Freakin’ Marathon Runner

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Raven

“Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” The unofficial US Postman’s Oath derived from Herodotus’ Histories (8.98), referring to the courier service of the ancient Persian Empire.

On Sunday December 4th, those of us who were brave enough to fight the elements to run the Dallas White Rock Marathon, felt that message in our bellies. No matter the rain, no matter the cold, no matter the wind; we would run this race.

I had everything that I needed to get through this race; I trained diligently and had all the gear I could find that would help me get past the cold and the rain. It was one of the most mentally challenging moments in recent years I have had to work through. I had no choice; I needed to!

My alarm went off at 4 am and as I slid out of bed, I was trying to focus on what I needed to take care of before leaving. My head was a little foggy, because I tossed and turned all night; hearing thunder seeing flashes of lightning, and that pounding rain. I focused on my to do list – get dressed, feed the pups, get them out to potty, and the corral them back into their crates.

I went into the kitchen and made a small cup of coffee, and a toasted peanut butter, agave, and banana sandwich. As I took a moment to eat, I thought about the task at hand. I kept checking my list of gear that I was taking with me, and making sure that I had everything ready to go. This list helped keep me grounded.

I didn’t know what to expect as far as the race. I was pretty nervous and a little apprehensive, but I knew that this was something I needed to do. This race was something I trained for; very hard. I was not going to let rain get in the way of making my goal. If the race was stopped by race officials, then that was one thing, but I wasn’t going to stop this race. I was in the same boat as 29,999 other people so who was I to complain or puss out?

I finished my breakfast, pet the pups good-bye, grabbed the running gear that I bagged up the day before, and headed out to Fair Park. It was go time.

Continue reading →

Studies Show…

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Raven

Medical research suggests that endurance athletes are at increased risk for upper respiratory tract infections during periods of heavy training and the 1-2 week period following a marathon or similar event. At present there is no clear indication that chronic alterations in immune function explain this increased risk.

Following acute bouts of prolonged heavy endurance exercise, several components of the immune system are suppressed for several hours. This has led to the concept of the “open window” theory described as the 1-9 hour period following prolonged endurance exercise when host defense is decreased and the risk of upper respiratory tract infection is increased.

Well I could have told them that, and for less money.

You wanna know who I REALLY cannot stand right now?

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Raven

This guy!

I came down with a really nasty upper respiratory infection this week, and it has thrown me even further behind on updating my blog. I have lots to share about my first marathon. Hang tight, as soon as this glop is gone, I can think straight and get everything posted!

As a side note – the Z-Pack I was prescribed, RAWKS. I feel exponentially better than i did two days ago.

Suit up!

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Raven

The past ten days I lamented and stressed over the weather forecast for marathon day. The chance of rain swayed from 80% to 10%, and then back up to 90%. The temps were another tricky factor. The days before and after were showing anywhere from highs in the 50’s to highs in the low-mid 40’s.

Continue reading →

Why We Run The Dallas White Rock Marathon

Posted on December 3, 2011 by Raven

Friday was a day I really was looking forward to. It was my second year to participate in the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital White Rock Marathon T-shirt Event. I would get to sit with other athletes and patient champions, and autograph special t-shirts for the kids that were staying at the hospital. It’s an event that brings everything into focus, as to what this race is about. Sure this would be my first full marathon, but all participants for the full, half, and relay were running for these kids, and those who will need this hospital in the future.

Since the hospital’s inception in 1921, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children has treated patients regardless of the family’s ability to pay. The hospital relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations, foundations and corporations to continue its mission.

As a patient I have gone through what these kids have had to endure. I may be further down the road in my recovery, but knowing what they are dealing with on a daily basis takes me back, and makes me feel very grateful for the battles I have won. I could not have done it without the doctors at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital.

I really enjoyed and appreciated seeing the smiles on the faces of these special kids. They have gone through so much adversity, and still look as happy as can be. After all of the hard training, early mornings, long Saturday runs, and overall exhaustion, this event gave me the boost I needed.