I Did It... 26.2

It's been three days since my very first marathon, and I am ready to reflect on what an incredible experience it was! I will definitely be back for another, and knowing my addictive, competitive personality, probably several.

The excitement began as we unloaded our car and walked to our hotel in downtown Chicago; I immediately saw runners everywhere. There truly isn't anything better than to be surrounded by individuals that have the same interests in passion as you. We arrived to the hotel, checked-in, dropped off our luggage, and set out for some lunch. As we walked down "The Magnificent Mile" in search of some carbs, there were runners everywhere! My favorite thing to do when I see runners is to check out their shoes. Weird I know, but I enjoy seeing what they where when they are "off" and I also like to calculate in my head what is the most popular brand of running shoes, and how many have the same shoes as me. Of course on Saturday most of them still wore running shoes or gym shoes of some sort because no one wanted to have sore feet for the race. We finally found some lunch, football games, and beer for the boys (a great way to make my hubby happy on his birthday).

After lunch we went to Niketown because there were shuttles that took you from there to the Expo. Outside of Niketown we saw the huge "Chicago Unleashed" murals with every participants name on it-how amazing! I found mine, but it was too high up for me to take a picture. Rachel was able to find her's and take a picture. I joked with Josh that if he would have allowed me to hyphenate my name (yes, I asked once) then I would have been able to find mine AND get a picture with it. Next to the Nike store was also the Garmin store; this was truly heaven for any runner!

We got on the bus, a school bus I might add, and headed to the expo. This expo was unlike anyone I had ever been to- it was huge! We got our packets and shopped around. I bought a very nice Nike half zip, long-sleeved, dry fit shirt, and my frugal thought I was joking when I told him it was $70. I reiterated the fact that I trained for 20-weeks and it isn't just a Nike half zip, but it has Chicago Marathon 2010 on it; he then understood. We then left the expo after being there for about an hour and a half and headed back to the hotel to do a little bit of relaxing. It surely had been a long day of driving and walking around Chicago.

Later that evening we got read for dinner. Rachel and I headed down to the Big Bar (yes, that was the name) in our hotel to have one beer (yay, carbs). Then, we headed to Bucktown to have a nice Italian dinner. The place we went to was BYOB, which apparently is popular in Chicago. My dear friend, Christina met us there and we enjoyed a decent dinner, horrible service, but great conversation! After dinner Rach and I called it a night and the boys and Christina went out to celebrate Josh's birthday.

I fell asleep very quickly, which was good. I had originally thought I wouldn't be able to sleep because of the anticipation. The next morning, I woke up and ate breakfast and prepared for the race. As we were walking to the start line, I began to get very nervous, more so than I have ever been about running. I was so worried I wouldn't be able to finish despite all the training I did. We finally got to the start line, but couldn't manage to get up with our pace, so we started in the 12-minute mile pace, which made the first 3 miles miserably packed! It took us about 10-15 minutes to get the start line. When we finally reached it, I couldn't believe it... "20-weeks of training and here I go," I thought to myself.

For about the first six miles of the race my legs felt like complete jello. I am unsure why they felt like that, but finally about at mile 6 or 6 1/2 I felt normally and ready to go. Good thing, I ONLY had 20 miles to go, but I knew I could do 20 more because I did that many in my training. I didn't think about much for the first 7 miles, other than, "I can't believe I am really running a marathon." As I was passing people, many wore shirts and signs of people in which they were running for. My curiosity kicked in and I wondered what the story was. The one person that sticks out to me the most was this man who was probably in his early 20s. He was a very tall man and on the back of his shirt he had a picture of himself hugging a girl, and with her name, date of birth and date of death. The woman died in August of this year, and his shirt said, "running for her". My heart went out to this man because I am assuming it was either his wife or significant other. I was amazed by the number of people that dedicated their run to other people.

The race went on and I loved watching the people in the crowd. The amount of people cheering was simply amazing, and the types of shirts and signs people make or hysterical and very creative. However, one sign simply stated, "Run Bitches" and made me laugh as I was running. The crowd definitely helped me keep going the whole 26.2 miles.

Miles 7-13.1 were great! I was surely enjoying my run. I stopped at every water station and the only thing I really thought was, "this is actually enjoyable". I ran a 2:04 half marathon, so I was on pass to run a 4:08 full marathon, and man did I feel great about that. Then, the need to pee kicked in at about mile 14. Rach and I were still together at this point, and we decided to get a Gatorade cup, drink it, and go over to the bush and pee in the cup (TMI?, Sorry), and so we did, several times. After that potty break, we felt better and were back on the road to a nice full marathon time. We ran about another two miles and the heat just started to really kick in. It felt like every time I pounded the pavement it got hotter and hotter. We walked through the next water station and stretched and that is when I lost her. I ran forward and then stopped about three times to look for her, but with no luck I just kept going. At that point it was me racing for the finish with thousands strangers around me, and my own thoughts.

I thought about everything I could possibly think about, and for several miles I was looking hard in hopes of seeing Mr. Hoosier on the side of the street with the sign my students made me, but had no luck. My mind thought about how I used to HATE to run, and how it is now just a part of who I am. Often times my mind wandered to my mom and how much I have her to thank for my passion for fitness, running and living a healthy life. I remembered the times when I was little and would get jealous because she would be at the gym or on a run, but now I get it- in order to be a good mother, she had to get her exercise, and I hope my future children understand that about me some day. Mr. Hoosier had been so patient with my 4:30 am runs during the week day, my early bed times on Friday nights because of a long run on Saturday, and my Saturday afternoon naps through this marathon training; I thought about how thankful I am to have such a patient and loving husband. Of course I thought about my Dad and how thankful I am for him. I also thought about that silly biological dad of mine that I don't talk to as I ran through Wrigleyville, the anger for him made me run a little faster, but then I began to think how much better off I am without him in my life. I thought about my brother and sister, of course. I wondered what Zach was doing out at sea, and wondered if Court would ever run a race with me. The, for a few miles, I thought about my Grandma Gladys and my beloved Uncle Rick; I knew they were watching me as I raced through the streets of Chicago. I am sure my grandma was proud, as was Uncle Rick. I am sure he also was thinking I was crazy! I thought of all the moments I had with him- I sure do miss him. I thought about all the girls that I have influenced through coaching Girls on the Run, and with that I was trying to think which of them might run a marathon some day. I thought how cool it would be if I could even run a half marathon some day with some of my girls- they have had such a huge impact on my life. I thought about all 29 of my students and how amazed I am by their love for life and for learning. Basically, as I ran, my mind just wandered; it was a peaceful wander, one that I have never experienced. And that is what I did all the way until the finish line.

However, it wasn't all fabulous and peaceful. At mile 19, I had some bad thoughts as I had slowed down a lot. I knew I wasn't going to get my 4:10, but was still hoping for 4:15. I was so hot and exhausted. I somehow self-talked myself into continuing, but I had slowed down drastically. At mile 22, I walked a little, but then told myself I could still run a 4:15, but after that I walked three other times! At one point I said to myself, "this 26.2 is the dumbest thing I have ever done!" Finally at mile 24, a sweet older lady patted me on the back and said, "You can do this, finish with me," and that is what I did, I picked it up and never looked back. I lost her at about mile 25, but I wasn't turning back now. I couldn't believe I was only 1.2 miles away from completing my first marathon! I opened up my stride and really went for it despite the pain from the heat. I had 400 meters to go and I picked it up even more, and then I sprinted the last 200 meters to the finish line. I had done it, I just completed 26.2 miles in 4:18:28, and my my first thought was, "I want to do it again, I have to beat that time."

It was difficult to walk to the charity village, but when I got there I just plopped myself on the ground. I was disappointed in my time, and reflecting on the times I walked and was angry. However today, I am happy with it because it was my first marathon, and so many people never even complete one marathon. I have set a baseline, and now know what to do when I choose to do another one- I just hope my mom will join me for my next...

H =)

I Did It

That's right, friends, I registered for the 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. I can't believe it! This will be my first ever marathon and I am excited. The marathon is October 10th (a day after Mr. Hoosier's birthday). I thought October would be a perfect time to run a marathon: the weather (let's hope) will be mild, I won't have to deal with snow for my training, for the majority of my training I won't be in school, and I will already have a solid base from the half marathon. So, with all of this being said, I have no idea what to expect while preparing for this race. I don't even have a time goal set for myself. I know it's my first and I should just be concerned with finishing, however, I am much more motivated when I have a time in my head to shoot for. I can run a half marathon in under two hours (about 1:55), so for all your vetran marathoners out there, what would be a good time goal to shoot for?

I will be running it with my good friend and running buddy R. I am so excited she decided to do it and that we are going to be able to train together. I am not confident I would have been able to make it on those long runs without someone else.

I will be happy to take any tips and advice while training for this race. I can't believe I am doing it, but am so excited.

In addition, R and I will both be running this marathon as a Girls on the Run SoleMate, which was actually the determining factor in me choosing to actually do this. As a SoleMate, we will be running to raise money (at least $262) for Girls on the Run of Hamilton County. When I found out that the Chicago Marathon was the official partner of Girls on the Run SoleMates I decided that I must do it, so here we go! As I am training, my motivation will be that this is not just for me, but also for the girls of my community. I am doing this to provide them with the opportunity to "live a life full of self respect and healthy living".

So, please follow and support me on this journey to not just 26.2, but also $262 for Girls on the Run of Hamilton County! If you would like to donate to my efforts, follow this link- any donation is greatly appreciated and will be applied to efforts to continue to offer Girls on the Run to the girls of Hamilton County.

http://www.active.com/donate/SoleMates2011/HNichol44

Until next time,
H =)

Saturday Morning Ramblings

Yes, I know, I haven't written anything with substance lately, nor have done any Snapshot Saturdays. I am boring, I know, but maybe that is just how this overdue winter has me feeling. In fact, that must be it. I am over this weather. I am tired of being indoors, I am tired of long pants that must be worn with closed toe shoes, thick sweaters, and my long, heavy coats. I am ready to be able to run outside, take my dog for a walk where she isn't filthy when it is over, be able to walk to grab dinner with my husband, and sit out on our deck. I am also ready to get up in the morning and NOT think, "what can I wear that will keep me warm all day," and my only options being thick sweaters. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE sweaters, but it is almost March, so I am over them. I am ready to wear no socks with my shoes, my light weight jackets to work (hey, I am okay with wearing a jacket still), and short sleeve shirts. So, my request is Spring, please GET HERE SOON!

Besides the weather, here are some more of my rambles:

- These girl scout cookies need to leave our house pronto. They are doing nothing positive for me! Nothing at all!!!

- I have done a horrible job of A) tracking my running on my little gadget on here and B) actually getting all of my miles in. 10 weeks until the mini marathon and I have to "kick it in gear" this week and hit all my training days!

- DAIRY is the DEVIL! (minus eggs and cheese they have been okay so far) So, I had to leave work at about 1:30 yesterday afternoon. We had a pitch-in lunch and someone brought in some apple crisp. Well, for all of you that don't know me, any dessert with APPLES is my absolute favorite and especially when it is warm with some ice cream. So, I ate some with, I promise you, only a small spoon full of ice cream. Oh, well about 30 minutes later, I was in the library with my students when I had to dash to the restroom because I had such a pain in my stomach and all I could do was bend over. The pain continued and I couldn't even stand up straight. Little to say, I am 99% sure I can't have dairy. I haven't been able to drink milk or eat ice cream in large amounts for awhile now, but this was so small I didn't think it would have an effect. I am so sad... I LOVE ice cream. Mr. Hoosier and I love to walk to the little ice cream shop near our house in the summer =( For those of you that are non-dairy eaters, what do you eat for ice cream replacement??? As for the milk, I have tried soy, and YUCKKKK!

-ISTEP testing beings on Monday and I am ready to scream! For those of you that do not live in Indiana, ISTEP is our state-wide standardized tests that the students have to take. I feel so sorry for my poor kiddos- it bores me, can you imagine how they feel?

- I received yet another letter from my brother this week. He has been so great about writing me! My mom also received a call from him. He is doing wonderful! It has actually gone by so fast and in four weeks we will be watching him graduate! I am so excited to see where the Navy takes him and what it has in store for him. I am such a proud big sister!

- California Dreaming! That's right, Mr. Hoosier and I will be going to Carlsbad & San Diego, California for a week this summer! Mr. Hoosier's cousin is getting married out there and we are turning it into a week long vacation after the wedding festivities. Last night, we planned out the things we want to do and looked into the condo we want to rent. I can't wait!!! We plan on going to a Padres game (our goal is to visit every MLB stadium), visit the San Diego Zoo, take a trip to Southern California wine country (Temecula- this is going to be my favorite day, I just know it), take a whale watching trip on a sail boat, and do some hiking & kayaking. We also plan on spending some time at the beach, taking a trip to the farmer's market, and exploring the different restaurants of the town! I can't wait! I haven't been to California since I went with my mom in third grade. This is going to be a wonderful trip!

- What is a post from Mrs. Preppy Hoosier without talking about Girls on the Run? I have been very busy with preparing things for our 3/11 "Interest Meeting", meeting with a variety of people, and working with the attorney on our bylaws. It is difficult to do all this with a full-time job, but I absolutely LOVE it- I wish it was my full time job! We are having an interest meeting to recruit board members and coaches. I am also going into the third week of the season I am running at my school and loving it. I received 10 shoe scholarships this week, which was so exciting! This means that 10 of my girls are going to receive a pair of brand new New Balance shoes. New Balance is an official sponsor of GOTR. I am thinking I need to switch to New Balance as well. I am an Asics girl now, but if they NB supports GOTR, then I should support NB. Anyone run in New Balance? What are a good pair of shoes? Molly, I know you do!!!

Well, I am off to head the library to pick up another book, and go for a run when Mr. Hoosier gets home from work. Have a great weekend, friends!

Until next time,
H =)

Running "Things" That Make Me Happy

I clearly write about random things in my blog.  After all isn't that what blogging is about; random thoughts?  Well, I don't just blog about random things, but I also read random blogs that vary from running, to design, to health, to my favorite radio station dj, to my idol (the founder of Girls on the Run), and mostly all things preppy, of course.  One blog I follow the Happy Runner  writes about all things running.  She is a true inspiration, and I even won a free running shirt on her blog- bonus!  Anyway today she posted ten things running related that made her happy, so I decided to copy.  What better things do I have to do right now then to do the same?  I could actually write my brother a letter, organize my third bedroom, or continue my goal to read more, but instead this is what I am doing... enjoy!

I've decided to list 10 running-related things that make me happy. So, here goes:

1.  Morning Runs- Yes, I am crazy and thoroughly enjoy morning runs; that is, when it isn't below freezing.  Whether its meeting my favorite running bud at the park at 5:30 to do our 4 mile pre-workday course, or heading out on the path by our house with Mr. Hoosier, morning runs ALWAYS get the day off to a great start!  Not to mention, when Mr. Hoosier and I do our morning runs, he usually cooks me two egg whites and one egg scrambled when we are finished.  

2.  My new, green running shorts- Mr. Hoosier got me these awesome, new kelly green nike running shorts for Christmas, and I love them.  They are like all my other running shorts (all Nike and the same style), just green!  

3. Race tee shirts- I am a huge nerd when it comes to race tee shirts; I always have to have one.  I don't even wear them half of the time, except for the long sleeve ones, but I always have to have one.  It is something about digging through my drawers and remember that certain race, that certain finish line, and that certain feeling.  However, I now have too many to fit in my tee shirt drawer so they are stacked else where.  Mr. Hoosier always asks me what I am going to do with them, and the answer is still uncertain.  Someday, I might make a quilt out of them.  Have you ever seen tee shirt quilts?  They are pretty cool; I think its a good idea.  But then, where would I put the darn quilt?  Until then, I will continue to LOVE my race tee shirts.

4.  My pink and white striped running socks- Between my favorite shorts and socks, my favorite running outfit may not coordinate, but I am okay with that.  After all, I have to be wearing something pink if I am running a race.  My pink socks are my favorite.  My mom bought them for me at the Indy Mini convention.  They are so comfortable, and of course PINK!

5.  My framed picture of my mom and I crossing the finish line at the 2009 Indy Mini-  Pretty self explanatory, my mom bought a picture of the two of us holding hands, crossing the finish line, and had it framed for me for Christmas.  It is pretty awesome;  it is in my "Girls on the Run Office", also known as the third bedroom.

6.  Finish lines in general- No matter if it is your PR, your worst time ever, you cross with an injury, or you are a spectator, finish lines are such a happy place.  You don't know ever runner's story, and that's it everyone has a different story and that is what makes finish lines so wonderful.  If you have crossed a finish line, you know that feeling; it's indescribable.

7. My running watch- Yes, it is pink and white, and no, it isn't a Garmin; it is just a cheap Target watch, but I love it.  It does exactly what I need it to, time my run and help me beat my time for a certain course I am running.  It is easy to use, and it has a light so I can see my time if I am finishing an early morning run.  Perfect for me.   

8.  Girls on the Run- Every single aspect of Girls on the Run; I just love it!  It is my absolute passion.  I never thought I could be so excited about something.  I can't even choose one thing about it that I love the most: I love crossing the finish line with my girls, I love watching the expressions on parents' faces, I love each and every practice, I love planning for the future of Hamilton County- I just LOVE GIRLS ON THE RUN!

9. Asics- I love Asics running shoes even after they're worn out and I wear them with jeans. 

10. Post Race Activities- Whether it is listening to a post-race band, driving home from a race and stopping to get coffee, stopping at the Farmer's Market with Mr. Hoosier to load up on some yummy post-race snacks (one of my favorite things to do), or taking a nap on the couch, activities after you complete a race are that much better!  Actually, the whole day is just fantastic

Bonus (because I can't choose which to take out): Logging my mileage- I love to log my mileage; it gives me a feeling of accomplishment.  I especially like to log my times with my mileage so that I can beat my previous time even if it is just by 10 seconds.  

Well, that is my list.  How about YOU try your own!

Until Next Time,

H =)

Running Goals

You may notice that I added a new gadget to the side of my blog. The new gadget tracks my mileage for the week, month and year; how cool! Since I didn't find this until today, I didn't track my mileage for the rest of January, but that's okay, it will still keep me motivated.

Speaking of motivation, I am looking for a good training program to use while training for the Indy mini; any suggestions are welcome. I have heard good things about Hal Higdon's program, and I am thinking about using his Intermediate training program.

Here are my previous times from the particular race:
2004= 2:08:07 (my first half marathon ever!)
2006= 1:50:53 (man I was flying!)
2008= 2:15:05 (I was twiddling my thumbs, or just way out of shape, probably the latter one!)
2009= 2:02:44 (most memorable as this is the one I ran with my mom; not many can say that!)

So, after looking at these times, and knowing that 2006 is the only year I TRULY trained for the mini; this was the only year that I completed my long runs. Long runs is where I struggle, and is the reason why my other times haven't been what I would like them to be. I usually do all the other runs, but only ever get up to about 7 miles for my long runs, but this year is going to be different. My goal is to really follow a training program and complete the long runs. My goal is to run this year's Indianpolis Mini Marathon in 1:55-I can do it!

I feel that this will also be a good gauge as to whether or not I will run a full marathon this fall. If I can't even stick to a half marathon training program with fidelity, there is no way I will be able to do a full marathon. So, this year, is a true test to my running faith. I will start my training program in two weeks; I will let you know which I choose.

Happy Running

Until next time,
H :)

My Mother's Touch

In between application questions for Girls on the Run, I have been reading and catching up with the founder, Molly Barker's blog.  In September, she wrote about her mother's touch, and this inspired me to write about mine. 

My mom is the reason I am where I am today.  She has taught me to follow my dreams and to never give up; as cliche as it sounds, it is oh so true.  She is the reason I am so stubborn, the reason I always take control, and it is from her where I get my heart felt passion.  As my husband would say, "I am my mother's daughter."  

My mom overcame obstacles I can't even imagine.  A single mother at the age of 21, and losing her own mother at the age of 22.  It's no wonder she is as strong as she is.  I am not talking about the strength in her arms, as we all know she 

is physically strong, but the mental and emotional strength she possesses.  

I often times forget that my mom was only 22, and had a two year old daughter when she lost her own mother.  I am 25, I don't have any children and I couldn't even fathom what it would be like to lose my mom.  It has been 23 years since my mom has physically felt her mother's touch, however, I hope she often feels her presence.

Although my mom is 2 hours away there isn't a day that goes by that I don't feel her presence. As I am teaching in my classroom or coaching my girls after school I often times evaluate my actions and my personality and I feel my mom.  I turn more and more into my mom each and every day.  If you would have told me three years ago that I am just like my mother, I wouldn't have liked it, but now I am so proud to be like her. 

It's something about my mom's morning phone calls as I am driving into work that always seem to get my day off to the right start.  Or her emails during the day that often times just say "I love you" that makes me appreciate her unconditional love.  As I received an email from my mother last week that cheered me up, I thought to myself, "my mom hasn't heard those words from her mom in years."  I couldn't imagine...

My mom can take responsibility for many of my attributes and interests, but she really deserves all the credit for my love and passion for running and exercise.  Ever since I can remember we have exercised together.  I remember going to her aerobic classes with her when I was just four years old. They were in the basement of a church.  I always insisted to wear my bathing suit with leggings underneath to look like a true aerobics outfit.  I took a towel as my mat, and small shampoo bottles as my weight.  Even 20 years ago, exercising was our "mother-daughter" thing to do.  Some mom's enjoy taking their daughter's shopping, but mine would rather run or go to the gym.  

There was a point in my life where I would have rather gone shopping with my mom.  There was a point in my life where I hated going to the gym with her.  There is still some days that she drives me crazy as she pushes me to work harder on my runs.  However, as I read Molly's post, I began to realize that it is these times with my mother I feel her touch the most.  I am so blessed to have a mother that is healthy enough to go on a 5 mile run with me when she comes and visits.  I will surely appreciate it even more when she is able to go on runs with her grandchildren.  

I will always remember crossing the finish line of the 2009 Indy Mini holding your hand; it may have not been my fastest time, but it was surely the most heart felt race I have ever run!  As Molly said in her post, she misses her morning runs with her mom, I promise to you, Mom, that I will appreciate ours even more.  

Unexcused Absence

I have been gone for quite some time, two weeks almost, but with absolutely no excuse other than LIFE!

Last week was crazy busy with Group Exercise Training and birthdays.  Monday and Tuesday I trained all day long, and then went home on Wednesday to celebrate my cousin's 21st birthday.  I then came home Thursday, we celebrate my SIL's birthday on Friday, went to the DMB concert Saturday, and went back home Sunday for a family reunion and to celebrate my mom's birthday.

Now, we are in my last days before going back to work.  I go back to work on Thursday, as in two days from now, and the kids come on Monday.  I am dreading it, absolutely dreading it!  I had a scheduled interview for a different school district that was supposed to be yesterday, but they decided not to fill the position.  I received that phone call 15 minutes after hitting up Express and purchasing a new interview suit; oh well, I hope to wear it soon!  Now, I am just waiting on hearing from the YMCA for Youth and Family Life position and keeping my eyes and ears open for other jobs as well.  

With all that being said, I feel horrible and embarrassed.  I never thought I would be that teacher that dreaded going back to work.  I really thought I would be the "lifer" that would always love being in the classroom.  I loved, loved, loved my student teaching.  In fact, I was looking at pictures from that time and was trying to remember what it felt like to be that happy in the classroom.  I was able to be so creative and my kids learned so much.  I can't believe after only two years it has come to this.  I feel sorry for my students.  Let me also reiterate that it is not my students I am dreading; in fact, I am excited to see them.  It is everything else that comes along with it and all the new mandates I am certain we will have, and all the things I am unable to do.   AHHH!  Okay, I am done being negative, and will just continue to pray that something will come my way and God will lead me in the right direction.

My training for both another half marathon and my group exercise position is going great.  I have been quite tired from it because between the two I am working out for about 4 hours or more each day.  You would think with that I would have lost weight, but no.  I just eat more now because it makes me so hungry.  I have been running with a friend and it has made things SO much better!  I actually enjoy my long runs outside, AND I feel they are productive.  Friday, we ran 7 miles in 63:27; I am definitely pleased with that time.

It is a rainy, stormy, yucky day here in Indy today... blah!  In fact, Mr. Hoosier is supposed to have a presentation tonight, but they lost power at his branch.  Poor guy!  I am just going to curl up on the couch and finish Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult; great read and highly recommended.  

Today is also the 2 year wedding anniversary for our good friends, A and J, so Happy Anniversary to them.  They are such wonderful people, great friends, and Mr. Hoosier and I feel SO very blessed to have them in our lives.  We wish you many more years of love, laughs, happiness, and memories!!!

Until next time, which I hope is sooner than a week and a half....

:) H