On running my first marathon

So, I guess it's official - I am a marathoner!  I finished the Mother Road Marathon on Sunday, September 30th, 2018.  It took me 6-1/2 hours, but I did it!

There's so many thoughts running through my head, I don't know where to start.  

I guess I could start at the beginning...

I signed up for this race about a year ago - I signed up early, got an amazing deal, and immediately emailed the race director to make sure I'd be able to drop down to the half if I changed my mind before the event.  Yes, he said, you can switch if necessary.  I don't know if I had a deadline by which I had to decide, but once I started training for the half marathon in January, and knowing everything I was doing was in preparation for the marathon, I knew I wouldn't be dropping down to the half.  One way or another, I was going to complete my first marathon.

I started training, technically, in January.  Initially I started with a plan that was a long, drawn-out marathon training plan, but I soon decided I would do a half marathon in May and I would follow a plan for that, and then start marathon training at the beginning of June.

I PRd the half in May, and started Marathon Training with another half marathon!

It was a long, hot, humid summer.  I did all my runs but a couple.  I hit a rough patch at the beginning of August where I was just tired, burnt out, and wasn't sure what was going on.  I took an extra day or two of rest and finally got back to the plan.  In the end, I think I logged slightly more miles than called for given the adjustments I made due to races and due to the fact that I really wanted to do a 20-miler.  (My original plan only went up to 18.5)

Since I had two races the two weeks before the marathon, it was easy to put off stressing about it - I was just taking one week at a time. But, finally, the weekend had arrived!  I was packing, and before I knew it, I was on the road to Joplin, MO.

At various points over the past year, I debated on whether I wanted anyone there.  I've become a solitary runner, and didn't know if I wanted to make anyone come with me, or be there.  I thought it'd be easier NOT to have the added stress of knowing people were waiting at the finish line.

Well...I am SO GLAD that I opted to ask my mom, sister, and boyfriend (of course) to be there.  Seeing them as I came around the corner to the finish line was amazing!  Having them there, having their support...it definitely made the whole thing that much better!  I would have been pretty sad to have no one at the finish line, especially since I was so far at the back of the pack...there weren't many people left at that point. 

Anyways, the race itself...

I learned that the whole pickle-juice thing really IS a thing!  I don't even remember at what mile the pickle truck showed up, and I was hesitant, but two women that had been running by me for parts of the last mile said it was AMAZING and they couldn't wait ... so when I caught up to them, I decided to try it, but the first time I only took pickle spears and some plain water.  By the second time we saw them (they were hopping from spot to spot as we progressed along the course), I was all-in on the magic pickle elixir and had some juice and a spear.  I think we saw them one more time, and again, a little juice, and a couple spears.

I learned that even with the sun behind clouds, the heat and humidity can be a factor.  I didn't quite realize how much these things were affecting me until we came to the Missouri border (I think) and the local Fox affiliate was out there handing out cold, wet rags...it felt SO GOOD!  One stop had actual COLD water, and again, it totally hit the spot.  My favorite, though, had to be the "beer" stop!  Yes, someone had a table out (it was in front of a small bar), and was giving out beer if you wanted it!  I took about a shot and half of Shock Top and, again, it really hit the spot!

The weather, while humid, was much better than it could have been - the clouds kept it from becoming a scorching, sunny day!  I was surprised by the scenery - much more scenic than I had expected with trees, and rivers, and the little towns with the Route 66 charm.  

But, I really should have started this out with a simple truth - I didn't hit the wall with 6 miles to GO, I hit it after just 6 miles!?!?  Maybe sooner, I don't remember.

Right from the start, I could tell it was going to be a tough run.  I tried to hang with the 6-hour pace group, but couldn't.  I was ahead of them for awhile, but then fell back, and eventually lost sight of them.  I hit some hills and just decided I'd walk if I felt like it - I don't even know if I NEEDED to walk, I think I just WANTED to - I had lost some of that push to hit a certain time.

And, truth be told, I thought about stopping.  Yep.  By about mile 10 I was contemplating just calling it a day when I got to Baxter Springs, the halfway point.  At one of the stops there, they said "Great job! You're half way there!" and I replied, "Yes, but if I had started here, I'd be done by now!!"  A few thoughts popped into my head, though - 

"If you don't finish you won't get that medal and you DID NOT go through all of this to NOT GET THAT HUGE ASS MEDAL!"

"You made you mom and sister drive 10 hours and take time off from their busy schedules to be here.  You made your boyfriend drive 8+ hours, and then ride with you another 7+ to be here....You HAVE TO FINISH"

So, I kept going.  I pulled myself out of the negative downward spiral and focused on the good things....the scenery, the people, the fact I was still able to put one foot in front of the other, the pickle juice, the beer and pizza and medal AND FAMILY that would be there at the end...I took stock of the fact that I felt pretty good - Sure, my legs were tired and muscles sore, but I wasn't in *serious* pain.  While sweating like crazy, the weather could have been much hotter, and I just kept drinking, both from the Tailwind-spiked water in my pack and the plain water at the aid stations.  Relentless forward progress.  Run the mile you're in.  Just keep going.  

Then there was Mel's pit crew.  Apparently, Mel had attempted this (or maybe another marathon?) the previous year, but had quit at the halfway point.  This year, she had a WHOLE VAN FULL of her friends who, at the halfway point, started following her along the course.  They would stop at a spot they could park - blast music - like Eye of the Tiger! - and offer up water, pretzels, bananas, and would run with her a little, give her the pink flamingo to run with for awhile...I don't even know.  But, while they were there for HER, they helped ME, too!  Hearing the music, seeing the support, them offering up what they had to all of us back-of-the-pack runners...it was just really really cool.  One turning point for me was the first time I realized what was going on - they were blasting EYE OF THE TIGER and it was when we were going up a terrible, long, hill...and I used that to help get me going.  I still walked alot of that uphill, but it lifted my mood, my spirits, as we approached mile 20.

That was the beginning of the comeback for me - and I finished strong in the last couple miles.

Though, it almost ended differently!  Approaching mile 25, I texted my mom, sis and boyfriend that I was ahead of the previous estimate I'd given and it was looking like I'd finish in close to 6-1/2 hours.  Well, as I was putting my phone away, I tripped on the pavement (road work being done, the pavement a good few inches above the soft shoulder) - I veered left, tripped and ended up on the ground.  Thoughts flashed through my mind of what could happen...but...I got up, scraped off some dirt, wiped off some blood, and just kept going (looking behind me to see if anyone had seen my embarrassing fall!)

25 miles was the last marker.  As I made the turn for the last half mile I was back to doing my regular intervals.  When I saw my family, though, I knew I'd be running the rest of the way - I couldn't stop and walk now, not when they, and the finish line, were so close!

The moment of crossing I am always overcome with such a weird range of emotions.  I get choked up but don't outright cry.  It felt a little unreal, like, had I really just done 26.2 miles on foot?  Did I really just ambulate through 3 different states?  Yes, Yes, Yes, I DID!!!!

And, while a bit sore and tired, I obviously am not deterred.  Monday morning I was signing up for a 21-mile trail race in 3 weeks, and registering for the Barkley Fall Classic lottery (which I may or may not get into - names are still being drawn at this point).  So, you know, obviously this was just one stop on my running journey!

The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer

So, one of the first books I read after realizing I really was going to run a marathon was The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer by David A. Whitsett, Forrest A. Dolgener, and Tanjala Mabon Kole.

It was this book that first gave me the confidence to state - I AM A MARATHONER.  And, they're right - once you say it out loud, once you identify yourself that way, it does become easier to...well, become a marathoner!

I highly recommend the book for anyone thinking about running their first marathon, especially if you are new to running.  It includes a training plan, but alot more, too.

It emphasizes that YOU, yes YOU, can run a marathon!  It is based on a class taught at the University of Northern Iowa that, over the 5 times it was offered, taught approximately 200 students to finish their first marathon.  They were all first-time marathoners and many had no previous running background.  

Anyways, I forgot to add this to the reading list on the sidebar here (it's added now, though) because it is one I checked out from the library directly, instead of requesting through Interlibrary loan and it'd been on the bottom of my book pile since I finished it well before I even started marathon training!

4 days and counting

My first marathon is in 4 days.  Am I freaking out yet?

I don't know.  Sort of.  I guess.

I'm having dilemmas like...

Is it bad if I skip my run today, given the schedule I've already kept since the beginning of the year? 

What shoes should I wear?  (Is it bad I don't know this yet?  I have been running in Saucony Rides but got the special edition Boston Marathon Brooks Launch shoes earlier this year and have been using those off and on.  I think the Rides are a little more cushiony, but feel the Launch are lighter and feel a bit wider.  I wore the Launch shoes on my 20-miler....)

I mean, my toes are going to hurt no matter what shoes I wear, so does it really matter?

At least I'm pretty sure the cold front won't have moved down that far, so it will most likely be warm and humid, like it's been all through my training, so....I pretty much know what I'm going to wear!

I haven't felt the taper tantrums much at all.  As a matter of fact, I want to rest.  Is that bad?

And, most importantly, I have to remember that MY GOAL IS TO FINISH, and I CANNOT get upset if I don't meet my subconscious goal of finishing in a certain time.  I CANNOT totally give up midway through just because I'm not keeping the same pace I did for my 20-miler.  I mean, if I am and I'm feeling good, then great, but I have to be realistic and focus on finishing.

Other than that, I'm ready!!


 

What not to do one week before your first marathon

Another race!

I have a problem.  I sign up for way too many races.  Way too early.  

Sunday, I'll be doing a half-marathon relay with my sister.  It fits in with my training schedule - I'm supposed to run 6.5 miles at "race pace", and since we're doing the relay, that works out nicely.

On the other hand, it involves travel.  Which involves stress, even if I am looking forward to being in Wisconsin again and seeing my mom and sister.

So, we'll see how it goes.  Either way, soon I'll have another cool medal to add to my collection - and a PURPLE race shirt (I love purple!)

 

How it all began

I was never a runner.  As a matter of fact, I pretty much hated it for much of my life.  I hated gym class (and almost flunked it one year because I always "forgot my gym suit") and was never into sports.  What did I do?  Oh, I rode my bike, and there was a stretch of time where we went roller-skating like every weekend!  But, running?  Oh, NO WAY!

As an adult, I'd gone through a few stretches where I tried exercising, and/or losing weight.  The first time, I think I used BeachBody videos - Yoga Booty Ballet!  Still like it and am thinking of incorporating it into my "training" plan.  But, then that sort of dropped off.  

Later on, the library I was working at did a "Biggest Loser" competition among the staff.  At this point I was getting a little older, and was starting to feel the effects of the extra weight I'd put on over the years.  I decided I would join the friendly, workplace competition.   For this go-round, I used some Biggest Loser DVDs - loved Bob Harper, not so much a Jillian Michaels fan - which made me realize the type of "coaching" I preferred - the supportive kind, not the drill-sergeant kind.  I also really took a look at what and HOW MUCH I was eating.  

I won the competition, but continued on and ended up losing 50 pounds over about a 9-10 month period (maybe a year, I don't remember exactly).  All I know is it was a slow process but it worked!

Flash-forward a few years to December 2014.  I wasn't doing anything in particular for fitness but was still watching what I ate...but when I started a new job and had to walk up 3 flights of stairs, I started realizing I was losing the benefits I'd gained after the weight-loss.  I decided I needed to find something to help make those stairs not so punishing.

At the time, my sister was running a bit, and one of my new co-workers was VERY much into it.  I was at least going to start walking but needed some good shoes.  The co-worker suggested I go to Fleet Feet Schererville and get fitted.  Well, I took her advice and went in, but got total STICKER SHOCK at the prices.  So, I did what I'm sure many do at the beginning - I went in, tried some shoes on, found out that a "neutral" shoe was good for me, and I promptly left, went to Kohl's and bought some other (reasonably-priced) brand.

Unfortunately, I learned very quickly that shoes do make a difference.  I didn't like the ones I purchased, returned them, and went back to get the Brooks Ghost shoes I had tried on at Fleet Feet.

While at the store, the friendly people (but a little intimidating to me, since they were RUNNERS) started telling me about their No Boundaries program - a running program that would train you for a 5k.  I was VERY hesitant.  Me?  Run?  But, they said, you can do the beginner plan which starts off with walk/run intervals.  I still wasn't sure.  

But, I signed up.  For my first No Boundaries program.  My first 5k.  The training program started in, get this, FEBRUARY (2015).  FEBRUARY?  Was I insane?  I hated winter probably more than I hated running.  I remember the first day - we couldn't even run on the trail - had to go through the parking lot, across a major road, and down one of the side streets.  Oddly, I don't remember the distance or time we started with, but I do remember it was a walk/run interval (for us newbies), and I kept thinking, there is NO WAY I'M GOING TO BE ABLE TO RUN A MINUTE!!  

It's pretty obvious I survived.  That program was so awesome.  I learned about running form, road and trail rules/etiquette, hydration, nutrition, belly-breathing, and so much more.  The coach and mentors were so supportive and helpful, as were the other runners.  

The goal race was in April 2015.  I convinced my sister to come run it with me.  It was the Spring Fling Ramp Run, which included running up 3 levels of a parking garage on campus!  But, we'd trained for it well, and I finished.  I remember taking a walking break right before you came around the corner and up along the last stretch.  I thought, I'm going to walk now so I can RUN across the finish line!

After the race! 

My sister and I at my very first-ever 5k race!

At that moment, I NEVER thought I'd be where I am now - about to run my first marathon.

After that first program, I continued signing up for the 5k distance programs and tried to improve my time.  I did a ton of races.  I met more wonderful people - many who have continued on the path to longer distances, others who have taken different forks in the fitness road.  I think I did 3 more 5k programs before FINALLY giving in and moving up to the 10k at the end of 2015, again doing the Breaking Boundaries program with Fleet Feet. 

My medal rack - as of December 2015 - our coach gave us a medal after completing that first program, and again for the last 5k program I did - they are on the ends - that first medal is still the most meaningful one I've received!

Oddly, it didn't take me quite as long to jump up to the half marathon distance...my first half marathon was Indy Mini in May of 2016.  One of the reasons I wanted to do this race was because for part of the course, you run around the Indianapolis Speedway - the Indy 500 had special meaning to me having gone there for qualifying, and the Indy 500 - with my dad when I was young.  I liked the idea of running along the same track as those fast cars and it made me think of those trips with my Dad.

About to run into the Speedway at my first Indy Mini!

At the finish with the cool medal!

I did more races in 2016 - one in Milwaukee and one in Madison to earn the M2 medal.  I did the iconic Rock n Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon late that year where I broke my Indy Mini time and PR'd with a time of 3:03:56. 

My medal rack as of July 2016

At the start of the Las Vegas Half Marathon in November, 2016.

The half marathon course took you all the way down to Fremont Street!

My medal rack as of November 2016

Then...in January 2017 I hit a wall and didn't run for a solid month.  I don't know why.  (Well, maybe I do...I'll talk about that some other time.) But, having done a very cliche runner-thing, I'd signed up for Indy Mini 2017 immediately following Indy Mini 2016...so...of course I had to start training again.  

I began that training program with trepidation and, really, a pretty negative attitude.  Then something happened.  Something that probably changed the trajectory of my running in the most positive way possible....

I started doing run/walk intervals with some of the women in the group.  This completely changed my perspective.  I don't know if I just had a mental block about having to RUN the ENTIRE time or what, but being introduced to intervals, in a welcoming, supportive way, and knowing that they had successfully completed other races with this method - I was all-in.  At that time, I still ran the shorter mileage, but on the weekend long runs I enjoyed settling into the 1/1 run/walk interval.

It probably had to do with the fact that in all my half marathons, I had walked some anyways - this way, I was doing it in a structured way, and KNEW, if I stuck to the intervals, I would RUN AT LEAST HALF of it!

I owe so much to those women who let me join them (one of them happened to be the coach of my first 5k program).  I truly don't know if I'd be about to run my first marathon if I hadn't joined their pace group.

I PR'd at INDY MINI 2017 with a time of 2:50:48!

After PR-ing at Indy Mini 2017!

I've since broken that time, with a race I did in May 2018, but I'll save that story for another day.

Bad picture, but my medal rack as of August 2017 - yes, I have a problem with wanting the bling!

On being a running librarian

I've worked in libraries far longer than I've been running.  And while I read voraciously when I was young, over the years I started reading less and less.  Of course, it is a complete misconception that librarians just sit around and read all day, but many of us ARE readers and our love of books is one thing that may have drawn us to the profession.

Oddly enough, I don't think that's what brought me to it.  I remember getting my first work-study job in the library my first year of college and thinking "I could definitely work in this environment."  At that age, I didn't believe I'd be a good fit for the business or corporate world and I really didn't know WHAT I was going to do with my life (realizing being a rock star was out of the picture!)  So, when I felt pretty comfortable in the library, in an educational environment, I figured, hey maybe this is what I'll be when I grow up!

I transferred to a different school and the first thing I did was go find a job in the library - I worked there throughout my college years and it was the greatest thing ever! 

But, this is not a history of my library career...however, I wanted to point out that I am a librarian and have been working in libraries for MANY years...and up until last fall, hadn't READ A BOOK IN YEARS!

Yep, my reading definitely fell off, probably around the time I transitioned from being a children's/young adult librarian and started working again in an academic library.  I also found other hobbies - like knitting and spinning - that took up time.  With the explosion of the internet, I would say I still read, but most of it was online reading of articles, blog posts, etc.  

Despite that shift, I'm still a librarian, and still a reader...and know that when I find something new I want to do, or learn about, the first place I go is ....NOT the internet!  Okay, maybe, sortof, but mostly, I look for information on the topic to READ.

At first when I started running, I sought out things about nutrition.  Good smoothie recipes, things like that.

Then, especially once in Nebraska, and once I was picking up my running again, I started seeing more links on Facebook to articles in Runner's World, TrailRunner Magazine, etc., and eventually - late last year or maybe early this year, I think - I started subscribing IN PRINT to Runner's World.  I wanted to be able to read something NOT on the screen!  

Around that same time, I heard about a book called What I talk about when I talk about running by Haruki Murakami and checked it out from the library where I work.  I really enjoyed it!  I thought, wow, I actually READ AN ENTIRE BOOK!  How awesome!  It got me thinking more deeply about running and I started looking for other books to read.

On the sidebar of this blog is the list of books I've read since then!  That's probably been over less than a year!?  It's been A LONG TIME since I've read that much.  All of those books are ones I first got through Interlibrary Loan - an awesome library service if you're not familiar with it where they will get the book from another library if your library doesn't have it.  A few of them I liked so much, I bought copies of, and a few, I bought without reading them first.  (I'll be adding those to the list soon.)

It's been an adventure reading all of these!  I think the one that has had the greatest impact on my running has been Footnotes: How Running Makes Us Human by Vybarr Cregan-Reid.  This is the book that got me to stop listening to music on my outdoor runs (still need it on the treadmill, though!), and also gave me the courage to run outside when I was at a conference in Orlando.  It's not a "quick" or "easy" read which is why I still haven't finished it (bought my own copy after requesting it via ILL twice) but it definitely made an impact on me.

I've also learned that I like the ones by more "regular" people than the super-amazing Olympic athletes, probably because those are less relatable to my back-of-the-pack speed.  It's always interesting to read why people started running, how it's impacted their life, how they connect to it.  The progression of reading also led me to more on ultra-running, and those are now many of my favorite stories.  I subscribed to Ultrarunning Magazine and Trail Runner this summer and definitely like them now more than Runner's World.

Of course, I'm pretty sure all this reading and investigation is what's leading me to make rash decisions, like signing up for the 50k Mashup Series, but, hey, what the hell!

Anyways, I think the point to this post is to point out that not only has running reinvigorated me physically, getting me out and into nature, the world, but it has also helped me get back to a long-time love for reading!

I also have to point out that there is even a Librarians Who Run Facebook Group!  I was so excited when I discovered this a couple years ago at a conference.  One of the vendors had organized a Fun Run 5k (complete with medals and t-shirts!) and some of the runners were talking about this group.  I'm not that active on it right now, but I love knowing there is a group and a whole bunch of us out there!

The shirt we got for the ER&L 2017 5k, sponsored by SpringerNature!

Me with my medal after doing the 5k through the streets of Austin at ER&L 2017!

On becoming a morning runner

When I first started running, it was with a training group in Northwest Indiana (more on that Thursday), so 2 of the 3 group runs were during the weeknights.  The "long" run was always on Saturday mornings.  This run got earlier and earlier as I progressed through the various training programs - oh how I miss the days of the 5k 9am start!  I ALWAYS seemed to do better on the evening runs than that Saturday morning one!

But then I left Northwest Indiana and came to Nebraska.  Things are different out here, and it took me a good month before I actually went for a run.  Not surprisingly (for those who know me), the first run I did in Nebraska was a Pub Run!  It was ridiculously hot, and I was ridiculously slow by my standards.  While it wasn't until months later that I truly became a morning runner...the stage was set that night.

These are the three main reasons I've become a morning runner (plus one extra):

1. Choosing a fall marathon = training during the hot summer months.
2. The climate here in Nebraska - hot, humid summers.  And don't forget about the "breeze"
3. A wonderful job that allows flexibility to my schedule, which means I can come in at 9am (I mean, I haven't become a totally EARLY EARLY morning runner!) 
4. Running in the morning makes me feel great!  Like I am ready to take on the day!  Like, I've already run, what else can I take on? 

So, as marathon training started ramping up, I started getting up at 4am.  The stupid thing is, I set my alarm for 4:05am but don't usually get out and run until 6am!?!  WHY???  Well, I'm a creature of habit, and I have this morning routine - or ritual, or whatever - that I just have to do.  I even try and stick to it on race days (sans kitties, if it's not local).

This is my routine:

Alarm goes off.  Sometimes, like this morning, I wake up way before it buzzes and have to decide - do I just get up?  Do I try and go back to sleep?  (This morning, I just got up, even though I ended up taking a 30-minute nap before actually getting out the door.)  Sometimes, it goes off and I ignore it, but eventually the thought of having to run AFTER work gets me out of bed.

Make smoothie.  If I haven't made it the night before, that is.  My morning smoothie usually contains:

• banana (half or whole one, depending on the size)
• hemp seeds
• flaxseed
• dried mulberries OR goji berries - depends on what i have on hand, if I'm out, then I skip this
•  spinach - if I have it on hand
• cinnamon
• matcha powder
• cacao powder
• ginger powder
• half of an avocado - if I have one
• half of an apple - preferably Granny Smith (organic) but will substitute any type of organic apple  

Now, this isn't set in stone, as it depends on how lazy I've been when it comes to grocery shopping - so if I run out of something I may just skip it, or substitute something else, or throw something else in (like blueberries - LOVE blueberries!) to make it more substantial.

Drink smoothie, play Simpsons Tapped Out, cuddle with kitten!  I know there are people who just jump out of bed and go run.  I am not one of those people.  Even though I try and run early, I enjoy my morning relaxing time, which includes these things.  It is what it is.  Everyone has their thing, right?  I mean, lots of people have coffee and read the paper before work, right?  Well, I guess this is my version of that.

Eventually, get up, get dressed, and go run.  I really try to be out by 6am.  There's been a few times during the week, when I've had work commitments, that I've been out by 5am.  Weekends can vary, but I try to balance the desire to stay in bed with the desire to not be out running in the heat of the day!  Lately, though, I've been getting out a bit later.  

Part of that relates to, I guess, another reason why I started running in the mornings during the summer - it was light out early!  That was pretty great, but now as the days get shorter, it is darker when I start...but, if I'm going to continue running in the mornings through fall/winter, then I need to get used to running in the dark.  I have a light.  I have routes that are well-lit (I see MANY people running without lights at all!) so there's really no excuse.

Of course, I'm not 100% sure I WILL stay running in the mornings as the weather changes.  I may have to adapt once again, switch back to evenings to take advantage of the *warmer* part of the day. 

Here's the thing, though, about always trying to run in "ideal" conditions.  It will come back to bite you!  Seriously, I was reminded of this on Friday.

Friday night was the Harvest Moon Hustle in Elmwood, Nebraska.  It started at 7pm.  It was hot.  And humid.  And not very breezy.  So, it kinda sucked.  I've been purposely running at the coolest time of the day, but taking that easy route definitely made the race tougher.  Maybe I figured since I'd run some races in June where it was also hot, that I'd be okay, and I also figured I'm still fairly acclimated given my long runs have been closing in on mid-day by the end...it also may have thrown me off, running at night.  So, I guess it may be good to keep mixing up my runs a bit, especially as I prepare for more intense races.

Anyways...I'm rambling.  This was supposed to be a quick post about morning running!  I'll end it with this - if you want to become a morning runner, there are some tips and tricks out there, but really, the biggest thing is you have to WANT to become a morning runner.  
 
And, finally - some pics from the race on Friday!

Before the race!

Check out my totally-coordinated Saucony outfit!  ha ha ha ha I even wore shoes I haven't worn since the Las Vegas Half Marathon (a half size too small now) just to be all matchy-matchy

Another race, another finish.  My main purpose doing this race was so that I would earn the BRIN Blackout Medal for doing all three races in the series - Leprechaun Chase in March, Cornfield Cornfield in June, and this one.

This is the BRIN Blackout Medal.  It is kinda cool, but I'll admit, I was a little disappointed when I received it after the race.  I thought, this is ALL I GET for running THREE races??  But, it is nice and has all three races listed on it.

Back of the medal

And so it begins....

I've been thinking about starting a running blog for awhile, but I think now is finally the time.  Why?  

Why not?

No, seriously, because in less than two weeks I will be doing my first marathon, and in 2019 I will attempt to run at least 5, but possibly 7, 50K trail races as part of the 50k MashUp!

I signed up for the marathon just under a year ago.  Back in 2015, when I first started running, I always said I would NEVER NEVER NEVER run a marathon.  I said, there isn't ANYTHING I would want to do for 5 hours, why would I want to RUN that long?  (And, let's be real, it is probably going to take me well over 5 hours to complete the race!)

But, something has happened over the past three years, I guess, and now I am one of "them".  Yes, "them", you know, those annoying people who get up at 4am to go run.  Those who talk incessantly about pace, and PRs and races and nutrition and bonking and all those other things runners talk about.  Those who will get up early on the weekend just to go run for a "free" t-shirt and a medal.  (I'm not going to say "cheap" medal because some of them are really pretty sweet!)

So, yes.  I'm a runner now, and it has become much more than it was when I started three years ago.  Maybe it is my mid-life crisis.  Maybe it is the way I stay sane.  Maybe it is the way I stay connected to nature.  Maybe it is just a chance to get out and make sure I don't succumb to my innate laziness...but no matter, it is now a part of me and how I identify myself.

I wanted to chronicle my attempt over the past year to get to the marathon, but failed miserably.  Oh, I have a nice, bound journal that I've written in a few times, but mostly those entries have only been over the past month or so - once my long runs truly started getting long.  I missed out on those early thoughts of why, and how, and feel my mindset has changed a lot since the beginning of the year, and now I can't go back and truly feel those same feelings and express those same thoughts.

Instead, I will try and blog my way to 7 50K races in 2019...and, IF the stars align, possibly end this insane attempt with the Barkley Fall Classic.  Given how difficult this race is to get into, it's unlikely, but I'm going to try.

Given my running history, I don't know if I'll be successful in this grandiose, INSANE plan, but what the hell.  If I'm going to set a goal, I might as well aim high and totally go for it!

As a reminder of both the highs and lows - here are some pictures from the Dances With Dirt Devil's Lake Trail Half Marathon back in July.  To date, this is the most difficult race I've ever done ...I'm sure that will not be the case after 2019!

Ah, the beginning when everything was awesome!

A bit of a look for the camera, I think i was a bit surprised by it.  (BTW, those are MARATHON runners coming up behind me!)

Ah, the pain!  I love it!  it's so glorious being out here in the woods!

I almost look like I'm running "fast" here!

I feel this is a bit of a contemplative picture. 

The finish line!  Finally!

Oh shit, everything hurts, but I'm done! 

I did it!  Can I stop yet?

Normally I wouldn't post this - it's a terrible face I'm making, but it's a pretty accurate reflection of how I felt.  I was trying not to cry.  I mean, yes, I was in pain, but I also felt like I'd accomplished something AMAZING!  Overwhelmed with emotions!