I've heard from no less than forty of my friends and family today. I'm in awe of the outpouring of support that I've had in my quest to complete the goal of running the distance of thirteen miles. I haven't experienced any of the letdown I expected. I'm basking in the glow of the love and caring shown to me by those who have reached out to me to let me know that they are here for me.
I am one lucky woman.
There is one thing, though. At the corner of Westheimer and Montrose, a man called out to me. "Michelle! You look great! Keep going!"
I have to admit that I don't know who it was. I turned and told him thanks as I continued to run, but I was wearing my contacts and I don't have any idea who recognized me and cheered me on. (My bib didn't have my first name printed on it, so it wasn't just a random spectator. He knew me.) Whoever he was, he did a lot toward getting me through that mile.
I'm lifting up gratitude for all my connections. I feel as if I turned a corner yesterday and am moving on toward something new. I'm not sure what it is, but I look forward to discovery.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Top Ten List
Distance: 13.1 miles
Start time: 7:18 am
Run Duration: 150 minutes
Average Pace: 11.5 minutes/mile
Temperature: 51 degrees
Humidity: 59%
Location: Houston, TX
Today was the day. Just over 250 miles of training led me to the starting line of the Aramco Half-Marathon. I wasn't nervous. I felt ready. It took 8 minutes to get from my position among thousands of runners across the starting line. I glanced at my watch, 7:18. I could remember that. I wished I'd started running when I was 18 years old. Remembering the time would prove very important to me. Here are the 10 things that stand out most about today's run. Oh, and thanks again to those readers who've left comments here or emailed me personally. Much, much appreciated.
10. Sleep counts, but not as much as I might think it does. I set my alarm for 4:30 and I woke up at 4 instead. I'm glad I got up and had a breakfast of scrambled eggs and half a bagel instead of trying to rush around. I managed to score a great parking spot downtown and didn't feel rushed. I came home after everything was over today and slept 2 blissful, deep hours. I haven't appreciated sleep and slept so well until I started running regularly.
9. I have to ask for help when I need it. Odd that my left knee started hurting (HURTING!!!) at mile 4. This was a new pain, a different pain and it had me worried that I wouldn't finish the race. I tried to run through it, passing a medic station. At mile 9, I stopped and asked if they had anything that might help. They had Icy Hot topical cream. I quickly applied it - liberally - to my left knee and leg and kept running, reminding myself not to touch my eyes with my left hand. I don't think I would have been able to finish without that bit of help. It still hurts. Ice is applied now. Hopefully tomorrow will find some relief, if not...I'll ask for more help.
8. When you gotta go you gotta go. I stopped at a port-a-john at mile 5. I got a big kick out of seeing the men bypass the facilities to, um, water the trees along White Oak Bayou. Oh, to have a camera. It was a missed photo opportunity, for sure.
7. Experience has its benefits. I overheard a very old man, I mean very old man, ask some of the volunteers for a lift to the starting line of the marathon. He was wearing a "Veteran Runners" Bib. He'd run in over 20 marathons. Wow.
6. Contacts may not be good for driving, ordering off a menu, or operating on a neck, but they are great for running. I wish I had realized it sooner.
5. Even when I read directions, I can make mistakes. I attached the directions portion of my timing chip to my shoe. There is no electronic record of me crossing the start, finish, or any other line during the course of the race. The timing chip portion was neatly attached to my belongings bag the entire time, safely on a shelf in the convention center. I'm laughing even as I type this. At least I had the presence of mind to wear my watch and notice what time I finished the race. I'm glad I don't do this to compete with others.
4. Clothes make this woman. We had two "coupons" attached to our bibs - one for a hot meal and one for a finisher's shirt. I couldn't have cared less about the biscuit and sausage. I wanted that shirt. It's a nice one, too. I will absolutely wear it with pride.
3. I need new shoes. Oh yeah, I've decided I'm still going to run. But I don't know if it will be for distance. I know my shoes have enough miles on them now to justify a new pair. I also like what the running has done to my body. Vain one, I am.
2. Friends matter.Seeing a friend standing along the route, where he said he'd be meant the world to me. Thank you, Matt.
1. Tears happen. Hardened soul that I am, when the finisher's medal was placed around my neck, I actually teared up. I was surprised at myself. Really? Really. Tears happen.
Start time: 7:18 am
Run Duration: 150 minutes
Average Pace: 11.5 minutes/mile
Temperature: 51 degrees
Humidity: 59%
Location: Houston, TX
Today was the day. Just over 250 miles of training led me to the starting line of the Aramco Half-Marathon. I wasn't nervous. I felt ready. It took 8 minutes to get from my position among thousands of runners across the starting line. I glanced at my watch, 7:18. I could remember that. I wished I'd started running when I was 18 years old. Remembering the time would prove very important to me. Here are the 10 things that stand out most about today's run. Oh, and thanks again to those readers who've left comments here or emailed me personally. Much, much appreciated.
10. Sleep counts, but not as much as I might think it does. I set my alarm for 4:30 and I woke up at 4 instead. I'm glad I got up and had a breakfast of scrambled eggs and half a bagel instead of trying to rush around. I managed to score a great parking spot downtown and didn't feel rushed. I came home after everything was over today and slept 2 blissful, deep hours. I haven't appreciated sleep and slept so well until I started running regularly.
9. I have to ask for help when I need it. Odd that my left knee started hurting (HURTING!!!) at mile 4. This was a new pain, a different pain and it had me worried that I wouldn't finish the race. I tried to run through it, passing a medic station. At mile 9, I stopped and asked if they had anything that might help. They had Icy Hot topical cream. I quickly applied it - liberally - to my left knee and leg and kept running, reminding myself not to touch my eyes with my left hand. I don't think I would have been able to finish without that bit of help. It still hurts. Ice is applied now. Hopefully tomorrow will find some relief, if not...I'll ask for more help.
8. When you gotta go you gotta go. I stopped at a port-a-john at mile 5. I got a big kick out of seeing the men bypass the facilities to, um, water the trees along White Oak Bayou. Oh, to have a camera. It was a missed photo opportunity, for sure.
7. Experience has its benefits. I overheard a very old man, I mean very old man, ask some of the volunteers for a lift to the starting line of the marathon. He was wearing a "Veteran Runners" Bib. He'd run in over 20 marathons. Wow.
6. Contacts may not be good for driving, ordering off a menu, or operating on a neck, but they are great for running. I wish I had realized it sooner.
5. Even when I read directions, I can make mistakes. I attached the directions portion of my timing chip to my shoe. There is no electronic record of me crossing the start, finish, or any other line during the course of the race. The timing chip portion was neatly attached to my belongings bag the entire time, safely on a shelf in the convention center. I'm laughing even as I type this. At least I had the presence of mind to wear my watch and notice what time I finished the race. I'm glad I don't do this to compete with others.
4. Clothes make this woman. We had two "coupons" attached to our bibs - one for a hot meal and one for a finisher's shirt. I couldn't have cared less about the biscuit and sausage. I wanted that shirt. It's a nice one, too. I will absolutely wear it with pride.
3. I need new shoes. Oh yeah, I've decided I'm still going to run. But I don't know if it will be for distance. I know my shoes have enough miles on them now to justify a new pair. I also like what the running has done to my body. Vain one, I am.
2. Friends matter.Seeing a friend standing along the route, where he said he'd be meant the world to me. Thank you, Matt.
1. Tears happen. Hardened soul that I am, when the finisher's medal was placed around my neck, I actually teared up. I was surprised at myself. Really? Really. Tears happen.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Tomorrow
The Aramco Houston Half-Marathon is tomorrow. I still have a cold. Yup, I do. I'm a little better. I can move air through my nose. That's a definite improvement. I'm running tomorrow, no question about that. I haven't run all week. I didn't do the tapered runs of 4, 3, and 2 miles on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Instead, I elected to let my body use the calories to heal. I didn't think I had a choice.
I haven't been hungry. I've had soup, scrambled eggs, lots of orange juice. I admit that I made a hot toddy Tuesday (not as good as the one made at my favorite watering hole) and I also chased my Robitussin with a shot of scotch last night in an effort to send myself off to slumber. I went to sleep at 7:30 only to be awakened at midnight by a party in the apartment directly below mine. They were loud and rowdy until 3am. It's ok, this is the first time I've even heard my neighbors. I'll certainly nap off and on today.
I feel such a sense of uncertainty, and really a little anger. I haven't been sick for the longest time, months...maybe a year. Why now? Anyway. It is what it is. I'll get up early tomorrow and do this. As they say, wild horses couldn't stop me.
I've said I wouldn't run after tomorrow, that I'd switch to yoga. I'm not believing myself now. I went to the Expo yesterday to pick up my bib and race instructions. I passed by a booth advertising a race in Sacramento. My dad lives in Sacramento. I wonder...
Lifting up gratitude for tenacity.
I'll let y'all know how it went. I appreciate your comments and your words of encouragement. They mean a lot to me. M
I haven't been hungry. I've had soup, scrambled eggs, lots of orange juice. I admit that I made a hot toddy Tuesday (not as good as the one made at my favorite watering hole) and I also chased my Robitussin with a shot of scotch last night in an effort to send myself off to slumber. I went to sleep at 7:30 only to be awakened at midnight by a party in the apartment directly below mine. They were loud and rowdy until 3am. It's ok, this is the first time I've even heard my neighbors. I'll certainly nap off and on today.
I feel such a sense of uncertainty, and really a little anger. I haven't been sick for the longest time, months...maybe a year. Why now? Anyway. It is what it is. I'll get up early tomorrow and do this. As they say, wild horses couldn't stop me.
I've said I wouldn't run after tomorrow, that I'd switch to yoga. I'm not believing myself now. I went to the Expo yesterday to pick up my bib and race instructions. I passed by a booth advertising a race in Sacramento. My dad lives in Sacramento. I wonder...
Lifting up gratitude for tenacity.
I'll let y'all know how it went. I appreciate your comments and your words of encouragement. They mean a lot to me. M
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Gotta Smile
I have to, smile that is. I have no option, at least not in my mind. I have a cold and the half-marathon is only 3 days away. I've souped and juiced, I've tea'd and coffee'd. I've slept and rested. I've couched and I've movie'd. Now it's up to my body to just get over it.
Just get over it.
Just get over it.
That's all I can hope for.
No point in being upset, or angry, or bitter.
I've gotta smile.
Just get over it.
Just get over it.
That's all I can hope for.
No point in being upset, or angry, or bitter.
I've gotta smile.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
My First Ten!
Distance: 10 miles
Start time: 10:30 am
Run Duration: 107 minutes
Average Pace: 10.7 minutes/mile
Temperature: 35 degrees
Humidity: 53%
Location: Houston, TX
I waited until the temperature creeped over freezing, put on some light layers, my sunglasses, my tunes and hit the route I'd decided on last week. I knew it was 4.5 miles to the park from my place and then I'd have to run a half mile into the park, turn around and come home. I was a little worried about the things that might happen. I might hurt myself and be stuck "out there" without my car. I might have to go to the bathroom and be stuck "out there". My asthma might flare up and I'd be stuck "out there". Note I said I was a little worried, not enough to keep me from putting in this run - not enough to make me circle Memorial Park 3 times plus another little bit to make 10 miles. The thought of doing that multi-loop workout again makes me not want to run at all. I wanted to be out in the city, out on the street. I wanted to experience the reason I moved to the InnerLoop.
Yes!
What a great run! The sun was pouring down this morning. I took off my gloves at about mile 4 and took off my jacket and tied it around my waist at the half-way turn. I was comfortable and I feel good about next week. My schedule calls for a 4-, a 3-, and a 2-mile run. That's it! Next Sunday brings the Half-Marathon. I'm so glad I stuck with this program. Even though my right knee is making me aware of its existence, I think I'll make it through just fine. Today's run was a far cry from those first weeks of pain and discomfort.
Happy. That's the word of the day.
Start time: 10:30 am
Run Duration: 107 minutes
Average Pace: 10.7 minutes/mile
Temperature: 35 degrees
Humidity: 53%
Location: Houston, TX
I waited until the temperature creeped over freezing, put on some light layers, my sunglasses, my tunes and hit the route I'd decided on last week. I knew it was 4.5 miles to the park from my place and then I'd have to run a half mile into the park, turn around and come home. I was a little worried about the things that might happen. I might hurt myself and be stuck "out there" without my car. I might have to go to the bathroom and be stuck "out there". My asthma might flare up and I'd be stuck "out there". Note I said I was a little worried, not enough to keep me from putting in this run - not enough to make me circle Memorial Park 3 times plus another little bit to make 10 miles. The thought of doing that multi-loop workout again makes me not want to run at all. I wanted to be out in the city, out on the street. I wanted to experience the reason I moved to the InnerLoop.
Yes!
What a great run! The sun was pouring down this morning. I took off my gloves at about mile 4 and took off my jacket and tied it around my waist at the half-way turn. I was comfortable and I feel good about next week. My schedule calls for a 4-, a 3-, and a 2-mile run. That's it! Next Sunday brings the Half-Marathon. I'm so glad I stuck with this program. Even though my right knee is making me aware of its existence, I think I'll make it through just fine. Today's run was a far cry from those first weeks of pain and discomfort.
Happy. That's the word of the day.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Wednesday 5
Distance: 5 miles
Start time: 8:30 am
Run Duration: 60 minutes
Average Pace: 12 minutes/mile
Temperature: climate controlled
Humidity: climate controlled
Location: Houston, TX
I took it slow this morning. I have a little nagging at my right medial knee. Just a touch but I don't want to aggravate it. I'm tempted to forgo my 5 miles Thursday or Friday and just do the long run Sunday. I'm so close to the big day that I don't want to blow it.
I wonder, too, if it has something to do with the treadmill. Hmmm...
Anyway.
I have a fairly busy day planned. Coffee with an old family friend. I haven't seen her in over a year and I'm excited to catch up. I've also joined a meetup group for InnerLoopers (people who live inside a major freeway that circles Houston). I'm going to my first function tonight. Hopefully I'll expand my social circle a little. I love, Love, LOVE my friends but as some of them make noises about moving away I realize that I've got to think about making new connections. It's time.
Lifting up gratitude today for the freedom to move through my days when I want, how I want, where I want. May I never take it for granted.
Start time: 8:30 am
Run Duration: 60 minutes
Average Pace: 12 minutes/mile
Temperature: climate controlled
Humidity: climate controlled
Location: Houston, TX
I took it slow this morning. I have a little nagging at my right medial knee. Just a touch but I don't want to aggravate it. I'm tempted to forgo my 5 miles Thursday or Friday and just do the long run Sunday. I'm so close to the big day that I don't want to blow it.
I wonder, too, if it has something to do with the treadmill. Hmmm...
Anyway.
I have a fairly busy day planned. Coffee with an old family friend. I haven't seen her in over a year and I'm excited to catch up. I've also joined a meetup group for InnerLoopers (people who live inside a major freeway that circles Houston). I'm going to my first function tonight. Hopefully I'll expand my social circle a little. I love, Love, LOVE my friends but as some of them make noises about moving away I realize that I've got to think about making new connections. It's time.
Lifting up gratitude today for the freedom to move through my days when I want, how I want, where I want. May I never take it for granted.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Waiting
Cold has settled upon our part of Texas and we don't know quite what to do with it. We've pulled out sweaters and scarves, gloves and coats. We remark on the weather, we rub our arms and huddle together while waiting to cross the streets. We know the weather will change and we will have warmth again. For now things are gray and colorless. We wait for spring to return and wake us from this dreariness. All we can do is wait.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Homestretch
Distance: 3 miles
Start time: 4:15 pm
Run Duration: 33 minutes
Average Pace: 11 minutes/mile
Temperature: climate controlled
Humidity: climate controlled
Location: Houston, TX
I'm into the last 2 weeks of training for the Aramco Half-Marathon! I'm to run a total of 23 miles this week. I put in 3 today. The weather has turned pretty cool and I have a lot of work scheduled so it's going to be a challenge. I'll get it done.
I wasn't all that sore after my 9 mile run yesterday. I was surprised at that.
Lifting up gratitude for the ability to stick with a plan. I'm actually starting to feel a little self-pride around this, but not in a haughty way. I realize that this has been tough and leaving raceday out of it, just getting through the training is an accomplishment. I'm happy with myself. There is a much bigger lesson here than the running.
Start time: 4:15 pm
Run Duration: 33 minutes
Average Pace: 11 minutes/mile
Temperature: climate controlled
Humidity: climate controlled
Location: Houston, TX
I'm into the last 2 weeks of training for the Aramco Half-Marathon! I'm to run a total of 23 miles this week. I put in 3 today. The weather has turned pretty cool and I have a lot of work scheduled so it's going to be a challenge. I'll get it done.
I wasn't all that sore after my 9 mile run yesterday. I was surprised at that.
Lifting up gratitude for the ability to stick with a plan. I'm actually starting to feel a little self-pride around this, but not in a haughty way. I realize that this has been tough and leaving raceday out of it, just getting through the training is an accomplishment. I'm happy with myself. There is a much bigger lesson here than the running.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
What I Know
Distance: 9 miles
Start time: 10:50 am
Run Duration: 54 minutes
Average Pace: 10.67 minutes/mile
Temperature: 44 degrees
Humidity: 71%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
I know that coming out of mile 4 I knew I could do 9.
I know that coming out of mile 9 I was doubting that I'll be able to do 13.
I know that the scrambled eggs and cranberry juice I just finished were pretty tasty.
I know that I've started the new year surrounded by love and by friends who listened when I told them that I fear depression is standing around the corner, waiting for the letdown that can happen after big projects are accomplished. My friends are willing to keep me from hanging out alone with that bastard (depression) in my apartment for more than a few hours. They understand that if I spend too much time with someone I may give him more of myself than he deserves. I know that he (depression) will tire of me soon because I will have more projects in the works and I'll get distracted again. I'll stop paying attention to him. This is how my life goes.
The running thing may or may not help my mood. This I don't know. I think I'll switch over to yoga after the half-marathon - give my joints a break.
I know that I am ready for the race to be here and for it to be behind me. It is a project I'm ready to be finished with.
Ah...
Lifting up gratitude today for insight.
I know I am ready to be finished.
Start time: 10:50 am
Run Duration: 54 minutes
Average Pace: 10.67 minutes/mile
Temperature: 44 degrees
Humidity: 71%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
I know that coming out of mile 4 I knew I could do 9.
I know that coming out of mile 9 I was doubting that I'll be able to do 13.
I know that the scrambled eggs and cranberry juice I just finished were pretty tasty.
I know that I've started the new year surrounded by love and by friends who listened when I told them that I fear depression is standing around the corner, waiting for the letdown that can happen after big projects are accomplished. My friends are willing to keep me from hanging out alone with that bastard (depression) in my apartment for more than a few hours. They understand that if I spend too much time with someone I may give him more of myself than he deserves. I know that he (depression) will tire of me soon because I will have more projects in the works and I'll get distracted again. I'll stop paying attention to him. This is how my life goes.
The running thing may or may not help my mood. This I don't know. I think I'll switch over to yoga after the half-marathon - give my joints a break.
I know that I am ready for the race to be here and for it to be behind me. It is a project I'm ready to be finished with.
Ah...
Lifting up gratitude today for insight.
I know I am ready to be finished.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Resolve
When met with silence
or worse -
generic greetings for
prosperity,
health,
and
happiness (?),
the New Year
hastens in a resolve
to wrap the heart
in all the trappings
left over from the
previous season.
It could be
bundled,
packaged -
even swaddled
and placed in
storage until coaxed
from its hiding place
by twinkle lights
and promises
of hot chocolate
or ice skating.
Perhaps it would come out
for window shopping.
There will be seasonal sales
and one might find
a suitable replacement
for the one who bruised it
when he pushed it aside in
his haste to exit this
particular holiday scene.
or worse -
generic greetings for
prosperity,
health,
and
happiness (?),
the New Year
hastens in a resolve
to wrap the heart
in all the trappings
left over from the
previous season.
It could be
bundled,
packaged -
even swaddled
and placed in
storage until coaxed
from its hiding place
by twinkle lights
and promises
of hot chocolate
or ice skating.
Perhaps it would come out
for window shopping.
There will be seasonal sales
and one might find
a suitable replacement
for the one who bruised it
when he pushed it aside in
his haste to exit this
particular holiday scene.
First Run of the Year
Distance: 5 miles
Start time: 4:54 pm
Run Duration: 54 minutes
Average Pace: 10.8 minutes/mile
Temperature: 53 degrees
Humidity: 39%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
5 miles. Got it in. Made sure I did it in under 55 minutes. That's about all I have to say about that.
Happy New Year!
Start time: 4:54 pm
Run Duration: 54 minutes
Average Pace: 10.8 minutes/mile
Temperature: 53 degrees
Humidity: 39%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
5 miles. Got it in. Made sure I did it in under 55 minutes. That's about all I have to say about that.
Happy New Year!
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