Tag: marathon

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Bayshore Marathon

After having to take a few weeks off from running due to injury I began PT and eased my way back into training for the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City, Michigan. Unfortunately there were just a few weeks left before the race once I could run again so I was not as trained as I would like to have been. But my leg was feeling great and I was pretty sure I would be able to finish so made the final preparations and hopped on a plane with David and the long weekend was underway.

I chose this marathon for the scenic “flat” course (the race advertises itself as flat, it’s not flat, maybe flat compared to the rest of the area but there are hills!) but also because David’s college friends are in the area. Marathons are for the runners, not the spectators and I’m so lucky that David doesn’t seem to mind spectating and even seems to enjoy it at times, but by doing this specific race, this holiday weekend wasn’t just about me. We are fortunate that our friends have a home in the area and welcomed us in with open arms, excellent company, and Vitamin water.

We arrived the evening before the race and enjoyed a delicious homemade pasta dinner and beautiful sunset (at 9:15 PM!!!). That is a late sunset for these east coasters. Was hard to force myself to go to bed with it still being quite light outside but I knew I had an early morning ahead so after some logistical planning hit the sack for hopefully a good night’s sleep.

4:45 AM. Alarm goes off. I had gotten my stuff together the night before so get dressed, eat some food, and head to the race start. After getting through some traffic David dropped me off and it was then hurry up and wait. But I didn’t have to wait too long. It was chilly out, 38 degrees but actually didn’t feel too bad with a light sweatshirt and shorts. The worst part was walking through the wet grass for the bag check. Cold, wet shoes are never fun. But by the time I used the bathroom, checked my bag, walked to the start, met one of my favorite running podcasters (Ali Feller from Ali on the Run), used the bathroom again, it was almost time to start.

Lots of anticipation at the start. The sun was shining, the air was cool, and you could feel the nervous energy. Chatter all around me, people bouncing in place to keep warm, race strategies being discussed. When 5th place Boston Marathoner (among other many achievements) Emma Bates blew the air horn signaling the start of the race I took a deep breath and reminded myself not to go out too hard. It was a challenge not to do that since this race isn’t as big as some of the others. Plenty of room to take off without having to weave around other runners. I as typical went out faster than I planned and tried to pull it back but didn’t pull it back enough and I definitely paid for it the last third of the race or so. I don’t have a great race recap like previous races, mostly because this was an out and back course without many turns so the miles just blended together. So some moments that stood out:

  • The first view of the water
  • Seeing David at mile 6ish
  • The gorgeous homes we ran past
  • The man carrying the American flag the entire race
  • The rolling hills
  • Reaching the turnaround point
  • The lack of calf cramps at mile 18!!! (that’s typically around when they begin for me)
  • The cool breeze coming off the water (without it it would have been very warm)
  • Realizing I wasn’t going to make my A goal so backing it down a bit
  • Seeing David and friends at mile 20ish (with vitamin water but no banana)
  • The last few miles were so long and hard but realizing I could PR
  • Entering the track for the finish
  • Seeing David and friends as soon as I entered the track
  • The song Walls beginning playing as I entered the track
  • The noise of the spectators at the finish
  • Kicking it hard to the finish
  • Earning a 2 minute and 1 second PR
  • The pain in my legs and hips as soon as I stopped
  • Hobbling through the finish to the bag check
  • The delicious ice cream (mint chocolate chip)
  • Seeing David and friend
  • Trying to change my shoes (cramps in the bottoms of both feet) and then hobble to the car (which at that point seemed just as far away as the distance I had just run)

Overall this wasn’t quite the race I wanted but I knew it wouldn’t be with missing so much training time. I was quite sore after (more than usual) because of the missed runs but by the end of the day I was feeling much better other than unusual pain around my left knee. Which isn’t the leg that was injured. It was very achy and walking downhill and down steps was not pleasant, but it didn’t keep me from enjoying the rest of the weekend. That evening after satisfying my “runger” at a local joint another friend came into town to join the fun. We spent the evening just shooting the shit, enjoying each other’s company, and taking in the spectacular views by a fire.

The next day was spent seeing the area, visiting different towns, and enjoying our last day together. The trip culminated with a delicious taco dinner, hanging out at the house with some drinks, and of course another beautiful late sunset.

I love seeing new places on foot and this race was no doubt beautiful. A truly memorable race as part of a memorable course and just a small part in a memorable weekend. Having friends there made the race more special and getting to spend time with friends we don’t often see was priceless.

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My Chicago Marathon

Almost exactly a year ago I wrote a recap of my Baltimore Marathon experience (can be seen here: https://lifeafterchildloss.net/the-evolution-of-a-marathon/). The actual marathon was October 9, 2021, exactly 1 year before the Chicago marathon! The Baltimore marathon was not my day and I was looking for some sort of redemption. During my winter training for the spring marathon I was in the best shape I had been in for a long time and knew a Boston qualifying time was in reach. But then injury struck and I did not get my redemption. After that I just hoped I would be recovered enough to run the Chicago marathon.

I’m not able to recap the Chicago marathon the way I recapped Baltimore in part because I just don’t know Chicago so I don’t remember certain streets or where certain miles were, etc., but also because it was just so incredible and I was having so much fun (until I wasn’t, read on for the details) that nothing stood out for me in any particular area. It was all just great and the miles blurred together. I will do my best to share my feelings and emotions throughout the day, and really the whole weekend.

We arrived in Chicago Friday night, too late to do anything but settle in and try to relax a bit before the busy weekend ahead. The check-in line was long but the excitement was palpable. Mostly runners, all there with different goals but the same purpose, to run a great city. Saturday morning I joined a very large group for a shakeout run put on by Tracksmith Running. I was looking forward to meeting Tina Muir, former elite runner, and host of the Running for Real podcast. She is open to sharing her vulnerabilities so I felt comfortable approaching her to tell her my story and how a recent podcast guest who lost his son to cancer, resonated with me. We chatted a bit and I shared my story with her on the run as part of her podcast (neat episode, lots of different stories). The run was beautiful with lovely scenery and even lovelier people. I was nervous about my leg so it was a confidence booster to get out there and run a few easy miles. Really helped the nerves settle but also build the anticipation for the race the next day.

After this we hit the expo to pick up my race packet. I was looking forward to this but once there was completely overwhelmed. The crowds were ridiculous (which makes sense, over 42,000 runners descended upon Chicago) and after looking in a few booths David and I both felt the need to get out of there. Was a bit disappointed that I couldn’t just take it all in but I knew for my sanity it was not a good idea to continue to try to navigate the crowds. It would just exhaust me so instead of spending hours there we relaxed a bit before a pasta dinner, followed by dessert with his sister and family. We don’t get to see them often and it was a joy to spend some time with the kids whom we haven’t seen since 2016, when we took Ariella there to visit. My niece reminds me so much of Ariella that it was like she was there with us. The eye rolls, the attitude, the way she spoke. But by the same note, Ariella loved her cousins and they adored her, and her absence was glaring. But we talked about her and reminisced and before we knew it it was time to head back to the hotel for much needed sleep.

Sunday morning. Alarm goes off at 4:30. It’s race day!!! I got flat me ready last night so I wouldn’t forget anything this morning. I even made sure to have Ariella’s lucky panda tucked into the pocket of my hydration belt. I do all the things and join the thousands of runners heading to the start line. There is a buzz in the air, it’s electrifying. Not feeling too nervous yet, or much of anything else, just cold! Take in some more food and hit the bathroom a few times and then head into my start corral about 20 minutes before my wave starts and that’s when it all just hits me. What I’ve been through to get there. What I’ve overcome. Who I’m running for. Ariella literally on my back. All those that can’t run. That I don’t have to do this but I GET to do this. And I just start crying. And I don’t mean some quiet tears escaping, I mean full on bawling. And I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only one. There was lots of nervous energy and the last 10 minutes before the start of the wave lasted a lifetime. Finally it’s time for wave 2 to start but as I was in the second corral of wave 2 I didn’t cross the start line until 8 minutes later. Oh but what I feeling once I did! The months of training, the injuries, the leg that’s not quite right, all the things that threatened to keep me from running this race, all in the past. As I stepped over that start line all I said to myself was “I am going to finish this race.”

Runners have different goals when running a marathon and though I said over and over (more to convince myself) that I wasn’t expecting to reach my A goal, and that wasn’t even my goal for this race since I was coming back from injury, it really was my goal. My A goal was a Boston qualifying time (3:50), B goal was sub-4:00 and C goal was to finish with a PR. And through 2/3 of the race I thought the farfetched was actually within reach. For 18 miles of the race I felt great! The first mile was electric. The crowd support cannot be described and I felt like I was flying. I was careful not to go out too fast. I was soaking it all in. The noise and cheers of the crowd, the music, the shared experiences. I saw David and after hitting that 1st mile mark I thought, that was easy, just 25 more to go! And it was easy. I was having so much fun and nothing could stop me. My pace was comfortable and I picked it up just a little after the first 10K. I wasn’t looking at my watch (which wasn’t accurate for most of the race anyway, hitting the miles too early) but just running by feel. I actually felt like my A goal was achievable. When I felt like I may be pushing too hard, I pulled back. I was trying to run smart and it was truly exhilarating. Nearing the halfway point I saw David again amongst hundreds of other people and was happy to still be feeling strong at that point. I allowed myself to imagine crossing the finish line achieving everything I wanted, but was still cautious. And it’s a good thing I was. Around mile 18 was when I thought I was in serious trouble. Out of seemingly nowhere both calves started cramping. That wasn’t enough to stop me initially but it certainly slowed me down and I saw my A goal slipping away along with the 3:50 pacing group. I almost wish it hadn’t felt like that goal was within reach because it made it that much harder when it disappeared with “just” 8 miles to go. I was begging my body to keep going, to not quit on me. To allow me to just run through it. I was thinking of Ariella, all the pain she went through and how she came through even stronger, how it didn’t crush her spirit even a little bit. And I kept running. And then I had to stop. I had to stretch. And I just started crying. I was so frustrated. I did everything I was supposed to do. The only thing slowing me down were the cramps. And they wouldn’t let up. The remainder of the race went on like that. I would run as long as I could at a pace my legs could handle and stretch when needed. I began walking through the water stops to give them even more of a rest. I downed pickle juice at mile 22 which is supposed to stop cramps in their tracks, but did nothing for me. Was hoping at some point they would just go away, but they didn’t. The sun was beating down and I started feeling really hot but I did not go that far to only go that far. Ariella never quit so neither would I. Between miles 22 and 23 you could see the sign for mile 24 on the other side of the road and I cannot express how much I just wanted to cut the course and get to mile 24! I didn’t of course but that 24 mile marker was just there, taunting all of us running by before we could make that turn to head back down towards the finish. At mile 23 I did the math and realized that a sub 4:00 marathon was within reach. To force myself to keep running I would find various markers and tell myself I just had to run to that marker, and then the next, and then the next. Less than 30 minutes to go, less than 20 minutes, less than 10 minutes, less than 5. I can do anything for 5 minutes. I know for sure that B goal is going to be achieved. At the top of a hill just 200 meters to go. Most were groaning up the hill but I welcomed it because my calves felt much better running up that hill rather than on the flat ground (plus that hill was nothing compared to what I trained on!). I practically sprinted up that hill. And then turn the corner and the finish line is in sight. I gave it everything I had. And I came in at 3:56:22, a 24 minute PR and my B goal for sub-4. Frankly I’m glad if I wasn’t going to make 3:50 that I wasn’t super close because I think that would have been more frustrating. I crossed the finish line and just started sobbing again. Tears of joy and tears of frustration. It wasn’t the race I wanted. But it was for a large part of it. I limped my way through the finish area, got my gear, changed, and then made the seemingly endless walk to meet David.

I was on a high the rest of the day. As we spent time in the city we could easily identify the runners by their awkward walking gaits (and of course the medals and other marathon gear)! All of us that ran wore our medals with pride the rest of that day. All around you could hear people talking about the race, their successes and disappointments, their accomplishments, their favorite signs, what it meant to them. The magic was still in the air as the city was overtaken by runners. As for us ,we spent time with dear friends of ours, also members of the childhood cancer community. Ariella and their daughter Ava were immediate friends and remained great friends in the short time they knew each other. Of course Ariella’s absence was once again at the forefront of my mind during our dinner but we were sure to leave her mark behind.

And just like that it was our last day in Chicago. We went to Under Armour to get my medal engraved, had a delicious breakfast and then headed home. The airport, just like the city, was taken over by runners and it was fun to be among them. I have run other big races before, Marine Corps Marathon in 2001 and NYC Marathon in 2006 but this one felt extra special. Maybe because with the advent of social media there is much more awareness about the race and activities surround the race, and more hype. Maybe it’s because more and more people seem to be taking up running. Being a part of a training group and also social media groups builds up the anticipation to race day. There is so much support and encouragement it’s impossible to not get caught up in the excitement. And following the race there are so many ways to share our stories. The city of Chicago, the various neighborhoods, the people, made this experience exceptional. I pushed through, didn’t quit, and had the experience of a lifetime. As for what’s next, I’m not sure. After the Baltimore marathon I was immediately ready to sign up for another race for my redemption. This time, not so much. This training cycle and race beat me up and I’m looking forward to a couple of weeks of no strenuous activity before deciding what I will do next. Thanks to all who supported and followed me on this road to marathon redemption. I was disappointed when I had to cancel my spring marathon but this marathon more than made up for it. And yet I know I still have room to grow so stay tuned!

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The Evolution of a Marathon

The morning of, hours before the start. Gotta get up! Gotta get moving! The race is in 3 hours! Gotta get dressed, gotta eat, gotta get there super early to secure parking, use the porta potty at least 3 times, figure out logistics, stand around and wait.

Ok, we’re here, just 2 hours until the start. Let’s wander. Let’s wish people luck for the 5K. Ok, now back to the starting line. Just 20 minutes to go. Where do I line up? Where I expect to be or where I hope to be? I know, somewhere in between. Oh, they’re moving forward, good luck kisses goodbye, let’s do this! Just 10 more minutes to start! Let’s stand around more and wait. Finally, the National Anthem and the wheelchair racers (amazing athletes by the way) and now it’s our turn! There’s the gun! Let’s.. walk slowly in a large pack to the starting line. Okay, hit the starting line, let’s go!!! I’ve got this!

Wow, the beginning is straight uphill. But feeling good and strong. I’ve got this. No music, just listening to the sounds around me. Hey, “Fight Song” is playing on on someone else’s music. Ariella is here! Heading toward the zoo. Maybe we’ll see some animals! Ooh, lots of downhill. This is wonderful. Didn’t see any penguins, bummer. But loved the guy in the lounge chair just chilling who gave me a thumbs-up! Hey camera man, feeling good, don’t make me look weird! Leaving the zoo, still lots of downhill.

Some boring stretches of the run but soon heading towards miles 8 and 9. A spot where David may catch me. Great crowd with lots of excitement, but no David. Oh well, I know I’ll see him at the halfway point. Nearing mile 10. Shit my foot is cramping. Prone to cramps but not usually while I’m running. My ear just popped, what the fuck?! Everything sounds like I’m under water. I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come. Not even halfway done. What a boring stretch of run but I see runners coming back this way so there must be a turn around soon. Where the fuck is that turn around? Is that it? Nope, that’s the turn around for the 5K. Still going. This road is boring and long. Oh hey, there’s the Under Armour Headquarters! That’s where I got my Covid vaccine. Ah finally, we get to turn around and I get to head back to the large crowd of supporters. Oh hey! Some cheers from friends through RaceJoy! And text messages! So cool to be able to get that support while running.

Coming down the stretch and my bright pink arm sleeves paid off because David spotted me from pretty far away and I saw him wave to me. The cheering is incredible. Feeling strong and fast! Grabbed some water and continued on. The next few miles unremarkable. Feeling some twinging in my calves, especially my right one but doing okay. Still on pace to finish under 4:00. And now my other ear popped. This has never happened when running before. My breathing sounds even worse, like Darth Vader breathing directly in my ear. Not distracting at all. Hear my name being called! It’s my ex-sister-in-law! So glad to see another friendly face. Especially during such a quiet stretch. Slowing down a bit but here comes Patterson Park and mile 16! The crowd support is incredible! Can’t slow down here!

Who the fuck knew Baltimore was so damn hilly? I’ve done this before, I must have blocked it out. Where the hell is Lake Montebello already?! I need to see that mile 20 sign. Have to keep stretching my calf. Not only is it sore but I can feel it spasming or twitching or moving like some sort of weird alien invading my body. Ah here we go, heading into Lake Montebello. But what the fuck is that hill I see after we exit the lake? I thought the last 5 miles were mostly down hill? Ok well let me make my way around the lake. What the fuck RaceJoy app! I am not at mile 21! I just passed mile 20.

Okay, made it up those hills after the lake. That’s all the uphills, right? Right? Shit, nope. Still on pace to finish at around 4:00 but I am hurting. Feet keep cramping and forcing me to change my gait. Now my quad is hurting. But I am going to make it. Maybe. Just going to walk up this hill to the traffic light. Okay, just across the intersection. Okay, after I drink some water. Shit, I’m out of water. Okay I’ll run to the next water station. Oh hey, someone handing out water. Just what I needed. Thanks to the person who said go Ariella Strong. You helped me through another block. Hearing her name was a fantastic gift. Thanks to the person who yelled go pink sleeves! Oh hey, these people are talking about a dog named Sherman! What are the odds? Evidence of both Ariella and Sherman. Hey guy in Winnie the Pooh outfit. I appreciate the distraction because I am really starting to worry here. My calves hurt, I can’t hear, and my water keeps leaking. I AM GOING TO FINISH. These kids on my back endured a hell of a lot more and they had no choice. Also I am way more than 2/3 done this King Crab Challenge and that medal is badass. I did not come this far to not get that damn medal! Ok, let’s do some walk run intervals. Still on pace to crush my PR. No sub 4:00, but hopefully sub 4:30. Ah Eye of the Tiger guy. A fixture at every Baltimore Running Festival.

Mile 25 and Gatorade. Thank you thank you thank you. A great excuse to stop running. Holy fuck my calf just complete seized up and I can’t move it. Let’s try stretching it. Thanks volunteer at the water stop but I do not want the medical tent right next door. I have 1.2 to go and I WILL make it across one way or another. I am running for those who can’t so I have to finish. These names are keeping me going. Plus people are tracking me so gotta keep going. Okay, let’s walk while I drink my Gatorade. Quick text to David to let him know where I am and that I’m hurting. Phone away and I am running to the end. Or not. Fuck you again RaceJoy! I did not finish! I am not even at mile 26 yet! Somewhere between mile 25 and 26. Quick stretch of my calf. Shit shit shit. My entire leg is one big charley horse. Fuck! Okay, easing up. Now to stretch the other. Fuck! Another one. Ah hell. Not now. Please let me just finish this thing. Thank you nice strangers who stopped with me to see if I needed help. Thank you for walking with me and then running with me. It’s the camaraderie that makes these races so special. Woo hoo! Mile 26. There is no stopping me now! Yes sir with the sign, I will make this last .2 my bitch. No one will see my pain. Hey, I hear my name again, where is it coming from? Ah over there! It’s David! And my mom! Just a few steps to the finish! And I’m done! And I’m in pain. And I’m sobbing. So glad that’s over. No thanks, I don’t need a wheelchair, probably should try to walk and keep moving. Okay, let me refuel and meet up with David and my mom. Maybe I should have taken that wheelchair. Nah, I’ll be alright. What the hell was my finish time anyway? Didn’t even notice the clock. Shit, now I have to wait until results are posted. Ah here they are, 4:20:20. Okay, not what I was hoping for but crushed my PR by 35 minutes and under 4:30. Going to enjoy this delicious beer and then relax and not think about running for a while.

Advil and the Theragun seemed to help with the calf pain and our sushi dinner hit the spot. So glad to have an excuse not to workout the next few days. Hmmm, I wonder what the best marathons are?

The next day, calves and quads are sore but not debilitating, though steps are not my friend. I wonder what kind of time I would need to qualify for Boston? Hey, I would only have to cut 30 minutes off my time. I could do that on a flat course, right? And if I can get these muscle cramps under control. Let’s look up some marathons…

But seriously, this doesn’t even capture all the emotion and and euphoria and pain I experienced throughout. When I started getting foot cramps at mile 10 I started getting a little worried. And my calf pain showed up in full force at mile 16. The names on my back, the kids still fighting, and all my supporters are what kept me going. I am so proud of my accomplishment but I am also disappointed because I had such a difficult time. It may have been my fastest time but I felt much better the last marathon I did (New York in 2006) and I was hoping for that experience again. So the journey continues…