2014 Cleveland Marathon Race Report

The last time I posted, I shared my plan for the 2014 Cleveland Marathon.  The goal this year was all about helping someone else achieve a goal that they could no longer achieve on their own.  Going into race weekend, I knew that I would be traveling to Michigan for Kaelynn's figure skating competition so I made arrangements with the girls I run with to take care of packet pickup for me.  Friday afternoon, Kaelynn and I headed out for Michigan.  Once we had arrived and checked into our hotel, we met up with another skating family and Kaelynn's coach and son for dinner.  We enjoyed some outstanding Korean food.  In hindsight, I think this was a bad choice for me two days before a marathon.  Friday evening I also found out that Barry (our ALS participant for the race) had been hospitalized and had some setbacks during the week.  "Short" Emily was interviewed by the news station and we found out shortly before the news cast that Barry would not be able to participate (doctor's orders).  The plan was then to have his 12 year old son sit in for him.  While at the rink on Saturday I made sure to take in fluids regularly.  I also tried my best to make good food choices.  We had a late lunch and I had a small burger and some macaroni and cheese.  The competition ended up being a success for Kaelynn.  She placed 3rd in her compulsory event and finally got over her recent struggles with the axel during practice ice while thinking about her cousin Kyle's advice:  suck it up, focus, and just do it.  She did fall on the axel in her program but everyone was happy because she went for it and that was the goal of the day. 

3rd Place Compulsory Moves

Kaelynn and Kyle

We waited on Kaelynn's results and she ended up 5th out of 7.  Not bad for taking a fall during her program.  After we finished with results, we quickly said our goodbyes to our cousins Tiffany and Kyle and thanked them for coming.  Now I would need to drive the 2+ hours home to Ohio.  Did I mention it was already after 8:00 PM when we got out of the ice rink?  The drive wasn't too bad as Kaelynn's coach and her son were in the car with us.  It made time go by faster because I had an adult to talk to.  Of course the kids were asleep within minutes of getting on the highway.  I finally arrived home just after 11:00 PM and didn't get to bed until about 11:30.  I tossed and turned for a long time and eventually fell asleep only to be jolted awake by my 3:30 AM alarm.  I proceeded to get up and get everything that I needed together.  I grabbed some food and coffee to eat on the way to the race.  Missi was kind enough to drive us all so I just had to drive to "tall" Emily's.  Once we were on our way to the race I found out that the specialized wheelchair had accidentally gotten sent back to Columbus so we would not have a chair to push Barry's son in.  The alternate plan was to push Barry in his chair over the last 1/4 mile.  I knew nothing of this plan until that very moment!  Prior to all of this happening, another runner, Rachel was added to our push team.  It turns out I work with her mom and will be working with her next year.Talk about having an entirely different perspective for the marathon at that point.  There would not be a chair involved any longer.  Right after this discussion we received a text message from Rachel letting us know that with a heavy heart she made the decision not to run the marathon.  When she had signed up for this it was only to help someone else run a marathon.  We sent her back a text and let her know we respected her for making the best decision for herself and we hoped to see her on the running trails soon!  As we made our way downtown there were a ton of road closures.  Fortunately, Missi used her stealth driving skills to get us where we needed to be.  The best thing about this was that our parking garage was basically across the street form the starting line and porta potties!  Definitely a win/win situation prior to running 26.2 miles.  We hade a few visits to the potties and sat in the car for a bit before heading to the start line to have some pictures taken.

Team Barry sporting the matching tanks!

After we had been standing outside for awhile we moved to a bus stop to get out of the wind.  The bonus being that the stop was heated!  While waiting in the bus stop, we met up with lots of our friends for more photos.  Patty was running her comeback marathon and Kim was running her first marathon.  Bick was representing in the 1/2 marathon.

The whole gang before the race

Eventually we had no choice but to go line up in the corrals.  As I was standing there a lady walked up to me and asked me if I was from the Hermitage area (my throw away shirt was from a race I did in Hermitage over Thanksgiving).  I said yes I am and as she introduced herself I realized that I knew her!  She was my cross country coach the first year I ran with a neighboring school as an independent.  It was too funny when she said she thought she recognized my voice.  She would be running the 10K.  We shared a hug and we were eventually on our way.  The plan was pretty simple, the four of us (me, Missi, "short" Emily, and "tall" Emily) would stay together as long as we could in the hopes that we would all get to the finish around the same time to run Barry in for the last 1/4 mile.  Early on in the race I saw my Athletic Director from work.  I ripped off my arm sleeves and tossed them his way asking if he would bring them to work.  The first 12+ miles of the race were great!  Tons of spectators and both Emily's family's were out on the course.  I started to fade back from the group around mile 12.5 and then had no choice but to let them go at mile 14 when I had to find a bathroom quickly.  My stomach had decided it was going to revolt.  The gas station attendant was kind enough to let me use his restroom.  I tried to be quick and then headed back out on the course.  I was not feeling so good and my ankle bone was getting rubbed raw by either my shoe or sock or both.  Around this point Kim passed me and she was looking good.  I tried to take in an orange and it didn't really help much.  Kim asked me if she should wait and I told her I would be okay and to run her race.  At this point I texted the my group and let them know I was having issues and to go ahead and take Barry across the finish line without me.  I knew how sick he was and I didn't want him to have to be out there any longer than necessary.

The girls with Barry at the finish.  I joked that we needed to photoshop me in!

Shortly after this Dan and John appeared out of nowhere like my guardian angels.  I tried to stay with them but I was having a rough time and my stomach was deciding to revolt again.  It became a sprint between porta potties for almost the final 12 miles of the race.  Eventually Patty and Tony caught up with me and I tried going with them again and it just wasn't happening.....porta potty, wash, rinse, repeat.  Sometime later in the race I saw one of Kaelynn's skating friends with her dad.  It was definitely the motivation I needed.  It made me think about Kaelynn's success the day before and how she went all in and never quit.  While quitting on Sunday was never a consideration I made, the hug I received from the skater's dad really helped pull me along and know I had people out there cheering for me.  I ran when I could and visited the porta potties when needed.  Finally around mile 24 my stomach started to calm down allowing me to run more and get closer to the finish faster.  During the last 1/2 mile I came across a really big group of runners.  Come to find out it was a family that was running with their daughter, Kelsey.  It was her first marathon and she was doing great.  Once her family left the course I stayed with her.  When we got to the 26 mile marker, she wanted to walk and told me to go ahead.  I of course was having none of that.  I encouraged her to run the final .2 with me and she did.  I always says everything happens for a reason.  I'm pretty sure I was meant to be right where I was on Sunday morning to get Kelsey across the finish line of her first marathon.  Kelsey and I shared a hug, had a picture taken by the race photographers and headed our separate ways.  I immediately took off my shoe to assess the damage to my ankle bone.  My fear was confirmed when I saw that I had zero skin left in that area.  I was in need of a Band-Aid in order to get my sock and shoe back on.  My friend Dan offered me the Band-Aid that he had used on his chest to prevent raw, chafed nipples.  I wasn't too proud to take it.  It would do the job and Dan was kind enough to share with me that he washes his nipples daily.  That made me laugh!  At this point I announced once again (I had told John the same thing during the race) that I was retiring from marathons.  Of course I got the typical, you've said that before looks.  We took a few pictures and then I met back up with my group and Dave (who was kind enough to drive up from Columbus to watch the marathon) to discuss how the day had unfolded. 

The first 1/2 was much better than the second 1/2

Finished!

As I was talking with them, Kelsey's family stopped to thank me for getting her to the finish line.  I graciously accepted the thank you and told them how well Kesley had done.  Right before we were getting ready to head back to the cars I felt very sick.  I thought for sure I was going to "toss my cookies" right there but I was able to breathe through it and not throw up on Dave's shoes.  I am happy to report that Patty got her redemption on the marathon, Kim finished her first marathon with a very impressive time,  Dan finished another marathon, "tall" Emily had a great time running 26.2 miles, and "short" Emily and Missi both set new marathon PR's!!  While it wasn't a great day for me, I was still very happy for my friends.  Once I made it home and got cleaned up I realized I had gotten a major sunburn.  I didn't even think about sunscreen when it was so cold at the start line (another lesson learned).  I continued to feel rough the rest of the day and into Monday.  I decided to head into work on Monday and see how I felt.  My Athletic Director came through for me and my arm sleeves were hanging on my office door when I walked in.  I did okay most of the morning but just before noon I started feeling awful and asked my staff if they would be okay if I went home.  They sent me on my way of course (I must have looked bad).  I went home and applied crazy amounts of aloe to my sunburn and proceeded to take a 3 hour nap followed by drinking as many fluids as humanly possible.  When I woke up I was feeling so much better.  I am pretty sure I had mild sun poisoning.  By Tuesday afternoon I was feeling well enough to get in a short bike ride to break up the lactic acid from Sunday.  Of course, in true Jodi form, I was questioning my "marathon retirement" by Wednesday morning.  I won't be making any decisions anytime soon as Sunday is still too fresh in my mind.  I don't know if I am ready to say good-bye to the marathon just yet.....only time will tell.  For now, I will just keep running.....


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

ALS and the Cleveland Marathon

Just over a month ago,  the Cleveland Marathon posted the following on their Facebook Status:

Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon

April 8 ·

RUNNERS - We are assisting the organization - Dream Days, - in finding interested participants to assist them for our race on Sunday, May 18th. Dream Days is an organization dedicated to planning, facilitating and providing events for those with developmental and physical disabilities and other chronic conditions. The idea to have marathon runners push special needs individuals in specially-designed running chairs stemmed from seeing the Hoyts, where the father competes in marathons and triathlons with his son who has cerebral palsy. If you are interested, please contact, Executive Director, Jonathan Schulz directly at jschulz@DreamDaysOhio.org.http://www.dreamdaysohio.org/

Shortly after the Cleveland Marathon posted this status "short" Emily shared said status with our Sunday morning running group.  My initial thought was that I wouldn't be able to push someone for 26.2 miles so I simply put the idea in the back of my mind for future reference.  Fast forward to our Sunday morning long run that week and "short" Emily and "tall" Emily showed up for our 18 mile long run with a stroller in tow to "test the waters".  As we set out on our long journey, the Emilys shared what they would be doing with Mellisa and I.  By the middle of said long run, Mellisa and I had committed to joining the push team with the Emilys. 

Several weeks went by and we hadn't heard anything in regards to who we would be pushing and what their special need was.  We then received an email and found out that they were having a hard time finding special needs participants for the race.  The Executive Director of Dream Days was shocked by this as he thought finding the runners to push the participants would be the hardest part.  The very next day we were given our Team Captain!  We would be pushing Barry Winovich who is in the fight of his life battling ALS.  "Short" Emily sent us this video link so we could get to know our captain a little better.  Needless to say, there were many tears shed and even more gratitude to have been given the honor to push such an amazing individual.  In watching the video, we learned that Barry founded Bright Side of the Road Foundation because he chose to "start living". 

Yesterday marked our final long run prior to the Cleveland Marathon on May 18.  We did a lot of soul searching and talking about Barry and life in general as well as what our ultimate goal for Sunday will be. In the end the goal is simple......get Barry across the finish line of another 26.2 mile journey.  There will be a lot of prayer, determination, sweat, and probably a few tears.  Inevitably there will be pain but our pain is only temporary compared to the challenging journey that Barry and his family are on.  This marathon is not about us, it's about Barry Winovich, a truly inspirational soul.  With God's grace and Barry's will to fight, we will succeed.

If you are out on the course Sunday morning and see us in our mint green tanks, pushing a specially designed running stroller, please cheer for Team Barry.

Source:  Google Images

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

I finished the Cleveland Marathon

You will have to wait for a detailed race report because I have A LOT to write about and I'm insanely exhausted, but here's the quick version.

Final Time: 5:53:24

No less than 8 full on anxiety attacks before and during the race.
Tears being shed no less than 5 times.
The desire to walk off the course at mile 7 but THANKFULLY Dave had my back for all 26.2 miles.  I couldn't have done it without him. 

Full report of the weekend to follow soon! 

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

Final 20 Miler Complete

This weekend the training schedule called for the final 20 miler of the training cycle.  Jenn and I had decided to sign up for The Cleveland 10 Miler for part of this training run.  Our plan was to run 10 miles before the race and then finish the last 10 on the course.  Dave, who is on a bit of an altered training plan, would be coming up from Columbus to join us for the last 10 miles.  Jenn and I exchanged several text messages early Saturday morning.  The main topic of the texts were the weather.  We went back and forth a bit about what we were going to do.  Jenn asked me if it was bad that she wanted to meet at 7 instead of our original plan of 6 since the weather was calling for the rain to stop by 7.  If we met at 7 we would be doing 5 miles before the race and 5 miles after the race.  I told her she had to suck it up because it could pour all 26.2 miles on May 15.  She said I was right and told me she would be on her way shortly.  When we got to our meeting place the rain had stopped and the weather was fantastic.  Since we got a later start than we had planned we decided to run 9 miles before the race and do the final mile at the end.  The first 9 miles went by quickly.  We ran a nice easy pace and Jenn even asked to run up a killer hill twice!  I was perfectly fine with that.  During the course of the first 9 miles we stopped back at our cars because we had gone out wearing long sleeves and we were hot so we quickly got all of our race stuff ready and I changed into a short sleeve shirt which was much better.  We did a final loop near the starting line to complete our first 9 miles. 

Rocking our running skirts after 9 miles

The plan was to meet Dave at the start line.  However, it was really crowded so I was concerned we wouldn't be able to find him.  I tried calling him but he didn't have his phone on him.  Jenn and I decided to walk over to the start line where I spotted my co-worker E.  We walked over to him and exchanged hugs.  He commented on our "Scottish Kilts".  We told E that they were our marathon outfits and we had gotten a lot of compliments on them during our first 9 miles!  Two minutes later another co-worker, Danielle, walked up to me and hugged me and told me we were crazy for running before the race.  I gave her a hug and thanked her and then out of nowhere Dave was walking right towards us.  We talked for a minute or so and then the race started.  Our plan was to run between 10:15-10:30 mile pace.  Our first mile came in under 10 minutes..oops...sorry guys, I am usually much better at controlling pace.  I was able to get us on the right pace during mile two.  I checked in with Jenn and she said she was feeling good.  Checked in with Dave and I got the same answer...although I think his exact answer was that he was fine.  Starting right around mile 3 (12 miles for us at this point) Jenn began to struggle.  I gave her the usual pep talks, tried to get her to focus on different colored shirts to catch up to, tagged out to Dave to try and boost her spirits.  Turns out Jenn wasn't feeling well from chugging water and gatorade and she ended up throwing up on the course a few times.  We were all still together at mile 5 and then Jenn was slowly dropping back.  Dave and I kept trying to keep her spirits up.  A few minutes later another runner on the course said Jodi?  I realized right away it was Kelsey from dailymile.  We had originally planned to meet up before the race but that didn't work out.  I am so glad she introduced herself on the course!  Then around mile 6 I had to decide what to do.  I told Dave I felt bad and I was thinking I needed to run ahead.  I asked him if he was coming with me to which he replied it depends how fast you are going to run.  I promptly told him I wasn't going to be going much faster than our current pace because my shoulder and legs were pretty much done by mile 13.  Reluctantly, I ran ahead and Dave came with me.  I am pretty sure we kept the same pace for the next 2 miles.  During the final 2 miles I actually told Dave I need ed to slow down because I looked at my watch and we were running sub 9 pace.  Dave ran ahead of me a little bit during the last two miles and I remember telling him I just wanted to finish.  My legs were done, my shoulder was done, and I was done.  I was so glad to see the finish line up ahead and I lengthened my stride to try and get to the line faster.  I crossed the line in 1:42:55 and promptly walked over to the side and proceed to completely bend in half.  I was hot, in pain, and tired.  Dave was very helpful and kind (thanks Dave).  He got me to walk and got me some water.  I have never felt the way I did yesterday after a run/race.  Dave even mentioned that he had never seen me that way after an event.  I am not sure why I felt so bad.  Maybe my body is ready for taper and it was trying to tell me to slow down.  I also told Dave that 19.07 (I had run back a few times to take Jenn water which explains the .07) was good enough for the day in my book.  I then told Dave I needed to go back out and get Jenn and he told me he would come with me.  Imagine our surprise when we started walking back out on the course and Jenn's name is being announced as she is crossing the finish line.  She was only 4 minutes behind us.  We all talked for a few minutes and I told Jenn that I thought 19.07 was good enough for the day.  She said she was going to finish out the 20 so she can say she did it.  Jenn, Dave, and I talked to some other runners and Jenn mentioned that she runs better alone because she doesn't like feeling like she is holding me back.  We also had a few pictures taken at this point.

Jenn, Kelsey, and I

Jenn, Dave, and I

 Once we took the pictures, I handed Dave my medal to hold and Jenn and I went off to finish up our run.  My watch hit 20 miles before Jenn's so we stopped back at the tent and Jenn said she was going to finish up her .07 and meet me back by the food.  I found Dave and we waited for Jenn.  I did eat some egg casserole but it wasn't sitting so well so I threw most of it out.  I then decided to try an apple and I immediately choked on the apple skin.  I regained my composure and Jenn snapped a picture of Dave and I.  

Dave and I.  Notice I'm still holding the evil apple

Jenn and I used yesterday's 20 miles as a dress rehearsal of sorts.  We have matching outfits for the marathon so we wanted to wear them during at least one training run before our 26.2.  I have to say I loved the skirt.  We ordered them from runningskirts and I highly recommend them.  The added bonus is I think I looked pretty cute out there today!

Rocking my running skirt



With our final 20 mile run behind us we headed our separate ways.  Jenn texted me and mentioned that she just needed to figure out how to clear her head when running with others.  She then mentioned that she just may have to ignore Dave and I and focus like she is on her own.  I replied back that after the way she killed the last four miles of the race, we had actually thought about that.  I then told her she could pretend we were invisible.  She said she felt bad for doing that and I told her not to feel bad and just run behind us and pretend we are imaginary and join us at the finish line.  She said pretending we are invisible sounded good and that running behind us and joining us at the finish sounded like a plan.  So we shall call this the "invisible running partners" race plan. 

I am so thankful that the final 20 mile training run is in the books.  I am looking forward to the taper and being at the start line of the Cleveland Marathon in 21 days!!

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

Thumbs Up Thursday...Jennifer

This week's spotlight is on Jennifer of Endurance Mom: Going the Distance (here). Jennifer just recently started blogging so once you read her interview check out her blog and give her some love!

Jodi: How long have you been running?
Jennifer: Short answer: Approx. 10 months.

Long answer: Well, I was on the track team in jr. high and high school (freshman year only), but I didn’t enjoy it. lol It was one of those “my friends are doing it, so I guess I’ll do it” things. I was painfully shy in my younger years, so I had few friends…and those I did have, I clung to fiercely. After high school, with the exception of a brief stint of trying to lose some weight in college, I hadn’t run at all until I started back up again last May.

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Jennifer: Short answer: I wanted to supplement my strength training sessions (3x/wk) with some additional cardio.

Long answer: After years of gaining weight and maybe losing a bit here & there, but then gaining it back (& then some), I decided to try *one more time*. I met with a trainer (Josh Dickey of Sculpt Fitness Training in Akron, OH) in January 2010. And February 1st was the first day of my new life. By May, I was down 30lbs and was feeling pretty good about myself and decided to see if I could start adding in some walk/jogs on my *off* days. I started out only being able to jog half a block before getting completely winded. In 11 months I became a runner and regained my joy for life. I’m a completely different person. I’m a better person…a better wife, a better mom, a better friend, a better employee.

Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Jennifer: About 9 months…my 1st race was a 5k in Mansfield, in June.

Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Jennifer: I haven't run them all yet, but I think I tend to prefer between a 10k and a half marathon. It seems to be the most comfortable distance...not too easy, not too hard.

Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Jennifer: I think my 10k was my favorite...it was down in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, sunny, and it was the largest group that I've ever run with. I felt inspired and so strong being a part of that group and I think it was the first time I actually FELT like an athlete and like I belonged there. The whole race was peaceful and I was just in this zone...I felt great.

Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Jennifer: I can't really say I've had any bad races. My hardest was probably my 2nd race (my 5 miler). I was so nervous because I had never actually run more than 3 miles that I worked my breathing into a tizzy and ended up getting a side cramp right around the 2mi mark. I thought for sure I was going to have to walk the rest of the race and was so bummed out. I only ended up walking about a quarter mile and was able to breathe through it and then still ended up finishing under my goal time.

Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Jennifer: Every new race challenge I meet & complete is my proudest running moment because it means I’m still improving and still surpassing goals that I never would have placed for myself a mere 12 months ago.

Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Jennifer: I’d be hard pressed to run without music. I LOVE music…finding the right tunes really helps keep my legs moving when I get to that point where I don’t think I can go any faster or any farther.

Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Jennifer: I kind of started a tradition with my first race without realizing it at the time…I always (if it’s local) get a Robek’s smoothie and drink that about 1-2 hours before a race. It’s never treated me wrong and usually I can get by without any *fuel* during a race…unless it’s over 8-9 miles. Otherwise, I’ve only ever tried GU before. Not sure if it actually helped me or not, but I’ll probably try it again for my upcoming half (& then the full in Cleveland, in May).

Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Jennifer: Really anything. Lol. I’m usually so hungry afterwards that I’ll eat just about anything! I usually go for something that I normally wouldn’t eat during the week, though, because it’s my opportunity to *splurge*.

Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Jennifer: Anyone who has surpassed some limitation that they have had (either perceived or actual) and gone on to surprise themselves with what they are truly capable of. Those are the people that keep me motivated. For instance…a friend just tweeted this video which I found truly inspiring: http://vimeo.com/9358866
I also found the biography of Matt Long (The Long Run) incredibly motivating.

Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Jennifer: I have several, but I come back to this one a lot: What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jodi: Finish this statement: When I run I feel __________

Jennifer: like I can do anything.

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Jennifer: My biggest upcoming goal is to run my 1st marathon (the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon) in May.

Jodi: Please feel free to add anything else you feel will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run!!
Jennifer: First off, NEVER GIVE UP! If you're still breathing, you have a chance to improve your life in some way. You never really fail unless you quit trying. Every missed goal is just another opportunity to learn and to try again. Even if it's hard when you first try it, don't give up...it really does get easier! When I started running, I couldn't run more than 100 feet without getting winded and spiking my heart rate to 190. 8 months later I ran a half marathon at a 10:40 pace and didn't collapse when I finished! ;) And just yesterday, I ran a sub-8:30 mile (for 2 miles) for the 1st time! The only other advice I have is to BE KIND TO YOURSELF! I still struggle every day with giving myself credit for what I HAVE accomplished rather than what I haven’t. Negative self-talk is, I think, THE biggest obstacle to anyone’s success. Here’s one more quote to leave you with: “We have to learn to be our own best friends because we fall too easily into the trap of being our own worst enemies” – Roderick Thorp, Rainbow Drive.

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Jennifer! Best of luck completing your first marathon! I will see you there!

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

Marathon Training Week 2...Mission Accomplished

Today's 10 mile run brought week two of marathon training to an end. Overall, I had another great week! Let's hope there are 16 more great weeks ahead of me!

Monday- My favorite day of marathon training because it's a rest day. Of course we didn't have school on Monday so I didn't get any weight training (in the form of putting delivery trucks away) in.

Tuesday- My alarm went off at 4:30 AM for my 3 mile tempo run at the Y. Felt really good and enjoyed the run.

Wednesday- Once again the alarm sounded at 4:30 AM. Nice easy 5 mile run at the Y. Although, I didn't get the memo that it was "wear red to workout" day. It really was quite an entertaining conversation. You can read about it here. I loved the comments on my post that day! Everyone had such great perspectives on the issue! When I got to work a delivery truck was already there so I had a nice bonus session of "weight training" at 7 AM!

Thursday- For the third day in a row my alarm sounded at 4:30 AM. My brother stayed with us Wednesday night because he had a meeting on Thursday and our house was closer to his destination. After I woke him up and got him organized I headed down to the treadmill for my "hill" workout. 3 miles with two .25 mile "hills" mixed in. I was watching the end of The Bucket List and I had some trouble breathing during the cool down mile because the end of the movie is sad and I was trying not to cry. I wonder if watching sad movies while running is the key to oxygen deprivation training. LOL

Friday- Nice day of cross training. 30 minutes (2.5 miles) on the elliptical and 15 minutes of rope skipping!

Saturday- Headed down to the treadmill and ran a nice easy 5 miles while watching Fever Pitch.

Sunday- Last night the weather was calling for 12 degrees (feels like -3) for Jenn and I's 10 mile run today. Jenn texted me last night to see if I would rather run at 1:30PM instead of 6:45AM since it was going to be so cold. I had to text her back and tell her that it would have to be 6:45AM due to my schedule today. I didn't get to sleep until after 11:00 last night and when my alarm went off at 5:30AM I pressed snooze. I really wanted to stay in bed under the nice warm covers but I forced myself to get up because Jenn was counting on me to be there. I am so glad that Jenn and I do our long runs together because if I was running on my own today I would have gone back to sleep and would have had to force myself to get my 10 miles in on the treadmill later today. In the end, the weather wasn't all that bad. Once we got started we warmed up rather quickly. In fact Jenn took a layer off around mile 1. We had a great run today and managed to run 10:35 pace. Such a difference compared to our "lead leg" 11:26 pace 9 miler last Sunday.

Next week is a bit of a step back week. Jenn and I only have a 7 miler on tap for next Sunday. It's going to be so weird to be done so quickly. I have a feeling we are going to want to run further. However, we are two very smart women and we know well enough to respect the training!

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

Week One of Marathon Training Complete!

Well week one of marathon training is in the books! Overall, it was a pretty successful week.

Monday- First day of marathon training which also happened to be a rest day! You have to love starting your training by doing absolutely nothing! Of course I do put stock away at work so I suppose I could count that as a weight workout--most of the cases are close to 30lbs!

Tuesday- 3 mile tempo run on the indoor track at the Y! Think I got into the groove a little too much after my 9:30 warm-up mile. My plan was to run aroun 8:25 pace for my tempo miles however I ran them in 7:58 and 7:59 respectively. Go figure my overall pace of 8:28 for the three miles was quite close to my intended tempo pace.

Wednesday- Easy 5 miler on the treadmill while watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding...maybe if I put some windex on my legs they won't be sore!

Thursday- 3 miles with two .25 mile "hill repeats" on the treadmill. This was a tough one for me. I felt like I was going to fly off the back of the treadmill during the "hills". I followed the "hill workout" with 20 minutes of jump roping. My calves were definitely feeling the burn! I may want to reconsider which day I get my jump rope workout in!

Friday- Cross training day. 2.5 miles (30 minutes) on the elliptical while watching The Bucket List. Found this movie choice very appropriate since completing a marathon is on my bucket list.

Saturday- 5 miles on the indoor track at the Y. I was trying to run at a nice easy pace but I was in the groove and ended up running just under 9 minute mile pace. Oops!

Sunday- Today Jenn and I ran 9 miles. My legs (as well as Jenn's) felt like lead out there today. I don't know if it was a result of the increased intensity of the workouts this week or the snow on the trail or a combination of both but Jenn and I powered through those 9 miles. We didn't quit! It's these types of runs that are going to make us stronger in the end. There are no guarantees one of us won't have lead legs on marathon day so we knew we had to be strong and power through it. You have to be prepared for ANYTHING on race day!

Looking forward to week two of training and doing it all over again...well maybe minus the lead legs from today!!

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...Kim

These week's spotlight is on Kim of Book Worm Runs (here). Stop on over to her blog and say hello after you read her interview! I love that Kim and I have a goal in common...you will have to read her answers to see what I mean! :)

Jodi: How long have you been running?
Kim: I started running in January 2009 using the couch to 5k program. When I started I could barely run for 1 minute at a time!! I definitely credit that program for getting me hooked on running. There is nothing like seeing progress week after week to keep me motivated!

Jodi: Why did you start running?
Kim: In 2008 my husband and I decided to start trying to have children. Unfortunately I went on to suffer 3 miscarriages and was subsequently diagnosed with a chromosomal abnormality. I was told that the likelihood of me carrying a healthy pregnancy to term was slim to none. Needless to say my husband and I were devastated. The miscarriages really took a toll on us mentally and I slipped into a deep depression. When the New Year (2009) came I decided I wanted to reclaim control over my body and my life. I decided to start running not only for my mental health but also because I wanted to prove that my body wasn't a complete failure. That I could still achieve goals that I set my mind to and that my body was still capable of doing amazing things even if carrying a baby was not one of them. Running has been my saving grace and really was instrumental in pulling me out of my depression.


Jodi: How many years have you been racing?
Kim: My first race was a 5k in May 2009, just 4 months after I started running. My Mom is a breast cancer survivor so I decided my first race would benefit breast cancer research. I raised over $300 and ran my first race dedicated to her! I have since gone on to run 6 more 5k's, 3 10k's and a Half Marathon :o)


Jodi: What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Kim: Honestly, anything other than a 5k!! I am really short and run really slow so I am just not built for the speed that the 5k requires! I definitely prefer the longer races because I don't have to run at full speed and I really feel like I earned that medal! LOL!


Jodi: What is your favorite race memory?
Kim: It would have to be running my very first 5k and coming around the corner with 1/2 mile to go and seeing all my family and friends there cheering for me! It was amazing to know I was going to finish my first race and that all the people I loved were there to see me do it! :o)


Jodi: What is your least favorite race memory?
Kim: I don't really have any bad race memories!! I honestly have had awesome experiences at every race I go to! I always go and have fun no matter what. I feel truly blessed to even be able to run and be active so even if I am having an "off" day and am not running the best I am still having fun!


Jodi: What is your proudest running moment to date?
Kim: For sure it is crossing the finish line at my first Half Marathon :o) I trained really hard all summer to run that race and every moment was amazing. I will never forget rounding the corner and seeing the finish line and just bursting into tears! :o) So many emotions were rushing through me it was overwhelming. I was so extremely proud of myself that day!


Jodi: What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Kim: My Garmin!! I am addicted to that thing! LOL! Also, I love my Camelbak. It got me through those 90 degree long runs this summer! :o)


Jodi: What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Kim: I have always just used Gatorade! I find it works the best at giving me that extra push and also quenches my thirst. As I start to train for my Marathon, though, I will have to experiment with other fuel like Gu.


Jodi: What is your favorite post race snack?
Kim: Chocolate milk!! I also love eggs...either scrambled or an egg sandwich :o)


Jodi: Who do you admire most and why?
Kim: I really really admire and am in awe of people like Matt Long who have suffered a horrible tragedy and who have emerged from that tragedy and done something amazing. I only hope I have the spirit and the will to do the same thing if ever I am in their position.


Jodi: Do you have a favorite quote?
Kim: I have a few but my absolute favorite is from John Bingham: "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start".


Jodi: Finish this statement, when I run I feel ________.

Kim: Alive!!!!

Jodi: What is your current goal?
Kim: To run the Cleveland Marathon in May 2011!!! People have asked me why I want to run a Marathon and I always tell them that once I run a Marathon I know there is nothing I can't conquer! :o)

Because you can never have enough race pictures, here are a few more of Kim!!

1st 10K- August 2009

2nd 10K- June 2010

2nd 10K- June 2010

5k- March 2010

5k- March 2010

5K- May 2010

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Kim! Best of luck in accomplishing your current goal (which happens to be one of my goals as well)! See you in Cleveland!!

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

Happy Blogiversary to Me!! Skeleton 5k Race Report

Today marks the one year anniversary of my blog! One year ago I created my first post (here) which explained that my blog would document my training for the 2010 Cleveland Marathon. I never imagined I would improve so much in just a year. Of course I had my share of struggles, such as my Cleveland Marathon DNF (here). Along with those struggles, I also had many successes. Let's take a look at what a difference a year makes!!

2009 PR's
5K- 24:08 at the Reindeer Run (here)
5 Miler - not raced in 2009
10K- 52:35 at the Peace Race
10 Miler- not raced in 2009
Half Marathon- 1:54:14 at the Columbus 1/2 Marathon
Marathon- not raced in 2009

2010 PR's
5K- 22:48 at the Voices for Recovery 5K (here)
5 Miler- 42:13 at the St. Malachi 5 Miler (here)
10K- not raced in 2010
10 Miler- 1:21:34 at the Cleveland 10 Miler (here)
Half Marathon- 1:51:18 at the Detroit Free Press 1/2 Marathon (here)
Marathon- no time recorded since my race ended at mile 25.52.

I would say the successes far outweigh the struggles!

What better way to celebrate my one year blogiversary than to run a 5K so I headed out to do just that this morning! My friend Nikki and I decided before Detroit last week that we would run the Skeleton 5K this weekend! Since it is a Halloween themed race, Nikki convinced me to wear a costume since today's run was all about fun! My plan was to just run how I felt. Imagine my surprise when I realized I felt good enough to run a 23:33 and place 2nd in my age group and receive a pumpkin roll for my costume!! Not too shabby one week post 1/2 marathon!! They say a picture is worth a thousand words so I will let the pictures from today speak for themselves!

Nikki and I before the 5K

Nikki and I after the 5K

2nd place in age group (35-39)

Nikki and I's kids asked if they could run around the track after the awards ceremony. So of course we agreed and I got lots of great pictures!!

Kaelynn and Olivia "running"

Kaelynn and Olivia actually running

Grant and Morgan running. Look at my son go!

Grant all smiles when he realized he was going to "win"
Grant wins!

Me and the kiddos starting a lap around the track. Grant never started and Kaelynn stopped at the 200 meter mark! LOL

What an amazing year it has been! Thank you to everyone for your encouragement, support, and advice along the way! I am continually amazed by the kindness of the running community! Today I will declare as I did one year ago today that I am training for the 2011 Cleveland Marathon! This time, I WILL finish upright, and continue to document my journey along the way!!

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