I pay myself $.50 for every mile I run, $1.00 for every racing mile, and $5.00 for every PR. I deduct my race fees from this amount, and I deposit the total in a special savings account for my big ticket racing goal. Here and here are some previous posts. Go ahead and read them; I'll wait.
Ok, ready? Step one is to calculate the total miles of 2019. I get this figure from Garmin and Strava, where I log my runs. This year I ran and walked 1,714 miles, which is a surprising decrease from last year, considering I added a 50K to my races. I think this isn't a bad thing, though, for two reasons:
1. I was sick and couldn't run a step for over two weeks during the summer. It was all in my chest. We all know that when it hits your chest, you don't do heavy workouts. That is a loss of approximately 60-some miles.
2. I did a better job of incorporating other activities besides running into my schedule. For example, I like to rotate among cardio and strength training activities like Zumba, Tae Bo, Dancing, Kettlebell, and free weights. I also did more swimming this year.
This is EXACTLY how I THINK I look as swimmer.
This is ACTUALLY how I look as a swimmer.
Step 2 is to add up the racing miles:
April: Forget the PR 50K= 32 (I got lost)
May: Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon = 26.2
May: Medina Half Marathon = 13.1
July: Burning River = 17
August: One Hot Momma = 16
September: Race with Grace = 3.1
September: Akron Marathon = 26.2
October: Crowell Hilaka = 15.5
November: Home Run for the Homeless = 4
Total Racing Miles = 153.1 = 153
Step 3 is to subtract racing miles from total miles:
1,714 - 153 = 1, 561
Step 4 is to multiply non-racing miles by .50 and then add to racing miles:
1561 x .50 = 780 + 153 = $933
Step 5 is to add in $5.00 for every PR. . .and that would be one (FtPR): 933 + 5 = $938
Woohoo! I'm rich! I'm . . . Oh wait. I still need to add up my racing fees and subtract them from the total:
938-448 = $490
I am so happy with this! What this means is that I will be depositing $490 into my savings account dedicated to running the Paris Marathon.
As my smart-ass brother has pointed out to me, I am merely paying myself with MY OWN MONEY, which I completely understand. . . HOWEVER. If you are remotely like me, you may want to pay attention to this part.
I tend to be the person who takes care of everyone else around me: my family, my friends, my colleagues, my students. Running is one of the few ways that I take care of myself, and I have learned that I deserve rewards. Also, knowing that I have an account waiting for me to reach my goal of running the Paris Marathon gives me an incentive on the days that I don't want to get up at 4:30 AM to run or work out. I tend to punish myself pretty harshly when I don't achieve one of my gazillion goals, so I really use this system to remind myself that I am doing a great job.
How can you reward yourself for your goals, Peeps? One way you can reward yourself right away is by using my code, RUNCLESTEPHANI10, for 10% off any race entry for the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. We can earn points towards our paydays together!
I'm looking forward to where my running year will take me. Wherever your running year takes you, I hope you run happy, Peeps!
I have Morton's Neuroma on both feet. This is some kind of bullshit because I NEVER wear high heeled shoes. In general, my shoes are supportive, rather than cute. I first noticed the feeling of a marble in the ball of my left foot about two months ago. After the Akron Marathon, I went back to my trusty chiropractor, who previously had cured my Achilles Tendinitis. I like my chiropractor because she won't tell me to stop running.
This is EXACTLY what a Morton's Neuroma looks like. I guess. What the hell is this???
What has caused my neuroma? Here are some guesses:
1. Shoes. I have worn the same brand of trail and road shoes since I started running about eight years ago. Maybe they are no longer the best shoe for me? I notice that I feel worse after trail running more than five miles.
2. Weight. I have not been able to shed fifteen pounds that I put on when I started marathon and 50K training. I'm not sure I buy this one, however, because I was much heavier when I first started running.
3. Stress. I have been in a dark, stressful place for a while. (I am sure that because of my naturally sunny disposition, you didn't notice.) I think my stress is slowly killing my body, piece by piece.
4. Dampness? This is a weird one, but my acupuncturist said that Chinese practitioners believe that dampness causes neuroma. This has certainly been a damp time outside.
5. Running. Gulp. I don't want to believe this one. I'm going to just skip over it.
What am I doing to treat my neuroma?
1. Shoes. I am wearing completely supportive shoes at all times. I just bought a new pair of the same brand of trail shoes, but I might go to Second Sole to discuss changing brands.
2. Weight. Let's be honest here. Nothing yet.
3. Stress. Ummmmm. . .Move on. Nothing to see here.
4. I am currently experiencing acupuncture, a first for me. My acupuncturist seems really confident that she can take care of the problem. I really, really hope so. I'm combining that therapy with my chiropractor's sessions, so I'm currently getting my neck cracked and needles stuck into the bottoms of my feet. And the top of my head. And my ears. And my back. And my legs. And my hand.
5. Running. I have cut way down on the mileage, and I"m not happy about it. I have been doing other exercises, but running has always been the best way to keep down the crazy.
How will this end? I haven't a clue, but I have hope. I have so much hope that I registered for a fall marathon.
Also, as a Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Ambassador, I am still your connection for discount race entries!
Not feeling lucky? You can get a 10% discount on your race entry if you use my code, RUNCLESTEPHANI10. Join me! I promise I won't keep talking about my lumps.
Wherever/whenever you run, I hope you run happy, Peeps!
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I wasn't feeling the excitement and the love for running the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon until the Friday night before the race at the VIP dinner. Up until then, I was grumpy and unsure of myself, wondering why the heck I had once again signed up for 4+ hours of pain and suffering. Then I saw my fellow Ambassadors, and I regained some of that excitement.
Ambassadors lined up for the picture, on our best behavior. Or are we? Check out the shenanigans in the middle row.
Our traditional picture of a selfie in action
Pam and I are glamming it up.
The general consensus among my friends was that I should try for a 4:30 marathon, but I wasn't convinced. They basically kept reminding me that I had put in the training, and I needed to believe in it. I told everyone that anything under a 4:50 would be awesome, but secretly I hoped for a 4:45.
The next day I visited the Expo very briefly before reporting to work at the Information Booth. The Expo was full of cool stuff, but I only had time for a quick picture with Marta.
I look like I want to throw up here.
Then I manned the Information Desk for three hours without ONE SINGLE FRAPPUCCINO, despite pleas to my fellow Ambassadors to hook me up with some caffeine.
I'm not happy here.
I counseled everyone who asked to arrive at a parking spot before 6 AM, and I had intended to get there at 5:45 AM, as parking is one of my worries in races. I got there at 6:00 on the dot, and there were no problems whatsoever in driving through the city and finding a parking space. Whew. One worry down.
I dropped my gear bag and headed to the bathrooms, picking up Marta along the way. Bathrooms are my second worry in races, and I already knew that this was a non-issue with the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. Portapotties everywhere, plus Quicken Loans Arena was open to runners.
The Ambassadors took some pictures at the starting line.
We are the Ambassadors!
This is the best one for obvious reasons.
Photographer: You. Come out front and hold this medal.
Me: Really? I must be the most important.
Photographer: No, you're short and wearing fluorescent yellow.
Ok, here is what I remember about the race. I'm going to try to distance myself from the emotional part because that will be another post. This time I want to talk about the fabulousness that is the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon.
The course was mostly as I remembered it. I loved the bridges, although they were slippery. I even loved the hills because what goes up must come down, and I really enjoy exerting myself on a hill when I know that I can relax on the downside.
Marta (I will write about Marta next time; she deserves her own post) and I discussed the possibility of taking the beer miles. I was hesitant because I feel like I'm not that good of a marathoner, but when I saw the sign saying Beer and Bacon, I said, "Hell, YES, we are doing this!" It was the best piece of bacon and the best shot of beer EVER, and I really think it helped my race that day. I definitely said NO to the Fireball Shot Mile.
I loved running on Lake Ave. with the beautiful houses. Many people don't like out-and-backs on a race course, but I do because I can look for my friends. I saw Pam and Eric, fellow Ambassadors, and I saw Steve and Ryan, badass Pacers. They were all super encouraging as we crossed each other.
Battery Park was an interesting part of the course; I don't remember if it was part of the course last year, but I enjoyed it.
The course had plenty of water and fuel stops. New this year was the Honey Stinger Waffle, which I ate at Mile 17, and I LOVED it.
I tried hard not to focus on my time. I spent most of the time talking with Marta or looking at the scenery. When things got overwhelming, I would scan my body and count my breaths.
Seeing the flags at the end of the race, I got very excited, and Marta and I kicked it up for the end. And we finished together.
We finished! I don't know what the heck I'm doing with my swollen hand.
I got my medal and grabbed some food, and I met Marta in the Beer Garden. I was in some pain, and I was emotionally spent (more about this in next post). Pam and Steve had waited for me at the finish line, and it was nice to see them, although I could barely speak to them.
I love them all, but I was faking happiness here.
I drank half a chocolate milk, but I couldn't eat any food. I drank my beer, and all of a sudden I just wanted to go home. Normally I was supposed to go out and celebrate with Pam and Steve, and I JUST COULDN'T EVEN.
Why am I so numb? Well, some of it is shock. Remember when I told you that I was secretly hoping for 4:45? Here is my result:
Holy Shmoly! A 7 minute PR!
I have a lot to say about this accomplishment, of which I am very proud, but that will be for another post. For now, I would like to say that I will DEFINITELY run the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon next year. I loved the volunteers, the bands on the course, the support, the accessibility of bathrooms and fuel, and mostly the beautiful city course.
This is my third year as a Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Ambassador, and it has been a privilege for me to represent this race every year.
Next post will be about my experience running this marathon. Today I wanted to honor the race and the wonderful people who work so hard to make it happen. Thank you.
And thank you for following my posts! What races are you prepping for? Until then, run happy, Peeps!
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Happy April Fools Day! Happy Easter, if you celebrate it!
It is only fitting that today I write about the Fools 25K, which I ran yesterday. This is no joke, Peeps.
See what I did there?
Many of my friends have run the Fools in past years, and until this year, I had no desire to do the same. I changed my mind because the race was moved to Camp Manatoc, and I really enjoyed running the Leave No Trace Half Marathon there. Of course, I was still trepidatious because it is a spring race, and we all know how unpredictable the weather can be for a spring race. My main concern was cold mud. I don't mind the cold, and I don't mind mud, but I don't like the two together.
The weather was chilly with a feels-like of 27 at the starting time of 8:45, but temperatures were supposed to go up to 50 degrees within a few hours. It was difficult to decide on what to wear, but because it didn't get as warm as I thought it would, I did a pretty good job with a long-sleeved tech under a winter shell with attached mitten sleeves.
The course leaves from Camp Manatoc, a Boy Scout camp that only opens its trails twice a year to runners. Runners could do two almost-8 mile loops for the 25K or four loops for the 50K (if you are a masochist). I've run the trails around Manatoc before, so I knew I was in for a treat because they are beautiful and challenging.
I got there at 8:00 and had no problems parking (which is one of my anxieties about races). There were also plenty of bathrooms (my other anxiety). Even better, runners got to wait in the heated lodge until the start. I found the Goddesses there, and we took pictures.
This is Steve, our photographer. He couldn't resist a selfie so we would give him credit.
Carrie, me, Kelleigh, Renee, Jen, Marta
We look even better close up!
The first loop was pretty busy for me. I get really nervous when I'm running on a single-track trail, and I know that there are faster people who want to pass me. I want them to pass, but I can't stop and step aside for every single runner. I try to place myself towards the back of the pack at the start, but I still sometimes get caught. This causes me to try to hang at a pace that I have no business running. I felt pretty good until Mile 4, when my tachycardia set in. My heart rate jumped to a 245, and I know this because I was wearing my heart monitor, so I walked it off until I felt better. After that, I worked out a sustainable pace. The mud was still semi-frozen, so the first loop finished pretty well with a time of 1:50. Not bad.
The second loop was much different. By now over 300 runners had hit those same mudspots and hills that I did, so there was lots of slipping and sliding. The frozen puddles had melted, and we were now wading through shoe-sucking goop. For two hills, I chose to slide down on my butt rather than take a chance of falling forward and knocking out some teeth. I tried to tell myself that the mud was a beauty treatment, and I was going to be gorgeous.
I had left the Goddesses early on the course, and by this time I was in my angry stage, where I question why I sign up for races at all. I was sick of walking so much, but I had to in many spots because of the mud. There might have been some grumbling, and there might have been some swearing, but I got it done.
I got to the finish line intact and ready for some HiHo beer. I changed my clothes before I took the obligatory mud picture, but I did take a picture of my shoes.
I made Butterbean spray these off when I got home.
The Goddesses and I met up again, and we enjoyed our beer in the heated mess hall. The race directors also provided chili, salad, and cookies.
This is EXACTLY how I look when I am happy to be off the trail. I don't know what is up with my headband. My head is NOT shaped that way.
One big plus to this race is the swag: instead of a shirt, I got an enormous duffle bag, and I LOVE IT!!!
This picture doesn't do it justice, but the bag is perfect!
This race has a lot going for it: a beautiful course, great swag, cool medal, nice finisher's party at the end. I spent two hours hanging out, drinking beer, and eating cookies, and I had a good time. Ok, some of that was because I knew when I got home that I would have to clean the house. I really, really hate to clean the house.
The only wild card to the race is Ohio weather, and this year I got lucky. Will I run the Fools 25K again next year? It's possible. It fits well into my training for the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, and I now have a time to beat.
Next week I up the mileage again to prepare for the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. Will you join me? Click here to register for any of the Cleveland races, including the challenge!Use my code, SICLE10, for a 10% discount on registration. Join me, and we will drink beer and eat stuff after the race. Until then, run happy, Peeps!
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After two marathons, a 16.5 mile leg at Burning River, and several half marathons and assorted other races, I decided at the end of my season to take a break. I told myself that if I continued my high mileage, I would burn out both physically and psychologically, so I allowed myself to back off the running and do other things that I enjoy. Starting in November I substituted some of these workouts instead of short runs:
Tae Bo. Oh, Billy Blanks, you make my heart go pitter pat.
Masala Bhangra Dance. This is EXACTLY how I look when I do Indian Folk Dancing. Notice how both my feet magically lift from the ground. Damn, I'm graceful.
I kept my long run at no more than 10 miles, and most of my long runs were on the trails with the Burning River Goddesses.
Here I am with some Goddesses. . .Oops. We aren't running here. We are posing. Let me try that again.
Here I am freezing my TRAIL off (see what I did there?) with some Goddesses.
I think it was a good thing for me to let go a little bit, but now I'm training for the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, and shit just started getting real. Today I ran 14 miles--4 miles solo and 10 more with Mandy--and it just about killed me. I remember when 14 miles was my minimum long run, and I breezed through it. Not today.
I'm trying to think about why it felt so hard. Aerobically, I felt great. My legs didn't hurt at all. My feet didn't hurt at all. I just think it's hard to get that mileage in all at once. I tend to bore easily, so even though Mandy is excellent company, I couldn't get in the zone I needed to enjoy the run. That is where the mind games started. Incentive #1 was the banana I ate after my first 4 miles while I waited for Mandy. Incentive #2 was the Mint Chocolate GU I had at Mile 9, but even moreso it was the promise of walking while I fueled. After that point it got a lot more difficult, so I had to give myself more incentives. Incentives #3 and #4 were short walks for the first .10 of Miles 11 and 12.
I got it done, but I feel wrecked. I'm back to those days where I took a two hour nap after the long run (well, I will be there after I finish this post).
Starting over. SMDH.
It's worth it though, Peeps. In three months I'll be running one of the funnest races in my season: The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. Will you join me? Register by clicking here, and use my code, SICLE10, for 10% off whatever races you choose, including the challenge. Train with me! Tell me I'm not alone! Also, tell me that I still look beautiful, even when my face is red and I'm sweating like a pig.
However you feel during your training, I hope you run happy, Peeps!
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I am typing this on the last day of 2017. This is the moment where I review my running goals for the year. Let's get to it, shall we?
Goal #1: Run the Cleveland Marathon all by myself without freaking out.
Melissa, Rachel, and me at the Expo
The Ambassadors at the starting line
Mission Accomplished! I definitely had moments of insecurity at the VIP Dinner, but I ran that sucker all by myself like a boss. From this race, I learned that I don't necessarily need to rely on anything (like music) or anyone to run a marathon.
Goal #2: Run more trail races.
Me, Candice, Kristin. Burning River, Leg 5
Goddesses + Mother Runners. Leave No Trace Half Marathon
Marta, Me, Nicole, Spooky Ghost. Run with Scissors Half Marathon
Mission Accomplished! I had counted on running Burning River, but the other two trail half-marathons were kind of spur of the moment decisions. I'm really glad that I ran them. From these races, I learned that I don't have to kill myself just to run a race. I can just enjoy it.
Goal #3: PR at the Akron Marathon. This was a stretch goal, I admit. The weather on the day of the race was incredibly hot and humid, and I was tempted to drop to the half. I really freaked myself out. . .and then I got my shit together and got the job done. I told myself that I would just run easy because it was silly to believe that I could PR in that kind of weather. . .but I still wanted to meet that goal.
Still freaked out at Expo
PR, Baby!
Mission Accomplished! I PR'd by about 90 seconds, and I consider that an incredible accomplishment. I learned that I am much stronger than I think, and I think I'm pretty badass.
Goal #4: Run at least 1,500 miles.
Mission Accomplished! I learned that the best way for me to train is to put in lots of longer miles, one of which must be a midweek long run of 7-10 miles. This was the best way for me to run two marathons without getting injured.
I finished my running year with eight miles on the Towpath with Marta. It was bitter cold, and the snow wasn't packed, so we got a great glute workout.
We look like we are about to rob a bank, but really we are gearing up for the run.
I have had a successful running year, and now I'm thinking about my new goals for 2018. I've got some ideas, but I will leave that for another post. For now, I'm going to bid you a Happy New Year. I hope you met your goals for the year, and I hope you have some challenging goals for next year. Whatever your goals, I hope you run happy, Peeps!
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When I read the posts of other running bloggers, I read about how they train. I almost NEVER share with you how I train. Why? Well, I think it's boring as hell. Sorry.
This is how I imagine people look when they read about my training schedule.
The weird thing is this: I am fascinated by others' training weeks. I think my own is far less than fascinating, so you may have noticed that I generally base my posts on my races, long runs, or something weird that happened to me.
Oh, and also food pictures. I like to post about eating.
Arguably, none of this is more interesting than reading about someone else's weekly training.
My current goal is to keep a 40+ mile week. I have decided that my weekly runs (and walks) must total at least 30 miles, so that everything on the long run is cake. The challenge is that I must do this safely: no shin splints, pf, or ITB syndrome allowed.
So far, so good. Last week was 48 miles, and I feel that I rested my legs enough that I'm not hurt.
Monday: Yoga and stretching. I had to recover from Sunday's 16 miles.
This is EXACTLY how I look before I stretch and recover from the Sunday run.
This is EXACTLY how I feel after I stretch and recover from the Sunday run. Hey, I am who I am; you can't expect miracles here.
Tuesday: 5 miles on the hills of Sand Run. I kept a good pace, especially considering my sinuses have been KILLING me.
Wednesday: 10 miles. I did my "Reverse Blue Line" route, which I just decided to do this year. It follows the old Blue Line of the Akron Marathon (which goes right by my house). I start from my house, run the 3 miles of Sand Run, and then take on a mile long ascent to the Blue Line on Portage Path. I actually love this route even more now that I'm running it in the opposite direction. It's more difficult, but it makes me feel like a badass. Plus, now I can finish at my house rather than at my car.
You can see that there is an actual Blue Line painted on the route. This is what runners in my 'hood follow when they train.
Thursday: Lifting in the morning; 2.5 mile walk in the evening. I find that I am walking for recovery more than I used to do, and it really feels good. My super-speedy, so-amazing-she-is-frightening friend and fellow-ambassador Pam actually got me started on this. She ran the Canal Corridor 100, and she paced her husband Steve at Burning River for the last 30 miles. She posted a lot of recovery walks, so I decided I must not be lame if I decide to go for a walk.
Did I just basically say that Pam taught me how to walk?
Friday: 5 miles on Sand Run again. I need to take advantage of this park being so close to my house because once school starts (this week--gulp), I won't be running this area in the dark. I'm going to miss Sand Run. Every day it looks different to me.
Saturday: 5.37 miles with the Goddesses at Tree Farm Trail. Normally I don't run on Saturdays (so those of you whom I've refused before, don't get mad!), but this started at 8:30 and it was only 2 loops, so I was able to get back home just as the family was getting their act together.
We chose the tallest person to take the selfie. He was, like, 7 feet tall.
Sunday: This was the biggie: 18 miles on the Towpath. GAAAAAA!!!! I did 2 miles before starting with the Road Shoes crew, then we ran out to Station Road Bridge and back to Lock 29, and then I finished with 2 more. I made pretty good time on this, even with allowing myself to walk the first .10 of each mile after 14.
So glad it's over! Now to eat ALL the food!
This is probably my last week of really high mileage; I'm dialing it back before the Blue Line practice run (my 20 miler), and I'm going back to school starting Wednesday. Between my kids' crazy schedules and my own weird schedule, I won't be doing a 10 miler in the middle of the week. Plus, now I must complete all miles before 5:30 AM. I can do this; I did it training for the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, and I can do it for the Akron Marathon.
I started training for the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon without even realizing it. I was doing long runs with a friend, who was training for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and there came a point where I realized I should just go the whole way. So, I did.
Here is my disclaimer: This is my third year as a Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Ambassador. This means that in exchange for sharing my training for the race, I got a free entry, one to give away, and some sweet swag. I have always enjoyed being an Ambassador, and I ran the Cleveland races before I ever officially blogged about them. You can read about my 10k experience here. I loved that race!
Anyway, this year I upped the ante, even though I knew thorough training for a marathon would be difficult for me given that most of my miles take place before 5:30 AM. I did it, though:
I ran the miles, sometimes on a treadmill, but more often not.
I did the speedwork.
This is EXACTLY how I look when I do speedwork. I am often chasing a gazelle.
I did the strength training.
This is EXACTLY how I look when I lift weights. I use my moustache to wipe the sweat from my face.
What I did NOT do was watch my weight, which is what I should have done. I ran this race 10 pounds over my racing weight, and I could feel that difference. In fact, I'm feeling it now!
Anyway, let's not talk about me; let's talk about the race.
I got into Cleveland at 5:30 AM. I was nervous about finding parking at that time, so I decided to park in the Muni lot. This was silly for two reasons: 1. It's a mile away from the start and finish lines. 2. There was PLENTY of parking available. Anyway, I'm a dufus, and it was probably good for me to walk the extra mile back to the car to stretch my legs a bit. Yeah. Right.
The weather prediction was thunderstorms, but the sky looked ok at the start, although it was humid. I lined up for pictures with all of my amazing peeps, some who are Ambassadors:
Stephanie, Melissa, Sara, Pam, Jessica, Me, Jamie
and some who are teachers:
Laina, Me, Katie. What is up with my hair???
I started in corral F, and I found the 4:55 pacer there. I asked him about his pacing strategies, and while he seemed like a really nice person, I realized he was a wild card when it came to pacing. My goal was to start with his group and then pull ahead if I was feeling it. It took me all of two miles to decide that I wasn't sticking with this group because a woman kept cutting me off in order to run RIGHT NEXT TO THE PACER. God forbid she get two steps behind or ahead. It didn't matter where I went; she would cross in front of me. I pulled ahead.
My goal was to stick with 11:00/miles, especially in the beginning miles. I felt super good, but I managed to stay between 10:45 and 11 most of the time. At Mile 4, we hit the Flats. This may be my favorite part of the race. We ran up the hill to the Columbus bridge, and the hill was pretty awesome. I am used to hills, so I kept my pace and breathing steady, and I watched the spectacle around me, namely the Pope (or a bishop?) with a pitcher of beer, a man yelling, "Get up that hill!" and some fun signs. Check out this awesome video from Share the River that shows exactly what it was like:
When we reached the top, I made my signature move: I threw my fists in the air and yelled to the almost-silent runners, "YES! I MADE THIS HILL MY BITCH!"
I also enjoyed running through Ohio City, Tremont, and Gordon Square, where I found a man in a Speedo standing on a wall yelling, "Let's have some laughter and fun! C'mon! I'm wearing a Speedo! Look at me!"I am also grateful to Didi (with whom I ran Burning River last year), who found me and cheered for me there.
My second favorite part of the route was the out-and-back on Clifton, even though it started to rain when I got to Mile 14. I like out-and-backs because they give me the opportunity to look for my friends, who are all faster than I am. For the miles going down to Rocky River, I was able to spot Steve (pacing), Ed, Andrew, Stephanie, and Marta. Coming back I concentrated on the gorgeous houses, which definitely helped me take my mind off the pain I was feeling in my legs and feet by Mile 18.
I found a burst of energy at Mile 21 because I had reeled in a man with cool dreadlocks. For a minute we ran side by side, and then I started to drop back and let him go so I could fuel, but I noticed that he also dropped back with me and kept pace. At this point I wondered if we were pacing or racing each other, so I sped up a tiny bit. He sped up with me but didn't pass me, so I realized I had a new running buddy. He kept me going for that mile at a faster than usual pace, and then I decided to go through a water station, so I lost him. I found him after the race and thanked him for getting me through a tough mile.
Coming into the city was hard, but not because of the route, which was fabulous. Aerobically I felt fine, like I should have picked up the pace, but my legs and feet were really hurting, and I knew it wasn't possible to run any faster than I was going. I saw Didi again, and I yelled to her, "I'm dying, Didi, seriously!" but she assured me that I wasn't.
By now I was in the last two miles and it was pouring (but no hail or lightning, thank goodness). I found Lyndsey, who was running this after the Pro Football Hall of Fame Marathon, and I told her that we were going to finish strong. I was thinking of walking a few steps, just to stretch my legs, when I heard a dreadful, familiar voice behind me: It was the 4:55 pacer. WTF!!!! I looked at my watch; he was ahead of schedule. I KNEW that guy was a wild card. That was when I decided to get my ass in gear because there was NO WAY that pacer was going to finish ahead of me.
Coming in to the finish was amazing. I heard John Adams, the Indians' drummer, and that was definitely enough to put a smile on my face. I LOVE hearing the drum at the Indians' games.
I ran through a row of American flags, and I found the energy to pick up my legs and the pace for a strong finish. I got my medal, my food and water, and a super-cool towel, and then I got my gear and started back the mile to my car before the stiffness could set in. I looked absolutely pathetic draped in a beach towel, carrying a bunch of stuff and a gear bag, and shuffling painfully to the Muni lot.
I did it. I ran this marathon all by myself like an adult, and I did it without crying and without music. My fellow Ambassadors encouraged me and told me that I had it in me, and they were right. Thank you, Friends, for believing in me when I found it difficult to believe in myself. I PR'd that bitch by almost a minute and a half. I am proud of myself.
Overall, I have to say that I LOVED this experience. The race course was so interesting and fun for me that I didn't need any music or conversation. The medal and the swag are fabulous. There were plenty of water stops, fuel (including waffles!), and portapotties. The spectators were kind and fun. This has been the best Cleveland race experience I have ever had.
As the race amnesia sets in, I realize how difficult it was for me to train for a full during the schoolyear, but honestly, if the race next year is like this year, I intend to do the full again. Thanks, Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon for an empowering race!
Look at my medal! LOOK AT IT!!!
I'll be back! Will you be there with me? Until then, run happy, Peeps!
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