4:36

...Is my watch time for my VERY FIRST MARATHON! (my chip time is 4:38, either way, I am beyond thrilled). So, let me tell you all about it! (My Garmin, Garry, with my time)

So, I've been talking about it for months and training really hard for the past 18 weeks. I didn't miss a single workout and made a serious commitment.

I'll skip everything boring like, breakfast, the light rail ride, etc. I arrived at the Running Festival around 7:20 with my sister (running in the relay) and my mom (spectating). Temperature was in the 70s, but it was expected to drop throughout the morning.

I used the bathroom and met with my Geico Pace Group (4:30) around 7:50. It was very, very crowded and I could barely hear our pace leader giving us instructions. The confetti gun went off and the lead racers started off and a few minutes later I crossed the starting line. I had already lost the pace group! I expected them to be wearing crazy hats and carrying signs, but, they didn't do anything like that- so they weren't easy to find. Anyways, I figured once the first few miles thinned out I would find the pace group again. Not so much.

Within the first mile I saw another girl (Melissa) from my pace group and asked if she minded if I ran with her until we found the pace group. No problem. So, we trotted along together, briefly chatting and passed the first 4 miles without much excitement. Around mile 4 she picked up her pace a lot and I decided I couldn't go that fast. Then, about two miles later, she ran up from behind me! She had stopped for a long water break when I must have passed her.

So, we trotted along again. Both sorta bitching about the Pace Group thing. We had both counted on the camaraderie and encouragement from that group to get us through our first marathons. I talked about my race plan- break it into 2 ten mile runs and a 6 mile run. She liked that plan.

Around mile 10 we saw my Mom in the crowd and celebrated the end of the first ten mile run. We saw a guy dressed like Will Ferrel from the "cowbell" SNL skit- banging away on a cowbell.

At mile 13, we saw my mom again- blowing on a kazoo of all things! And celebrated being halfway done! My friends were going to be at mile 16, so we concentrated on getting to 16 miles. Along the way, we talked about everying- our lives, work, husbands and boyfriends, past races, other runners' choices to wear white spandex shorts.

At 16 we stopped to pee and saw my friends, drinking beer!! along the side of the road. It was a nice little boost. Our next goal was to get to 20, get to 20 and we can do the rest. It was all about mile 20. There were A LOT of hills (we both knew this going into it) and I think I managed them really well, but they were killer on my butt and thighs. I think this was the toughest part of the marathon. I wasn't in a lot of pain and mentally I was doing really well, but I just really wanted to get to mile 20! A guy dressed in a tiger suit dancing to "eye of the tiger" was great!

Unexpectedly, around mile 18 (I think) I heard my name (I had my name on my shirt so that was pretty common), but I recognized the voice. I looked up to see my best friend cheering and jumping up and down for me! I was so excited to see her..and it gave me a nice boost.

MILE 20! It was a fabulous sight. We cheered. SIX MORE MILES. We can run six miles, done it a million times before. We counted down each mile, each was one step closer to the end. We were both doing something we had never done before and it was amazing. Our spirits were really high.

I ran mile 25 for Boy- he said he wanted that mile. So it was, get to 25 for Boy...that was my mantra. Then, at 25, there is only one more mile to go!! It was crazy that we had made it. We saw the mile 25 sign and we both took off (well, it felt like we were flying, but we were running as fast as we possibly could!). We were passing so many people. The last quarter mile of the run
is through Camden yards and the Ravens parking lots and it's really really cool.

Just keep running was all I could think. I saw my mom again (and the kazoo), Melissa saw her husband and daughter. 26 miles came! .2 more. I sware I was sprinting. We crossed the finish line, smiling and hands in the air! I heard my name again and looked to the left. And there was my dad, standing right at the finish line, smiling and waving. I have never been so excited to see him! He yelled something about being so proud of me. I must have had the biggest smile on my face. I didn't think he was going to be able to sneak out of work to come, and there he was, at the very end. It's a moment I'll never forget.

Melissa and I walked through and got our medals and space sheets. And then, it was over. Here was a girl that had just helped me through my first marathon. Her company had meant the world to me. She said, "I'll never forget you." and I said the same, and she went to meet her husband. I really will never forget Melissa. She was the perfect running partner for my first marathon and I am very grateful that I found her!

My watch said 4:36 and I couldn't have been happier. My first goal was to finish and enjoy myself, my second goal was finishing under 5 hours, and my best case goal was to finish near 4:30. And I achieved it! All those lonely long runs and planning to run a marathon without anyone else had paid off. I am a 4:36 marathoner! I could not be happier with myself.

I felt fantastic afterwards. Of course my legs were sore, but it wasn't terrible and I felt really good. I found my sister and eventually my mom and we headed home. Ice bath, lunch, nap. Woke up and couldn't move!!! I am in so much pain. Stairs are impossible, I sware my butt muscles are going to tear. something is strained in my left foot. But, so, totally and completely, worth it. I'm wearing my medal right now and think I'll wear it to work. I'm getting a massage tomorrow and hopefully that'll help, but honestly, it doesn't matter. The feeling of finishing that marathon and being able to proclaim that I am a marathoner is the best feeling I have felt in a really long time. I will be running another. Just, maybe one with less hills.

Now, all I need is a 26.2 sticker to put on my car!

a picture of me and my sister before the Marathon. I'm on the left (with my name on my shirt)

Me, after the race, with my medal, looking like, well, like I just ran a marathon!

Marathon in EXACTLY one month!

In exactly one month from today, I will running in the Baltimore Marathon! I can hardly believe its this close! I feel like I've been training forever.
In two weeks I run my longest--20 miles, and then I start to taper. So far the experience has been more enjoyable than I thought it would be.

Begin 30 day countdown!

In other news, thanks for all your kind words, prayers, and thoughts last week. Things worked out well with Boy. I told him I would like him to come, but if he couldn't, I completely understood. Thankfully, he was able to be by my side during those rough days and come to the viewing with me. Those days went as well as they can go, I suppose. I guess its just a matter of moving forward now, one day at a time.

I promise I have more to write about life, in general, its just been a busy few weeks(months?) Hope all is well.

An Established Multitasker

This morning when I was out running, I passed a woman out for her morning walk with her curlers in her hair. I am all about multi-tasking and this woman was displaying multi-tasking at its finest: working out WHILE getting ready for work. I wanted to stop and congratulate her.

(And, while I'm not sure this is a look I would rock, it still made my morning).

I promise--more Italy stories and pictures this week, I've been trying to get them all organized.

And, I'm approaching my 100th post! Any thoughts on what I should do to celebrate?

My first Marathon in T- 125 days!

Eeeeeek! It seems so soon when I think about it. Today is the offical start of training for the Baltimore Marathon. It's an easy four miles. I'm sure I'll be blogging about it a lot.

Running a Marathon is something I've wanted to do since I ran my first half over six years ago, so it's time to bite the bullet and commit. By the end of it, I just really hope I'll be able to buy and proudly display that 26.2 sticker.

Marathon Playlist 2009

I've spent the past few days compiling lists of songs for my marathon playlist. My old playlist was pretty tired and needed some help. I'm also notoriously bad at making playlists; putting long jam band songs on running playlists, etc.

So, from suggestions from the bloggy world, my own list, and Chic Runner's running playlist, I have the beginings of Marathon 2009 Playlist. If you look at this list you might think I'm schizophrenic- the songs range from the beatles, 80s hair bands, songs that were popular 3-5 years ago and some pretty dirty rap songs! But, I just like to mix it up when I'm out on the trail for a long time.

But, I still need about an hour of music, so, please continue to leave suggestions. Thanks!

So, here it is:

Born in the USA- Bruce Springsteen

Journey Don't Stop Believing

California Phantom Planet (The OC Soundtrack)

Call On Me Eric Prydz

Colt 45 Afroman

Crazy Gnarls Barkley

Crazy Bitch Buckcherry

Crush Dave Matthews Band

Sledgehammer DMB

The Final Countdown Europe (I had this as the very last song to the Baltimore Half Marathon last year and it was surreal moment. I could barely hear it as I was running down the finishing chute through Camden yards towards Raven's Stadium, it was really awesome.)

F.B.I. Kelly Bell Band (This is a local Baltimore Band, but i HIGHLY reccommend him, he is awesome!)

Fat Bottomed Girls (Live) Queen + Paul Rodgers Reaching

Fool In the Rain Led Zeppelin

fuck it Eamon

Get Right (Remix) Jennifer Lopez ft. Fabolous

Give It Away Red Hot Chili Peppers

Helter Skelter Across the Universe

Hips Don't Lie 3:40 Shakira ft Wyclef Jean

Hollaback Girl Gwen Stefani

I'm In Miami Bitch LMFAO

Jerk It Out Caesars

just dance jamiroquia

Just Dance Lady GaGa & Colby O'Donis

lets get retarted in here black eyed peas

Love In An Elevator Aerosmith

Move Along The All-American Rejects

Mr. Brightside The Killers

Gin and Juice OAR

PROMISCUOS GIRL Nelly Furtado ft. Timbaland

Quality Control Jurassic 5

Revolution The Beatles

Temperature Sean Paul

Seduce Me Tonight Flashdance soundtrack

Seven Nation Army White

Single Ladies Beyoncé

So What Pink

Somebody Told Me The Killers

That was a crazy game of poker O.A.R.)

There It Go (The Whistle Song) Juelz Santana

Istanbull They Might Be Giants

Tripping Billies DMB

The Way You Make Me Feel Michael Jackson

We're Not Gonna Take It Twisted Sister

We Didn't Start the Fire Billy Joel

We Will Rock You Queen

What's Your Fantasy Ludacris & Shawna

Whenever, Wherever Shakira

99 Problems DJ Danger Mouse

Running Playlists

As I've mentioned a few times, I'm training for the Baltimore Marathon in October. I ran the half last year and since it didn't kill me, I decided to take the plunge and run the whole thing.

But, my ipod needs some serious updating. I've got a "Half Marathon" play list, but I need over 2 more hours of songs to get me through the whole thing (and all the training I have planned from now until October).

So, ladies, I'm asking for your help. Can you comment with some of your favorite songs to run/work out to? I like to run to songs that are upbeat/ have a faster beat and will listen to mostly everything (except Country).

Can't wait to read your suggestions

Making Tracks for Celiacs Race Report

Sometimes I think the races I sign up for are worth the entry fee based solely on the swag (shit we all get) I get. T-shirts, chapstick samples, a key pocket, whatever. I love it all.

Sunday was the "Making Tracks for Celiacs" 5k, that my family, friends, and I have participated in for the past 3 or 4 years. As I mentioned before, my sister and I have Celiac Disease (an intolerance to gluten and wheat). Next to Christmas, it is probably my favorite day of the year. Tons of gluten-free vendors come and give out free samples and of course, sell their products. It is the mecca of gluten-free-ness. My sister's best friend calls it "Happy Celiac Day."

My goal for the race is to get done asap so that I can get to the swag, because wow, there was a ton of free samples. You basically take a shopping bag and go through the vendors and put a sample or two of the goodies in your bag. (My bag is sooo full because my friends all get bags too and give it all to me- I feel like Halloween). I also ate the best pizza ever, some amazing donuts, and a english muffin that resembled the real thing so perfectly I couldn't stop sampling. Oh, and the cinamon buns were FABULOUS. (I, of course, also bought a bunch of these yummy products).

But, the best vendor was a total surprise--> Joe Corbis?! apparently they make the best chocolate chip cookie I've had since being gluten-free. It was so freikin fantastic I ate three cookies. (I've probably eaten less than 10 cookies in total since being gluten free- five years ago). They were so good, I couldn't stop talking about them. And, I bought a tub of dough so I could make them at home. And then, I realized, I had cookie dough that could be eaten out of the tub! Oh! My! Goodness! I can't even tell you how excited I was about this! Cookie dough?! I thought this was a relic of my past.

Anyways, the whole day was fabulous, and I can't wait for next year's run.

In addition to the run, this past weekend was Alumni Weekend for my college team. It involves an entire weekend of getting all the alumni together and drinking and partying like we did when we were in college. We all had a blast, but I haven't drank like that in a long time--- closing the bar on Friday and Saturday, and day drinking on Saturday (while playing soccer). It was great to see all the girls and I couldn't have been happier spending time with my best gal pals for two nights in a row.

Did I mention I closed the bar Saturday and then got up at 7 for the 5k on Sunday? It wasn't terribly rough- but being awake after 5 hours of sleep and two days of drinking wasn't that awesome either. So, my time wasn't fantastic (31 something), but I wasn't really planning on "racing" since I knew I'd be out the night before. I was just planning on running and chatting with my friends along the way. And...getting some great free swag...Mission Accomplished?

How was your weekend?!

Competition

I played soccer for 12 years, 8 of which were really competitive, including four years on a Division I soccer team. But once my senior soccer season was over, I was over soccer. I immediately stopped caring. For the past year or so, I couldn't figure out why I didn't miss it.

And finally, I figured it out (as this post will tell)...
My four years of college soccer were rough. I'll spare you most of the details, but basically I had difficulty adjusting to college in general and I was riding the bench, a lot. It was super difficult to go from being an all-star on my club team to a bench rider within months. It crushed me. Once I started playing more, we got a new coach who just screwed up our team chemistry. She was immature, divisive, and just plain crazy. I'll spare you most of these gory details too, but here are some gems from her tenure.

1. After losing a game we should never have lost, we ran sprints for an hour after the game. (a MAJOR NCAA violation)

2. She was so pissed at us one day, at the away game, she made us sleep on the floor in a hotel conference room. Again, huge violation.

3. For shorter away trips, we would take team vans (the 15 passenger variety). She thought it was a good idea to race the assistant coach in these vans. They almost flipped and it was one of the top ten scariest moments of my life.

4. She also thought it was a good idea to have us compete in a sprint-triathlon without any training. (On a side note, I did this after pulling an all-nighter writing a paper and was so high on aderral and red-bull that I didn't even notice the pain until hours later. I also lost my contacts in the pool and had to squint through the 10 mile bike ride and 6 mile run.)

Regardless, as a captain, I put everything I had into the team my senior year. I planned big dawg-little dawg stuff, an entire camping trip, team bonding, thanksgiving dinner, everything. Despite all these efforts, we lost, a lot and it was miserable. I cared SO much and gave the team everything I had, that my brain was so consumed with the team. It was really common for me to tell everyone what to wear to practice (what colors) and then show up wearing the completely wrong thing.

My revelation:
I wouldn't trade those soccer years for anything, but they wiped me out- physically, emotionally, mentally. And it isn't the soccer that I am over, its the competition. I cared SO MUCH for SO LONG that I don't have that care in me anymore. I stopped playing indoor last summer because it was far too competitive. The last straw was when a 40 year old man called me a "fat b*tch." I was so angry, it was unbelievable. I couldn't stop shaking. I am just over that level of competition.

But, the point is...I just, honestly, do not care. I want to play for fun, and only for fun. If I whiff the ball, who cares? If we loose, who cares? Not me, sister, not me! And now that I have figured out why I stopped playing, it feels so good. I'm starting to realize why I loved soccer in the first place. And once my schedule slows down a bit, I'd love to get into coaching a youth team. But--it's just the realization that I really do miss soccer, and I really do love it, but its only the sweet, fun parts that I miss- the reason I started playing as a ten year old.

The Difference Between my Mom and Dad

Littlesack: Hey, I signed up for the Marathon, did I tell you?

Dad: You go girl! (genuinely excited, and in the most feminine voice he can muster)

Mom: The WHOLE THING?! Are you kidding me?! Why would you DO that?!


...Can't you just be happy for me that I'm trying something I've been talking about for years?

What's YOUR Worst Running Experience?

Did you see "Biggest Loser" last night? I'm getting emotionally invested. I was so stressed when Kristin gained a pound and almost cried when her mom went home. Kristin's check is in the mail--the 100 pound mark is next week and I can't wait.
Anyways...the challenge this week was to run a half marathon, WITHOUT any training. Difficult! However, I guess this was filmed in the winter when most places had snow because a lot of the contestants had to run the 13.1 miles on an indoor track! I can't even imagine the misery of running for over two hours on an indoor track. Tara's track was only 1/10 a mile for each lap---that means TEN laps for a mile. I seriously can not even image that form of torture.

In college our gym's indoor track was 1/10 of a mile too. In late January when there was still snow on the ground we also did our soccer running on the track. The memories of it are so horrible...spending an hour doing intervals on a tiny track is seriously just miserable. I've never run a half marathon on that track, but I've run for hours. One year our fitness test upon return was the Cooper test--- 1.75 miles in 12 minutes. And we had to run it on the indoor track and if you didn't make it, you ran it until you made it. I had just gotten over mono at this point, but was never going to make this anyways- I am not a fast endurance runner, just an endurance runner. Anyways, I didn't make it the first time, or the second time, or the third time, or the fourth time. Neither did half the team- we only got to stop because another team had track time. That day I ran about 80 laps on that indoor track and the thought of it makes me want to throw up! So, I can only imagine the bajillion laps the Biggest Loser contestants ran to finish a halfy.

This certainly wasn't the worst running experience of my life, but it's certainly up there. The time I drank chocolate milk before a surprise fitness test was a pretty bad day too! So, what is your worst running experience (I know you tried to block it out, but let's all relish in the pain?!)

My First Marathon

I did it. That's right, ladies. Yesterday I registered for my first Full Marathon! The Under Armour Baltimore Marathon on Saturday, October 10.

I am scared shitless and also extremely excited about it. I've run two half marathons in the past (one last year and one about 5 years ago) and decided I was ready for the next challenge. And that challenge, just happens to be 26.2 miles.

I've been planning on running the Baltimore Marathon in fall 2009 for a little over a year now. This winter and spring my goal was to shed some unwanted pounds and get as strong as possible so that my running would be a little easier once I started training. And, I am SOOOO happy to report that since the middle of January I've lost 10 pounds!!! I am super excited and very proud of myself. It hasn't been easy, but I've been really focused on counting my calories, getting in a lot of cardio, and lifting weights like a mad woman. And, so far, so good. My goal is to loose another 10-15 pounds. I think that these 10-15 are going to be a little harder to get rid of, but I'm pretty optimistic. And, I'll keep everyone posted.

So, Saturday, October 10 seems like a long way away, but I know it will be here before I know it. I think I'm planning on a 20 or 24 week program, which makes my training start sometime in June.

For any marathon veterans, please leave some feedback on things that pushed you through and any success tips. I'm particularly looking for a good snack/gel that is easy on the stomach.

YEAHHHHH!!!!

Just a Thought...

Next time I'm at the gym, please remind me NOT to run on the treadmill next to the mirror, even if it's the only one left. Running next to a mirror allowed me to see all my not-so-perfect parts in their full glory and I can watch how slowly my feet appear to be moving even though I feel like I am running so fast I am going to fall over and die. It isn't good for the motivation factor.

And, next time I'm at the gym and forget undies to change into after I shower, please remind me to make sure that my pants are zipped up.

Just a thought...

To my Fellow Gold's Gym Members:

Dear Gym members,
Most of you follow proper gym etiquette and we have little do with each other besides a small smile as we both walk into the gym at an un-Godly hour. I appreciate this. However, to the few that need a refresher on gym etiquette, please see my letter below.

To the gym bunnys,
Yes, your body is rocking. Your six pack is nice and your legs are perfectly toned. And, if we are being perfectly honest, yes I am a little jealous that your whole body probably weighs the same as my left leg. That being said, we could all still tell that your body is rocking when you wear normal workout gear. There is no need for spandex shorts and a sports bra (with regular bra underneath) that you wear every-single-time you are at the gym. One, there is no need for the regular bra under the sports bra look- cleavage in a sports bra is defeating the purpose of keeping those suckers down. Secondly, It's not that hot at in the gym---no need for the sports bra only look. By wearing just that--you are clearly saying, "Look at me while I work out."

And if you feel that the gym is hot, (which I doubt because I've never seen you sweat) I bet putting your hair in a pony-tail instead of curling it and wearing it down would help keep you a little cooler. Just a tip from me to you. Finally, that make up that you put on to come to the gym is totally unnecessary too. We are here to sweat, not scope out men. Judging by that huge rock on your left ring finger, I'm pretty sure you are married and although you are clearly trying to attract attention, you probably shouldn't be. If you aren't getting what you need out of your marriage and need to seek validation for your looks at the gym, well, sister, that is an entirely different conversation.

And the next time you shoot me the stink eye while I am doing my wide leg squats to try and slim down my thighs, I will pick up the 10 pound dumb bell and hurl it at your face.


****
To the old man who thinks he can enter the "womens only" section:
Sir. Apparently you aren't getting the evil glances I shoot at you every time you do this. I know you aren't illiterate and can read that huge sign that says "Ladies Golds." We ladies specifically work out in this section to avoid creepers like you who make us feel uncomforatble while working out. (Yes, men, we do see you checking out our asses while doing our 1000th squat).

I assume you are simply lazy (which is weird since you are really musclar- as I can tell by your entirely too tight t-shirt). Since you can't seem to walk the 30 feet to the other equipment to find the specific weight you need, you think it is ok to prance into the women's section, pick out the weight you want, and prance out. This, my friend, is not ok.
One, it's women only for a reason. We like it this way. Get out.
Two, it's pretty screwed up to take our equipment out of the room because you are too lazy to find it elsewhere.
Third, if you ever have the balls to correct my form on something, like I've seen you do to other women before, I will not resist throwing that ten pound dumbbell you took from the women's section directly at your face.

Ask a gym bunny, she'll tell you.

Thanks to the both of you for your attention in this matter. Really appreciate your cooperation.

Love,
Littlesack.

Hello, Lover!

Some ladies have a thing for tall, pointy-toed stilettos, others for beautiful bags and clutches, for others jewelry is their weak point.

For me, it's fitness gear. I know that fitness gear is totally unlovely and non-fabulous, but I love it. My grandmother usually bestows some moolah on me for Christmas and while I usual use it for even more un glamorous things like groceries or windshied wipers, this year I bought a Garmin 305 Forerunner- the watch of all watches! And, boy do I love it. It is FAB-U-LOUS!

Let me tell you all about it...
This little bugger does all kinds of crazy things as you can read about on their website. These are some of my favorite functions:
-Its main function is a GPS that always tracks where you run and saves your routes
-It shows your mileage.
-It has a heart rate monitor and you can set heart rate zones, so that you train within a certain zone. It beeps at you to work harder or slower if you go out of your zone.
-pace monitor. This is my favorite function because it is going to help me immensely while training for some upcoming races. Again, you can set a pace zone and it beeps at you if you are going too fast or too slow.
-It tells you calories burned and more accurately than gym equipment because it is set to your age, gender, weight, etc.
-It tracks your courses for you and you can upload them onto your computer to compare your progress on the same course at different times.
-You can race against an imaginary runner dude on your watch. It tells you if he is beating you and how fast you need to run to catch up with him
-You can program interval runs into your watch. This is awesome, because it beeps at you when the interval is over, instead of constantly having to check and reset your watch. I love this function
-You can also run away from home as far as possible and then tell the watch to take you home and it will show you the route to take to go back home

I know it does a million more things that I haven't quite figured out yet, but so far I am 100% happy with this purchase. I've had a heart rate monitor for a while and I thought that was a legit purchase, but this thing is freikin amazing! I thought that it being so clunky would annoy me, but I don't even notice it.

Also, I was able to find it for considerably cheaper at Wal-Mart than on the Garmin website, which also made me very happy! Who knew a watch could do all this?

Happy Running!

Back to the Street

This past October I ran in the Baltimore half-marathon. While I can't say i enjoyed every minute (honestly, who enjoys running for 2 plus hours?), I did have a lot of fun, was proud of my time (2:14), and was really proud to have finished in one piece. However, I did strain something in my foot and had to take 6 weeks off from running.

So, I went back to some lower impact activities- my workout dvds and biking- until my foot healed. But today, I was just so over those dvds and the stationary bike. Inspired by Marlene, a Canadian on the run, I hit the streets again. I figured if she could run outside in Canada, I could handle the winter along the mid-Atlantic.

Being a pretty avid runner, I have a lot of gear that keeps me warm, dry, safe, and entertained.
Sweat wisking undies and bra? check
under armour long tights? check
sweat wisking long sleeve t? check
my 180s with small space for ipod ear buds? check
road id? check
and ipod with road-ready mix? check-check!

Dressed and ready, I got out the door before I could change my mind.
And, I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't as cold as I thought it would be, my stride came right back and lasted the three miles, and I remembered why I love running in the cold.

So, moral of the story, ladies. If you are fearing the yucky winter weather, get yourself geared up and hit the street. I think you will find the crisp air refreshing and the holiday sights delightful. And, if you are completely miserable, just think about the nasty comment you can leave me the whole time!