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.

Tempo Thursday

Today I went for a run to do speedwork with the guys! It was tough getting outta bed! I’m not sure about you, but the temps are dropping and I am in that awkward ‘not sure how to dress’ phase. Today was a chilly 28 degrees, but luckily no wind – tall socks were a go. We did our two mile warm up and then jumped into our 6x5min repeats. I havent done many group speedwork runs, but this was fun and a better way to stay motivated and strong throughout the run. Of course conversation turned from 70s rock bands to camal spiders, school, podcasts and formula one quickly. What are the craziest things you have talked about? I can only imagine a pretty funny book could be published. And then, bam – nine miles done just like that!

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!!!!

Easy Goes It

Today I went for a run and knocked out a great speed session. The last month I have been running five, mainly six days a week and my body is just not made for that. I’ve felt less motivated, sluggish in my runs and blah. While reviewing my training log, now that barre has been moved online, I’ve nailed a few less barre classes and replaced it with more running. I didn’t realize I miss the balance of rest, building strength and running. This week I decided to cut back. So far I ran five miles on Tuesday and six miles today. And I plan to rest tomorrow!!!

Today I brought back some speedwork that I haven’t done in a month. How else will I improve that mile time?! I did 6x400s and I felt great! I needed a change of pace, I felt more rested and I’ve also missed these cool morning runs. I did my warm up running to the track, but unfortunately they have now blocked off the entrance. Well, like a good runner we adapt and I moved to the parking lot. Bam. I got back by 7:45 office hours, faculty meeting and felt like I was back in my routine. Positive Thursday vibes for sure!

Timed Mile

Today I went for a run and ran a timed mile. I have done mile repeats, but never have I ran one timed mile. And boy, was that tough! I remember conditioning in high school and doing timed miles, but that was decades ago! As part of my new goals for the month I completed my first, a timed mile, in 6:56. Now, I’m no Usain Bolt, but this was a good baseline to see where I can get to in a month! Considering my last speed workout was almost a month ago, I am pretty happy to be under 7 minutes! The winds were tough, but not as gusty as the previous day. My arms were pumping, and pacing was a beast for something that was over in four laps. So I started strong and just tried to hold on….. Now onto my next challenge! Let’s tackle another 5k and half marathon for the virtual Wahoo! Lemonade Running series!

April Goals

Today I went for a run and did five recovery miles to start the day. The beautiful, morning sun warmed the air and a breeze pushed me along. While I ran Saturday I noticed that my daughter’s painted rocks had all been removed. However today, new rocks popped up along my run including a palm tree, rubber ducky and flower rock. It was sad to see her beautiful rocks moved, but really heartwarming to see happy owners replaced them with new rocks. Together, we could use a lot more positive stories like this right now.

Goals. I’ve finally settled on some goals! It’s time to get back to breaking a 21:xx 5k! Therefore I pulled together a calendar to work on some speed, while still keeping some miles to be ready for my virtual Pittsburgh half marathon. So, game on! Let’s see what I can push myself to do! This seems terrifying because speed doesn’t seem like something I’ve ever done, but now is the time to try!

CUCB2020

Today I ran my virtual Cherry Blossom 10 miler in my Perry Hall neighborhood. Due to COVID19 the race was cancelled, but how could I not take part in one of my favorite Spring races in my favorites places!!! I was hoping for a solid pace between 8:15-8:30. I feel like prior to all this my 5k training had me moving at a decent pace. Well newsflash that was prior to three weeks being stuck at home. Today I worked for those 10 miles. I started off on my normal loop and by mile two I was back at my car in order to take off my long sleeve top. I kept my watch running because it’s a true virtual race, right!? I took off again struggling to find my pace. I kept seeing 7:40 and tried to slow down knowing I would pay for this later. About mile four and a half I had looped back towards my car. I began to walk, took a gel and picked it up again. I looped back around and passed a cute five year old girl learning to ride her bike with excitement. She honestly was doing a better job at her endeavour than I was, hands down. I took the straightaway stretch and walked the hill. Man, the sun was stronger than what I was accustomed to and my stomach was not responding to all the water I was guzzling. I looped one last time and vowed to push through these last two miles without walking. No doubt that last .10 was tough and I hit the watch button and immediately started walking. That was rough. A late start and warmer temperatures did not work to my advantage, but boy did I struggle to find my pace through that run. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a strong upbeat tempo run and it showed! Regardless I finished my last two miles on goal pace 8:14 and 8:15. That’s something I can hang my hat on. Cherry Blossoms – I’ll get you next year!!!

Speedwork

Today I went for a run and completed my second round of speedwork. I tried a threshold run involving ten – three minute intervals. I’m not sure what a threshold pace would be so I tried to hang around a 7:30 pace. It was pretty fun! The three minutes was long enough to find a groove, but short enough to not completely drain the batteries. I looped around the neighborhood three times and then made my way back. Today my meeting started at 830, so I had a few extra minutes if the run went over and luckily it didn’t! It was a great mix of starting with Shawn for the first two miles, picking up the pace solo and then an easy cool down as the sunrise spilled over the horizon. This 5k training has been pretty fun so far!