Official training has begun!

 This past weekend, training began. I ran a short 4 miler in the fog on Saturday, and didn't sleep very well that night, I think just due to nerves & knowing of what I'm embarking upon is now becoming very real. Walter said to me yesterday morning after I got home from 11 miles, "How far away is April mom?" I said,"About 4 months." He paused to think before he responded with,"That's not very long at all." Swallowing hard I said, "No it is not son, not long at all." That little conversation gave me butterflies of excitement & nervousness about the actual day, but overall I felt good, and strong with a 1:37 time for my 11 miles.

Walter, the one in the blue t shirt & red shoes.

Saturday mornings will be devoted to Saturday Basketball through February (which I've personally come to enjoy a lot so far), watching Walter learn & go through drills that take me back to junior high. I pray he's a better ball player than me, oh how I pray for that. Here's to hoping that "Brick Wick" stops with me. Here in this photo, his coach asked him if the crazy 8 he was doing was difficult, Walter distinctly told him no, and its wonderful to see him take pride in this sport. He's quite the shooter also, but currently they are focused on dribbling & getting that to a higher level.

Crazy foggy weekend.

So with the winter darkness, comes more challenges of balancing time. When I started out at 6:39, it was still very dark, sunrise to begin at 7:39 a.m. I had an LED keychain flashlight with me, helping to guide my path, as well as my reflective vest, shoes & pants. I was so thankful for the insanely warm weather, I couldn't have asked for better & only required 1 layer of under armour; in December! That's unheard of! :)

A few additional thoughts regarding the early morning run.

1. Dogs sound far more ferocious when you cannot see them (Two short little hounds, who were as friendly as my own, sounded like attack dogs, ready to strike).

2. Your eyes have a difficult time telling what is real & imaginary (I make myself jump & scream a lot at imaginary bear, wolves, etc).

3. The LED came in very handy, especially with the fog. I recommend it.

Happy training...here goes nothin.'

It's butt cold out here, and I'm fresh outta beer...

Saturday night, Ryan said he was going to sleep in, so I thought I'd get up early, knock out a long run while the world is still sleeping, to test myself in the cold, & just to see how it would go. I checked my phone at 6:30 am on Sunday morning to find that the temperature outside was 21 degrees, real feel of 9. It's a bit nipply out. I mean nippy out, what did I say, nipple? Huh, there is a nip in the air though...

It is a full load of laundry to prepare for cold mornings like these. My layers included: winter tights, socks, thicker knee-high silly socks, UA base layer, UA sweatshirt, bright green vest, reflective mesh vest, cowl scarf for breathing, ear cover, stocking hat, hood, mittens, shoes.

I tie my shoes, take a deep breath, swallow my negativity, open the front door of my house to the elements, & take off. The winds are about 10 mph, I hadn't decided on where I was going to go until I knew the wind direction. I decided on a 10.5 mile route that hooks around by the Stockwell Sugar Bush & the wood burning stove smells that'll comfort me 1/2 way through.

I headed south & said good morning to the horses & donkey, backs covered in a soft blanket of snow, followed by the longhorn cattle. My negative thoughts kept trying to come back with frozen fingers reminding me of the chill in the air. Around 3.5 the cold escaped my fingers & transferred to my buns. I felt a little stiff, but just kept on going, being very watchful of the ground, patches of snow and ice.

I didn't bring my mp3, so I listened to the rhythm of breath, shoes on snow covered ground, and tried to focus on the beauty around me, instead of what my body was telling me about being outside. I got more into it the further I went, running by where I buy maple syrup is always a happy thing, it lightens my spirit & I started to enjoy it more just from the wood smells. 

I start to think about the seasons & how beautiful this corner of Ellsworth is to me. I like to do a few runs near here through the year; in the spring a flock of guinnea hens bark at me, summer, there's a lot of sunshine, and I've been on this corner in some HUGE rain storms that've developed mid-run. In autumn, the maple trees are just gorgeous.


As I move past the sugar bush,  I start to get a bit of anxiety over that darn South Maple hill...Am I going to try it today? or cut off early & cut across doing 9 miles instead...we'll cross that bridge when we get there. I get to the decision point & distracted, always hungry Heather starts to think about breakfast, instead of the darn hill & I keep on going, so my feet decided for me & I continue on. It was tough on the breath, having to push, and my scarf at this point had turned my steamy breath into icy crust (I'm going to have to figure out something different for the longer mileage times)...but I kept going & all was well. 

Made it home in 1:30 approx, and since we'd worked hard all day Saturday for Maxim's 4th birthday, I spent the rest of Sunday enjoying my family, baking sugar cookies, playing what Maxim calls "battle 'hip','' cuddling with my kitten, & reading a book called Shiver, which (embarrassingly) is a teenage love story about a werewolf, but I really have enjoyed it & I have learned its a series!

Momma' Don't Worry...

All I've ever wanted was to be accepted. ;P

The email made it real, but after finishing a run yesterday & checking the mail, finding this little postcard inside just made my day. 

Yesterday I ran to the voting booth after finishing work early. The faces of the women who volunteer to assist voters were priceless when I walked through the door. They all thought I was crazy in what they deemed my "shorty-shorts" when relaying the story to my husband upon his arrival to vote. The cute, little older ladies told him how they were all in the hall talking to each other about how cold it was inside of the building yesterday (48-50 degrees), and in I come with my stocking hat, t shirt & shorts. 

One of the sweet, little ladies asked me what I was training for & I told her how I qualified for the Boston Marathon, which scared her, and created the same face I see on my mom when I talk about the marathon coming next April. This woman at the voting booth, asked me if I was afraid, after the bombing on April 15, 2013. I am not afraid, I think that the idea will always be looming on every marathoner's mind running on Patriots' Day, but I think as Americans, running the world's oldest annual marathon, after such a catastrophe shows strength and patriotism, and I think of Tom Petty's song, Won't Back Down. 

My mom is nervous and has told me she didn't want me to run it before I was ever accepted or it was ever a thought. I am in God's hands and I'll be doing something I've dreamed of accomplishing for the past 6 years, never thinking it would be something I'd actually have the ability to do. Many tell me I shouldn't, I know there are downsides to running 3 marathons in my life, ...but I just gotta'. This will be my last one, (HUSBAND, Mom & Dad I promise), and then I'll probably change over to strictly biking for cardio.

I always think of the bible verse referencing how God takes care of the birds, Matthew 6:26-34:

"26 Look at the birds in the air. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds. 

27 You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it. 

28 "And why do you worry about clothes? Look at how the lilies in the field grow. They don't work or make clothes for themselves. 

29 But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. 

30 God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So you can be even more sure that God will clothe you. Don't have so little faith! 

31 Don't worry and say, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' 

32 The people who don't know God keep trying to get these things, and your Father in heaven knows you need them. 

33 The thing you should want most is God's kingdom and doing what God wants. Then all these other things you need will be given to you. 

34 So don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Halloween and Acclimating to Wisconsin Winter running

Halloween, my most favorite holiday. What costumes can we create that typically only our immediate family recognizes? I was Rosie the Riveter at school, and was asked to stop in to social studies classrooms, best $8.99 I ever spent. :)

My boys are big James Bond fans, and they were introduced to Jaws the shark this summer when we stayed in Bayfield, WI. After getting all snuggled into their pjs, after taking a jacuzzi bath, Jaws was the movie of the evening. They were not nearly as scared as I was when I saw it as a child. Anyway, in honor of Richard Kiel, famous "Jaws" from James Bond, and the To Serve Man Alien from The Twilight Zone, we wanted to dress the boys up as one of his characters. Maxim didn't agree (as is often the case) and Walter suggested they go as Jaws - Two Ways. I thought that was an excellent idea, and knew the shark costume would be an easy creation. I bought my first "grillz" online for Walter's metallic chompers and found some muted clothing and I think, other than his red shoes, we nailed it.

Walter loves dressing up & pretending, they both do. I took a few

photos prior to our Halloween night excursion, and these are some of those.Halloween is always crazy, running to grandparent's homes, aunts & uncles; Ryan & I were thankful it was on a Friday evening. Boys collected quite the haul & tried their darnedest to consume most of it Friday-Sunday. We aren't big candy people, well, I should say, I don't like to have it around, because it only beckons for me to eat it & I LOVE chocolate, so I don't like to have much junk in my house...except for my bittersweet chocolate pieces...shhhh...

So, to distract myself from the reeses, m&m's, and kit kats (I'm not saying I didn't have any at all, I DID), I went for a longer run on Saturday, despite the chilly temperatures. I figure, if my husband can sit out hunting in that cold, I can certainly run in it, and I better get started, its not going to get any easier the deeper we get into winter. I dug out the tights & under armour, and hit the pavement, at a nice clip to get my blood circulating and warming my core.

Saturday I took my 8 mile route, which for the most part is pretty decent, peaceful, etc. It is a hilly run, but the scenery is nice. The last 25% however, includes the daunting hill of South Maple. It is a hill, that deflates your spirits 1/3 of the way into it and then you see how much more hill you have to overtake. Mentally, I never want to keep running it, but I haven't ever stopped or even slowed to a walk. I keep going, though I slow down, I try to push as hard as I'm physically able to. Saturday it was more difficult than a summer day, the chill of the wind on my lungs I wasn't yet prepared for, I'm starting to become such a wuss the older I get. All reminding me thoroughly that I need to find all of my winter gear, maybe ask Santa for some smartwool socks, yaktraks, nicer mittens,  new tights...

Sunday was a complete game changer, I had shorts on, tall socks, and short sleeves. I was thankful for the warmer day though, it was nice to get out, enjoy the sunshine, amidst everything we have going on.

I got my new Boston shirt in the mail a couple weeks ago, though its still all surreal, I'm excited to say my training is beginning and continuing and like James Bond in Casino Royale, I'm ALL IN.

6 Months until Boston...

I just got an email noting this milestone and it seems so crazy how close it is. That is not a long way out. I'd like to have a good 20 weeks of training, 16 minimum before I go, but life has been full lately.

What a gorgeous autumn its been here in Wisconsin. I have to say, I haven't been running as much as I should, but I have logged a few miles here & there. Its been more fun to grab leftover corn after the combines have come through in the fields behind our home with my boys & dogs, play at the park & roll down the hill with Maxim, whose giggles are priceless. This is what is important right now.

Halloween costumes are DONE and I'm so excited for that. We've made apple butter & cider, begun carving pumpkins, and thanks to a bountiful year, we have MANY left to do (a few might make their way out to daddy's treestand), this will also lead to countless hours of roasting pumpkin seeds. Amidst harvest fun, getting ready for winter is another chore, we've also been finalizing our kitchen remodel & life has been very busy. The important things are loving my family & being there with my sons. The run will come. Though I'm not feeling my fastest, I'll improve in time. My only true worry is acclimating, but it has been such a wonderful fall here in Wisconsin, that too I hope is easy. So...milestones are coming, training plans are beginning, and winter is right around the corner, as is the muted sound of my tennis shoes on fresh fallen snow & Johnny Cash singing about blackberry jam cookin' in the pan melts into my ears & keeps me warm.

BALANCE. How does this relate to marathon training? I don't know, but its on my mind today.

I have a tough time with this 7 letter word. 

Balance between life, work, loving my family, workout, eating right (tough for this foodie-artisan-bread-lover), being mentally healthy, etc. I think we all struggle, but I saw my therapist yesterday, so it is forefront in my mind. I had a rough weekend last, not all of it, just a 7 year old birthday party that I get way too overwhelmed with, struggle with anxiety over everything being neat & tidy, my mother-in-laws approval of my home, instead of just, as my therapist says, "ENJOYING THE MOMENT." She mentioned a cartoon of a dog & man watching a sunset. They had cartoon bubbles reflecting their thoughts. The man's bubble had everything he needed to accomplish that day, every dramatic event in his life, etc. The dog's cartoon bubble: The exact sunset before him.

I want to be as free as the dog. I want to enjoy special moments with my husband & kids before its too late & they no longer have time for their annoying momma'. 

Most people do not know, because I laugh a lot & try to make light of the crap that fills my mind, but, I'm a bit of a depressive with high anxiety & other flares that are doctor terms for being a bit "messed up in the head." Whatever it stems from, however its created, it is my reality, and I'm trying to get to a place where it does not control me. Last weekend I had high anxiety flares. I didn't handle it well. I lost it, in front of my sons, setting them up to have issues with abandonment and anxiety when they are older, if I don't nip this crap & recognize when I need to walk away and not continue the flaring.

My therapist told me when I sense my anxiety flaring, I need to STOP. Recognize the emotions and how I'm feeling, the cause...(usually anxiety or depression), then go do something calming, until I can discuss/handle the situation rationally. Her suggestions were to take a bubble bath, read a book...etc. I thought about it, and for me it probably would be more of hitting the pavement in my sneakers, on my bike, or going to the gym to lift. These things calm me because, lets face it, who can be angry/emotional when you are asking your body to perform?

The morning I lost my dog Booker, my best friend (who shared a recliner with me for years, laid back like a human does), I went and lifted, listening to .In Loving Memory, by Alter Bridge on repeat. I cried through the whole workout, was thankful for a semi-uncrowded gym, but it helped me to push my body through that extremely tough time. Thinking about how we came to bring him home, eating sheet rock off of our bedroom wall, getting mixed up with the paint brush when I was painting the living room, as well as the countless times of how he would adoringly kiss your face and just be content to be with the family, in the shed watching the stars. Best. Dog EVER. 

Sometimes, just feeling my body struggle to lift, my muscles ache, my breathing rhythm, sweat melting the pain, it is very therapeutic. I also feel like even though my mind might be a whirlwind of chaos, that my body is strong & getting stronger, I can do 5 pull ups at a time now, where I used to not be able to do 1, as well as headstand push ups, and toes to bar work is getting far easier.

This is why I love the run. I love the peace it brings to my crazy soul. I love that in that moment, I have nothing else on my mind, I am ENJOYING THE MOMENT; the beauty, the SUNSET before me. To recognize that and bring it into situations at home is my challenge, but I'm on my way, one step at a time, like this journey. Putting one foot in front of the other & continuing until I reach the goal I set out to achieve. This week one night we read Max's favorite Dinosaur book where he copies every phrase I read, with as much enthusiasm as I put into the story. That combined with a back massage doohickey that tickles, created a celebration of giggles and what I truly needed that day. I was no where else, I was in my bed, laughing with my silly boys, enjoying that moment. I want that every day and I'm learning how to make it so.

BQ, Boston Qualifying to the laymen.

What a beautiful weekend we just had here in Wisconsin. I didn't hit the pavement at all, due to Walter's 7th birthday, garden harvesting, and the male bow hunting obsessions of my household. So much testosterone, Tim-the-Toolman-Taylor has nothin' on these boys.

So it almost being October, I'm reminded thoroughly of where I was last year around this time, I had run my farthest training distance, 17 miles. I always found that not reaching 20 miles, seemed to be fine for me & that when show time came, I'd be ready to push further. I remember how defeated I felt however, a week out, that my goal of qualifying for Boston might be out of the picture, because I just didn't have the fire & speed I once had. Was this just a wasted marathon journey? So many questions & so much doubt...BUT...start loading up on water, mentally preparing, laying out everything I need a week out, figuring out where I gotta' be, where to park, what to do, etc.

I remember heading for home that morning, and being about 2 miles from there, taking in the beauty of autumn in Wisconsin. Part of the draw towards running for me is the seasons changes, the smells, the sounds, the feeling throughout the year, the peaceful time with God. Listening to the rhythm of breath, shoes on pavement in a steady pace, and God's creation typically waking up as I gallop along. 

Summer, I love to go on a humid day, be completely drenched in sweat by the time I get home, or leave early, with the fog setting on open meadows, having the dew gather in my eye lashes.

Autumn, the air is so crisp, smells of fresh cut grasses, leaves changing color, its harvest time. So many animals greet me running across my path. 

Winter. Fresh snow, quiet stillness. Johnny Cash. My feet are the first tracks around my block, except for a possible pheasant trying to hide his coloring as he dashes across the road. Breathing & a good pace keeps me warm, except for my buns, which despite all of the under armour & layers, seems to freeze up every time. 

Spring. So much expected, especially this year. So many adventures ahead, newness, unknown explorations that the boys & I will venture on, plans for summer vacation, etc. Sounds of waters from the snow melt, running into the creek beds, you'd be amazed how loud they can get. Smells of earth slowly being uncovered, flowers blooming, newness & life. 

Anyway, mentally defeated or not, I began the mental preparation & physical prep marathoners go through. I am not always good at drinking loads of water in my daily life, but before a marathon, its all I think about. You want your muscles as supple as possible. I think of it as enjoying a really good steak, so tender, marbled, scrumptious. If you do not hydrate, that steak becomes well done; cramping & failure become prevelant, and this is when injuries occur. I get my music ready, get my clothes laid out. Figure out where to park, how the marathon is ran, shuttles, etc. I do not want surprises that will throw me off of my marathon time, I don't want to miss the National Anthem, I want to be at the start line early, ready, adrenaline-filled, and waiting.

I  left my house early, I think by 4 am, cup of coffee in hand, peanut butter toasts & banana consumed. I got to St. Paul, prepared my after race bag, checked, double & triple checked & got in the shuttle line, talking to other runners. 

"Are you running the 10-mile today?" 

"Nope, I'm running the marathon." 

"Oh wow, I'm only doing the ten miler. Is this your first time?" 

"Nope, second." and on and on we talked...

Sunrise

It was fun to get on the bus & observe everyone else, wondering, waiting, the bus was a pile of nerves & excitement. The driver, lost, confused, was she even from Minnesota? Somehow, with help from the runners, she got us to the Metrodome.

6222 (26.2 miles...Good luck race #)

I immediately found where I was supposed to bring my after-race sweat bag, dropped that, then nervously wandered to where I'd start, going back into the Metrodome, after grabbing a small cup of coffee, next to a bum, who swore to the volunteers that he was running today, (in the sandals on his feet & tattered slacks,..whilst smoking a cigarette). I went back inside, found one spot to sit down, against the wall, in a corner & listened to others talk about their training, watching them with all of their gear, so many compression socks these days & newfangled gadgets, sweat bands, ipods. Me, other than my SPI belt, chapstick & GU, I'm kind of a minimalist. I have ear buds, but I typically take them out so that I'm able to enjoy the crowd. After some nervousness, a trip to the bathroom (ok, maybe 4-5 trips...), I headed back out & watched the sunrise.

My fellow runners.

It was a cool morning, but the adrenaline keeps you warm & once everyone started lining up, you know, there's NO turning back, this is it, and you can't erase for a second that feeling that you've arrived & today is your day. The National Anthem, always brings tears to my eyes & I sing along, loudly. Gathering of individuals, with this passion for running, feeling so inspired to be apart of this American race, a final place where we gather, as trained individuals, with different paths here, for one joined goal. I have a lot of fun on this day, even though I'm a quiet person, I just cannot contain my excitement. 

The gun goes off & there are so many runners filtering through that it is about 7-10 minutes before you get to even drag your toe across that initial chip time line. Once you do however, its game on. That first mile is VERY fast, I like to weave in & out of traffic, in my first marathon, I had this man following me who told me I do quite well cutting through the masses.The bells of the cathedral are banging through the city, everyone whoops it up through the tunnels, its just so joyous. There is so much support in the Twin Cities, so many fun people there to support their family & friends. It is just a wonderful day, full of joy. After about 4-5 things spread out, everyone gets set into their pace.

Running down into the capitol.

I try to stick near the pace setters, I thought that if my goal was to BQ, I should try to stay near them to guarantee I get a qualifying time. For some reason, I misinformed myself about the BQ time, and thought the whole run that it was 3:30 for me in my age group, which meant I'd have to maintain an 8 minute mile, hopefully below that just to make sure I was in. I ended up passing the 8 minute mile group for about 10 miles,  I even caught up to the 7:45 group, then had them catch up & pass me as we got closer to the finish line. I got scared & a little mentally defeated, but I kept going, trying to catch back up. I felt the need to hit the bathroom a couple times throughout, but thought no, keep your pace, finish strong. Don't stop. I love running through the mansion area of St. Paul, and then down into the Capitol. It is so beautiful & it moves your heart so much to see the American flag draped with the capitol back drop. I kicked it down running into the capitol & I smiled so big at the camera people, I wanted my family to be able to see my happiness on this day & that momma finished her second marathon.

I knew before I saw the capitol building, that I might not qualify, but I was happy, despite that & so proud that I got this far today. I wrote my husband with my time of 3:32:28 shortly after I ran across the finish & said, I missed it, but I beat my last time by 24 minutes, which is a huge amount of time removed. I was sad, but still proud. 24 minutes, that's almost a whole minute off of every mile, that's a big deal. I was very emotional, and quite rapidly after I stopped running my body started to shut down & I got sick. Sometimes after pushing your body for that length of time, it affects runners poorly. After my first marathon, I wanted steak & beer & was just famished, but felt great. After this one, I just wanted to find my bed and a bathroom. My Aunt Patty, God bless her, came up to see me however & have lunch with me, since I was in the area & to celebrate this day with me. I had a hard time getting back to my car, and had to kneel down with tummy convulsions on my walk there. People were helpful to me, asking me if I needed assistance, but I just wanted to find my vehicle & get outta there. I found it, met my aunt and had a bit of sprite to help my tummy. It was wonderful to see her & I was so grateful to have her come, but I apologized, that after our short lunch I just had to get a move on & find my bed. 

All done & back to my car.

After getting home I think it was, its all kind of a blur, my husband could sense my disappointment, so he checked the Boston marathon website again for me,  excitedly informing me that I did indeed qualify, (I QUALIFIED) and that the time to beat was 3:35. I didn't believe him, until I saw it with my own eyes. I was elated, over the moon with joy, so pumped to even get to have the potential idea for a future goal in my mind. My best bud Nichole came over with her family to congratulate me. I was NOT doing well, I looked like I had the flu, my kitchen remodel in full swing, it wasn't the best time to visit, but she just was so proud of me. It touched my heart a lot that she cared that much & that her whole family came to tell me good job. 

I hope most of all from this big goal that I've achieved with qualifying for Boston, that my sons learn & keep close to their hearts, to never give up & push for what you want. Aspire. Strive. Press on. Try. Keep trying. Keep going. NEVER GIVE UP. Sometimes we fail, sometimes we doubt our abilities, but if you really try & give everything you have that's inside of you, you can achieve your dreams & goals. If you keep a positive attitude while you do it, well, then the sky is the limit (this is often my biggest challenge). I am thankful for those in my life who've been there to support me in whatever crazy goals I've set before myself. I can't wait to see what my kids achieve & I will be there to support them on those days also, I'll be their biggest fan & wish to help them in whatever way I am able, to infinity and beyond.

Fear. Excitement. Butterflies a Plenty.

September 15th, I clicked the button on the baa.org website, putting myself into the running for the Boston Marathon. The wait was long, and nerve-wracking. I continue about my daily routine, checking the website entrant database, for the 57th time to see if my name was listed...still not. Sigh.

September 22nd was supposed to be the day I might "Find out." None of it is certain, but after reading on the website, it seemed that I'd know by then. September 22 came and went, and I thought I might be out & that all of the work & dedication might be for just those times & experiences. Which I gladly carry in my memories and they still bring many smiles to my face, but I'd always have this empty spot for Boston.

Yesterday, September 24th, I am closing up all of my work documents & I'm just about to unplug my laptop, when I get a new email titled, "2015 Boston Marathon Confirmation Of Entry Acceptance." - I gasp, I stare at the screen. My gaping mouth, turns into the biggest smile I can muster, and I yell out "Woo-Hoo!!!" I was kind of glad my boss had left for the day. I danced and spun and thanked the Lord that I was able to go. I wrote to my husband, forwarding the email to him. I left work with an extra skip in my step.

Today is September 25th, my oldest turns 7 years old today and it makes me reflect on life & how greatly our paths have changed and grown since he came into our lives. When I was a kid I ran middle distance in high school. I was horrible at it. My best friend replaced me on the 4x400 relay team & they went to state without me. I was never an outstanding runner, and I never ran more than 2-3 miles, hating it the entire way. My coach, Mike Hall, took me with the middle-distance runners, seeing potential that I never knew I had. I was a good runner, not a fast sprinter, but I have developed strong endurance.

When I was 28, I ran my first 4 mile run. I remember wearing a cheap sports bra, over an under-wire one that I should have never put together & I still have a scar on my chest that will forever note that jumping off point. I just continued around the block to my house. I've done this hundreds of times since that day, but it was the initial step & I recall it being such a daunting beginning. Do I really think I can run 4 MILES?!? I was so fearful, just for that 1 extra mile. Now I don't even think about it & I feel I'm almost cheating myself out of further mileage when I take that "short" route. So weird how my sights have changed. 

Baldwin 10K

Hastings Run

Walter congratulating me after Ellsworth 10K

My first 10K was in Baldwin, my buddy Bridget asked me to go to this Booster Shot run with her, and I thought, aww heck, I'm not doing anything today, gotta' try to do one of these races sometime. Well, the end of it had this crazy, steep hill, and I saw others walking, but I was determined to keep pushing & 

River Falls 10K

finish it out without walking. I received 2nd place in my age category upon completion, and I was HOOKED. 

After a few local 10K's (Baldwin, Ellsworth, and River Falls),

Ellsworth 10K, with role model & friend Rob Larson.

I knocked down a half marathon in Red Wing, MN at the River City Ramble. My time was 1:47, and I was so proud that I ran it in under 2 hours. The last 5 miles was very challenging, but I kept my focus on this one woman, who just kept getting outside of my reach. A gentleman ran up behind me, who was also running that half, he must have been watching me for a while, because when I started to lose hope, and have her pull slightly away, he said to me, "You're not going to let her get away, are you? Kick it down!" I did, I didn't catch her, but I got up closer & came in right behind her. Its a huge mental battle as a runner, more so than physical for me personally. But a friend once told me, when I was defeated, that you just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Just keep running. I know, it sounds like a "DUH" statement, but sometimes, when you think you can't go on, and then you do regardless of fatigue, & thoughts of failure, it feels even greater to reach & surpass goals. 

My half finish.

Running in my bud Nic.

So a friend at work was talking to me about the Twin Cities Marathon & that I should try to run it. This whole notion seemed beyond crazy. Back then though, Runners World offered a free training guide, so I picked one up, signed up, and began training, thinking I might, but then again, I might not. My first 10 mile run was a game changer. My girl Jess & I ran to Bay City, via the creek road. She trained with me my entire first marathon. We were so elated when we finished & so proud that we hit our goal.

Fellow Half Marathoners, Jess & Nichole.

The best training run we ever ran was during the Flood Run season. We ran from Ellsworth to Maiden Rock, a 16 miler, and the motorcyclists were happy to "encourage us." I remember saying to her, "I know its cheesy, but their engine revs, hoots, waves, whistles are really helping me to continue on." That was the longest run I ran before my first marathon. I thought at the end that I could run 10 more miles, easy. 

MARATHON TIME

My first marathon was an emotional whirlwind. Having my husband find me around mile 18, and then again at 22, telling me to "kick it in the ass!" was just so helpful & I was very emotional during that run. I remember hearing "Sky Pilot" by the Animals, as I ran down the last .2 miles to St. Paul. Seeing the American flag, the capitol building, well, I could barely see the finish line through my tears, I was so ecstatic & my heart was so moved.

Seeing my hubby for the first time during Twin Cities Marathon.

I will write about my latest marathon in my next post. Here are a few additional pictures to document the first one.

Bitchy Resting Face.

Twin Cities Marathon.

Marathon finish.

Marathon finish.

St. Paul.

Pooped out finish.

This is getting quite lengthy. I'm just so excited for this opportunity & to be able to run a race I never thought I could achieve.