Saturday, October 23, 2010

Mid South Marathon

Ok, they say you can't go on to your next race until you've forgot about the last race. Well, after the experience I had in Columbus, it is hard to forget it. :) However, I am getting psyched for the race here in Wynne. We are two weeks out from this race and my recovery is coming along nicely. Deb is really helping me out with this by keeping my pace under control and, getting me out there to get my recovery runs in. It is nice having a race right here in my current hometown. No worries about a hotel, finding packet pick-up, and we're right around the corner from the start/finish line so we don't even have to drive there. And this year they are having a kids' marathon in which Amy is taking part in. She's doing great in her preparation for it as well. I'm very proud of her and can't wait to see how she does for her final 1.2 miles of the race. Deb is going to be there with her when she does it. The rest of us will already be off and running our races. This will be my second marathon in just under three weeks. So looking forward to doing this race with our Muckas Running Club members. :)

Columbus Marathon




What an awesome race!! This was a homecoming for me. We got into town on Saturday. Went to the expo to pick up my packet and met up with Tony Brake, a friend I made through Daily Mile. After meeting Tony and his wife Sherry, we went into the expo. Talk about packed!! We didn't even look around as there were so many people in there. After that, Deb, Amy and I went to Karen's (Sis-in-Law) and had a nice pasta dinner. The alarm went off at 4am. We all got up, got loaded into the van and headed towards downtown Columbus. Had a heck of a time getting into the parking garage. Once we got parked, Deb, Amy, Karen and I made our way to the State Capital building. It was a bit cold outside.

While waiting for the start of the race, we met up with Tony and Sherry. Then several of our Daily Mile friends arrived as well. We all finally made it to our respective starting corrals. 15,000 runners packed into a city block. The live band (Danger Brothers) playing at the start line, the live version of the National Anthem, and the fireworks from the roof top really got the adrenaline flowing. Off we went. Felt good through most of the race. After passing mile 10, we entered the Schiller Park area where I saw my Mom, Dad and Sister by the water station. I got some hugs and high fives as I passed through. Dumped my sweaty gloves off to Mom ;) and kept on running. Just after mile 12, I saw Deb, Amy and Karen. Adrenaline was boosted again with seeing them. Made it through the OSU campus and passed the Horseshoe. Then I hit mile 20. My right calf started to cramp up. Second marathon in a row that this has happened. I fought through it and finished with a PR of 3:53:39!!! Finally!!! Broke the 4 hour time limit!!! Thanks to my pit crew (Deb and Amy) and the rest of my family (Mom, Dad, Sis and Karen) for being out there to support me. And it was great meeting my Daily Mile friends, and making new friends.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

1000 Miles

Went for my last long run before the Columbus Marathon. Set out with Deb and we ran 3.1 miles together. After that, I finished the rest on my own as she went in to ride the bike. The weather heated up quickly. Started off with 76 degrees and finished with 87 degrees. However, the bank sign was trying to play the Bugs Bunny mind trick on me by saying it was only 29 degrees. I almost fell for it. :) Finished with 10 miles all together. With that run, I hit 1000 miles for the year. Now it's time to take it easy before next Sunday's race in Columbus. Hoping to PR there.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Columbus

Two weeks out from the Columbus Marathon. This is a much welcomed taper time. Looking forward to going back to Columbus and seeing family, running by the Horseshoe, and taking my little girl to the Columbus Zoo. Currently, I am 33 miles from breaking 1000 for the year. With 5000 miles since 2007 looming, I am really looking forward to reaching, and breaking every goal I set.