Conquering the Marathon

Its been almost a week now since I completed the Nike Women's Marathon. The experience was worlds different from my first marathon. Last year, I was on the course participating on my own, but had so many friends and family come out to line the streets of Chicago and cheer for me. That support carried me a long way, and I knew I was going to miss having it this time around.

Instead, in San Francisco, I knew that I'd be running the course as part of a group. Not only would my local Redwood Wine Country chapter be present, but Team In Training as a whole would make up nearly 1/4 of the event's 20,000 participants! There would be a sea of purple on the course - along with TNT coaches, captains and mentors - and I could only hope that they would step in and help Mark cheer me along to a successful finish.

Through Team In Training, we were provided with hotel rooms in San Francisco's Union Square for the nights both before and after the event. It was a huge relief to not have to worry about driving an hour into the city, finding parking, and making my way to the start line by 7 am.

Even so, by 4:50 am on Sunday morning my roommate, Stephi, and I were awake, getting dressed, and eating our pre-race mini peanut butter and jelly bagel sandwiches, making sure we were in the lobby for our team's 5:30 am designated meeting time. After a little pep talk, we hopped on a shuttle bus to the start line, and by just after 6am, were shivering as we worked our way through the pre-race routine of porta potty stops (2, just to make sure), hydration attempts, and gear check. My sleeveless singlet and shorts were doing little to keep me warm in the 50 deg air, and I wished I had remembered the trick of wearing a trash bag - with holes cut out for my head and arms - to keep me warm.

Audrey, Melinda and Lindsey at the Start Line

By 6:45am, I was huddled at the start line with my running buddies Melinda and Lindsey, with whom I intended to run the beginning of the race. They convinced me to start with them in the 9:00-9:59 min/mile pace group, and although I was a little nervous about the fast pace, I conceded. I had trained with these two all season long, and thus knew that I would not keep up with them for the entire event. Even so, I was determined to try to run with a group for as long as possible - it would help to keep me motivated.

At 7:00am, with the sun not quite up yet, the start horn sounded, and we were off! It was challenging for the three of us to try to stay together as we weaved through the start crowds. By mile 2 we had started to warm up, and daylight was breaking. We were keeping a steady and comfortable pace and the pre-race hydration had worked - no need to break with the large crowds at water stops 1 and 2! After much deliberation, I had also decided to wear the fuel belt that I trained with. Good decision, because I never actually needed the water stops (again, so different from last year!)

Somewhere around mile 5, I looked to my left and saw my inspiration. Sarah Reinersten was on the course, running! For those of you who don't know the story, I met this amazing woman - the first woman above-the-knee amputee to complete an Ironman Triathlon - at a conference earlier this year, and she is the reason I ever started to consider running another marathon. Her words to me were The marathon is waiting for you...Run Strong!

I couldn't believe she was there. I wish I had been able to think to say more then "Sarah!" and wave hello. Seeing her carried me up and over the hills between miles 6 and 10. I was on top of the world!

First view of the Pacific Ocean, just after mile 10.

As we entered Golden Gate Park, I was already feeling the miles. I started to focus on seeing Mark at mile 14, but was getting worried because Lindsey and Melinda seemed to be picking up the pace. I could feel myself struggling to keep up, and at mile 12 after another set of hills, finally dropped back and yelled ahead "You guys go - I'm going to slow down".

Quickly, my senses came to me. Was I really going to start walking at mile 12? I knew I could keep up with them for longer. If I didn't I would be on my own for the remaining half of the race. I sped up and caught back up with them. "Just kidding - I'm still with you guys," I said. Another good decision.

Just after mile 14, I looked up ahead and saw Mark! Lifting my arms over my head, I started waving, and he saw me, posing the camera to take an action photo. "I'll see you up ahead, what' your pace?" he yelled (once he realized that I wasn't slowing down to greet him - I couldn't! I had just made up my mind to keep running with the group). I had no idea.

At mile 14, Lindsey and Melina going strong - Audrey, a little tired:)

We continued through the park and onto the Great Highway, where we saw Mentor Jenn, cheering and clapping for us. She had just finished the half-marathon, and was already out on the course to support the other runners. We started to look for Lindsey's family, and around mile 16, we saw them. Lindsey's Mom, who ran the race last year, joined us on the course and kept us company for the next two miles!

Mile 18 was going to be a big one. Mentor Joel had told us at the pasta party the night before that he was going to run with whoever got to mile 18 first. We kept talking about how great it was going to be to have his support, and there he was up ahead! I was faltering, and was falling behind the group. One last little burst of speed caught me up to where Lindsey and Melinda had started to run with Joel, and I waved hello, and let them know I was dropping back. This time I really meant it.

Mile 18 is where I began my run/walk marathon. My body hurt, and I was out of breath from having run the first 18 miles so quickly. I had to slow down, but also knew that there were still 8 miles ahead of me. Mark sent me a text message to see where I was - I think he feared that he might not make it to the next point on time. I called him back to reassure him - I was slowing down, and it would be a while before I got to 21. "Don't worry," he said, "you're doing great! Take your time - I'll be here when you get here. I'm so proud of you honey!"

And my slow circle around Lake Merced began. At times, I think I walked more than I ran. This part of the course I knew would be tough. I was so thankful when I got to 21, and saw Mark again. This time, he got a hug, and I grabbed his hand and asked him to walk with me for a bit. It was so great to have the company for a few minutes before starting up again!

Meeting Mark at mile 21.

At this point, I was taking little swigs of GU (I had emptied 5 packets into that little bottle on the front of my belt) every 2 miles, praying for bursts of energy. During one of my swigs, a photographer started taking photos as he closed in on me. He jogged beside me and introduced himself as a photographer for the San Francisco Examiner, gathering my name and asking what I was doing. No photo in that paper, but still pretty cool!

Somewhere around mile 24, I realized that even with slowing down, I might still make my goal or a 4:30 marathon. I couldn't believe it! A race photographer must have caught me as I re-committed myself and ABSOLUTELY knew that I was going to finish!!!

Pumped!

The last 2.2 miles were where I most appreciated having my name on my shirt. Hearing "Go Audrey! You Can Do It!", and "Keep Smiling, Audrey, You're Almost There!" was wonderful. I had also received the same type of encouragement all along the course in text messages from Melissa. The TNT support along the course was amazing, and mentors and coaches from all over the country made sure to ask me how I was doing.

At mile 26, I finally saw Coach Kathleen, who started to run beside me, and then pointed ahead where Coach Renie and Mentor Joel were waiting to run me to the finish line. I was thrilled to see them, and couldn't help but smile as Joel yelled "Alright!! There she is"! Joel lifted his arms up, and pointed to me, getting the crowd to cheer me on. At they ran on either side of me, they thanked me for the great job I had done, and reminded me of all work and effort I had put in. My heart started to race as I realized the enormity of the moment. "I Did It," I said. And then I yelled, "I actually DID IT"!!! I was pumped up, and just before the finish line, they patted me on the back and dropped back, saying "This is your moment - enjoy every minute of it"!

Crossing the final timing mat!!!

I was elated as I crossed the finish line - officially in 4:26:34! I had even beat my goal!!! The emotions were overwhelming, and the feeling of accomplishment was unlike anything I have ever experienced. I couldn't keep the tears from falling as I picked up my finisher's medal, and shirt.

And although I was smiling, the tears kept falling - I felt amazing, and so incredibly proud of myself. Finally, I had experienced the amazing feeling of completing a marathon that I had been told about, but missed out on in my experience last year!

I DID IT. I CONQUERED THE MARATHON!

I hope I never lose the memory of how I felt last Sunday. My eyes still well up with tears when I think about it.

It was amazing. Incredible. I LOVED IT.

Run Like a Girl

Its the official motto of the Nike Women's Marathon.

Which is why rather than a pre-event Fitness Expo, we get an "Expotique", complete with complementary maincures,

foot massages,
and back massages.

Yep, its good to be a girl!

That's my name on the wall outside of Niketown:)

Training in the Windy City

Just got back from a week in Chicago:) As I was recovering from last weekend's awesome marathon training run, I was reminded of another recent trip back home where I had the opportunity to do a Saturday morning run along Lake Michigan.

We were staying with Mark's dad, so I began the run at 55th Street, and made my way north towards downtown. It was a cool and cloudy day with a few sprinkles - perfect running weather - and I loved every minute of the 10-mile run.

As I was leaving, I turned back to grab my cell phone, remembering just how much fun I had documenting my run in San Francisco last year. Here are the snapshots I took, some better than others:

Cloudy Chicago Skyline

Shedd Aquarium

Soldier Field (GO BEARS!)

Gold Star Families Memorial and Park

Waterfall behind McCormick Place

20-Miles Strong

With 2 of my running buddies, Lindsey and Kandyce - 20 miles conquered!

Looking back on the last few months of blog posts, I realized that not only have the postings been scarce, but they have also done a very poor job of documenting my marathon training experience. Last year, I shared story after story of my journey, and this season with just four weeks to go I'm sorry to say that I've given you nothing.

Training has had its fair shares of ups and downs, with the ups far outweighing the downs this time around. I started out with a great pair of shoes that have given me no trouble with blisters and callouses. Best of all, its the right type of shoe for me, correcting the knee issues of last season. Hallelujah! Still, even with best support in shoes out there, I still over-pronate and have turned to supplemental arch supports help reduce shin splints and keep me from more serious injury.

Aside from the mechanics of it all (is there really more than that?!?!), the Team In Training experience has been amazing. I'm proud to be running and fundraising for this great organization, supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I've met some amazing people -both fellow runners, and team honorees - that have inspired and encouraged me along the way. Injury prevention clinics and track workouts have been scheduled over the course of the last few months for our benefit. And I am beyond thankful for having a group to share my long endurance runs each Saturday morning.

These events are so well planned, with courses mapped, miles marked and water stops (with ice, water, Gatorade, pretzels, energy bars, Gu's - you name it), that I look back to last year as I tried to do 14, 16, 18 miles on my own, and I cringe. This morning was the peak of it all with a 20 mile run, in San Francisco, with all the local chapters present for the event.

Living near the race destination sure has its benefits! We did a "course preview" running a fair portion of the Nike Marathon course. Let me tell you, there were hills that challenged me to no end, and it was grueling and tough, but I finished it and now feel more prepared than ever for October 19th!

And when it was all over, we crossed the street and submerged our tired legs in the Pacific Ocean! It was the most refreshing feeling I've ever experienced - the perfect way to ice the soreness away.

Bring on the cold!

Icing our sore legs in the Pacific Ocean - amazing.

Quality Friday: Team in Training

In my brief stint as a (self-proclaimed) runner, I've participated in a few of events that have challenged my endurance and have tested my will. Usually, the reason I've participated in these events has been to push myself to new limits, to prove something to myself. From 8K to 10K to half-marathon to marathon, I've tried to run faster, run longer, run further. Admittedly, the focus has usually been me and my ability to run.

On a few occasions, I've coupled a fun running distance (5K) with raising money for a charitable organization, and these have been fulfilling for a completely different reason. Perhaps it had something to do with a shift in my focus. On those days, my running - the whole event - was to honor, remember or benefit someone else.

I imagine that the disappointment I experienced after last year's marathon would have paled in comparison to the joy I would have felt for the steps I'd taken to strengthen a cause. And as the miles of training wore on me, had I been thinking of someone else's struggle (rather than my own), perhaps I would have been uplifted and inspired to honor them or uphold their memory.

I was reminded of this again after failing to be selected for the Nike Women's Marathon earlier this spring.

This year, through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program, I'm hoping to re-define why I run. I'm healthy - one of the greatest blessings God could ever give me. There are many people in this world who aren't as fortunate. Maybe my health, my ability to run, can help make a difference in their lives.

Team in Training is celebrating their 20th Anniversary in 2008. In the past 20 years, they have raised more than $850 million to support patients with blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, by working with doctors and scientist to find cures for these diseases.

Did you know that leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children under the age of 20? That every 5 minutes another child or adult is diagnosed with a blood-related cancer? The research is working, though! Twenty-five years ago, only 5% of children diagnosed with leukemia survived. Today that survival rate has increased to 81%!

This training season, I'm hoping to do a small part to keep that survival rate rising. I'm both excited and nervous to be taking on this challenge - a large fundraising effort and the dedication needed to succeed at another marathon.

I hope you join me on this adventure! I'm sure I'll share my training updates here on my blog, and I've also included a link to my Fundraising Page where you can check in on my progress. Whether you're able to support me through donations or through your prayers for a injury-free season and encouragement along the way, I am grateful.

Happy belated Quality Friday.

Why I Love Vancouver, BC

This week finds me back in what is quickly becoming one of my favorite cities of all time. With each of my six visits over the past year, I have found myself loving Beautiful British Columbia more and more. I realize (in perusing my previous blog entries) that I've never really shared just why I *heart* Vancouver, save a brief mention with no follow up, and a single photo that doesn't even begin to do it justice.

Sadly, my pictures have no way of finding their way onto my computer at the moment. This time, however, I PROMISE to post them when I get home. And when I do, I guarantee that you'll begin to see just why I adore this place.

Enough about what I can't show you, though!

Today's reason for loving it here? They have the coolest running lounge, which I visited today after a L O N G day week at work requiring a mind-clearing run. I've gotta give it up to Nike and their marketing team for this fabulous place. They don't sell anything, rather they're outfitted with Apple computers and snacks, running gear (all Nike, of course) and storage lockers to provide a service that I, for one, truly appreciated.

So how does it work? Basically, I stopped by, laced on a pair of new shoes, powered up an IPod Nano to test out their Nike+ Training system (guess who wants one now?), borrowed a jacket, and headed out for a 7K group run through Stanley Park. And on my return, I was handed some Gatorade and a towel and offered a selection of post-run NutriGrain bars and smoothies. Seriously, what could be better?

This afternoon's running path. Photo from http://www.seestanleypark.com/.

And the verdict is....

Thank you for your interest in the 2008 Nike Women’s Marathon. Unfortunately, your name was not selected through this year’s random drawing process. We received over 30,000 registration entries, and we can only accept 20,000 runners.

I guess I can't expect to win EVERY random drawing:) Honestly, I'm not sure whether to be disappointed or relieved. A little bit of both is to be expected. Whereas I had started to psyche myself up for another training season, the truth is that thought of scheduling long runs into my life again does make me cringe a little.

When I signed up, I felt great about taking myself out of the decision process, so I should be okay with this response, right?

Well then why does this part of the e-mail catch my eye?

But there is good news: there are other ways that you can still participate. Team In Training. Training. Support. Inspiration. Team in Training, our partner through race beneficiary — the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, still has registrations reserved. If you would like to participate in the 2008 Nike Women’s Marathon through Team in Training, call 800.482.TEAM or check out the link below. Participate with Team in Training »

Quality Friday: Back on Track

Its always a challenge for me to get back into the groove of exercise after letting it fall to the wayside. The most difficult part for me is mustering up the motivation to start over again.

As I've said before, I have a tendency to be an all-or-nothing type of girl when it comes to exercise. As much as I've tried, I still haven't learned how to make it a consistent part of my life. I either work out like crazy, going to the gym for hours a day or I sit on the couch for months thinking about starting again. Kind of like I've done this winter.

Over the last few weeks, my business trips have taken me to lovely hotels with nice fitness centers - and I've made a point of using them every morning of my stay. They certainly got the ball rolling, but it wasn't until this past weekend that I finally felt like I was back.

On Sunday, the 70 degree sunshine coaxed me into my very first run outside since October. The weather was perfect, I discovered a new waterfront route, and as hard as the four miles [also the longest distance I've run in 5 months] were for me physically, I felt AMAZING. It wasn't until that moment that I realized how much I've missed running.

As a goal-driven person, I've found that the thing that makes the most sense in my quest for consistency is to sign up for an event. Races are concrete endpoint to work towards, which helps to motivate me. With these inklings floating about in my head, in early February at my company's National Sales Meeting, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet, listen to, and be inspired by Sarah Reinertsen - an amazing athlete and the first woman with a leg amputation to complete an Ironman.

Sarah shared the story of her first attempted to finish the Kona Ironman World Championship in 2004, and how she was disqualified when she failed to meet the qualifying time for the bike leg by 15 minutes. Her dream was incomplete that year - a story that resonated deeply with me as I reflected on my own first marathon experience.

"To Audrey - The marathon is waiting for you. Run strong!"

Even with her inspiration, until this week, I hadn't even CONSIDERED another marathon for 2008. And then all of a sudden, my run on Sunday had me thinking about doing one again soon. And thinking, and thinking.

Wouldn't you know it? Yesterday, I found myself signing up for the random drawing for the San Francisco Nike Women's Marathon. [I know, even as I type this my heart is racing. Am I really doing this again?!?!] On April 1, I'll find out whether my name was selected. AHHHHHH!

For now, though, its kind of nice not knowing. I can spend the next few weeks continuing to work on consistency and getting back on track.

a marathon to remember

..it doesn't matter if we don't finish within our goal time -- or don't finish at all. what matters is that we tried, that we enjoyed the process. what matters is that we got out there."

~ john bingham

i woke up sunday morning ready to take on the world. every part of me was confident that by mid-afternoon i'd have completed my very first marathon, and i was looking forward to the thrill of the day. after weeks [and weeks and weeks] of living and breathing running, race day had finally arrived.

i quickly showered and applied a thick layer of spf 70 in anticipation of the expected heat, consumed my favorite race-morning meal of waffles covered with peanut butter, bananas and syrup, grabbed my race gear, and we were off.

ready to run

good 2 go

by 7:45am, i had found a spot at the start line, surrounded by nearly 35,000 other runners. i could see the 12 min/mile pace group nearby, and realized that i was further back than i wanted to be, but there was just no way to push forward to get to the 10 min/mile group. already, the temperature was in the mid 70's - much warmer than i had hoped - and i reminded myself that i was going to need to start slow.

at 7:59 the horn sounded and the crowd erupted in cheers. the elite athlete were off, and 20 minutes later my timing chip beeped as i crossed the start to music that had me pumped to go. mile 1 felt great. i had no knee pain, adrenaline was coursing through my veins, and the only thing i needed - already - was some water. as i checked my pace, i realized that i was running faster than i should have been, so i reminded myself, again, to slow down.

i saw the signs for water and gatorade as i rounded the corner, and was relieved. but as i approached, i quickly realized that there none left. "not a huge deal," i reassured myself as i moved forward, "i'll just get some at the next stop." yet i couldn't help but panic a little when i heard someone comment that if the aid stations didn't have water, they would just head off-course to buy some at a 7-11. my mind raced... what?!?! i hadn't brought any money! why didn't i think to bring money? what if there was no water for me to drink?!?!

thankfully, i found something to drink, but it was a battle to hydrate all along the way. for the first 8 miles, the water and gatorade stops were in complete disarray. there were no filled cups neatly lined on tables, ready to be handed out by volunteers. instead, many stations were completely empty, and volunteers were yelling "keep going - water at the end of the block". i pushed my way through lines, even grabbing a used cup to have it refilled when all the new cups were gone. at one point, i even stopping a runner with a huge jug of water, and begged for a drink.

hydration aside, battling the heat was another challenge. the temperatures soared to 88 degrees, and we were all struggling to keep cool. shop owners and residents all along the route had pulled hoses out to spray us down in an effort to help keep the runners cool. i assure you, it would have been a far different day, had it not been for the support of the thousands of chicagoans lining the course. i ran through lincoln park, bucktown, greektown, little italy, i was met with encouragement. it was exhilarating to hear the cheers, the clapping, and until the letters of my name feel off my shirt, i had hundreds of people cheering for me by name. "go audrey!" "You Can Do It Audrey!" "WAY TO GO AUDREY!"

and as i ran, accepting that i was dropping further and further off pace due to the heat and humidity, all i could think about was the next time i would see another family member or friend. i kept scanning the crowds that i passed for familiar faces, and was so thrilled to see my cheering coworker at mile 5, that i stopped to give her a sweaty hug! my mom met me with a hug and a banana at mile 6, and mark and leslie with high-fives and yells of "KEEP GOING AUDREY" at mile 7.

the list goes on and on. i saw my coworker again at mile 10, just missed mark and leslie at mile 12, saw my mom two more times at miles 13 and 16. melissa, kjersten, esther and grace met me at mile 15. and brandon surprised me at mile 17, where he started to bike alongside me for a bit. it was each of these individual moments that motivated me to keep going. the oppressive heat, the pain that found its way back into my knee, the mental struggle were all but forgotten when i saw the face of yet another one of my amazing supporters.

a photo text sent by my mile 15 support crew

still, it was impossible to ignore that impact of the heat that day. every aid station along the way was full. sirens could be heard almost constantly, and chicago had to call in EMTs from neighboring suburbs to help treat and the many people who suffered from heat exhaustion or heat stroke. as i crossed the timing mat at 30K (ashland and 15th street), i saw a man surrounded by about 8 other runners as one person applied CPR and another pumped his chest. i remember slowing down to pray for him and for clarity for myself, as i evaluated for the 10th time that day how i was truly feeling. was i pushing myself too hard? should i continue on?

i was fine, but others were not. over 300 people were taken to hospitals. one man died, and i later realized that he was likely the same man i saw. devastating.

i kept going. at some point, i realized that it hurt more to walk than to run, so i ran. soon after, i heard a voice behind me, and realized that it was my dear friend, kathy, who mark and i had supported in last year's marathon - an experience that inspired me to run this year. i was elated! we hugged, and decided to finish the race together.

shortly after mile 20, a woman's voice could be heard repeating "the marathon has been cancelled due to the heat. slow down - do not run. the marathon has been cancelled". cancelled!?!? at first i didn't understand. what did she mean, cancelled? chicago had never cancelled a marathon before. i had just run 20 miles, and knew i could do 6 more (or at least, i thought i could). up ahead of us, firefighters had opened hydrants to cool us down as we slowed to a stop. i was disappointed and i started to deflate. all that wasted time and effort - my weeks and weeks of training - had been in vain. i wasn't going to finish.

i knew that mark, norman, leslie, jonathan and casandra were all waiting at mile 21, and wylene, reggie, josh and kim were at mile 23. i called them all to tell them that the race had been cancelled. i walked ahead to find my mile 21 support crew who had started to walk towards me, and we met with hugs. as we headed back towards chinatown together, we debated what to do.

at some point i decided that i wanted to at least walk to the finish. mark quickly said that he'd walk with me, and soon jonathan and casandra chimed in that they'd do it, too. we met brandon, and later my mom, and together walked to remaining 6 miles to the finish line.

i can't tell you how amazing it was to have this group with me. i thank them, again and again, for helping me to end the race on a positive note. had i taken the shortcut back, had i boarded one of th many busses sent out to cart us to the finish, i would have been even more disappointed.

brandon, jonathan, casandra and mark - my six-mile support crew!

with my biggest fan:)

reggie, wylene, josh and kim - still waiting at mile 23! AMAZING!

five down, only one more to go

crossing the finish in 6:22:29. sigh.

to keep me warm?

finisher's medal

thanks for the flowers, honey!

so almost a week later, how do i feel? will i run another marathon? i'm not sure. my knee and my body are still recovering. i have mixed emotions about the day, the events throughout, and especially about seeing my finish time published in the paper and on the marathon website. i didn't get to feel that amazing feeling as i crossed the finish-line that i've been told about by many marathon veterans. in fact, i don't even know for sure that i can run 26.2.

one thing that i do know, is that i'll never forget last sunday for as long as i live. from the start to the finish its filled with countless memories and stories that i can, and will, tell for a lifetime.

yes. it certainly was a marathon to remember.

countdown: 24 days

with just over 3 weeks until my first marathon, and with the recent emergence of some training difficulties, this story gave me my much needed inspiration today:
*************************************************
The most beautiful site

Just as impressive as Chicago's historic landmarks are the random acts of kindness and sportsmanship you'll witness throughout race day. Carey Pinkowski, who's marking his 18th year as race director, recalls his fondest moment: In 1999, now four-time champion Khalid Khannouchi was at mile 15 with the elite men going west on Adams when the group came up on a physically challenged runner. "Out of the back of the pack, Khannouchi darts across the street, puts his hand on the man's shoulders and gives him a thumbs up, then darts back to the leaders pack." With all the pressure, the science behind the pace and the seconds that are so valuable, says Pinkowski, Khannouchi was willing to break away and encourage a fellow runner. He ended up winning that day in world record time: 2:05:42.

happy feet

okay, let's be honest here.

the last two weeks of training have been really tough on me.

i'm tired from all the miles i've been logging. i don't love getting up at 5am during the week to run before work, and i hate the thought of doing so on the weekends for a 2-3 hour trek. my runs lately (including at the triathlon) have found me a) feeling sluggish and exhausted, b) taking an excessive number of walk breaks, c) realizing that i haven't done much running in the heat, and heavenhelpme if its hot on october 7th and d) wondering what. is. going. on?

last weekend, i found myself wandering into a local running store to try to find the answer. i considered that perhaps my shoes needed some new insoles, to provide extra cushion, or maybe some shin supports would help ease the pain that was starting to find its way back into my legs. i had almost walked out with these two items, when mark encouraged me to let the sales person re-fit me for shoes.

through a digital analysis of my foot pressure points, and a jog on the treadmill, i found that not only had i been previously place in the wrong type of shoe (previously based on my arch rather than my running stride), but i was also in the wrong size.

i walked away that day with a new pair of shoes, and eagerly awaited my next run.

wouldn't you know that i was scheduled for an 18 miler the very next day? perhaps not the ideal place for a novice runner to try out her new shoes, but i did nonetheless. the first 12 miles were AMAZING. i felt great. in fact, my shin splints were practically gone. my pace was steady and my spirits lifted. i found myself filled with renewed excitement for the challenge ahead.

then somewhere in the last 6 miles the bubble burst. or rather, three blisters formed, and my knee started to ache.

tuesday, i had difficulty putting pressure on my right leg. the blisters didn't hurt too terribly. i decided that the shoes were again the wrong size (too small this time), and headed back for an exchange. the half size up didn't relieve pressure points, but this pair sure did!

asics gel nimbus 9

wednesday, i tried to run in new-pair-number-two, but the knee just wouldn't have it, so i kept it short and sweet (or should i say sweaty, from the rediculous amount of effort it took me to run just 3 miles?).

thursday, (after a number of ice treatments) the pain was gone, and i decided to try them again for a 9 mile run along the gorgeous centennial trail near my hotel. it was a picture perfect afternoon, ruined only by that constant ache in the knee.

the great news? pair number two fits perfectly - i have happy feet! now if only i can figure out what to do with the rest of my legs...

quality friday: go team!!

on sunday, team wildphins proudly completed the chicago triathlon as an international distance relay team!

this was the second year that my brother brandon, his girlfriend shruti, and i pooled our efforts together to compete in this challenging event. shruti kicked the team off on a fantastic start in her 1.5 km (0.93 mi) swim in lake michigan, brandon followed with a strong 40 km (24.8 mi) bike up and down lake shore drive, and i was able to bring us across the finish line after a 10 km (6.2 mi) run south along the lakefront past museum campus, down to 31st street and back.

during last year's race, with just 100 meters before the finish line i heard the sounds of helicopters overhead and saw motorcycles with camera crews racing past me as race officials warned "keep to the left - runners coming". shortly after, the first two professional athlete raced past me to cross the finish line amidst the cheers of hundreds of fans. as amazing as it was to be there for glory of their finish, it also quickly settled in that these pros, who began the race in a wave that started an hour and fifteen minutes after us, had managed to pass me in the last minutes of the race.

thus, our goal for 2007 was set...to "beat" the pros to the finish.

and we did! team wildphins finished in 3:00:23, 8 minutes before the winner crossed the finish line with an incredible time of 1:48:48.

shruti - getting ready to jump into the COLD water at monroe harbor

well done, shruti! here we are waiting in the transition area while brandon biked

brandon, after completing his bike down LSD (and yes, he did wear a helmet)
displaying our medals after a strong finish (i'm still pretty sweaty here!)

why wildphins, you ask? when we found that brandon's creative team name "more cowbell" was already taken, we opted for a tribute to the mascots of our alma maters!

a running tour of san francisco

in an effort to keep make my training a bit more fun, and to keep me motivated through a recent 15 mile run, i decided to take a trip into san francisco. i figured that the scenery and tourists would make the afternoon interesting, and i could focus on the sights of the city rather than any aches and pains. after all, i had never run more than 13 miles at that point

my plan was to park on the marin side of the golden gate bridge, head into the city, run past the marina, along the embarcadero, and all the way to the bay bridge. (at that point, of course, i'd turn around and head all. the. way back.)

as i started to make my way along the path on that surprisingly sunny and clear saturday afternoon, i pulled my cell phone out to snap a picture of the gorgeous view. and thus began my photo documentation of my running tour through san francisco:

city view from the golden gate bridge

golden gate bridge from s.f., after running across it

alcatraz

the palace of fine arts

ghirardelli square

powell & hyde cable car

pier 39

fisherman's wharf

world trade center on embarcadero

downtown

the bay bridge

marina

the stairs i had to climb before crossing back over golden gate. i definitely hurt by this point, but it was an enjoyable day, and so much fun to know that i'd get to share these with all of you!