Turning Impossible Into Inevitable

I borrowed the title from a RMHC team blog written by Coach Brendan.  I thought there were only 150 runners but recently learned Team RMHC is 458 runners strong.  How exciting to be part a group that is not only training for the marathon but focusing some of their energy and passion on fundraising.


When I signed up for the Marathon...I kept thinking...what am I thinking!  It is surely impossible!  But after almost 20 weeks of training...and with my mind, body and heart committed to this goal...I AM turning the Impossible into the Inevitable!  And as I always say...if I can do it...you can do it...whatever your IT may be.  Go for it!  You will not regret it!


In less than two weeks I'll be standing at the START of the 2012 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and I'd be MOST grateful to have your support as I run for a purpose greater than myself--for the purpose of helping the children and families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Please take a few minutes out of your busy day to watch the video "the house that love built".  It is a short reminder of how lucky we all are and how some are not as fortunate.   You can make a difference in the life a child today!  

Shave a few minutes off your lunch, skip reviewing the sports scores or watching the popular Utube video and take that time to donate instead.  I'm giving back in the small way that I can and I ask you to please do the same.

The house that love built
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eGln17bedg&feature=relmfu


Please donate, 11 days until Marathon and blog farewell...

Your friend Newbie

Guest post from my super awesome and badass coach Mary Ann

First I would like to say, Mary Ann was not paid, cajoled or coerced into writing this guest post.  You will know why I am writing a disclaimer after you read it :)  I asked her a while back and SHE emailed me recently and said "I want to write a guest post-I have alot to say"

Hope you enjoy!

Coach Mary Ann's guest blog

Coach MA here! Guest Blogging for my awesome athlete Sue!

I am so very honored and happy to have this opportunity to write a blog for Sue so that I can finally defend myself in light of all of the times that Sue has referred to me as a “ball buster!”

Kidding!

The truth is that I am thrilled to write this blog because I can offer a new perspective to Sue’s amazing journey – the perspective of the Coach - the one watching Sue, supporting Sue and helping her to achieve her goal of running her first marathon.

As a Coach, you are often asked to help people achieve new and great things. It is one of the best parts of my work and I love being the base of information, motivation, and accountability that launches people on their way.  The hard part is that many times people want to take on something like running a marathon but when the reality of the work comes they back down. Athletes find all sorts of excuses, they try to hide (I have had clients literally fall off the face of the earth!), or they just flat out quit.  Training on a consistent basis is not easy and sticking to a plan with a Coach watching your every move, looking at your Garmin data from your runs, asking tough questions and keeping you on task makes it even harder. Signing up to run your first marathon is a daring move, telling people that you are running is even more brave, writing about your personal experience in a blog is even more courageous and hiring a coach that will be an additional point of accountability puts it all on the line.

Sue has proven to be every level of courage. She has joyfully put herself out in public to share her story of running her first marathon. She has stuck with having me as her coach even when I had to keep her on task and when I have had to remind her to stay focused on the goal and what it takes to get there.

Her journey has been one of steps, both literally on the roads as she ran and figuratively for  Sue as a person. She started with a great deal of desire and “want” but just a basic understanding of what it would take to get her body strong enough to run a marathon. As the hard moments showed up on the road, I was able to point out to Sue when she needed to keep going even if it was tough and Sue kept on going.  She is strong and capable of running this marathon. That is a wonderful accomplishment. Sue is ready!

The other part of her journey is been an even bigger accomplishment for Sue.  What many people won’t take on is the mental and personal side of training.  When training gets hard they often won’t take a good hard look at themselves; they won’t answer the tough questions like “Why do I want to quit? What am I afraid of? How can I work harder or be more disciplined?” Sue has been brave and looked deep into herself as she has trained for this marathon. She has faced her fears, changed her lifestyle, let everyone know that she is taking on this task and that requires courage and tenacity.

I am deeply honored to be a part of Sue’s journey as she runs her first marathon.  I have loved every minute of coaching her and getting to know her as a woman and an athlete.  It is a joy to have met her family, her friends and to share a glass of wine (or two) with her on occasion.   She is a woman of strength, capacity for joy and now….she is an endurance athlete.

As you all know from this blog, Sue has also taken on the task of raising money for the Ronald McDonald House charity.  The kids and families that this charity helps are on their own journey of endurance. Imagine the faith and strength it takes to endure living with an illness – please consider helping Sue to meet her goal.  Donate today.


 

In addition, Sue has asked for me to include my personal contact information and information about my coaching company, INTENT Inc.   If you are interested in getting into shape, losing weight, or maybe running your first marathon, contact me at maryann@intentlife.com.  My coaching company is designed to support athletes of all levels by providing high quality training programs, nutrition coaching and the motivation and inspiration that they need to succeed. The company is called INTENT because we want athletes to know why they do what they do. What is the INTENT behind each workout? We want athletes to know why they have to run long endurance runs, why they have to strength train, and ultimately why they chose to do any of this. We off the opportunity to train, race, and LIVE with INTENT!

 

With coach MA at Springsteen...and YES I ran the next morning :)

 
**********************************************************************************
 
Thanks Coach MA! You are too kind!  You helped me turn the impossible into the inevitable!!(foreshadowing for a future post)

I would not have trained this hard without your guidance, encouragement...and sometimes your "ball busting" :)



On to another quick topic:

If you are or have ever been a Prince fan his show is spectacular!  Two more days to see him in Chicago at the United Center.  When my wonderful old college chum Mark W texted me and said he had an extra ticket to Prince, I hesitated.  Drive to United Center by myself on a Monday night?  Prince started his concert around the time I've been going to sleep this summer.  But it was worth it!! Luckily my super nice Coach scheduled an easy day for me today :)

No cameras were allowed!  So I had to sneak a few photos :)

Please donate only 12 days until Marathon and blog farewell....

Your friend Newbie (and Coach MA)

Last minute change of plans...

As often happens in life I had change of plans...  I was planning to wake up at 415am for the Fort to Base Race but had a change of plans.  Luckily my plans changed before I had to wake up at 415am!

I didn't run the Fort to Base race but I still ran my 11.5 miles on Sunday.  I can't believe an 11.5 mile run is considered a "Taper" run.  Didn't feel like a taper at about 10 mile!

But it was a beautiful day for a run.  Cool (almost cold at 7:30am) and sunny.  All summer I was like a vampire avoiding the sun but today I was searching it out.  When I wasn't in the sun it was COLD.

I had a good run and with my coach's voice inside my head, I "emptied the tank" on my last few miles.  I really pushed the last few miles...endure some temporary pain...no regrets later!

It was windy at the lake but not too windy.  The waves on Lake Michigan were incredible!  I had to stop at Mile 8 to enjoy the scenery...and of course take a video!  Hope you enjoy the majestic beauty.  Reminds me of the Bucket List movie.  "See something majestic" was on the list.  I've seen the lake many times but the raw power of the waves was incredible today and I believe it could qualify as majestic.


Click here for video...I don't think it works on iphones...Sorry!!!

Please donate...Less than 2 weeks until marathon and blog farewell!  I've enjoyed posting and I hope you enjoyed reading.  I really had no idea how to write a blog or what to write about when I started but I am happy I took a chance and tried it. 

Your friend Newbie

2 weeks and counting!

Running my last official race before the Marathon.  Waking up at 415 am for a 7am start of the Fort to Base Race.

It is the second annual race at Great Lakes Naval Station and Fort Sheridan.  I haven't visited either place so it should be FUN!! (except the getting up at 4:15 am part)!  Just a mere 11.5 miles for this race.  Piece of cake compared to last week's 20 mile run.  :)

It will be 38 degrees at race start so this time I am wearing my cold weather gear and a hat/gloves.  Huge change from my training gear this summer and even last week!


From the time I started keeping track on Friday May 11, I've logged:

• 150 workouts (bike, run, strength/pilates),
• 620 total miles of run/bike!

The Marathon seems so close yet so far away. I feel like I have been training FOREVER! I will enjoy a little less structure to my running schedule but I will miss the training too.  Never thought I would say that!!

I should be sleeping but I am blogging because I volunteered for post homecoming pick up.  What was I thinking!

This picture has nothing to do with running or my training but since homecoming is the reason I am blogging when I should be sleeping...I thought I would include it.

Race update tomorrow...

Please donate :)  Fundraising total is approaching $6,000.  But only 14 days, Yes 14 days til Marathon and blog farewell.  Please take a few minutes and donate today.  The children of RMHC really need your donations!  You can make a difference in the life of a child today.

Your friend Newbie

My RMHC Guest Blog

Charles (the RMHC inspirational Marathon team leader) asked me to write a guest blog for the RMHC blog weeks ago.  Well....I finally wrote it and decided to post it on my blog too.  Happy reading!  And Happy Friday!!




When Charles first asked me to write a guest blog, I hesitated and procrastinated.  My story really wasn't that special compared to the other ones I've read.

I am not runner who as a child benefited from RMHC
I am not a seventy year old woman running my first marathon

I am not a wheelchair racer

They are true heros!
 

But then I thought my story is inspiring too.  I'm 46 year old woman who took up running late in life. I didn't run one step until after I turn 40!  I ran my first half marathon at 44 and now almost a year and a half later I am running my first marathon.  I was inspired by a few close friends.  Cynthia motivated and mentored me for my first Half Marathon and Jan convinced me I could run a full Marathon.  

 

When people ask me: So WHY are you running your first Marathon at 46 years old and setting a lofty $10,000 fundraising goal for RMHC??

I usually make a joke...Why not?  I'm not getting any younger!

But, the real reason is because I can and I should.  I am helping in the way I can.  It might be small but it's still very important.  Every dollar I receive in donations helps.
 
Helps the children in need
Helps the families in need
Helps them overcome some of their struggles


I am blessed with two healthy children and I am thankful for them and their health.  When my son Will was a newborn he spent a week in intensive care.  My daughter Gabrielle recently had major dental surgery and was put under general anesthesia.   Both experiences were scary for me and made my heart ache. 
 
 
I can empathize with the families of RMHC, but it's minor in comparison to the challenges the children of RMHC are facing everyday.

 

I am following through on my commitment to the Marathon and fundraising mercilessly.  Anyone who works with me or has to interact with me regularly knows this very well!

I'm running and raising money for those who can't because I can!



Minutes after finishing my first 20 mile run

 

Your friend Newbie,

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes (I PROMISE) and the children of RMHC need your help. Current total is $5,708 with a $10,000 goal...only 17!!! 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

 

20 Mile Run- Part 2

I didn't include any of the details of my run so I thought I should include them in my second post. 

As I said, I ran 20 miles in 3:56!   For anyone who is not Rain Man and doesn't have a calculator handy...that is an 11:47 pace. :)  Slower than I had intended but I'm still happy with it.

The first mile I ran with the 11 min pace group...my coach always warns me to start slow so I lagged behind knowing the next group behind me was also an 11 min pace group.

To pass the time, I was hoping to find a running buddy.  As luck would have it I found Dave.  We spent over 3 hours ( mile 3-15) talking about our children, jobs, running, and politics.  It was a great way to pass the time. 

The first couple of miles were easy but the middle miles were quite tedious. It was sunny, there were a couple of hills (OK small inclines but they felt like hills after running 2-3 hours!) and generally a fatigue develops after running for such a long time.

But we kept with it...my overall pace was slower than I wanted because a few of the middle miles...the tedious ones...we took a little too much time at the water stations...


At Mile 16 Dave met up with his running buddy who was having a difficult time.  So we decided to part company and I pushed ahead.  I only know Dave's first name so I hope to "run" across him again at the Marathon to thank him for keeping me company for 3 hours.


With 4 miles left, I was determined to make up some time.  I pulled the visor down on my hat, cranked up the tunes (some cheesy Shaina Twain) and ran my ass off.  OK, not really, but as much running my ass off as I could muster after 3 hours of running and being HOT and TIRED and SWEATY :)

Mile 17...
Mile 18...
Mile 19...

OMG...when will this end????  Damn!  Where the heck (I might have used another word) is Jackson Park anyway??? 

It seemed 20 mile was ALWAYS just a little further...


Then I thought about the article I read recently...push thru the temporary pain...don't have any regrets....FINISH STRONG.


Finally the FINISH LINE was in site...people lining it...clapping and cheering...


I DID IT!!!  I RAN 20 MILES!!! 


I did not crawl across the finish line...I ran across...my last 4 miles were as fast as my first (11 ish)  Wooo Hooo!!!!

There was nothing miraculous about what I did that day..it just took training, patience and passion. 

Marathon here I come!!!  :)

As always...if I can do it...YOU CAN DO IT...whatever your IT may be :)

Yeah!!  My toenails are still intact :)  They might look black but it's just purple polish :)

At finish line!  The 2 fingers are for 20 miles...not peace or victory...as my children thought :)

 



 

Please donate...time is running out...the children and families of RMHC need your help.  Every dollar makes a difference...YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY

Your friend Newbie,

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes (I PROMISE) and the children of RMHC need your help. Current total is $5,708 with a $10,000 goal...only 17!!! 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

My first 20 mile run :)

I can't believe I am typing this...I ran 20 Miles on Sunday!!!!  The farthest I have ever run before Sunday was a mere 16 miles a few weeks ago.  It might not seem like a big jump...just 4 more miles...but it IS.  Running the 4 extra miles took about 45 minutes.  Running (no walking) for 45 minutes was a huge step for me just a few weeks ago.


Adding the next 6.2 to the 20 I ran will take a little over an hour.  Again, running an hour straight was an accomplishment at the start of my training.



With my coach's voice inside my head...That's it...YOU CAN DO IT!  I finished in 3:56 :)  I had a few SLOW miles but most were in the 11-11:15 min ish pace.  Yeah!  I feel confident I can add 6.2 more in a little less than 3 weeks.

Some photos of my run....





Hoping for a good run!  Confident but slightly anxious.



Mile 4ish...feeling good!  cool weather helps!

 

Mile 9--woo hoo!

 

 

 

Close to finishing.  I am tired and HOT!  But happy I ran the entire way and will RUN across the finish line :)
 

So with less than 3 weeks until the BIG DAY, our RMHC coach Charles recommends being careful until race day.  For me that mean,  no bike accidents, trips and falls and No skydiving! Sky diving is on my list, but it can wait. Mostly because I am terrified of the idea!

 

A few final photos and thoughts coming....

Please donate :)

Your friend Newbie