Demar 1/2 Marathon Race Report

I figured I better get to writing my race report from our New Hampshire half since I'm sitting at the airport waiting for my flight to California.  We will be crossing California off our list of 50 states on Sunday morning.  Did I mention we completed New Hampshire back in September?  I'm clearly the queen of  procrastination these days!  Our friend, Marilyn, joined us for this half marathon.  We took advantage of the close proximity of New Hampshire to Massachusetts and flew into Boston.  Lucky for us, Marilyn lives in Massachusetts so we stayed with her the first two nights of our trip.  We went into Boston to sight see on Friday.  The weather wasn't the best but we still had a great time.

Saturday morning we did a little shopping and had lunch in Marblehead.  Once we were done in Marblehead we took to the car and made our way to New Hampshire.  We checked into our hotel, stopped by the expo to pick up our race packets, and had a lovely dinner and of course a few drinks.





Sunday morning we got ready and headed to the race start.

The weather forecast was HOT,HOT, HOT so we decided to walk the race for safety purposes.  Deb, Marilyn, Nikki and I stayed together until about the 12 mile mark at which point Deb and I went ahead a bit.  At the 12.5 mile mark, Deb asked me what my watch said.  I looked at my watch, and told her what it said.  She asked if I wanted to run the rest of the way and I said sure.  I can tell you we did not run the rest of the way however at the 13 mile mark Deb asked me what my watch said again and I told her.  She simply said "run" so I did.  We crossed the line and Deb asked me one last time what my watch said.  Our finish time was 3:49:50.  She said "oh good, I wanted to finish under 3:50".  Originally she was hoping for a 3:45 finish but with the heat and a longer than usual bathroom stop, it wasn't really in the cards. 

Marilyn and Nikki finished shortly after us and we all stopped for a picture and then headed back to the car.

We grabbed showers and a bite to eat and headed back to Massachusetts so Deb, Nikki, and I could catch our flights home.

Complete a half in all 50 states status: 19 states and D.C. completed

Completed states: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.


Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

For Boston

I am still in shock over the events that took place on Monday.  I had every intention of an epic workout Monday afternoon inspired by my friends successes at Boston.  How quickly that run turned into prayer and meditation with zero concern for my pace or distance.  I am a runner and I did what I know how to do...run.

2011 Columbus Marathon

When I picked my daughter up from her ice skating lessons yesterday afternoon she asked me what the definition of a limb was.  I knew exactly where this was going.  She had questions because other kids were talking about it at school.  All she knew prior to going to school yesterday was that there had been explosions in Boston on Monday.  We had a short coversation about the events on Monday and I answered her questions the best I could.  Fast forward to later in the evening and I mentioned that I was going to head out for a run and my daughter asked if I was going to run for Boston.  My reply was simply yes.  I had decided to run 4 miles 4 Boston so I headed out for a pace run with the intent to run the BQ pace for my age group (8:23) for those affected by the senseless tragedy on Monday.  I passed several people during my run and every last one of them gave a wave, a head nod, or a hello.  It was as if they were saying, we understand and we know what you are doing.  I ran that 4 miles with a heavy heart and swift feet.

4 Miles 4 Boston

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inpsire me!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Erin

This week's spotlight is on Erin of Just Run With It (here). After you read her interview, head on over to her blog and say hello!

Erin: First – thanks for highlighting me this week, Jodi! I love your idea of Thumbs Up Thursdays and I’m flattered you chose me!
Jodi: You are more than welcome Erin!

Jodi: How long have you been running?
Erin: Since 7th grade. My older sister didn’t make the volleyball team, so she decided to run XC instead. My brother followed in her footsteps, so as soon as I could join the team (7th grade) I did.

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Erin: I wanted to be cool just like my older siblings. That, and my dad ran a lot when he was younger (5 marathons in his day!) and I really look up to him. Running is just a huge part of what my family does. A family that sweats together, stays together.

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Erin: 7th through 12th grade and all four years in college. I ran competitively for a D3 college and those years gave me experiences I’ll never forget. I loved the feeling of lacing up my 3/8” XC spikes, the butterflies, the team spirit. I miss racing as part of team.

Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Erin: In college, the 5k was my thing. It’s so tough - mentally and physically - and I loved that. Now that I’m out of collegiate running, I dig the long runs. The ones where you’re out on the trails for 2+ hours, self-supporting, and down with nature. The long runs are my favorite part of running now.

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Erin: The Cleveland Marathon (May 2010) as a whole, but specifically the last 1.2 miles. The idea of BQ’ing was just minutes away and distance running distilled down to its basics in those moments: survival, guts, heart, pride. I truly felt like a marathoner.

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Erin: I’d like to think my first marathon experience (Boulder Backroads Marathon) made me tougher… I ended up getting pretty badly dehydrated around mile 19. I crawled, puked, and walked my way to the finish line. Not exactly the first marathon experience I thought I’d have, but what doesn’t kill ya makes you stronger, right?

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Erin: Winning the equivalence of “state” XC when I lived in Singapore. I out-kicked my competitor, sprinting into the shoot where my brother was waiting with arms wide open. I was proud to win it for my team and I was proud to come from a family that supports each other like that.

Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Erin: My $10 target start/stop watch. How’s a girl to know when to turn around?!

Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Erin: Mocha Clif Shots or Chocolate Gu’s. They taste like brownie batter!

Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Erin: Pizza. Definitely, definitely pizza.

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Erin: My hero is the old man, still out running in his 70s. My heroes are the quadriplegics who refuse to say “can’t”. My hero is the mom pushing a baby stroller despite the 9 months she just went through. People who love running and stay dedicated despite adversities.

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Erin: “The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, made to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars…” ~ Jack Kerouac

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift” ~ Pre

Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Erin: Alive.

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Erin: A healthy recovery from my current knee injury and a successful (injury-free) training cycle and trip to Boston in April 2011.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Erin! Best of luck with your Boston 2011 training!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Erin YOU inspire ME!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Ashley Cavicchi

So, last week I saw that Ashley had commented on Thumbs Up Thursday. She mentioned that she really enjoyed reading them. So, I figured why not ask her permission to spotlight her this week. I sent her a message and she was happy to oblige. With that said, I give you the question and answer portion of Thumbs Up Thursday!!

Jodi: How long have you been running?
Ashley: About 3 years on and off. I've only been consistently running since last May.

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Ashley: Originally I started running to get in better shape while I was a figure skater. When I was forced to quit figure skating due to a back injury, running became the only type of exercise that felt like a challenge for me and I learned to love it, now I think I love it more than skating sometimes, which is a big feat considering I grew up as a figure skater.

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Ashley: 1 year seriously, I had done a few 5k's and a four miler previously but I didn't really race them and I didn't know a thing about training until last spring/summer. I've learned so much already.
Ashley before a 5k
Ashley and her boyfriend after 4th of July 10k

Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Ashley: Half marathon, it's not so fast I feel as though I'm sprinting the whole time like a 5k but it's not too long for me, it's the easiest race distance for me to pace myself so far.
Ashley finishing her first 1/2 marathon

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Ashley: Finishing my first marathon in May 2010. It was an amazing feeling. I remember coming into the finishing area and just feeling this sense of relief and accomplishment. I don't know that I'll ever forget it.
Ashley at mile 9 of the 2010 Vermont City Marathon
Ashley going through the finish line at the 2010 Vermont City Marathon
Ashley after the 2010 Vermont City Marathon

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Ashley: Having a breakdown on a hill at mile 15 of the marathon. I remember seeing my mom, aunt, and boyfriend on the side of the street and just begging for my gatorade which they didn't have. They just pushed me away and told me to keep going. I was crying at this point. It was definitely a low point in the race.
Ashley's breakdown at mile 15 of the 2010 Vermont City Marathon

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Ashley: Hmmm....either finishing my first marathon this spring or running a sub 7 minute mile recently. Both felt like things I never imagined I'd do and I have done now!

Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Ashley: If I had to choose one it would be my Garmin but even that I don't bring with me on all my runs...there's not one specific thing for every run...but for long runs, definitely my handheld water bottle, especially in this heat!

Jodi: What is your favorite cross-training activity?
Ashley: I'm so bad about cross-training and need to do more...biking would win out as my favorite even though it's been awhile since I've been on a bike ride. I really need to start cross-training more!

Jodi: What is your least favorite cross-training activity?
Ashley: Lifting weights. Just not a fan at all.

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Ashley: Ahh...I have so many. Hmm...I'm currently reading Run: The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel by Matt Fitzgerald and he has a quote at the start of each chapter, and this one catches my eye every time: "Pain is good because it teaches your body and your soul to improve"- Lance Armstrong. I think I like it because I hold back frequently from pushing myself during harder workouts (i.e. speedwork) and know that I need to push myself and that certain types of pain aren't always bad.

Jodi: Finish this statement, after a training run I feel __________.
Ashley: Accomplished.

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Ashley: To qualify for the Boston Marathon, my qualifying time is 3:40.

Thank you for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Ashley. Best of luck achieving your Boston Marathon goal.

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Ashley YOU inspire ME!!

Thumbs Up Thursday...Connie Spielman

I met Connie back in March at the St. Malachi 5 Miler. She was very kind and we had a lot to talk about while waiting for the race. She was well into her training for the Boston Marathon and I was in the midst of training for the Cleveland Marathon. Fast forward to yesterday when I sent Connie and email and asked her if I could give her a thumbs up today. Her response was: "I would be honored, but I'm not running right now! My foot is still bothering me (sigh). I'm off to see the podiatrist again tomorrow afternoon. But if that's okay, I would love to!" I immediately responded with: "Of course it is okay for you to be spotlighted. Injuries are a part of running." With all of this said, I give you the question and answer portion of Thumbs Up Thursday!

Jodi: How long have you been running?
Connie: I have been running all my life! I ran my first race when I was 8 years old.

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Connie: My dad started running in the late 60's, and when we moved to Cleveland he started running races. I guess I wanted to be like him, so I begged and begged to be able to run a race too! My mom and dad finally said okay, and I ran/walked a 3 mile race while he did a ten mile race. I won a medal for being the youngest finisher, and I was hooked!


Jodi: When you are really tired and want to skip a workout what motivates you to do the workout anyway?
Connie: Ohhh, this is hard. I keep my goal in mind - whether it's the next race, weekly mileage, getting faster, or just to keep up with the cross country girls!

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Connie: See above - over 37 years!

Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Connie: I think either the 5 mile or the 10k - they are short enough that you still have to go relatively fast, and not super long so I can usually hang on until the end!

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Connie: Oh, this is hard. I have so many! One of my favorites is crewing for my brother when he ran the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run in California! It was just amazing - beautiful scenery, an amazing race, for 28 hours we just drove to different places to see him and check if he needed anything, make sure he was eating, drinking enough, gave him change of clothes, ran with him for awhile, helped him at the aid stations. I had never seen an ultra trail race before, and I completely understood why he loved it so much! It was incredibly difficult, but everyone knew everyone else - which was how it was for our family when my brother and I were younger. There weren't as many runners doing races and we all knew each other!

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Connie: Well, I have a bunch of these too! It would have to be when I was a senior in college, and during our first race of the season something in my hip "popped" half way through a cross country race. It hurt horribly, and I was out for the rest of the season - one which I had trained so hard during the summer for, and had hoped to have a PR season!


Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Connie: Qualifying for Boston last year at the Cleveland Marathon, or else Boston this year, when I finished and found out my daughter had finished her first marathon in 3:35!!!
Connie and Katie before Boston
Connie crossing the finish line at Boston
Connie and Katie after Boston

Jodi: What is your favorite running related purchase to date?

Connie: I love my Garmin 405!!

Jodi: What is your favorite non-running related purchase to date?

Connie: Food? Our house? Chocolate!!!

Jodi: Finish this statement, running makes me _________.

Connie: Feel alive!

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?

Connie: Since I have been an assistant coach for the high school girls cross country team, I've discovered so many great ones! We like to put them on the back of the team tshirts, and look for a different one each year. Right now, I love "The gun goes off and everything changes...the World changes...and nothing else really matters" by PattiSue Plummer.

Jodi: What is your biggest frustration at the moment?

Connie: Not being able to run! I have plantar fasciitis right now, everything feels great and ready to go except for my foot. Grrrr!!

Jodi: What is your current goal?

Connie: Still working on having a great marathon - and I would love to get under 21 minutes in the 5k again. :)

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Connie. Best of luck achieving your marathon and 5k goals. First and foremost, heal well!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Connie YOU inspire ME!!

Thumbs up Thursday..Kelly Lebanik

I sent Kelly an email yesterday asking her if I could spotlight her today. Her reply was, "you are SO sweet Jodi. I'm honored!" And tomorrow is my Matty's 2nd birthday. So cool!

So, once again, I give you Thumbs Up Thursday questions and answers!

Jodi: How long have you been running?
Kelly: I started running in April of '07. Lol, my very first run was a full mile. In 13 minutes. I thought I was going to die.

Jodi: What motivated you to start running?
Kelly: I had gained a lot of weight while carrying the twins. Everyone always told me that pregnancy weight was "9 months on, 9 months off". Well, the girls were 10 months old and I hadn't lost any of the weight yet. I was looking for something that was easy to pick up, something that could be done on my own time and that didn't have others judging my progress or level of progression. Running was a perfect fit.
Kelly with her twins, Emma and Hailey, running the 1 mile race at a Turkey Trot
Jodi: How do you maintain your motivation level to continue running?
Kelly: Running has become more like a friend to me. I run to pray. I run to vent and think and problem solve and relieve stress and...well, I pretty much use running for everything. So if anything, running motivates me.

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Kelly: My very first 5k was on 4th of July '07. It was a very tough course on some huge hills (okay, Texas hills, but still) and I finished in over 32 minutes. But crossing the finish line for the first time was enough to get me hooked.

Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Kelly: I LOVE the marathon. If I had my choice I wouldn't run anything else. And now that I think about it, since I've run my first full marathon, I haven't raced anything else. I don't think it's the marathon distance that is important. It's the training. The 18 (or whatever) weeks leading up to the race become a love affair. I love having 4 (or less) hours to myself. To reflect on what my body is capable of doing and the dedication and stamina I showed to get where I am. It's 4 hours of mind over matter. And I think that's why so many of my "Mom friends" love the marathon too. Being a mother is a lot like running a marathon.

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Kelly: My favorite race memory was at the 30th Annual Cowton Marathon It was my first "big race" and I was almost 20 weeks pregnant with Matthew. I was anxious and scared and proud and happy and excited all rolled up into one big mess. My time wasn't that impressive (2:28), but considering I stopped to use the restroom 4 times that race thanks to little feet on my bladder, I was pretty happy. I remmeber crossing the finish line and my husband, my daughters, my pastor and my best friend (who also ran the half...and got her half marathon PR that day) were all waiting at the finish line cheering me on. That was the best feeling ever.
Emma, Hailey, and Kelly at Cowtown
Desiree, Emma, Kelly, Kelly's pastor, Hailey and Kevin at Cowtown
Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Kelly: Well, I'd love to put Cowton here as well, but I won't. I suppose that even though the Cleveland Marathon didn't have the ending I had hoped for, I am still pretty darn proud of it. The training cycle leading up to Cleveland was plagued wtih ITBS. I had been dealing with it since White Rock 6 months earlier. I worked very hard that cycle and got to the start line injury free. But due to some mistakes on my part, I got ver sick that race and told myself to DNF 4 times. Once for every time that I got sick on the race route. Despite a stomach that despised me that day and a Garmin that never loaded it's satellites, I still had a race PR of over 32 minutes. It wasn't the finish I had envisioned, but it wasn't a race where all the stars aligned either. I'm pretty proud of myself for pulling through and completing the race.
Kelly's adorable children after the kids race at the Cleveland Marathon!
Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Kelly: "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."--John Bingham

Jodi: What is your favorite cross-training activity?
Kelly: I really enjoy my Insanity DVDs, but if I had to pick, I suppose it would be swimming. Now my swimming isn't the traditional swimming, but rather when I swim, I swim with preschoolers. For some reason, when my 3 littles are involved, I get in a much harder workout.

Jodi: What is your favorite pre-race meal?
Kelly: The night before a race, I usually eat whatever I want. I love some good seafood though. Like some salmon or grilled shrimp. Good protein and nothing that would give me an upset tummy. As for the morning of a race, I am so bad. My pre-race ritual (which I did NOT follow in Cleveland and alas was the beginning of my downfall) is a 20 oz. Diet Pepsi, a Chocolate Chip Cliff Bar and a banana. I know, so bad for me.

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Kelly: BOSTON! *sigh* I have a long way to go. Training in the summer is very hard on me, but I'm giving it my all. I know I'm not going to achieve my goal tomorrow or maybe not even my next race, but I will get there eventually. And then, I'll set a new goal. I never want to be done improving myself. There is always work to be done!
Laura, Kelly, and Desiree at Kelly's first 1/2 marathon. This race also happens to be her goal marathon race this year!

Jodi: Please feel free to share anything else with me that you feel will help inspire others!
Kelly: The greatest thing about running is that there is no one telling you "You can't!" Running is between you and the road. Each day that you get out there, you will accomplish things that you never thought that you were capable of doing. Just one more day, one more step, one more mile. Keep going and be proud that you did!

Thanks for allowing me to give you a Thumbs Up Kelly! Best of luck achieving your current and future goals and of course Happy Birthday to Matthew!!!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Kelly YOU inspire ME!!