The Week After

Note - This should be the last post about the marathon. I hope I haven't driven all my photog friends away! Also, it is a bit of a departure from my normal, positive posts, however, do not worry - all is OK!

In a conversation with some co-workers, I drew an analogy of running this first marathon to childbirth (unfortunately, they couldn't personally relate - they were men - but I think they understood where I was coming from). I relayed that much like preparing for the birth of your first child, you prepare and prepare, not quite knowing what to expect. The day comes and there is excitement and then pain. Lots of pain. You finish and are filled with joy and accomplishment (in the case of childbirth, there is a much bigger reward - for a race, there is only a finishers medal). You forget about the pain and want to do it again. (Case in point - I'm signed up to run the Chicago Marathon in October).

Then, like a postpartum depression, the post marathon pain and let down sets in. Your lower body screams with each step (don't get me started about stairs or chairs). You can't sleep (at least I couldn't). You wonder what you will fill your time with - you no longer need to get up for a 5:30 run, you no longer need to block out your entire Saturday for a long run and recovery. Life goes back to "normal", except you've forgotten what that is because training was normal for so many months. I realized I used this marathon as a diversion from some issues in my life - to fill a void I was experiencing. With that diversion gone, those issues were still there, staring directly at me, no longer avoidable.
I know all this sounds depressing and sad - but after a few rough days, I know things will be OK. There will be changes, mostly good, but several uncertainties have been clarified and I feel positive again.

So why the confession here? I don't like to post the negative aspects of my life, but I know others struggle with conflict and sometimes it's good to know you're not alone in all of this. Regardless of how things appear to the outside world, each person has his or her set of issues they are working out. I find the process of writing it all out cathartic, even though I'm now expecting a call from my mother inquiring about what is wrong (and really, I'm OK!).

I've been told I lead a charmed life and I think if we all examine ourselves, that assessment stands true.
So whatever ails me, I must be patient (and I am not), keep the faith it will all work out.

And sometimes I play this song - It's Only Life - by Kate Voegele

Tears are forming in your eyes
A storm is warning in the sky

The end of the world it seems
You bend down and you fall on your knees
Well get back on your feet yeah

Don't look away
Don't run away
Hey baby it's only life
Don't lose your faith
Don't run away
Hey baby its only life
Yea it's only life

You were always playing hard
Never could let down your guard

But you can't win
If you never give in
To that voice within
Saying pick up your chin
Baby let go of it

[Chorus]

Take your hesitance
And your self-defense
Leave them behind, it's only life
Don't be so afraid
Of facing everyday
Just take your time, it's only life
I'll be your stepping-stone
No, don't be so alone
Just hold on tight, it's only life

[Chorus]

It's a new week and I'll hold on tight - I hope you do, too.

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Tiny Yellow Details

Taken on Sunday's walk as I started to work out the soreness in my legs.


Sunday wasn't too bad - the worst pain came Monday, especially when climbing or descending the stairs.
After a short, painful run on Tuesday, everything is almost back to normal.

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May 2014 Desktop Calendar - Free Download - China

For May, there are two desktop calendar options - Nanchang/River Gan and The Great Wall of China

In 2006, I traveled to China for work to hold training at our newly commissioned manufacturing plant in the JiangXi Province. I spent most of my time in Nanchang, the province capital city. The photo was taken one surprisingly clear morning, along the banks of the Gan River which runs through the city.


To download the Nanchang Cityscape Calendar above, click on this link at box.com: Free Download - May 2014 Desktop Calendar - Nanchang JiangXi

I wrote many posts during my two weeks in Nanchang and you can read them here: 2006 Visit to Nanchang - JiangXi Province

At the end of my trip, I spent two days in Beijing sightseeing. With a personal guide at my disposal, I visited many of the normal tourist spots, including the Great Wall.



To download the Great Wall Calendar above, click on this link at box.com: Free Download - May 2014 Desktop Calendar - Great Wall of China

The blog posts from Beijing can be found here: 2006 Visit to Beijing

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The Marathon Report

I can sum up my first marathon experience in a few words - blazing hot (the temperatures and the sun), and happy with my race time.

The weather was perfect if you were a spectator - 55 degF at the start, but by the time I finished, it was 80 degrees. No wind and no clouds, so it was brutal for the runners who had trained in sub zero temperatures, snow, ice and wind. I feel lucky that I didn't experience leg cramping this year - I got them last year under slightly cooler conditions and that was not fun. So, given the race conditions, I am very pleased with my time of 4:24, average pace of 10:04. I was targeting a 10 minute pace and wasn't too far off.

I forgot to turn off the Garmin immediately after crossing the finish line, I was so relieved to be done with it all, so the time here is a bit longer, but close enough.

Highlights of the race - seeing my friend, Jill, her boys and my son at mile 7 and then again at mile 16. At mile 16, my son met me in the road and ran with me for a couple hundred yards, declaring "this marathon thing is really easy!" The runners around me got a kick out of that.

A Short Term Race Bandit

My daughter and her friends cheered me on at mile 20. When I gave them a high five, she declared that I was "all sweaty and gross". To which I thought, "Well honey, that's what happens after 20 miles in this heat and unrelenting sun."
I also saw friend Shelly at miles 16, 18 and 21, friend Lisa just past mile 20. She had her Great Dane, Bella, with her and a sign that read "Run or my dog will chase you". Of course, most runners asked if Bella would give them a ride instead.

At the mile 19 water stop, I was caught totally by surprise:

I know this woman through Instagram (I don't even know her name, just her handle!) but I recognized her immediately, squealed, and gave her a hug. I started back on the road, and then realized I had to capture the moment. I backtracked had her pose and snapped the photo. Her thoughtfulness gave me great encouragement at the right time.

Other random sights along the course - it's normal to see people handing out jelly beans, water and hard candy, but some of the more unusual offerings included bacon, pancakes and beer. I passed up the first opportunity for some beer, and immediately regretted it, so when I came upon some a second time, I partook. Hey, you can't take this stuff too seriously.

Finally, a shot of me and The Professors, at the beginning of the race. These guys are the best.

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Two Years in The Making

My Uncertain Running Future

This morning culminates a two year journey of waiting, working, surgery, determination, rehab, uncertainty, disappointment, tears, joy, laughter, pain, elation, the highs and lows I've experienced while getting to the start line of running a marathon.

Two years ago, derailed by an injury, I was very disappointed - almost bitter - on race day and was looking for any sign (namely the weather) that screamed "this wasn't supposed to be your year anyways so look to the future". But the weather that day, cool, with a slight mist in the air was perfect for running. I had to just take it on faith that the right time would come. I wondered how things might have been only-if or what-if I had done something different, something to prevent that injury.... Then I consider what that injury has led to - I started swimming, I started yoga and through these circumstances, connected with people who would play important roles in today's race.

And then I consider my schedule. This year has been ideal for the "Long Run" training on Saturdays. Looking back at the previous two years, Saturdays were filled with soccer and chauffeur duties. That all changed this year as my daughter now drives herself to the horse stable and she's no longer playing soccer. I've had ample time to devote to running on the weekends.

If I fail miserably today, I'll attempt not dwell on the only-ifs or what-ifs - those only-ifs in our lives lead down a path of fantasy. It is far better for us to embrace the current circumstances in our lives and move forward.

I realize now that two years ago, it indeed wasn't the right time.
Today isn't two years late, it's right on time.

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Taper Week Randomness

Definition of Taper - In the context of sports, tapering refers to the practice of reducing exercise in the days just before an important competition. Tapering is customary in many endurance sports, such as the marathon. For many athletes, a significant period of tapering is essential for optimal performance --Wikipedia

In reality, my taper started two weeks ago, but this week has such little activity scheduled that I hope I'll remember how to run come Saturday! In reality, I have a two mile run scheduled this morning, so I guess that will refresh my memory.

Here are My Taper week's Random Thoughts / Events:
1. It's really hard (for me) to run just two miles.
2. I awoke Tuesday morning at 2:30 and could.not.go.back.to.sleep. So I finished off the running book I've been reading, appropriately, the Mile Markers book - a book on running. These quotes really spoke to me:

I will give less energy to dread. I will trust my training. I will do my best not to be afraid.

If you stopped yourself every single time you were about to say, "I have to" and changed it to "I get to," it might change your entire experience.

3. This showed up in Tuesday's fortune cookie:

Are the fortune cookie gods telling me something?

4. I arranged a nice dinner out with friends Tuesday night - I don't remember the last time we all got together. I love them all - they fill me up and encourage me so.


I'll be leaving work today at noon to pick up my Race Packet. Then, hopefully, a good night's rest before tomorrow.
Wishing you all a wonderful Friday!

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Soundtrack of my Life - The Marathon Playlist

I don't normally run with music, but I put together a playlist just in case I need a little something to get me through the last six miles this Saturday.

It's Time by Imagine Dragons
I'm opening with this one. Great beat and lyrics

So this is what you meant
When you said that you were spent
And now it's time to build from the bottom of the pit
Right to the top
Don't hold back

It's time to begin, isn't it?
I get a little bit bigger but then I'll admit
I'm just the same as I was
Now don't you understand
That I'm never changing who I am

Chasing the Sun by Sara Bareilles
It's no secret I am a HUGE Sara fan, so many of her songs will be on my playlist. I know all the lyrics and can sing them if I need to keep my mind off things.

You said, remember that life is
Not meant to be wasted
We can always be chasing the sun!
So fill up your lungs and just run
But always be chasing the sun!

The video is from a live performance of the song, and as usual, better than the studio recording.


Counting Stars by One Republic
I love that the song starts with an acoustic version of the chorus

Lately I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been prayin' hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
Yeah, we'll be counting stars

Glamour Puss by KT Tunstall
Off her Tiger Suit Album, this song rocks with a ton of sass and attitude.

Long legs ... taking you somewhere
Catch your reflection in a window pane
The universe is startin' to feel ya
Drinking tequila like it's the name of the game

Well you know it hasn't happened yet
You're relying on your next cheque
I know that you're a glamour puss
My explanation's useless
So you chew, chew on the root
In your beautiful high heeled shoes
Miss Glamour Glamour Puss

Love Runs Out by One Republic
I guess I'm on a bit of a One Republic kick - I discovered this new song while streaming One Republic's Native Album, which has been re-released as an extended version. I downloaded the song from iTunes after a few listens. It is amazing and totally fits the running theme.

I'll be your light, your match, your burning sun,
I'll be the bright and black that's making you run.
And I feel alright, and we'll feel alright,
'Cause we'll work it out, yeah we'll work it out.
I'll be doin' this, if you ever doubt,
'til the love runs out, 'til the love runs out.

I'll be your ghost, your game, your stadium.
I'll be your fifty thousand clapping like one.
And I feel alright, and I feel alright,
'Cause I worked it out, yeah I worked it out.
I'll be doin' this, if you ever doubt,
'til the love runs out, 'til the love runs out.

I got my mind made up and I can't let go.
I'm killing every second 'til it saves my soul.
I'll be running, I'll be running,
'til the love runs out, 'til the love runs out.
And we'll start a fire, and we'll shut it down,
'til the love runs out, 'til the love runs out.

Some of the other songs on my list, in no particular order:

Don't Stop Believing - The Glee Version (because it is an a capella rendition of the song)
Shake it out - Florence and The Machine
Pumped Up Kicks - Foster the People
Let the Rain - Sara Bareilles
Parking Lot - Sara Bareilles
Locked out of Heaven - Bruno Mars
Stone in Love - Journey
Best Day of my Life - American Authors
I Can Talk - Two Door Cinema
Pompeii - Bastille (yes, it's overplayed, but catchy)
Clarity - Zedd, feat. Foxes

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