Today I went for a run after school with a great group of school colleagues. We met at a local high school and took on the scenic route which lead down an old service road before entering North Point State Park. The best part of this run is the final stretch out over the water. The white cap waves were hitting hard, but in the disstance you could still make out The Bay Bridge and other area lighthouses. A well needed run to exhale the long work day and take in calming breathe of fresh air.
Today I went for a run and ran my 33rd marathon in Coburg, Oregon. Where to begin!? I woke up pretty excited to take on this marathon. The shuttle had me out the door and on the move by 5am. I hopped in the shuttle with only about nine other people from the hotel. At first it was just me and another man from Chicago. We started chatting and he shared this would be his 46th state! Due to the crazy, winter weather in Chicago he sticks to fall marathons. Next, two others jumped on the bus to join us one from Alexandria, VA and another from Washington state. After a lot of hesitation the driver began the trek to the start line. We arrived at 530am to a cool fifty two degrees and total darkness, except for the bathroom lights that showed through the small top windows at a park outhouse. Luckily I was wearing sweatpants, a throwaway long sleeve and an old foil wrap. I took a seat and called the kids who were on their way to Garrett’s soccer game. However after the brief phone call I still had about one and a half hours until the start of the race.
I began talking with a few people, first George from Georgia. He has run over two hundred and travels across the US every weekend meeting up with members of the 50 States Club. Next, I chatted with Garry from Atlanta and Robert from Oregon. Both were strategizing about a 3:45 marathon because there was no pacer. I listened and enjoy their plans of attack and wished them luck. George talked my ear off, which kept me from getting in line for the bathroom – although I didn’t mind it. Before I knew it I was rushing out of the bathroom as the race gun went off to start the race of only 200 people. I quickly pulled off my sweats, did a few stretches and jumped in back. We started in downtown Coburg before heading west towards a few back country roads. The sun was beginning to streak over the eastern mountains as I glanced to my right. What a sight as the pink and yellow rays reflected between the low hanging fog and higher clouds. My first sunrise over the mountains left me awe struck. So many days this summer were spent watching the ocean and sky run together in the early morning hours and now to see this amazing view gave me chills.
The race was small, meaning little crowd support, and I spent much of it by myself. Being alone was relaxing and soon enough I was in my thoughts, enjoying the scenery and enjoying the few spectators who came out to support us. This race was what I needed and reminded me of all the solo hours spent running this summer – another adventure waiting to be had.
This trip has been exciting, intimidating, and a culminating moment for a beautiful journey. In 2010 I made the decision to train for my first marathon the Marine Corps Marathon. I commited to running a race that would turn into a life changing journey. I ran that race to prove to myself I was more than a failed marriage and single mom of two, small children. The race was horrible due to under training, a lack of confidence and just a sense of failure in every endeavor I tried. Flash forward to today. At mile twenty one a woman stood hunched over and I slowed to pull her along with me. “It’s mind over matter. You’re doing great! Take in where you are and this moment” She ran with me and told me about how she was too hard on herself. “I said let it go, you’re doing it. Keep doing it.” She hung with me until the next water stop and then paused for a drink. I kicked in my final push.
I passed Garry and told him “Let’s get to that finish!!!” And passed another woman and sent my encouragements her way. As I made the final turn the announcer had already begun saying my name, my time and what an accomplishment to be at 3:49. I smiled, high fives people and loved every second. I felt fantastic despite the dull aches in my calf muscles from the previous days climb.
It was an amazing race. So different than my first and such a transformation for me. I was here on my first solo travel, doing what I loved and enjoying the paths it has lead me to cross. I saw the runner from mile 21 – she hugged and thanked me. She told me I got her to the finish and she won’t forget me. I found my things in hopes of hitting the shuttle in time, but instead the race director himself ended up shuttling us back in his minivan!? (Talk about small race) I jumped in my car and headed north to meet up with my Team Ultra teammates.
After an awesome lunch and time catching up I was on the move to meet family. My cousin’s daughter lived out here and we met up for dinner to catch up. I had enlisted her talents to create a special momento of my race and trip. She did not disappoint, my unique marathon map was perfect.
Suddenly it was Sunday morning and I was heading back to Maryland to catch my daughter’s late field hockey game. My first solo journey had come to an end. I left nervous about my own quiet, reserved nature and how I would handle such a journey. I came back from this journey, which really began in 2010, knowing I had more confidence than I ever gave myself credit for having. After my daughter’s game I gave out gifts to my husband and kids, but held a second gift aside for my daughter. We moved to another room and I gave her a frame and asked her to read it.
I had found it in Eugene and I shared with her the people I met, the story of my climb and how proud I was of her even though she did not get into her singing group at school. A journey can take a day or even ten years, but the confidence she holds is the key to her success. As a mom, a female and a dreamer I hope she understands the power of these words because it took me ten years to finally figure them out for myself.
Today I went for a hike, despite better judgement. How often are you on the west coast with the opportunity to explore the tallest waterfall in Oregon!? I drove about thirty minutes east of Portland on a cloudy, overcast sixty degree day. Multnomah Falls was my destination and seeing my first major waterfall was going to be epic! My GPS brought me to a road with a dirt parking lot and a stone lodge. However waiting for me setback behind the lodge was the waterfall, rushing down the mountain and roaring water like I have never heard.
I made my way over to the lower level of the observation area where crowds took turns to catch a picture in front of the magnificent scene. To the right I saw the path that lead to the bridge and made my way for a closer look.
One unique feature I noticed right away was the moss – everywhere. The towering pines, that could put even the largest sycamores back home to shame, took odd shapes as moss trailed up their trunks. It was amazing. I followed the curved path and finally made my way to the bridge. The roar of the water crashing, combined with the mist felt refreshing and calming.
After taking in the scene I continued up the path hoping to catch another angle of the waterfall.
Each turn I took on the path took me to another amazing view of the mountain side. I continued to zigzag up the mountain encountering those returning from the top. Each passerby encouraging each other to continue and pausing to view the sights.
I pressed on despite the aches I was being to feel in my calf muscles. The thought of returning passed my mind several times, but the higher I went the easier it became to breathe. A verse from a Billy Joel song played in my mind, “Slow down, you crazy child, and take the phone off the hook and disappear for awhile. It’s all right, you can afford to lose a day or two…” I needed this moment.
And then there I was at the top. I soaked it in. The fresh air, the freedom, the view and the realization that I was on my first solo adventure across the country with confidence I never knew existed. I was grateful. As I made my way down I began to regret torturing my calf and quad muscles the day before a marathon, but this was an excursion I could not pass up while being here in Oregon. As I kicked the mud off my shoes and wiped the dirt off the rest of my clothes I was content with how much I had already seen and it was only noon. I jumped in the car to head south to Eugene to pick up my race packet and explore the area of Oregon.
Today I went for a run in Portland Oregon!!!! I woke up early 4 am Portland time (7 am eastcoast time) so I could call and talk to my kids before they left for school. I missed talking to them the night before because my flight got in after midnight. After wishing them a good day, my Oregon adventure began with a run around the river downtown, previously shared by a Team Ultra teammate. I looped around the river making my way over to the riverfront park and then headed west towards VooDoo Doughnuts. I walked back to my car with my sweet reward ready to continue on with my short, sixty hour trip in Oregon.
Today I went for a run after having oral surgery last Thursday. Long story short I needed to get this issue resolved fast. So without any deliberation I had surgery a week before I’m supposed to run a marathon. (Insert panic mode) I rested Thursdsy, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Monday I finally decided to go for a mile run and see how I felt.
I took it easy and felt ok. I was nervous about breathing through my mouth, so I never felt like I got in a groove. Overall I felt ok, a little rusty and the stitches were the only thing I noticed. Tuesday I decided to try again, but added a bit more speed. My legs felt great, breathing still off and overall I felt a little sluggish – almost out of shape. But I got the run in with the goal of seeing how my mouth felt at a normal speed – and it was a success.
Wednesday I had my follow up and was cleared to fly and run my marathon on Saturday! He removed the stitches and immediately I felt relief! I took a two mile run to celebrate that night and am now happy to move on to my new adventure in Oregon! Don’t get me wrong, I’m still nervous as heck that I might start bleeding during my run, but happy that the healing process is going well and the dentist thinks I should be ok!
Today I went tor a run in Washington DC for a half marathon plus three miles. Earlier in the week a friend had mentioned they were running a local run to remember for 9/11. I did a quick search and saw there was a half marathon in DC on the C&O canal this weekend. The 9-11 Memorial Half, sponsored by Wear Blue: Run to Remember. I’ve been trying to get down to DC to do a run, but it hasn’t worked out until now. The kids had sports this weekend, but at later times! So I jumped on board to run the half marathon and then add a loop to the Lincoln Memorial to get a 16 mile total.
The race was pretty fun. We traveled 6.55 miles up the C&O and then returned. At 7:30am it was a little chilly, but I knew the 63 degree weather wouldn’t last long. The first half was great with the shade and low sun; however, the way back started to warm quickly and the uneven ground was wearing on my right hip. I finished with a solid 1:48:27. I ran in intervals, picked it up for four miles then recovering for five minutes. I repeated this three times and it made the run go pretty quickly. After I finished I refilled my water and headed towards the mall at an easy pace. I passed along the Potomac River on the path I always saw during races, but have never explored on a run. I passed the Watergate Hotel and the newly refurbished Kennedy Center. Canoes, SUP and boats cluttered the Potomac River. The path turned and suddenly I was moving through a bunch of volleyball games before finally rounding the circle towards the Lincoln Memorial.
This sight will never get old!!! I made my way up the stairs to visit Abe, read the inscriptions and gazed over the reflecting pool. It was a pretty perfect day and I took it all in. I looped back around the memorial and headed back to my car in Georgetown. What a great way to spend a Sunday morning. I’m glad I had a morning to explore and relax.
Today I went for a run and squeezed in four miles after soccer. Crazy Fall has begun!!! Parents are so excited for school to start, but quickly forget the hours spent running kids around to practice, school and games. Today my son had his first soccer game at 9am, which was great for us to have a lazy morning. After the game I decided to get in my run while the other half went food shopping. The ideal 50 degree temperature from earlier in the morning had disappeared. Nonetheless it was a beautiful day to run, perfect sunshine and like Joe Cocker said, “I’m feelin’ alright….”
Today I went for a run…. three different days and school has kept me busy and prevented me from posting. Tuesday’s run was later in the evening run, and Wed/Fri were before school. This week has been packed with Back to School Night, Field Hockey, Soccer, Doctor appointments and lots of running around. It seems easier squeezing runs in during the early morning hours than trying to find the right window in the afternoon. Well I got five, six and eight miles this week – easy runs that allow me to juggle the craziness as we work back into a routine.
Today I went for a run for the last time during this amazing summer at the shore. What a summer this has been and it seems fitting that my last, longest – long run of this training season should be down at the shore.
Because the temperature was cooler and there was a 10-12mph wind, I decided to head out around 5am. I wanted to run 20 miles, but I talked myself into being happy with 16-18 miles. I mimicked my last long run and headed towards the dimly lit boardwalk. I headed north and was immediately hit by the wind. The water was crashing loudly and I ran up the path on the dunes to see if I could see the tide. Nope.
I continued up the boardwalk passing a few other runners and walkers – something I hadn’t seen earlier this summer. On my way back I paused again to watch the sun spill over the dunes – originating from the water.
It was pretty amazing. I paused, took a few deep breaths and tried to memorize every detail of this moment. This is the memory I need to pull out during that, “when life gets crazy in a moment,” and remember the calmness that was embracing me. This brought me satisfaction as I continued to loop around Lavallette, next towards the bay and stopping again to say a farwell to the iconic water tower.
By time I reached Seaside early sunlight had now begun to flood the streets. The sun; however, had not yet made its appearance on the horizon. As I came down the boardwalk I was joined by a dozen who were hurrying towards the railing to watch the exact moment the sun made its appedance in the horizon.
I couldnt help but joined the group on the railing. It was pretty amazing to be sharing this moment with a bunch of strangers who hadn’t been around much the earlier mornings during the summer. I looped through Seaside thinking about the fun we had on the boardwalk this summer winning prizes and playing in arcades.
All things must come to an end, but this summer was filled with such amazing, quality family time – it reminds me how tough it is to be apart from them. After ten miles I stopped back at the house to refill my water, to take a gel and to see if anyone else was awake. My sister and family had begun to move around, but my kids were no where in sight. I headed back out to finish my last half. Despite the sun being up, the shore breeze helped to keep me cool. In no time eight miles were done and I arrived back at the house. I felt great, so I asked my huband to bike next to me for two more miles and with his company I finished twenty. Now the only thing left to do was enjoy one more beach day.
Today I went for a run down the shore on a perfect morning, that did get a little toasty. We arrived in town last night and were welcomed with an awesome seabreeze and cooler temperature. I slept in and finally got out the door around 9am and started my Lava Loop. The sun was hot, but a cool breeze helped to bring relief. This suddenly changed once I headed north on the boardwalk and the wind pushed at my stride and slowed me down. The bay was full of kids on bikes, pickleball tournaments, guys playing basketball on the courts and families hoping to catch a few remaining crabs from off the pier. I couldn’t ask for a more perfect way to end my summer, than spending it here at the shore with my family.
