| reaching within: kerri's training journal |
| Race Day Story |
The race is done and I'm still reeling with the fantastic experience.
What a lot of last minute preparations. Since running was done, it was all about fuel. Since Thursday I've been existing on a high carb and
medium protein diet. And ONLY water. Lots and lots and lots of water. This hydrates and stores energy in all the muscle cells. Then on
Friday, I got the massage and was in bed at 8:00. I had 11 hours of sleep Friday night. I took it easy all day Saturday, continuing the heavy
carb and water diet. I met up with CM. After we registered for the race we took off to drive the course. We were talking non-stop about
running and how much it helped our quits and getting to know each other and everytime we'd get to a nasty hill we'd stop mid-sentence
and go "oh shit, that's gonna suck!" lol.
She is such a neat person. What a pleasure it was to meet with her and to be with an ex-smoking jogger. I think we have had a different
training than non-smokers, we've had obstacles with breathing to get past...maybe someone who lost weight with jogging and got to this
point would understand, as well. It's just a bond that we have and the same with Dana, Mike, Luisa and the other joggers on the forum. It's
a comraderie, really. We were talking about running a marathon together next year.
After we drove the whole 26.2 she was a rollercoaster between getting teary, to excited, to scared...it was so awesome to see, I totally
understood...to think where we were to where we are. There are self-doubts and a newness to this. Then we had a big spaghetti dinner.
She came up with 5 other people who were also super super nice. There was a couple with her in their 60's running the full for the first
time! CM had just met them that day, they trained with the friend she was visiting. We all sat together and chatted and got psyched up like
old pals, we really had a great time and laughed so much. I got home and was in bed at 9:00 and up this morning at 3:45. I actually woke
up several times during the night in various stretching positions, lol, I guess I was dreaming of the race!
I went out to Dunkin Donuts and had a bagel and a milk. Dunkin Donuts is a very lonely place at 4:30 in the morning. Then I went back
home and walked the dog and stretched. I left town at 6ish and got to my running partner at 6:45. We got there and stretched and waited for
CM but she was trying to call me (phone in the car) telling me she'd be late so we headed down to the starting line. We finally ran into each
other, amazing in the thousands of people to find each other, but we were able to give each other a huge hug and a good luck before it
started. I was feeling so pumped and so energized and ready to go so when that gun went off I was ready to run thru a brick wall. We were
way in the back so by the time is was time for us to run I was jumping up and down. We took off at a comfortable pace, we saw 12:00 at the
one mile marker and picked up the pace. At mile 3 we were at 31:00 which is a ton of time to make up and by mile 5 we were at 45
minutes. Miles 6 and 7 were rough, they were the big big steep hills that I worried about the day before. We had to go down one and up the
other to the half marathon turnaround then down it again and up the other side, UGH. We slowed up quite a bit and by the time I was down
climbing the second hill my lungs were giving me trouble. I did pass CM on the down swing though, I hear, "Wonder Woman!!" and we
were able to slap hands, that was the last I saw her. :( At mile 9 we were getting tired. My running partner Nate was priceless, we kept each
other pushing hard because neither one of would let the other win, so we kept our pace FAST. Faster than I've ever run in my life for a long
run. We stopped at mile 9 to stretch and grab some gatorade, then we took off again. I started getting lead in my shorts about mile 11 and I
had to yell, Shake it out Wonder Woman!! Nate was saying, 2 more, we can do it! 20 more minutes and we are done. He started counting
down, we've been running this long, the time it takes to get to Boston another 10 minutes is nothing. 5 minutes, I can see the finish line!!
When we were about 2 tenths away, we grabbed hands and sprinted to the finish. We finished in 2 hours and 2 minutes!!!!!!! My 12 mile run
I finished in 2 hours and 10 minutes. I beat my time by 8 minutes and ran an extra mile. I have been walking on a cloud ALL day. I can't
believe how well we did!!!! Not only did we finish, but for me personally beat all of my long distance time records by over a full minute.
I was able to catch the last hour of Dylan's football game then went to get an hour massage, focusing on my knotted up legs and sore feet.
Ahhhhhhhhhhh.........
I've been eating like a horse all day and can't wait to have a beer and watch Desperate Housewives. If I make it thru the whole thing it will
be a miracle. I haven't taken my medal off yet...I may sleep with it.
What a lot of last minute preparations. Since running was done, it was all about fuel. Since Thursday I've been existing on a high carb and
medium protein diet. And ONLY water. Lots and lots and lots of water. This hydrates and stores energy in all the muscle cells. Then on
Friday, I got the massage and was in bed at 8:00. I had 11 hours of sleep Friday night. I took it easy all day Saturday, continuing the heavy
carb and water diet. I met up with CM. After we registered for the race we took off to drive the course. We were talking non-stop about
running and how much it helped our quits and getting to know each other and everytime we'd get to a nasty hill we'd stop mid-sentence
and go "oh shit, that's gonna suck!" lol.
She is such a neat person. What a pleasure it was to meet with her and to be with an ex-smoking jogger. I think we have had a different
training than non-smokers, we've had obstacles with breathing to get past...maybe someone who lost weight with jogging and got to this
point would understand, as well. It's just a bond that we have and the same with Dana, Mike, Luisa and the other joggers on the forum. It's
a comraderie, really. We were talking about running a marathon together next year.
After we drove the whole 26.2 she was a rollercoaster between getting teary, to excited, to scared...it was so awesome to see, I totally
understood...to think where we were to where we are. There are self-doubts and a newness to this. Then we had a big spaghetti dinner.
She came up with 5 other people who were also super super nice. There was a couple with her in their 60's running the full for the first
time! CM had just met them that day, they trained with the friend she was visiting. We all sat together and chatted and got psyched up like
old pals, we really had a great time and laughed so much. I got home and was in bed at 9:00 and up this morning at 3:45. I actually woke
up several times during the night in various stretching positions, lol, I guess I was dreaming of the race!
I went out to Dunkin Donuts and had a bagel and a milk. Dunkin Donuts is a very lonely place at 4:30 in the morning. Then I went back
home and walked the dog and stretched. I left town at 6ish and got to my running partner at 6:45. We got there and stretched and waited for
CM but she was trying to call me (phone in the car) telling me she'd be late so we headed down to the starting line. We finally ran into each
other, amazing in the thousands of people to find each other, but we were able to give each other a huge hug and a good luck before it
started. I was feeling so pumped and so energized and ready to go so when that gun went off I was ready to run thru a brick wall. We were
way in the back so by the time is was time for us to run I was jumping up and down. We took off at a comfortable pace, we saw 12:00 at the
one mile marker and picked up the pace. At mile 3 we were at 31:00 which is a ton of time to make up and by mile 5 we were at 45
minutes. Miles 6 and 7 were rough, they were the big big steep hills that I worried about the day before. We had to go down one and up the
other to the half marathon turnaround then down it again and up the other side, UGH. We slowed up quite a bit and by the time I was down
climbing the second hill my lungs were giving me trouble. I did pass CM on the down swing though, I hear, "Wonder Woman!!" and we
were able to slap hands, that was the last I saw her. :( At mile 9 we were getting tired. My running partner Nate was priceless, we kept each
other pushing hard because neither one of would let the other win, so we kept our pace FAST. Faster than I've ever run in my life for a long
run. We stopped at mile 9 to stretch and grab some gatorade, then we took off again. I started getting lead in my shorts about mile 11 and I
had to yell, Shake it out Wonder Woman!! Nate was saying, 2 more, we can do it! 20 more minutes and we are done. He started counting
down, we've been running this long, the time it takes to get to Boston another 10 minutes is nothing. 5 minutes, I can see the finish line!!
When we were about 2 tenths away, we grabbed hands and sprinted to the finish. We finished in 2 hours and 2 minutes!!!!!!! My 12 mile run
I finished in 2 hours and 10 minutes. I beat my time by 8 minutes and ran an extra mile. I have been walking on a cloud ALL day. I can't
believe how well we did!!!! Not only did we finish, but for me personally beat all of my long distance time records by over a full minute.
I was able to catch the last hour of Dylan's football game then went to get an hour massage, focusing on my knotted up legs and sore feet.
Ahhhhhhhhhhh.........
I've been eating like a horse all day and can't wait to have a beer and watch Desperate Housewives. If I make it thru the whole thing it will
be a miracle. I haven't taken my medal off yet...I may sleep with it.
| october 2, 2005 |
It's 4:30 am morning of race day. I'm all dressed sipping on some coffee waiting for the local store to open so I can get a bagel. Woke up
several times during the night in various stretch positions, lol. Met forum member CM for spaghetti last night, we drove the course together.
There are some nasty hills but it is a beautiful race that takes us along the southern Maine coast. 5 months of training has come down to
this...the hard part is over, time to have fun! I'll post pics.
several times during the night in various stretch positions, lol. Met forum member CM for spaghetti last night, we drove the course together.
There are some nasty hills but it is a beautiful race that takes us along the southern Maine coast. 5 months of training has come down to
this...the hard part is over, time to have fun! I'll post pics.
| september 28, 2005 |
| september 4, 2005 |
I've learned so much during these 20 weeks of training. The biggest thing I've learned is that training is much more than running.
It's knowing what food fuels you the best, experimenting. For me it's steak, rice and corn, washed down with Vitamin water and a snickers
marathon bar. Sounds like overkill perhaps but I like to start a long run with a good zing and let adrenaline take over.
Training is about learning pace and when you need to slow it down or when you know your body can take a faster pace for the distance you
are going.
Training is about learning what to wear at what temp. About knowing how much hydration you need when. What to bring and how to carry it.
Training is about learning how to share the road. How to run where and how to get around bumpy shoulders when the sidewalk ends.
Training is about spending some bucks and getting the shoes that work for you. I found a sweet pair of Asics that have gel in the fore foot
where I land. Brilliant! Suppose they will talk to Nike and let them know what runners really need? And it's not heel pumping, either.
Training is about stopping when your body is telling you to stop. If you can't run DON'T. Resting when you need to rest makes you stronger,
not weaker.
Training is about doing the hard things again and again until they become normal, so that when the really hard things need to be done,
you're capable. (Thanks Wayne)
...and knowing the difference between something that needs to be pushed through or paid attention to
4 days til game on.
| september 25, 2005 |
I ran 8 miles easily today. In 1:20. I'm so pumped for this race!!!! I wish I was doing a full. I've been training for so long it seems like I should
be ready for more and now I worry that I am setting myself up for a anticlimatic event. One thing I know for sure is I am so ready to run for fun
again. 25 miles a week tops.
be ready for more and now I worry that I am setting myself up for a anticlimatic event. One thing I know for sure is I am so ready to run for fun
again. 25 miles a week tops.
I ran 12 miles today. The longest I run before the race. This was my peak week. I did 36 miles. The 12 mile run wasn't bad at all. It was hard
but not out of my reach. The last 2 miles I felt tired but the whole 12 miles except for 1 mile was hilly. Very very hilly. So I think since the race
is only 4 miles of hills and I did 12 miles of hills without thinking I was dying, I'll be just fine. This was what I needed to boost my
confidence. The race seems attainable to me now instead of this great big goal I set for myself that I wonder how I'm going to reach.
but not out of my reach. The last 2 miles I felt tired but the whole 12 miles except for 1 mile was hilly. Very very hilly. So I think since the race
is only 4 miles of hills and I did 12 miles of hills without thinking I was dying, I'll be just fine. This was what I needed to boost my
confidence. The race seems attainable to me now instead of this great big goal I set for myself that I wonder how I'm going to reach.
| september 6, 2005 |
It's my long run recovery day but I have to report that I am pain-free after yesterday's run. Gaining confidence every day. I think this half
marathon is easily within my reach. I just wish it was at night instead of the ass crack of dawn!!
marathon is easily within my reach. I just wish it was at night instead of the ass crack of dawn!!
| september 5, 2005 |
Pouted all day...I am due for a 10 miler. The longest I have ever run. After yesterday's bomb I am nervous...doubting myself. I ate a big
dinner of steak, rice and corn and a huge glass of milk. Lots of carbs and protein. Then after I ate, I ate a Marathon energy bar and an
energy drink. I waited an hour. I stretched for 15 minutes and I set out. I LOVED it. I ran a beautiful route, it was nice and cool out. I felt great,
had no problems. I think what I eat is key with me.
dinner of steak, rice and corn and a huge glass of milk. Lots of carbs and protein. Then after I ate, I ate a Marathon energy bar and an
energy drink. I waited an hour. I stretched for 15 minutes and I set out. I LOVED it. I ran a beautiful route, it was nice and cool out. I felt great,
had no problems. I think what I eat is key with me.
| september 2, 2005 |
I bought new shoes. Oh they are awesome. They have gel cushion where I land, on the ball of my foot! Other sport shoes are all about
pumping up the heel. Runners do not need massive heel support. Oh, they are awesome shoes...here, check them out for yourself!
pumping up the heel. Runners do not need massive heel support. Oh, they are awesome shoes...here, check them out for yourself!
| september 1, 2005 |
6 miles. Had major joint pain. I think my shoes are toast. I can't run another foot in them. A Viking burial for the trusty Saucony's.
| august 31, 2005 |
5 miles, I am back bay-bee! I ran fast and hard and felt like no time was lost.
| august 30, 2005 |
Did 6 miles, felt OK. I started tightening up but the pain is gone, that was what I was waiting for. Now I'm feeling impatient to get back on the
great track I was on. Feeling a loss of momentum.
great track I was on. Feeling a loss of momentum.
| august 29, 2005 |
Still sore, I need one more day.
| august 28, 2005 |
Supposed to be a 7 mile run, but I honestly think I hurt myself. My running buddies tell me to sit tight and get better, but I am so frustrated....
| august 27, 2005 |
Spent the day at a bottle drive and after 55,000 bottles I couldn't move, let alone run. ANOTHER day off... :(
| august 26, 2005 |
Yeah right....try 4 miles. I'm still wiped from my donation.
| august 25, 2005 |
Gave blood today so will run today's 5 tomorrow.
| august 24, 2005 |
Another 3 miler, sprinted the hills for a change and some challenge.
| august 23, 2005 |
Ran a super fast 3. I wonder why my training at this point still calls for short runs. Maybe so I can work on my speed? I did some hills, too.
| august 21, 2005 |
Didn't know what to expect today when I set out for my long run. I have lower back pain; I know I need to be adjusted at the chiropractor. I
couldn't stretch well because of it...I set off anyway for a 9 miler. I felt awesome. I can't even believe it, it was a great run. I didn't start losing
steam until the last mile. Finished in 1:26. My back hurts a lot less than it did before I started, my legs are fine. I feel invigorated, that was
just what I needed. No run for tomorrow.
couldn't stretch well because of it...I set off anyway for a 9 miler. I felt awesome. I can't even believe it, it was a great run. I didn't start losing
steam until the last mile. Finished in 1:26. My back hurts a lot less than it did before I started, my legs are fine. I feel invigorated, that was
just what I needed. No run for tomorrow.
| august 20, 2005 |
OK, Ouch...feeling it now. Due for a 5 mile run, but tomorrow is the big 9, so I'm not so sure running today is such a good idea after how
much pushing I did this week.... I may go for 3 or just rest and do some stretching. If I had taken yesterday off instead of Thursday like my
training schedule says, maybe I would be feeling different...
much pushing I did this week.... I may go for 3 or just rest and do some stretching. If I had taken yesterday off instead of Thursday like my
training schedule says, maybe I would be feeling different...
| august 19, 2005 |
OK, Ouch...feeling it now. Due for a 5 mile run, but tomorrow is the big 9, so I'm not so sure running today is such a good idea after how
much pushing I did this week.... I may go for 3 or just rest and do some stretching. If I had taken yesterday off instead of Thursday like my
training schedule says, maybe I would be feeling different...
much pushing I did this week.... I may go for 3 or just rest and do some stretching. If I had taken yesterday off instead of Thursday like my
training schedule says, maybe I would be feeling different...
| august 18, 2005 |
Again beat the 8 minute mile mark, this time with a 6 mile run! I flew, full blown run, arms pumping, long stride for 6 MILES. It was
awesome, I felt strong and like I could go forever. I didn't start losing steam until about a half mile from home.
awesome, I felt strong and like I could go forever. I didn't start losing steam until about a half mile from home.
| august 17, 2005 |
Friends from out of town foiled my running plans tonight. Could use the healing anyway after all this sprinting.
Ran a very mild 4 miler. Took my time for half of it, sprinted the last half.
I finally beat the 8 minute mile!! I ran 3 miles in 23 minutes. You could hear me breathing and pumping a mile away, but I plowed like a
freight train. Felt really good so I kept it up!
freight train. Felt really good so I kept it up!
| august 14, 2005 |
Took the day off from running but did 45 minutes of aerobics and upper body strength training. My 4 year old asked me why I liked to hurt
myself. :O
myself. :O
Today I was due for a 7 mile run. Because it was so hot, my family and I mapped out a route closer to the ocean than my normal 7 mile
route. Problem was, it was nearly 9 miles... Something like 8.7 plus the .4 I walk from the main road to my house. I had an option out,
though, I could cut the circle short and run 5.5 miles or keep going if I felt OK. I didn't run yesterday, so I made up my mind from the first
step I was going for it. I took it real slow for most of it. I picked up when I felt OK and slowed when I cramped. At one point I walked for a few
hundred yards so I could stride wide and stretch my legs out. My Gatorade ran out at about mile 5. At mile 6 it was obvious I wasn't going to
make it so I started seeking out the nice folks of Kennebunk to help out. I found a man working on patching his driveway within a few
minutes and I asked if I could get a drink of water. I meant from the hose he had out next to him, but he went in the house and got me an ice
cold pitcher of Brita water and even soaked a handful of paper towels for me! I finished the last 3 miles pretty easily after that. I have
tomorrow off to heal. I'm kinda walkin' funny. ;)
| august 12, 2005 |
Did 8 hours of heavy yard work today in the blistering heat. I've never been dirtier in my whole life. I fully intended to run, but was so sweaty
and filthy and covered in bug spray and grass, having to take a shower before I ran seemed fruitless, so I showered and rested my blisters
and aching body instead. It was only a 3 miler...tomorrow is a 7, I will be glad I didn't push it today.
and filthy and covered in bug spray and grass, having to take a shower before I ran seemed fruitless, so I showered and rested my blisters
and aching body instead. It was only a 3 miler...tomorrow is a 7, I will be glad I didn't push it today.
Thank Dog tonights repertoire did not include running. I couldn't run if I were chased....pushed hard yesterday. It's got to be time for new
shoes, my hips are starting to talk to me.
shoes, my hips are starting to talk to me.
| september 19, 2005 |
| august 13, 2005 |
| august 16, 2005 |
| august 15, 2005 |
| august 11, 2005 |
4 days to go. What a journey I've been on. I've sacrificed a lot this summer, fought through the heat and my busy schedule (I work full time,
have 2 boys both in sports and school with homework...) I stuck to the schedule with the regimen of a soldier. With 4 days to go, I am SO
READY.
have 2 boys both in sports and school with homework...) I stuck to the schedule with the regimen of a soldier. With 4 days to go, I am SO
READY.