Marathon #2...the training begins!

St. Jude Memphis Marathon :: Mile 14 :: December 2011

 My rhythm is back!  Training began 5 weeks ago, but tonight was the first run where joy for the sport cast out doubt. Doubt that I wasn't good enough... strong enough... disciplined enough to finish marathon #2. 

Rounding the final corner of my nine mile run tonight was bliss.

{Although, I'm quite sure I looked like a hot mess in compared to the photo above!}

 California International Marathon (race date 12/2/12) here I come!!! 

Post-Marathon Update!

I'm smiling because of all the yummy food I just consumed! =)

It's been two weeks and five days since I ran my first marathon.

For those of you wondering what happens after race day; below is a little recap of life thus far.

Week 1: 

I was sore as all hell! For the first four days after the race I hobbled around, stuffed my face with food, and tried not to scream anytime I had to sit down, stand up, or use the stairs. As for working out, I walked hobbled a lot to keep muscles from stiffening up too much, and attended one restorative yoga class.

Week 2:

I felt fatigued and low on energy.  I grew concerned I was getting a cold, so Emergen-C Immune Plus naturally became my best friend. My workouts were scarce due to my lack of energy {and maybe because I continued to indulge in some post-race celebrating}. I did manage to attend one of my favorite yoga classes, squeeze in two 45 minute walks and one quick two mile run.

This Week: 

My priorities lie with hanging out with friends, Chris, and my family. I am starting to feel a bit sluggish; so I am definitely eager to begin lacing up my shoes again for a good sweat. I anticipate my first solid run since the race to be this Friday. I'll be back in Ohio where I'll have a treadmill handy in my parent’s basement, and runner friendly streets baring many childhood memories.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that having a few lazy weeks after the race will keep me injury-free as I begin to rev up my running schedule again.

-------

Lastly, with the New Year on the horizon, I am currently creating running goals for 2012. Thus far, I've decided I will participate in two half-marathons and one full marathon. I also want to run a few races of shorter distances to dramatically improve my speed.

So for now, it's off to do some racing research, and relish in holiday cheer{translation- eat more cookies}!

Happy Thursday everyone!!

What races are you planning to run in 2012? Do you have any race suggestions for my 2012 schedule? I would LOVE to hear from you! Please leave comments below. =) 

5 Reasons Why I Survived my First Marathon.

Just before the 14 mile mark.
Memphis, TN. ::: December 3, 2011
Photo Credit: Chris Coons

I had two goals for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon.

One, cross the finish line {no matter how long it takes}.

Two, have fun. 

How did I accomplish my goals, and run 26.2 miles joyfully? Check out my five strategies below!

1. An Outward Focus.
A little distraction can go a long way on any race day.

Giving out high fives to the wee ones, thanking volunteers while quenching my thirst at water stations, telling spectators dressed as Santa what I want for Christmas, and requesting songs from Elvis impersonators all enabled me to cross the finish line.

Keeping your focus outward and interacting with your surroundings is a fun way to help the miles pass quickly.

 My favorite crowd interaction on this course was hopping onto the the sidewalk, joining volunteer performers doing the "YMCA"{ if you're trying to PR or meet a time goal, I suggest skipping this "focusing outward" opportunity}.

I also tried to remember that races are a very emotional day for many. Throughout the course I scanned the shirts of fellow runners. When I spotted a shirt indicating a runner was racing in memory of a loved one, I'd say a silent prayer.


2. Putting the Brakes on Pushing Play.
I think I can confidently say I'll never be an elite runner. Therefore, I happily use my i-pod with a hand-picked playlist as I rack up miles.

While training, a friend suggested running without music. Curious to see how it would effect my running, I began leaving my i-pod at home on shorter runs. Eventually, I found myself running for about an hour without it.

On race day this proved to be beneficial. I delayed hitting the play button, using the first seven miles to listen to my body and be fully present to the amazing race day energy.

Listening to a song with a killer cadence never feels better than when you've logged a few miles, you're legs are warmed up, and you're ready to kick it into high gear.


3. "Eating Hills for Breakfast."
The St. Jude Memphis Marathon is considered a fairly flat course. Living in Chicago, one comes to realize NOTHING seems flat in comparison.

Despite doing some modest hill training-- using city bridges, the treadmill, and Stairmaster--I knew the rolling hills of Memphis would be taxing on my body. So what's a Chicago gal to do?

On the uphill climb I shortened my stride, slowed my pace to a modest trot, and shouted "I eat hills for breakfast". {Yes, I really shouted this phrase several times throughout the course}. As mentioned previously, I am not above shouting, grunting, and talking to myself during a difficult run. Give it a go sometime! I swear it works!

My downhill descent's did not attract as much attention. I simply let gravity take hold of my body and increased speed.


4. Race Preparation.
Beyond creating a training schedule appropriate for my skill level, I believe there were two key things in my race preparation enabling me to have a fun drama free marathon.

One, I researched the course like a crazy lady. I printed out a course map, and marked it up like I was editing a fifth grader's five paragraph essay. I noted the location of all the steep hills, all the Gu stations, every landmark I would find interesting, and where spectators typically were found along the course route. Additionally, Chris and I drove around near the course starting line the day before to ease anxiety about parking in the morning. {Parking was plentiful and easy on race day morning! Thank the Lord.}.

Two, surrounding myself with supportive people throughout my training. Thank you to everyone who told me I could do it!


5. Refuel. Refuel. Refuel.
Early and often is my motto for refueling.

Beginning at mile three I took water at every other aide station. Beginning at mile sixteen I took water at every aide station. {This marathon had an aide station at the 1.5 mile mark, and at every mile from mile 3 to 25.}

After an hour of running I ate two strawberry Cliff Shot Bloks. At mile nine I received my first Gu pack on course, and proceeded to pick them up at every station they were available {miles 15, 18, 21}. To prevent stomach issues, I consumed the Gu slowly over the course of a mile or two, while picking up water along the way to wash it down.

I only drank Gatorade on race day a few hours before the marathon and immediately afterward. I was too nervous it would make me sick if I consumed it while running. I've heard it can be beneficial to consume it during a race, and hope to experiment with it more in the future.

Want to learn more about my journey to my first marathon? Click here.

Have tips and tricks you use on race day? Would love to hear from you! Leave comments below.

Journey to Race Day

Approximately twenty seconds before crossing the finish line on the field of Autozone Park.
Memphis, TN. ::: December 3, 2011
Photo Credit: Chris Coons

"Beyond the very extreme of fatigue and distress, we may find amounts of ease and power we never dreamed ourselves to own; sources of strength never taxed at all because we never push through the obstruction."

-William James

I am filled with glee to report my first marathon finish. Tackling a marathon was never something I thought was in my reach as a runner. After finishing my first half marathon in Cleveland this past May, my confidence grew. I began to think differently about my physical abilities and limitations. In July I nervously revealed to Chris my desire to join him in Memphis to run the marathon. A few weeks later we signed-up for the race, and I made out my training schedule.

Throughout my training I had serious doubts about completing the race. At the beginning, I had issues with my left IT band, and pain in the ball of my left foot. With the increase of my weekly mileage, failed workouts became common. My asthma and severe fall allergies interfered with scheduled runs. I would set out on a six mile run, only to return to my apartment after a mile and a half because I couldn't breathe.  With each roadblock, thoughts of quitting would arise. But as with most of life, I didn't want to go down without a fight.

I clung furiously to moments of joy and excitement that arose on my training journey. My speed increased on shorter runs, and my form radically improved. I began to understand my body's needs. I understood when it needed rest and when it needed to be pushed. I completed my three hardest weeks of training injury free and happy. Heck, I even began to really look forward to hitting the pavement three to five days each week. My body transformed. Muscles strengthened. Endurance improved.

Mentally, I felt a shift. Running was no longer just a way to stay in shape or find common ground among peers. It became the time in my day to find clarity. It became a metaphor. My approach to running mirrored my approach to life. Thus, I could see my strengths and weaknesses in and out of my running shoes more clearly.

Reflecting upon this weekend, I can confidently say participating in the 2011 St. Jude Memphis Marathon proved to be an amazing experience. I can also confidently say, the race journey not race day changed me the most.

Over the next week I will focus on allowing my body to heal. Yoga, warm showers, a pedicure, hydration, lots of sleep, and good food will all be a part of my recovery. Then, I will lace up my shoes again and define where my feet will take me next.

I am filled with glee to report my first marathon finish. I am filled with glee to report that it won't be my last.

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{More race day photos and reflections, as well as a peek into my adventures in Memphis to come! So be sure to check Underlined and Bold for further updates this week!} 

A Marathon Finish!

Finished my first Marathon yesterday!

4hrs. 42mins. 32secs.

Thank you to everyone who supported me throughout my marathon journey! More details and thoughts on the experience later this week.

For now, I'm headed out to explore more of Memphis!

Hope you had a fantastic weekend.

Happy Sunday everyone!!

A Marathon Must

Photo Credit: dawnzy58 (Creative Commons)

 Taper. Taper. Taper

{the last 2-3 week period before race day.}

training. you don't always push. you taper.
decrease mileage. kick up feet. relax. 

 eat protein. grains. fruit. drink water. drink Gatorade.

training. you don't always push. you taper.
 restless. nervous. worried less isn't more.

 run easy. run light. cross-training no-more.

training. you don't always push. you taper.
 press snooze. increase snuggle time in bed.
introduce nothing. the familiar is best.

training. you don't always push. you taper.
be positive patty. be calm. boost confidence.
remembering goals. remembering fun.


12 days til my big day in Memphis! 
{Holy Crap!}

~~~~~

Want to learn more about my marathon training? Click here.

Have advice concerning the tapering process? I would LOVE to hear from you!
Please leave comments below.

5 Things I've Learned via Marathon Training

Photo Credit: Shawn Rossi (Creative Commons)

I've made it!

I've made it alive through my three longest runs for my marathon training. No repeats of my 12 mile disaster. And after a 16, 18, and 20 mile run, I am more excited than ever to tackle the big 26.2 mile race in Memphis. Wahoo!

I am injury free and in good spirits.

{And if you're wondering, my sore ass ankles are still tired, but nothing to worry about.}

I really couldn't ask for anything more at this point!

So without further delay, below are a few things I've learned from the last three weeks of hard training.

1. Bring on the Hydration & Shot Bloks

With hot muggy summer days behind us, training during this amazingly mild mid-west autumn has been a blessing. The only glitch, water fountains on Chicago's lakefront trail are slowly turned off for the winter this time of year. During my 20 mile run, I only found one working water fountain around my mile 14. When I finally made it to that fountain, I practically made out with it.

Despite hating extra bulk on my runs, I will be placing a handheld water bottle or hydration system on my "Things to Buy" list in the near future.

Also, I am loving the strawberry flavored Cliff Shot Bloks at the moment. Totally yummy!! Totally refueling!!

2. Chocolate Milk + Bananas = Better Recovery

When I trained for my half marathon this past spring, chocolate milk was not consistently part of my post-run recovery regimen. During my marathon training, I have followed every long run with chocolate milk {and a banana}.My experience with soreness and fatigue have been greatly reduced in the days after those runs.

3. I've got a Sweet Spot!

Miles 7-13 are my favorite. Muscles are warm, a rhythm is established, and movement feels effortless. It feels like I'm flying.

4. Moisture from My Eyes is Inevitable

On my 16, 18, and 20 mile runs, I cried right before embarking upon the last two miles. As my body moved into unfamiliar territory each week {as this is my first time running these distances}my eyes weld up with tears. The tears didn't stem from physical pain. Rather, I felt as if my body was cleansing itself of tensions and emotions from the past. Running really has become therapeutic.

5. Yelling, Grunting, and Mantras.

When combating fatigue, yelling and grunting are go-to tricks to psyche myself up to finish strong. Shouting "You can do this," and a simple "Come on!" can snap me out of any rising doubts about finishing. It may attract a few stares now-and-again, but it totally works for me!

I also combat fatigue with simple mantras. Recently, this quote has really helped me keep my spirits up. I also will repeatedly say "leave nothing out here," to remind myself to always give it my best.

Have any tips, tricks, or revelations about running? I would love to hear from you. Leave comments below!

Running is Pure Flow

Marathon Training Inspiration {continued}
Excerpt from Christopher McDougall's Born to Run
Note: The person quoted from this excerpt is Jenn Shelton, an American record setting Ultra-Marathon runner.

"When I'm out on a long run," she continued, "the only thing in life that matters is finishing the run. For once, my brain isn't going blehblehbleh all the time. Everything quiets down, and the only thing going is pure flow. It's just me and the movement and the motion. That's what I love-- just being a barbarian, running through the woods."

Are you digging today's inspirational quote?  Read another excerpt from Born to Run here.

Clueless about my marathon training? Click here and here and here to learn more!

Running is Romantic

Marathon Training Inspiration!

Excerpt from Christopher McDougall's Born to Run

Note: The "Ann" mentioned in the excerpt below, refers to Ann Trason. Trason is an American Ultra Marathon runner. She is considered to be one of the best of her time.

 ...Ann insisted, running was romantic; and no, of course her friends didn't get it because they'd never broken through. For them, running was a miserable two miles motivated solely by size six jeans: get on the scale, get depressed, get your headphones on, and get it over with. But you can't muscle through a five hour run that way; you have to relax into it, like easing your body into a hot bath, until it no longer resists the shock and begins to enjoy it.

Relax enough, and your body becomes so familiar with the cradle-rocking rhythm that you almost forget you're moving. And once you break through to that soft, half levitating flow, that's when the moonlight and champagne show up: "You have to be in tune with your body, and know when you can push it and when to back off," Ann would explain. You have to listen closely to the sound of your own breathing; be aware of how much sweat is beading on your back; make sure to treat yourself to cool water and a salty snack and ask yourself, honestly and often, exactly how you feel. What could be more sensual than paying exquisite attention to your own body? Sensual counted as romantic, right?

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All too often, vigorous exercise is only discussed in juxtaposition to weight and beauty. If you want to look like THIS, you must do THAT {and it isn't going to be fun, let alone romantic}. Having been a victim of this thinking myself, physical activity has felt like punishment; a curse rather than a blessing.

Thus, finding people who can convey a different narrative are nothing short of heroes to me. 

McDougall's Born to Run is filled with passages that describe running as an intimate beautiful experience. I LOVE thinking of the act of moving my body in this way. It stirs-up an overwhelming sense of gratitude in my heart. Gratitude for having time in my days  to cultivate a mind, body and soul connection . Where trivial worries and hang-ups fall away. Some days it's just me and the pavement. Other days it's just me and my yoga mat. And on a great day, it's both.

Be sure to check Underlined and Bold tomorrow! A second passage from Born to Run that's been inspirational for my marathon training will be revealed!

Until then, 

Happy Monday Everyone!!

Clueless about my marathon training? Click here and here and here to learn more!

Motivation from 1984

...And Marathon Training Continues:

Joan Benoit
First Women's Olympic Marathon
L.A., 1984
Photo Credit: Run Maine

The next three weeks I've scheduled the longest and hardest of my training runs.

Scared & Nervous?

Hell yes! 

Running twenty miles in one afternoon is unfamiliar territory. If I can meet disaster at twelve miles, I certainly can meet it on the sixteen, eighteen, and twenty mile training runs I've planned. 

My biggest deficit {besides some healthy fear} in my training thus far are my sore ass ankles. Between training and working at a restaurant all weekend, I've been "feeling" my ankles in a whole new way. Needless to say ice, elevation, and intentional rest are my new best friends. 

Beyond ankle complaints...

I'm also excited

to do something I've never done before.

My biggest assets include finally learning to LOVE running, breaking in a new pair of shoes, seeing an increase in speed on shorter runs, and having a great coach. 

Motivation this week to hit the pavement:

Joan Benoit and her courageous win @ the first Women's Olympic Marathon held in L.A., in 1984. {just weeks after knee surgery!!} View the video below and be inspired!

Cheers to strong women!

Peace & Love

-Abigail

Want to learn more about Joan? Click here!

A 12 Mile Disaster

Confidence Shot.  Depressed.  Shivering. 

it all. 
just felt.
so impossible.

In a comfy reclining chair, I replayed the late afternoon events in my mind. I was suppose to spend the evening at an art gallery, but weakness and fatigue plagued my body. Thus, a blanket, hot tea, and the Rolling Stones doc, Gimme Shelter, were my only company.

I started my 12 mile run feeling as if someone attached twenty pound sand bags to my feet.  The culprits: four hours of sleep and one too many glasses of wine the previous evening. The sun was shining though. And while others waited impatiently in traffic, my legs roamed free on the open road with very little stop and go. I felt, despite lassitude, this to be my victory.

Explosive waves crashed on the shore as I hit the Lakefront trail. Trees, butterflies, and graceful runners passed my sight line. Moving my legs continued to grow tiresome. I glanced at my watch. Time was the hare. I was the tortoise. But I believed this to be my consequence. And I believed with the beauty of the southern skyline view of the city, I would persevere. Even if it was slow and painful.

Bold and formal, Buckingham Fountain stood on my left as the once welcoming blue skies faded to a distant memory. Black clouds overshadowed the blue quickly. Frigid gusts of wind nearly knocked me to the pavement. And rain drops began to plummet from the sky, five miles from my final destination.

Legs still moving, the torrential downpour forced old make-up into my eyes. They burned with a vengeance. Squinting ahead, I looked for shelter to find relief. Clinging to puny trunks, I found others huddled under trees. As hail nailed me in the back, I joined them without hesitation.

As the rain raged, a friendly couple allowed me to share their umbrella. I trembled. As the rain raged, dampness and cold were making a home in my body. I trembled. As the rain raged, I yearned to shout obscenities and curse the world. But instead, I trembled.

When the rain slowed to a trickle, I jutted north. I knew of shelter less than a half mile down the trail with a bathroom and hand dryer in-toe. My body ached and eternity seemed to stretch over the next ten minutes.

Battling tourists down the Pier, I found the bathroom. I maneuvered the stream of hot hair up into my shirt, trying to force out the dampness and cold. But they would not budge. They clung to me. Intense. Unwavering.

Trying to ward off the feeling of failure, a part of me wanted to continue. Instead, with no cash in my pockets, I jumped into a cab. He kicked me out. "No Money, no ride," he announced. He was not taken with me, my stories, my I-Pod collateral, or the promise of money.

A second cabbie showed reluctance, but gave into compassion, pity, or his conscience.  And once reunited with my wallet, I rewarded him handsomely.

Hours passed.  The comfy reclining chair cradled my cold restless body. Deflated. Depleted. Alone. The larger goal of 26.2 miles loomed over my head.

it all.
just felt.
so impossible.


Update:
Since this event (which occurred a couple weeks ago), I successfully completed a second attempt at a 12 mile run. I also completed a 14 mile run on Friday in good spirits. 14 miles is the furthest I've ever run in my life! Holy Cow!


Each of these runs I approached with a healthy fear of non-completion and failure. But with some coaching, a good nights rest, and an increase in my spaghetti consumption, I met the challenge of each of these runs with surprising ease.


Thank you to all those who have shown support as I continue moving toward the big Marathon day. It means more than you know!


Light & Love,
Abigail


P.S.- Clueless about my journey toward my first marathon? Get more info. by clicking here.

Scrapbook: Chicago Marathon 2011

Elite Runners
I almost peed myself with excitement as I watched world class runners pass me at mile 20!

Then More Runners Appeared!
And we cheered and clapped and said "wait to go"!

And Soon The Streets Were Filled.
Runners everywhere! LOVE IT!

Pumpkin Muffins!
We cheered on the crowd for hours. Luckily my friend Dana brought out pumpkin muffins to sustain our efforts!

Hooray for friends!
I knew several individuals who participated in the marathon. Unfortunately, I didn't see every single person who ran. And I most definitely wasn't able to get a photo of everyone. Below are two amazing gentleman (John and Andre) I was able to photograph!

...A Beautiful afternoon.
Chris and I snapped a single photo before we departed for the afternoon. I couldn't have asked for a better day! I am truly inspired by the efforts of every runner out there today. Congratulations!

Inspiration: The Chicago Marathon

Photo Credit: Flicker (Creative Commons)

Yesterday I announced I will be running my first marathon this December in Memphis! Exciting (and scary) news. The thought of running 26.2 miles is extremely intimidating, but I love challenges. So we'll see where it leads me.

Not a runner? Click here to read my reflection about running my first half marathon in May. Most of my life I didn't enjoy running. Gradually, (with the influence of many) I changed my mind.

Over the next two months of training, I will be in constant need of inspiration. Therefore, early Sunday morning I will roll out of bed to watch the Chicago Marathon in Pilsen (around the 20 mile mark). I know seeing the strength and endurance of others will help motivate me. It will motivate me to continually tie up my laces week after week to give every bit of energy I can muster to my training.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
Good luck to all the runners participating in the Chicago Marathon on Sunday!
You are my inspiration this week!

Light and Love,
Abigail

My Next Adventure!

Photo Credit: david__jones on flicker (creative commons)

Graceland and Beale Street here I come! The first weekend in December, Chris and I are road tripping to explore one of America's most historic music cities; Memphis

Our adventure includes running the St. Jude Memphis Marathon and celebrating our one year anniversary.

Stay tuned for marathon training and trip planning updates!

Never Say Never:

Completing the Ride Aid Cleveland Half Marathon

Photo of Chris and I right after we finished our races.
Chris finished the full marathon and I finished the half.

At age eighteen I volunteered at the 23 mile mark of the 2005 Chicago Marathon. I had never watched a marathon before, and my attendance had little to do with running. To me, running was a foreign sport. It was a sport in which its participants had a few screws loose and a genetic predisposition for moving ones legs for an ungodly amount of time and/or at an ungodly pace.

Despite my ignorant attitude, I was unexpectedly moved emotionally by watching runners trot past me for hours during the marathon. Some runners looked great waving their hands in the air as we cheered them on. Other runners limped in pain and moved slowly. Some were filled with joy as our water station came into view, quickly grabbing a cup from my hand and splashing me a bit as they rushed onward to finish the race. I observed faces expressing determination, joy, contemplation, exhaustion and distress. T-shirts like "in memory of my dad," would whizz past me, leaving me a bit choked up. I began to see this wasn't just about running for the sake of running.

About a year and half later, I found myself watching another race. This time I was in Indianapolis watching several of my friends complete the 500 Festival Mini Marathon. It was a surreal experience to see people I actually knew run 13.1 miles. At the time, I was living with most of my friends who had completed that race. Living with them, I witnessed their efforts to follow meticulous training schedules filled with notes about sprints, cross-training and distances. I was inspired by their dedication and commitment, but a world that involved running still seemed incredibly foreign to me. I had walked my first official 5k about six month prior to Indianapolis, but I was still pretty adamant that running and me would never have a close association.

Upon our return from Indianapolis, some of my friends began prodding me about running. Curious, I got on some treadmills at our fitness center, but the whole process felt painful. I reported back to my friends that running was dreadful and complained about aches I felt in my flat feet. I thought this report fraught with complaints would squash their prodding. I was wrong. My friend Emily told me kindly but very forcefully that I needed to buy running shoes.

At first I was angry at Emily's response. She wasn't allowing me an easy out (as the truth is rarely easy). If I didn't run, it was because I chose that path, not because I wasn't physically able. For a while, I tried using the hefty price tag of good running shoes, which can be around $120, as an excuse. Why was I going to throw my precious money towards a material good that I wasn't even sure I was going to put to use?

Weeks later I was still tossing Emily's rebuttal around in my head. I brought my concerns about investing in a good pair of sneaks to friend and long time runner Emma. She confirmed my need for running shoes and suggested I be fitted in a specialty store. She offered to come with me to make my first purchase.

Four months later I ran my first 5K, the Aids Run & Walk Chicago, in my well broken in high stability New Balance 850 shoes. I was proud of myself for completing the race, but still couldn't figure out why so many people were hyped about running. I continued to put my shoes to use at the gym or occasionally outside, but often found myself gravitating toward group fitness classes and yoga. Gradually, over the course of four years I did begin to run further. I could run five to seven miles comfortably, but never kept up a consistent schedule. Every once in a while I would run to release stress and put cardio into my workout routine.

Shortly after my 24th birthday, I found someone else prodding me about running. My boyfriend was planning to run the full Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon in May. Cleveland is my hometown, where my parents still reside. He thought it might be fun for me to run the half marathon that would be occurring simultaneously as the full marathon. Strangely, it didn't take me long to commit to the idea. I put together a training schedule and at the beginning of March began to pound the pavement.

Eleven weeks of training, quickly passed. At 6:50AM on Sunday, May 15th, I stood staring at the start line. As I waited with thousands of other runners, my thoughts began to rush around in my head. What if I don't  finish? What if I get hurt? Did I train well enough? My IT band seems really tight right now.

But as I crossed the start line with "Dynamite Wall" by Hayden playing on my I POD, all the thoughts melted away. I relaxed and took a deep breath and began to recognize the beauty that surrounded me; a sea of bodies running in the same direction like a huge school of fish diving into the deep waters of the vast ocean.

Mile after mile I ran. I ran with an even stride enjoying my playlist and giving high-fives to children watching from the sidewalks. I ran admiring the different Cleveland neighborhoods the race took us through, while using my watch as a guide post for proper pacing. I ran, shouting "mile 9," at the mile marker in a voice that projected nothing but joy. And I ran, taking cups at several water stations, thanking volunteers for coming out on a misty gray day in Cleveland.

At mile 12, I screamed and squirmed with joy. The finish line had yet to come into view, but the newest thing I had laid my eyes on was almost as exciting. It was my parents! I think I put them in a state of shock as I passed them. I'm pretty sure they were expecting to see me sluggish and in pain at mile 12. Instead they got this little fire ball of energy running past them, arms waving in the air frantically as if I was at the concert of my favorite band playing my favorite song.

The last mile of the race was mostly on a decline, moving me easily into a dead sprint. I put aside all my strategy concerning pacing, and repeated a mantra in my head I used during training, "don't leave anything out here". I wanted to finish the race knowing I gave it my best, using all the energy I could muster. Eventually my feet carried me across the finish line at 2hours 3minutes and 39seconds, and proceeded to receive my first medal for running.

My completion of the half marathon is not an original story. It's something many people have done and will continue to do into the future across the globe. Therefore, my completion really isn't anything spectacular. What is spectacular is that I changed my mind. It wasn't over night or even over the course of a few weeks. My mind was changed over the course of years. Years of people gently inviting me to try something new that would positively impact my life. These people weren't just inviting me to run; they were inviting me to get out my comfort zone. They were inviting me to challenge myself and believe in myself; to never say never.

This essay is dedicated to all the runners in my life! An extra special thanks to those who prodded me with love along the way -- Emma Pellegrino, Kristen Pellegrino, Emily Pease, Alex Murphy, Betsy Schluge, Anne Rooney, Brittany Hurst, Julianne Lenehan, Alaska JVs '09 - '10, Mrs. Pease, Mrs. Hurst and Chris Coons.

Day 25: Chicago Summer Solstice Countdown

Melissa will be training all summer long to run the
2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon!

As the summer months roll by, many of us will spot runners pounding the pavement around our neighborhoods and on the lakefront. Some runners are just aiming to get a little cardio in their exercise routines, using outdoor spaces as their gym due to the nicer weather. Some maybe training to run a 5k, 10k and/or half marathon in the near future. Others are training for one of the biggest events our amazing city hosts each year, the Chicago Marathon.

Melissa's cat Penske Pennyloafer Pepperpants
 (AKA Dirty Face)

The Chicago Marathon is one of the World Marathon Majors that attracts approximately 45,000 runners each year from across the globe. One person attracted to run the marathon in 2011 is friend and co-worker Melissa Korpalski. Melissa will be training hard all summer long to run 26.2 miles on October 9th. The marathon will not only serve as a personal challenge, but will help raise money for PAWS Chicago, the city's largest "no kill" animal shelter. The money raised will "support PAWS Chicago's life-saving Adoption, Spay/Neuter, and Humane Education programs". Melissa chose PAWS Chicago for her charity of choice for the marathon, not only because of her love of animals, but to honor her mother, Marcia Korpalski, who recently passed away from cancer. Her mother was a true animal lover.

Whether you're an enthusiastic runner, admirer of runners, passionate animal lover or all of the above, support Melissa by making a donation to PAWS via her online fundraising page. Click here to make your donation today, then pass the link along to friends and family.

As for all the Chicagoan's lacing up their sneakers and hitting the streets this summer, Day 25 is for you! No matter the distance or duration you inspire me! See you out there!