Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2015 Recap

Yes, I cried when I crossed the finish line. 

I've only run two marathons. Last year, I ran the 2014 TCS New York City Marathon, and this past Sunday, I ran the 2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Like I told the man from Tokyo, who asked me at the finish, 

"How was your race?" 

Running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon was painful. 

And when I asked him how his race went, he replied, 

"Same. It was painful." 

Then, we laughed and walked to the bag check together discussing our times. He was off a sub 3:30 by seconds. I was off my goal by one minute. Nonetheless, we were happy to finish. I told him I want to run all six world major marathons. He told me that he has the same goal. We laughed some more through our aches and pains. He told me that he was running Boston next. I laughed and told him I don't know why, but I am too! We shook hands, and hoped to meet up again on April 18th, 2016!

Frank Shorter has a quote:

"You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. 

Your mind can't know what's coming."

I don't know why I would want to put my body through the grueling training, and agony of running another marathon, it's not even for the fact that I am Half-Crazed. 

4:30 AM october 11, 2015:
With NYC painful memories behind me,
I was ready for the Chicago Marathon

Still, I was terrified to run on Sunday. 

I was more afraid this marathon than last year in NYC. I know more about all the things that could go wrong during such a long race. Plus, I have few injuries - I have a few small hamstring tears, and my left achilles and calf are tighter than a wet knot in a strand of wool. Aside from that, I didn't want to let my Coach down. I've been training with Joel for 5 years. Joel has helped me finish 25 half marathons, and one marathon (now two). He knows me. He wanted me to go for a sub 3:30. I was afraid to push that much with the hamstring. I told him I'd go for an 8-minute mile pace, and hoped to come in 3:30. I didn't tell him but his goal pace for me, 3:27, was my secret wish time. Maybe Boston?

The marathon is an extraordinary event. I'm still mystified that I finished, let alone set a new PR. I'm also amazed at all the crazy thoughts that run through the head while running a marathon. The funny thing is that just like my sharing pain and marathon goals with the man from Tokyo - I'm sure you find that you too have the same thoughts while running - and I hope they make you laugh:

Starting Line:

• OMG. I think I hafta pee again. What should I do? There a sewer plate over there. Maybe those 30 people or so standing around won't really mind? How am I gonna run 26.2 miles with a full bladder? Maybe it's good that it's full - like my extra source of water. Okay, stop worrying, it will all be reabsorbed by mile 16. But what if I pee on myself while I'm running? I drank all that Beet Juice. People will think I'm bleeding. Okay stop! You're getting out of control - it's just because you're cold and shivering.
• Sssh, ssssh ssh. They're playing the National Anthem. Okay don't cry. Pray for our troops. Thank you God for our troops. Bless them and our country. Home of the Brave! Okay did I just shout that? Ech girl, you really gotta calm down.
• Okay we're moving up! We're starting. Take off your throw away shirt. 
• Hope I see those pace signs still at mile18!
• Start the Garmin! No wait. We're stopping. Stop the Garmin. 
• Okay go!

Mile 1-13.1:

• Holy crap there's a ton of people! I hope no one steps on the back of my shoe.
• OMG! Do I have cotton mouth? Am I really this nervous? Whatever you do don't spit out the gum!
• Follow the blue line. Rebecca said to follow the blue line - it's exactly 26.2 - not a step more.
• Oh boy. You gotta keep this pace up for 26 more miles!
• I can do this, I can do this, I can do this, I can do this, I can do this, I can do this ......
• I can run this! C'mon. I run my halves faster than this! I can at least do this for 13.1 miles!
• God bless me, God bless me, God bless me, God bless me, God bless me .......
• Just get to 13.1. Then start to worry.
• Okay. Relax. Look at that guy up there. He looks so relaxed. I gotta be relaxed like him. Try running like him.
• Yes! I am halfway there!
• I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
• Just keep following the pacers and the blue line!

Mile 13.1-20:

• Okay. Those pacers are too fast. I thought we were supposed to do 8 minute miles? They said 8 minutes to the end - a nice and easy pace. Where' the hell did they go?
• Oh no. Maybe my Garmin is off. Oh, God. What pace am I going?
• Does anyone know what pace we are doing?
• Other racer: We are running about 7:47' mile pace, but I'm starting to fade.
• Okay don't listen to him - just because he's fading doesn't mean you are fading!
• Hey, what time are you going for?
• Other racer: 3:30.
• Okay. I think I'm on track. I don't think my Garmin is lying. Where the hell are those pacers?
• Water, yes, I need water: OMG! What's this woman doing? "Hey, Sister, sister, sister - you gotta keep moving. Grab your water and keep moving!"
• Other racer: Some people are clueless. There's a really annoying woman up there. She keeps cutting in and out.
• Me: I know who you're talking about. White shirt?
• Other racer: Yes!
• Where'd everybody get those sponges? I missed them again? How come I never see the people giving out the sponges?
• I'm so glad I didn't wear my name. Every time someone yells Beth, I want to turn and look. I hope this other Beth will either run ahead of me or drop back! This is so annoying. Remember to never, ever wear your name on your clothes! 
• Okay the blue line is in the sun. To hell with the blue line. I'm staying on the shady side of the street!
• Take a Gu. Don't swallow your gum. This is gross. Keep the gum.
• Oh, no. I'm behind this guy blowing his nose, again. Ech. WTF? I don't want your snot on me!
• Crap. I'm giving some time back. That was 8:09. C'mon girl! You trained for this.
• Remember seeing Kathrine Switzer talk last monday? Her foundation is 261-Fearless. Run Fearlessly!
• F-E-A-R-L-E-S-S, F-E-A-R-L-E-S-S, F-E-A-R-L-E-S-S, F-E-A-R-L-E-S-S .....
• Okay God, You gotta keep me strong! Just please. Keep me strong!
• John, Carry me through to the end. On the wings of angels!
• Holy crap, that girl just passed me like I was standing still!
• Where's the blue line?
• Take another Gu. Don't swallow your gum!

Mile 21-26.2:

• When will mile 22 get here? I've been running this mile forever!
• Ech, I'm giving more time back! Oh no! Is this the wall? 
• Take more Gu! My last Gu! 
• Wow! I can't believe I didn't swallow my gum!
• Mile 22: Yes! I'm back.
• Oooh! Stretch dude - Ech poor man grabbed his hammy in pain! Oh God keep me strong. Don't let that happen to me!
• Gatorade. I need Gatorade!
• Oh noooo! Sorry mister. OMG! I just knocked his Gatorade out of his hand! And now it's all over him! 
• Okay. Don't run in the sticky Gatorade. It will slow you down.
• Where's that line? It's blue, right? Where'd that line go?
• Holy crap, why is that guy stopping? He only has a few more mile. Just friggin shuffle if you gotta! Didn't he ever hear of that Australian guy, Cliff Young? Just shuffle!
• If one more person yells only a couple more miles, I am going to lose it!
• When will mile 24 come? I've been running way more than 1 mile. I don't think this course is marked right.
• I promise. Just finish and you will never, ever hafta run again. I promise you. If I just finish, I'll never make myself run, ever, ever again!
• Holy crap, more people are stopping! Why are they stopping? Just friggin' shuffle if you gotta!
• I'm not stopping. It'll never end if I stop! There's no way, I'll stop! Kathrine Switzer said that she'd crawl to the finish if she had to - so will I - If I hafta!
• Mile 25! There's Ron and Juliette!
• Ron: Finish strong. It's just one more mile!
• Juliette: Go Mommy! Gooooo!
• Me: This is f@!cking hard!
• 800 meters: Pretend your on the track with Coach Joel! It's just 100 meter strides, 8 times! Count to 25 for every meter!
• Have I been counting for a quarter mile?
• To hell with that line!
• 400 meters! Is that Sweet Caroline playing in the background?
• That person doesn't look as fit as me. Younger, yes - but not as fit. I worked harder. I gotta pass her. Kick it in! Pass her! Yes!
• Keep that fast twitch going! The slow twitch is spent, but you got some fast twitch left.
• Kick it in!

Holy, Lord! I did it!

I did it!

I finished!

3:31:22!

2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Thank you Lord!

OMG! 

I want that medal!

110 minutes slower than Dickson Chumba's time! 

The closest I got to him was at breakfast, the next day! LOL!

Train Smart Today!

Anticipating the 2015 Chicago Marathon

Well, I haven't blogged much. I've been so busy getting my business, B3yond Nutrition, LLC, off the ground, working per diem as a clinical dietitian at Kessler Rehabilitation Center, and training for the Chicago Marathon.

Training for a marathon is like having a part time job. All of you who are reading this, and have trained for a marathon know what exactly I'm talking about. It's not just about the running - there are lots of moving parts. And, I'm not a spring chicken - which makes focussing in on those moving parts really important.

From the moment I get up in the morning, I'm planning my food, strength training and/or going for a run. Next, I gotta plan for what I've gotta do after my run. This includes stretching, foam rolling - and maybe an extra core workout. Planning continues throughout the day to even when I'm cleaning up after dinner. You gotta plan bedtime - and get in at least 7 hours - just so you can recover, and do it all over again the next day - but with even more miles!

It's been intense lately, and sorry Ron, I haven't been much fun to be around. I definitely feel like this guy (don't look like him, but just wait a few days!):

And I know I'm not just annoying to Ron. I gotta give a shout out to Ryan and Fedelma - they helped me push through that last 20+ miles two weeks ago. I was grunting, moaning, praying, counting - I had to be getting on their nerves 'cause I was definitely getting on my own nerves!

How many of you count when your miles get high 

or when track work out gets intense? 

What's up with that? 

Like how many times can you count to ten, or count five sets of four? 

Or whatever?

Well, the training is behind me. I'm just going to freak out on the inside for the next couple of days. Coach wanted me to run six miles yesterday. What the heck is six miles on a long run day?
I'm sorry Coach, I had to run more ....

 ... Shhh! Don't tell him, but I did 8.5 miles at tempo pace.

You just don't wanna see how crazy I can get!

And sad, but true ...

Yesterday, I cleaned the garage, weeded the garden beds in front of the house, cleaned and filled all the bird feeders, cleaned out three kitchen cabinets, a linen closet, and a storage room in my basement. 

Oddly, I was a tad surprised when my little heart jumped (for what I think was joy) when Coach said,

"Congratulations on getting into Boston! 

Training starts January One!"

Train Smart Today!

State #25: Marquette, Michigan

I didn't know what to expect flying into Marquette. My first impression was:

OMG ... Is the ground crew really waving to us

as we taxi our way to the airport???

And, there was one car on the highway! Here, let's do a little comparison. I left from Newark International Airport in the AM. From the air you see, NYC, Port Newark, and the cranes for export shipping, and the New Jersey Turnpike, which is almost always packed with tractor trailers, straight trucks, SUVs, minivans, and cars, cars and more cars.

Buildings everywhere.
NYC in the distance.

Port Newark, with giant cranes for all the imports/exports

I landed in Marquette in the afternoon, where I saw this:

Marquette International Airport

Before I left New Jersey, I spoke with a few people, and they told me that I would love it in the Upper Peninsula - it's beautiful, it's quiet, and it's peaceful. I even met another runner on the plane, Theresa. Theresa told me that her friends were staying the week and vacationing here. (Theresa - I hope you did well in the marathon!). But after the stewardess traumatized us with stories of how they couldn't de-ice the plane last winter, and it was 40*F below zero with winds at 80 miles per hour ... I must admit, I was a little nervous when we went to pick up the rental car.

As we drove closer to the town, we started to see what everyone was talking about. The town was adorable. There were some very beautiful buildings, and it sat on the edge of Lake Superior.

Lake Superior in Marquette, Michigan 

In fact, this was our view at dinner, in a restaurant across from Lake Superior. It was beautiful, but it was also very hot! After the Rock 'n Roll Chicago Half Marathon, I was hoping for a cool race day - especially since the half started at 9am! Later I found out from the locals that race day was the hottest day of the year so far . . . . .yeay!

Race Day, September 5, 2015!

We had to meet at Northern Michigan University, and take a bus to the race. Ron drove to the start of the 5K - he's keeping true to his promise to run a 5K whenever it's paired with my half marathons!

Next, I drove over to the buses. 

On the bus, I met a young lady, Tiffany! She was adorable. She came to Marquette to visit with her grandparents, and she decided to run the half. This would be her second half marathon. She was a little nervous, and I told her that even though this was my 27th half, I was nervous too. I told her why I wanted to run, and how I really like to place 1, 2 , or 3 in my age group, to honor my late husband. I can't believe the attack on the WTC was 14 years ago this coming Friday. Tiffany then shared that she served in the United States Armed Forces as an LPN. We found out that we both work in hospitals, too! We were meant to sit together! Tiffany, I am positive that you will get that RN certification ... you can do all things! :D

The race started with two young girls singing the National Anthem. 

They sounded beautiful!

At the start, I found out that it was a pretty fast course, about 6 miles of a steady downhill. Once we got closer to town, about mile 10, with a few small rolling hills, and ended with a steady incline. I fantasized about having a PR, but when we started, the sun felt really warm and I was worried. The first three miles flew by, and then we were on that steady downhill in a shaded park, which was much cooler. I thought for sure I would PR. I was booking: 7:23, 7:30, I even had a 7:14 in there! 

Woo Hoo!

PR, here I come!

Then, I remembered what that person said at the start: Once you hit mile 10 it levels out, with some rolling, small hills. I was good, still holding 7:25 pace at mile 10 - but the heat started to get to me. At mile 10, there was no more shade, and seemed as if the sun was beating down on the road, and right back at the runner's faces. The sun started to take it's toll on me. I wished I'd worn my sunglasses. I started to get a nasty headache. In mile 11, I began to fall apart. It just got worse through mile 12. I was barely clearing a sub 8:00 mile pace. I wondered: 

How could I ever run a sub 8 minute marathon pace in the 

Chicago Marathon, if I couldn't even finish 

this half at a sub 8 minute pace?

Then someone shouted, "You're almost there,
It's just straight up the hill."
Something you never want to hear at the end of a race ...the finish is straight up that hill!

This hill wasn't very steep, but it was a slow steady torture. I wanted to cry. There went my dreams of getting a PR. All I though was there had to be someone else in my age group killing it right now - and I worked so hard for this run. Every week strength training, speed work, tempo runs, long runs, negative splits, stretching, foam rolling - you name it, I do it! Forget the nutrition - I'm studying Kreb's cycle intermediates and trying to figure out how to get my muscles to produce lots of energy, while working less. The finish line and tented area seemed like one big mirage in the desert. I kept counting to 10, and yes, I must have said my mantra, "I can do all things through Christ who makes me strong", about 1 zillion times. 

Finally ...

I crossed the finish line!

1:39:52

After two waters and some shade, I stood in line to get my results. I was not disappointed.  I clenched my fist tightly and quietly shouted, "YES!" For a moment, I was Serena Williams - hey, I can dream!

First Place Age Group Win!

Let the celebrations begin! 

Thank you Blackrocks Brewery - you smell like pine and serve great wine beer!

 And the Jazz Fest was awesome!

Congratulations to everyone who finished!
You are all winners!

Train Smart Today!

 Sharing a little Marquette:
Lighthouses

Blackrocks:

Black Flies too! Got my leg in this pic! LOL!

Rock'nRoll Chicago Half Marathon: Recap of State #24

I was so nervous all last week. 

Last Sunday's long run wiped me out. I kept worrying, "What if I get like that during the race?" There were heat advisories on the Rock'nRoll website. There were heat advisories on my phone. Ech!

I was off to a good start: Pre-race highlights included Michelle at the Expo. I always order a large and give it to Ron, but since he's running in the 5K's now, he gets his own shirt. So, even though I ordered a large for Ron, I exchanged it to a small for me. I went to five different areas before I met Michelle, who knew how to make the exhange. It was lovely meeting you!

Thank you for helping me with my shirt!

It also didn't help that Ron ran (as promised) the 5K the day before the half, and looked like he was going to pass out at the finish. His face was cherry red. At the finish, he grabbed a water bottle, didn't speak - he just kept walking. I just followed thinking that he was gonna pass out! He finally stopped and sat down under a shade tree. Then he turned to me and said, "You're going to have trouble tomorrow!"

Well if I weren't nervous before - I sure as heck was nervous now!

That's Ron in the red shirt.
Sort of "Run/Walking"

To add insult to injury, I kept showing Ron pictures of Meb at the start of the 5k! Okay, so I love Meb. I look at all his Runner's World secrets to a better stride, faster pace, etc, etc. You can imagine how star struck I was when he was just two feet away!

Meb!

More Meb!

I have more - but there just about all the same ... he-hee! I even tweeted @RunMeb, and he favorited my tweet! If you follow Meb on Twitter, you'll notice his tag line, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

Ron was getting tired of me talking about Meb, so I tried to be quiet and let him continue telling me how miserably hot the race was. I kept thinking of Meb's tag line, to keep my panicky feelings at bay. Somehow, we moved to the celebratory beer garden - and Ron started to feel much better. LOL!

Ron celebrating!
His hottest 5K now a distant memory!

The heat really was exhausting. To make matters worse, my stomach decided to misbehave. The last thing I wanted was to be dehydrated on a race day with a heat advisory in effect! Wiped out from the heat, Ron and I went back to the hotel and passed out. Isn't napping one of life's underappreciated luxuries?

When we finally were able to get ourselves moving again, we decided to explore Chicago. Chicago is a really pretty city. A little smaller than NYC, but a bit bigger than Boston. Lots of great brewpubs with craft beers (shout out to Goose Island) and tons of restaurants. There's great shopping along the Magnificent Mile, and lots of new, shiny buildings - like the Trump International Hotel & Tower. 

Trump International Hotel & Tower

Everywhere you turn, there's another statue or sculpture. The last time we were here, we ate along the waterfront and enjoyed some of the beauty of Lake Michigan. Based on these past two visits, Ron and I have a good idea of what we would like to do when we come back in October - when I run the marathon! Hopefully, it will be much cooler.

Before we headed back to our hotel, we went to Whole Foods, and picked up breakfast foods for my pre-race meal: Yogurt, granola, chia, flax, beet juice, and Kevita (a probiotic drink). While we were in Whole Foods, it poured rain,  which brought the temperature down a bit - not a lot, but a bit! I kept praying!

Race Day:

Coffee made, Yogurt and granola mixed with seeds, Kevita sipped, Road ID - check, Garmin - DEAD! What? 

Yup - my Garmin was dead! 

No charge, no response. I know me - I'll go out too fast if I don't keep looking at my pace - yes I'm obsessed with my Garmin - especially during the first 6 miles of my halves. Ron saw panic written all over my face, and said, "Don't worry I will have your watch charged before you start your race." I wan't sure he was telling me the truth or just trying to stop my hands from shaking! I had to believe what he said.

Next freak out: tummy problems! 

I was off to a great start!

Next freak out: Long shuttle lines, with the possibility of more tummy melt downs.

Ron had my Garmin charging on a battery in one hand, while his other hand was hailing a taxi. I felt like a cheater not taking the shuttle over, but as Ron put it, "What if your stomach decides to blow up, again?" He was right. 

We hopped in the cab and started for the "Start"

Somewhere between the taxi and Corral #4, Ron figured out how to reboot the Garmin, and get the charge up to 42%, which I thought was plenty for the race. My hands started to shake a little less, and I kept repeating Meb's Twitter Tagline. It would be my mantra for the race.

Last freak out: 

My Garmin still had no satellite connection! 

I really do love/hate my Garmin!

Anyone else in with me on this one?

Next, Our National Anthem, and some announcements. I remember the announcer said something about having fun, not to expect a PR in this heat, and told us to smile. 

I forced a smile. 

The announcer called Corral #1, then #2. OMG! The announcer said that Meb's running in this race, too! Super WOW!  Corral #3 was called. I finally got a satellite connection. Mantra still being mantra'd, and there I was, at the start of Corral #4 ...

Boom - We were off. 

Mile #1: 7:37, Mile #2: 7:24 - Ech too fast. You'd think I'd listen? Mile #3: 6:50. Then, more watch trouble - it was telling me I was in mile 4, and running a 9'mile pace. No wonder the next two miles were also in the 7's. The heat was starting to get worse. I saw Ron on one of the streets. Nice iced coffee, dude, I'm dying here!
Mile 5: What? 43 minutes? I blew it, I'll never place in my age group. Oh the yelling in my head:

Why don't you just walk?

You're awful!

Look, another over 50 y.o. woman is passing you!

You just S*@CK

All that training: squats, jump squats, lunges - and for what?

 You run like a turtle!

I wasn't running fast - it's was just the Garmin - it's all screwed up.

Oh I blew it

Wait, girl, just shut up for a minute!

Mantra, Mantra: I can do all things ....

Think, you were in Corral #4. 

That time is from the VERY start -when Corral #1 went out.

Mantra - mantra: Through Christ ...

The heat really started to add up its effects on me and everyone around me. At one point, we were all running in dead silence. Everyone focussed on just finishing. No one was talking, there wasn't even anyone around cheering- just hot, heat, and the sound of sneakers hitting blacktop. It was very eerie. 

Then, I noticed a tall man. 

He was lumbering along. He had to be at least 6 feet tall. I thought, 'He looks like he's running so slowly - how come I can't catch him?' So, I did - and I decided to hang with him. I asked him what pace he was going for - he said he was going for 7:30, but he guessed we were only running 8'/mile. My screwed up Garmin said the same. "C'mon, dude," I yelled, "I'm gonna try to hang with you." For the next four miles, we ran side by side - he'd fall back, I'd fall back - we would yell, "C'mon." I needed all the help I could get running this one home. At mile ten, there were some DJ's along the roadside. The Rock'nRoll music helped. I tried to pick up my pace. I lost my friend, turned a corner, and saw a bridge - or rather a small hill to climb. 

Mantra, Mantra: Who strengthens me!

Then a woman passed me. The bridge seemed impossible to climb. The woman who passed me stopped. Inspired by Cliff Young, I yelled, "Don't stop. C'mon. Even if you gotta shuffle - keep running!" She started running, again. I looked at her and said, "Only stop if you're over 50!" We laughed, and pressed on! 

Mantra, Mantra, Mantra!

Finish strong, girl.

Finish strong!

Mile #12: The 7:45 minute pacer started to pass me. No way! No way! The thoughts through my head started:

Hang Half Crazed. 

Kick it out! 

You trained for this. 

It's okay if you throw up at the finish. 

Just don't let this chic pass you!

Mile #13: Stride, baby stride. You only got about 200 meters. So, you puke - big deal. I dug deep. Tried to shave off as much time as possible - and crossed the finish line!

State #24 completed!

No Puke!

The water bottles were so amazingly cold. I poured 1/2 of the water all over my body. I saw Ron walking outside the gated area, he looked so cool and dry! Aagh, the shoe was on the other foot!

Just then, I thought of the friend I made on the course. 

I turned around and looked for the big guy I was trying to hang with. I spotted him, ran up to him and gave him a huge hug. He was screaming, "You're like a little mighty mouse, a little mighty mouse!" He took out his cell phone and snapped a selfie of us. It was great hanging with you, Michael - I'm glad we met! I hope you look up Half-Crazed Runner and send me that photo! I'd love to get a copy!

Next stop ...

The Beer Garden!

 ... an awful celebratory beer!

I did have a lot to celebrate!

Overall time 1:44.

Not my best, but better than my other two really hot halves in
Maine and Texas.

Best of all:

First place age group!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Train Smart Today! 

Chicago Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon

I'm in, and I'm off to run my 26th Half-Marathon, 

My 24th state:

Chicago Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon: July 19th. 

Yeah, I was a little bummed because I thought this was state #25, but then I realized I ran in DC (For those of you not familiar with the US - DC stands for District of Columbia. it's where the US Capital is located.)

Next half, I will be halfway finished with all 50 states! 

Woo-hoo! 

Let's hear it for Half-Crazed!

And so far, I've only suffered two proximal hamstring strains! Speaking of which, my arse is killing me today. And you gotta see how many squats and lunges, jump squats and jump lunges, split squats and burpees I'm doing each week! It all probably contributed to my exhaustion yesterday on my long run. I finished with an average 8:45' mile pace - but that was my "pushing it".

I think I was so tired because I hardly ate anything on Friday, and Saturday, and I worked my but off getting my son's party together to finally celebrate his graduation from high school. I prepared a ton of food, Ron made BBQ chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs, and we had tons of watermelon and homemade desserts from Grandma and Auntie! So being tired from the party and running later in the morning heat left me absolutely spent. It was the first time that I stopped before my last mile to yell at myself, and try to psyche myself up to finish. I had to count to ten, over and over, just to get through the last mile. Then after the last mile, I threw my hands up in the air, and screamed, "I'm done (some expletives), I'm finally done!" It was a relief to know I was done with my long run.

I hate running in the heat.

Yesterday, my head was pounding, I was hungry, thirsty, cranky! Usually running through the local park, I stop to sip water from the fountain - it just didn't seem to be enough yesterday! Even my one Gu ration wasn't enough. It was the first time ever that I ran a training run and wished for another Gu! Gu to me is a gross, but necessary evil.

The celebration party was well worth it though.

My son, his friends, and all the family had such a great time. I know Johnny had fun because at one point during the party, he was lifting me in the air and threatening to do power cleans with me:

Pre-Press Threat!

How was your weekend?

Are you struggling through any long runs this summer?

Anyone going to Chicago Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon next weekend?

Ever have someone use you as a human barbell?

Easy like Sunday Morning!

For the last few months I've been running with my local 

Fleet Feet Runners on Sunday morning.

It's been great - I've met a great bunch of runners and really enjoy our conversations. The only problem is my hamstring. The group goes a bit faster than my hamstring wants me to run. Plus, except for a few others, I'm always running 2-4 miles more, since I'm constantly training for another half marathon. So after doing 8:10-20 minute mile pace for my long slow runs for the last three months of Sundays, I decided to run by myself today and take it really slow.

I was like the Commodores back in 1978!

(Really dating myself here, LOL)

Gotta love Lionel Richie's fro'!

My legs felt so free! 

And I felt like I was burning fat - not muscle! 

In fact, purposefully, I only had a banana with 1 Tbsp of peanut butter, 1 cup of coffee with a splash of 2% milk, 2 shots of beet juice, and 16 oz of water before I left. I didn't bring any nutrition with me and only stopped at mile 5 and 10 to rehydrate at a water fountain in the local park. I thought if I kept it slow and moving, I'd spare muscle and burn fat. I must have some fat to spare because I didn't feel dizzy, or like I had brain fog, or like I was glucose deprived. It was really just a great, easy, slow run.

Even now, I don't feel wiped out.

I'm not tired, I don't feel dehydrated, and best of all, I don't feel like I need 800 calories of protein to build back muscles. And my hamstring, yeah its a little tight, a little sore, but I'm getting up and down from this desk chair just fine - not like I'm crippled.

This is good because I signed up for 

the Chicago Half Marathon on July 19th, 

and I want to kick some butt!

How are your long runs going?

Are you making them slow enough?

Ever tried a fat burning training run?

Train Smart Today! 

Georgia Pre-Memorial Day Half Marathon Run

My 24th state! 

Georgia!

The Pre Memorial Day Half Marathon in 
Snellville, Georgia.

I needed to get a flat run in and I hadn't run in Georgia yet.

So, with no time between my growing Nutrition and Wellness Business (Beyond Nutrition-RDN), and working part-time as a Registered Dietitian at Kessler Rehabilitation Center, I searched the races listed on the 2015 Half Marathon Race Calendar. 

Ech, I waited too long to register.

I procrastinated because I've been running with a right leg proximal hamstring strain, super tight calves, and swollen achilles/ankle. I waited too long and so when I tried to register, the Pre-Memorial Day Half Marathon in Georgia was closed. I have no races planned until September and October - this was my only free weekend and the only weekend before my daughter's summer classes start. I was hoping it could be a short Mother/Daughter get away.

I reached out to the race director, Deborah Montgomery!

Asked if I could run in the race.

She was awesome - and extended registration!

I was in!

Juliette and I flew in on Saturday, tooled around Atlanta, and ate lunch at Cypress Street Pint and Plate.  It was either really great or we were starving, or both! Next, we took off toward the Stone Mountain Inn at Stone Mountain Park in Georgia. The hotel was beautiful, and Stone Mountain Park was really nice - lots to do - especially for families! I immediately regretted not planning on staying longer! Check out this quartz and granite outcropping, it's part of the Appalachian Mountains:

There's even a carving of the confederates on horseback.
Robert E Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Jefferson Davis
are blasted into the other side of the mountain!

Jules and I planned to take the Summit SkyRide up to the top after the race. Yeah - there's no way I was going hiking up this mountain after a half marathon.

Speaking of which ...

The race was adorable. It was a local race. You ran around Lenora Park, which was very pretty and nicely paved. But I'm not kidding - you literally run around and around - five loops and then there's an out and back. Each time you completed a loop, you stop at this one water station, which was also supplied with Gatorade. When you stop in and grab your drink of choice, the volunteers check your bib, and let you know when you need to run your out and back.

It was a great, little, no frills, local community half marathon.

There were no bells or whistles. No screaming fans - actually other than the other runners in the race cheer you on. You run this if you're Half-Crazed and trying to complete a half-marathon in every state, for the raw love of running, or you have been motivated as a community member to get up and move! And for this, I applaud Deborah Montgomery and her volunteers for organizing this race - because they are helping to motivate the people in their community to get up and move!

And as I posted on my Beyond Nutrition Facebook Page:

I wish you all a Happy Memorial Day!

Let's remember and honor those who fought 

and died for for our freedom, 

but let's also not forget the top things killing Americans:

Cigarettes,

Poor Nutrition,

and

Inactivity!

Way to go Deborah Montgomery for providing the "get up and move" motivation to the people in your community and surrounding areas! keep moving people!

And even though I tried to move as fast as possible,

this was not one of my fastest half marathons.

I pushed as hard as I could but after about mile 9,  my right hammy was on fire, and the pain started to shoot up to my periformis. Even so ...

I took 3rd overall!

Pre-Memorial Half Marathon
Georgia, State #24
Almost 1/2 way done!

I haven't planned any races for June. For weeks, this hammy pain was really bad. In fact, I saw Dr Metzl this past Tuesday. He basically told me I have no "arse" - great hammies, great quads, and calves, but no butt!

Ech!

Baby Ain't Got No Back!

So, this is my new theme song: 

Gotta concentrate on my butt strength, like the ones Dr Metzl lays out in his book, Running Strong. 

Have you heard of this book?

Have any of these exercise helped you?

Train Smart Today!

Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon

The Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon was very emotional.

This is the only other memorial run that I've participated in other than that which remembers the victims of September 11. What I didn't expect was to feel and see so many similarities in sharing such a horrible tragedy.

Like this,
The Wall of Names

Side-kick and I arrived Saturday, and went to the Expo. You could feel the energy and excitement building. I love the pre-race Expos, where else could you find a Magic Pain Relieving Cream, called "Real Time". You bet your sweet arse we bought that stuff! I bathed in it too - right before the race!

Next, we picked up our packets - 

did you notice how I said "WE"? 

In spite of the steel plate in his leg, Ron (aka "Side-kick" - now that he's running I think he deserves to be called by his first name! LOL!) committed to run in any 5K race offered alongside the half marathons I run! Maybe I should have bought two bottles of the "Real Time"? I'm really proud of Ron - not only does he claim to "hate" running, but running is painful to him ever since he crushed his femur riding his dirt bike about 10 years ago. Nonetheless - he made this commitment last year - and he's actually seeing it to fruition!

Since the race started at 6:30AM, we planned a big dinner at a great little restaurant, Mickey Mantle's Steakhouse. Of course we ate at Mickey Mantle's Steakhouse. 

After all - I'm a Yankee's fan. 

Oddly, I had no idea he was from Oklahoma! Dinner was great - best steak ever - the heck with pasta, women can't carb load anyway. Besides, I ate enough carbs the last several days - which is when it really counts! Why not some alanine, carnitine, creatine, and glutamate from red meat for energy production? After dinner, we were exhausted, and called it a night. 

Sunday morning, Ron and I woke up at 5AM, had some coffee, water, peanut butter on white bread - and started the walk from the hotel to the start of the race: 620 N Harvey Ave. 

The race start was directly in front of 

The Oklahoma City Memorial. 

When we got to the memorial, we were amazed. The City of Oklahoma did such a beautiful job of remembering each person killed in that senseless 1995 bombing. It was still a little dark that early in the morning, so all the chairs in the "Field of Empty Chairs", which represented each person lost in the bombing, were still lit. Besides the murder of 149 adults, there were 19 pre-school children killed in this bombing. I cried when I saw 19 small chairs representing these children. So like 9/11, this bombing was senseless. 

Field of Chairs

Walls of Time and
Reflecting Pool

Before the start of the race, there was 168 minutes of silence. During that time, I prayed for continued healing and peace for the victims' family and friends, as well as the survivors. The pain never goes away, it changes over time, but it never goes away - I guess you just learn how to live with it. 

After those moments of silence, I could feel my focus strengthen - I was determined to run a good race - I wanted to take first in my age group. There was a lot of meaning behind this race. First, it was my 23rd state on my journey to finish a half marathon in every state - and my late husband was born February 23rd. This meant something to me. And as with all my halves - 

I run to
Never Forget,
and to tell my children,
they will not get us,
nor will they stop us -
not in New York, not in New Jersey,
and not in the other 48 states!

Second, this race was important because I lost a dear friend, Anne Boggess Nightengale, to cancer on February 26, 2013. Anne was born and raised in Oklahoma. Anne and I went to Engineering Skill School when we worked as Safety Engineers for Aetna Insurance in the 80's. For six weeks we shared a dorm room - we simply hit it off and became lifelong friends separated only by a phone call and some miles. I had to run for Anne. I wanted to make her proud. 

I miss you, Anne.
You were beautiful inside and out.

Anne Boggess Nightengale

I was so obsessed with taking first that I actually panicked around mile five - a women, who looked like a really strong runner, started to pass me. "How old are you?" I yelled out. When I found out she was younger, I was like, "Okay. Whew! You're not in my age group! Okay - go ahead!"

Hell yeah I was focussed on that 1st place age win!

But then came "Gorilla Hill".

I thought Oklahoma was flat? Isn't it home of the twisters? People - mostly school children - lined the streets dressed like bananas - and they were handing out bananas. It warmed my little beating, pounding, suffering nutritionist's heart to see those schoolchildren handing out bananas! The children were so adorable - I even overheard one little boy say, "Don't you want a banana? They're good for you!" 

.... but then, my focus kicked me back into gear and I thought:
'Sorry kid - I trained with and brought Gu!
Maybe next time!'

Firefighter responders climbing Gorilla Hill, 2015
Bananas in the background!

That hill wiped me out. I started calling on John and Anne. C'mon you guys - help me out! I wanna finish strong. Don't let me give it back. I was nailing it, running 7:30' mile pace for the last three miles - now I was falling off the charts! Ech ...7:55'. 

And of course the camera person is always there after a hill - 
to capture your best look!
Thumbs up, Dude!

I placed first in my age group, but actually took 3rd Overall Female Masters! I felt really strong - even my banged up hammy! It must have been my angels!

It was a great race.
I was so proud of Ron - it was great to see him finish his first 5K!

Post race photo's
Congratulations Ron
- even if your medal is "So Small!"

This race was very well organized. It was a beautiful, positive way to remember those who were lost in that senseless tragedy.

All those tiles in front of the building were created by small children

Here is one tile: Love Heals!
Ain't that the truth!

Thank you Oklahoma,

Thank you Oklahoma City,

Thank you Calvin and Virginia Moser for taking so much of your time to share

with Ron and me

your story of that awful day - and the making of the memorial.

God Bless America!

and

Train Smart Today!

Marathon Distance Award Winner

Yes Siree!

You're looking at the 2014 Essex Running Club's 

Women's Marathon Distance Award Winner!

Look. I'm like, "REALLY?"

Last year I was ecstatic to win the 2013 Distance Award for the local 8k, Ashenfelter race! 

2014 Essex Running Club Annual Dinner

But this year - wow, was I taken back. There are so many amazing runners in this club. This is such an honor! I didn't know I was going to win anything. I really didn't care, I just wanted to go to the annual Essex Running Club dinner and spend some time with the club members. When I got there, I started talking to my friend Paula - who by the way is an absolutely amazing runner, and a super brave women - she beat cancer of the thyroid, and she fights every day to make sure it doesn't come back. Anyway, she sort of hinted that I may be getting an award. Wow, this was a pleasant surprise! But when they announced that I won the Women's Marathon Distance Award, OMG! I thought I was going to lose it! Look, I just keep staring at the award, LOL!

Wow!

The 2014 NYC Marathon was my first marathon - and it meant so much to me. If you read this blog, you know I ran the NYC Marathon this past year because it was 13 years after the 9/11 attacks. I ran in honor of my late husband who was killed in the attacks. Why 13? Well, like the half marathons in every state (13.1 miles), the number 13 is significant. I grew up Catholic. Thirteen is St Anthony's number and my late husband was named after St Anthony, John Anthony. My running is my way of saying that I honor my late husband, and run against all acts of hatred and terror in New York (and now all 5 boroughs!), New Jersey and the rest of the 48 United States of America!

But before I get away with myself and sound cocky - let me explain the award. The award is base on your PLP. PLP is a way of leveling the playing field for runners by taking into account their age.

So I guess for an old chic, 

I'm not half bad!

Essex Running Club Women's Marathon Distance Award

Thanks Essex Running Club for recognizing my hard work, 

and tons of training.

Let me know when you want to schedule that talk on Running and Nutrient Timing.

It's all about the nutrition! LOL!

B3yond Nutrition

And congratulations to all the other winners - 

especially my track work out partner Rebecca. Rebecca won an award for the fastest mile. We are bookends, darling! Rebecca is another amazing runner - she was hit by a car a few years ago, fought to successfully recover from major hip surgery - screws and all, and is now a determined marathon and ultra-marathon runner! Best of luck in Boston, Rebecca - I will be praying for you!

Last of all, I gotta thank my coach, Joel Pasternack. 

Thanks, Joel! 

Without you, I would never have had all this success as a runner.

Train Smart Today!

Chicago Marathon

I signed up as a time qualifier for the Chicago Marathon!

So excited!

And so the count down to October 11, 2015 begins!

Other than that, I am looking to run a half in April. I'm looking at 

Ohio  - but Side-kick says too cold still!

North Carolina - but I'd hafta run on dirt and you all know how I love pavement!

Nevada - Side-kick loves Vegas, but I haven't presented him with this one yet!

Today I train with my Coach for the first time in two months!

It's been an awful winter here in New Jersey! I'm always cold - so even though it got pretty monotonous running on my treadmill for the last two months, running 10 miles in 9*F weather actually seemed worse.

Even my dog refused to get up and 

go out into the cold every morning!

C'mon Jiggy!

But last few days, it actually hit 40*F!

The snow is finally melting, 

and I'm off to the track!

WooHoo!

Train Smart Today!