Sunday, March 31, 2013
Run the BlueGrass Half Marathon March 30, 2013
Geniene's story:
BACKGROUND:
So yesterday I completed my first half marathon! I don’t
remember exactly when I added this goal to my bucket list – but I have had
friends in my life run full marathons and in the back of my mind I have always
wanted to be able to say I did that! Well the problem with goals and dreams
like that is you have to start somewhere – and in this case, you have to start
running. I have NEVER enjoyed running. As a child I stayed away from running. I
was an active team sports player (tennis, swimming, diving, racquetball and
basketball) but never pure running. Our school had to run cross country every
year as a big event and I never ever tried – always walking in last. I just
didn’t like it! I tried a few times since school and always quit. Like most
things in my journals that I look back on that are health/fitness related on– I
just wasn’t able to succeed with this running thing. Well that cycle of failure
has come to an end J
In January of 2012 I started Get Fit, and as soon as the
weather became decent we would head out for the one mile run starting at HLC
around Conner Campus and back again. I literally thought I would die! I said to
myself that if every boot camp was going to start with a mile run – that was
the end of boot camp for me. But in the back of my mind I kept toying with the
idea of, ‘what if I could do it?’ I met fellow boot campers – Lenah, Amy
Schroder and Kendall around that time and they loved running. You could tell!
And after hearing their stories I kept thinking – “if they can, why can’t I?”
However in March of 2012 I started having left knee pain
that went from a diagnosis of stress fractures, torn meniscus to bone death
(apnea) and the results left me immobilized in either a cast/brace until June.
The final orthopedic I saw told me that I would never run again, and to give up
that idea. Hmm…. Those are fighting words. But he is a doctor, so what to
believe now? Needless to say my activity level dropped back to about zero and
so I focused on nutrition. I could have quit right then, but I refused to
believe this was it for me. I had attempted running the fall before and my
journals are a series of excuses and feelings of being defeated. I was SO sick
of the cycle of negativity. In fall of
2012 I started the new session of Get Fit with a healed knee (chiropractor
insisted I removed all braces and to get moving). The more I moved, the more
the pain went away, with the help of biweekly ankle and hip adjustments. I was determined to run a 5K! Then I met
Amber! I saw her running pace matched mine at the track and I asked to be her vet
buddy. In October we ran our first 5K and set our sights on a half marathon in
March of 2013 and the Turkey Trot 10K in November as a measure of if we could
get going.
And we set out …… and ran and ran and ran. With the Turkey
Trot 10K (longest run to date) complete in November we ran some more, in snow,
freezing temperatures and rain… at 5:30am, at 5:30pm – we put it on our
calendars and just did it! If she couldn’t make one day – I would run solo and
visa versa.
Then we realized we were running too much (oh the irony of
it all). Our bodies were becoming exhausted. So after confirming with our
running pros in Mel’s Running Club, we cut down to 3-4 days a week instead of
5. Around week 6-7 of our training Amber
started having bad leg pain (due to a pinched nerve in her back) and then had
lung troubles and so my running was either solo or with pick up groups at
Running Club. We were both determined to finish what we started though – and Amber
was determined to finish the race no matter what!
I successfully completed a 12 mile training run – right on
target after increasing my mileage each week – with Staci, Sara and Leslie. I
was ready! I felt confident and prepared, physically and mentally.
RACE WEEK:
We had ordered group race shirts that say: “13.1 only HALF
crazy!” on the back. Once I picked them up on Wednesday the jitters began. We
now had a group of about 14 going – 3 running the 7 mile and the rest running
the half. It was great to have a bigger group and I even had more training
buddies now after pushing my pace up a bit. Friday some got to go down to the
expo and being in contact with them hearing about the medals and activities got
us all very excited.
The night before I had everything prepared. Protein muffins for post –race refuel for the
group were in one cooler. Lunch for me and Patrick, as we were on the ‘no
eating out challenge’, was in the other cooler. All my race gear and clothes
were laid out. I hydrated all week and made turkey burgers with sweet potato
fries to duplicate the dinner I had before the 12 mile training run. I also
duplicated breakfast the next morning (blueberry bagel with peanut butter). I
wanted everything to feel the same and go as smoothly as the 12 mile training run
did two weeks prior.
RACE DAY:
Nervous anticipation is a good way to describe my mood that
morning. I wanted the coffee to kick in so I would have time to use the
bathroom and not a porta potty (the little things that count). As I waited with
Patrick in the Impact parking lot – we anxiously checked over our gear and
talked about playlists and other race related items. Thankfully I got to run in
and use the bathroom so that was another thing to mentally check off the list
and not to worry about during the run J
We were unsure who we were meeting and when exactly we were leaving, but as the
minutes ticked by – I just wanted to get down there. Finally on the road and
the chatter was fueled with nerves and joy. I loved the tangible energy of the
carpool ride – and while we were trying to be in our own mental preparation
bubbles, we enjoyed the social aspect of being together. Rachel’s husband drove
us (Rachel, Patrick, Lisa and Danielle). The traffic from the exit to the parking
lot was nightmarish, and for a while I thought we might be terribly late. Finally
close to 8:30 we unloaded, awaited our turn in the porta potty lines and headed
to the corrals for the start. Thank goodness for the bright green shirts ~ it
made finding everyone so much easier. I got my bib and bag from Amber, and the
photo frenzy continued. My parents got stuck in the same traffic and as I was
taking a final walk up the corral line I met my mom walking down. She was able
to take my bags and wish me well as the race began and we started our shift
towards the starting line. The actual start was delayed due to fog, which gave
everyone a chance to relax a bit more. As we headed towards the start for our corral
(I) to begin, my dad hopped into the crowd for a quick hug. Having my parents
there meant the world to me! Before we started I saw a friend’s husband who
gave us the 411 on the course. He warned us to take it easy on the first set of
hills because they were just the warm up inclines. Once we passed the chicken
farm the real hills would begin and then the course ended in some flats. I
thought we would heed his advice as we could see the first ‘incline’.
THE RACE:
MapMyRun and wrist watch was started as we crossed under the starting line banner and Staci and I set off just in front of Lesley and Sara. As we reached the first mile marker and heard our pace time, I was nervous we were running too fast, but we both agreed we felt comfortable with our pace and kept on. When we reached the chicken farm and saw the 7mile course veer off we joked about taking a short cut but kept on – knowing that the hills were about to start. Having live music at some of the mile markers was awesome and miles 2-5 seemed to fly by – probably because we were keeping a 10/mile pace ;)
MapMyRun and wrist watch was started as we crossed under the starting line banner and Staci and I set off just in front of Lesley and Sara. As we reached the first mile marker and heard our pace time, I was nervous we were running too fast, but we both agreed we felt comfortable with our pace and kept on. When we reached the chicken farm and saw the 7mile course veer off we joked about taking a short cut but kept on – knowing that the hills were about to start. Having live music at some of the mile markers was awesome and miles 2-5 seemed to fly by – probably because we were keeping a 10/mile pace ;)
I was surprised to see so many runners stopping to take
pictures – they must have run half’s before because all I could think about was
to keep on moving. The estates and horses were lovely to look at and they are
not wrong in describing the course as scenic. That is definitely a smart tactic
to distract you from the hills. “Rolling hills” is also not an accurate
description. Some of the inclines were
just plain torturous. Just after mile 7 I started to feel pretty queasy. I had
a gel pack at mile 6 with water as I had before on a training run, and I began
to mentally panic as I felt a wall approaching. I told Staci that I didn’t feel
too great but I was determined not to stop or walk! I was so grateful for all
those 4-5 miles runs that created an automatic leg feeling. My legs knew what
to do – I had my mind to overcome!
At mile marker 8 there was a horse running with her foal in
a huge corner paddock. They brought tears to our eyes at their natural beauty.
The mother encouraging her young to run alongside her – is exactly what I
needed to see and feel to dig deeper to continue on. I had remembered to
meditate on my mile dedications and mile marker 8 was for my parents (so
fitting) and my sister. Unfortunately a hill somewhere in mile 8 caused me to
stop to catch my breath. I promised myself I would only walk for 30 seconds but
I saw Staci getting further and further away from me. I waved her on as she was in a great zone –
and for the next 2 miles I struggled through intervals of running and walking. I
remember seeing mile marker 9 and someone at the stop yelled – “ok you are
warmed up ~ now the 5K begins”. I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry –
because I said the same thing two weeks earlier, except I had felt a lot better
then. If I walked for too long, terrible
cramps in my calves caused me to wince in pain. So I would run until a wave of
nausea hit and then walk again. My socks were starting to bother me (this was
new – and one toe felt like the nail was being bruised.This continued until
mile marker 11. I seriously considered stopping when I saw a medic, but instead
starting singing lyrics to songs like “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”
over and over in my head. Mile marker 12 saved me!. The worst of the hills
(real hills) were over and I was swept up in the undulating motion of ‘rolling
hills’ along with my bodily nausea and dizziness. I started naming off everyone
in one my head that I knew in Melody’s Boot camp family – every name brought an
image of their face to my mind and I ran each step for you! I shed a few tears
thinking about how I so wanted to be
a runner. And here I was running/ and walking (and not really mad about walking)
– and just wanting to finish. I had made up so much time in the first 8 miles
with our crazy pace that I was still in reach of my finish time. I also knew
that I could run the last mile – for goodness sake - it’s just one mile. Then I
remembered my first mile I ever ran without stopping - and the elation I felt.
That shared joy that I see with new get fitters posting their first mile inspired
me even more. When I turned the corner with the barn in sight – I heared
marching band playing to cheer us to the end, I heard someone say my name.
MacKenzie and Eddie were in front of the barn cheering me on – and I remember
saying “oh, my, god!” My dad was waiting for me on the opposite side of the
road cheering me on and gave me a high five. Once I wrapped around the barn the
finish line was FINALLY IN SIGHT. I could hear the people – I could feel the
energy of the finish reaching out to pull me in. How I managed to smile on that
final stretch – I’ll never know because inside I was screaming in pain, in
anguish but yes in joy! I was so confused when I saw the banner time reading
2:45 but my watch read 2:38 and then I realized it didn’t matter. I had
finished – a 6 month goal – a dream – I MADE IT!
I was handed my medal, and I staggered over to Staci and
Danielle for a quick hug – then made it over to my mom. I was ready to drop to
the floor. My legs were so tight and the shakes were starting in my stomach. I
knew I needed to hydrate and refuel fast. I sipped on water and ate a banana
while heading to the bathroom. I called my husband to share I had finished and
that I saw a text from him that he sent when I was half way in “you’re half way
home and haven’t even broken a sweat” J
After a muffin and some stretching I started to feel better
but still not great. I opted to leave early instead of meeting up with everyone
(which I regret now), but physically I don’t think I could have remained alert
and social for too much longer. I was very overwhelmed with all the sounds and
smells and headed to the back seat of my parents’ car, so thankful that I didn’t
have to drive home. During the drive home, I started sharing some of the
highlights and lowlights of the race and after about 30 minutes ate my sandwich
and the nausea finally subsided. Once home – after some gifts and more
congratulations I soaked in a hot bath and played my running playlist and
reflected on my journey. It’s been a long road – and it seems like every time
in my adult life that I have tried to start something in the arena of
sports/health, a huge stumbling block would find its way in front of me. Well this
time it got pushed to the side. This
time I would not be defeated – I would not give in to pain, or weakness or
feelings of inadequacy. I am stronger –
I believe in myself and there is no looking back now!
Monday, March 18, 2013
Last two weeks:
If there was zero pain in my feet I would be a happy camper. Beginning to think I might have to succumb to a doctor visit before the race if the pain persists. It's not my arch, its not my heel - it's the inside bone (that protrudes) between the ankle and bunion .....and it's tender ALL THE TIME!!!!
This just started after Saturday's long run.....
if I can just get through next week ..... please!!!
So my plan for training is as follows:
Tuesday (tomorrow): 4
Wednesday: rest
Thursday: 4
Friday: 2
Saturday: 6
Sunday: rest
Monday: rest
Tuesday: 3
Wednesday: 2
Thursday: 3
Friday: rest
Saturday: 13.1 Baby!!!
This just started after Saturday's long run.....
if I can just get through next week ..... please!!!
So my plan for training is as follows:
Tuesday (tomorrow): 4
Wednesday: rest
Thursday: 4
Friday: 2
Saturday: 6
Sunday: rest
Monday: rest
Tuesday: 3
Wednesday: 2
Thursday: 3
Friday: rest
Saturday: 13.1 Baby!!!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Mile Dedications- by Geniene
With our first half marathon about 2 weeks away - I'm getting nervous!
I had a horrible long run last Saturday that almost left my body shut down after not fueling enough. And let me tell you I'm preaching to the choir (I've taught others about fueling your workouts/days) and here I was at mile 8 of the planned 11, barely able to walk let alone run.
SO with a renewed love for food :) and less concern over the scale: I'm more determined than ever to get this race under my belt - and to hang that darn medal on the wall!
I am planning to dedicate each mile to the following:
Mile 1: to Amy Schroder - who ran my first mile with me back in Spring of 2012 - I thought I would literally die. But her spirit and encouragement got me around that Conner campus and planted a seed in my soul. She was my buddy/leader in my first season and I have a lot of gratitude for her friendship and wisdom along the way.
Mile 2: to Marcy Burns - who knew I needed a program that had accountability even though I was trying to convince myself I didn't need it. She invited me to register in January 2012 and I will be forever grateful for that invitation and push in the right direction.
Mile 3: to Candace A - my life coach :) Not too much to add to that other than endless gratitude~
Mile 4: to my three boys: James, Nick and Michael. You have changed my life FORever for the better. I'm so glad to be a "mother runner" because of you! And to my step-daughter Jeanne - the only thing I would want to change about motherhood is the timing so that I could have enjoyed knowing you for you longer :)
Mile 5: My husband Brian. This year will mark our 5th wedding anniversary. Boy what a lot of life and living we have packed into 6 short years together. My life has been forever changed by you. Your support, unconditional love, encouragement and generosity keeps a constant arm around my shoulders 24/7. Thank you for sponsoring my first session with Mel's program.
Mile 6: my running partner Amber.
I chose mile 6 for you because this was our longest run when we first started running together. I will never forget finishing the 2012 Turkey day 10K with you - and the overwhelming emotions. I know we have run further since then - but this was a day of such accomplishment - we set our sights on this half marathon and you have been at my side (even in spirit) ever since.
Mile 7: to my chiropractor Dr. Ron Savignano - you are a genius. My back loves you, my ankle loves you, me knee loves you, my tail bone loves you....ok you get the picture. Thank you for helping me keep my body healthy and finely tuned :)
Mile 8: to my friends on Facebook: I know I post A LOT about health, the food I'm eating, my exercise routine. Well it's to keep me accountable - and if I've bored you ....oh well... stop reading. But the truth is you have sent me private messages and I know that somehow my journey is inspiring others - to run, to eat better, to start again, to start..... for all of you who 'like' or 'comment' or message me. thank you - love you!
Mile 9: To my sister Marcelle and my parents. Marcelle started running before I even dreamed I could - you inspire me :) You never complain - you have perseverance MASTERED! My parents rock!
Mile 10: To Kendall, Eddie, Jamie and Lenah: You have taught me so much as a newbie runner. Thank you for your support, your time and for sharing your love of running.
Mile 11: To my Goodridge and Yealey families. There are about 11 at GES currently in the Get Fit program and 3 at YES, and your journey inspires me ~ Thanks to to all my friends/co-workers there who support my journey. A special thanks to my office mates Renee and Michelle who have to put up with my smelly snacks/and chatter about food and running ~ THANKS!
Mile 12: to Melody Hoppius - for creating this wonderful Get Fit program that has become part of my life/family.I would not be running or doing most of what I am today if I had not signed up for your program in January 2012
Mile 13 and the .1 : To my 5:30am HLC family. I love this group of boot campers - this is where it all started for me and to be able to instruct and work out with you - you keep my core and heart happy :) THis includes all the traitors who left us for the 5am class :) Love you all still! Also to everyone in Melody's Get Fit Family who thinks (and won't admit it) - "I wish I could run". Well you can - I wanted to run all my life and just never figured it out. JUST DO IT!! This 1.1 is for you.......a great place to start.
So with these dedications - here is my plan. I would like to create my running playlist in the next week so if you have a song or two or three (I run a 11:30 mile for distance) you would like me to listen to during my race - please send me the song name so I can customize my playlist.. That way you will be doubly on my mind :) Let's do this!
I had a horrible long run last Saturday that almost left my body shut down after not fueling enough. And let me tell you I'm preaching to the choir (I've taught others about fueling your workouts/days) and here I was at mile 8 of the planned 11, barely able to walk let alone run.
SO with a renewed love for food :) and less concern over the scale: I'm more determined than ever to get this race under my belt - and to hang that darn medal on the wall!
I am planning to dedicate each mile to the following:
Mile 1: to Amy Schroder - who ran my first mile with me back in Spring of 2012 - I thought I would literally die. But her spirit and encouragement got me around that Conner campus and planted a seed in my soul. She was my buddy/leader in my first season and I have a lot of gratitude for her friendship and wisdom along the way.
Mile 2: to Marcy Burns - who knew I needed a program that had accountability even though I was trying to convince myself I didn't need it. She invited me to register in January 2012 and I will be forever grateful for that invitation and push in the right direction.
Mile 3: to Candace A - my life coach :) Not too much to add to that other than endless gratitude~
Mile 4: to my three boys: James, Nick and Michael. You have changed my life FORever for the better. I'm so glad to be a "mother runner" because of you! And to my step-daughter Jeanne - the only thing I would want to change about motherhood is the timing so that I could have enjoyed knowing you for you longer :)
Mile 5: My husband Brian. This year will mark our 5th wedding anniversary. Boy what a lot of life and living we have packed into 6 short years together. My life has been forever changed by you. Your support, unconditional love, encouragement and generosity keeps a constant arm around my shoulders 24/7. Thank you for sponsoring my first session with Mel's program.
Mile 6: my running partner Amber.
I chose mile 6 for you because this was our longest run when we first started running together. I will never forget finishing the 2012 Turkey day 10K with you - and the overwhelming emotions. I know we have run further since then - but this was a day of such accomplishment - we set our sights on this half marathon and you have been at my side (even in spirit) ever since.
Mile 7: to my chiropractor Dr. Ron Savignano - you are a genius. My back loves you, my ankle loves you, me knee loves you, my tail bone loves you....ok you get the picture. Thank you for helping me keep my body healthy and finely tuned :)
Mile 8: to my friends on Facebook: I know I post A LOT about health, the food I'm eating, my exercise routine. Well it's to keep me accountable - and if I've bored you ....oh well... stop reading. But the truth is you have sent me private messages and I know that somehow my journey is inspiring others - to run, to eat better, to start again, to start..... for all of you who 'like' or 'comment' or message me. thank you - love you!
Mile 9: To my sister Marcelle and my parents. Marcelle started running before I even dreamed I could - you inspire me :) You never complain - you have perseverance MASTERED! My parents rock!
Mile 10: To Kendall, Eddie, Jamie and Lenah: You have taught me so much as a newbie runner. Thank you for your support, your time and for sharing your love of running.
Mile 11: To my Goodridge and Yealey families. There are about 11 at GES currently in the Get Fit program and 3 at YES, and your journey inspires me ~ Thanks to to all my friends/co-workers there who support my journey. A special thanks to my office mates Renee and Michelle who have to put up with my smelly snacks/and chatter about food and running ~ THANKS!
Mile 12: to Melody Hoppius - for creating this wonderful Get Fit program that has become part of my life/family.I would not be running or doing most of what I am today if I had not signed up for your program in January 2012
Mile 13 and the .1 : To my 5:30am HLC family. I love this group of boot campers - this is where it all started for me and to be able to instruct and work out with you - you keep my core and heart happy :) THis includes all the traitors who left us for the 5am class :) Love you all still! Also to everyone in Melody's Get Fit Family who thinks (and won't admit it) - "I wish I could run". Well you can - I wanted to run all my life and just never figured it out. JUST DO IT!! This 1.1 is for you.......a great place to start.
So with these dedications - here is my plan. I would like to create my running playlist in the next week so if you have a song or two or three (I run a 11:30 mile for distance) you would like me to listen to during my race - please send me the song name so I can customize my playlist.. That way you will be doubly on my mind :) Let's do this!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Week 6 (already?)
Well it's been tough scheduling and family/health wise. But here we are at the start of week 6.
Plan is:
Monday (off)
Tuesday 4 didn't make it
Wednesday 4 with running club on Aero :)
Thursday 4 switched to Friday
Friday (off)
Saturday 8
Sunday 4
That's a lot of 4's!
Happy Chinese New Year :)
Plan is:
Monday (off)
Tuesday 4 didn't make it
Wednesday 4 with running club on Aero :)
Thursday 4 switched to Friday
Friday (off)
Saturday 8
Sunday 4
That's a lot of 4's!
Happy Chinese New Year :)
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Starting Week 5
It's an awful feeling to want to exercise and the inability to do so. It took me back to last Spring when I had my weird knee injury just after starting to learn to love to run. I tried to work out with Jillian Michaels' DVD on Saturday and well - it was unpleasant to say the least. The pain in the ear drums was unreal - I really feel for those who have constant sinus issues :(
So my balance is back and my head is less cloudy so we enter week 5 (after having a somewhat repeated week 4).
The plan is: (what really happened in blue)
Monday 4 miles no
Tuesday 5 miles no
Wednesday (running club) 4 miles yes
Thursday 3 miles yes
Friday (off - teach Bootcamp)
Saturday (running club) 7 miles.run 3.5
Sunday 4.5 run 5.8
What a week to come back to - good thing is I will have my awesome Amber with me.... nothing worse than running without her !!!
So my balance is back and my head is less cloudy so we enter week 5 (after having a somewhat repeated week 4).
The plan is: (what really happened in blue)
Monday 4 miles no
Tuesday 5 miles no
Wednesday (running club) 4 miles yes
Thursday 3 miles yes
Friday (off - teach Bootcamp)
Saturday (running club) 7 miles.run 3.5
Sunday 4.5 run 5.8
What a week to come back to - good thing is I will have my awesome Amber with me.... nothing worse than running without her !!!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Bad bloggers
Yes, it has been a while - sorry folks.
We ran our 6 miles last Saturday - having to be a bit inventive with the route and icy sidewalks. It turned out well to switch Sat and Sun long runs as I never got to run Sunday and neither did Amber.
Monday was a rest day
Tuesday was 3 miles in Hebron - pretty warm day which was a body shock. I'm so used to dressing for the cold.
Wednesday - spoke too soon - it was very cold and I did 4 miles with the RC (Amber had a sick one at home). I wasn't feeling too great, in fact I could feel the sinus infection and my ears had been aching for days.
Thursday I called off the run - and work and headed to the doctor first thing. Double ear infection and sinus :(
Friday - snow day from school and I have spent most of the day in bed.
I'm not fearful of losing my runners legs :) not like before - plus we were doubling week 4 in numbers so hopefully back into the swing of things Saturday morning and heading for week 5!
We ran our 6 miles last Saturday - having to be a bit inventive with the route and icy sidewalks. It turned out well to switch Sat and Sun long runs as I never got to run Sunday and neither did Amber.
Monday was a rest day
Tuesday was 3 miles in Hebron - pretty warm day which was a body shock. I'm so used to dressing for the cold.
Wednesday - spoke too soon - it was very cold and I did 4 miles with the RC (Amber had a sick one at home). I wasn't feeling too great, in fact I could feel the sinus infection and my ears had been aching for days.
Thursday I called off the run - and work and headed to the doctor first thing. Double ear infection and sinus :(
Friday - snow day from school and I have spent most of the day in bed.
I'm not fearful of losing my runners legs :) not like before - plus we were doubling week 4 in numbers so hopefully back into the swing of things Saturday morning and heading for week 5!
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