Mo' training week in review: Week 14 and the Cleveland 1/2 Marathon

One more month until my first 50 miler! I can't believe it's coming so fast. I started worrying a bit during the week, but calmed down by the time the weekend arrived. I got a hard long run to do this weekend, and it was amazing! Unfortunately due to my busy schedule this week I had to do it on the treadmill, but it did get done. Put the treadmill on the "hills" setting and just did it. 5k x 6 in the a.m. (5k hard/5k easy alternating) and 5k x 6 in the p.m. I can't believe I did it! My longest mileage in a single day yet! It calmed my nerves quite a bit. When Ray told me what to do I had to send an email back to him just to make sure I heard right. What's funny is I think I had a minor breakthrough. I didn't even think about the distance I needed to run for the day, I just simply ran it. Nuff said. There were a few moments in between my runs that I just shook my head in disbelief though. I LOVE IT! I can't wait to see what this weekend brings :) This week also meant a run with Guy Gadomski. He's always fun to run with! We ran @ Girdled Road which was perfect!

The Cleveland Marathon/Half Marathon

The festivities started on Friday! Stan Hembrough came all the way from B.C. to run the Cleveland 1/2 with me and my family. My husband had off on Friday, I took off, and we all headed downtown on Friday morning to get our race packets/bib, etc, etc. We visited the Rock Hall and showed Stan the West Side Market. We ate at the Galleria, but if I would've been thinking we would've just ate at the West Side Market. Oh well, next time!

Saturday

We spent the day sightseeing a bit, taking Stan to some parks and also dealing with my fidgety son! He had so much energy from his taper, and was acting pretty wired. Seriously -I almost told him to just go run! He was excited about the upcoming 1/2 marathon and was driving me nuts. Dinner was spent with some NERC friends and was organized by Jeannie Rice who was running her 70th marathon at Cleveland. I was so tired during dinner as my running and my nasty cold started taking its toll. Of all the weekends to get sick! Seriously it's not like it's my busiest weekend ever or anything! SHEESH!!!!

Sunday - 1/2 Marathon day!

We woke up early and left the house around 5 a.m. Good thing we did though, because once again the battle for the port a potty was on! The first person we saw was Mark Anson who I'm happy to report had a good run in the marathon! I was nervous for Mark as he is just coming back from an injury, but so glad to hear he made it through pain free! We then saw both Charlie and Edie while standing in the infamous port a potty line. I'm glad I got to see some NERC peeps before the race! Even if it was screaming across lines of people! We made it out of the port a potty with 2 minutes to spare. Again. Same as last year. Hell, we'll probably have to leave at 4 a.m. next year just to make sure we have time to use the bathroom in an acceptable amount of time. UGH! Panicked and in line (way to close to the front, I might add) the race began!

My husband and Stan took off never to be seen again, and my son and I trotted along at a very steady pace. We were so busy talking and laughing at things that we didn't even realize we had already run three miles! My son was shocked and happy. When we passed bands or speakers blaring music, we ran by dancing and/or playing air drums. Along the way we saw Carole and Beth who both looked strong and did well! Congrats to them both!

Throughout the run I was constantly trying to yell and scream and get the crowd pumped up for the other runners, but due to my cold my shouts were coming out quiet and sounding funky. Going through Edgewater my son started to panic a bit as his foot started hurting. The road was slanted and there was no way of getting around running on that slant. After it flattened out his foot was fine, and we had only 2 miles to go! He was still feeling good and pumped that he ran his furthest distance ever! He said quite a few times that he can't believe he was doing what he was doing, that he never ever thought that it would be possible. He was extremely proud of himself and I was extremely proud of him! I wondered where how my husband was doing, hoping his knee was holding up. Then, we saw him! It was around mile 12 1/2 and he was standing on the side of the road waiting for us. He ran with us, and we turned the final corner. My son the sprinted all the way to the end! I could barely keep up with him! He grabbed his medal proudly and all three of us gave each other giant hugs (awwwwwwww!) We chilled on the grass for awhile, then ran to see some NERC peeps finishing. Celebration
We celebrated at the Hard Rock Cafe afterwards with some friends. I'm thankful to those who made it out after being tired and sweaty! We all displayed our medals proudly :) While we ate a young boy came in with his father. He had just ran the marathon in 3:05! Holy Geez! I said, "So you qualified for Boston, huh? Congrats!" He told me he had no idea, that this was his first marathon. I told him many times to double check that qualifying time. He was pretty excited about the thought of that. When I came home, I double checked and sure enough, HE QUALIFIED! I sure hope he checked! My son, who I thought would be just exhausted after his run didn't even go inside. He jumped on his bike to go play with his friends. I couldn't believe it! He wore his medal all day while he played, still so proud and accomplished.

Again I'm so proud of my guys. I wish I could've been there to see my husband cross the finish line. With his knee issues he had a tough battle during training and triumphed. Anything is possible when you put your mind to it and work hard to accomplish your goals. My guys are living proof out that! Congratulations to everyone who ran Cleveland this past weekend. You have achieved something so amazing and should be so proud!

Mo' training week in review: Week 13, The Step Forward 5k Race Report, and the Cleveland 1/2 Marathon!

Mo' training

Ray put me on a running vacation this week, no more than 30 minutes a day to keep the joints loose. So nothing spectacular or out of the ordinary to report on training this week (other than the fact that 1/2 hour turned into an hour when I got lost on Wednesday at North Chagrin!) Yeah that stunk.

Step Forward 5k Race Report

This race held a special place in my heart as well as my son's. The race was held to recoup funds a PTO mom stole from the school. Basically, money stolen right out of the kids hands. We had to run this. My son went to this elementary school and it is the most wonderful school. The principal is the greatest (Mr. Miley or, Smiley as the students call him) and the teachers are the best. I truly believe you couldn't find a better school than this one. This being said we came home on Friday and got ready for the race. It was held Friday evening. Evening races are always so unusual to me. What to eat before or what NOT to eat? Evening races during the week are also crummy since I wake up @ 2 a.m. during the week. I was going to sleep at lunch, but was too awake at that time so I couldn't. Was going to sleep a little when I got home, but was then too excited - so I couldn't. My son came home and we both got ready, then sat around until it was time to go. (By the way - the fuel of choice was decided. Power Bar before, dinner after) I was pleased to see so many NERC people at the run, and I have to say the race director noticed as well.

The start
My son and I took our respective places at the start. I was feeling either 1. gung ho or 2. stupid. I think it was more like #2. The race started and I shot off. Faster than the fastest guy even! All I could think was, "What the HELL am I doing!" AND "What the HELL am I STILL doing!" It didn't take long for the first place runner to catch me, and then came Weber! "We're only going at a 5-something pace you know!" I wanted to puke. I made an all too common mistake, my excitement got to me and I started out too fast and it cost me. Soon Rick Webb passed, and after awhile Mike. ARRRGGGHHH! (I have to admit I was having fun though!) I'm not sure what mile it was that Cassie came along, but she did and she was looking so strong! She passed me and I just thought...."Awwww shoot." I didn't realize it was Cassie until the end of the race! She ran smart and strong and absolutely deserved her 1st first place overall victory! Congrats Cassie! I was happy with my 2nd place, but am a little bummed that I can't record it as a PR, since the course was short. My Garmin had 2.81. YIKES! No matter though, this race was more about helping the coolest kids ever-the ones that attend Hale Road! As soon as I was finished, I turned in my card and went to grab my camera. Like a flash he came by, and I wasn't even ready! I so didn't expect to see my son so soon, but I did! I didn't get a pic, but I sure did yell! He did awesome and came out 2nd in his age group. I'm so proud of him! He did really well! It really pumped him up for his weekend long run, too.

The Step Forward 5k was a nice event, and kudos to Candice Richards for organizing and being the one to step up and take action for all those kids. I'm sure they all appreciate it and the effort will not be forgotten! Mr. Miley stated that between both the walk and the run there were 200 people. Not too shabby! Congrats Hale Road!

The Cleveland 1/2 Marathon

This is it. The time has come, the time for my husband and son to run their first ever 1/2 marathon! They've both worked so hard, pushed themselves further than they ever thought was possible. They ran their last long run this weekend and both felt really good afterwards. My son got his first blister after Sunday's run, and like a true runner he was quite proud of it. My son told me today that he can't wait until Sunday, that he thinks it's going to be so much fun. I'm glad he'll be starting out with a smile! When your last long run goes so well it does so much for your confidence level. I'm so glad for them! I'll be there and running alongside them, being the bag lady, lol. I'll carry water on my back in my hydration pack along with any supplies I think they may need - Gu Chomps, bandaids, etc. Yeah I'm still a mom and will probably overpack :) I just want to ensure that the experience will be really amazing for them!

The weekend is shaping up to be quite a busy one. Stan Hembrough is coming all the way from Surrey B.C.! (Vancouver-ish area) He and his friend will be staying here until Tuesday, so hopefully we can find him enough things to do! Saturday evening my family, Stan, and his friend will all be eating with my running club at a restraunt located in Mentor. Then the race. After the race I organized a get-together at the Hard Rock Cafe. So far we have about 16 people going for sure, so it should be good times. We'll all be sweaty and smelly, but who cares - because we will all be having FUN!!!

Mohican 50 miler training: Week 12

Long Run

Lots has happened since Boston! I thought I was superwoman and decided I should go for a 5 hour run in the CVNP. With Ray in Tunisia, I wasn't really sure if this was smart or not so soon after Boston. The beautiful scenery and great company made it well worth the trip though!


I sat and thought about my over-booked plans for the weekend and wondered how the heck I was going to get everything done. (brother's visit, kayak race, long run, son's first 9 miler, cleaning, shopping, etc., etc.) Then while scrolling through facebook, I saw Nick Billock's post, he was running in the CVNP on Friday. I put in my request to leave work early on Friday (I worked 4 a.m. - 9 a.m.) and ditched the OT I had acquired through the week. It was worth it though! Kim Boner came to run as well, and I was glad to have company on the hot, humid day it was becoming. The CVNP always seems to kick my butt. I have to get out there more. It such a different ball game out that way, there's nothing that can really compare. Sure we have North Chagrin, but even that doesn't even come close to the CVNP in terms of challenging terrain.

I wish I didn't live so far away! It took me 1/2 hour to get to the Boston Store from my job, but an hour to get home. Blech. Still worth it though :) We got a pretty good history/geography/CVNP lesson from Mr. Billock. About half way through Nick and Kim left, and I was running solo. By this time the salt was already attacking me! I had sooo much on me already, this was by far the "saltiest" I've become on a run. I got home and my brother pulled up, and I had the great pleasure of tormenting him with my salty self. He said he never saw anything like it, and I asked him if he wanted salt with his dinner :) I did feel pretty gross, and a shower didn't even help.

Kayak "race"

Saturday a.m. called for a kayak race on the Grand River with my son and brother. I say race but we didn't go there to be competitive, but just to have fun.(LOL if you look up our standings, we all came in last place for our categories/age groups!) I even packed lunch so we could stop for a bite in the middle of the race. I wasn't sure how my son would do with the 8 1/2 miles. He did great though! It was a lot of fun, the rain held off, and the temps were good. The highlight of the event was my brother falling in at mile .75!
I was lucky enough to have my camera out, and caught a snapshot before his smile turned into an ice cold frown! Saturday made for good times, and we talked of all we could do this summer with the kayaks.

My son's first 9 miler!

Sunday called for my son's first 9 miler, and he did great! My husband, son, and I all started out late, a product of all of us staying up until 2 ish (the time I normally wake up in the morning) the night before. We were all so tired. It was humid and kind of nasty out. We ran on the Maple Highlands trail (paved) and he did great! The look on his face when he was done says it all....
This weekend calls for his first 10 miler. After that: The Cleveland 1/2 marathon for husband and son! Their first 1/2 marathon! They are going to do so well, I CAN'T wait to see it and run by their side! It's my turn to support them and I love it!



So far this week:

I spoke with Ray yesterday (called him Saturday and he was headed out on a plane to Toronto! He just got back!!!!) Anyway - he has put me on a "running vacation" until at least Tuesday when I talk to him again. No more than 30 minutes of running a day and eating whatever I want. (This kind of food talk is dangerous around me)Next week it's back on! I can't wait! Although I do need the rest - between doubling up on runs (my running and running w/ my son), yard work, overtime, and not resting after Boston I am so tired!

Impossible 2 Possible: THEY DID IT!

Running Tunisia is finished! The amazing youth ambassadors, $4,768.22 was raised for Ryan's Well and $11,372.84 was raised for Giving Water! View the wrap up blog at:

http://impossible2possible.com/tunisia/?s=experience&id=77

You'll be amazed! Beautiful scenery, pit vipers, and puking included! LOL! CONGRATS TEAM I2P on a job well done! Keep following I2P for more awesome adventures, and buy some cool gear!

http://impossible2possible.com/?v=support