Happy Mom’s Day from Team in Training

Little Emma ready to cheer on her mom

I know you’ve heard me talk about Team in Training in the past. TNT (not “TIT”) will always hold as special place in my heart. It was through this program that I learned to run and more importantly learned to like to run. I also raised major cash for a great cause and had the experience of a lifetime.

Can you find me?

The coolest thing about TNT is that they combine smart training with fundraising. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. In exchange for your fundraising, TNT provides you with the coaching and training to get you to the start of your big event be it a half marathon, marathon or triathlon. The training experience is made more meaningful by knowing that you are working to help someone who has leukemia or lymphoma.

My kids will never forget the trip to Phoenix in 2009 to run my first marathon. TNT puts on a pre-race event like none other. We walked into the Hyatt Hotel and you could hear screaming from throughout the building. As we got closer to the convention hall, it was deafening. My family and I walked through a tunnel of TNT staff and volunteers screaming and whistling to show their gratitude for the money we had raised. I still get teary thinking about it.

It was at that moment that my kids “got” why I had trained so relentlessly for the past 16 weeks. They knew it was amazing that their mom would run 26.2 miles, but they also knew I had raised $4,000 to help someone who was sick.

Post-race TNT dinner complete with dancing and limbo and wine:

This week TNT completed a Mother’s Day Tribute video. In it, six moms describe their experiences with blood cancer and TNT. 

With this video TNT hopes to encourage awareness about what they do and to highlight one of their upcoming events, the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco on October 16, 2011. This event is SOLD OUT, but you can still get involved through TNT. Other benefits include:

• Race registration fee
• Dynamic, hands-on training from certified coaches
• Alumni mentors and your own web page for fundraising support
• Travel, lodging and pre- and post-event activities for an unforgettable weekend in San Francisco
• Training and social events with your team that build lifelong friendships
• And now there's TNT Flex, a customized, online training option developed by TNT's renowned coaches.

So if you have any inkling that you might want to run a marathon, here is an affordable, organized way to do it. You will never regret the decision. For more info, go HERE.

If you have questions about anything to do with TNT, drop me an email at shutuprun@gmail.com.

Have you ever had an experience with TNT or would you consider it?

SUAR

Winner & First Marathon Advice–Mine and Yours

A reader, Monica, emailed me with this question:

“I just wanted to know if you had any advice for my first marathon in a week? I have run 2 half marathons but this will be my first full...”

Oh yeah, sister. I have some advice for you. Prepare to soil. Or is that just me?

First of all, you are ahead of the game. When I ran my first marathon in 2009, I hadn’t even run a half before. I had no time goal, no watch, goofy clothes, a mixture of random gels safety pinned to my shirt. No mantra, no pace band, no cute clothes, no clue – really – except that I did not want to pass out or die on the course. I didn’t.

I used the shorts as a tent later in the summer. And don’t even ask why I had that ribbon tied around my sleeve. Maybe I was trying to be in the “present.”

Here are some tips that work for me:

Days leading up to the race:

• Limited or no dairy or fiber three days before the race unless you want to make a mess. Or is that just me? If you don’t tend to have GI issues when you run, then don’t sweat it, but I tried to follow this (from Dean’s book 50/50) for both fueling, rest and running:

• Learn about course. There are so many unknowns about race day, so at least this is one thing you can know for certain - the one thing that will not change.   When checking out the course, I always visualize myself running the race strong, smiling and at my desired pace.  
• Have a time goal? Make it known. I make my goals public. There were times when I really wished I hadn’t done this because I felt like if I didn’t get there, I’d be a failure. But in the end, I think it made me work harder
• Sit on your ass. The week before the race I watched inspirational movies like “The Spirit of the Marathon” and “Race for the Soul.” These help get you motivated and in the right frame of mind.
• Trust your training. You’ve put in your time. Don’t psyche yourself out.
• Check and re-check the weather. Do not be ill-prepared. Go to Goodwill and buy a fancy outfit to throw away. Wash it well in hot water and Tide before wearing. Don’t buy underwear from Goodwill. This was my best throw away ever. I got very attached to it and almost couldn’t toss it:

Day of the race/during:

• Wait on the tunes. If you are going to run with music, try waiting until the half way mark to put your buds in. This will give you something to look forward to and will give you a boost in the later miles.
• Turn off auto pause. If you use a Garmin, be sure it’s not auto pause or your total time running will be off.
• Have faith. Even when things fall apart, it doesn't mean everything's going to hell. Always have hope. NEVER lose sight of your goals. Keep the faith. If you don’t get them this time, try again. They’re yours for the taking.
• Stop worrying about what other people think. Do what’s right for you. Have confidence. Run your own race.
• Be kind to yourself. A time at the finish line is only hours and minutes. It doesn’t define you. You are not “good” because your time is “fast,” and you are not “bad” if you run at the back of the pack.
• Expect highs and lows. This is one I think you learn from experience. Now when I run a marathon and I get frustrated, tired, etc. I know it will pass. I don’t get sucked in.
• When the going gets tough:
  • Distract yourself with spectators, participants, and the scenery of the course. Think about your form. Tweak it a bit to take your mind off of pain.
  • Stop negative thoughts dead in their tracks and change them to positive affirmations.
  • Think about how proud family members and friends will be of you and your accomplishment.
  • SHUT UP AND RUN!!
• Have your family/friends there in the later miles. Knowing you will see them will get you through some hard spots.
• Hold your head up. When you cross the finish line, don’t look at your watch or you’ll miss your photo op. Here is a picture of Ken at the RnR Denver Half. Notice how he stops his watch, but looks up for the photo. I married him because he can multi task.

**How about you? What advice can you give Monica or the blog world about running your first marathon? You know you’ve got something up your sleeve.**

The winner of the Sporty Girl Jewelry Giveaway is 49/338 – Beth S.  Please email me at shutuprun@gmail.com. I don’t have any way of getting ahold of you!

SUAR

Colorado Marathon Race Report – Part Two

When we left off last, Tara and I were starting our marathon journey down the canyon. We parted ways as we had different time and pace goals.

With the pre-race night I had, I had no clue what I could or would bring to this race. I expected the best, but was prepared for the worst. The temps were about 30 degrees, the air was crisp and cool and the sun was just starting to emerge through the canyon. We were running to the east, so the sun warmed our faces. I had on my cheetah running skirt to make me think I could run fast. I had asked for and gotten this skirt from Running Skirts for Christmas specifically for this race. I only wore it once during training to make sure it didn’t chafe in all the wrong places. It didn't. And no, I never soiled it.

Here was my strategy going into the race - it wasn’t rocket science: Run the first two miles 10-15 seconds slower than race pace (8:40). Pick it up after that and maintain between an 8:30 and 8:40 pace for the remainder of the race. I wore a pace band, and set it for a 3:45 marathon to give me some wiggle room.

I was good for the first mile and took it slow.

Mile 1: 8:49

Mile 2: 8:27 (well, I kind of broke my rule on this one).

Another marathon rule I had was to drink at every aid station, alternating sports drink (Heed during this race) and water or drinking both. I stuck to this for the entire race with the exception of miles 24 and 25 when I couldn’t have given a shit, I just wanted to get to the finish. I had decided I would take a Hammer gel every five miles.

Mile 3: 8:28

Mile 4: 8:21

The sun was starting to really shine through now. No one on the course was talking. It was extremely peaceful with only the sound of running shoes on pavement and the white water flowing in the river only feet from the road.  I was completely and utterly in the present moment. I had decided to hold off on any music until at least the halfway point, and was very glad I did. There are so few moments in life when we are simply present. When we are not worried about much of anything, are not multi-tasking, are not distracted. We are just taking in what is before us. I did not know if I would make it 26.2 miles. I did not know if I would meet any of my goals. I did know I could put one foot in front of the other.

Mile 5: 8:19 – vanilla Hammer gel

Mile 6: 8:18

Mile 7: 8:22

At this point I decided to take advantage of the downhill and bank some time. I knew that these miles would be my fastest because once we got out of the canyon (about mile 17), it would flatten out and there would be some hills. I checked my pace band every mile and knew I was at least 2 minutes ahead of a 3:45 marathon. It was good to know I had a cushion if I needed to slow down later. I started to pass a girl and she said “Geez!” I asked her what was wrong and she said, “Well, if anyone passes me I look at their legs and if their legs are strong and toned like yours, I decide it’s okay for them to pass me.” Then she added, “But, I AM NOT GAY!” Her being gay was the last thing on my mind. Like I would worry about a lesbian hitting on me at this point anyway. She told me she was running her first marathon and wanted to break four hours. I told her she was WAY on track to do this. We would run together until about mile 18 when her husband jumped into the road blaring a trumpet. Made me totally crack up. I lost her. I hope she met her goal. I love runners.

Mile 8: 8:27

Mile 9: 8:22

You think about a lot of things while you run. Now I thought about Lucky and the fact that he would have his eye removed in the morning. I cried a bit. Lucky has the must stunning, big, beautiful brown eyes and it killed me to think one of them would be gone. I kept thinking about that quote that “the eyes are the window to the soul” and it broke my heart. I tried to file the sadness away, but sometimes it overtook me.

Mile 10: 8:17 – vanilla Hammer gel

Mile 11: 8:30

Mile 12: 8:11

I thought about the fact that I was nearing the halfway mark. I got such a mental boost when I thought I was coming up on mile 11, but it was really mile 12! At this point I knew Ken had started the half marathon and was on the same course. It gave me some comfort knowing he was close by. I hoped he was having a great race. What I didn't know was that he had blown out his calf at mile 3 and had to hobble the remaining 10 miles.

Mile 13: 8:07

Half marathon time: 1:49 – right on track for a BQ!

First marathon girl and I whooped and hollered as we passed the halfway point. There is something so mentally uplifting about knowing you are halfway. I had just congratulated myself for not having any poop emergencies when I had an unexpected squirt in the skort. It would be the only one for the race, but at the time I got a little freaked. It was so surprising I actually yelled out, “Shit!” And it was.

Mile 14: 8:04

Mile 15: 8:20 – Tried to take a chocolate Hammer. It was like tar. Threw it away after gagging

Mile 16: 8:32

As we came out of the canyon the sun was in full force. Mile 17 was the first point where we saw spectators. My only marathon experience was the Rock ‘n Roll Phoenix which had thousands of spectators and entertainment every step of the way. This was such a different experience. Seeing those people cheering me on as I cruised by was incredibly invigorating. I felt like I was flying.

Mile 17: 8:29

Mile 18: 8:06

I’m not a big Rod Stewart fan, but I have always loved the song Forever Young because of the message contained in the song. This was playing in my ear as I cruised by the spectators. May the good Lord be with you down every road you roam. May sunshine and happiness surround you when you’re far from home. May you grow to be proud, dignified and true. And do unto others as you'd have done to you…

Mile 19: 8:19

Mile 20: 8:21 – banana Hammer gel

There was a big ass climb called Bagel Hill between miles 19 and 20. I saw an aid station at the top and was concentrating on that. I powered up the hill. I had given myself permission to grab a drink at the aid station and walk through, drinking, until the trash can several feet away. It was mentally good to know I could take 10 seconds rest walking at each aid station if need be.

At mile 20 I had a great boost when Jill appeared to cheer me on and run with me for a bit. She really lifted my spirits – told me all the things everyone wants to hear at mile 20: “You look great!”, “It’s all downhill from here.” “You’re almost there.” Thanks Jill, I needed that!

Mile 21: 8:20

Mile 22: 8:50

Mile 23: 8:38

At this point, I had to dig deep. Everything below my waist hurt. I started to feel sick. I knew it was only three miles to the finish, and I knew that I had trained for this very moment. Here is where my mental strength would need to take over my body. I expected this to come and when it came, I was prepared. I dissociated from my physical body in a sense. I told myself I was tough. I told myself that nothing would keep me from my goal. I reminded myself that I was running towards my mom, dad, husband and kids who were at the finish line. It was Mother's Day. I teared up. I knew at most I would only be running another 25-30 minutes. I knew I could do anything for that amount of time.

Mile 24: 9:08

Slowest mile of the race and most challenging. I clung onto two girls beside me who were going for a similar time goal. This was the point at which a volunteer was trying to balance three feet of stacked HEED cups and just happened to let them fall right in my path. I was not in the mood for this and had to hurdle them to avoid falling. Freaking A!!!  I told myself I could slow down until mile 25. Then I agreed with myself I would pick it up for the rest of the race. Yes, I was talking to myself at this point.

Mile 25: 8:35

I knew I had done it. I knew I could walk the rest of the way (but I wouldn’t) and still make my goal. I started yelling “YES!” and a huge smile took over my face.

Mile 26: 8:29

I saw Ken, my biggest fan, at the 26 mile mark. I have never been so happy to see anyone in my life!! He yelled, “Go baby go. You’ve got this! Run to the finish!” I turned the corner and saw the FINISH line sign. It was SO close.

.2 mile: 8:10

I sped up, searching the crowd for my parents and kids. I saw them on the side lines and cheering me on. Sam took these photos:

I crossed the line and fell into my dad’s arms, sobbing. Then my mom’s. It came gushing out.  The stress fracture, the missed marathon in November, the weeks of training, the love and support of family and friends, Lucky.

    

Final stats: 3:42:36/ 8:28 pace/ 8th out of 70th in age group

And…I shaved 21 minutes off of my one/only marathon time (4:03 - 17 months ago)

Then reality set in and in perfect Shut Up and Run style I started to feel sick:

I knew all those gels wanted to get out via the colon. I headed to the porta potty and some guy in line said, “Cheetah girl! You were really kickin it at the end.” I said, “…and I got my Boston qualifier.” He started screaming, “Cheetah girl is going to Boston!” I love runners.

I knew we had to make it home and make it home quick. I spent the afternoon in bed and on the toilet. Who cares? One of the best days ever. By 5pm I was up for a margarita.

And at 7:30 the next morning Lucky got his eye removed.  He is fine. He still has one beautiful brown eye. He is one eyed and three legged. And he still has an erection.

Thanks for reading about my journey. Running is so much more than physical. It is about accomplishment, determination, discipline and success. It makes me a better person.

Surrender the Booty

I got the BEST gifts this year. The kind of gifts that just scream how well someone knows you. For instance, Ken gave me this ornament:

He and I decided (well, I probably decided because I am bossy that way) that when we got married (15 years ago) we would give each other meaningful ornaments each year (yeah, gag, too cute). I stopped buying ornaments at about year five. I don't know what happened. I just got lazy. So even though it was my idea I bailed. Do you ever do that? I am glad he is keeping up the tradition. Here are some favorites I've gotten.

Here's last year's. I was getting ready to run my first marathon (looks just like me if I had hair that looked like chocolate icing, no fingers and an adorable red sweatsuit):


Emma's first Christmas:

Three years ago:

Our first married Christmas:

Amongst other favorite gifts this year was a Snuggie. Not just any Snuggie, but a designer one. With a leopard print. I like to wear it around the house with nothing on underneath. It is about 200 yards of fabric, so it is very sexy indeed. Pair it with some 5" spike heels and you are ready to go clubbing. I love how this picture makes my head look really small. I also love how I look like I should be singing in a choir or something:

And I told you how I love Kenny Chesney. So I got these panties ("buried treasure" and "surrender the Booty"):

Other than that, it was just cool running stuff (yes, I got the cheetah running skirt) and a sweet mini camcorder.

What was your favorite gift this year? Snuggie? Panties? Deodorant? KY?

Drinking: Yogi Tea

First Marathon Race Report

As you know (if you really do keep track of stuff I do), I ran my first marathon in January 2009 (Rock 'n' Roll/Phoenix) after training with Team in Training (or TIT as I like to call it) for four months. Until then I had never been much of a runner (had never run further than a 10K), but decided to train for the 26.2 miles anyway. Secretly, I planned to down grade to the half marathon if need be. But race day came, and I felt ready, so I went with it. I had truly fallen in love with this running thing.

I didn't start this blog until March 2009, so there was no race report on Shutupandrun about my one and only marathon. It's been almost a year (and 3 half marathons, one relay and one injury later) and I'm feeling nostalgic, so I thought I'd post the report I wrote for my family blog (not alot of cussing or poop stories there). Just in case you care. As I'm hopefully healed from injury and getting ready to start training for the Colorado Marathon in May, it's good to remember where I got my start. I still tear up when I read this. In a second I can re-expereince it all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I got up at 5:45 a.m., put on my carefully laid out outfit. I kissed Ken and the kids goodbye (they would later find me at several points on the course). As I left Sam said, "Run with your heart." This was the last bit of inspiration I needed.

I boarded the school bus shuttle to the start. It was still pitch black and freezing. I had no idea where to go and it was a mass of people. Once I found the start, I noticed people were huddled around a generator that was giving off a bit of heat (and probably lethal carbon monoxide). I positioned myself in the middle of this huddle rubbing bodies with people I didn't know, but I was warm. At 7:30 a.m., I headed to Corral 5, my starting place. The national anthem was sung, the gun sounded, and we were off. Well not really. With all of the people it took me at least two minutes just to get to the start line.

I started out S L O W, which is what we were told to do. For each minute you start too fast, you supposedly lose four minutes later. My slowest miles were miles one and two.

Mile 3: First place I saw Ken and the kids. Emma looked miserable. Cold and tired. I felt great. But of course I did. Only 23 miles to go. I drank some Cytomax and plugged along.

Mile 5: Ate my first gel. Feeling really good. Had to pee, but didn't want to stop.

Mile 8: Next place I was to see Ken and the kids. Couldn't find them any where. Could it be I was running quicker than we thought? We guessed I'd be doing ten minute miles, but I was actually doing nines. Continued to grab water at each mile, but not stopping. Staying hydrated is key. Put in my headphones. Turned the corner heading east. The sun was in my face, Bruce was singing "The Rising," and I was running with my heart. Full on. I knew I could do this.

Mile 10: Can't deny the desire to pee. Found a port-o-potty with no line. Jumped in and and out. Back on the course in 1 minute. Grabbed some Cytomax drink and pretzels. Ate another gel (vanilla).

Mile 13.1: Half way! Two hours in. Saw Ken and the kids. Feeling really good at this point. Start to pick up my pace. More Cytomax. Got to keep hydrated.

Mile 18: Still keeping my pace and feeling strong. Ken and the kids are there again with their posters and cowbells. I am so glad to see them.

Mile 20: Now it is getting hard. I am feeling okay, but my legs are getting fatigued. People are slowing way down. Many are walking. I am keeping up my nine minute pace and passing many people. I remember what Julie said, "When you get tired, try to pass people and get your energy from that." I try to eat another gel, but am having trouble getting it down. I throw it on the ground and keep moving.

Mile 21: There's Ashley on the sidelines - my Team in Training coordinator. She has a huge purple afro on. She hugs me and runs with me. I am too tired to talk, but it's nice to see a familiar face.

Mile 22: Holy cow. Put one foot in front of the other. Don't stop. Don't slow down. Find a song that will keep up your energy. I kept repeating Green Day's "Basket Case," which has always been one of my favorite running songs. It keeps my pace on track. Don't stop moving or you might not be able to start again.

Mile 23: I am searching for the mile markers now. Breathing a sigh of relief each time I pass one. Only 3.2 miles to go. That's just one lap around Macintosh Lake. That's just one short run. I'm listening to Bruce's "Born to Run." I'm trying to find inspiration around me to keep going. I keep drinking water and putting one foot in front of the other. A surprise: there's Ken and the kids. The kids run with me for a block, but I am so focused it's hard to converse. Here's me at mile 23 (yeah, hurtin' just a tad):
Mile 24: If I just pick it up a bit I might be able to get in under four hours. No, I can't do it. I don't have it in me.

Mile 25: I might just finish this thing. I really might. Oh no, there is someone on the ground with the medics. Heartbreaking to get this far and to not be able to finish.

Mile 26: People are yelling "Go Beth!!" I can't see the finish yet, but I know it is soon. I am trying to smile.

Mile 26.2: I run across the finish being careful not to look at my watch since I want my finish photo to be a good one. I throw my arms in the air and yell, "YES!" with tears in my eyes.

I.stop.running after 4:03. I did an average of a 9.1 minute mile which is truly the best I could have hoped for on my first marathon.

After four hours, my body has taken a beating. Immediately my stomach cramps up. A medal is put around my neck and I am given a blanket and a popsicle. I grab two more popsicles for the kids and start looking for them. We reunite at the Team in Training tent. I sit down and take off my shoes. Blisters, black and blue toenails. I put on flip flops. I am done!


At the hotel we order room service then head to the pool. I sit in the hot tub and cool my muscles in the pool. I take a hot shower and make some calls. We dress for the victory party and head to the Sheraton where we eat a lot and dance and do the limbo. It truly felt like a celebration.



And today, two days later, I am stiff and sore. But it was worth every mile. One of the greatest feelings has to be working towards something, giving it your all, feeling the pain of the journey, but persevering and reaching your goal.

Tons more pictures at: http://picasaweb.google.com/brisdon1/RockNRollMarathonPhoenix