Thanks everyone for your sweet comments. I am going to miss seeing everyone on Saturdays but I will promise I'll keep in touch. I will come cheer you on, and become part of the curb crew.
9 years ago today, my husband Claude and I went on our very first date. We have been together ever since. I knew he was the one a few weeks after we started dating. He had asked if he could go to church with me that Sunday. As we were sitting in church, I just knew he and I would be together from that point forward.
We have share quite a bit the past 9 yrs. We bought our first house together, got married, had kids, moved to TN, moved back to MS, survived marathon training. We have been there in sickness and in health, and for richer and poorer.
I am truly blessed to have found him. He is a wonderful husband and an amazing father. Best of all, he is my best friend, the one who believes in me, and who loves me, regardless of my flaws and stubborness.
Friday, October 19
Thursday, October 18
The Blues
Am I the only one suffering from the post marathon blues?
Since we returned from Chicago, I've been in an emotional rollercoaster. Last weekend was quite hard, specially Saturday. For the first time in months, I didn't have to get up at 3 AM and meet the group for our Saturday run. I thought I'd be happy but I was actually depressed! Crazy, isn't it?
I haven't ran since Chicago either. I have been feeling completely exhausted, both mentally and emotionally. I can't seem to get enough sleep. I feel like I've been in a constant state of excitement these past 9 months, and all of a sudden, all those feelings are gone and I have no energy left.
I am going thru withdrawals (as Christa called them). I am ok with my decision not to train until possibly '09. But I'm going to miss this group. I can't even bring myself to close this blog!
On a different note, I just realized that the twins are getting close to the "terrible 2s". The tantrums have begun, so no dull moments in our household from this point forward.
Since we returned from Chicago, I've been in an emotional rollercoaster. Last weekend was quite hard, specially Saturday. For the first time in months, I didn't have to get up at 3 AM and meet the group for our Saturday run. I thought I'd be happy but I was actually depressed! Crazy, isn't it?
I haven't ran since Chicago either. I have been feeling completely exhausted, both mentally and emotionally. I can't seem to get enough sleep. I feel like I've been in a constant state of excitement these past 9 months, and all of a sudden, all those feelings are gone and I have no energy left.
I am going thru withdrawals (as Christa called them). I am ok with my decision not to train until possibly '09. But I'm going to miss this group. I can't even bring myself to close this blog!
On a different note, I just realized that the twins are getting close to the "terrible 2s". The tantrums have begun, so no dull moments in our household from this point forward.
Friday, October 12
A time for everything
A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiates 3: 1-8
After a lot of soul searching and a lot of praying, I have decided I will not be running the MS Blues Marathon.
I trained for 9 months and attempted something most people never even think to try. I didn't finish, but I came closer to my goal than I ever thought.
As much as I would love to train for the MS marathon, the fact is my kids need me. I have missed out so much the last 9 months while in training, and I don't want to sacrifice my time with them in the next few months for my own selfish reasons.
Yes, I want to complete a marathon. But there will be others, and Mark/Robin/Matt/Scotty will be doing this for years to come so I can always join them later.
But now is my time to do things with my kids. The holidays are big at our house, lots of cooking and baking and now that Candace is old enough to help out, I want to spend that time cooking with her. I want to start teaching her to read in Spanish and take them to swimming lessons.
It is time for me to put aside my training and focus on doing things for them and with them. I'm not giving up running, just taking the next year to run for fun and travel with the kids. We are planning to go to Disney World and then later on go to Panama.
So there will be no Chicago '08 for me either. I think it's the best decision for me at this time. But I will be there, God willing, ready to start training for Chicago '09. I hope many of you will be there, because this has been an awesome group and I want to stay in touch with you for many more years to come.
Those of you running the MS Blues Marathon, I will be there to cheer you on, pom poms included!
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiates 3: 1-8
After a lot of soul searching and a lot of praying, I have decided I will not be running the MS Blues Marathon.
I trained for 9 months and attempted something most people never even think to try. I didn't finish, but I came closer to my goal than I ever thought.
As much as I would love to train for the MS marathon, the fact is my kids need me. I have missed out so much the last 9 months while in training, and I don't want to sacrifice my time with them in the next few months for my own selfish reasons.
Yes, I want to complete a marathon. But there will be others, and Mark/Robin/Matt/Scotty will be doing this for years to come so I can always join them later.
But now is my time to do things with my kids. The holidays are big at our house, lots of cooking and baking and now that Candace is old enough to help out, I want to spend that time cooking with her. I want to start teaching her to read in Spanish and take them to swimming lessons.
It is time for me to put aside my training and focus on doing things for them and with them. I'm not giving up running, just taking the next year to run for fun and travel with the kids. We are planning to go to Disney World and then later on go to Panama.
So there will be no Chicago '08 for me either. I think it's the best decision for me at this time. But I will be there, God willing, ready to start training for Chicago '09. I hope many of you will be there, because this has been an awesome group and I want to stay in touch with you for many more years to come.
Those of you running the MS Blues Marathon, I will be there to cheer you on, pom poms included!
Wednesday, October 10
The sun is shining again....
"It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows great enthusiasms, great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause;
who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. " - Theodore Roosevelt
The night before the marathon, my sister Glenda sent me part of this quote. I had forgotten all about it until this morning.
Thanks everyone for your comments, and for reminding me that I, too, have experienced a life change thru the past 9 months. After I wrote down my feelings in this blog, I went home yesterday, feeling defeated. As I climbed in bed, I prayed that God would clear my mind of all those feelings so I could see the lesson He wanted me to learn thru this experience.
Today is a new day, and I have found a new perspective. I did not fail Sunday because I didn't get to finish. Sunday was just the culmination of this journey, and the beginning of many more marathon journeys.
I, like my fellow MMers, dared to dream that I, too, could join the rank of the elite runners and be a marathoner. We trained in the rain, in the heat, in the cold weather; thru the pain, and the blisters, and the black toenails. We supported and encouraged one another to continue; and we suceeded at our goal, to make it to the Starting line of the 2007 Chicago marathon.
Yes, I could have pushed myself harder and be a faster runner. Would I have been able to finish all 26.2 miles? Only God knows. Regardless of whether you are a runner or a walker, the marathon is the same, 26.2 miles. Whether you finish in 2 hrs and 11 minutes or 8 hrs, the distance is still the same. And so is the glory.
I will finish a marathon, I'm sure. This one will always be special though. This one was the first one. This one catapulted me into the rank of "marathoner". This one started it all. Yes, it was cut short, but years from now, when someone asks which was your first marathon, I will proudly say "I was in Chicago in '07, the hot marathon". I have now become part of history.
I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to walk this journey with. All of you are amazing, from the fastest to the slowest, all of you are remarkable people. It isn't our speed that makes us great, it's our determination to complete the distance.
My running days are just beginning. I am planning to run many 5k and 10k in the future; and yes, marathons too. As Jana said, there is a time for everything, and my time will come to run many more marathons.
I am a runner now. I didn't know it 9 months ago, but I do now. There was always a runner in me, waiting to come out. Can't stop it now. Running is my time to myself, with nothing more than my thoughts and some good music to keep me company. I love leaving my problems out there, on the streets, and coming home refreshed and ready to tackle all the chores.
My daughter Candace asked me last night if, one day, when she runs the Chicago marathon, will I be there to cheer her on? I smiled, and with tears in my eyes, said yes. Then I thought, better yet, I will be there running with her!
That's what this whole journey was about. I wanted to set a great example for my kids. I wanted them to dare to dream the impossible dream (as Onetta said). When I hear my daughter say she will run a marathon, I know I accomplished my goal.
I can't say enough about Mark, Robin, Scotty, Matt and Wayne, who never let us give up on ourselves. I am campaigning to get more people to sign up next year so they too can experience this amazing journey. And also so I can have an excuse to come run with them :D
To all MMers, Thanks everyone for your kind words and your encouragement. They meant more to me than I could ever express.
To my husband Claude, the biggest Thank you for putting up with me, for supporting me, believing in me, and always encouraging me to continue to move forward. You are my rock, and I love you.
My kids, Candace, Cade and Braden, who never cared how sweaty I was, and were always ready to hug me after a run.
To my mom Amelia, sisters Iris, Joyce, Glenda, Indra- Thanks for believing in me from the beginning of this journey.
Special thanks to Joyce and Jeff, and their kids Stephanie and Aurora, for coming to Chicago to support me. It meant the world to me. Stephanie, I hope we can run a marathon together one day.
Thank you God for the opportunity to run and the health to continue doing it. Let's keep running, for ourselves and those who can't.
God bless you.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows great enthusiasms, great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause;
who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. " - Theodore Roosevelt
The night before the marathon, my sister Glenda sent me part of this quote. I had forgotten all about it until this morning.
Thanks everyone for your comments, and for reminding me that I, too, have experienced a life change thru the past 9 months. After I wrote down my feelings in this blog, I went home yesterday, feeling defeated. As I climbed in bed, I prayed that God would clear my mind of all those feelings so I could see the lesson He wanted me to learn thru this experience.
Today is a new day, and I have found a new perspective. I did not fail Sunday because I didn't get to finish. Sunday was just the culmination of this journey, and the beginning of many more marathon journeys.
I, like my fellow MMers, dared to dream that I, too, could join the rank of the elite runners and be a marathoner. We trained in the rain, in the heat, in the cold weather; thru the pain, and the blisters, and the black toenails. We supported and encouraged one another to continue; and we suceeded at our goal, to make it to the Starting line of the 2007 Chicago marathon.
Yes, I could have pushed myself harder and be a faster runner. Would I have been able to finish all 26.2 miles? Only God knows. Regardless of whether you are a runner or a walker, the marathon is the same, 26.2 miles. Whether you finish in 2 hrs and 11 minutes or 8 hrs, the distance is still the same. And so is the glory.
I will finish a marathon, I'm sure. This one will always be special though. This one was the first one. This one catapulted me into the rank of "marathoner". This one started it all. Yes, it was cut short, but years from now, when someone asks which was your first marathon, I will proudly say "I was in Chicago in '07, the hot marathon". I have now become part of history.
I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to walk this journey with. All of you are amazing, from the fastest to the slowest, all of you are remarkable people. It isn't our speed that makes us great, it's our determination to complete the distance.
My running days are just beginning. I am planning to run many 5k and 10k in the future; and yes, marathons too. As Jana said, there is a time for everything, and my time will come to run many more marathons.
I am a runner now. I didn't know it 9 months ago, but I do now. There was always a runner in me, waiting to come out. Can't stop it now. Running is my time to myself, with nothing more than my thoughts and some good music to keep me company. I love leaving my problems out there, on the streets, and coming home refreshed and ready to tackle all the chores.
My daughter Candace asked me last night if, one day, when she runs the Chicago marathon, will I be there to cheer her on? I smiled, and with tears in my eyes, said yes. Then I thought, better yet, I will be there running with her!
That's what this whole journey was about. I wanted to set a great example for my kids. I wanted them to dare to dream the impossible dream (as Onetta said). When I hear my daughter say she will run a marathon, I know I accomplished my goal.
I can't say enough about Mark, Robin, Scotty, Matt and Wayne, who never let us give up on ourselves. I am campaigning to get more people to sign up next year so they too can experience this amazing journey. And also so I can have an excuse to come run with them :D
To all MMers, Thanks everyone for your kind words and your encouragement. They meant more to me than I could ever express.
To my husband Claude, the biggest Thank you for putting up with me, for supporting me, believing in me, and always encouraging me to continue to move forward. You are my rock, and I love you.
My kids, Candace, Cade and Braden, who never cared how sweaty I was, and were always ready to hug me after a run.
To my mom Amelia, sisters Iris, Joyce, Glenda, Indra- Thanks for believing in me from the beginning of this journey.
Special thanks to Joyce and Jeff, and their kids Stephanie and Aurora, for coming to Chicago to support me. It meant the world to me. Stephanie, I hope we can run a marathon together one day.
Thank you God for the opportunity to run and the health to continue doing it. Let's keep running, for ourselves and those who can't.
God bless you.
Tuesday, October 9
Short of a dream
"The significance of a man is not in what he attains but in what he longs to attain" ~Kahil Gibran
Here I am, back from Chicago. I thought I'd be blogging about the amazing experience of finishing my very first marathon, rather than about the disappointment of never seeing the finish line.
My emotions are conflicting, on one hand I am proud that I didn't quit. On the other, I'm very upset I didn't get to finish.
I am happy and proud of everyone who finished Chicago on Sunday. I know it was hot and difficult, but you did it and I'm so proud to be associated with such amazing people.
In my heart, I feel I could have been one of those people. Since Sunday's fiasco, I have done a lot of soul searching, a lot of thinking. I don't deal well with failure, and I failed myself Sunday. I failed myself throughout the entire MM training process.
I should have pushed myself out of the comfort zone during the training runs, I should have attempted to increase my running intervals as so many other people did. Instead I settled for my mediocre pace, because it was easier. I had plenty of excuses for why I didn't push harder: the kids, my job, family time. You name it, I used it.
The truth is there are no excuses. Increasing my intervals and getting out of my comfort zone wouldn't have affected my family time or time at work. I just let the excuses shadow the truth: I had settled for less than I was capable of.
I keep replaying Sunday in my head over and over again, and thinking of all the things I could have done differently. Should I have lined up further up in the pack, rather than in the very end? Would that have made a difference as to how far I was in the course when the whole thing was called off?
I see all the testimonials from my fellow MMers about how this program has truly changed their lives and I'm afraid I missed the point. Did I change? I settled for less than what I was able to give, rather than pushing myself farther. The program is awesome, it is me who missed the opportunity to use it to its full advantage.
I have a medal to symbolize the fact I didn't quit, faint, or stop running Sunday. I know everyone will say I did great, but it's hard to get over the fact I disappointed myself. I invested my time and my money, and forgot to invest myself in the process.
I have learned some valuable lessons though. I know now what I will do differently next time. I will push myself harder during training, I will definitely cross train more, and I will line up further up in the pack rather than at the very end.
I will give Chicago another chance. Maybe not next year, but I will return to Chicago and finish all 26.2 miles and wear a medal I truly deserve. My running days are not over, they are just starting.
Thank you to Mark, Robin, Matt, Scotty, Sheila, Clark, you guys are awesome and I couldn't have made it to Chicago without your help. A million thank you don't seem like enough.
Congratulations again to Mandy, who has inspired me more than she'll ever know. I'm so proud to know you and so proud of your accomplishment on Sunday.
Here I am, back from Chicago. I thought I'd be blogging about the amazing experience of finishing my very first marathon, rather than about the disappointment of never seeing the finish line.
My emotions are conflicting, on one hand I am proud that I didn't quit. On the other, I'm very upset I didn't get to finish.
I am happy and proud of everyone who finished Chicago on Sunday. I know it was hot and difficult, but you did it and I'm so proud to be associated with such amazing people.
In my heart, I feel I could have been one of those people. Since Sunday's fiasco, I have done a lot of soul searching, a lot of thinking. I don't deal well with failure, and I failed myself Sunday. I failed myself throughout the entire MM training process.
I should have pushed myself out of the comfort zone during the training runs, I should have attempted to increase my running intervals as so many other people did. Instead I settled for my mediocre pace, because it was easier. I had plenty of excuses for why I didn't push harder: the kids, my job, family time. You name it, I used it.
The truth is there are no excuses. Increasing my intervals and getting out of my comfort zone wouldn't have affected my family time or time at work. I just let the excuses shadow the truth: I had settled for less than I was capable of.
I keep replaying Sunday in my head over and over again, and thinking of all the things I could have done differently. Should I have lined up further up in the pack, rather than in the very end? Would that have made a difference as to how far I was in the course when the whole thing was called off?
I see all the testimonials from my fellow MMers about how this program has truly changed their lives and I'm afraid I missed the point. Did I change? I settled for less than what I was able to give, rather than pushing myself farther. The program is awesome, it is me who missed the opportunity to use it to its full advantage.
I have a medal to symbolize the fact I didn't quit, faint, or stop running Sunday. I know everyone will say I did great, but it's hard to get over the fact I disappointed myself. I invested my time and my money, and forgot to invest myself in the process.
I have learned some valuable lessons though. I know now what I will do differently next time. I will push myself harder during training, I will definitely cross train more, and I will line up further up in the pack rather than at the very end.
I will give Chicago another chance. Maybe not next year, but I will return to Chicago and finish all 26.2 miles and wear a medal I truly deserve. My running days are not over, they are just starting.
Thank you to Mark, Robin, Matt, Scotty, Sheila, Clark, you guys are awesome and I couldn't have made it to Chicago without your help. A million thank you don't seem like enough.
Congratulations again to Mandy, who has inspired me more than she'll ever know. I'm so proud to know you and so proud of your accomplishment on Sunday.
Friday, September 28
One day closer
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. " Mark Twain
I thought this quote was perfect. Some of us have dealt with people who didn't believe we could do this. And many times, we are our worst enemies and we doubt our abilities to complete this marathon.
Think of Mark, Robin, Scotty, Matt, and Wayne. They have believed in us from day one. They've encouraged us to accomplish what we thought was impossible. They are the "really great" this quote talks about.
I'll be forever in their debt. Thank you
I have been receiving emails and pictures from CFC families who have learned (thru Brenda Conger, CFC Intl. president) about fundraising efforts. I'm so touched by their words of encouragement, and by their gratitude. I feel like I should be the one thanking them for allowing me the opportunity to do this for them.
By this time next week we'll be in Chicago!!! So excited. I'm a geek and in true geek fashion, I am planning a whole itinerary for Claude and I, including restaurants I want to try.
We are budget-people, and use cash only (No credit cards, woohoo!), so I have to know how much we intend to spend so I can fit it in our budget. what can I say, I'm an engineer, remember?
One of the places we are going to try is Brazzaz, a Brazillian steakhouse. I've been to a couple of churrascarias (their true name); one in New Mexico, one in Orlando. Meat lovers paradise. I'm always raving about it, so we have reservations to try one. I hope it is as good as the ones I've tried.
Then there is the Chicago style pizza we need to try. yum. and Cheesecake.
I thought this quote was perfect. Some of us have dealt with people who didn't believe we could do this. And many times, we are our worst enemies and we doubt our abilities to complete this marathon.
Think of Mark, Robin, Scotty, Matt, and Wayne. They have believed in us from day one. They've encouraged us to accomplish what we thought was impossible. They are the "really great" this quote talks about.
I'll be forever in their debt. Thank you
I have been receiving emails and pictures from CFC families who have learned (thru Brenda Conger, CFC Intl. president) about fundraising efforts. I'm so touched by their words of encouragement, and by their gratitude. I feel like I should be the one thanking them for allowing me the opportunity to do this for them.
By this time next week we'll be in Chicago!!! So excited. I'm a geek and in true geek fashion, I am planning a whole itinerary for Claude and I, including restaurants I want to try.
We are budget-people, and use cash only (No credit cards, woohoo!), so I have to know how much we intend to spend so I can fit it in our budget. what can I say, I'm an engineer, remember?
One of the places we are going to try is Brazzaz, a Brazillian steakhouse. I've been to a couple of churrascarias (their true name); one in New Mexico, one in Orlando. Meat lovers paradise. I'm always raving about it, so we have reservations to try one. I hope it is as good as the ones I've tried.
Then there is the Chicago style pizza we need to try. yum. and Cheesecake.
Wednesday, September 26
10 hrs 16 minutes...
It just doesn't seem real. As I type this, there are officially 10 days and 16 minutes until the official start of the marathon.
Should I start to freak out?
I'm very calm at the moment, which is quite unusual for me. I'm a worrier, and when something big is on the horizon, my mind goes into overdrive. But I feel quite confident that I can and will finish this marathon. God willing, I will be crossing the finish line on October 7.
I'm really excited about going to Chicago. This will be Claude (husband) first trip to Chicago (my 3rd), so I'm excited for him. He is going to be there to cheer me along the way.
I keep visualizing the day of the race and try to imagine what it will feel like to line up with thousands of other people, all of us with one goal in mind, to finish 26.2 miles. I just can't imagine how amazing it will be.
Between now and Oct 5, I have tons of things to do at work and at home. I have to get my race "outfit" ready for the big day. Mind you, I already have the main components, but I'm adding a few personal touches to make it "my own". I'm adding the CFC logo to the hat I'll be wearing that day, since I'm running for Lillian and all CFC kids and their families.
I have a small flag of Panama to attach to my clothes, so I can remember every step of the way those I left behind, and my home country.
It's hard to explain to anyone why the heart of an immigrant yearns for home. I love living here, but my heart will always miss home. My first memories were made there, and the essence of who I am was forged there. I left my country for the first time when I was 15, and my family moved to Costa Rica. It was close enough to home I could travel back during the school breaks, and the holidays. Then we moved here, on Dec 1, 1990. I have spent more than half of my life away from home and I still miss it.
Crazy, isn't it?
I'm looking forward to seeing other runners from Panama in Chicago. I checked the registration list a while back and there were at least 5 coming all the way from Panama. Exciting!
Last run together in MS soil this Saturday. Am I the only one who thinks the 1st mile, back at Belhaven, was the hardest? I think it was. I guess it was the first step to this amazing journey. It was the hardest for me because I could not fathom doing 26.2 miles, when I was so out of breath after walking one mile. Yet, here we are, getting ready for the big day.
Thanks Mark, Robin, Matt, Scotty, and my new found amigo, Wayne; for being so encouraging to all of us during this journey.
Should I start to freak out?
I'm very calm at the moment, which is quite unusual for me. I'm a worrier, and when something big is on the horizon, my mind goes into overdrive. But I feel quite confident that I can and will finish this marathon. God willing, I will be crossing the finish line on October 7.
I'm really excited about going to Chicago. This will be Claude (husband) first trip to Chicago (my 3rd), so I'm excited for him. He is going to be there to cheer me along the way.
I keep visualizing the day of the race and try to imagine what it will feel like to line up with thousands of other people, all of us with one goal in mind, to finish 26.2 miles. I just can't imagine how amazing it will be.
Between now and Oct 5, I have tons of things to do at work and at home. I have to get my race "outfit" ready for the big day. Mind you, I already have the main components, but I'm adding a few personal touches to make it "my own". I'm adding the CFC logo to the hat I'll be wearing that day, since I'm running for Lillian and all CFC kids and their families.
I have a small flag of Panama to attach to my clothes, so I can remember every step of the way those I left behind, and my home country.
It's hard to explain to anyone why the heart of an immigrant yearns for home. I love living here, but my heart will always miss home. My first memories were made there, and the essence of who I am was forged there. I left my country for the first time when I was 15, and my family moved to Costa Rica. It was close enough to home I could travel back during the school breaks, and the holidays. Then we moved here, on Dec 1, 1990. I have spent more than half of my life away from home and I still miss it.
Crazy, isn't it?
I'm looking forward to seeing other runners from Panama in Chicago. I checked the registration list a while back and there were at least 5 coming all the way from Panama. Exciting!
Last run together in MS soil this Saturday. Am I the only one who thinks the 1st mile, back at Belhaven, was the hardest? I think it was. I guess it was the first step to this amazing journey. It was the hardest for me because I could not fathom doing 26.2 miles, when I was so out of breath after walking one mile. Yet, here we are, getting ready for the big day.
Thanks Mark, Robin, Matt, Scotty, and my new found amigo, Wayne; for being so encouraging to all of us during this journey.
Monday, September 24
Why
13 more days left. Lucky 13.
It's amazing to me that just 9 months ago, I could hardly walk one mile. Now I'm at the end of my marathon journey. It's hard to believe that 2 weeks from today, we'll be on our way home with our medals and the satisfaction of knowing we have achieved a goal a few achieve in a lifetime.
Mark's blog got me thinking about why I will finish Chicago, why I will endure thru the fatigue, the aches and pains, and the discomfort so I can finish the marathon.
So here are my reasons why I will finish the Chicago Marathon.
1) Because I CAN.
So many people in this world can't do it because of medical/physical conditions. I am healthy and capable, and so I will finish for those who can't.
2) For my kids, Candace, Braden, and Cade
I want my children to know they can achieve anything they dream of. All it takes is determination, and hard work.
3) For my niece Lillian.
She is an angel sent to our family so we could be reminded that God is always with us.
4) For all the CFC children in this world and their families.
They have touched my life, and I'm honored to run this marathon for them.
5) For my grandfather.
I miss you, Abuelo.
6) For my cousin Jose.
Jose died 7 yrs ago, of complications related to his diabetes. He was 33. He was my brother, my friend, and I miss him very much.
7) For my mother, Amelia
She has taught me to never give up on my dreams.
8) For my sisters, Iris, Joyce, Glenda and Indra.
They are the rocks that support me, and they believe in me, even when I don't believe in myself.
9) For my entire family back in Panama.
Even though we don't see each other often enough, they are such a big part of my life. Distance can't sever the bond of family.
10) For my niece Stephanie
She has brought such joy to my life, I couldn't ask for a better role model for my daughter.
11) For my niece Aurora, and nephews Jesse and Jon-Luc
So that they will know that anything is possible.
12) For my husband Claude.
You are a gift from God, your love, your support and your patience mean more to me than I can express. Thank you for being there for me always, for believing in me, and for supporting me in every endeavor.
13) For myself.
So that I can always remember where I came from, how far I've come, and how much I have yet to accomplish.
14) For all the MM runners
Thank you for being there for me thru this journey. This experience I will cherish forever.
It's amazing to me that just 9 months ago, I could hardly walk one mile. Now I'm at the end of my marathon journey. It's hard to believe that 2 weeks from today, we'll be on our way home with our medals and the satisfaction of knowing we have achieved a goal a few achieve in a lifetime.
Mark's blog got me thinking about why I will finish Chicago, why I will endure thru the fatigue, the aches and pains, and the discomfort so I can finish the marathon.
So here are my reasons why I will finish the Chicago Marathon.
1) Because I CAN.
So many people in this world can't do it because of medical/physical conditions. I am healthy and capable, and so I will finish for those who can't.
2) For my kids, Candace, Braden, and Cade
I want my children to know they can achieve anything they dream of. All it takes is determination, and hard work.
3) For my niece Lillian.
She is an angel sent to our family so we could be reminded that God is always with us.
4) For all the CFC children in this world and their families.
They have touched my life, and I'm honored to run this marathon for them.
5) For my grandfather.
I miss you, Abuelo.
6) For my cousin Jose.
Jose died 7 yrs ago, of complications related to his diabetes. He was 33. He was my brother, my friend, and I miss him very much.
7) For my mother, Amelia
She has taught me to never give up on my dreams.
8) For my sisters, Iris, Joyce, Glenda and Indra.
They are the rocks that support me, and they believe in me, even when I don't believe in myself.
9) For my entire family back in Panama.
Even though we don't see each other often enough, they are such a big part of my life. Distance can't sever the bond of family.
10) For my niece Stephanie
She has brought such joy to my life, I couldn't ask for a better role model for my daughter.
11) For my niece Aurora, and nephews Jesse and Jon-Luc
So that they will know that anything is possible.
12) For my husband Claude.
You are a gift from God, your love, your support and your patience mean more to me than I can express. Thank you for being there for me always, for believing in me, and for supporting me in every endeavor.
13) For myself.
So that I can always remember where I came from, how far I've come, and how much I have yet to accomplish.
14) For all the MM runners
Thank you for being there for me thru this journey. This experience I will cherish forever.
Wednesday, September 19
Restless sleep
Am I the only one having trouble with their sleep? I haven't had a good night of sleep since Saturday night. I have no problem going to sleep or staying sleep. The problem is I am not getting any rest. Let me explain. It's like I'm dreaming all night long. I can't remember the dreams, just that I had them.
And, of course, after I wake up, I feel like I haven't slept at all. *yawn*
I'm going to have some chamomille tea tonight and hopefully that will help. I know it's the excitement and nervousness of the marathon. That's how it usually goes when I have something big coming up. I can't sleep for days, except this time I really need to get some rest!
And, of course, after I wake up, I feel like I haven't slept at all. *yawn*
I'm going to have some chamomille tea tonight and hopefully that will help. I know it's the excitement and nervousness of the marathon. That's how it usually goes when I have something big coming up. I can't sleep for days, except this time I really need to get some rest!
Tuesday, September 18
Lessons
I guess there are always lessons to be learned, aren't there?
We now have a double jogging stroller, in addition to our regular stroller. Since I am a marathoner, I figured I can now take the twins with me whenever I need to train during the week. That's the whole purpose of a jogging stroller, right?
So we head out into the streets of the neighborhood. Here I was, feeling pretty confident after Saturday's run, and thinking running with the twins will be a piece of cake after doing 20 miles.
WRONG! I forgot to take into account running 20 miles alone is NOT the same as running while pushing over 60lbs in front of you. The kids are about 23 lbs each, and the stroller weighs another 23 lbs.
Talk about a humbling lesson! I just couldn't do it. And the questions "Am I ready for Chicago?", "Can I really do a marathon?" came rushing into my head.
I had to remind myself that I will not be pushing the twins in Chicago, and that I am ready to do this.
So here we are, one day closer to the big day.
We now have a double jogging stroller, in addition to our regular stroller. Since I am a marathoner, I figured I can now take the twins with me whenever I need to train during the week. That's the whole purpose of a jogging stroller, right?
So we head out into the streets of the neighborhood. Here I was, feeling pretty confident after Saturday's run, and thinking running with the twins will be a piece of cake after doing 20 miles.
WRONG! I forgot to take into account running 20 miles alone is NOT the same as running while pushing over 60lbs in front of you. The kids are about 23 lbs each, and the stroller weighs another 23 lbs.
Talk about a humbling lesson! I just couldn't do it. And the questions "Am I ready for Chicago?", "Can I really do a marathon?" came rushing into my head.
I had to remind myself that I will not be pushing the twins in Chicago, and that I am ready to do this.
So here we are, one day closer to the big day.
Monday, September 17
The final countdown
20 days until the big day. 20 days. wow. It has been an amazing journey. It has been difficult, painful, yet inspiring, and wonderful.
I didn't finish all 22 miles on Saturday. But I came as close as I could, about 20.5. It was painful to say the least. The big toe on my right foot started hurting at the first water stop. I headed to Fox Bay first so I could get it out of the way while I was still "sleep". Great idea. The toe was hurting and the pain went all along my foot. I thought about stopping but I was too far from my car, and my stubborn self wouldn't let me stop.
I walked for a while, to "stretch" them (if that's even possible). It hurt less when I ran, so I kept doing the intervals. I don't think it's the running that made my toe hurt, it was aching on Thursday. It is back to normal now.
Thanks to George, who did the last miles with me, I was able to make it. I was so ready to ask Robin for a ride at the last water stop. If it hadn't been for George, I wouldn't have pushed myself to finish. Thanks George!
I went home and sat in a tub of ice water for a while. Took a 30 min nap while the twins slept. Then we headed to Walmart, and finally went to bed around 8:30. I had a restless night of sleep, I think I was overly tired and just didn't sleep well.
I am nervous and excited, and so ready to get to Chicago.
I didn't finish all 22 miles on Saturday. But I came as close as I could, about 20.5. It was painful to say the least. The big toe on my right foot started hurting at the first water stop. I headed to Fox Bay first so I could get it out of the way while I was still "sleep". Great idea. The toe was hurting and the pain went all along my foot. I thought about stopping but I was too far from my car, and my stubborn self wouldn't let me stop.
I walked for a while, to "stretch" them (if that's even possible). It hurt less when I ran, so I kept doing the intervals. I don't think it's the running that made my toe hurt, it was aching on Thursday. It is back to normal now.
Thanks to George, who did the last miles with me, I was able to make it. I was so ready to ask Robin for a ride at the last water stop. If it hadn't been for George, I wouldn't have pushed myself to finish. Thanks George!
I went home and sat in a tub of ice water for a while. Took a 30 min nap while the twins slept. Then we headed to Walmart, and finally went to bed around 8:30. I had a restless night of sleep, I think I was overly tired and just didn't sleep well.
I am nervous and excited, and so ready to get to Chicago.
Monday, August 27
Just keep going, just keep going...
One down, not many more to go.
My training last week was decent. Ran in the afternoon, it was hot but I think it helped me deal with the heat on Saturday morning.
Friday, I spent with a sick child. Candace has bronchitis and a throat infection, so I took her to the dr, and spent the day with her at home. Went to bed at 9 and was up at 3 AM. As I told Vickie, we are a bit crazy for getting up so early, knowing what waiting for us. ha. But we are proud to be crazy, aren't we?
I was feeling pretty good Saturday. My pace was slower than usual, and I did 1:1 intervals instead of my usual 2:1. I knew it was hot, and also knew it had been a while since my last "long" run. I felt pretty good overall, I didn't want to pass the 5 hr mark, so ended up turning around at the last water stop. I looked at Mark's direction, and that means I did about 18.5 miles. Not too shabby, I ended up walking back to Lakeshore. If I had had a granola bar I probably would have been able to run back, I was starving!
Overall, I felt pretty confident out there. I ran some 2:1 intervals when I felt like it and felt pretty strong. Those times when I thought I couldn't go any further, I thought of my niece Lillian, of all the CFC kids who can't walk, or eat, or talk, of the parents, and of my own kids, who have blessed me and are blessed with good health. Believe me, there is no stronger motivator.
I went home, took the required cold bath, 2 advils and finally took a nap around 4. Back to normal on Sunday, somewhat. My knees and feet feel great (thanks to new shoes) but my butt muscles hurt! LOL
Looking forward to Chicago. Like Cheryl said, I'm going to miss my Saturday runs.
My training last week was decent. Ran in the afternoon, it was hot but I think it helped me deal with the heat on Saturday morning.
Friday, I spent with a sick child. Candace has bronchitis and a throat infection, so I took her to the dr, and spent the day with her at home. Went to bed at 9 and was up at 3 AM. As I told Vickie, we are a bit crazy for getting up so early, knowing what waiting for us. ha. But we are proud to be crazy, aren't we?
I was feeling pretty good Saturday. My pace was slower than usual, and I did 1:1 intervals instead of my usual 2:1. I knew it was hot, and also knew it had been a while since my last "long" run. I felt pretty good overall, I didn't want to pass the 5 hr mark, so ended up turning around at the last water stop. I looked at Mark's direction, and that means I did about 18.5 miles. Not too shabby, I ended up walking back to Lakeshore. If I had had a granola bar I probably would have been able to run back, I was starving!
Overall, I felt pretty confident out there. I ran some 2:1 intervals when I felt like it and felt pretty strong. Those times when I thought I couldn't go any further, I thought of my niece Lillian, of all the CFC kids who can't walk, or eat, or talk, of the parents, and of my own kids, who have blessed me and are blessed with good health. Believe me, there is no stronger motivator.
I went home, took the required cold bath, 2 advils and finally took a nap around 4. Back to normal on Sunday, somewhat. My knees and feet feel great (thanks to new shoes) but my butt muscles hurt! LOL
Looking forward to Chicago. Like Cheryl said, I'm going to miss my Saturday runs.
Tuesday, August 21
In need of your help
As many of you know, I am using this marathon experience to help raise funds for CFC International. Following is the letter I will be sending out. So this is shameless plug, asking for your help too. Every little bit helps, and it would mean a lot to me. Thank you.
Dear Family and Friends:
On October 7, 2007, I will be facing one of the biggest challenges of my life, the Chicago Marathon!
The training I have endured will help me complete all 26.2 miles, but it has been my commitment to run this race in honor of my niece Lillian that has kept me training, albeit the heat, the rain, and the physical pain.
Lillian was born on April 22, 2004 by cesarean section after 24 hours of labor, and spent the first 10 days of her life in NICU, unable to breathe room oxygen. The doctors did not know why, and although there were plenty of "signs," only a physician who regularly encountered patients with a rare genetic disorder would have noticed them. There were also feeding problems, and obvious developmental delays. After being misdiagnosed at age 1, she was correctly diagnosed at age 2 with Cardio-Facio-Cutaneous Syndrome.
CFC syndrome is a rare genetic condition that typically affects the heart (cardio-), facial features (facio-) and skin (cutaneous). There is no cure to treat all of the symptoms of CFC syndrome. However, with proper management and early intervention, much can be done to improve the health of children with CFC. At present, treatment ultimately depends on the unique characteristics of each individual.
Because CFC is so rare (fewer than 300 documented cases of CFC worldwide), there were no "obvious" prenatal signs during Glenda’s pregnancy that a typical ultrasound at the obstetric clinic would pick up, and at the time, a genetic test for CFC was not available. Lillian’s diagnosis came only two months after a test for CFC was made available to parents like Glenda and Kevin. CFC International was instrumental in the development of this test.
CFC International is the only nonprofit organization that serves CFC children and their families from all regions of the world. Their mission is to help families deal with the challenges of raising a child with a rare and often medically involved disorder, and to educate the general public and the medical community regarding this condition.
Lillian’s case is mild in the scope of severity of this disorder. Still, the challenges she has faced in her life have been plentiful. Lillian did not roll over until she was 1, and finally walked at 27 months. Now at 3 yrs old, she is still trying to catch up, with the help of a team of physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral therapists. She continues to make progress, under the watchful eyes of her parents. Glenda and Kevin are thankful to God that allowed them to know a definite diagnosis to Lillian’s problems, and grateful for CFC International and the help they provide families like theirs. Nonetheless, her parents understand that only God knows what the outcome of Lillian's life will be and they will continue to "run with patience the race that is set before [them] . . ."(Hebrews 12: 1)
As I run the marathon thru the streets of Chicago, it will be Lillian and other CFC children around the world who will be on my mind and in my heart. The challenges they face and the courage they show amidst it all will be my motivation through those 26.2 miles.
CFC International relies on the support of individuals, families, corporations and foundations to fund its programs and research initiatives. I am asking for your tax-deductible contribution to help CFC International continue their efforts. A donation of $1 per every mile I will run would help greatly, but anything you can contribute will make a difference. CFC International is a nonprofit 501c (3) organization, so all your donations are 100% tax deductible. Please make checks payable to CFC International.
If you would like to learn more about CFC syndrome and the efforts of CFC International, please visit their website at www.cfcsyndrome.org.
Thank you so much for your support and generosity. If you want to make a donation, email me at panama10@gmail.com for more information, or mail your donation to:
Kayra Johnson
109 Longie Dale Lane, Hazlehurst MS 39083
Checks payable to CFC International
Dear Family and Friends:
On October 7, 2007, I will be facing one of the biggest challenges of my life, the Chicago Marathon!
The training I have endured will help me complete all 26.2 miles, but it has been my commitment to run this race in honor of my niece Lillian that has kept me training, albeit the heat, the rain, and the physical pain.
Lillian was born on April 22, 2004 by cesarean section after 24 hours of labor, and spent the first 10 days of her life in NICU, unable to breathe room oxygen. The doctors did not know why, and although there were plenty of "signs," only a physician who regularly encountered patients with a rare genetic disorder would have noticed them. There were also feeding problems, and obvious developmental delays. After being misdiagnosed at age 1, she was correctly diagnosed at age 2 with Cardio-Facio-Cutaneous Syndrome.
CFC syndrome is a rare genetic condition that typically affects the heart (cardio-), facial features (facio-) and skin (cutaneous). There is no cure to treat all of the symptoms of CFC syndrome. However, with proper management and early intervention, much can be done to improve the health of children with CFC. At present, treatment ultimately depends on the unique characteristics of each individual.
Because CFC is so rare (fewer than 300 documented cases of CFC worldwide), there were no "obvious" prenatal signs during Glenda’s pregnancy that a typical ultrasound at the obstetric clinic would pick up, and at the time, a genetic test for CFC was not available. Lillian’s diagnosis came only two months after a test for CFC was made available to parents like Glenda and Kevin. CFC International was instrumental in the development of this test.
CFC International is the only nonprofit organization that serves CFC children and their families from all regions of the world. Their mission is to help families deal with the challenges of raising a child with a rare and often medically involved disorder, and to educate the general public and the medical community regarding this condition.
Lillian’s case is mild in the scope of severity of this disorder. Still, the challenges she has faced in her life have been plentiful. Lillian did not roll over until she was 1, and finally walked at 27 months. Now at 3 yrs old, she is still trying to catch up, with the help of a team of physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral therapists. She continues to make progress, under the watchful eyes of her parents. Glenda and Kevin are thankful to God that allowed them to know a definite diagnosis to Lillian’s problems, and grateful for CFC International and the help they provide families like theirs. Nonetheless, her parents understand that only God knows what the outcome of Lillian's life will be and they will continue to "run with patience the race that is set before [them] . . ."(Hebrews 12: 1)
As I run the marathon thru the streets of Chicago, it will be Lillian and other CFC children around the world who will be on my mind and in my heart. The challenges they face and the courage they show amidst it all will be my motivation through those 26.2 miles.
CFC International relies on the support of individuals, families, corporations and foundations to fund its programs and research initiatives. I am asking for your tax-deductible contribution to help CFC International continue their efforts. A donation of $1 per every mile I will run would help greatly, but anything you can contribute will make a difference. CFC International is a nonprofit 501c (3) organization, so all your donations are 100% tax deductible. Please make checks payable to CFC International.
If you would like to learn more about CFC syndrome and the efforts of CFC International, please visit their website at www.cfcsyndrome.org.
Thank you so much for your support and generosity. If you want to make a donation, email me at panama10@gmail.com for more information, or mail your donation to:
Kayra Johnson
109 Longie Dale Lane, Hazlehurst MS 39083
Checks payable to CFC International
Who let the dogs out...
That seemed to be the theme for my run on Sunday morning.
I came down with a migraine on Friday afternoon. I hadn't had one like this one ever, and it progressively got worse. When the alarm went off at 3 AM, I was awake, in pain. It finally went away in the afternoon on Saturday.
I got up early Sunday and laced up my shoes, ready to do my 10 mile run. I left my house feeling really good. Around mile 2, I encountered dog#1. It was a small one, and his owner was outside with him. Apparently the man didn't care if his dog bit me or not, he never attempted to get the little pest away from me.
I continued on with my pepper spray in hand, and encountered dog #2. This one was a big one, and he wasn't afraid to get close, and didn't care I had a pretty big stick on my hand. I was ready to spray him and finally he backed away. I continued on, and decided to take a different route back home. I didn't want to push my luck with dog #2.
It was going well and I approached the new route and took it. I had gone a mile down that road, when dogs #3,4,and 5 came out of nowhere. These dogs were huge, about the size of lab each. I think I had a small heartattack right there.
I slowly started to walk away from them, with my pepper spray ready for anything. 2 of the dogs went back to their yards, but one of them followed me pretty closely, growling. I was at the verge of tears. I can run in the rain, with black toenails and blisters. But I cannot handle the thought of 3 dogs mauling me.
I called my husband and asked him to pick me up. The whole time I was on the phone, the dog was close by growling. Several cars drove by and the dumb dog didn't bother to chase them, he just wanted to attack ME!
My husband came to pick me up, and I was only able to do 5 miles. I was so mad! Unfortunately, those dogs were just passed the city limit and apparently dogs can be lose in the county. So I guess from now on, if I have to run, I'll be doing so in the track.
I ran yesterday for about 50 minutes. I stayed away from the roads and it felt so good to run. I guess the "break" I took was needed because I enjoyed the run. Even though it was 95 degrees.
I came down with a migraine on Friday afternoon. I hadn't had one like this one ever, and it progressively got worse. When the alarm went off at 3 AM, I was awake, in pain. It finally went away in the afternoon on Saturday.
I got up early Sunday and laced up my shoes, ready to do my 10 mile run. I left my house feeling really good. Around mile 2, I encountered dog#1. It was a small one, and his owner was outside with him. Apparently the man didn't care if his dog bit me or not, he never attempted to get the little pest away from me.
I continued on with my pepper spray in hand, and encountered dog #2. This one was a big one, and he wasn't afraid to get close, and didn't care I had a pretty big stick on my hand. I was ready to spray him and finally he backed away. I continued on, and decided to take a different route back home. I didn't want to push my luck with dog #2.
It was going well and I approached the new route and took it. I had gone a mile down that road, when dogs #3,4,and 5 came out of nowhere. These dogs were huge, about the size of lab each. I think I had a small heartattack right there.
I slowly started to walk away from them, with my pepper spray ready for anything. 2 of the dogs went back to their yards, but one of them followed me pretty closely, growling. I was at the verge of tears. I can run in the rain, with black toenails and blisters. But I cannot handle the thought of 3 dogs mauling me.
I called my husband and asked him to pick me up. The whole time I was on the phone, the dog was close by growling. Several cars drove by and the dumb dog didn't bother to chase them, he just wanted to attack ME!
My husband came to pick me up, and I was only able to do 5 miles. I was so mad! Unfortunately, those dogs were just passed the city limit and apparently dogs can be lose in the county. So I guess from now on, if I have to run, I'll be doing so in the track.
I ran yesterday for about 50 minutes. I stayed away from the roads and it felt so good to run. I guess the "break" I took was needed because I enjoyed the run. Even though it was 95 degrees.
Monday, August 13
Counting down the days...
55 days left. The final countdown. No time for excuses. It's now or never.
There are just 55 days left until the biggest mental/physical challenge of my life. I know some people think pregnancy, specially with twins, would be harder but in my book, this marathon takes the prize.
I have been slacking the last few weeks. I lost my motivation and have had a very hard time finding it. Life issues got in the way, the weather hasn't helped either. Whatever the reason, I stopped training. I had no desire to get out on the road, no desire to push myself anymore than necessary.
Have I hurt my overall training? I hope not. There is no point in dwelling the past, I can't change it. I stopped training, with the exception of some walking, I haven't run in a couple of weeks.
Today is a new day, and a new page has turned. This is it. I have 55 days left to prove to myself I CAN do this. I committed myself to accomplishing this monumental milestone, and I'm going to do it. Whether I run or walk or both, I WILL finish Chicago.
I have a committment with myself to accomplish this goal. A committment to my family, who has been patient and understanding of my taking time away from them to train. A commitment to my fellow marathoners who believe in me, and have encouraged me along this journey.
Now is NO time to quit. I have come this far and I'm closer to 26.2 miles than I was back in January. Remember that first mile at Belhaven? I will never forget it. It's my baseline, the one I compare all my runs to. Every mile afterwards has been easier.
55 days until the big day. And even less days of training left. I have to make each training day count. I can't go back and run on the days I missed. But I can commit myself to train every day from this point forward.
How well I finish in Chicago is up to me. If I give it my best, and finish last, I'll be happy because I did my very best.
But I will never be happy with myself if I settle for less than what I am capable of.
Today is the first day of the rest of my marathon journey. On October 8th, the marathon will be over, and I will join that 1% of the population. More importantly, I will prove to myself I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
There are just 55 days left until the biggest mental/physical challenge of my life. I know some people think pregnancy, specially with twins, would be harder but in my book, this marathon takes the prize.
I have been slacking the last few weeks. I lost my motivation and have had a very hard time finding it. Life issues got in the way, the weather hasn't helped either. Whatever the reason, I stopped training. I had no desire to get out on the road, no desire to push myself anymore than necessary.
Have I hurt my overall training? I hope not. There is no point in dwelling the past, I can't change it. I stopped training, with the exception of some walking, I haven't run in a couple of weeks.
Today is a new day, and a new page has turned. This is it. I have 55 days left to prove to myself I CAN do this. I committed myself to accomplishing this monumental milestone, and I'm going to do it. Whether I run or walk or both, I WILL finish Chicago.
I have a committment with myself to accomplish this goal. A committment to my family, who has been patient and understanding of my taking time away from them to train. A commitment to my fellow marathoners who believe in me, and have encouraged me along this journey.
Now is NO time to quit. I have come this far and I'm closer to 26.2 miles than I was back in January. Remember that first mile at Belhaven? I will never forget it. It's my baseline, the one I compare all my runs to. Every mile afterwards has been easier.
55 days until the big day. And even less days of training left. I have to make each training day count. I can't go back and run on the days I missed. But I can commit myself to train every day from this point forward.
How well I finish in Chicago is up to me. If I give it my best, and finish last, I'll be happy because I did my very best.
But I will never be happy with myself if I settle for less than what I am capable of.
Today is the first day of the rest of my marathon journey. On October 8th, the marathon will be over, and I will join that 1% of the population. More importantly, I will prove to myself I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
Thursday, August 9
A day in the life
It's been a while, I know. Just not in a bloggin mood, and very busy.
New Orleans was great, I am so glad we decided to go. There were far less people there than we expected. It broke my heart to see this great city so liveless. I don't know if it was because I went during the week, but there weren't there as many tourists as there were pre-Katrina.
The twins were great, they behaved really well. They were so cute at the hotel. We stayed on the 10th floor, so they kept running to the windows and looking out, and pointing, talking, laughing. Just cute.
They woke up in the middle of the night and decided to make the most of it. Starting talking to each other, laughing, playing. I guess this was better than crying, but I was exhausted. They finally settled down around 3 AM.
They liked the zoo, but weren't as impressed with it as they were with the aquarium. I guess at 15 months, it's hard to appreciate the zoo. They loved the aquarium though, it's awesome to "rediscover" the world thru my children's eyes.
Even the ride there and back was good. It was exhausting, as you can imagine, dealing with all 3 of them. But they behaved well, and we are more confident with our ability to handle them in the big city.
Not much training recently. just lots going on. and I've been feeling exhausted.
My days begin at 5 when the alarm goes off. I have to be at work at 8 so in 3 hrs, I have to get ready, get the twins ready (they commute to Jackson with me), get Candace ready for school/camp, drive to Jackson, drop the twins off, and get here.
Afternoons are pretty much the same, get home, cook, feed everyone, bathe everyone, get them in bed, clean the kitchen, wash clothes, pay bills, watch something on tv to get my mind to unwind. Even though my husband helps out a lot, there is 2 of us, to take care of 3 kids and their needs.
Somewhere in there I fit in training, time with my husband, time with my daughter to read her a book, and time to myself. Finally in bed by 11 and before I know, the alarm is going off again. Assuming everyone slept thru the night, but that's a story for another time.
Chicago is closer! My daughter told me Tuesday one day she will run a marathon too. I told her I'll be there to cheer her on and I'll be so proud of her.
New Orleans was great, I am so glad we decided to go. There were far less people there than we expected. It broke my heart to see this great city so liveless. I don't know if it was because I went during the week, but there weren't there as many tourists as there were pre-Katrina.
The twins were great, they behaved really well. They were so cute at the hotel. We stayed on the 10th floor, so they kept running to the windows and looking out, and pointing, talking, laughing. Just cute.
They woke up in the middle of the night and decided to make the most of it. Starting talking to each other, laughing, playing. I guess this was better than crying, but I was exhausted. They finally settled down around 3 AM.
They liked the zoo, but weren't as impressed with it as they were with the aquarium. I guess at 15 months, it's hard to appreciate the zoo. They loved the aquarium though, it's awesome to "rediscover" the world thru my children's eyes.
Even the ride there and back was good. It was exhausting, as you can imagine, dealing with all 3 of them. But they behaved well, and we are more confident with our ability to handle them in the big city.
Not much training recently. just lots going on. and I've been feeling exhausted.
My days begin at 5 when the alarm goes off. I have to be at work at 8 so in 3 hrs, I have to get ready, get the twins ready (they commute to Jackson with me), get Candace ready for school/camp, drive to Jackson, drop the twins off, and get here.
Afternoons are pretty much the same, get home, cook, feed everyone, bathe everyone, get them in bed, clean the kitchen, wash clothes, pay bills, watch something on tv to get my mind to unwind. Even though my husband helps out a lot, there is 2 of us, to take care of 3 kids and their needs.
Somewhere in there I fit in training, time with my husband, time with my daughter to read her a book, and time to myself. Finally in bed by 11 and before I know, the alarm is going off again. Assuming everyone slept thru the night, but that's a story for another time.
Chicago is closer! My daughter told me Tuesday one day she will run a marathon too. I told her I'll be there to cheer her on and I'll be so proud of her.
Tuesday, July 31
Final countdown
So here we are, closer to the marathon. yikes! As excited as I am, I'm also scared to death. This is a huge ordeal and soon it will be here.
I have given up on my attempt to train Monday. I hate Mondays, and it is so hard to try and do anything. I think it's partly because I'm still tired from the weekends. I had to go out in the field yesterday. Do you know how HOT it was yesterday? Well, I was OUTSIDE most of the day, watching the drillers install monitoring wells. NOT fun.
By the time I got home I had a headache, I think it was from dehydration.
I hope it doesn't storm today because I am planning on training. I'm all for running in the rain, but I don't want to get hit by lighting.
Tomorrow we are off to the Big Easy with the kids. We postponed the trip from the weekend to the week because we both need a break from our jobs. Besides, we won't have to deal with the crowds at the zoo. Hopefully the twins will enjoy it. I know Candace will. Last time we went to New Orleans was a month before Katrina, and we did the zoo and the aquarium.
This time we are planning to go to the Children's Museum, and the Zoo. Not sure about the aquarium yet, we are going to see how it goes, and adjust our plans depending on the weather.
This is the twins' first overnight trip. Wish us luck. The only out of town trip they've taken was for Christmas. We went to Claude's grandmother's (she lives in the Delta) and it was a 1.5 hrs trip. I hope they have a good time.
See you early and dark on Saturday! 18 miles, people! 18! I'm planning on taking it easy, stick with my 2:1 intervals and once I get into the "zone", maybe do some 3:1 for a while, and back to 2:1. I think that's my game plan for the remainder of the training.
I have given up on my attempt to train Monday. I hate Mondays, and it is so hard to try and do anything. I think it's partly because I'm still tired from the weekends. I had to go out in the field yesterday. Do you know how HOT it was yesterday? Well, I was OUTSIDE most of the day, watching the drillers install monitoring wells. NOT fun.
By the time I got home I had a headache, I think it was from dehydration.
I hope it doesn't storm today because I am planning on training. I'm all for running in the rain, but I don't want to get hit by lighting.
Tomorrow we are off to the Big Easy with the kids. We postponed the trip from the weekend to the week because we both need a break from our jobs. Besides, we won't have to deal with the crowds at the zoo. Hopefully the twins will enjoy it. I know Candace will. Last time we went to New Orleans was a month before Katrina, and we did the zoo and the aquarium.
This time we are planning to go to the Children's Museum, and the Zoo. Not sure about the aquarium yet, we are going to see how it goes, and adjust our plans depending on the weather.
This is the twins' first overnight trip. Wish us luck. The only out of town trip they've taken was for Christmas. We went to Claude's grandmother's (she lives in the Delta) and it was a 1.5 hrs trip. I hope they have a good time.
See you early and dark on Saturday! 18 miles, people! 18! I'm planning on taking it easy, stick with my 2:1 intervals and once I get into the "zone", maybe do some 3:1 for a while, and back to 2:1. I think that's my game plan for the remainder of the training.
Saturday, July 28
Ooops
I decided to do my run here in town today. I knew it would be hard to get out of bed but I really didn't think I could get out of bed at 4 AM so I could meet with the group.
I got up at 5:30, made coffee, and got ready to go. Headed out the door as the sun was coming up. I had a good run, I actually got into the groove within the first 25 minutes and it was a smooth run from then on. Until the dogs chased me. 3 of them. I stopped, got my pepper spray, found a stick. That scared them off. I was beyond mad because I was "in the zone" and had to walk so they wouldn't come after me again.
I ended up going 9 miles. Ooops! I was having a good run and decided to go a little farther. Didn't think it would make that big of a difference. But I was more than happy, because even though I had to walk because of the dogs and traffic, I still managed to do it in less than 2 hrs. So I had a good pace and was feeling good.
I hope everyone had a good run today. I missed everyone but it was a very good, therapeutic run for me. I got to see my town in the early mornings, and actually realized how much I like this small town. As much as I would have loved to live in a place like Chicago or New Orleans, now that I'm older (and wiser) I'm glad I get to raise my kids in this small town.
Keep on training marathoners! Chicago is just around the corner!
I got up at 5:30, made coffee, and got ready to go. Headed out the door as the sun was coming up. I had a good run, I actually got into the groove within the first 25 minutes and it was a smooth run from then on. Until the dogs chased me. 3 of them. I stopped, got my pepper spray, found a stick. That scared them off. I was beyond mad because I was "in the zone" and had to walk so they wouldn't come after me again.
I ended up going 9 miles. Ooops! I was having a good run and decided to go a little farther. Didn't think it would make that big of a difference. But I was more than happy, because even though I had to walk because of the dogs and traffic, I still managed to do it in less than 2 hrs. So I had a good pace and was feeling good.
I hope everyone had a good run today. I missed everyone but it was a very good, therapeutic run for me. I got to see my town in the early mornings, and actually realized how much I like this small town. As much as I would have loved to live in a place like Chicago or New Orleans, now that I'm older (and wiser) I'm glad I get to raise my kids in this small town.
Keep on training marathoners! Chicago is just around the corner!
Friday, July 27
Random tidbits about me
I need to get my blog into a "lighter" note. So here are some random things about me
~ I am 1 of 5 girls. I'm the middle child.
~ I have an irrational fear of the ocean. I get very anxious when I am near the ocean.
~ I love the mountains and would live near the mountains if I could.
~ Coffee is one of my favorite things. I like trying new blends, different roasts.
~ I love to cook
~ My favorite author/book: Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Colombian) and his book One Hundred Years of Solitude. He won the Nobel Prize of Literature with this book, and it's one of his best books. I read it for the first time when I was a teenager and have read it several times since then.
~ I learned how to drive when I moved to the US
~ Growing up, I wanted to be an astronaut or a lawyer. I still do.
~ I love to dance
~ I don't care for the color Pink
~ I don't like to wear dresses or skirts (except for the running skirt ;) )
~ I would like to write a book about my family, for my kids/nieces/nephews. There are so many wonderful people in our family that our future generations should know about.
~ I hate mushrooms, peanut butter, and pickles.
~ I'm terrified of snakes. I can't even watch them on TV.
~ I am constantly setting new goals for myself. I need something to work towards.
~ If money was not an issue, I would be a "professional" student. I love to learn.
~ I don't like to talk on the phone, specially when it's someone I don't know.
~ I'm shy, stubborn, and bossy.
~ I want to move back to Panama one day.
~ I lived in Costa Rica for 2 yrs before I moved to Mississippi
~ I'd like to run for office one day, at a local level.
~ I like red wine, and beer (not together, of course)
~ I believe actions speak louder than words.
~ I have no tolerance for racism or bigotry
~ I don't care for people who believe their way is the only way. What works for someone else may not work for me. We were meant to be different.
~ I am 1 of 5 girls. I'm the middle child.
~ I have an irrational fear of the ocean. I get very anxious when I am near the ocean.
~ I love the mountains and would live near the mountains if I could.
~ Coffee is one of my favorite things. I like trying new blends, different roasts.
~ I love to cook
~ My favorite author/book: Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Colombian) and his book One Hundred Years of Solitude. He won the Nobel Prize of Literature with this book, and it's one of his best books. I read it for the first time when I was a teenager and have read it several times since then.
~ I learned how to drive when I moved to the US
~ Growing up, I wanted to be an astronaut or a lawyer. I still do.
~ I love to dance
~ I don't care for the color Pink
~ I don't like to wear dresses or skirts (except for the running skirt ;) )
~ I would like to write a book about my family, for my kids/nieces/nephews. There are so many wonderful people in our family that our future generations should know about.
~ I hate mushrooms, peanut butter, and pickles.
~ I'm terrified of snakes. I can't even watch them on TV.
~ I am constantly setting new goals for myself. I need something to work towards.
~ If money was not an issue, I would be a "professional" student. I love to learn.
~ I don't like to talk on the phone, specially when it's someone I don't know.
~ I'm shy, stubborn, and bossy.
~ I want to move back to Panama one day.
~ I lived in Costa Rica for 2 yrs before I moved to Mississippi
~ I'd like to run for office one day, at a local level.
~ I like red wine, and beer (not together, of course)
~ I believe actions speak louder than words.
~ I have no tolerance for racism or bigotry
~ I don't care for people who believe their way is the only way. What works for someone else may not work for me. We were meant to be different.
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