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!!! 

Adventures in Sea Kayaking

{Australia Challenge Day 6}

Take a risk. Be nervous. 

Try something you've never done before.

I did. And was. 

And it turned out like this:

My Go Sea Kayak Tour Group.

Coming in on a wave! Me w/my German kayaking partner Fabian.

Salt water in the eyes! I am a mid-west girl through and through. I never got use to the salt water of the ocean.

Fabian and I were both trying stand on the boat simultaneously.
Needless to say, we were both in the water seconds after this photo was taken.

Snacking on Tim-Tams, and patting ourselves on the back for an awesome morning tour.

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Scrapbook: Melbourne, Australia

St. Kilda Beach Pier

St. Kilda Beach

Flinders Street Station

Parliament Gardens

Hotel Esplanade in the near suburb of St. Kilda

Bike shop @ Rose Market in the near suburb of Fitzroy

Lawn Bowling @ North Fitzroy Bowls (in Fitzroy)

Lawn Bowling Celebration Dance

Central Business District (CBD) of Melbourne

Footbridge linking the CBD and the Southbank

Footbridge linking the CBD and the Southbank.
{The photo is taken from the restaurant Pony Fish Island that is on an open platform underneath the bridge}

St. Kilda Beach

Luna Park in St. Kilda

Famous St. Kilda cakes and desserts

Esplanade Market in St. Kilda

Parliament Gardens

Esplanade Hotel in St. Kilda

the Rose Street Market in Fitzroy 

Me w/ Greg Mann {a jewelry maker @ the Rose Street Market}
I bought my first Australia souvenir from him! {The big ring on my pointer finger} 

Near suburb - Fitzroy

Federation Square - Ian Potter Centre: National Gallery of Victoria Australia

Public Toliet in the CBD

Melbourne Laneway - CBD

Near Suburb - Fitzroy

Federation Square

Pony Fish Island {Restaurant on the Yarra River}

Flinders Street Train Station

Departing Melbourne this afternoon to go WWOOF on a alpaca farm approximately 2.5 hours outside the city. Be in touch in one week.

Sincerely Yours,

Abigail

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.

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!