Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Relenting

The Christmas update letters finally got to me, so I thought I'd write one, too.
It would have been nice to have mailed this before the holidays, but maybe it isn't too late?
Here goes:
If I were to use a journalistic method to summarize what 2007 was for me, it would be this:
Somewhere along this bumpy journey, between tremendous amounts of physical and emotional loss, I found myself.
Life isn't easy, I get that now.
I chose to challenge myself the best way I knew how -- I started running.
Along with the sore muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons, things started to change.
It became a healthy obsession, a need, eventually a want. I had to do it. I didn't feel good unless I did.
A few falls occurred, but I got back up.
I joined Team in Training, and they helped me achieve, but mostly, they gave me a reason to be. They taught me I should matter.
I trained and ran three half marathons and completed my first marathon -- 26.2 miles -- in June.
Twenty-six point two was the most amazing thing I have ever challenged myself with. I also raised, with the help of friends and family, more than $4,500 for blood cancer research.
That was very moving to me because so many people I loved were touched by cancer. It is evil.
There were other losses along the way, painful ones only time will heal.
But I will heal someday. So will the ones I love.
There's been lots of tears along the way. They still come. But because of people like you, I can endure them.
For people like you, I MUST endure them.
So if you are reading this, chances are you are part of the equation, a piece of the puzzle that, once put together, made the difference in my life.
I believe each of us is here for a reason. I'm not quite sure what mine is yet, but I'm here until I find out. Once I know, you'll likely read about it here.
Thank you for going with me on this journey. I couldn't -- and can't -- do it without you.


QoD: Why do you think are you here?

Sunday, December 09, 2007

2007 Dallas White Rock Marathon

No. 9252 is the lucky number.
Go here to keep track. Go Team!


QoD: What's your routine three days out from the race?



Image from www.runtherock.com

Saturday, December 08, 2007

Ready to run

Pasta party is tonight. I am already in full race mode -- trying but not being successful in getting enough sleep or food.
As much as I like to carb load, I can't seem to clean my plate.
It's been heavily chronicled in this blog that last year I did this alone. No team or running partner, no one cheering in the crowds. I like to say it was just me and God, as it had been when I trained myself for this race last year.
This year, buddies Staci, Clay and Ian have said they'll be at mile 10, handing me my last bits of fuel that I don't have room for on my person, and hopefully some water or a beer. So nice of them, as the race officials have started issuing warnings about humidity, heat exhaustion and unseasonably freaked out weather that is expected tomorrow. We're hoping Chicago's curse doesn't hit Texas.
I am hoping for the right amounts of energy for tomorrow.
I'm psyched about the race. Lunch with Eric and Buckle yesterday before the Expo was just what I needed. We talked about our first events, how emotional they were for us and what that feeling at the start line in the middle of the crowd at race start is like.
Electric. The sights, sounds, smells, it's all just amazing.
Can't really describe it, but between that and MotownRunnerGirl's chronicling of my first event, I think it's safe to say:

"...I'm ready to run,
I'm ready to run,
I'm ready to run,
I'm ready to run...ready to run...
ready to run...yeah I'm ready to run. I'm ready
Whoa I'm ready to run...I'm ready...I'm ready to run...
I'm ready to run...I'm ready
Oh I'm ready to run..I'm ready."
--The Dixie Chicks (uh huh, also on my iPod):

QoD: What's your big challenge right now and are you ready to run with it?

Friday, December 07, 2007

The Expo

Went to packet pickup and the expo with Eric and Buckle, former colleagues and my local running inspirations.
Buckle, Eric and I went to the expo last year. It's a new tradition. It also gives me a chance to see my old buddies at my former newspaper.
This is funny. I am thinking about what things were like this time last year as I prepare for my event on Sunday.
When I did White Rock last year, not only was it my first event, but the first big thing I had ever done by myself.
Well, to say I did it alone isn't quite true. I was out there with a lot of people. I did start the race with some friends.
I crossed the finish line by myself and drove myself home. Like a big girl. Ha.
This time last year I had this, too, that got me through.
Can you believe it's been a year already?

QoD: Should 2008 be a year for out-of-town running trips?

Wha. what?!

They said no iPods.
Don't.
Words like disqualification and danger and ... well, I don't care. I'm wearing mine.
I'm aware and appreciative of the run, of it all.
I may not be elite. You won't see me sail down that road at an 8-minute-mile pace (it's actually more than 12 on a really good day) but I'm a runner just the same.
I was motivated after reading this in the November issue of Runner's World.
I think my favorite is this one:
I AM A RUNNER because I know that despite my best efforts, I will always want more from myself. I will always want to know my limits so that I can exceed them.
That's by John Bingham's No Need For Speed column. Thanks.
==
So back to the music.
I have 169 songs on my iPod. About seven hours worth.
There are songs that have the word run in the titles. One with the word feet, another with the word heel.
Born to Run
Ready to Run.
Head Over Feet.
Head Over Heels.

Lots of alternative, rock, acoustic, dance.
All just my favorites that make my meditation during running so memorable sometimes.
They all have a purpose in my run.

QoD: What tunes get you through?

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

deja vu, kinda

We had the biggest turnout tonight at Wednesday night run for the first send off for winter season Team in Training events.
The Wellstone Dallas White Rock Marathon is Sunday, the full starts at 8 a.m., along with the relay, and the half at 9, The full and half events have been sold out for weeks now.
NO IPODS.!!! That is another post before Sunday...
Tonight, the WRers did their three miles because we're tapering, while the Austin and Disney full runners did their five. I'll pick up the Austin half schedule next week in my attempt to keep busy.
Our hero Dave and his wife stayed late. They drove up in his new porsche, walked three miles and went to New York Pizza and Pasta with us. We had to pull eight tables of four together. Biggest group yet
We celebrated runners and the December birthdays. Lots of pizza, pasta and wine.
Dave was talking to us about how fast he's taken the Porsche -- 120 mph. He's got a radar detector that not only lets you know when the cops are around, it lets you know how many and where they are. He says she's a sweet ride.
Our winter season shirt says "This one is for Dave." Yep, it's his season. He is no longer in remission.
I've been nostalgic lately. Spiritual, too, but I am in memory mode.
Last year this time I was two months into running and suddenly going to run my first event, the one I'll do on Sunday.
I'm really doing this again for two reasons:
1) It was the first event, always special in my heart.
2)That first event for me, on Dec. 10, 2006, is the day Michael died.
I'll probably always do it for him.

QoD: What are your thoughts about your first event?

countdown to the race

So the White Rock Marathon and Half Marathon is this Sunday.
Psychotic Texas weather will be 67 degrees at the start of the full.
May the water gods keep the liquids flowing.
I am running the half again, this time with the team.
Tonight we have the TNT sendoff and we'll talk about Pasta Party.
Look for another post tonight.
Races make me want to blog.

QoD: How do you keep blogging when everything in your life collides?

Image is from pegasusnews.com, 2006 poster.