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 →

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.

Flighty blogger I am!

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Raven

When someone goes a long time without writing in their blog, ESPECIALLY if it is a blog devoted to Health and Fitness, folks come to the same conclusion for the most part; “yep…. she fell off the wagon into a pile of Moon Pies!”

Well I am here to tell you – NO. I just got lazy with my writing – *sigh* yet again. As for my training, yes I am still at it. I do admit though, I am experiencing runner’s burnout a bit. Maybe it is the cooler weather, or maybe the training that I have put myself through, either way I am a little tired.

I missed a couple of runs last week, due to ongoing foot soreness from that 20+ miler on Oct 22nd. I took a couple of doggie walks, and rode the bike at the gym for some crosstraining. I am back at it again this week though!

I finally bought a better pair of running shoes, since my Nike Pegasus were bottoming out at mile 18 on a regular basis. I found some Brooks Glycerin 8’s at DSW for $70. They were 2010’s model, and had just recently been replaced by the Glycerin 9’s. I felt safe enough to try them out, instead of the $130 9’s.

The first run was a little sketchy at first, but after my left foot loosened up, I was able to comfortably run. The next day I ran a little over 5 miles, and enjoyed the shoes even more! The third run I really enjoyed them!

I’m going to use them on my first long run tomorrow. I am curious to see how they do. Tomorrow’s run is a 14 miler, so I should have a really good idea how these will hold up, when I do 20 miles again the next week, and the marathon in December.

Which reminds me….

I finally registered!!

Easy now Trigger….

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Raven

Time is drawing near. My very first marathon is in a little over three weeks! My training seems to have been going on for most of the year, and my miles sure have added up. I started training back during the second week of June, and since I still had a good fitness level I was able to ramp up pretty quickly, and then ease back about every other weekend. I even threw in a two-week break from long training, without any sacrifice.

Continue reading →