the delivery guy had a good laugh as I tripped up the stairs and almost landed face first right at the front door!

I hope my "gracefulness" continues to cause only minors injuries between now and Marathon Day :)

Adding an unscheduled bike ride to my training this afternoon.  This will be the first time Jan and I will ride together since our bike wreck.  I hope my "gracefulness" doesn't cause any wrecks or injuries this time.  Have to be injury free for my longest run yet...16 miles tomorrow morning!


PS. Perfect night for TGIT at Uniquely Thursdays. I took a video of the band singing "We are Young" by FUN (reminded me of Lollapolaza) but when I watched it this morning...I realized you could hear me singing and I sounded awful :)

Your less than graceful friend Newbie,

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes (I PROMISE) and the children of RMHC need your help. Current total is $4,848 with a $10,000 goal...only 51!!! more days until the Marathon and blog farewell

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page
http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

TGIT--Thank God it's Thursday :)

Because I don't work on Fridays I decided I should TGIT :) 

I changed my schedule so I don't have to run 5 and 16 on back to back days.  Just a SHORT 5 mile run on Thursday and a one day break before I have to run 16.   I just realized I will run a total of 32 miles this week!  WOW!!  I believe that is a record for me.   A record I will break every week for the next few weeks during my training but it is a record right now.

After my trail run in the morning, if I still have any energy left I might TGIT at Uniquely Thursday again. 

So that brings me to the inspiration for the day....  I excerpted this from Charles' email this week.  As I mentioned before, Charles is our RMHC team inspirational coach.  Thank you for the inspiration Charles and for giving me the "rights" to post part of your email in my blog.



Excerpt from Charles' email

Okay. So I'll be honest... I'm NOT going to win the marathon--so I might as well "enjoy the heck" out of every week of training, and try to imagine the (unimaginable) thrill of 'running Chicago' on Marathon Day.

And that's my wish for each of you as well.

Whether this is your 'first ever' marathon or your 'tenth ever'... have a GREAT time.

(And I'm NOT talking about the 'time' on your watch... I'm talking about having a 'great time.' Period.)

 Marathoners are (by nature) a rather competitive bunch (or haven't you noticed?).  :o)

Which is a good thing--as it keeps us ALWAYS moving forward and ALWAYS striving to achieve our 'next goal.' But at the same time, being (too) competitive can be a NOT good thing... as we sometimes get SO serious about our pace and our plan and our times that we can lose-out on the joy of "just running."

We're now at the REALLY 'long-run' stage of training (what I call the 'serious' miles)... all the more reason to run with your shoulders back and your head up--and with a HUGE smile on your face because of what you're going to achieve.

(YOU'RE GOING TO RUN THE CHICAGO MARATHON!)

As an aside, allow me to share something which made ME smile--it addresses one of my personal 'pet peeves' about running, and it comes from "The Runner's Rule Book" by Mark Remy, who reminds us, 'For Pete's Sake, Stand Still At Red Lights!':

"Sharks die when they stop moving. Runners do not. Keep this in mind next time you encounter a 'don't walk' sign at a busy intersection. There's no need to jog in place or dance from foot to foot like you have to pee. Just chill. Wait a few moments. (NOTE: If a non-runner waiting with you at the crosswalk is dancing from foot to foot, he or she may indeed have to pee. Give this person wide berth.)"

Some people say "it's all about the journey" of training for Marathon Day.

Others say, "forget the journey--it's all about the destination... the 'FINISH' line."

Honestly, it's both.

Journeys are determined by the choices you make--in this case, the choice you made to register for the 2012 Bank of America Chicago Marathon; and the commitment you've made to train and run and fundraise with Team RMHC.

Your destination is determined by the steps you take--in this case, the strides you'll take on October 7.

My wish for each of you is that you continue to have a safe and successful training journey; and that on Marathon Day you run with a strong body and mind, and reach the 'FINISH' with a confident and determined spirit.

But mostly, (MOSTLY!)...  I wish you the joy of "just running."

 *****************************************************************************



Love this quote!  This photo looks like a mug shot and I am holding up my number :)  The woman at the gift shop thought I was a little quirky...but I am always thinking about material for my blog...at least for the next 50 days or so....

I will ponder Charles' inspirational message and this quote during my 5 mile trail run on Thursday.  I still can't believe I will run the CHICAGO MARATHON!!!  Charles' comments not only apply to the marathon but to anything you might be might be training for (Gail training for her first 5k!).  So find the JOY in your training OR whatever you are doing right NOW.

Right now you are reading my blog...I hope it brings you some JOY...or inspiration...or a smile or laugh will do just fine too :)

Thursday morning update

Thunder is a great motivator!  I decided to run 1 mile intervals into my favorite trail and out of my favorite trail (this way I didn't need to carry water).  I confirmed there is more uphill running into the trail than running back.  I ran 4 one mile intervals this way and the 2 miles running out where 30 seconds faster than 2 miles running in.  I am a researcher/analyst so I can't help analyzing my running path too :)

With a 1/2 mile left I heard a thunder crack that made me jump!  This was a great motivator to get the heck off the trail and back to the safety of my car.  With about 1/4 mile to go the rain started and I reached my car just before a downpour. 

Overcast skies and thunder contributed to my best 4 mile pace ever.  Had to cut my run short but with Charles' inspirational email on my mind "the joy of running" I had a GREAT run today!  So...like I've said many times before...if I can do it...anyone can do it! 



P.S.  I just learned I'm assigned to Start Corral E for the Marathon...it must be a mistake!  Corrals are supposed to be based on estimated finishing time.  The Corrals are Elite and A-M.  I should be closer to M....  Hope I don't get trampled by 30,000 faster runners.  Time to do some additional research :)

Your friend Newbie,

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes (I PROMISE) and the children of RMHC need your help. Current total is $4,848 with a $10,000 goal...only 53!!! more days until the Marathon and blog farewell

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page
http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

You know what happens when you assume...

Well...Bree and I ASSUMED we signed up for a peaceful sunset Jeep tour for our last evening in Whistler.  We assumed we would see a pretty wildflower filled meadow ...hopefully a bear... and then the sunset.  A quiet way to end our adventurous trip...


Wow!  Were we wrong!  That's what happens when you ASSUME :)

Note:  Again this post has little to do with running and inspiration.  However, it is about an expected opportunity to continue to conquer my fear of heights.  This time via Jeep tour!  This will be the last in my series of "what I did on my summer vacation" :).  So read on if you want to see more photos and watch some funny videos (at least I think they are funny!)

Bree and I hopped into the Jeep for a 2 hour Jeep sunset tour with our guide Barney, a couple from the US, and a woman from Germany (who didn't speak English).  We were all enjoying our scenic ride up the mountain past the Whistler Sliding Center (the bobsled run for the Whistler Olympics). 

Our driver asked us...are you ready for some off-roading?  OK...sounds good.  I've been on a few Jeep tours during other vacations and they are always fun and sometimes a little scary.  This tour turned out to be FUN but was also terrifying and exhilarating!  We turned off the main road and spent the next hour crossing many switchbacks, looking down steep cliffs and generally being jarred by the rock filled road.  I think our driver hit every rock on purpose!  Since there were no guardrails we had to put all our trust in our driver...


One of three videos...they are all short because the Iphone has it's limitations.  The videos don't really capture the experience.  Bree and I are laughing in the videos but it is really more a hysterical and maniacal laugh than a HA HA laugh.  But...it is an experience we will NEVER forget.

Gazing at the sunset

It was freezing!  Bree was happy she listened to her mother and didn't wear shorts :)

That is the "road" behind us...more like a bumpy, bone jarring trail!

We left Canada on Tuesday morning.  Bree's favorite souvenir is a giant Canadian flag (she really loves Canada!). 


What did I buy???  Nothing...all I need are my memories and of course all my photos and videos :)


Back to serious Marathon training....Speedwork at the track on Wednesday morning...strength training on Thursday...5 mile run on Friday and 16 mile run on Saturday!  I will be wiped out...but I will be READY on October 7th! 


Wednesday morning update

Speedwork today was awesome!!!  I'm getting faster.  My fastest 1/2 mile interval was 9.06 pace...and it was the last of the 8 intervals I ran.  I know that seems slow to some...but for me it's FAST :)  Although I started later than I planned...temp was still cool at 7:45am and the sky was overcast.  I LOVE sunny weather...EXCEPT when I run! 

Changing up my schedule a bit...today I ran a total of 5 miles and Thursday morning I will run 5 miles again (trail running this time).  But...if I can do it...anyone can do it!


AND  Happy Birthday to Madison!!! Definitely a future NewbieMarathoner :)

Your friend Newbie,

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes (I PROMISE) and the children of RMHC need your help. Current total is $4,848 with a $10,000 goal...only 53!!! more days until the Marathon and blog farewell

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

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Conquering my fear of heights-Part 2

Note:  this post has little to do with running or inspiration except that Whistler is AWE INSPIRING!   So feel free to skip this post or delete your daily Newbie email :)  Unless you want to see a bunch of photos and video of my trip.






After two gondola rides up...Peak to Peak crossing still to come...nervous smile on my face :)

I can't believe I am doing this!

On Peak to Peak gondola...over 2 miles of unsupported cable!

Video of Peak to Peak

Video of 3rd chairlift to the top of Whistler

I tried to convince Bree to order a burger with AMERICAN cheese and CANADIAN bacon but she didn't find it as funny as I did :)



Love this photo of Bree!

I forgot to mention, I didn't go on the Peak to Peak on my last visit to Whistler because I was too afraid.   So...is my fear of heights conquered???? Well...not quite yet...but I'm working on it!



Your friend Newbie

Training is ramping up!

I should have known better than to write my 5 mile run here was EASY!  My coach reads my blog everyday and now upped my mileage for my next run.  Now I am running 8 miles, not 6, on Monday morning.  And this weekend I am scheduled to run 16!  The longest I have ever run.

Hope I run faster than this at the Marathon!

Over the next few weeks the training really ramps up before it tapers down prior to the Marathon on October 7.  It will be difficult but I know I can DO IT :)  If you are training...I know you can DO IT too!


Survived our 8 gondola experiences today!  In fact, after a some initial fear, I really enjoyed it.  Like I said in my last post...the anticipation of your FEAR is always worse than actually conquering the FEAR.  And the sense of accomplishment is definitely worth it!  Maybe this doesn't apply to some people reading this blog...they are FEARLESS...but I don't think that applies to most...


I should be sleeping but the night sky is so beautiful and the temperature is perfect.  I am looking at the same stars I see when I gaze into the night sky in Chicago.  Makes the world seem smaller than it is...and we all connected...  No more philosophizing for tonight :)  (Not sure that is a word and if it is I probably spelled it wrong)


If I get a chance, I will post some photos and videos of our Peak to Peak experience...



Monday morning update:  Ran 6 instead of 8 this morning.  Have to save some energy for a hike with Bree today.  Bree and I heard a commercial on TV this morning...it said "Less than a loonie".  Bonus points for anyone who can tell me what that means...  It must be a Canadian phrase but we have no idea!  When I hear the term "loonie" I think of a crazy person but I don't think that was the intent :)


Time for today's adventures!  Heading home on Tuesday morning :(  I will miss Canada but I WILL be back :)


Your friend Newbie,


Please donate…it only takes a few minutes (I PROMISE) and the children of RMHC need your help. Current total is $4,848 with a $10,000 goal...only 55!!! more days until the Marathon and blog farewell

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page
http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Continuing to conquer my fear of heights....

Well...I wasn't going to post today but Bree is sleeping and I have nothing else to do :)


When I asked her where she wanted to go on vacation without hesitation she said Whistler.  I love Whistler but it would not have been my first choice.  But, I'm glad I agreed with Bree.

The first time we went to Whistler Will and Bree wanted to zipline.  I was terrified but they were too young to go without an adult so I had no choice.  I was scared but enjoyed it.  The adrenaline rush zipping between the mountain tops is INTENSE!

When Bree said she wanted to zipline again this time I was apprehensive but again I couldn't disappoint her.  The highest zipline is 20 stories high.  As you drop 20 stories, the top speed is 55 MPH for 2,200 feet!  (Yes the Canadian guide was nice enough to translate from kilometers for the Americans :) )

The zip experience is about 2.5 hours long.  A bus takes you to the starting point on Blackcomb mountain and you spend the next 2 hours ziping and walking across suspension bridges, down mountain trails and up towers.  There was a total of 5 zip lines of our tour.  Of course we had to take the SCARY tour...there is a less advanced tour that also has 5 lower and slower ziplines. 
Two videos of our Ziptrek experience. 

All geared up

Can't see the look of terror on my face from this far away!

Bree is fearless!

One of many suspension bridges to cross during our zip adventure

The river we crossed many times...this is not very high...we went much higher!

No running today...hiking instead :) 

Again...continuing to conquer my fears!  Taking the gondola up Blackcomb mountain and then ACROSS to Whistler mountain.  They call it the Peak to Peak experience.  I call it terrifying!!!!  The Peak to Peak gondola has a glass bottom.  I am definitely not going to look down...well...if I get the nerve I might :)  Bree is so excited!  Me...not so much :)


But, over and over again I've found that the anticipation of whatever we fear is actually worse than actually going thru and addressing the fear. 

So....My inspirational message for today :)  Conquer a fear!


PS.  If Bree and I don't plunge to our death today...we will watch the closing ceremonies of the Olympics from the Whistler Olympic Plaza tonight.   How unexpected and fun is that!!

Your friend Newbie,


Please donate…it only takes a few minutes (I PROMISE) and the children of RMHC need your help. Current total is $4,848 with a $10,000 goal...only 56!!! more days until the Marathon and blog farewell

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page
http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020