Hello, runners! I know the couch is sucking you in, but its time to move that body. We have just 18 weeks now to the Disney Marathon, 8 weeks to Marine Corp and 6 weeks to Chicago Marathon. And 8 weeks to the Boston Mini-Marathon. Its a great half marathon in tiny Boston, GA and a great way to get a flavor for just how long a 1/2 marathon is. Now's the time to get movin'!
So, this is what the week looks like:
Tuesday: Speed work at the Leon Track at 6 p.m. with Chuck. Remember, we run rain or shine - lightning and tornadoes will be the only thing to stop us.
Wednesday: I'll be doing hills at Lafeyette Park at 6 p.m. if you'd like to join me. Its a hilly little trail about .6 miles around. I do the loop as fast as possible, rest for a few minutes, then try to beat my time. Four laps around is about all I can handle, but if you're feeling froggy, by all means. . . . .
Thursday: Meet at Forest Meadows for 5 miles at 6 p.m.
Saturday: Meet at 7 a.m. at Another Broken Egg parking lot for 10 miles in Killearn Lakes. I'll put a cooler out at WCTV, please let us know you're coming and if you feel the running love, sign up to put a cooler out. We need at least two more.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Running the week of August 25th
Are we dried out yet? Goodness that was some crazy weather. . . . . . but hopefully the sun will come out just a bit this week and we can get in some runs without drowning.
Maclay's website reports that the Forest Meadows trail is closed, they have wash outs and trees down during a regular ol' thunderstorm, so we'll have to pick some alternate places for a while. I'll call Maclay and get a report again later this week. So, this is what it looks like this week.
Tuesday: Speed work at Leon High School's track at 6 p.m. We always run, whether rain or shine!
Wednesday: I plan to run from Winthrop Park at 4 p.m. for 3 miles if anybody would like to join me.
Thursday: I can't make the later run, so there's two options for this day: Southwood for 5 miles at 4 p.m. with Chuck and I - park at the Community Center and we'll run around the lake. Or you can meet Chuck at 6 p.m. at the Edenfield parking area and run the Miccosukee Greenway. If you've never run there, we hope you can come - its very beautiful and challenging.
Saturday: Run at Killearn Lakes at 7 a.m. for 8 miles. Some need many more miles than this, so you may want to send a shout-out for company and for cooler duty. I will put a cooler at the WCTV sign, please let me know if you're coming so we have enough. Meet at Another Broken Egg parking lot, then if you're up for it breakfast at Bagel, Bagel afterwards.
If you need directions (there's lots of folks that have not met us at these locations yet), please give a yell - I'll send you directions.
The countdown: 19 weeks to go to Disney!!
Maclay's website reports that the Forest Meadows trail is closed, they have wash outs and trees down during a regular ol' thunderstorm, so we'll have to pick some alternate places for a while. I'll call Maclay and get a report again later this week. So, this is what it looks like this week.
Tuesday: Speed work at Leon High School's track at 6 p.m. We always run, whether rain or shine!
Wednesday: I plan to run from Winthrop Park at 4 p.m. for 3 miles if anybody would like to join me.
Thursday: I can't make the later run, so there's two options for this day: Southwood for 5 miles at 4 p.m. with Chuck and I - park at the Community Center and we'll run around the lake. Or you can meet Chuck at 6 p.m. at the Edenfield parking area and run the Miccosukee Greenway. If you've never run there, we hope you can come - its very beautiful and challenging.
Saturday: Run at Killearn Lakes at 7 a.m. for 8 miles. Some need many more miles than this, so you may want to send a shout-out for company and for cooler duty. I will put a cooler at the WCTV sign, please let me know if you're coming so we have enough. Meet at Another Broken Egg parking lot, then if you're up for it breakfast at Bagel, Bagel afterwards.
If you need directions (there's lots of folks that have not met us at these locations yet), please give a yell - I'll send you directions.
The countdown: 19 weeks to go to Disney!!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Running the week of Aug 18th
Feeling intimated by all the talk of running? "Running" with our group doesn't mean that you have to "run" at all. You can come out and stroll, power walk, walk/run, jog comfortably, or run at top speed to make a goal. The invitation to "run" can mean anything you like, please don't feel like you have to do all that crazy stuff. Even speed work can be some laps around the track if that's what you want to do - we have all speeds, all types, all kinds!
So, with that, here's the schedule for the week of August 18th:
Tuesday: Speed work at Leon High School track at 6 p.m. Sterling's daughter, Julia is leaving us to go back to school, we'll have dinner with her at Red Elephant after speed work. Hope you can make it, and if you can't make the run, come to dinner anyway and say "till next summer" to Julia.
Wednesday: I'm running at home - anybody is welcome if they want to make the trip over.
Thursday: Let's mix it up a little, shall we? Diana and Kay thought a run/walk at Miccosukee Trailway would fun. Meet at 6 p.m. at the Fleishman Road parking area. DIRECTIONS: Go out Micossukee Road, cross over Capital Circle NE and continue East. At the Fleishmen road traffic light, make a left. Drive past the first neighborhood on your right (Sedona Loop) and then you'll see the dirt parking lot for the park on your right surrounded by a brand new split rail wooden fence. If you make it to Holy Comforter School, you've gone too far by a few hundred yards. Distance will be about 6 miles, but its out and back, so you can certainly make it shorter or longer.
Saturday: I plan to run what used to be Micossukee Madness 8k (now the Miller Landing Madness 8k) Saturday morning. The race, plus the course again will give us 8 miles. Race info here: http://www.gulfwinds.org/ - go to the race calendar for August.
Reminder: Kick off party for Richard's Marathon is a 4 p.m. at Jennifer Winegardner's house. If you haven't sent photos, send them now - I'm working on the slideshow!
So, with that, here's the schedule for the week of August 18th:
Tuesday: Speed work at Leon High School track at 6 p.m. Sterling's daughter, Julia is leaving us to go back to school, we'll have dinner with her at Red Elephant after speed work. Hope you can make it, and if you can't make the run, come to dinner anyway and say "till next summer" to Julia.
Wednesday: I'm running at home - anybody is welcome if they want to make the trip over.
Thursday: Let's mix it up a little, shall we? Diana and Kay thought a run/walk at Miccosukee Trailway would fun. Meet at 6 p.m. at the Fleishman Road parking area. DIRECTIONS: Go out Micossukee Road, cross over Capital Circle NE and continue East. At the Fleishmen road traffic light, make a left. Drive past the first neighborhood on your right (Sedona Loop) and then you'll see the dirt parking lot for the park on your right surrounded by a brand new split rail wooden fence. If you make it to Holy Comforter School, you've gone too far by a few hundred yards. Distance will be about 6 miles, but its out and back, so you can certainly make it shorter or longer.
Saturday: I plan to run what used to be Micossukee Madness 8k (now the Miller Landing Madness 8k) Saturday morning. The race, plus the course again will give us 8 miles. Race info here: http://www.gulfwinds.org/ - go to the race calendar for August.
Reminder: Kick off party for Richard's Marathon is a 4 p.m. at Jennifer Winegardner's house. If you haven't sent photos, send them now - I'm working on the slideshow!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
TNT in San Diego!
I finally got it done!!! Check out this video I made of our most AMAZING season. And make sure your speakers are on - there's music: file:///K:/TNT/DVD/TNT%202008%20video.html 
Monday, August 11, 2008
Tour de Pain
I did it! I ran my heart out at the Tour de Pain in Jacksonville this past weekend (what better way to celebrate 40 years of me than to run my legs as fast as they would go?) and I killed it! The tour is three races in less than 24 hours: 4 miles at the beach (on the sand) Friday at 7:30 p.m., a 5k on Saturday at 7:30 a.m., and a one mile sprint downtown Saturday afternoon.
My goal for the 4 mile run on the beach was 40 minutes. Time: 38:18.
My goal for the 5k was to break 30 minutes, but specifically 27 minutes. Time: 26:52.
My goal for the 1 mile sprint was 9 minutes. Time: 7:49.
I placed 17th out of 62 women in my age division. I'm pretty darn pleased for sure!
My goal for the 4 mile run on the beach was 40 minutes. Time: 38:18.
My goal for the 5k was to break 30 minutes, but specifically 27 minutes. Time: 26:52.
My goal for the 1 mile sprint was 9 minutes. Time: 7:49.
I placed 17th out of 62 women in my age division. I'm pretty darn pleased for sure!
Running the week of August 11th
Hey there, runners! Hope everyone had a really great weekend. I know I did. . . I ran in the Tour de Pain and yes, its a tour alright. A tour around all sorts of pain. Pain in your head, your heart and your legs! Whew!!!
So this is what I have planned this week:
Tuesday: Speed work with Chuck at Leon Track - 6 p.m. And I can say with 100% confidence that if you come out and do everything Chuck says to the best of your ability, you WILL get harder, better, faster, stronger as Kanye West says :)
Wednesday: Running at home.
Thursday: Forest Meadows at 6 p.m. The schedule says 4 miles, so if you want to do that you can do the top loop twice, or both loops for 5ish miles.
Sunday: Meet at Killearn Lakes across from Another Broken Egg at 8 a.m. Six easy miles and brunch afterwards for my second 39th birthday celebration!
21 weeks and counting.
So this is what I have planned this week:
Tuesday: Speed work with Chuck at Leon Track - 6 p.m. And I can say with 100% confidence that if you come out and do everything Chuck says to the best of your ability, you WILL get harder, better, faster, stronger as Kanye West says :)
Wednesday: Running at home.
Thursday: Forest Meadows at 6 p.m. The schedule says 4 miles, so if you want to do that you can do the top loop twice, or both loops for 5ish miles.
Sunday: Meet at Killearn Lakes across from Another Broken Egg at 8 a.m. Six easy miles and brunch afterwards for my second 39th birthday celebration!
21 weeks and counting.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Here's to You Richard
I've been thinking a lot about Richard Harvey these past few weeks. We start training for Disney this week and he's been on my mind so much more lately. Funny how the hurt will all come rushing back at odd times.I heard the Top Gun theme song the other day driving home from our run at Centerville Road and I almost couldn't bear the pain. It was a little less than a year ago that we all ran together for the Marine Corp. Marathon at Centerville Road. Richard went out to get all the coolers and when he saw Berinice and I struggling to finish our 20 mile run, he slowed down and drove next to us with that song blasting from his truck speakers. The goose bumps came up and after a lot of yelling and hooping and hollering, we matched his pace. He rolled along, playing DJ for us all of those last 3 miles, pushing us to keep up with him. I can't remember what else he played, Def Lepperd maybe? But I know that first song was "Danger Zone" and it was perfect. Loud, motivating, thumping and all Richard.
Richard was the team leader for the 2008 TNT Disney Team, so he had probably already put in some crazy miles that week. He ran with his team and ran with the Marine Corp group that summer. I don't know how he kept up. Who knows. . . . . but I remember the day he did his 20 miler. He went out to the park at Southwood right in the middle of a September afternoon by himself and started running around the lake. That's a two mile loop and he was doing it 10 times. Around and around alone. He was like that, you know? I can hear him say "get er' done." We got there when he was about half way through, I guess. We finished our short run and it started getting dark and he was still out there. We ran the last loop with him, keeping him going, fighting the bugs. I think we went to Stir Fry One afterwards, I can't remember now. So many memories, so much laughter. We miss you so, so much Richard.
And so this week we start training for Disney again. Twenty two weeks of running for you, Richard. This will be so hard, you'll be on all our minds every day I think. The Boston Half Marathon won't be the same without you. Running Centerville without you. Eating wings after a hard run at Tom Brown without you. But you're with us aren't you? All the way. One mile at a time.
We miss you and we love you, Richard. This is for you.
Running the week of August 4th
Hey there, runners! This week is the beginning of Goofy Training! I have to say I'm darn glad its here. Maybe now I'll eat better and run for a reason? I can only hope :) This is how my week is looking:
Tuesday: Speed work with Chuck at Leon High - 6 p.m.. I don't know about the rest of you, but I've definately seen improvement since doing this work. And its not as hot as you might think, come give it a try.
Wednesday: I'm running 2 miles at home. If anybody is interested in making the trek to Monticello, you're more than welcome to join me! Shoot me an e-mail and I'll have a bottle of water chilling for you.
Thursday: Forest Meadows at 6 p.m. Always a great run in the shade! Erin and I will be at Tom Brown running with the San Diego Team. They've put together a reunion run and dinner afterwards - can't wait to see everyone again!
Saturday: I'll be in Jax doing the Tour de Pain, but there will be a group running in Killearn at 7 a.m. Park at Circle K at the roundabout and run the 5 mile loop. Berinice and some others that are training for Marine Corp will do the loop three times, but our plan calls for 6 miles. Pick your distance!!
22 weeks to go and counting.
Tuesday: Speed work with Chuck at Leon High - 6 p.m.. I don't know about the rest of you, but I've definately seen improvement since doing this work. And its not as hot as you might think, come give it a try.
Wednesday: I'm running 2 miles at home. If anybody is interested in making the trek to Monticello, you're more than welcome to join me! Shoot me an e-mail and I'll have a bottle of water chilling for you.
Thursday: Forest Meadows at 6 p.m. Always a great run in the shade! Erin and I will be at Tom Brown running with the San Diego Team. They've put together a reunion run and dinner afterwards - can't wait to see everyone again!
Saturday: I'll be in Jax doing the Tour de Pain, but there will be a group running in Killearn at 7 a.m. Park at Circle K at the roundabout and run the 5 mile loop. Berinice and some others that are training for Marine Corp will do the loop three times, but our plan calls for 6 miles. Pick your distance!!
22 weeks to go and counting.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Running the week of July 28
Tuesday: Speed work with Chuck at Leon High School Track at 6 p.m. and I promise its fun! Even in the heat, you'll see that it can be very rewarding. And the results are worth all the hard work.
Thursday: Run with Lisa at Tom Brown Park at 6 p.m. Lisa is moving to San Fransisco next week! Come run with her and then send her off in style with dinner at Barnaby's afterwards. Can't make the run? Come eat with us at 7:30ish.
Saturday: Berinice has requested a long run at Centerville Road. She needs 14 miles, so if anybody is up for keeping her company, meet us at 7 a.m. - we'll be out there slogging it out. Go, Berinice! I plan to do 10 miles or so. If you're putting a cooler out, please get a cheap Styrofoam one and hide it in the bushes REALLY well. Aubrey's was stolen last week - that's our third cooler in the last year.
Thursday: Run with Lisa at Tom Brown Park at 6 p.m. Lisa is moving to San Fransisco next week! Come run with her and then send her off in style with dinner at Barnaby's afterwards. Can't make the run? Come eat with us at 7:30ish.
Saturday: Berinice has requested a long run at Centerville Road. She needs 14 miles, so if anybody is up for keeping her company, meet us at 7 a.m. - we'll be out there slogging it out. Go, Berinice! I plan to do 10 miles or so. If you're putting a cooler out, please get a cheap Styrofoam one and hide it in the bushes REALLY well. Aubrey's was stolen last week - that's our third cooler in the last year.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Running the Week of July 21
Chuck is da man. Seriously. Chuck was my coach for the 2006/2007 season when my Team ran the Disney marathon in January, 2007. Here's to you, Chuck! A true FOTIT. Thanks for running with us, being our timer and cheerleader, bringing coolers for us, grilling burgers and hot dogs, lending bikes, and just being pretty great all the time.
Tuesday: Speedwork with Chuck at Leon High School Track at 6 p.m.. If you haven't tried it yet, come on out. Its really a lot of fun and you'll feel fabulous when its over. Promise. BONUS: dinner afterwards at Tijuana Flats on Mahan Drive in honor of Chuck. Hope you can join us!
Tuesday: Speedwork with Chuck at Leon High School Track at 6 p.m.. If you haven't tried it yet, come on out. Its really a lot of fun and you'll feel fabulous when its over. Promise. BONUS: dinner afterwards at Tijuana Flats on Mahan Drive in honor of Chuck. Hope you can join us!Thursday: Lafeyette Park at 4 p.m. for hill work. If this doesn't work for you, most of the group runs at Forest Meadows at 6 p.m. E-mail Mark at killette1@comcast.net for more details.
Saturday: Killearn Lakes Plantation - meet at 7:30 a.m. for any distance you like. I plan to run 10 or so, some of the Marine Corp folks want 8.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Badwater is today
Eight fierce competitors are running the Badwater 135 today across the floor of Death Valley and half way up Mt. Whitney. Three waves of runners started at 6 a.m., 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Less than half are to the 41 mile marker now. Dean Karnazas is in 4th place and running between 6 1/2 and 7 1/2 miles per hour. So many numbers, but it just can't possibly tell the true story can it? Pam Reed, who's book I just read, is in 7th place and running a steady 10 minute mile. She has 95 miles to go. . . . Its incredible to me, the determination and grit of these ultrarunners.
Here's the link to all the stats if you're interested in tracking them. http://www.badwater.com/2008web/index.html Photos, stories, updates, and later tonight they promise video.
I'm watching Dan Jensen, number 58. He's running on a prosthetic leg. One leg! And Pam Reed, and Dean Karnazas. But really, the true heroes are the ones that are out there twice as long as the big guys. . . .the ones that might not finish. The ones that are on their feet for many, many more hours than everyone else. That would be, after all.
Here's the link to all the stats if you're interested in tracking them. http://www.badwater.com/2008web/index.html Photos, stories, updates, and later tonight they promise video.
I'm watching Dan Jensen, number 58. He's running on a prosthetic leg. One leg! And Pam Reed, and Dean Karnazas. But really, the true heroes are the ones that are out there twice as long as the big guys. . . .the ones that might not finish. The ones that are on their feet for many, many more hours than everyone else. That would be, after all.
Running the Week of July 14
Tuesday: I plan to try Yasso 800's at Leon, but will start later - I have a meeting so I'll miss Chuck's 6 o'clock speedwork. I plan to start at about 7:30.
Thursday: Lafayette Park at 4 o'clock for 4 loops on the perimeter trail. I found last week that this is a great place to do hill work - the loop is just short of a mile and has some steep, short hills with very little flat.
Saturday: 10 slow miles at Centerville Road at 6:30 a.m. Yeah, I know. Way early, but I've got a 10 o'clock photo session. I'm putting a cooler out at the church - e-mail me if you're coming, I'll add water and G'aid for you.
Thursday: Lafayette Park at 4 o'clock for 4 loops on the perimeter trail. I found last week that this is a great place to do hill work - the loop is just short of a mile and has some steep, short hills with very little flat.
Saturday: 10 slow miles at Centerville Road at 6:30 a.m. Yeah, I know. Way early, but I've got a 10 o'clock photo session. I'm putting a cooler out at the church - e-mail me if you're coming, I'll add water and G'aid for you.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Getting Goofy
From Mouse Planet: http://www.mouseplanet.com
Getting Goofy
Friday, May 13, 2005 Lani Teshima, staff writer
When Disney's Wide World of Sports officials announced that they were splitting the 2006 Walt Disney World Half–Marathon and Marathon events into two separate days back to back over a weekend, some individuals complained that this would cause some inconvenience. There is one group, however, that cheered about the change. These individuals have decided to make the most of the new format by registering for both events to participate in the first ever “Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge.”
Yes, you read right. There is currently a group of approximately 200 to 300 individuals who have registered for both Saturday's half–marathon and Sunday's full marathon events. By Sunday afternoon on January 8, 2006, these people will have officially run or walked 39.3 in the preceding 30 hours.
Such incredible feats are not unknown among the marathon event circuit; the Rock 'N Roll Marathon and Country Music Marathon series of events (organized by the same group), for example, offer various medal incentives that are available only to those who run a combination of halves and fulls. And to provide incentive, Disney is doing something similar: It is offering a special third medal for those who finish both. Those who have asked Disney race officials about this mysterious third medal have received the following response:
Yes, that is true.
We think that doing something like that; running a Half Marathon for a “Donald Duck” on Saturday and a Full Marathon for a “Mickey Mouse” on Sunday, sounds kind of “Goofy.” If you know what I mean. So if they finish both, people deserve a third “special medal.”
Have a magical day!
Individuals who have already officially registered for one of the events recently received e–mail from Disney Sports: If you run both events, you not only get your Donald and Mickey medals, but you also get a special Goofy medal, never before available for the WDW Marathon event.
Are you an experienced runner or racewalker who is ready to go beyond a marathon, to add a half–marathon to your weekend plans next January? Why not sign up for both, and do the “Disney Double?”
Does the concept of running a half–marathon and marathon back to back seem completely unfeasible and daunting to you? Not all the Disney Double participants are experienced ultra–marathoners. Some are marathoners who are ready to push on with the additional miles, while some are triathletes who are accustomed to doing more than just one distance activity during an event.
Kurt Jensen of Long Island, New York, has registered for both events and plans to continue cross–training about 15 hours a week, because he races in triathlons. “I think it is very important to cross–train in order to stay injury free and healthy. And the endurance that you pick up from swimming and biking carries over into running.”
Another participant who has registered for both events is Vicky Merry, from the Pensacola area of Florida. Unlike Jensen, Merry is strictly a racewalker, and does not run. She has, however, successfully completed over 20 half marathons and just as many full marathons since the 1980s. Merry is contemplating entering a 50–mile event in Houston in early December, and believes that she can build up her ultra–distance training for both events.
Some participants, like Adam Rojas of Duluth, Georgia, have not officially run ultra distances. However, Rojas ended up running more than 26.2 miles for a previous Disney Marathon, anyway. “After completing the marathon, my mother–in–law informed me that my father–in–law was struggling. I went back on the course about 6 miles, found him, and helped him finish the race.”
According to marathon expert and trainer Hal Higdon, the concept of running back–to–back long runs on Saturday and Sunday is not at all far–fetched for someone who is training for an ultra distance (anything over a marathon distance of 26.2 miles). Higdon said: “In my ultramarathon training programs (available on halhigdon.com), I prescribe back–to–back long runs on Saturday and Sunday as the best way to develop endurance for races over 26 miles. And when you follow a half marathon with a marathon the next day, you essentially are doing an ultra. Even my Intermediate marathon training programs feature a pace run on Saturday followed by an easy long run on Sunday, at peak a 10–miler followed by a 20–miler. Someone following one of my Intermediate schedules would be well prepared for the Disney Double.”
Unlike an ultra–marathon, however, doing the Disney Double entails taking a significant break on Saturday. Higdon suggests taking it real easy after the half–marathon on Saturday, and scheduling a massage for the late afternoon. “If you promote this approach, I hope Disney has enough massage therapists to satisfy everybody's needs,” he said. He also recommends an ice bath and a nap, but discourages participants from taking Ibuprofen (which may hinder recovery) or visiting the parks on Saturday.
Not everyone thinks they should waste a perfectly good day on resting. After all, the reason many of these marathoners continue to return to do the Walt Disney World Marathon every year is to have an excuse to visit the resort. For example, triathlete Jensen plans on visiting a park on Saturday. Merry doesn't plan on just resting, either, although she is not quite as ambitious as Jensen. “I'll be there with several friends, so we'll talk and maybe visit the [Fitness] Expo again. Downtown Disney is a great place to go that doesn't cost anything to get in. However, I accept I'll have to make a few purchases!”
Those we spoke to, however, for the most part just plan on taking it easy, making sure to rehydrate their bodies in preparation for the second day.
In addition to hydration, food will play a pretty important part of the participants' Saturday plans. Although everyone we spoke to specifically mentioned pasta, Higdon provided more specifics: “I don't wait to Saturday night. I sit down to a late lunch featuring carbohydrates several hours after the race, as soon as your stomach has time to settle. I would stay away from soft drinks and alcohol. Then another carb meal later that evening in addition to whatever you might eat before the marathon in the morning.”
Looks like pasta all day Saturday for the Disney Doublers!
Because the Disney events start so early in the morning, getting enough sleep may be particularly important for those planning on doing both events. Higdon notes, however, that since most runners are nervous before a marathon and don't sleep well, anyway, he recommends just relaxing and resting even if you cannot fall asleep. Charles Wait of Richmond, Texas, agrees that not resting enough on Saturday could lead to a Sunday failure. He plans to do his serious park visiting after the marathon. “The best thing about Disney is that the parks are there to walk through on Sunday afternoon and Monday. What other marathon has such an inviting open area to allow you to hobble/walk at your heart's content? At most other marathons, all you do is go home or to the hotel, and you're at work the next day.” Higdon covers the subject of post–ultra marathon recovery in “Mile 27” a chapter in his book Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide. In it, he suggests replacing fluids immediately after crossing the finish line, then eating as soon as your stomach settles.
“In contrast to what you eat before a marathon, some protein afterwards will aid recovery. If using an energy bar, read the label to see if there is at least 20 percent protein for recovery. Then begin eating to replace glycogen, the same types of meals you might have eaten in the three days before the race,” Higdon said, “The best time for a post–marathon massage is 48 to 72 hours afterwards. Schedule one before you board the plane to Orlando.”
To prevent injury, Higdon tells runners to do no running (or much of anything else) for the first 72 hours after the event.
Although some participants plan to return to work immediately after marathon weekend, some plan to spend the post–marathon days visiting the parks… and showing off their medals. Charles Wait cannot wait to visit the parks after the marathon. “In addition to the bragging one does with the medal, it's probably the best way to work through the soreness.” In his case, he will have the option of wearing all three medals, or wearing just the Goofy medal alone, since Goofy will be the rarest of all medal types in the parks.
Then there are those who may actually end up with four medals because they plan to also participate in the 5K—because for the first time, Disney is expanding its offering of a finisher's medal for the 5K to adults as well as children. Mark Druckenmiller, from Pennsylvania, has registered for all three events. “This year the plan is to have four medals, the Fun Run, Donald, Mickey, and Goofy. It will be like a Mr. T starter set with all that jewelry.”
The most unusual thing about Druckenmiller is not that he has plunged head first into registering for three events, but that he does not follow a regimented marathon training plan. Instead, he stays fit from a variety of sports. When the marathon arrives, he puts his running shoes and simply heads out the door. “Thing is, I don't train. When I say that, I mean it; not like others say they don't train. I literally get up on marathon morning, not having run except in other sports and stuff since the previous year's race. I do a mixture of running and walking. Basically I run until I get tired or feel like stopping and then walk until I feel like running again. I don't go by time or distance or anything, just when I feel like switching. Anyway, I finished my first marathon that year ahead of both of my sisters in around 5 hours and 38 minutes. "
Mark's sytem is highly unorthodox and strongly discouraged, since it invites injury—although it does to some extent depend on how much of a workout a person gets in other sports. For Mark, the “run several minutes, then walk” system developed by Jeff Galloway seems to have worked.
Registering for both the full and half events does not give you a discount, but you do get all the accoutrements of each individual event, such as the finisher's medal and race T–shirt. At $95 for the marathon and $85 for the half (not including processing fees), this is not an event for the budget–minded.
Most of all, however, is that those who complete both and who receive a Goofy medal will have the kind of bragging rights not even the Mickey medal–wearers will be able to boast next year.
Getting Goofy
Friday, May 13, 2005 Lani Teshima, staff writer
When Disney's Wide World of Sports officials announced that they were splitting the 2006 Walt Disney World Half–Marathon and Marathon events into two separate days back to back over a weekend, some individuals complained that this would cause some inconvenience. There is one group, however, that cheered about the change. These individuals have decided to make the most of the new format by registering for both events to participate in the first ever “Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge.”
Yes, you read right. There is currently a group of approximately 200 to 300 individuals who have registered for both Saturday's half–marathon and Sunday's full marathon events. By Sunday afternoon on January 8, 2006, these people will have officially run or walked 39.3 in the preceding 30 hours.
Such incredible feats are not unknown among the marathon event circuit; the Rock 'N Roll Marathon and Country Music Marathon series of events (organized by the same group), for example, offer various medal incentives that are available only to those who run a combination of halves and fulls. And to provide incentive, Disney is doing something similar: It is offering a special third medal for those who finish both. Those who have asked Disney race officials about this mysterious third medal have received the following response:
Yes, that is true.
We think that doing something like that; running a Half Marathon for a “Donald Duck” on Saturday and a Full Marathon for a “Mickey Mouse” on Sunday, sounds kind of “Goofy.” If you know what I mean. So if they finish both, people deserve a third “special medal.”
Have a magical day!
Individuals who have already officially registered for one of the events recently received e–mail from Disney Sports: If you run both events, you not only get your Donald and Mickey medals, but you also get a special Goofy medal, never before available for the WDW Marathon event.
Are you an experienced runner or racewalker who is ready to go beyond a marathon, to add a half–marathon to your weekend plans next January? Why not sign up for both, and do the “Disney Double?”
Does the concept of running a half–marathon and marathon back to back seem completely unfeasible and daunting to you? Not all the Disney Double participants are experienced ultra–marathoners. Some are marathoners who are ready to push on with the additional miles, while some are triathletes who are accustomed to doing more than just one distance activity during an event.
Kurt Jensen of Long Island, New York, has registered for both events and plans to continue cross–training about 15 hours a week, because he races in triathlons. “I think it is very important to cross–train in order to stay injury free and healthy. And the endurance that you pick up from swimming and biking carries over into running.”
Another participant who has registered for both events is Vicky Merry, from the Pensacola area of Florida. Unlike Jensen, Merry is strictly a racewalker, and does not run. She has, however, successfully completed over 20 half marathons and just as many full marathons since the 1980s. Merry is contemplating entering a 50–mile event in Houston in early December, and believes that she can build up her ultra–distance training for both events.
Some participants, like Adam Rojas of Duluth, Georgia, have not officially run ultra distances. However, Rojas ended up running more than 26.2 miles for a previous Disney Marathon, anyway. “After completing the marathon, my mother–in–law informed me that my father–in–law was struggling. I went back on the course about 6 miles, found him, and helped him finish the race.”
According to marathon expert and trainer Hal Higdon, the concept of running back–to–back long runs on Saturday and Sunday is not at all far–fetched for someone who is training for an ultra distance (anything over a marathon distance of 26.2 miles). Higdon said: “In my ultramarathon training programs (available on halhigdon.com), I prescribe back–to–back long runs on Saturday and Sunday as the best way to develop endurance for races over 26 miles. And when you follow a half marathon with a marathon the next day, you essentially are doing an ultra. Even my Intermediate marathon training programs feature a pace run on Saturday followed by an easy long run on Sunday, at peak a 10–miler followed by a 20–miler. Someone following one of my Intermediate schedules would be well prepared for the Disney Double.”
Unlike an ultra–marathon, however, doing the Disney Double entails taking a significant break on Saturday. Higdon suggests taking it real easy after the half–marathon on Saturday, and scheduling a massage for the late afternoon. “If you promote this approach, I hope Disney has enough massage therapists to satisfy everybody's needs,” he said. He also recommends an ice bath and a nap, but discourages participants from taking Ibuprofen (which may hinder recovery) or visiting the parks on Saturday.
Not everyone thinks they should waste a perfectly good day on resting. After all, the reason many of these marathoners continue to return to do the Walt Disney World Marathon every year is to have an excuse to visit the resort. For example, triathlete Jensen plans on visiting a park on Saturday. Merry doesn't plan on just resting, either, although she is not quite as ambitious as Jensen. “I'll be there with several friends, so we'll talk and maybe visit the [Fitness] Expo again. Downtown Disney is a great place to go that doesn't cost anything to get in. However, I accept I'll have to make a few purchases!”
Those we spoke to, however, for the most part just plan on taking it easy, making sure to rehydrate their bodies in preparation for the second day.
In addition to hydration, food will play a pretty important part of the participants' Saturday plans. Although everyone we spoke to specifically mentioned pasta, Higdon provided more specifics: “I don't wait to Saturday night. I sit down to a late lunch featuring carbohydrates several hours after the race, as soon as your stomach has time to settle. I would stay away from soft drinks and alcohol. Then another carb meal later that evening in addition to whatever you might eat before the marathon in the morning.”
Looks like pasta all day Saturday for the Disney Doublers!
Because the Disney events start so early in the morning, getting enough sleep may be particularly important for those planning on doing both events. Higdon notes, however, that since most runners are nervous before a marathon and don't sleep well, anyway, he recommends just relaxing and resting even if you cannot fall asleep. Charles Wait of Richmond, Texas, agrees that not resting enough on Saturday could lead to a Sunday failure. He plans to do his serious park visiting after the marathon. “The best thing about Disney is that the parks are there to walk through on Sunday afternoon and Monday. What other marathon has such an inviting open area to allow you to hobble/walk at your heart's content? At most other marathons, all you do is go home or to the hotel, and you're at work the next day.” Higdon covers the subject of post–ultra marathon recovery in “Mile 27” a chapter in his book Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide. In it, he suggests replacing fluids immediately after crossing the finish line, then eating as soon as your stomach settles.
“In contrast to what you eat before a marathon, some protein afterwards will aid recovery. If using an energy bar, read the label to see if there is at least 20 percent protein for recovery. Then begin eating to replace glycogen, the same types of meals you might have eaten in the three days before the race,” Higdon said, “The best time for a post–marathon massage is 48 to 72 hours afterwards. Schedule one before you board the plane to Orlando.”
To prevent injury, Higdon tells runners to do no running (or much of anything else) for the first 72 hours after the event.
Although some participants plan to return to work immediately after marathon weekend, some plan to spend the post–marathon days visiting the parks… and showing off their medals. Charles Wait cannot wait to visit the parks after the marathon. “In addition to the bragging one does with the medal, it's probably the best way to work through the soreness.” In his case, he will have the option of wearing all three medals, or wearing just the Goofy medal alone, since Goofy will be the rarest of all medal types in the parks.
Then there are those who may actually end up with four medals because they plan to also participate in the 5K—because for the first time, Disney is expanding its offering of a finisher's medal for the 5K to adults as well as children. Mark Druckenmiller, from Pennsylvania, has registered for all three events. “This year the plan is to have four medals, the Fun Run, Donald, Mickey, and Goofy. It will be like a Mr. T starter set with all that jewelry.”
The most unusual thing about Druckenmiller is not that he has plunged head first into registering for three events, but that he does not follow a regimented marathon training plan. Instead, he stays fit from a variety of sports. When the marathon arrives, he puts his running shoes and simply heads out the door. “Thing is, I don't train. When I say that, I mean it; not like others say they don't train. I literally get up on marathon morning, not having run except in other sports and stuff since the previous year's race. I do a mixture of running and walking. Basically I run until I get tired or feel like stopping and then walk until I feel like running again. I don't go by time or distance or anything, just when I feel like switching. Anyway, I finished my first marathon that year ahead of both of my sisters in around 5 hours and 38 minutes. "
Mark's sytem is highly unorthodox and strongly discouraged, since it invites injury—although it does to some extent depend on how much of a workout a person gets in other sports. For Mark, the “run several minutes, then walk” system developed by Jeff Galloway seems to have worked.
Registering for both the full and half events does not give you a discount, but you do get all the accoutrements of each individual event, such as the finisher's medal and race T–shirt. At $95 for the marathon and $85 for the half (not including processing fees), this is not an event for the budget–minded.
Most of all, however, is that those who complete both and who receive a Goofy medal will have the kind of bragging rights not even the Mickey medal–wearers will be able to boast next year.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Breath In, Breath Out
-- Author Unknown
There's a stretch of road that I run on that is long and straight and seems to go on forever. I used to hate it, but now its my favorite place. See, I don't have to do anything, just run. I don't have to avoid dogs, dodge traffic, or encounter potholes. Its just me and the road.
Breath in, breath out.
Last night while I was on that stretch I began to think how powerfully simple this all is. We ask our body to run and it does. . . at first not far. . . but then over time it becomes this machine. A simple perfect machine.
Breath in, breath out.
One foot and another. An endless repetition of a series of moves that propels you further and further along. And the miracle of the human body is that it responds by carrying you further and further until one day you show up at work and say, "I ran eight miles yesterday" and all the jaws drop. Yes. . . you did. Something that your co-workers consider positively superhuman. You did it. You may not look like a superhuman, but at that moment you are.
My mind flashes back to a conversation I've had about running. Every run is a test; a test to see what you are made of. Do you have it in you today? Here on the road there is no way to cheat. Its simple, you either run it or you don't. Either you win or the road wins. And no matter how sick you are, no matter how tired you are, the road still asks, do you have it in you? Even if you had a great run yesterday, the road is still out there today and today you have to prove what you are made of. When Oprah ran the marathon folks said, yeah, but she had a personal trainer. Yeah, but she had a personal chef. Right, but no one can run it for her. She took every step herself. And you. . . . well you take every step yourself.
Breath in, breath out.
The road doesn't care if you are good looking, smart, young, old. The test is the same. What do you have in you today? Some days you come home glowing with accomplishment. Other days you lose. You feel fat, heavy, out of shape, tired. Well meaning friends say "why do you do that to yourself?" but you know. . . you aren't doing TO yourself, you are doing it FOR yourself.
Breath in. Breath out.
Scuff, scuff, scuff, scuff, scuff. Individually the movements are simple, even amateurish. Collectively though, they are powerful.
Along the way you lose things. Some of you have lost weight. I haven't. But I've lost that voice I call the "inner loser" who tells you all the reasons why you can't run (you're too old, too fat, too tired, too sick, you just ran yesterday). My inner looser can't run more than a mile. I leave him beside the road early in my runs these days. You lose the stress of the day. No matter how bad your day is, you sweat out all those problems on a long run. You shut off the voices. You silence the chatter. Just you and the road, alone.
Breath in. Breath out.
I know we all have goals. 5k goals and marathon goals and negative splits. But on your next run let me encourage you to just run and enjoy the simple pleasure of running. No watch, no time limit, you're not going anywhere, you're not getting anywhere. You just are . . . a simple lone runner. . . on a long stretch of road.
I'll see you out there.
There's a stretch of road that I run on that is long and straight and seems to go on forever. I used to hate it, but now its my favorite place. See, I don't have to do anything, just run. I don't have to avoid dogs, dodge traffic, or encounter potholes. Its just me and the road.
Breath in, breath out.
Last night while I was on that stretch I began to think how powerfully simple this all is. We ask our body to run and it does. . . at first not far. . . but then over time it becomes this machine. A simple perfect machine.
Breath in, breath out.
One foot and another. An endless repetition of a series of moves that propels you further and further along. And the miracle of the human body is that it responds by carrying you further and further until one day you show up at work and say, "I ran eight miles yesterday" and all the jaws drop. Yes. . . you did. Something that your co-workers consider positively superhuman. You did it. You may not look like a superhuman, but at that moment you are.
My mind flashes back to a conversation I've had about running. Every run is a test; a test to see what you are made of. Do you have it in you today? Here on the road there is no way to cheat. Its simple, you either run it or you don't. Either you win or the road wins. And no matter how sick you are, no matter how tired you are, the road still asks, do you have it in you? Even if you had a great run yesterday, the road is still out there today and today you have to prove what you are made of. When Oprah ran the marathon folks said, yeah, but she had a personal trainer. Yeah, but she had a personal chef. Right, but no one can run it for her. She took every step herself. And you. . . . well you take every step yourself.
Breath in, breath out.
The road doesn't care if you are good looking, smart, young, old. The test is the same. What do you have in you today? Some days you come home glowing with accomplishment. Other days you lose. You feel fat, heavy, out of shape, tired. Well meaning friends say "why do you do that to yourself?" but you know. . . you aren't doing TO yourself, you are doing it FOR yourself.
Breath in. Breath out.
Scuff, scuff, scuff, scuff, scuff. Individually the movements are simple, even amateurish. Collectively though, they are powerful.
Along the way you lose things. Some of you have lost weight. I haven't. But I've lost that voice I call the "inner loser" who tells you all the reasons why you can't run (you're too old, too fat, too tired, too sick, you just ran yesterday). My inner looser can't run more than a mile. I leave him beside the road early in my runs these days. You lose the stress of the day. No matter how bad your day is, you sweat out all those problems on a long run. You shut off the voices. You silence the chatter. Just you and the road, alone.
Breath in. Breath out.
I know we all have goals. 5k goals and marathon goals and negative splits. But on your next run let me encourage you to just run and enjoy the simple pleasure of running. No watch, no time limit, you're not going anywhere, you're not getting anywhere. You just are . . . a simple lone runner. . . on a long stretch of road.
I'll see you out there.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Tricia's Race Report
It all started for me when Richard Harvey passed away. We were at the funeral and I was truly inspired by the number of people that lined the wall. All of these people had dress clothes on and tennis shoes and medals galore on their necks. Then these same people all put a flower on his casket and they stuck together as one large group at the funeral and you could tell who they were and how much they cared about each other. And that is when Edwin and I decided it was our destiny at that moment to sign up with Team in Training. We had to do it for Richard and find out who all these wonderful people were that cared so much about each other.
When I first signed up I thought well this shouldn't be so hard. I've played sports for 12 years I am in great shape. Then we did the 5k Run for the Cookies, and I thought, "Oh, what did I get myself into." I kept asking Robin if she thought I would get faster or if she thought I would be able to run longer as the training went on and she always told me of course I could so I kept going for the next 5 months. I trained as best I could and surprised myself at how much I improved and my breathing improved and especially how much weight I had lost. And I admit I cheated some, I ate healthy most of the time but I couldn't deny my chocolate craving or my fast food cravings. I figured Richard ran multiple marathons and would always come over with a huge Taco Bell cup after he had just eaten a full meal there and he was doing good running (he he).
Half marathon day begin at 3:30 a.m. I can't remember the last time I was up that early. But I woke up refreshed and awake. I stood up from bed and my knee was swollen. Probably slept funny, but it hurt. I just kept thinking this is the last thing I need today and I am going to keep going no matter how bad it hurts. So I headed downstairs, took pictures, and boarded the bus. The bus driver was funny. This guy was sitting in traffic for about 20 minutes and all I kept saying to myself was "We better get to the start line with plenty of time because I am not going to start late and jeopardize my chances of being swept or it will be this guys butt for sure." So finally he figured out he could go around and off we were. We got to the start area and hit the bathrooms. I went once and kept thinking should I go again like John "The Penguin" said or should I go drop off my bag or should I stretch. There were tons of thought running through my head at that point. So finally I made my way to the start line and found my corral. All the way in the back, so I looked around for other Team Tally people and found Michelle W. I was so happy and we were chatting and the start gun went off. I was surprised because the corrals moved very quickly or at least it seemed that way. I made it to the start line in no time and I was off.
I remember passing people hanging out on their balconies and the helicopter flying overhead. There was one lady in her bathrobe waving and holding signs on her balcony, I just thought why you would get up this early to come outside in your bathrobe. Of course I know why to cheer us on. DUH! There were two ladies in front of me that had a sign on their back that said this was their 18^th^ marathon. They were walking the whole marathon. Holy cow, that is absolutely amazing. There were people everywhere. I was more focused on everyone around me and watching the Elvis' in skirts running by. It was like Mardi Gras but everyone was running the whole time.
The first half a mile my legs started cramping but I kept running knowing what Robin, Erin , and Sara said all season that if I kept going it would work itself out. And it did. By the end of mile 1 my legs no longer hurt and I knew this was going to be a great time. I got to about mile 2 when Dalisha and Tiffany came up. I tried to stay with Tiffany but man she is fast. So Dalisha and I ran/walked together. It was about mile 2.5 when I saw a sign from a Leukemia survivor. It was incredible the support they had for us running. Seeing the survivor made me feel like I could run forever for her. I started the lip clenching as if I was going to break down, but then I thought man I have 11 more miles of this I have to stay strong and I can break down at the end if I need to. So I kept going. Mile 3 "The doghouse" was really cool. There was some radio guy yelling and barking and there was someone dressed in a dog costume. I made sure to high five him for being out there and cheering us on.
At a certain point on the course I recognized the aircraft carrier that Edwin and I had seen the day before when we were sightseeing. It was incredible running by the water. The breeze was awesome and the water was gorgeous and there were boats everywhere. There was a Boston terrier trying to play with a huge yellow lab and the lab was just laying there trying to sleep. It was peaceful. It was about at that time I felt like I had support from above and that Richard was right there with me. Again I almost broke down in tears and had to hold it in. When I turned the corner for 6.5 miles I saw Tina on the corner of the street cheering in some really big glasses and purple stockings. I was so happy to see her I ran up cheering with her and gave her a big hug. I was glad she was there and I saw someone I recognized. That gave me even more energy and I knew I could do this. I ran a 13 minute mile after that. And I knew I was half way done.
At one point we were on the freeway running. I was trying to get on flat ground so I would start at the top of the road and run down, then I would start from the bottom and run up and I did this for a while. It was fun and I am sure people were thinking what is that crazy nut doing up there. I remember running past a bunch of guys wearing TNT purple singlet's and had balloon boobs underneath. They were awesome. One guy gave me a high five and then I head downhill for another fast run. I made sure at every downhill I would run to make sure my time was getting slower.
At about mile 10 or 11 I saw Robin on the corner cheering as I came around. She snapped pictures and joined me for the run/walk. I am pretty sure I talked her ear off at that point telling her everything she already saw in the past 10 miles, but I was so excited to be close to the finish line and to have her run me in to the finish line. When I got to mile 13, I had a crazy thought cross my mind. I thought hey since I am 40 minutes ahead of the sweep time I should keep going, it's only 6 more miles to the next sweep and then I am home free and I can finish the whole marathon. And right as my thought finished I snapped back into reality and my feet told me you better not. So at the 13.1 clock when my chip beeped I stopped running. I thought that's it I finished. And I was trying to get good poses for Robin to get pictures, and then some guy in front of me said half marathon keep going around the corner through the finish line. Of course there was so much going on I had no idea where to go and just followed people. I crossed the finish line trying to go slow enough to find Robin and her camera. I walked over and got my medal and some PB&J and sat down.
Sitting down was probably not the best idea. But I waited a few minutes, relaxed and then headed for the shuttle to the finish line. Edwin and I were texting back and forth so I knew what mile he was on and how quickly I needed to get on the bus. I called everyone in my phone. I called my Dad and almost broke down in tears, then I called my Grandma she was so proud of me. While I was on the phone with my Grandma someone came up behind me, put their arm on my shoulder and said "Richard would be so proud" and walked away. I lost it there. The tears began rolling and there was no holding back. It was at that moment that I realized the accomplishment I had achieved and who this was all about. I did it all for Richard and he inspired me till the end. I boarded the bus and headed for Edwin at that point. I called my Mom and we talked on the bus ride over. When I saw Edwin cross the finish line, I teared up again but this time was his time to break down and I was there for him. We made our way to the tent and sat down with the team and ate some food and more food until we were stuffed.
This whole experience was hard but it was well worth everything. The training was awesome and I felt like I was definitely more prepared then most people not with TNT out there. I knew what to do at the water stops; I knew when to eat my Luna moons, and what to do after I finished the race. I couldn't have done this with without an amazing coach and team leader. I was thinking about Edwin doing Disney in January 2009 and how it will be so much different. I am definitely going to miss doing everything as a team but maybe when I work up to the 26.2 miles I can do it again with such a wonderful group of people. Thank you for everything.
When I first signed up I thought well this shouldn't be so hard. I've played sports for 12 years I am in great shape. Then we did the 5k Run for the Cookies, and I thought, "Oh, what did I get myself into." I kept asking Robin if she thought I would get faster or if she thought I would be able to run longer as the training went on and she always told me of course I could so I kept going for the next 5 months. I trained as best I could and surprised myself at how much I improved and my breathing improved and especially how much weight I had lost. And I admit I cheated some, I ate healthy most of the time but I couldn't deny my chocolate craving or my fast food cravings. I figured Richard ran multiple marathons and would always come over with a huge Taco Bell cup after he had just eaten a full meal there and he was doing good running (he he).
Half marathon day begin at 3:30 a.m. I can't remember the last time I was up that early. But I woke up refreshed and awake. I stood up from bed and my knee was swollen. Probably slept funny, but it hurt. I just kept thinking this is the last thing I need today and I am going to keep going no matter how bad it hurts. So I headed downstairs, took pictures, and boarded the bus. The bus driver was funny. This guy was sitting in traffic for about 20 minutes and all I kept saying to myself was "We better get to the start line with plenty of time because I am not going to start late and jeopardize my chances of being swept or it will be this guys butt for sure." So finally he figured out he could go around and off we were. We got to the start area and hit the bathrooms. I went once and kept thinking should I go again like John "The Penguin" said or should I go drop off my bag or should I stretch. There were tons of thought running through my head at that point. So finally I made my way to the start line and found my corral. All the way in the back, so I looked around for other Team Tally people and found Michelle W. I was so happy and we were chatting and the start gun went off. I was surprised because the corrals moved very quickly or at least it seemed that way. I made it to the start line in no time and I was off.
I remember passing people hanging out on their balconies and the helicopter flying overhead. There was one lady in her bathrobe waving and holding signs on her balcony, I just thought why you would get up this early to come outside in your bathrobe. Of course I know why to cheer us on. DUH! There were two ladies in front of me that had a sign on their back that said this was their 18^th^ marathon. They were walking the whole marathon. Holy cow, that is absolutely amazing. There were people everywhere. I was more focused on everyone around me and watching the Elvis' in skirts running by. It was like Mardi Gras but everyone was running the whole time.
The first half a mile my legs started cramping but I kept running knowing what Robin, Erin , and Sara said all season that if I kept going it would work itself out. And it did. By the end of mile 1 my legs no longer hurt and I knew this was going to be a great time. I got to about mile 2 when Dalisha and Tiffany came up. I tried to stay with Tiffany but man she is fast. So Dalisha and I ran/walked together. It was about mile 2.5 when I saw a sign from a Leukemia survivor. It was incredible the support they had for us running. Seeing the survivor made me feel like I could run forever for her. I started the lip clenching as if I was going to break down, but then I thought man I have 11 more miles of this I have to stay strong and I can break down at the end if I need to. So I kept going. Mile 3 "The doghouse" was really cool. There was some radio guy yelling and barking and there was someone dressed in a dog costume. I made sure to high five him for being out there and cheering us on.
At a certain point on the course I recognized the aircraft carrier that Edwin and I had seen the day before when we were sightseeing. It was incredible running by the water. The breeze was awesome and the water was gorgeous and there were boats everywhere. There was a Boston terrier trying to play with a huge yellow lab and the lab was just laying there trying to sleep. It was peaceful. It was about at that time I felt like I had support from above and that Richard was right there with me. Again I almost broke down in tears and had to hold it in. When I turned the corner for 6.5 miles I saw Tina on the corner of the street cheering in some really big glasses and purple stockings. I was so happy to see her I ran up cheering with her and gave her a big hug. I was glad she was there and I saw someone I recognized. That gave me even more energy and I knew I could do this. I ran a 13 minute mile after that. And I knew I was half way done.
At one point we were on the freeway running. I was trying to get on flat ground so I would start at the top of the road and run down, then I would start from the bottom and run up and I did this for a while. It was fun and I am sure people were thinking what is that crazy nut doing up there. I remember running past a bunch of guys wearing TNT purple singlet's and had balloon boobs underneath. They were awesome. One guy gave me a high five and then I head downhill for another fast run. I made sure at every downhill I would run to make sure my time was getting slower.
At about mile 10 or 11 I saw Robin on the corner cheering as I came around. She snapped pictures and joined me for the run/walk. I am pretty sure I talked her ear off at that point telling her everything she already saw in the past 10 miles, but I was so excited to be close to the finish line and to have her run me in to the finish line. When I got to mile 13, I had a crazy thought cross my mind. I thought hey since I am 40 minutes ahead of the sweep time I should keep going, it's only 6 more miles to the next sweep and then I am home free and I can finish the whole marathon. And right as my thought finished I snapped back into reality and my feet told me you better not. So at the 13.1 clock when my chip beeped I stopped running. I thought that's it I finished. And I was trying to get good poses for Robin to get pictures, and then some guy in front of me said half marathon keep going around the corner through the finish line. Of course there was so much going on I had no idea where to go and just followed people. I crossed the finish line trying to go slow enough to find Robin and her camera. I walked over and got my medal and some PB&J and sat down.
Sitting down was probably not the best idea. But I waited a few minutes, relaxed and then headed for the shuttle to the finish line. Edwin and I were texting back and forth so I knew what mile he was on and how quickly I needed to get on the bus. I called everyone in my phone. I called my Dad and almost broke down in tears, then I called my Grandma she was so proud of me. While I was on the phone with my Grandma someone came up behind me, put their arm on my shoulder and said "Richard would be so proud" and walked away. I lost it there. The tears began rolling and there was no holding back. It was at that moment that I realized the accomplishment I had achieved and who this was all about. I did it all for Richard and he inspired me till the end. I boarded the bus and headed for Edwin at that point. I called my Mom and we talked on the bus ride over. When I saw Edwin cross the finish line, I teared up again but this time was his time to break down and I was there for him. We made our way to the tent and sat down with the team and ate some food and more food until we were stuffed.
This whole experience was hard but it was well worth everything. The training was awesome and I felt like I was definitely more prepared then most people not with TNT out there. I knew what to do at the water stops; I knew when to eat my Luna moons, and what to do after I finished the race. I couldn't have done this with without an amazing coach and team leader. I was thinking about Edwin doing Disney in January 2009 and how it will be so much different. I am definitely going to miss doing everything as a team but maybe when I work up to the 26.2 miles I can do it again with such a wonderful group of people. Thank you for everything.
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