Bittersweet Harbor 12

Today I went for a run on what would have been my 40th marathon in Tucson. This year has had many pits, but also many blessings in disguise. Although I am devastated to not be in Arizona seeing my first tall cactus and celebrating a desert terrain run, I am thankful for the many great “instead of” moments that have occurred this year.

First, I’ve checked off many bucket list runs – many runs and challenges I would never, ever have dreamt of doing if I was in a regular training cycle. Including – The Yeti 50k 24 hour challenge, 100k in a week, 200 mile month, covering over 30 miles of a coastline in two runs, charity virtual runs with teammates, my fastest unofficial 5k, and so many new routes. I’m thankful for trying new things and not allowing negative self talk to talk myself out of runs

Second, I’m finally comfortable in just being the runner that I am. I don’t need virtual runs to stay motivated. Instead I just need a goal that makes me happy and feel accomplished. 40 by 40 really means the world to me being a goal ten years in the making!!! Despite my climbing age, I’m wearing tighter shorts because I can stash my phone and not miss capturing an awesome running moment. Being able to allow myself to have my own goals and not feel FOMO or pressured to run a certain way has been refreshing.

Third, I’ve made new running friends, kept in touch with old and value my solo runs that have been MANY! I’ve enjoyed running while my injured husband biked. I’ve stayed in touch with co-workers by early morning runs before virtual teaching. I’ve run marathons with long time friends and plan to take a new marathon next week solo. Its been a great way to enjoy the run however it comes with whoever is there. It has even been nice running at different times so I could enjoy breakfast with the kids, late night family movie nights or whatever else might be missed by a regular running routine. And I’ve cherished watching teammates and others in the running community who are still on the hunt for a new run or race – feeling inspired by the next ‘what if?’

And lastly I’ve enjoyed each new turn and adventure – even if it’s only been a new speedwork run, new shoes, a new hydration plan, or a fun new pair of sunglasses or hat. My super exciting news is that I was selected to be part of the Alter Ego running team as a hat ambassador. It’s more than taking a photo with a hat – it is the journey and adventure you crave each run you begin. Just like Clark Kent has his branded S and hidden cape, I have my ponytail, trusted shoes and hat. We both take on that invinsible feeling as we flip our roles and take on our alter ego. I’m ready to see where my hat takes me and what adventures await in 2021.

Today I hit the harbor with two friends for a twelve miler. We stayed along the promenade, recharged near the Domino’s Sugar Factory and dodged puddles and wind gusts. It was a cloudy start, but eventually the sun peaked through to wake up the city.

I’ve missed these harbor views, fun conversation and energy of a solid run. We had negative splits, maybe with the help of the wind, but it felt good.

We shared stories, random thoughts and problem solved ALL the unanswered questions. It was just what I needed to remind me that even though I was not in Tucson completing my 40th marathon I was still doing what I loved in a familiar spot and loving the scenes of the city where I sarted my marathon running journey.

Lava Love

Today I went for a run after two days of intense wind. Yesterday I woke up eager to run, but instead sidelined by 33 degrees, 17mph winds and real feel 22 degrees. So, I did a quick three mile bike ride and looped the water. Despite my frozen fingers and wind burned cheeks it was a beautiful morning.

Today I tried again; however, waited until 7pm in hopes of waiting out the wind. (Well at least it dropped down to 12mph!) I looped the boardwalk, hit Baltimore Ave and came up Bay Blvd. The wind hit me from the south but the Allman Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles and Faces kept me moving and playing air drums. Perfect five miles on a cold shore evening.

15 Miles into Island Beach State Park

Today I went for a run and for the first time in weeks felt strong. We got into town yesterday and enjoyed much needed family time. When Sunday morning came it included bagels, procrastination and howling 20mph winds. I spent the morning plotting how to take on this run without instant defeat due to the wind and my recent sluggishness. I was hoping a change of scenery would be just what I needed… and it was!

Shawn dropped me off at the entry to Island Beach State Park. This had been a bucketlist run that I was ready to explore. I had initially planned to run one warm up mile south into the park before heading north for fourteen more miles. My goal was to keep the strong wind on my back as much as possible. Well, change of plans!

Once I began on the two lane road, I just couldn’t stop. The wind was a beast, but it was in the fifties and the sun was beating through intermittent clouds. I took in the views of natural sand dunes with overgrown, wild grass and wirey pine trees. Wind blown reeds nearly parallel to the ground and seagulls effortlessly coasting above the mounds.

I planned to work on a good upbeat six miles during the run. My strategy included a nice six mile warm up and then go time. After five miles in I was really beginning to feel the impact of the wind as the peninsula began to narrow and wind from the ocean side was joining forces with the south wind. I turned around at the fisherman’s walk, taking a moment to enjoy the view of the Barnegat Bay. I was far enough south making the Mathis Bridge indistinguishable, but too far north to see the Barnegat Lighthouse.

Regardless the view before me was stunning. Waves crashing, blown tree limbs framed the rocky shoreline and a cloudy sky screamed of an incoming storm. I turned around determined to take on the next ten miles and find my groove. On my return I jumped into my alternating six miles. I average an alternating of 8:10 and 9:00. It didn’t feel too bad. Five miles brought me out of the park and in no time I was finishing my last 8:15 miles along Ocean Ave. At mile 11 I paused to take a gel and wrap my long sleeve around my waist, despite the gloomy gray sky that hid any sign of an earlier, sunny day.

I reached the end of the boardwalk in Seaside Heights and ran up the dunes in order to catch a glimpse of the ocean. The waves were crashing and the beach was empty. What a different view from my morning runs over the past summer. The boardwalk looked closed down and construction projects were underway in hopes to be done by next May. I continued along until I felt the uncomfortable feeling of being followed… it was Shawn!

I have only used live tracking on my garmin once before this time and he never opened it. Well today he was happy to catch up with me and share that him and my dad had been teaching me the entire and enjoying my scenic route. It made me happy… more than happy. It was nice to know that maybe my solid run was due to the unknown support and cheers I was getting from home.

With one more quick check of the boardwalk I headed towards home, another two and a half miles to go. I looped up to the Lavallette boardwalk, turned before the lifeguard and followed 35 home. Outside Shawn walked out the front door to greet me. Fifteen miles done. Alternating miles done. A boost in self confidence done. It was just what I needed getting back into my last build up for my official 40th marathon. There’s just something about running down the shore, on a new adventures and feeling supported.

Rainy Squad Run

Today I went for a run on a rainy, Thursday morning. Have you ever thought running in the rain must equal double the miles!? Sure do!!! Today was actually not a terrible run in the rain due to the warmer 63 degree weather. All was great until the last half mile of our run turned into a windy force of nature that felt like a slap in the face. Still it was great to get out and move before colder weather rolls in and November temperatures return.

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!!!!

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.

Speedwork on a Friday!?

Today I went for a run and logged 9.5 miles of fun and speed. Yesterday we had killer storms all day and by time the rain cleared it was a steamy evening. The next day I opted to keep my planned six mile run with a friend and added on as many 800s as I felt I could do. Our morning run was a great run due to the cloudy start. Who knew the sun could change a run so much!? After I drove to the track and added 5x800s. Of course as I pulled up the sky cleared and the sun made its grand appearance.

I took a lap to find my groove and jumped into it. I felt good as I took two loops around the track each time. I jogged a ninety seconds recovery then walked to my starting mark. The last two 800s I could feel myself melting in the sun, but I pushed through five. At the end of my morning I had an easy six miles with a friend and another three and a half miles of speed. Feeling good!