Top 10 Reasons I loved running the Half Marathon...

10. I got to run in the same race as an Olympic Gold Medalist (Joan Benoit Samuelson - 1984 Womens' Olympic Marathon)

9. Choice of chocolate gel packs with or without caffeine (of course, I picked with ...)

8. Good Excuse to buy new sneakers



7. You can make a new friend that you'll run next to for 3 hours (or so...)

6. Port-o-Potties



5. You can eat all you want after the race and not feel guilty about any of it (if you can stomach it).



4. Live Bands *including the crooner dressed up in a suit holding my hand for a few yards...

3. All the free stuff at the expos (gel paks, bars, rice, massages, puppets, drink samples (sports drinks) ).

2. All the scenery and fresh air...

And finally....

1. That awesome feeling you get when you cross the finish line that YOU DID IT!

My time is . . .

My time has been posted. I am consistent - 3:06:47. No PR's or anything like that, but only a few seconds off my Philly run (which isn't bad considering the number of hills and a potty break). Now I'll be kicking myself for the potty break...

Here's me running (about half way):

Here's me finishing the race:

Here's the back of my head looking for my chip time:

I still don't know my time...

3:06:36 WAS MY FINISHING TIME IN THE 2007 PHILLY HALF MARATHON.

I AM PATIENTLY WAITING FOR INFORMATION FROM THIS YEARS' 2008 LEHIGH VALLEY HALF MARATHON.

I'LL LET YOU KNOW WHEN I DO!

I did it!

Here I am before the Half Marathon began. I set my hopes high by choosing to run with a pace team (knowing full well that I would be dreaming to finish at this time). I started with them, but I found myself watching the pace leader slowly disappear out of my sights somewhere after mile 3 and then I never saw them again.

I ran my own race at my own pace. I walked a few times as my ankles were so sore and I needed to stretch. I met another Marian right before the run and pretty much paced with her the entire race.

I have to say, I was pretty relaxed, considering I had a queezy stomach and needed a few stops at the Port-A-Potties. I don't understand - I only had 2 organic pop-tarts...

I started out thinking I would dedicate each mile to one of my nieces or nephews (I have nine and one on the way) and then my family. But somewhere around mile 4, 5 or 6, I had no idea where I was at and I decided just to run. Near the end, I decided to run the last mile for my grandmas, since I really started focusing on running on the last day I ever saw one of my grandmas. But, the emotion got a little overwhelming and my lungs started to constrict and I thought my asthma would kick in. I certainly wouldn't want that! So, I just decided to focus on finishing strong.

I am sitting on the couch now and my legs, feet are throbbing. It's time for some Icy Hot. I don't know what it is about running that keeps me coming back, especially since the next few days, I will have sore feet and legs. But there's just something about it. I will admit that I do NOT see a full marathon anywhere in the near future. I would have to lose some serious weight in order to do that.

No mantras this run. No mental games -- just running. Just a sheer determination to complete this race. I didn't have any overall push to pick up the speed or push it at all. I had just enough motivation to run - keeping the pace.

I had a scripture playing through my mind at one point:

"They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. The shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not, not be faint."

I will post my time and finishing photo when I get those. My friend's mother-in-law was there to cheer her on and she got a shot of me crossing the finish line. You'll see that as soon as I receive it.

Clock time: 3:08-ish. If that is so, I should be good for a personal record in chip-time. The anticipation is still there - waiting for the results to be posted on-line.

Thanks for all your "secret" encouragements and thoughts. I got a few texts and some phone calls afterwards. I love it! Thanks. I appreciate everyone of you.

I will still continue to post - since technically, this blog is for weight loss. I just took that past few weeks to highlight an accomplishment that I have pursued ...

Until I recover ... Look at those beautiful calves!

Here are the two marathon divas (of course, before the run):

There's no time left!

It's do or die.

If you haven't prepared - it's too late. You can't procrastinate training. You can't pull an "all-nighter" to prepare for a half marathon. You've either trained or you haven't. If you have - good for YOU! If you haven't - you need to do the right thing...

I put in my final treadmill time this morning. It wasn't much, but enough to put some sweat on my brow and keep my muscles ready to push for tomorrow. I took my final preparation pics this morning.

(Notice the sweat on my brow!)

OK - so I feel a little cheezy this morning. I'm ready to go. I feel like a kid ready to go on their first vacation to Disney World (I know the anticipation of that vacation - even though a hurricane thwarted that excitement and we never ended up going - but that's my other blog "Why I need Therapy" - just kidding)...but really.

I'm leaving in just a few hours. I gotta take a shower, pack, go to the post office, eat some breakfast and/or lunch (or both at the same time).

It's time to RUN! This time tomorrow - I should be completing mile 9 or 10. Let's go for it - 2:40 all the way!

THE EXCITEMENT IS ALMOST TO MUCH TO CONTAIN!

I have less than 48 hours until I run in my 2nd half marathon. I am so stoked! I hope this carries over to Sunday morning - when it will be rainy and chilly...

Seriously though, I have a lot of excitement and anticipation going into this run. I've been through the "I can't believe I signed-up to do this again!" to the "I can't wait!!!" phases. I've been eating like you wouldn't believe. I want to gain some time in my evenings and weekends. No more focusing on running, running, running. And more focus on working out, dieting, losing weight and maybe some school work :).

I didn't get to run last night. I had to stay late at work and then make a run to a vendor on my way home. By the time I made it home, I just ate my crockpot dinner concoction and basically went to bed.

I have one more light 2-miler scheduled for tomorrow before I leave for Allentown. I get to meet Joan Benoit Samuelson. She ran in the Olympic Marathon Trials in Boston just last week and is the World Record holder for the marathon for women over 50. Amby Burfoot is also a speaker (he won Boston a long time ago). I read all his articles and books from Runner's World. I guess if you're into running, you'd know who these people are. They are an inspiration to me.

I have one wish - only one. I dream of family and friends in the stands cheering me on as I finish the 13.1 mile run. I know they can't be there for various reasons, but I imagine what it would be like to see them cheering me on as I finish the race, tired, exhausted, yet feeling quite content and confident that I am an achiever. But alas, it will only be my imagination and capacity to control my pain/thoughts/emotions during this run that will carry me to completion.

I am still excited. Still stoked...and in less than 48 hours, ...still running!

We're down to just hours - 72 to be exact (and counting)...

With only 72 hours to go, I decided to go from days to hours in my countdown. I tried to put in a counter, but something's not working (thus the pretty box in the corner with no information that you need).

Keep cheering me on. I am scheduled for a light 2-miler tonight and maybe a quick trip to the gym for a work-out, but we might just skip the work-out part (shhhhh).

Alright - let you know how it goes tomorrow.

4...4...4...

4 ... 4 ... 4 ... 4 ... 4 ... 4

In just 4 short days - I will be running and running and running and then running some more!

13.1 miles to be exact.

I got in my "light" 2-miler yesterday. Even though it was light, I almost kept my ideal race pace for a 2:40 run. I would love to hang with the 2:40 pace group, but I know myself and will probably hang with the 3:00 crowd! It would be my goal to again (yes I said again - I've done this before) run the entire 13.1 miles.

ONLY THIS TIME - NO FALLING or GETTING STITCHES!

Today is a day of rest. I'm still carbo-loading (yeah, a fancy way of saying "eating lots of sugars / carbs). I am sore from my work-out yesterday with the trainer. I think the walking squats killed my hammies. They need to be stretched. But if I bend over now, all the sugar will rush to my head and I might pass out.

Only 4 more days...

5 Days Left to train!

I went to my personal trainer this morning. I had a burning question for her. But before I get to the question, I notice she is limping. Apparently, when I saw her last week after her 7-mile run, she was feeling some pain in her leg - thought maybe she pulled a muscle. Well, 7 days later, she's barely able to walk. So guess what? She won't be running in the half this weekend. She's a bit bummed! I'd be - I'd be crying, curled in my bed with a pint of B&J Choco Chip...Just kidding!

Back to the burning question...

I asked her WHY - get this - why have I gained 2 lbs since I started to train with her and I run - ALL THE TIME. You wanna hear the answer? It turns out - Muscle weighs more than fat. OK - so we've all heard that, but I want to know how the muscle got there without using some of that fat?!?! And, get this - we build muscle faster than we lose fat. So, even though I'm running and training and doing OK with the diet, I'm building muscle ... out of who knows what ... and not losing any fat! She said, "Eat less, workout more."

WHAAAAAAA???? She's done lost her mind!

My diet will change after the half this weekend, which is only 5 days away...I'm soooooo excited! I will eat less of the stuff I shouldn't be and more of the stuff I should. Less carbs, more protein. Less Coke (whhaaaa) and more water (ooooohhhh). Less fast-food lunches and more brown bags.

Cheer me on. I still have 5 more days.

I still have the GINORMOUS hill at the end of a 13 mile run that I must ascend to make it to the finish line. It's taunting me. It's calling my name. But alas, I shall be the victor and stand triumphantly on top claiming, "I, yes I am the king of this mountain!"

The countdown is on - 6 Days and counting!!

I have 6 days to go.

This is the time where I spend my week on light runs, eating lots of carbs (great excuse for Rita's Water Ice) and mentally prepare myself for 3 hours of running!

I put in my last long run on Saturday. I ran for just under 2 hours. I don't have the exact distance, but based on my pace and knowing somewhat the areas I ran in - I did just about 8 miles. For a seasoned runner - I know that doesn't sound like much, but for an overweight wannabe, that's pretty impressive!

SO, I KEEP RUNNING!

It's my therapy. It's my way of relieving stress. I may never grace the cover of Runner's World Magazine or win a major race for my age group, but I can tell you this, I run. I run because it's fun. I run because I can. I don't have to compete against anyone but myself. I set my goals and push for them, whether or not they seem impressive to anyone else. I run.

I don't know if anyone even reads my blogs (does it really matter?). I write about what I love, running - losing weight. Even if it's for no one else, it's for me.

I AM A RUNNER!

If you dare, set your goal and go for it. Forget about anyone who would say you can't do it. Forget about the fact you don't "fit the mold" or "look the part". Do what you love - love what you do.

OK. I'm done with the cliches' today.

Only 6 more days!

9 SINGLE DAYS TO GO!

ONLY NINE MORE DAYS...

ONLY 9?????!!!!

What happend to all that time I had to get ready for this half marathon? It's all gone! The days of building up mileage and drinking power drinks and eating whatever I want (because I'm going to burn it all off when I run later) are almost over.

In the words of Charlie Brown:

"UUUUGGGGHHHH!"

I put in my 3-miles at the track yesterday. I know it's easier on your legs to run on the softer gravel track, but I think it takes more energy and work to keep it moving. I had everything I could do to kick it while I was running.

I haven't had any major issues with sore muscles or stiffness, but I have had an awful time with my heel. I stretch it, ice it and it is still killing me after I run. It hurts more when it's on the track. Guess I should consider not running on the track.

The only reason I ran the track is because my NIKE+ is attached to my IPod which is in my gym bag which is in my co-workers van which went to the service garage to get repaired. So, in order for me to know how far I was running, I had to use the track ... understand now? It shouldn't be this complicated!

!

10 days to go!

So we're almost down to single digit days of waiting...

I ran into my trainer at the gym yesterday after she decided to "skip-out" on our 5:00 a.m. training session for an all nighter at the porcelain throne. She had just completed a 7-miler and she was dripping sweat. I kept thinking to myself - I've never sweat that much in my life! Now don't get me wrong, I can drip some sweat, but I don't think I've ever had it dripping down my chin as if I just got out of the shower and skipped the towel drying...

She encouraged me and was confident that I will make it through this half marathon with no issues. I'm beginning to believe it myself.

While I was at the gym, I focused on my legs: squats, ham string lifts, quads, etc... I want some strong legs.

All I need now is some of that protein infused TIGER MILK for MUSCLES! It would fit my total image! But instead, I will stick to sugar infused GATORADE - the blue kind - because it tastes better. (How do you milk a tiger??? I would think that's one job you'd have to take out a lot of insurance).

Tonight, I'm going for 3 miles (just an easy 12:30 per mile). That's the goal. I can do it...yes I can!

Only 11 more days...

The countdown is on!

The wait is almost over.

The time of preparation is closing...

.

It's half marathon TIME!

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I have been going at the training like there's no tomorrow. I may not have the motivation, but I've had the discipline over these past few weeks to get the training time in and the miles logged. I can't say that I have enjoyed it, but I have done it.

.

The truth be told - it will all come out on the 27th - that's where the literal rubber on the bottom of my shoes hit the road or pavement or path through the woods. I have gotten the new sneakers broken in. I have figured out most of my wardrobe for the run (minus a non-chaffing unmentionable). I need to figure that one out on my own...

.

I have been working on my leg strength in the gym in hopes that I will not only be able to have the endurance to run 13.1 miles, but to do it with more strength and power, especially with the number of hills that are on the course (I have heard about the killer hill that leads to the stadium where we finish the run).

.

I'm feeling more and more confident as I do my evening runs around the neighborhood. I had some breathing problems last night that pushed me to walk through most of my miles last night. I called the pharmacist for a new inhaler, but I have to wait for the prescription to come across from my doctor's office.

.

Other than that, I'll keep you posted as the days get closer and closer...I'm getting the excitement in my blood ...

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IT'S ALMOST TIME!

13 More Days!

After I posted on Saturday, I dug down deep inside and found that motivation needed to go running. In fact, I found enough motivation to run an entire 7 miles with only a minor walk in there. It felt great, but I still don't feel very motivated.

Did you know that you can burn over 1,000 calories in just one work-out???? I did. SO, how do you end a 7-mile, 1,000 calorie-burning workout - with whatever you want!!! I ate salmon on the grill and mac'n cheese...and, a mango sorbet afterwards...and...that was it.

I went running again tonight. My goal - run under 12:59 / mile. OK. So most of you are able to walk a mile in that time, but remember, short legs!!! I usually average just under 14 minutes for long runs. I averaged 12:30 tonight for 2. It's the goal speed for the half. 12:30 a minute for 13.1 miles! Ok. So, two down. Only 11.1 to go!

Wish me luck!

BTW - Tomorrow AM is my workout with the personal trainer. It has been going pretty good, but this week I only made it to the gym for a workout once. (I went more than that, but only for cardio). I needed to run more than I needed to workout - plus, I am using that as an excuse to give my abs a break - they so deserve it!

OK - gotta go. Thanks for your encouragement!

Only 15 more days!

So, it's now April 12th and I have only 15 days 'til I run in the Lehigh Valley Half-Marathon. Am I prepared ? I have no clue. I have no idea. I have no motivation...

I'm in trouble! I have to run 10 miles this weekend for training. I woke up and just wanted to go back to sleep. In an effort to get my blood flowing today - I made some breakfast and crashed on the couch. OK. That's step one. Breakfast is over.

I stared at the TV and decided - ok - step two. Let's get out the Pledge and dust the living room woodwork. I worked off a few minutes worth of calories and then, I am back on the couch wondering why I can't get motivated to run a few miles!?!?

Oh, I need to vacuum...