Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The run - the whole truth and nothing but the truth, with some stuff left out.
Where do you start when you want to tell folks about one of the most amazing experiences you have ever had. It's like explaining how it feels when you hold your first child, there are no real words to express what goes on inside your head, in your heart, in your body. I'll try to lay out the events for you in the best way I can.
The night before we went out for the traditional carbo loading meal. It wasn't great, and it didn't stay in my stomach, but it was a good time anyway. We went to a super kid friendly place so Yacob could scream his little heart out and you could hardly hear it above the din. Doug and Sue were there and we talked politics and family and overall, it relaxed me a great deal. When I get stressed, I internalize a lot of it, but it comes out in angry burts, so of course the person nearest and dearest to me got the angry bursts. It shouldn't be like that and now that I'm aware, I decided I will talk about my anxieties instead of holding them in until I explode like a stupid volcano.
Once we got home and got the boys to bed, I worked on my shirt. Because of poor planning, I could only get my name on the front. I didn't leave enough time for the paint to dry to write anything about Annabel on the back, which is a shame. At least I should have pinned a picture of her to my back, like so many others did. It was really a sea of folks running in honor of someone else. I suppose that's one of the reasons why it's called 'The People's Marathon'.
I expected to have a tough time getting to bed, but I slept like a baby. Yas gave me his room so I could get a solid night's sleep and I got up at 3:15 a.m. since I thought for sure I had slept through! I went back to bed until 4, when I got a wake up call that I'd signed up for through Saturn. It said something like "Good Morning! It's RACE DAY. You've been training for this day for so many months, and now its here." It was actually quite nice.
I got up, turned on the coffee and just puttered around for a bit. Yas was my morning crew (Schlub, officially) and he got up too. We drank coffee, I took a shower and got dressed, grabbed a bagel and a few bottles of water and we drove over to the metro station. There were several folks on the 5:15 am train, but it wasn't overly crowded. We are out of the way, to some extent, so I can't imagine that a lot of people would stay in Dunn Loring. Everyone was quiet, very introspective. Oh, and it was COLD!! I had on sweats, a hat (with my visor over it) and gloves. I also had on a long sleeved shirt (the last of my maternity gear) over my running shirt. It was still cold.
Yas and I chatted for a while on the metro, got off at Rosslyn to change trains and the platform was packed. There were hundreds of people getting ready to run in this race, and you could feel the excitement and nervous energy all around. We got off the train at the Pentagon and still had about a mile walk until we got to the Runner's Village where they had a bag drop off, free coffee from the USO, and about a trillion pora-poties. It was at the Runner's Village where you have your first taste of Marine organization. Those of us with bags walked to the right, where about 50 marines looked inside the bags and got us through in 20 seconds. They were all friendly, fun, and sooo efficient. There was bad music playing over loudspeakers, people stretching, and just a general feeling of "something exciting is going to happen soon" all around us.
The bag drop off was another incredible experience. There were about 30 UPS trucks manned by Marines and UPS workers. Each runner was given a very large, clear goodie bag at the Expo and we had our bib numbers and truck number on a sticker on the bag. All you did was walk up to the truck, and give them your bag. No lines, no nothing. It took 2 seconds. Again, Marine precision and organization.
At 7:20, Yas and I made our way to the starting corrals. I wasn't sure where I'd fit, but I figured it would be safe to go with 5:30-6:00 hours. I stood around and folks were chatting with each other, it seems like a lot of people were running in teams or with partners and I was pretty much alone. But you know, not alone because there were 20,000 other people there. The cannon went off at 8:00 and we started moving almost immediately. I really wasn't even ready for it! We walked for a bit until we got to the starting mat and then I started a light jog - 4/1. I was committed to my training plan no matter what. On the other side there was a guy in a Teddy Ruckspin mascot uniform and another man wearing a suit juggling. There were men, women, old people (and I mean REALLY OLD) and younger folks too. There was one guy whose t-shirt said he ran in a marathon in every state in the U.S. and province in Canada. There is a group called the Marathon Maniacs, there were Teams in Training for every cause, people running for loved ones they'd lost in wars or to cancer. There were people (like me) running for those who were alive and were hoping for treatment, cures and research. All around you saw that even though these people were running to prove to themselves that they could do it, they were running FOR something.
The first 3 miles were easy and I think I could have gone faster, but this post isn't about hindsight, its about how I felt when I was there. I was afraid. I was afraid I wouldn't finish so I held back just a teeny tiny bit. At mile 3 I saw Doug and Sue and felt a huge surge of love and gratitude that they were there. We came around a bend and saw the river with the fog lifting off of it, it was beautiful.
I'm going to be completely honest here. I didn't see much of the course. I didn't know where I was half the time. I was following the crowds and my mind was blank and focused. I only know that I was counting down the miles - not to the end, but to the bridge. Here's what I remember from the actual run:
There were some hills, none of them seemed too horribly bad except one at mile 8 where we turned a bend and it went straight up. There were 2 points where you saw runners coming back the other way. This sucked because you didn't know at what point YOU would be the one coming back the other way and when you got the other way you realized just how slow you were and just how fast the others were if they were already that far ahead! The marines were incredible. They yelled and cheered and called my name at every water stop and along the way. The crowd was stupendous. People on their front porches, on their lawns, out on the mall and the Smithsonian - man, that was amazing. Zary! Zary! Looking good Zary! Great pace Zary!!!
The water stops were tough to navigate because they seemed so dangerous! If you look at the pictures you can see what I mean. What was even worse was the orange slice stop!! It was soo slippery!
Haines Point was as long and boring as I'd read about. It's pretty desolate with not a whole lot of spectators. There was a woman playing "Tequila" on the Tuba and I yelled out to her "YOu ARE AWESOME" and she laughed while playing. I high fived a whole bunch of people, gave out the peace sign, and had an amazingly, wonderful, fantastic time.
Okay, the bridge. I needed to beat the bridge. If you don't make it to the 14th Street bridge (mile 20) by 1:15 you get on the stragglers bus and you lose. You are done. So sad, too bad. I needed to make the bridge. I asked a marine if we were on pace to make it and he said "hell yeah". At that point I was doing 12:40 and was feeling great. I made it to the bridge at 12:25 and that's where it all fell apart. I think I just crapped out mentally. I thought okay, I can do the rest, no big deal. But, I also really started to hurt, my knees and hips were aching. I wasn't cramping yet, but I felt it coming. Someone described the bridge as a scene from a Zombie movie, and I couldn't agree more. More and more people were walking, some hobbling, a lof of folks were stopping to stretch overworked muscles. I decided to start chatting with folks and really slowed down a lot. The bridge was never ending. Right before the bridge there was a sign that said "THEY ARE ALL LIARS. YOU ARE NOT ALMOST THERE" It's so true. So what if I'd just run 20 miles, I still had 6.2 to go!!!!!
The last stretch is a blur. I ran, I drank powerade, I had some jelly beans and GU, I had a pretzel, I said neh to the beer given out by the hashers, I grooved to the Brazilian all girl drum band (they are freaking awesome) I had an entire fraternity yell out my name at mile 22 AND mile 23, I saw my family just before the finish and stopped and ran a few feet with my mom and gave my sons huge hugs and kisses, I beat Teddy Rukspin, I gave my last tylenol to a woman who said she was really aching, I met a guy who had really hurt his foot who was determined to go on, and a soldier named Wilson who was running in gear. I saw the folks with the yellow pom poms from my online Active community, I saw that I was gonna finish. I saw that I was gonna finish. I saw that I was gonna finish a freaking MARATHON!!!
At the finish I took off my hat and waved it in the air and let out a big OOHRAH! To the marines. I got a bottle of water from a soldier, got a medal put around my neck by another one, got a space blanket from a volunteer and then got my official finishers photo taken. I hobbled to grab a food bag and ate a banana quickly, and promptly felt like I was gonna toss it back up. I walked to pick up my bag which was as easy as dropping it off, and talked to a woman who'd run many other marathons about what to expect in the next few days. I then walked to the family link up and met everyone.
We hung around for a while but it hurt too much to do anything at the finish festival so we waited in line for about 20 minutes for the metro (which was a zoo!) Got home, ate some Chinese and slept most of the day. Once on Wooster Court (with my medal around my neck) I started singing "Take THAT Wooster Court, I finished a marathon and YOU didn't" Drue walked me to the back of the car and handed me an enevelope with a "26.2" magnet for my car!!! Whoohooo!! Now I don't need to brag cause my car can do it for me.
I think that those who say they could never do a marathon underestimate themselves. Unless you have a real physical limitation, there is NO ONE who can't complete a marathon. All it takes is the will and resolve to do it. Of course not very many people can get up one morning and run a mile if they've never done it before, but just like with everything else it takes patience and dedication, and a little bit of a mental problem.
As far as experiences, I think I've said it already. I would do it all over again tomorrow. Well, maybe not tomorrow, but I already am planning on doing it again in March!
xxoo
The night before we went out for the traditional carbo loading meal. It wasn't great, and it didn't stay in my stomach, but it was a good time anyway. We went to a super kid friendly place so Yacob could scream his little heart out and you could hardly hear it above the din. Doug and Sue were there and we talked politics and family and overall, it relaxed me a great deal. When I get stressed, I internalize a lot of it, but it comes out in angry burts, so of course the person nearest and dearest to me got the angry bursts. It shouldn't be like that and now that I'm aware, I decided I will talk about my anxieties instead of holding them in until I explode like a stupid volcano.
Once we got home and got the boys to bed, I worked on my shirt. Because of poor planning, I could only get my name on the front. I didn't leave enough time for the paint to dry to write anything about Annabel on the back, which is a shame. At least I should have pinned a picture of her to my back, like so many others did. It was really a sea of folks running in honor of someone else. I suppose that's one of the reasons why it's called 'The People's Marathon'.
I expected to have a tough time getting to bed, but I slept like a baby. Yas gave me his room so I could get a solid night's sleep and I got up at 3:15 a.m. since I thought for sure I had slept through! I went back to bed until 4, when I got a wake up call that I'd signed up for through Saturn. It said something like "Good Morning! It's RACE DAY. You've been training for this day for so many months, and now its here." It was actually quite nice.
I got up, turned on the coffee and just puttered around for a bit. Yas was my morning crew (Schlub, officially) and he got up too. We drank coffee, I took a shower and got dressed, grabbed a bagel and a few bottles of water and we drove over to the metro station. There were several folks on the 5:15 am train, but it wasn't overly crowded. We are out of the way, to some extent, so I can't imagine that a lot of people would stay in Dunn Loring. Everyone was quiet, very introspective. Oh, and it was COLD!! I had on sweats, a hat (with my visor over it) and gloves. I also had on a long sleeved shirt (the last of my maternity gear) over my running shirt. It was still cold.
Yas and I chatted for a while on the metro, got off at Rosslyn to change trains and the platform was packed. There were hundreds of people getting ready to run in this race, and you could feel the excitement and nervous energy all around. We got off the train at the Pentagon and still had about a mile walk until we got to the Runner's Village where they had a bag drop off, free coffee from the USO, and about a trillion pora-poties. It was at the Runner's Village where you have your first taste of Marine organization. Those of us with bags walked to the right, where about 50 marines looked inside the bags and got us through in 20 seconds. They were all friendly, fun, and sooo efficient. There was bad music playing over loudspeakers, people stretching, and just a general feeling of "something exciting is going to happen soon" all around us.
The bag drop off was another incredible experience. There were about 30 UPS trucks manned by Marines and UPS workers. Each runner was given a very large, clear goodie bag at the Expo and we had our bib numbers and truck number on a sticker on the bag. All you did was walk up to the truck, and give them your bag. No lines, no nothing. It took 2 seconds. Again, Marine precision and organization.
At 7:20, Yas and I made our way to the starting corrals. I wasn't sure where I'd fit, but I figured it would be safe to go with 5:30-6:00 hours. I stood around and folks were chatting with each other, it seems like a lot of people were running in teams or with partners and I was pretty much alone. But you know, not alone because there were 20,000 other people there. The cannon went off at 8:00 and we started moving almost immediately. I really wasn't even ready for it! We walked for a bit until we got to the starting mat and then I started a light jog - 4/1. I was committed to my training plan no matter what. On the other side there was a guy in a Teddy Ruckspin mascot uniform and another man wearing a suit juggling. There were men, women, old people (and I mean REALLY OLD) and younger folks too. There was one guy whose t-shirt said he ran in a marathon in every state in the U.S. and province in Canada. There is a group called the Marathon Maniacs, there were Teams in Training for every cause, people running for loved ones they'd lost in wars or to cancer. There were people (like me) running for those who were alive and were hoping for treatment, cures and research. All around you saw that even though these people were running to prove to themselves that they could do it, they were running FOR something.
The first 3 miles were easy and I think I could have gone faster, but this post isn't about hindsight, its about how I felt when I was there. I was afraid. I was afraid I wouldn't finish so I held back just a teeny tiny bit. At mile 3 I saw Doug and Sue and felt a huge surge of love and gratitude that they were there. We came around a bend and saw the river with the fog lifting off of it, it was beautiful.
I'm going to be completely honest here. I didn't see much of the course. I didn't know where I was half the time. I was following the crowds and my mind was blank and focused. I only know that I was counting down the miles - not to the end, but to the bridge. Here's what I remember from the actual run:
There were some hills, none of them seemed too horribly bad except one at mile 8 where we turned a bend and it went straight up. There were 2 points where you saw runners coming back the other way. This sucked because you didn't know at what point YOU would be the one coming back the other way and when you got the other way you realized just how slow you were and just how fast the others were if they were already that far ahead! The marines were incredible. They yelled and cheered and called my name at every water stop and along the way. The crowd was stupendous. People on their front porches, on their lawns, out on the mall and the Smithsonian - man, that was amazing. Zary! Zary! Looking good Zary! Great pace Zary!!!
The water stops were tough to navigate because they seemed so dangerous! If you look at the pictures you can see what I mean. What was even worse was the orange slice stop!! It was soo slippery!
Haines Point was as long and boring as I'd read about. It's pretty desolate with not a whole lot of spectators. There was a woman playing "Tequila" on the Tuba and I yelled out to her "YOu ARE AWESOME" and she laughed while playing. I high fived a whole bunch of people, gave out the peace sign, and had an amazingly, wonderful, fantastic time.
Okay, the bridge. I needed to beat the bridge. If you don't make it to the 14th Street bridge (mile 20) by 1:15 you get on the stragglers bus and you lose. You are done. So sad, too bad. I needed to make the bridge. I asked a marine if we were on pace to make it and he said "hell yeah". At that point I was doing 12:40 and was feeling great. I made it to the bridge at 12:25 and that's where it all fell apart. I think I just crapped out mentally. I thought okay, I can do the rest, no big deal. But, I also really started to hurt, my knees and hips were aching. I wasn't cramping yet, but I felt it coming. Someone described the bridge as a scene from a Zombie movie, and I couldn't agree more. More and more people were walking, some hobbling, a lof of folks were stopping to stretch overworked muscles. I decided to start chatting with folks and really slowed down a lot. The bridge was never ending. Right before the bridge there was a sign that said "THEY ARE ALL LIARS. YOU ARE NOT ALMOST THERE" It's so true. So what if I'd just run 20 miles, I still had 6.2 to go!!!!!
The last stretch is a blur. I ran, I drank powerade, I had some jelly beans and GU, I had a pretzel, I said neh to the beer given out by the hashers, I grooved to the Brazilian all girl drum band (they are freaking awesome) I had an entire fraternity yell out my name at mile 22 AND mile 23, I saw my family just before the finish and stopped and ran a few feet with my mom and gave my sons huge hugs and kisses, I beat Teddy Rukspin, I gave my last tylenol to a woman who said she was really aching, I met a guy who had really hurt his foot who was determined to go on, and a soldier named Wilson who was running in gear. I saw the folks with the yellow pom poms from my online Active community, I saw that I was gonna finish. I saw that I was gonna finish. I saw that I was gonna finish a freaking MARATHON!!!
At the finish I took off my hat and waved it in the air and let out a big OOHRAH! To the marines. I got a bottle of water from a soldier, got a medal put around my neck by another one, got a space blanket from a volunteer and then got my official finishers photo taken. I hobbled to grab a food bag and ate a banana quickly, and promptly felt like I was gonna toss it back up. I walked to pick up my bag which was as easy as dropping it off, and talked to a woman who'd run many other marathons about what to expect in the next few days. I then walked to the family link up and met everyone.
We hung around for a while but it hurt too much to do anything at the finish festival so we waited in line for about 20 minutes for the metro (which was a zoo!) Got home, ate some Chinese and slept most of the day. Once on Wooster Court (with my medal around my neck) I started singing "Take THAT Wooster Court, I finished a marathon and YOU didn't" Drue walked me to the back of the car and handed me an enevelope with a "26.2" magnet for my car!!! Whoohooo!! Now I don't need to brag cause my car can do it for me.
I think that those who say they could never do a marathon underestimate themselves. Unless you have a real physical limitation, there is NO ONE who can't complete a marathon. All it takes is the will and resolve to do it. Of course not very many people can get up one morning and run a mile if they've never done it before, but just like with everything else it takes patience and dedication, and a little bit of a mental problem.
As far as experiences, I think I've said it already. I would do it all over again tomorrow. Well, maybe not tomorrow, but I already am planning on doing it again in March!
xxoo
Pictures, FINALLY!
There are official race day photos posted on a marathonphoto website, but these were taken by Drue's Aunt Sue and Uncle Doug who were out on Sprout Run Parkway when I got there around 9 a.m. It was so awesome seeing them. They appeared like angels again at mile 18/19 by the Smithsonian and were at the finish as well.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Monday, October 27, 2008
It's over, and I'm still here!
I will write a very long post about how it felt, what it was like, along with pictures, but for now I'm just letting you know I did it, and I'm alive, and I'm not too horribly broken. In fact, it was the 2nd most amazing day of my life, after having my kids. Sounds weird, but it was.
Thank you to all for following me through this. I'll be back later today.
Mirriam
Thank you to all for following me through this. I'll be back later today.
Mirriam
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
One more before I go to bed
Went to Generous George's Positive Pizza and Pasta Place tonight for my last supper or, what is commonly known as the 'carbo loading' meal. It was a kids paradise, noisy, neat decor. But, the service was terrible and the food was well, it was okay. Although, it did a number on my stomach so the carbo loading didn't last.We did, however, have a wonderful time with Uncle Doug and Aunt Sue. They live so close by but we never see them, for some dumb reason. They are part of my ground crew tomorrow, and I'll hopefully see them within the first three miles since they live right near the start in Arlington. Drue and the gang will then go to their house and they will be popping up along the route to cheer me on. Yasin is my early morning crew and we hope to be out of here and on a metro no later than 5:30 a.m.
My clothes are laid out, my bib number is pinned on and my D-tag is on my shoe. I've got GU's, sports beans and the coffee just need to be flipped on. I'll have a bagel and some juice and bring along a bottle of water for the trip to the Runner's Village and then to the start. The weather is supposed to be near perfect.
The pictures above are from this evening. That's my shirt. I wanted to put stuff on the back about how this was for Annabel, but I couldn't do it since I planned so poorly. Oh well. Annabel knows this one's for her. The second is all of us at dinner tonight. Next is just Uncle Doug, hanging out. He's been making political buttons in between all of the world travelling they are doing. And finally, its Yonas with his Ana, which means grandma in Pashto.
I'm so excited and nervous, but I think I can sleep tonight since I'm pretty tired. Unfortunately, I'm thinking I've got some psychosomatic aches and pains so I'm going to take two tylenols and I'll see you all in the morning.
Happy running!
Mirriam
This one's dedicated to the ones I love
The first 13 miles in a marathon are the warm up. After that, it helps to have some distractions. What I've decided to do is to dedicate each mile after the marathon to a person who has helped me get to this point. So, I'll pop some tylenol, grab a GU and some water, and think of you.
Mile 13 - Amin - my first baby brother. You've taught me what it means to REALLY love someone unconditionally. Pain in the ass, best friend, heart breaker and hand holder. This mile is for you. I'll be thinking of your blue eyes, your politically incorrect jokes, and the fact that you travelled hundreds of miles to come home to us and change your life.
Mile 14 - Kaka - You were a jogger before slow folks became runners. I still run in your old school Nike sweatshirt that is as non-technical as a sweatshirt can get. I remember your New Balance and your gigantic headphones as you ran around and around and around the circle in front of our house on the Hospital Grounds in Waterbury (its now a helipad). We ran together when we first moved to Rockland, and you and I did the 5 mile Turkey Trot (my very first race). So what if I got smoked by a 70 year old. I did it. And you were there to encourage me.
Mile 15 - Jen, Brian and Bella - Proof that you can make friends after 30, and they can be amazingly meaningful friendships. I would not have made it through infertility, treatment, and the early days of motherhood without you right there with me. Next time, we won't get fat! Baby Bella Bear is an inspiration each and every minute of each and every day.
Mile 16 - Jasmine and Rosalie, and all the other Miracles we've lost - Jas - your spirit and determination to make your family are amazing. I think of you each day, and pray that Rosalie's baby sister comes into the world with the loudest scream we've ever heard. All the other little ones (including my own baby brother that I'll never know) who we lost too early, I'm thinking of you through this mile.
Mile 17 - Yaaasssssss!! - Littlest of little brothers. Amazingly wonderful and horribly infuriating. You are the true definition of little brother in all its best meanings. I'm gonna get you to run a marathon before I check out of this joint. You know I can get you to do stuff! You are, by far, the best ravioli and fruit tart maker this side of the Mississippi.
Mile 18 - MOMMY! - Obviously, I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for you. I wouldn't be ANYTHING if it weren't for you. You are the alpha and omega of my existence and you've believed in me when I was ready to give up on myself. I love you more than life itself.
Mile 19 - The Fertilethoughts Girls and their Miracles - Because of your generosity, spirit, love and courage. Most of you I've never met, but you reached into your hearts and your pockets and made it impossible for me to give up. We are an unfortunate sisterhood, but we've held each other up through the darkest of days, and we've cheered each other on with every sucess. Is it weird to say I love you to people I've never met in real life?
Mile 20 - ANNABEL!!!! - Seriously, sweet baby girl, if it weren't for you, I'd be planning where I'm going to go for brunch tomorrow! Instead, I'm looking at my t-shirt and wondering how I can put my name on my t-shirt without the paint running, how many tylenol's I should pack and if I should buy a Brooks hat just so I can use the flush port a potties. Yes, because of a pipsqueak 2 year old with lopsided pigtails and a heart made of gold. xxoo times a million
Mile 21 - Heidi, Carl, Sarah, Kate, and my cheering squad upstate - You've been amazing family, generous and kind, to this girl who came from a world apart. You are wonderful grandparents, friends and people we can count on no matter what. I have a sister in law that people could only dream of. Thank you for welcoming me into your lives and into your hearts.
Mile 22 - THE DONORS - I blame you for the hip aches, I blame you for the creaky knees, I blame you for the early mornings and the nervous stomach. It's because of you that I can't give up or I can't quit!! I don't know whether to love you or hate you, but I'm thinking of you all the same. Thank you for making this real. Thank you.
Mile 23 - Yonas and Yacob!! - I don't need to explain. My miracles. My loves. My life.
Mile 24-26.2 - Drue - You get two miles because without you, there would be no run, there would be no Yonas and Yacob, no Heidi, Carl, Jen, Brian, Bella, Donors, Virginia, happiness, sadness, fun, moving, jobs, dumb movies, Fits, min-vans, punk rock, vinyl, Ipod nanos, woody Allen - I need two miles. When I'm finished, I'll be scanning the crowd for you, to tell you I did it! WE did it. Crazy, cockamamie schemes we have - twins, marathons, moving all over god's creation. We do them all. With love.
What the weather SHOULD NOT be like tomorrow
Today was my final tune up run, a super slow, easy, sort of jogging sort of walking 3 miles around the new neighborhood. It was raining pretty steadily, but it was warm. Not a good combo since I didn't want to wear my jacket but I didn't want to be soaked right through. However, technology is amazing and I did dry off as soon as I walked inside the house. The outfit on the left is what I'm wearing tomorrow. It's all Asics, all the time, right down to the shoes. My bib number (7893) will go on the lower part of my torso (to cover the twin belly) and I'm putting my nickname (Zary) on the front in fabric paint this afternoon. On the back it will say "I've got a Big Heart - Run for Annabel" I will post photos of that as soon as its done.
Mirriam
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
My watch
It is also pink, like my sneakers. I didn't do this on purpose, but this watch was 9.99 at Target and it does what I need it to do - tell time. I'm not going to be timing myself during the run (I don't call it a 'race' because I'm not racing - well, except against the will to stop running during it!) because my ultimate goal is just to finish. I can see when I've run my 4 minutes and its time to take my 1 minute walk break and that's really all I need it to do.
And, it matches my shoes. What more could you ask for?
I did go last night to buy 'the outfit' and was overwhelmed with the choices. I did purchase a couple of things, but I don't know if any of them will work. I will unveil the final outfit this evening.
m.
Monday, October 20, 2008
YIKES!
6 days and counting. I am so nervous, my stomach is in knots. I feel like I'm about to take the SATs, or the LSATS or, even worse, the Bar Exam. I trust that I will get through it, somehow , someway, but I'm not sure how much fun its going to be.
It was really, really cold this morning and I was not prepared. I had on shorts, a t-shirt and an old school Nike sweatshirt that my dad got when he started "jogging" in the 80's. My butt was freezing and so were my fingers, so I've got to think a lot harder about what I'm going to wear at the start. The meal last night of traditional afghan rice and lamb also sat like a brick in my stomach, so that's not going to work for my last supper.
Tonight I'm going out to buy my outfit. Shorts that are short end up chafing - bad. Chafing is very, very bad. I have a pair that I like, I'll post a picture later on. I need a shirt, an overshirt, and a cheap pair of sweats. I need a hat and some cheap mittens. I'm excited to get my outfit, although I feel like I've waited too long. Ahhh, the life of a procrastinator.
I've waited for this week for years. And now that it's here, I wish I had another 2 months!
m.
It was really, really cold this morning and I was not prepared. I had on shorts, a t-shirt and an old school Nike sweatshirt that my dad got when he started "jogging" in the 80's. My butt was freezing and so were my fingers, so I've got to think a lot harder about what I'm going to wear at the start. The meal last night of traditional afghan rice and lamb also sat like a brick in my stomach, so that's not going to work for my last supper.
Tonight I'm going out to buy my outfit. Shorts that are short end up chafing - bad. Chafing is very, very bad. I have a pair that I like, I'll post a picture later on. I need a shirt, an overshirt, and a cheap pair of sweats. I need a hat and some cheap mittens. I'm excited to get my outfit, although I feel like I've waited too long. Ahhh, the life of a procrastinator.
I've waited for this week for years. And now that it's here, I wish I had another 2 months!
m.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
81%
81% to goal!!
So close, please keep the donations coming!
And thank you so much to all of you who gave, every bit helps. You are all such amazing, wonderful, generous people. I think of you during every training run, and I'll keep you in mind when things get tough during those last few (or first few!) miles.
So close, please keep the donations coming!
And thank you so much to all of you who gave, every bit helps. You are all such amazing, wonderful, generous people. I think of you during every training run, and I'll keep you in mind when things get tough during those last few (or first few!) miles.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Before and After
As many of you know, I am the mother to 14 month old twin boys. My pregnancy wasn't easy, I was on bedrest for 16 weeks and had a hard time recovering due to an undiagnosed thyroid condition. Once the boys were out and on a schedule, and my thyroid was treated properly, I began to feel better and decided to start running again. It was pretty tough going, especially since I had gained almost 80lbs during my pregnancy (lying around in bed and eating untold amounts of Americone Dream Ice Cream will do that, word to the wise).
Well, after several months, almost all of the weight is off. My body will never be the same and I definately need a tummy tuck in the future, but overall, as you can see, the affects of this marathon training have been positive.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
For those who are interested in what's in store for me in a mere week and a half. . .
I introduce. . . the Marine Corps Marathon
I introduce. . . the Marine Corps Marathon
Morning in Northern Virginia
This is what it looks like outside when I am getting ready to run. I have to admit to being a big chicken and waiting until there is just the tiniest bit of light out before I actually get moving, but I get up, have my coffee and bagel or banana, get dressed, and head out.
The tough decision is what to wear. It's chilly out initially, but after a mile or so, the sun comes up and I start to sweat. So, I muddle through the initial few minutes feeling quite a chill, but manage to warm up quickly as the miles wear on.
The conventional wisdom for race day is to buy some cheap sweats and take them off as you go along. The clothing is collected and given to shelters in the area, so you don't feel as if you are just throwing good clothing away. I've also been told to get some socks for my hands and use them as sweat rags as the day goes on.
I had a dream the other night that it was 7:15 a.m. on race morning and I was working on my blog. I didn't know where my confirmation card was, and didn't know which water bottle I was going to take with me. I knew I wouldn't make it on time and was completely freaking out. It was like many dreams I'd had in college and law school during exam time - am I ready? Should I have prepared more? Do I have enough number 2 pencils? I hope that my body holds out the way it did when I was pregnant. I didn't think I'd make it through that, and I did. I can't imagine this can be that much harder.
Mirriam
Monday, October 13, 2008
An Ode to Silver and Pink
These are my shoes
They don't make me faster
They don't make me fleeter
They don't make me hurt less
They don't make me wanna
But, they are silver and pink
And they make me look good
And when I take them off
They make me feel good too.
My blog is locked
I have no idea why this blog has been selected by the spam filter on blogger, but if you are here, please know that I am working on this blog, in addition to freaking out about the marathon being less than 2 weeks away, trying to rent out our place in Maryland, find a new place to live here in VA, take care of my twin boys, oh, and find a job!
But, aside from the daily woes, I feel so incredibly lucky to first, be able to run in this marathon, and second, to be able to do it for a cause that is near and dear to my heart. This is the first of (hopefully) many Annabel's Big Heart Runs.
Now, I'm off for a quick 12 miles! I'll be posting pictures and updates as we count down the last 13 days.
Mirriam
But, aside from the daily woes, I feel so incredibly lucky to first, be able to run in this marathon, and second, to be able to do it for a cause that is near and dear to my heart. This is the first of (hopefully) many Annabel's Big Heart Runs.
Now, I'm off for a quick 12 miles! I'll be posting pictures and updates as we count down the last 13 days.
Mirriam
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