26.2 --- My Marathon Story

I am a marathoner. I finally have some time to reflect not only on the marathon itself, but also the journey. This blog entry will be a bit lengthy, but it is because I have so much to tell all of you about this incredible challenge and journey. I have come to look forward to recording my thoughts about my marathon training and in many ways I will miss this blog.

Let me begin with the lyrics from a song that I began singing the morning of the marathon and truly stuck with me throughout the day. It is from The Backyardigans cartoon and if you have itunes you have to preview it to get the full effect of the song! Below you will find the lyrics.


RACING DAY
Racing day, it's racing day, Racing day, it's racing day!
It's not nervous pacing day.
Today's the day we race!!


I'm ready to race a long, long race.
This race goes almost every place.
It's fast, it's long,

It's vast, it's far,
It starts out right here where we are.

But when the finish line's unfurled,
We will have raced around the world.
When we finish this long, long race
I hope, I hope I'll take first place.


Racing day, it's racing day,
Racing day, it's racing day!
Today's the day we race.
Today's the day we race.
Today's the day we race.


We'll run somewhere that's not right here,
And while we do the crowd will cheer!
Through the forest over the snows,
Across the ocean and then who knows?
Whoever is the first around,will get to make that victory sound,
Dunt-da-daa! is what they'll say at the end of racing day.


A long, long, long, long way we've come,
To get back where we started from.
We raced real hard but now it's time,
To break that tape and cross that line.



Racing day, it's racing day,
Racing day, it's racing day!
Today's the day we race.
Today's the day we race.
Today's the day we race!

MY MARATHON STORY

For the past ten months I have had one singular focus and that was to train for and to complete a marathon. I agreed to this challenge nearly a year ago and began training just after New Year's 2008. However, being that I was a non-runner I truly did not grasp the gravity of the commitment I had made or what it would take to meet my goal. Fortunately for me, I did not have to battle with runner's pride because I was a non-runner. I simply had one goal which was to finish the race.


Over the course of my training I completed runs in freezing temperatures with snow on the ground, very early in the morning before the sunrise, late in the evening after the sunset, in the pouring down rain, in 100% humidity, on numerous 90 degree plus days, on treadmills, outside on various routes, in 3 different states, and all were done to prepare me to meet my ultimate goal of completing a marathon on October 26, 2008.


There were the additional obstacles that so often present themselves to a military family---selling a home, moving, setting up a new home, and of course working around schedules. My success in finishing the marathon is not only attributed to my dedication. I could not have achieved my goal without God's grace or the support and help from my family and friends.

In January I decided to announce my goal and share the experience with others through this blog, but I never imagined the support that my public announcement would generate. From the first entry I wrote and throughout my training I heard from my family, friends, and my students through comments left on the blog, emails, phone calls, voicemails, text messages and even 'old fashioned' letters. I will be forever grateful for that unconditional positive support. Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. The love and support carried me through the race.


Thank You.
--To God
I did not accomplish this goal by myself. I found myself praying very often during my long runs and a lot during the marathon. I know that without God's help I would not have been able to take the first step towards this goal nor would I have been able to endure the pain through the training and the race. It was with His strength that I was able to accomplish this goal. The weather alone was a blessing. Race day was a BEAUTIFUL sunny day with bright blue skies and a high of 70 degrees with soft cool breezes. It was perfect. The day before and the day after the race the high was only in the 50's and rain, rain, rain. What a glorious gift on race day. The first gift was the weather, but it was not the last. He provided me with strength, courage, and angel runners and spectators along the way that lifted me with their words of encouragement when I was struggling to make it to the next mile. Thank you.


--To My Parents
Thank you for taking care of Grace Anne and Rebecca while I took my little jog around Washington, DC! You have always provided an environment of opportunity filled with love and support for me and that is the greatest gift any child can receive. Most would have doubted my ability to accomplish this goal, but you simply offered your help to make it possible. Your encouragement and unwavering faith in me led me to success on race day. I will be forever grateful. I could not have done it without the two of you. Thank You.

--To My Family, Friends, and Students

The outpouring of support was humbling and at times even overwhelming. Never a doubt...that is what you each expressed. I cannot explain how it felt to know that all across this country my family, friends. and students were "tracking the runner" and praying for me as I made my way through each mile marker. I kept going because I wanted to be the runner you believed I was even when I felt like a non-runner.

To the person who voted anything is possible as an answer to my online poll question of 'Do You Think Nanci will be able to run a marathon?' as well as the three people that voted most likely---I want to thank you for the motivation to finish the marathon. I thought of that poll many times during my training and during race. Anything is indeed possible.

Thank you to my brother Brad who met me at mile 11 and again at 16.5 with my dad too. I will always believe that seeing you both at 16.5 pushed me to make the bridge at a time when I wasn't sure if I could make it to the next mile. For all the emails, text messages, and all other forms of communication that I was showered with during my training, during the race, and days following the race...my cup runneth over with gratitude. Thank you.


--To My Fellow Marathoners
Lizzie
It seems like just yesterday when I shared the idea with you that I was thinking about training for a marathon and your response was without hesitation to join me! Your belief in me was only matched with your own dedication to run the marathon. Thank You.


Carrie
You could have sat this one out...I mean completing a triathlon in 2008 would have been quite enough for me. You moved from that accomplishment right into training for the marathon. Your determination inspired me.


Stephanie
My friend that is the marathoner-er-er-er or should we just call you the multi-marathoner. Not only did you run your personal best time this go around, but you just had a baby 4 months ago! You produced a human being and ran a marathon in the same year! I aspire to be a runner in your league. You could have thrown in the towel and no one would have thought twice. Thank You.


Kelcey
You jumped on board even knowing that due to your hip you had some physical obstacles.You were told by doctors and a physical therapist that you would never run again. Perhaps they meant a race shorter than a marathon! All things are possible. You did it! You never doubted that I would finish. Thank You.


The other runners and spectators on Race Day
I was motivated by the kindness of the other runners. The words of encouragement spurred me on to the next mile. Many runners and spectators told me that I was doing great and to keep going. I was inspired by all of the shirts and signs I read on race day. I followed a lady about my age for quite a distance that had a sign on her back that read "Proud Marine Widow". What perspective that gave me when I had been disappointed that my Marine husband was not able to attend the marathon that day to support me. There were also shirts that were quite funny and had silly sayings on them and the humor was a wonderful escape during the race. If you have followed my blog you know that I love a good quote and I found one on the back of a woman's shirt that I just loved. I saw the shirt on mile 7, but I repeated the quotation over and over.
"Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up."


To Grace Anne and Rebecca
My sweet daughters, you too will face your own marathons over the course of your lives. It is my hope that one day you both will read this blog and glean the confidence to attempt was is seemingly impossible and create your own reality. That far off goal that you may have that seems too lofty can be met with fierce determination, a heap of dedication, a lot of hard work and perseverance over obstacles mixed with an incredible amount of positive thinking will when combined lead you to success.


Grace Anne, you were old enough to understand in part what I was trying to achieve. I always devoured your sincere praise. The look on your face when you first saw and held my medal will long be treasured in my memory. I will also forever remember overhearing you tell your friends at school---"You know my mom ran a marathon. They gave her a medal and everything!" Perhaps the best memory is when you asked me if there is such a thing as a "kid marathon" and that you wanted to run in that race. I made you proud and you let me know it. Thank You.

Little Rebecca Rose, one day you too will understand this journey. Towards the end of the training you were able to cheer "Go Mommie!" all the while clapping your hands for me along with a big wide grin on your sweet face. I promise I will teach you and your big sister all that I have learned from this challenge and perhaps one day we will all run a race together! Thank You.


To David
This whole journey began as an idea you presented to me one year ago. We never discussed the topic of running before and to this day I am still shocked that you made the suggestion. How did you know that I would finish? How were you able to see in me what I could not see in myself? I truly do not know the answers to my questions, but the fact that you do is the only answer I need.


Your support from day one and throughout the training has never faltered and I truly believe that you never had a doubt. I would not be telling the truth if I did not admit that I missed having you there on race day. I know if it had been possible you would have been there to cheer me on in person that day. I made two brief calls to you during the race and your advice was succinct and poignant. The first call was when I was struggling at mile 15 and you told me,"I know you can do this. I know you CAN do this." The second call was at mile 25 when I just wasn't sure if I could make it that last 1.2 and you said "Mile 25! That is great! Nanci, just 1.2 left. You are about to be a marathoner." You made this non-runner into a marathoner and better still a runner. I look forward to running a race with you one day. Thank You.



Reflecting on the Race
I have learned countless lessons over the past ten months, but perhaps the most important is that our minds are more powerful than most of us will ever understand. I ask you to set your own goal. Make the goal something you never thought possible, something you have to work very hard to achieve, a goal that when accomplished you will have impressed yourself. Perhaps it is something (as my goal was) that you never even knew you wanted to achieve. What is your marathon? We all have a marathon of our own if we search it out. If you can't think of what it is then begin by asking those that love you what they think you are capable of achieving. Sometimes it takes the vision of others and their knowledge of our strengths to push us to begin the journey to the goal. Discover your own marathon.


The Next Race
Will I run another marathon? I have not ruled it out, but for now I think I would like to focus on half marathons. I have come to really like the half marathon distance during my training as well as any distance in the 6-10 mile range. I plan to select my next race in the next few weeks. I am after all a runner. My marathon changed me forever. Therefore, I will ask you again.
What is your marathon?




Final Quote: "You also need to look back, not just at the people who are running behind you but especially at those who don't run and never will... those who run but don't race...those who started training for a race but didn't carry through...those who got to the starting line but didn't get to the finish line...those who once raced better than you but no longer run at all. You're still here. Take pride in wherever you finish. Look at all the people you've outlasted."
---Joe Henderson

The Non-Runner became a Marathoner

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have so much to write, but right now I just need to sleep. Tune in tomorrow for an entry all about the big day.

Quote of the Day: “God has given me the ability. The rest is up to me. Believe, believe, believe.”
—Billy Mills, ’64 Olympic 10,000-meter champion

18 miles in 3 hours 55 mins. Did I mention it rained the entire time?

Well, dear readers I did it. No, not the marathon, but I did complete the very last long run of my training. 18 miles. I still pause after I tell anyone or even think about it because truthfully I have to admit that I am overwhelmed by the accomplishment. How did I get to this point? Just 10 months ago I could not run 1 mile and today I sit having completed an 18 mile run. I must also point out the weather because it certainly was a factor.

The sound of a driving rain woke me up even before my alarm clock went off on Saturday morning. I sat up in bed and tossed over the idea of postponing the run to Sunday. It seemed like a reasonable idea considering the weather, but there were two reasons that I just could not postpone the run. The first was something I learned just a few weeks into my training "________, but it doesn't matter." During the past 10 months I have filled that blank in with many excuses, but of course followed it with the but it doesn't matter and completed my scheduled run for the day.

Saturday morning really was no different and I knew I had to complete the run simply because the rain just did not matter. In addition, a real runner gave me some advice that I don't think I truly understood until Saturday morning----"Race day is race day. No matter what the variables, race day is race day." So, with that motto in my head I tried to get a bit more rest before I headed out for my 18 mile run.

It is hard to explain, but the run is kind of a blur. I know that I did it and I know that it wasn't easy, but I also know that it wasn't the struggle that I had thought it might be for me. I truly feel ready for the marathon. I am nervous and excited, but most of all I am ready.

I kept my pace slow and steady, but I really did not take that many walk breaks other than to eat my GU packet or take a bite of an energy bar as I hit the higher miles. I was of course exhausted at the end of the run, but I was more importantly certain that I could have kept going. Did I want to keep going....well, NO, but I could have if I was let's say running a marathon! I did not hit a wall this time which I attribute to better preparation both prior and during the run. I needed to fuel the machine a bit better and by doing so I was able to avoid the wall. The wind and the rain were tough. My shoes were so heavy because of all the water and I was drenched the entire run. Fortunately, I was not cold because it was 70 degrees that day. I must admit that if I had to choose between the heat and humidity or the rain and wind I would choose the latter without hesitation..

I now have a little less than 2 weeks before the marathon. The training runs will be light, short, and easy. I have been looking forward to this part of the training for 10 months! :-) I have one long run left...26.2 miles on October 26th in Washington, DC. That date and that distance continue to be my focus.

Marathon Quotations
-- A marathon doesn't start at the starting line but months earlier when you decide to train up for this event. The longtime commitment makes the marathon memorable.

-- No marathon is easy. It's supposed to be hard. If it weren't, then everyone would run it.

-- Don't count all the runners ahead of you and feel intimidated. Instead look back proudly at all those you're leading, especially those you can't see because they never reached the starting line.

-- Even the latest finishers aren't back-of-the-packers. They're the back of the front, still among the elite one-tenth of one percent of Americans who can and do finish a marathon.

The New Kids, No 18 miler, and Track the Runner

This will be a short blog because I did not end up running the 18 miles that I had previously scheduled for last Saturday. After thinking about it and heeding the advice of others I decided to put it off until this Saturday. The reason being was that I attended the New Kids on the Block concert Thursday evening! After driving up the day of the concert and then getting up the next morning and driving right back to North Carolina I was exhausted and in no shape to run my longest distance to date. I did however complete a short run of 7.5 miles.

The New Kids concert was definitely worth the sacrifice of pushing my somewhat dreaded upcoming longest run to the next weekend. Not much else to tell except that I had the most amazing time and "the kids" put on a fantastic show. I stood there looking around in disbelief! It will be a great memory.

Now on to what all of you will be truly interested in which is Tracking the Runner. Yes, that is correct you can sign up to have text messages sent directly to your phone as I cross different markers on race day. If you are interested:
http://www.marinemarathon.com/race_info/Results/remote_runner_tracking.htm

Many of you have asked about meeting me at the finish line (Thanks for the tremendous support in even believing that I can get to it!) and below is a link to a page that provides tips for spectators.

http://www.marinemarathon.com/race_info/spectators.htm

Well, that about does it for this entry. I will be sure to let you know how Saturday goes...after I recover! I am so excited that it is October and that the countdown to the marathon is truly almost complete!

Quote for Week 3:
The real contest is always between what you've done and what you're capable of doing. You measure yourself against yourself and nobody else.

16 miles --- The Wall

Well, this long run was a struggle and quite tough. The temperature outside and the high humidity seem to make all the difference between a good run and one that I wish was over the moment I take my first stride. My pace was pretty good for the first half or so of the run, but the second half was my most difficult run to date.


I think for the first time during my training I hit "the wall" of which I have read so much about in my training books. I think it was around mile 13-14 and I just started to feel this overwhelming feeling of defeat and all I wanted to do was to sit down and cry. I mean really cry. My feet ached, my legs felt heavy, my back was sore, and I was drenched in sweat. My energy level was low and I just didn't want to finish the run. I believe I did indeed meet "the wall".


I started to pull out all the mental training tricks that I have learned over the past 9 months. I used visualization and tried to focus on the feeling of accomplishment I would have once I completed the run. I envisioned myself finishing not only this training run, but also the marathon. I searched my ipod for a more motivating song. I practiced my positive thinking paragraph and kept repeating it over and over in my head.


" I am a marathoner. Each run makes me stronger. I will finish. I love to run. I am strong. I never get tired. I'm not going to give up. I'm not going to stop. I will finish. I can do this. I'm going to make it. I am a marathoner."


I started to block out everything around me and kept repeating different parts of the above paragraph. I also remembered something I read in my training book just last week..."trying easier". Trying easier means keeping this whole training experience in perspective. Running the marathon and training for it is something I have chosen to do and not something I have to do. It has become something I WANT to accomplish.



The authors firmly believe that by reminding oneself that this is a choice rather than something you must do that a runner is more likely to succeed. Trying easier takes the pressure off as opposed to trying harder and thus making the goal so important that the runner feels anxious and stressed about accomplishing the goal. So, I tried easier during the last 2-3 miles and as the book has stressed over and over--- create the reality you wish. Make the choice to continue on even when fatigued and you will accomplish your goal. Decide to knock down the wall.


I kept pushing through the wall and something very unexpected and motivational happened to me. I was in the middle of tackling the wall and truly debating on whether or not to give up when all of a sudden a fellow runner (a true runner in incredible shape) started waving and smiling at me as we approached each other. I did not know what to think, but she yelled out when she was a bit closer...


"How far are you going today?"

"16." I said and returned her smile.

"That is awesome! Keep going."


After our brief conversation I realized that she must have read my t-shirt which clearly states that I am in training for the USMC marathon. I think that at that moment she could see the struggle I was having and wanted to encourage me to push through the wall. It worked and I finished the run. Fortunately, the day of the marathon there will be crowds of people to cheer all of the runners on to the finish!

I felt "the wall" most today, but when I look back and think about my training I have hit these so called walls over and over and pushed each one down. I am coming to understand the importance of the training not so much for the physical aspect, (that was a given form the very beginning) but now more for the mental preparedness that each long run provides. If I meet a wall on race day I will remember what I have done previously to push through and persevere to success.

Training for a marathon is no easy task. I am exhausted both physically and mentally, but I remind myself that is to be expected. I have an 18 mile run scheduled for next Saturday. I am tossing around the idea of doing a 20 miler the following weekend. Eighteen miles is the key distance from all that I have read. If you can run 18 you will finish the marathon. I am depending on that to be the case. 4 weeks, 4 weeks, 4 weeks. 26.2, 26.2, 26.2. I want the training to be over, but more than that I want to be able to truly say 'I am a marathoner'.

Quote for Week 4: Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. (Isaiah 40:30-31)

14 miles, 60 degrees, 2 hours and 53 minutes ---- 1/2 marathon plus 1

Wow, what a difference no humidity and a cool fall breeze can make during a run. I actually enjoyed myself during my long run yesterday. I can't say that I wanted to go another 13 miles when I was finished, but it certainly was not the horrible experience I had been dreading. I took some walk breaks this time, but not at my usual intervals of 10 and 2. (run for 10 walk for 2) I was shocked that I was able to keep running and running and running.

I have my pre-long run routine down to a science now. Is start by hydrating constantly the day and night before the run. I also try and get a few extra carbs in for a few days before the long run. I drink my smoothie the morning of the run and it consists of the following:

1 cup milk
1/2 large banana
1 packet whey protein powder (vanilla or chocolate flavored)
a handful of frozen berries

I do not eat anything else, but I do drink Gatorade or water throughout the run. (about every 10 mins) I have also recently tried Luna Moons. (think gummie bears with an energy boost) Once I hit the higher miles I start popping the Luna Moons. I prefer to let them dissolve slowly so that I get a constant "flow" of energy. I have to thank my friend Lizzie for all of the above as I had no idea that so much planning was necessary! It truly works though and I will not steer from it on race day.

It is truly hard for me to believe that I was able to run my own personal half marathon plus one mile. I have a new toy that has helped to make running a bit more fun. I have the Nike Plus for my ipod. It keeps track of my miles, time, and pace for me. I adore it! Just to hear the voice come through my head phones announcing my most current accomplishment is more motivating than I thought possible.

A huge unexpected spark of motivation yesterday was the triathlon that was going on during my long run. It was inspiring to watch the portion of the race that I could see while I was running, but even more incredible...the crowds of people. (the family members and friends that gathered to support their loved one in pursuit of his or her goal) Oh, and I can't forget the loud roar of cheering and the amazing signs! All of this outpouring of support for the competitors and it didn't matter if they were the first to finish or the last.

It reminded me of the marathon I witnessed way back in January in Disney World. I can remember being in awe of those runners in Orlando and wondering if I truly could accomplish my goal. (after all at that point I could barely run 3 miles) However, yesterday I was able to glean inspiration and renew my drive towards my goal.

Next Saturday---16 miles. Only two long runs left and then 3 weeks until the marathon. The date is approaching and I am doing everything I can to get ready.

Quote for Week 4:
Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results.

Paying to Run

Some people get paid to run. We call them athletes. Some people earn Olympic medals when they run. We call them Olympians. Some people run for exercise. We call them healthy. All of that being said, what exactly do you call someone who pays someone else for the time to run? I call her--ME!

Yes, it is true that this weekend I will take my sacrifice or desperation as the case may be for my training to a new level. I am going to pay a babysitter to take care of my girls while I complete my 14 mile long run. She will arrive bright and early in the morning because it still is quite warm down here in NC.

This unfortunately will not be the only long run that I will have to fork over $ for the privilege to complete. I have two more long runs scheduled after Saturday. I did not complete the long run last weekend as I had scheduled because David had to work all weekend unexpectedly and this looks to be the trend for a bit. So, being that he will not be available on the weekends for a while I had to find a good babysitter and quickly.

I cannot say that I am looking forward to the 14 mile run this Saturday any more than I am looking forward to having to pay $10 per hour for the opportunity to run. Surely, the sacrifice of time, energy, muscle pain, and now financial resources will all be worth it when I cross that finish line...right??

Truthfully, I know that it will be and I know that this journey of what will end up taking 10 months will prove to be one of my life's greatest accomplishments. It all started with a goal.

Three more long runs and then I have about 3 weeks to ramp down and complete basic training runs. October 26th, October 26th, October 26th...that date, my goal, 5 weeks to go.

Quote for Week 5:
"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder