Back at it…

Today I went for a run after three days off. My hips and hamstrings have been tight. I think this virtual teaching is really getting to me despite having an adjustable desk. I managed to get my run in before the rain and school day started, but boy was it humid! I tried to shake off the rust by varying paces to see if maybe my stiffness was due to a pretty even, non varying pace on my last few runs. Regardless I was less stiff, happy to beat the rain and ready to take on hump day! Now to get back to training for 40×40!

45MCM Unofficial 40th!!!

Today I went for a run and completed my unofficial 40th marathon! I’m not going to lie – it was touch and go to get out of the car! Me and my friends committed to running on the original date and were happy earlier in the week when the weather looked great. Instead, here we are… rain, 40 degrees and wind. UGH. It’s funny because you think running a virtual marathon means you get to pick the time, place and day. Well this is what we picked and we gotta stick with it.

After struggling to gather courage and a rain jacket, we jumped out of the car and checked in at the Facebook MCM Training Group table located near the Iwo Jima Memorial. They had planned an out and back course that runners could complete twice and have access to a water stop. We checked in, hit the bathroom and got back in the car. After debating on our final clothing selections and whether or not we were really going to complete this, we got out of the car.

It was go time.

We hit the start button and took off towards Arlington Cemetery. Instead of a crazy start line with 25,000 runners we passed an empty road. We looped up the ramp and towards the Lincoln Memorial, something we normally would not have seen until a little after mile ten on the original course. We looped towards the Tidal Basin and then off towards Haines Point. Haines Point is always the half point and usually windy. Today it was only mile three and windy. We decided to loop the point twice in order to not have to repeat later on our course around mile eighteen. This was where we met our first informal water stop. We gained support from the lone volunteer and thanked him for being our cheerleader. I couldn’t help but think about the traditional Blue Mile located in this area that was not present this year. Last year I had worn my uncle’s name and rank on a bib as a tribute for his service during WWII and who had passed away last year. This race no doubt is know for its military support and tribute to those who serve our country. A strikingly missing element today in this stretch. As we made our second loop rain and wind continued to hit hard and I was instantly grateful I had brought my gloves along.

Next we moved along the Tidal Basin and turned west towards the Mall. As we hit the area near the area of the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler start/finish we began to see other virtual MCM runners looping the Mall. We hung a right towards the Smithsonian Castle and closed museums. The wind seemed to be hitting strong as we ventured up Capitol Hill and looped behind to see the Library of Congress and Supreme Court. Although we normally loop the Mall for the race, our impromptu visit behind the building allowed us a more scenic route through our political system. We turned back down the side of the Capitol building and back towards the mall. Once on the mall we took a quick pit stop at the bathrooms. Despite the rain, people were gathering for a Sunday service on the lawn.

Next we turned towards the White House going past the vistors spot on Pennsylvania Drive that has been closed off since the spring. Instead we turned on H Street and kept along side Lafayette Square made famous by political activism in June. A chain link fence with tributes and displays supporting voting rights and the BLM movement hung everywhere allowed. To the right of us was 16th Street which had been closed off and renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza. Maybe it was just the combination of all factors, but with the rain and timeliness of the election our passage through this quiet street no doubt echoed the division in our country and voices that demand to be heard. The wind changed as we looped back towards Constitution Ave and the Mall.

Continuing on, our route took us towards the WWII Memorial and we made our way along the Reflecting Pool. The rain had still not let up, but had lightened. As we hit the Lincoln Memorial a group hung on the steps singing. We ran along side the memorial and caught a quick glimpse of Arlington and our awaiting finish line. Where a Marine Corps band usually played for crowds and runners along the steps behind the memorial, instead steps filled with puddles. We came back around and made our way back to the Washington Monument. Loop one was done and so were fifteen miles.

Our next loop was the same; however, Washington was beginning to wake up. As we hit the Supreme Court where protestors had gathered to rally against the current justice nomination process. As we neared the White House, people were walking by reading, reflecting and adding to the fence. It was these moments that helped miles eighteen through twenty three fly by in no time. As we came back to the Washington Monument we rounded the Tidal Basin and made our way back to our original route and back to the start. The rain had almost stopped leaving a gray and misty day. We continued to pass other MCM runners and cheered their progress.

Finally we hit the bridge towards Arlington Cemetery, although each of us hit 26.2 at different times, we continued to cheer each time our watches beeped. To cool down, we walked along the cemetery and finally reached the final stretch of the original MCM course. We picked up the pace and ran up toward the MCM finish line and then made our way to the Iwo Jima Memorial. Instead of a Marine to greet us with a medal, satisfaction that we had conquered a virtual run, motivated ourselves throughout the run and made it safely back to the start – completing back to back marathons.

Done. My 40th unofficial marathon was complete. In 2010 I ran my first marathon on these streets and now I had just completed my 40th. So much has changed since that first run around me and within. I mean let’s be honest, who would have thought most races would be canceled in 2020!?

I ran a virtual, unofficial marathon for the love of running. For the adventure and excitement of pushing myself towards another challenge. With no crowds to support this run was not a typical run. Instead I had to look for the crowd support in different forms – the volunteers at the one water stop, the view of the monuments and museums, the political activism throughout the streets, the other virtual runners, the memories of previous runs on those streets, and finally within myself. Those aspects were cheering for me today and the memories of each and every adventure that had brought me to this moment. That is the love of running and why I run. And it was pretty poetic that my 40th marathon would be a virtual, unofficial race.

Gettysburg Marathon!!!

Today I went for a run and completed my 39th Marathon in Gettysburg, PA!!!! I’m not going to lie, this was pretty exciting! My second “military marathon” this month and it did not disappoint. Although we did not run through the traditional battlefields of Gettysburg, we still nonetheless, saw monuments, cannons, open farm lands and history.

The course was an out and back loop that was to be completed twice. The loop started/ended by the host hotel before going through the historical park and then looping through a few rural backroads. It was a hilly, challenging course but not difficult to enjoy.

Due to Covid, we hung around in the lobby of the hotel, only leaving when we were ready to walk out and cross the start line. The rolling start made it possible for you to jump on the course and keep a crowdless start. We stretched in the lobby and decided it was go time. It was a chilly 37 degree to start and layers were in order. We looped the surrounding drive and made our way to a quiet road leading to the historical park. We encountered our first hill that was made a little more difficult with the shade. It was cold!!! After a few rolling hills we made our way through a clearing and a semi flat stretch. Cannons! We caught a glance of the battlefields! Although we only had a few miles through the battlefield, it was impressive.

The sun was rising over the frost covered fields. A few barns lay in the distance and scattered monuments. I later investigated it was Rummel Farm where a battle had unfolded on July 3rd. It actually was interesting to read how they held the landowner captive while fighting through his fields. We continued up and down through the fields and made our way onto a main road. Due to Covid procedures there were limited course marshalls and no road closings. We ran along the shoulder only passing 4 cars on our first loop. We passed horses, a cow farm and eventually made our way to a out and back stretch that felt like we had trespassed onto someone’s driveway.

As the sun continued to rise, the weather warmed and it turned into a pretty warm day. After our first loop we ditched our long sleeves in the parking lot and I took a moment to change my shoes. Despite knowing better, I had ran the first loop in a new brand/model of shoes. Yea, that was a big mistake. My toe was sore and I was ready to rip my shoes off. Luckily my friends were supportive as we quickly took a pit stop before venturing out on our next loop.

The second loop we took a lot easier. We took a few more walk breaks, gathered for a few fun photos and met new friends along the course. We met Phyllis from the Ft. Lauderdale area who was in Gettysburg with friends. They were continuing to check states off their list and this race met the requirements. We also met a few others who willingly shared their dislike for the hills we continued to encounter. One girl we continued to leap frog through the race enjoying the friendly company on a somewhat empty course.

On our second loop we we also saw more of the area coming alive. More tourists in cars and on bikes were sharing the roads with us on the battlefields. Construction workers were at work and helped with pausing traffic for us as needed. And volunteers at the few water stops had defrosted, ringing their cow bells and cheering us on.

We finally hit our last hill and enjoyed a nice long downhill before a quick uphill finish. At the finish line we grabbed our masks and continued through a small finishers tent. In there we grabbed a pint glass, back of goodies and our medals. The pint glass had a portion of the Gettysburg Address. “Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.” What a poignant reminder of where are nation was in 1860 and the struggles that still exist today.

It had turned into a beautiful day. We moved around to the side of the building to stretch before heading over to Little Round Top to take pictures with our medals. Gettysburg was JAMMED with people! A a historian and teacher, it was an incredible view to see so many people touring the battlefields, enjoying the downtown area and immersing themselves in history. What a day to get outside, learn something while staying safe. Although museums are outdoor museums are open!

My 39th marathon was done! Up next the Virtual MCM next Sunday. Back to Back marathons was not my idea of a fun time, but despite the challenge of a virtual marathon I am exciting to keep my Marine Corps Marathon streak alive! Let’s go number eleven!!!!

More Recovery, a not so long run and speedwork

Today I went for a run and finished up my recovery and taper between marathons. You have two weeks between marathons, what do you do? Its a tough one! I spent week one recovery. Easy miles and great conversation. The weekend consisted of a 7 mile run instead of 10 miles. Sometimes a busy morning only allows for a few miles in the afternoon. The following week I added one more speed session and then geared up for my next marathon – The Gettysburg North South Marathon.

I’m not going to lie, it was a bad recovery week. I took it easy allowing my legs to go through the motion, but not pushing them to any ‘normal’ pace. My semi long run – I felt good and allowed myself to fall into a normal rhythm that felt good. Maybe it was my shirt that gave me a little extra pep in my step. And then finally some fun speedwork with a friend. We had done the same workout the week before the Valley Forge Marathon and did it just a little bit faster. It felt great! My easy recovery miles allowed my muscles to recoup and the smaller long run was a good way not to stress them out too soon. By time the following week came, I was ready to pick up the pace. I wish I knew the best way to recover, or the magic that makes sure everything function again – but I don’t. I think I did a good job going with how I felt and now I’m ready to take on my 39th marathon!!!

Recovery Miles

Today I went for a run, my first post marathon run. Welp, I waited two days and then decided it was time to move. I hit the road with my friends to get in a few recovery miles. My heel was a little stiff and my hip was tight but the run was well needed to get my muscles moving again. It was also great to catch up after not running as a group for a while. No matter what, recovery miles are needed. Sometimes you feel awesome, sometimes you go through the motions, but in the end your working yourself back into normalcy. I also got to try out my new shoes. They were pretty good!!! I finally found a new shoe that supports my arch and heel! What?!?!?!

#38 Valley Forge Marathon

Today I went for a run and completed my 38th marathon!!!! The Valley Forge Marathon is a go!!!! I drove up to Collegeville PA on Saturday after dinner optimistic, nervous and excited about this race! My training was done and all that was left is was to enjoy hitting my 40th marathon goal. So, why am I so nervous!? Well let’s be real I haven’t ran a marathon since January. A marathon is never a guarantee and it takes mental strength more than physical. I guess I feel like my long runs this summer have not been as solid as they have been in past training cycles. My speedwork has been ok, but longs runs have been ‘meh.’ The lack of official races and not knowing if a race is a go probably had something to do with that lack of consistent long run efforts.

Regardless here I am! In Collegeville checking into a hotel during COVID along with a hundred other crazy people searching for races that was a go! I checked in, unpacked, set up my gear and got into bed. I woke the next morning ready to go despite the chilly 37 degree temperature outside. I drove through some back roads to park at a nearby factory parking lot who allowed for races to park for the race. I picked up my race packet, settled in my car and finished the last minute details like filling my water bottle and double tied my laces. It was go time. I walked a little over a half mile to the start. As soon as I got there I took off my gear, dropped it at a small tent and the rolling start began promptly at 7am.

I set off on the quiet trail, the marathoners started an hour and a half before the half marathoners, leaving an empty trail. The sun was rising over the canal showcasing a misty layer of fog hover over the canal water. It was a moment where you take a deep breathe, take in the scene and appreciate that you can forget about the crazy world we live in. I soaked it in.

The race consisted of two out and backs on the same trail. The first half I kept a steady pace happy that I hit a 2:02 first half split. Along the way I met a new friend who was running her first marathon. She lived west of where I grew up, just over the PA boarder. She talked about her training, her nerves, her funny family who we passed twice and was excited that she decided to take the plunge to run her first race. We chatted for four miles before we hit a narrow portion of the trail and she moved ahead as we went single file. I kept plugging away checking off miles starting to take a break when I felt like it. The temperature had jumped into the 60s and the sun was shining bright. I paused to grab a gatorade at an unmanned water stop. BIG MISTAKE. I knew better, but still needed something other than water. I had taken gatorade before, but chugging the small bottle created a knot in my stomach. I can tolerate a swig, but not a chug. From that point on my stomach ached and it messed with my head.

The silver lining – I got to meet more people. I recognized an instagram friend and we leaped frogged for a bit supporting each other. I passed another guy who asked me about shoes and we had a great discussion about Adidas and what are experiences have been. I met another guy around mile 18 who was also running his first marathon. I had caught up to him and he was starting to hit the wall. We shared some moments of misery, but both agreed that we had come too far to quit. I continued on and passed a running couple who had London marathon bibs on in support of their canceled race. And six times, SIX, I passed a proud group who continued to bounce around the course searching for their daughter/wife/mother.

And then I finally made it back. Done. Number 38 in the books and racing is back. The sun was up, the local bar on the canal was frying up burgers and the weather was beautiful. Despite my uncomfortable stomach issues and weak mind game – I had a fun run with new friends. It was a great small town race. I grabbed my bag, took a bottle of water, and began my walk back to the car. No joke, it was a long walk, but it was good to work out the muscles. I got back, quickly changed and hit the road. I made it back just in time to see the last fifteen minutes of my daughters field hockey game. It was a busy day and I was exhausted, but nonetheless proud. Proud of my race, proud of my daughter and proud that racing can happen. Even more proud of the great running community that is so supportive and still moving despite all the efforts to shut things down. The running community is still growing and COVID can’t stop it!

Teacher Squad

Today I went for a run before school. Sometimes running with the people you work with is just what you need. We didn’t talk teaching, nor drama of who did what…. we just talked history and politics! This might be a big part of what I miss about school. (besides teaching students in a classroom, obviously.) I miss the nerdy history content conversations that teachers really do have during lunch breaks. We caught up over four miles and then settled into virtual meetings, PD and small group instruction. Can’t beat that start to your day.

100k in 7 days

Today I went for a run and finished the last 16 miles of my 63 mile week. That… was… crazy! I did it! I took Friday off and decided to run 10 miles Saturday and the last 16 miles Sunday. Snd why not help my sister move on Saturdsy as well!? I woke up early Saturday and was surprised to see it raining. I got dressed, procrastinated a bit and finally got out the door. It was drizzling and eventually turned to a misty rain. It didn’t bother me because I was back at my parents house navigating hills, bends and country roads. If anything, the thick misty air held the cow manure scent in a thick layer over the road ahead of me. By time I got home the rain began to pick up. I quickly cleaned up and began a very long day of moving, lifting and walking. No doubt I was getting a double workout in, but goofing off with family, watching my neice and enjoying the handwork together was worth it. The next day I woke up stiff, but it was all or nothing. Time to get these 100k done! I laced up and reversed my originally planned route. I headed east towards the sunrise. It always seems to amaze me how perfect the low, dancing shadows of a sunrise can stop you in your tracks. The sun finds ways to creep through trees, flowers, barns and fences to slowly fill in the spaces with light. I ran towards the sun, towards the warmth and new beginning of the day checking off the miles.I made it five and a half miles before turning around. I took the rolling hills easy and enjoyed the downwardp slopes. Before I knew it eleven mikes done as I took a pit stop at home to refill my water and hit the bathroom. I was greeted by my family getting ready to go on a morning walk. I hung around to get an update on their schedule before mustering the motivation to finish my last five miles. I looped my parents house and went my normal five mile route towards my favorite mountain side.Nothing but blue skies. I made it two more miles before turning around to head home – my final stretch. I thought about the week and the goal. My speedeork has not been stellar, but these longer miles have been fun. Another challenge out of my comfort zone. Maybe it is my realization that I’m almost 40 and my fastest days are most likely behind me. But after so many new challenges during quarantine, I feel stronger. My legs push through longer runs and fatigue. I feel more accomplished not due to a crazy fast pace, but instead because of the strong empowered legs pushing one more step. 100k in 7 days DONE!

Over the mileage hump!

Today I went for a run and finished 36.2 of my 62.2 mile week. This summer as everyone ran 100 mile months, 100 mile weeks, 100 day run streaks and 100 day fit challenged I struggled to find something 100 that fit me. I’m not a streaker and value my rest days. I’m not sure I’m built to run a 100 mile week nor would 100 miles in a month be a challenge. Instead I shifted to 100k. 62.2 miles in seven days. Now, that might not seem like a lot for a hard core marathoner, but I’ve gotten by only reaching maybe 54 miles in a week. Let’s be real, trying to stay motivated for marathon season that might be cancelled is hard!!! So let’s throw in this 100k goal so I can at least reach for a big mileage milestone during an uncertain training cycle. So here I am on my fourth day and 32.2 miles. To stay true to me, Friday will be my rest day before taking on 26 miles during the weekend. Let’s finish summer with a 100k goal and confidence building run.

Weekend Long Run

Today I went for a run and checked off a fifteen mile long run around the harbor. Despite my speedwork yesterday, I needed to get in my long run due to rain forecasted for Sunday. A friend had asked if I was running long this weekend and I was thankful for he was up for the distance! When I woke the radar showed rainshowers; however, it turned out to only being a misty, drizzle patch. It actually was perfect weather! Cloudy, misty and a little lower temperatures than it has been all week. We looped from one end of the harbor up to the gate at Fort McHenry. We looped back taking a few more pit stops towards the last three miles. I was happy with the solid nine pace going out, but knew the fatigue from yesterday was about to show up. Again, I thanked my friend for joining because I might have ended up run/walking the last three miles. Instead we just pushed through. Solid fifteen miles done without the sun! Two weeks of solid long runs has me optomistic. Until August, I have felt like a blob with lead legs. Its finally starting to pull together. With this run under my belt I rolled the rice and signed up for the Gettysburg North-South Marathon. Cheers to this hopefully being marathon #39.