Bloody Hell! Timberman 70.3 Part IV

WARNING:
This post contains graphic descriptions of normal bodily functions. I am tellin' it like it is so if you are squeamish or just don't wanna read about that kinda stuff, you might wanna skip this entry. But this is what happened in all it's gross glory. Ahhh, the glamorous life of an endurance athlete!!

I wasn't really sure how to title this entry. So many funny and gross ideas came to mind...but I didn't not use any of them. Maybe I'll run some sort of contest for the best title.


Did you read Part I? How about Part II? and of course, you need to read Part III!
Yeah, obnoxious. I know. I'm breaking it up...be kind. It's my first 70.3 and I wanna remember every single detail-good and bad. But to really appreciate THE RUN portion of this race report, you may want to skim over some of the details mentioned in the previous entries. It'll all come together soon enough.

Remember how I did not take my hydration belt but grabbed a few "essentials"? Yeah well let's back track to Wednesday for a few minutes.
Last month I knew that I might have some additional issues to deal with come August 21st. You see, on July 21st I started my period and you know what THAT means. One month later to the date was THE BIG RACE. I did not sweat it since my body is like clockwork. 3 1/2 weeks between each cycle and Bam! "Aunt Flo" arrives for her visit, no big deal and she is gone in 3-4 days.
By Wednesday before the race "Aunt Flo" had not arrived and I was freaking out. The one thing I did not want to have to deal with come race day was my period.
Wednesday-nothing.
Thursday-nothing.
Friday-Really freaking out now.
Finally, late Friday night, "Red Tide" arrived and I was relieved BUT annoyed. I knew this would not give me enough time to be completely rid of "the curse" for Sunday.
Earlier this summer I was with a friend who suffers from heavy bleeding and it was suggested to her to wear two tampons if needed. Race morning, this conversation replayed in my head and I decided to go with it. Hopefully, wearing two would get me thru the race.
The above mentioned essentials? Yeah, I shoved two tiny OB tampons into my tri top just in case.

The Run-

My legs felt fantastic off the bike, they were not fatigued considering the ride I just did and I was ready to run.
I saw Lola along the side lines so I stopped, hugged her, kissed her and got my HIGH FIVE.
I was so excited to be able to see my girl and I was ready to GO GO GO.

Heading out on the run

I'm watching my pace on my Garmin (I have a terrible time controlling my pace of the bike) and saw that I was running at a sub-8 pace. I needed to slow it down or I'd pay for it later. I got my pace down to the 9's and then proceeded up the first 1/4 of the route--a low grade constant climb. I kept my pace in check and felt good. The heat was certainly increasing and it was getting muggy so I grabbed some snow from the UNH Hockey aid station and shoved a little down my top and held tight to two tiny snowballs in each fist.
I finally crossed the first timing mat, grabbed some water shortly after that and then continued on my way.
Then I felt it.
OH NO.
Earlier in the day when I skipped the port-o-potties, I knew this error would come back to bite me in the ass, lliterally...I am pretty far from the next set of potties along the course and at this point, it becomes a game of Mind over Matter. I don't recall much from this portion of the run except it was Mission Port-o-Pottie.
Finally, I reached a lone potty and ducked in. This is when the freak out started.
If you read the first post, you know I have a huge phobia about these things. They disgust me. Obviously, this is something I am going to have to overcome if I am going to continue in endurance sports but I would rather go on the side of the road then be in one of these things. My biggest fear-I am attempting to go without so much as toughing any surface of the potty, trembling and freaking out about how gross it is. Losing time, precious. But I took care of business and excited the Green Tomb of Hell a new person.
Time to Run Jen!!
Run run run
It's getting hot-I grab a wet towel and wrap it around my neck-ahhhhhhh. It felt soooo good. Grabbed another water and kept going. Up up up another hill and then there was a gentle decline that allowed me to rest a bit.
Oooooh! A right glute cramp-that felt good but I was able to run thru it.
Even with the slight decline, I could feel my pace slowing.
Garmin is flashing high 9's--
The run course is a two loop course so you have to run right by the finish line and then do it again. I wondered what kind of mind screw this would do for me but it was not bad at all. I was looking forward to the crowds and hopefully seeing my family again.
Hot hot hot--I grab some sponges and shove those down my top. I thought of Macca's ever present sponge made man-boobs and laughed. As I ran towards the shoot and took the right lane for the loop two runners, my second mishap of the day would occur.
As I am running, the tampons I had put in earlier this morning were COMING OUT!!
Half in and half out.

The Middle of the Tampon Malfunction

Sorry fellas but you have no idea really how awful this is.
Ladies--I'm sure you've been there at some point in your life-but probably just one. Not a double dose.
I'm running through the chaos, my hoo ha is hurting from 56 miles on the bike and tampons hanging of it, but still laughing at the absurdity of it all.
What else could I do but laugh. It was funny, it was annoying and it was no big surprise!! Of course this would happen to me.
I looped through, got to high five my girl again--saw the family and friends then booked it to the next potty-
This time--I did not care. More time lost but what are you gonna do?
I was happy that I had the thought to pack extra supplied earlier in transition.
I peed and Mess #2 taken care of --I was off again.

NOT the peace sign, I wanted to know that this was LOOP 2!!

Another run up that slow climb. Now, my glute is still spazzing out. I am soaked from sweat, water and humidity. I had run many miles in my compression socks but never soaking wet. My feet feel like they are on fire. I look down at my shoes and see blood all over the tops of my sneakers.
I'm pretty sure that my feet are bleeding by this point.
The I get the pick me up I needed.  I hear my name and look over to see Tracey!!
We have been communicating via Facebook for months and she was moving to Maine from Florida. She competed in the sprint race the day before!!
I stopped to say hello and give her a nasty, sweaty hug! (sorry girl)
On I went-
Just before reaching the timing mat for the second time, I take a walk break to take in some fluids and suck down a gel. I chatted with a guy who asked what my mileage was on the Garmin. We were both close and showing about a 1/3 of a mile MORE than the course. Hmmmmm
Oh well--time to run. See ya and have a great race.
I run by the Barber Shop Quartet guys again and thank them for being out there. They sounded amazing by the way-
run run run
You are almost there girl. GO.
I'm not super tired, I want to run. My legs feel just fine. It's my feet. WOW! did they hurt. and my toes. On the descent, my toes were taking a beating. The glute is still spazzing a bit but by now I am just able to ignore it. I tell myself that the last 1/4 mile of the race, NO STOPPING.

The red streaks down my compression socks. Sweet

Run thru it. You are almost there.
So I run. and run. and run.
Then there is that damn hill again. I decided to walk a bit for some fluids-I walked longer than I wanted but then it was on. RUN JENNY RUN
All I remember is I know that I was not far from finishing.
I saw the 12 Mile Marker in the distance.
This was it. It was almost over.
Again, I was sad. I did not want this day to end.
Even with my feet on fire. I was quite sure they were bleeding. My toes felt like they had been run over by a truck from the constant slipping in my shoes and pounding.
But my heart was full of excitement and joy. There was a smile on my face.
The spectators at Mile 12 yelled GO PURPLE!! Looking strong and then pushed me. I thanked them and just continued to smile.
It was then that I thought about 140.6 and yeah, I can do that!
Mile 12 done-it's into the shoot.
Sprint time.
I ran with everything I had in me.
I saw the finish line and heard the cheers..
I smiled. I ran. I finished with arms in the air and feeling like a million bucks.

THEN
I saw her
There she was-it was Chrissie!!

All goals for the day achieved!!

She said Congratulations and put my medal on my neck. I then told her that all I wanted out of my race today was to finish with a smile and get my medal from her. I think I may have told her I loved her too.
(ok, so I totally told her I loved her)
She gave me a huge hug and I felt like I had won the race.
And as far as I am concerned, I did win.

Projected Run Time: 2:05-2:10
Actual Run Time: 2:16:21

RUN SPLIT 1: 3.275 mi

3.275 mi (31:26)

9:35/mi

RUN SPLIT 2: 6.55 mi

3.275 mi (33:34)

10:14/mi

RUN SPLIT 3: 9.825 mi

3.275 mi (38:07)

11:38/mi

RUN SPLIT 4: 13.1 mi

3.275 mi (33:14)

10:08/mi

My Garmin reports a run time of 2:15:43 and 13.39 miles.

I moved along the shoot, stopped to smile for a picture from the event photographer. Someone then removed my timing chip, I was given my Timberman hat and a bottle of water.
I then saw my family and friends.
And my daughter.
Then I lost it.
The tears came.

Here come the tears!

All of this has been for her.
Being a Mommy was the catalyst for change.
When I was fat, I did not want to be fat FOR HER.
I wanted to become a woman that my daughter could be proud of.
I pushed myself to achieve each and every goal I set for myself over the last 2 1/2 years.
Over 110lbs of fat gone.
Along the journey, I discovered that I was doing this for me too.
I rebuilt my body and my soul.
I found joy and real happiness. I learned to love myself and I forged a new confidence that I never knew I had. I discovered that I am stronger and more resilient than I ever gave myself credit for being.
I found passion. I made real, honest friendships that mean the world to me.

I buried that fat, sad, miserable girl out on that Timberman course on August 21st. I said goodbye to her with a smile and a wave of the hand, gone is all the hurt she held inside for years.

I crossed that finish line with a smile and a new set of goals.
Now I know what to expect from a 70.3 and now I know what I have to do next.

Say hello to the new Jen and the animal that was born on August 21st, 2011.
Now I'm out for something new.
Now I want faster.
and I'm out for blood.
The "beast" has emerged.
And she is smiling...and hungry for more.


 
I never found out my final finish time until that evening when my best friend, Dawn gave me my splits. She had been following me all day on Ironman Live.

Goal Finish Time: under 6:30
Actual Finish Time: 6:00:51

A Valentine's Day Giveaway too "Tough" to pass up

Happy Valentine's Day! Valentine's Day is about love and I want to share something that I love with YOU!! SO it is the perfect day to have a review and giveaway!!

Some time ago, I stumbled upon an advertisement for Tough Chik on Endurance Athlete Project, I was instantly drawn into the name and had to find out more.


Once I clicked the ad and read about Tough Chik I was impressed. I loved "the story" of how it all started and really like the philosophy behind the brand--I identified with it on my own Tough Chik level.




Tough Chik is not just a clothing line, it is an outlook on life.
All women have a personal story that makes them tough and our goal is to celebrate Tough Chik triumphs in a creative way. We want to revolutionize women's performance apparel by linking it to something more profound than just pretty designs.




After thinking about it for a couple days, I took a chance and emailed Shannon, the owner of Tough Chik and told her a bit about MY story and started begging and pleading as well as offering bribes asked if she would be interested in participating in a blog review and giveaway. To my delight, Shannon agreed!


I ordered a couple tee's from Tough Chik and the hardest part was picking which ones I wanted to get, there were so many I wanted! So I settled on my first two choices:

Triathamom and I RUN.

This is the Triathamom tee and I absolutely adore it! It is one of the newest designs for 2011 from Tough Chiks!
I am a Mom and a triathlete so this was a perfect blend of my two favorite things. When I tell you this tee is soft, I mean soft.
It is made from quality fibers and the fit is just perfect. Not too tight and not too baggy or loose. There is nothing I hate more than a tee shirt that gets all bound up around me while I am working out or playing with Lola.
I wore this tee to physical therapy, out shopping, to the gym and just hanging out. It was perfect for all those occasions.
The tee is a pale pearl grey with purple writing. I love the TOUGH CHIK logo on the back shoulder.

It's different!
And it let's all those behind me know I am a Tough Chik!

The other tee shirt I got was I RUN in navy blue. Again, super soft and a perfect fit. I am a stay at home Mom so I wear tee's and yoga pants a lot.
I really liked these tee's because the fit makes it a bit more refined than your typical tee shirt. Is it ok to call a tee shirt dressy?? You know what I mean, it's not that box cut tee that just hangs on ya. This fits well and looks great!

These tops also washed like a dream. They did not shrink, lose their shape or their softness.

I know you want to rush on over to Tough Chicks right now and get your own right? Well, you can AND Shannon has hooked the readers up with a super discount!

At the check out enter the code “milesmusclesmom” for 20% off your TOTAL purchase.




Are you into cycling? Running? They have a tee for that!
Are you a yoga fan? Yup, they got one for you too!
You just wanna look cute doing your thing? Tough Chik can help you.
Tough Chik even has an entire line of Bamboo fabrics-Tough Chik Embrace.
Not only do they carry a great variety of tees and tops for the active lady, they also have a line of performance apparel. I will be featuring this line in the future!!


We all know some Tough Chiks and many of us are Tough Chik's ourselves.
You don't have to win races to be tough. You don't have to be a professional athlete to be tough.
Tough is many, many things.

Tough is finding a way to balance everything in your life to achieve success.
Tough is overcoming challenges to make your dreams reality.
Tough is pushing through that workout knowing the benefits that will pay off.
Tough is not accepting NO for an answer.
Tough is asking for help when needed.
So I ask you, are YOU a Tough Chik?

This is Mainer tough (right Caratunk Girl??)
Who needs an ice bath when you have tons of snow??

An icebath-the Maine way

Tough Chiks is ready to hook you up with an awesome giveaway package!

Water bottle, sweat towel, catalog, wipes and Tee of YOUR CHOICE!

Wanna win?? Of course, YOU get to pick the TEE of YOUR CHOICE for this contest.

**Please leave a separate comment for each entry**

Here's how you can enter for a chance to win:
1) MANDATORY Be a follower of my blog!
2) MANDATORY Go to the TOUGH CHIK site and tell me which tee you would pick if you were to win this contest.

Bonus Entries:
3) Make a purchase from Tough Chik (don't forget the 20% off discount code!) and get 5 additional entries!
4) Sign up for the Tough Chik mailing list
5) Follow Tough Chik on Twitter
6) Like Tough Chik on Facebook - leave a comment or write on their wall.
7) Share the love! on Twitter, Facebook, your blog etc. Leave a comment for each.
8) Did you comment on THIS blog post? If so, you earned an additional entry! (I know who you are)


Entries to this giveaway will be accepted until 2/28/2011 at midnight. The winner will be chosen randomly from all eligible entries and announced on 03/01/2011.

NOTE: This giveaway is dedicated to Chris K at The Manly Runner!! Because sometimes being manly is all about embracing your inner TOUGH CHIK!!

ETA: If you are a dude and you want to enter, that's cool. You can enter for yourself or on behalf of your lady. Who said a man can't wear a Tough Chik tee? It's all good. I don't judge. Do your thing-

Five for Friday!

Hello from Snowville Maine! I hope you are having a great week. Here is what is on my mind today.

ONE
We are BURIED in snow with more on the way this weekend.
Wednesday's storm dumped quite a bit on us but not the 20-24" we were expecting. The hubby was home for the day so we had a fun family day playing in the snow. Well, Lola and I played mostly while hubby cleaned out our house and his parents place (they live up the street!) as well as roof raking.

Lola all bundled up and ready to go out!

Lola with her "shovel" while we cleaned out wave one of snow

The view from the SLEDCAM on our way to the in-laws

TWO
I had my second PT session with Jared today and we are making great progress already. The patella tendons are already starting to loosen up and my quads are enjoying the stretching and rolling. He gave me some new exercises and some of these work on core and balance which I loved! Challenging stuff but I love a challenge. We also did more running and the changes we made with my form are making a huge difference. In one short week of running drills, he was pleased to say that I was running correctly and looking good!

THREE
While we are talking about running...I have been told to switch out shoes. The Kayano's are too heavy and I do not need motion control. Jared has suggested a lightweight performance stability shoe like the Saucaony Fastwitch and and New Balance 905. If you run in this kind of shoe, I would love to hear from you!
The bad news is-I just won a pair of Brooks Trance 10's from Leah at Chasing Atlanta this fall and they came last week. Jared looked at them today and said "no". Wrong shoe for my foot.
The K-Swiss shoes I won from Dailymile.com are also wrong for running but I will use these for weight training and cross training days.

FOUR
Speaking of Dailymile.com, I was selected to apply to be on the Dailymile team! They select 300 people on the site and then you apply to get one of 30 positions. To apply you need to put together a video why you would be a great addition to the team. I have until Monday at midnight to submit my application.
Not that I want to sway any votes away from me but check out Mike's video submission--hilarious!!
Click HERE
I will certainly be posting when the voting is up-your support would be appreciated :)

FIVE
I hope you have been paying attention lately. I am doing an exciting giveaway this weekend!! Make sure you check in for your chance to get in on some cool stuff.
Also, there is another really cool giveaway at 26.2 is My Cooldown . He is doing a Tanita BC-1000 scale giveaway. I thought this was supercool considering I am on a quest to lower my body fat %!! I just had to share this with you!

I ran.

Two dreadful weeks-
NO RUNNING.

One week of ONLY SWIMMING (which was actually good!)
One week of biking and swimming.

I had a really tough time with the break mentally but I KNEW if I did not rest my knee, it would not heal. If it did not heal, I could not run.
If I cannot run, I will be very sad.
Running is my Prozac. It's my happy place.
It keeps me balanced, it keeps me feeling centered.
It keeps me from FREAKING OUT on my husband about the important little things.
Like putting the toilet paper roll on the holder the wrong way (and yes, there is a proper way to do it!)
OR
how to place the dishes on the drying rack so it does not create an avalanche of dishes.

What? What's that you ask?
Yes, hubby does dishes WITHOUT BEING ASKED and I can find fault in the way he stacks the dishes. Yes, he will replace the TP when it's almost out and I can complain about how it's put on the holder.
See...that's why I run. So I don't do those things (crazy woman!!)

Guess what??
I ran yesterday.
Three point two glorious miles on the Cybex treadmill at the Y.
I have never in my life been happier to run on a treadmill--EVER.

I walked for about 5 minutes and I was just feeling good about it. I was feeling brave. I prayed to GOD to let it be a pain free jog.
I even wore my fairly new Kayano's (only about 40 miles or so on 'em) in anticipation of running.
I started slow (at 5.8) and the legs were a mite stiff. But...I could jog and there was no pain!
Cranked her up a bit...6.0 and then 6.1. Holding steady, no pain. Let's keep it here for a bit to get the kinks out. Get the legs moving and warm.
Feeling good. Up, up, up some more...Still no pain.
I glace behind me to Andrea and give her the thumbs up.
I wondered if she could see the tears of joy in my eyes. I felt like singing out
"IM RUNNING IM RUNNING!!"
I actually had goosebumps.
I held it steady at 6.5 to 6.8 for about 15 mins and reminded myself to take it easy.
Not too long, not too fast.
I finished my run alternating paces between 6.8 to 7.2 and it was wonderful.
30 minutes and 3.2 miles of bliss.

My Sunday Run with Chrissie Wellington! (and other stuff)

Another week in the books of 2010 and another week that did not go quite as planned.
The week started out promising-I got in a couple quick, short runs (3 & 4 miles) and then a couple brick workouts. I did not hit the weights since I was planning on lifting heavy Friday and Saturday but you know what they say about the best laid plans...
While I was able to get in some quality miles, some speed work and got my butt on the bike I did not get in all the workouts planned. I had a 54 mile week: 28 miles running and 26 miles on the stat bike.
Friday night I could FEEL the cold coming on--that thick headed feeling, a bit of a sore/scratchy throat. Sure enough, I woke Saturday morning with a full on head cold. So I skipped the gym session and decided to keep my running date with Dawn. Luckily, she told me on Friday that she was not really digging doing hill repeats so the running Rx was changed to nice-n-easy.
Saturday was gorgeous! Sunny and 60's~we met up down at the strip in Old Orchard Beach and ran down to Pine Point and back--an easy 6 miles: flat, perfect weather and great company. I stripped down to my tank top quickly, that's how nice the weather was!
I think that Dawn is getting used to the fact that in the middle of our run there is usually going to be a pee break for me. I don't really care too much where-I do have a modicum of modesty so I do try to be discreet about it. I run off into the woods or hide behind a building or something. Saturday's pee break was no different. We came upon a seasonal condo across from the beach that looked vacant. Soooo....I walk behind the vacant condo, dash behind a tool shed! PERFECT, no one can see me here. Except the cargo train barrelling towards me along the tracks honking it's horn!! By this time, there is no aborting this mission so...I guess the train got a free show!
I felt really good while running and on the way home, I could feel the chill invading my body. I got home and made a steaming hot bowl of veggie soup and then joined Lola for nap time!
Sunday I was still feeling ICK. Hubby had some stuff to do around the house so I got errands done in the morning. By lunch time, I was feeling the itch to get out and run. You HAVE TO take advantage of any warm weather Mother Nature has to offer in November here in Maine. I planned on an easy 5-6 miles. Grabbed the ipod and went out the door with a plan to listen to fellow Mainer, Jason and his podcast Mainely Triathlon. Got the old ipod fired up and dang it! The only episodes on que were the ones I listened to last week. That left me with 2 episodes of The Age Grouper: the Chrissie Wellington episode or Plan Your Year from 2009.
I wasn't feeling much like using my brain to plan anything so Chrissie won.


What a pick! The majority of the podscast is a discussion/Q&A with Chrissie at Runner's High 'N Tri in Chicago.




Chrissie



Me



Turns out I have a lot in common with the 3-time Ironman World Champion!!

1-we are both female

2-we both love triathlon

3-we both competed in our first triathlon with a borrowed bike...

4-...that borrowed bike was heavy!



"my first triathlon was a sprint and I did it on a borrowed bike. It looked like a bumble bee-it was black and yellow. I still, still have it-I can do bench presses with it, it weighs that much! Umm, and I had the toe clip pedals and my running shoes. And um, the laces came undone and and the running shoe laces got caught up in the crank and I did a very ungainly and ladylike dismount onto the tarmac so that was the first race"--Chrissie describing her first sprint triathlon 

Listening to Chrissie's stories about her first days of triathlon just made the time fly by and before I knew it I was at the turn around point of my planned run. I was feeling SO good and enjoying the day so it was ONWARD. I then headed down to Fortune's Rocks to run some more.



One thing came through loud and clear while listening to Chrissie speak-not only is she a champion in triathlon but she is a champion for the sport and for the people--cheering on age groupers after racing the course herself, chatting with fans, signing autographs. Her passion for triathlon, her humanitarian efforts and her use of her fame to bring awareness to the causes close to her speak volumes about her character. Her positive attitude is contagious and you can almost hear her smile when she speaks.

So hearing how hard she pushes herself during training sessions certainly made ME want to push myself a bit harder-not only today but all days. My planned 5/6 mile run turned into a hair over 9 miles (9.12) and it was a wonderful run. I enjoyed the day, the beach and the fresh air. I learned a lot about an amazing professional triathlete and I learned a little about myself too!

So even though the week did not end up as I had planned, it was a fine end-sick and all.

I hope your week was a good one!

Where did you find motivation?

You might be a runner/triathlete

You know you are a runner or triathlete when...

...you know what Yasso 800's are.

Even better - they are a regular part of your training program.

...you know that Crank Brothers, Pearl Izumi, Blue Seventy, GU and Zoot are brands and NOT the name of some obscure punk band.

Even better - you own one (or more) of their products.

...buying coffee you see Kona on the label you think of triathlon.

Even better- you considering buying it just because is says Kona on the label.

...the words transition, taper, bonk, brick, ladder, LSD, and drafting mean something completely different to you than the average Joe.

Even better- you have experienced all of them.

...you know what bike porn is.

Even better- you have posted your own bike porn.

...driving anywhere you are scoping out new routes to run or ride.

Even better- you find a nice, long hill and you can't wait to do hill repeats.

...you plan your family vacations around your racing schedule.

Even better-the race destination IS your family vacation.

...these numbers make your heart go pitter-patter: 13.1, 26.2, 70.3, 140.6

Even better - you have them proudly displayed on your vehicle.

...you know what BQ means.

Even better - you have done it!

...you know what IM means.

Even better - you done done it!

...you see an M-Dot tattoo and can't wait to have your own someday.

Even better- you already have one.

...you subscribe to Runner's World, Inside Triathlon or Triathlete magazines.

Even better- you get them all and read them cover to cover the day it comes in the mail.

...anything on this list made you smile! Happy Tuesday :)

13.1

The Maine 1/2 Marathon is now checked off my TO DO list.

How did it go? Wonderful!

I had a lot of fun and I could not have had a better day to run. The weather was cool but it was my favorite kind of running weather~sunny and crisp! The course was beautiful. I find calm and solace in running along the waters edge so this was right up my ally.

How did I do? Ahhh...nothing earth shattering performance wise but I am pleased with how I ran (I was also being realistic!). With all kinds of races and events packed into each weekend from August until now, I have really had little time to focus on training for this 1/2 marathon so I did not have any big expectations for myself.

My goals?

Have fun and finish under 2 hours.

Mission accomplished!

Pre-race hanging with my best gal!

It was a pretty stress free morning and since hubby is very familiar with the Portland area he was able to sneak around the traffic snafu all along I295 and get me right to the starting line with now issues.

Under the start/finish line

I warmed up for a bit and decided to hit the Porta-Potty for a pit stop before race time. SO did the other 3,900 runners there~the lines were INSANE! I wandered around trying to find another spot and I found a construction porta-potty with only 40 people waiting in line. This is when I announced to all that were listening "this is a time I really wish I was a guy!"


Another gal in line agreed with me and we both eyed this large, green dumpster off in the distance. With only minutes before the starting gun was to fire, I offered to "block" and she was in! We ran to the dumpster just as several other guys did the same. We looked around some more and spied a corner doorway of a large brick building and this was it! It was now or never...So yup, I peed in public and did not bat a single eyelash about it! As we finished up our "business" we introduced ourselves to one another and we were off to the starting line.

The gun fired and the crush of people inched forward. This picture courtesy of the Portland Press Herald

It felt like forever before I was over the mat and hitting the first turn onto the open road around the Back Bay. I just kept it nice and easy~taking in the day. The crowds of people, the Chinese drummers, the sunlight shimmering on the water. I was treating this run like any other Sunday long run. Nice and easy...I observed the people as we ran and I could not help but notice so many cute running skirts! I am giving the "best dressed runner" award to the chic with the pink & green camo running skirt and hot pink tank & visor!

The crowd support was amazing. I tried to give a high five to each child that had their hand out, thinking of Lola. A big thank you to the little girl holding out the box of tissues! Perfect timing.

The first 5 miles went by so quick and I was really enjoying this run today. It was about this time that I started to anticipate the hills that I kept hearing about (yeah, why check out the course ahead of time like hubby suggested?? the element of surprise is always interesting right??). The hills were what I would describe as "gentle rolling hills" and certainly not quite as steep or as long as I was hearing (at least in my opinion). So I sailed over them with ease and was feeling good!

This was an out-and-back course so at the turn around I decided that I certainly had it in me to push a little faster~shortly after the turn-around I saw Hubby and Lola on the sidelines cheering me on! I got a mid-race high five and seeing them just made the day that much better.

I had seen some porta-potties on the way out with signs telling runners DO NOT PEE IN THE WOODS. So knowing these were coming up and with my full bladder screaming at me I decided that I HAD to make a stop or I'd be running to the finish in some very wet tights! And no amount of Hoo Ha Ride Glide would prevent THAT kind of chafing!

Although I certainly did not want to take the time loss I made the sacrifice and stopped. I lost a good three minutes as I waited in line and then finally got my turn but OH! what comfortable joy after that was done! Seriously, the mile after that "pit stop" was my fasted mile (8:12)

The rest of the run back to the start was uneventful~once I got to the Back Bay trails I knew I was close to "home" but it just seemed to take FOREVER to get there! I could hear the crowd, I could see the finish area but it felt like I was moving in slow motion.
Just as I rounded the corner I saw my husband and Lola along with my Aunt Peggy (Jana's mom) and Jana's husband, Mike and little Avery.

I was so happy that Hubby and Lola had made it back to the start to see me cross the finish line. I peered at the big red numbers screaming "1:55:xx" and while I was not thrilled with the time, it was under the two hours I had made my goal. I heard my name and hometown announced over the PA system after I crossed the finish line and I was getting my finishers medal.

My time?

Official "chip" time: 1:54:33

My Garmin time: 1:54:13 and 13.32 miles

All of my splits were in the 8-minute range (8:44 being the slowest and 8:12 being the fastest). Now that I have my first 1/2 marathon under my belt I have a point of reference for myself and I know how much harder I can push myself. I enjoy this distance and I think I am fully capable of setting my sights on a sub 1:45 for my next one.

Now to find the next one and hopefully soon! Before the end of this season would be very nice...

The same road...100lbs later

Now that Fall is knocking on the door, my early morning runs are getting darker and darker. Ahhh, I do have a rather active imagination and having been afraid of the dark most of my life, these early runs are challenging for me in more ways than one! BUT nothing gets you moving faster than the thought of some grizzly beast coming out at you from the woods! Running to the sounds of nature, the tapping of my feet on the pavement and the whirling, random thoughts swirling around my head is music enough for me on these early mornings.

This morning I got out on a very early and rather nice 8 mile run under the stars. While out I came up to a route I used to "run" when I started on my journey to a healthy life. Now mind you, I was about 100lbs heavier and my "run" at that time could probably be considered a fast walk...In the quiet of the morning I spent time reflecting on just how much of a battle running was for me when I started. I hated it. It hurt. It was hard. My lungs would burn. But for some sick, strange, twisted reason-I liked it and I wanted to be a runner. A real runner.

Today I recalled the first time I ran this particular 1.5 mile stretch of road. How difficult it was but how happy it made me that I did it. I felt like stopping a bunch of times but I remember thinking "just one more telephone pole" and how I would break it down into pieces. Then when I got the turn-around point I would ask myself "why quit now? just keep going". Each step was a battle and a triumph.

I still feel that way some days-that the next step takes thought and planning. My runs may be longer in distance and a bit faster these days but my determination has not wavered, it has only grown stronger. I am more comfortable pushing myself-mentally and physically. But I would say my perspective on running certainly has changed...I really do love it and I guess I can call myself a "real" runner now (whatever that means!)

Running gives me center. It gives me time to me and time to think and plan. It brings me joy. I run against the best competition too-Myself. I can always strive for better. I can go longer. I can go faster. I can always find ways to be better. I guess that is another thing I love about running. It's not about beating Jane or John Doe. It's not about winning the race. It's about beating ME. And making ME better.

What started out simply as a way to burn calories to lose weight has become something so much more to me. From running I discovered a lot about myself and others around me. I have met some amazing people.

So running this same road today 100lbs lighter I thought back to those days with a smile. I gave myself a pat on the back for reaching the goals I set for myself in the Fall of 2008 and I gave myself a kick in the butt to reach the goals I have set for Fall 2010.

Happy running :)