Tag: marathon

#TinkRuns2024, dare to be different

The Sad Farewell

2chicksandapen

This is probably not the grief post you think about, but I am grieving a loss. This particular loss stems back to my marathon experience. It’s a loss some forecast, yet I was in disbelief. I complained about my enormous blister post-race and thought that was bad but it was only a short-term discomfort. The loss of a toenail is much more of a grueling process of lingering symptoms and moments of hope for life. Much like a loved one in hospice. I know that’s a terrible comparison yet it seems to fit.

For many distance runners, losing a toe nail is no big deal. It’s almost expected. I was warned but hopeful I was not a going to be a victim. Well fate had other plans for me. I  unfortunately lost a toenail. My big toenail on my right foot has found its final resting place in my bathroom trash can! It’s been a process of suffering leading up to the loss. Now I am actually grieving!

Apparently the race caused my toe some trauma. I have evidence of bruising on my left toes but nothing like the right foot. It was almost instantly I knew I had an issue. I am pretty sure I made the mistake of having a gel pedicure prior to the race as my nail had the extra weight of the gel mixed with friction and moisture for an extended period of time. Not good and I don’t recommended gel toes for race day!

First I had to remove the gel to let the air heal my toe. This was fun pedicure #1. Oh how this process took time. Almost 3 months later, I was still looking at a blue, yellow, green and black ugly toe. Every day. It was such a struggle to greet myself each morning with such disfigurement. Yet life goes on. Tennis matches. Heels for work. Exercising. All movements that irritated the healing process in one way or another.

Fast forward to the soaking day in the bath tub, some three months later. The nail decided it had enough. It almost floated away in silence. It was bitter sweet, but also such a sad moment. Naked and afraid my toe was. This new stage was undiscovered. New growth was slowly beginning life at the base of the toe nail bed but brushing was still midway on the naked toe itself.

I’m sparing you the photos but hopefully the picture has been painted in your mind. I have always had neat and well manicured feet. Now not so much. In the near future I will struggle as well. My trip to the beach next week will sit a little different. The toes in the sand just won’t get their normal photo opportunity.

Life is messy. We must all listen to how the universe whispers to us. Today I reflect on my toe. The loss itself. The journey while my fate was lingering by a hair. The experience that was amazing but yet caused this unexpected passing. The second chance with new growth. The disfigurement. All of this mourning over a toenail!

The moral of this story is life goes on for some but not for others. We must make the most of what opportunities we have while we can. My toenail had no idea that its fate was doomed. The disfigurement is a pivot point of doom or gloom. We all choose our paths in life. Happy or sad. Near or far. It’s all our choice.

Today I chose to run forward with vim and vigor. Because I can. I might not be in my prettiest stage of life, but I’m still living it as if I was!

#TinkRuns2024

My Recovery from 26.2

2chicksandapen

Well my recovery started at the finish line when I chugged my chocolate milk. Gone in two seconds!

Then there was walk to the car. The pitiful everything is tight stroll. The shower where you find out all the chafing spots that sting or burn like crazy. These effects will undoubtedly linger for days in the annoying spots you didn’t think to protect.

Then time to eat like a pig. Real food. Real fast. More food. Just a short time later. Hydrate. Relax. Savor the memories. Check the photo reel to relive the experience. So therapeutic. A little massaging or rolling of sore spots. 

Tylenol and Advil. A little more chocolate milk. Light stretching. Then the 4/5 hour car ride home. Not ideal to sit but I did get out midway to stretch and used a small roller ball on my legs while I drove.

I did acquire a massive blister on the ball of my right foot and a small blister under my right toe which may or may not make me sacrifice a nail. Time will tell. The blister on the bottom of the foot is a nuisance but should be out of the way before you know it.

Sleep. Solid sleep overnight. Monday had arrived. A recovery night sleep in my own bed has very much helped my recovery overall. Moving pretty well today. Just nourishing and babying my body the next few days. A little shake out ride on the bike erg to keep the body moving today but to keep me off my feet. A little light bench press to engage the upper body. Compression leg sleeves time each day as well to help with inflammation and circulation.

Solid sleep rolling to Tuesday. Making sure I eat and or drink a good amount of protein today to help with recovery. More stretching. Wednesday has arrived. Back to tennis on the courts. Legs are feeling pretty good. Foot is maybe 85% recovered from blistering. Life goes on post marathon.

I rotated rest and light workouts every other day for the first week after the marathon. I focused on sleep and nutrition including protein and veggies. All worked out and I’d say I’ve been more sore from a CrossFit workout than a marathon.

Thanks for following along on my race journey. I hope a tidbit I shared may help you in your first marathon quest especially if you try it after age 50. Patience. Grace. Determination. That’s really all it takes to live through a marathon.

Recovery my way consisted of rest, relaxation, reflection and smart eating choices. I kept it simple. I resumed my normal routine the following week. My blister even healed!

The end of the marathon series. Now on to a new challenge for the mind, body and spirit.

#TinkRuns2024, hustle, inspire

Feeling 26.2

2chicksandapen

The alarm came very early. 4:30am to be exact. An early breakfast. Salmon with rice and a banana. Then off to fun parking by 6:00 am.  Parking lot to start line was about a half mile walk. Even got to visit the pink porta-potty along the way. The day was already an adventure and I didn’t even have coffee nor did the sun rise yet.

The start was full of nerves, positivity and lots of glitter. People watching was so fun. Also traded glitter for bracelets with a fun lady at the start line. Off we went just after 7am. Six girls. 6 different paces. 6 different strategies to complete the marathon. Ages 35-52, and I was the token old chick. I was planning to be last as the oldest but fate had me finish in the the #4 spot for us girls.  I was so content with last but it’s ok I’m not sad about 4th.

The first bridge was awesome! Not the climb but the four women revving their motorcycles and giving high fives to start the race off with a little engine rev. It was so bad ass and the smell of gas fumes was prominently floating in the air. So unexpected but cool.

The next several miles I just jammed to some music and muddled through the miles. There might have even been the scent of weed in some of the parks we shuffled through. I barely looked at my phone during this time so I could conserve battery life. I did take in the scenery. I talked to many people. I cheered on some folks. I watched a few runners with disabilities maneuver the course with their guides. Another cool thing to take in. I was just in awe as a kept on trucking.

We ran through parks. We ran on a college campus and its track. We ran the city streets with cobblestone. We had a drum line play for us. Even got tunes from a Louisiana-style music group. We had acrobats doing a show on the course. I got water from a princess. I swapped high fives with strangers on the down-and-back portion of the course. Just so many amazing memories before the half way point. I almost forgot I was mid-race.

Mile 14.9 I met my friends for pit stop. The roadie crew had a wagon full of items for each runner to replenish. This is where I got my caffeine zap from an Alani drink and a spray down of bio freeze on my calves and butt. It was a recharge station for sure. Conveniently located at the Savannah Bananas stadium so we even had cheerleaders in baseball gear chick was so fun. The nana bananas!

Forrest Gump was on scene to say run, run, run. So many people outside their houses cheering and giving snacks. My favorite was a sweet guy with a bucket of Starbursts for back of the course sugar boost. So thoughtful. I even had a Girl Scout cookie from the sweetest troop of cheerleaders. I almost forgot I ran on the highway. Seemed like it took forever and the pavement was gross. All the little pebbles got in your shoes and it was direct sun beating down on you for what seemed like forever. A first and only time but definitely one to remember.

The highway leg was the scenery for the hardest part of the marathon like miles 18-21 when many participants hit a wall. Funny thing was I felt good. I decided to make that my spirit time. I cheered on those puking over the guard rail. Those taking a break that need that verbal motivation to go another step. It seemed like my purpose work and it definitely made the yucky miles tolerable. I might have slowed my pace some but at this point I knew I was finishing so why not help others feel that same joy.

I came out of this highway from hell experience feeling pretty good about being a few miles from finishing. I went through a water sprinkler to cool off. I saw an enormous pet pig on a leash. Yes, that’s for real. I heard a teen jamming to girls run this world on her DJ table in her front hard while her dad was on the lawn chair cheering. It was awesome to see. I felt like the perfect jam as I ran by. At this point the earlier finishers are walking past you as they return to their cars or homes. The encouragement was so uplifting.

Then the whispers from the sidelines. The guys along the way that almost whisper in your ear. You’re doing something special keep going. You are amazing and strong. Believe in yourself. Think about what you are doing. Many can’t. Celebrate this moment. So many comments like this.

Then the funny signs. The girl with the “I heard it’s long and hard”.:…and her boyfriend’s complementary sign of what she said. Punny! And then there was the “Trump is a rapist” sign. Odd placement but I guess it had an audience. The protestors with signs saying the race sponsor (Milk) was exploiting cows and women! I really enjoyed the funny and motivational ones like “be the runner your dogs believe you are.”

Last water stop. A little time with some pals I ended up meeting at the end of their race. For me it was a solo finish. I pushed on ahead to cross the line alone. A rite of passage so to speak: my race: my pace. My story: my journey. One hundred percent me. I won the day. I’m giving you a glimpse in this recap.

I beat the physical odds.

I overcame mental odds.

I ran tired.

I ran thirsty.

I ran with the biggest blister on the ball of my foot for about three miles. That counts for pain and an awkward gait which just throws off your mojo. I just kept moving. Crossing that finish line was rewarding. A celebration of so much experience. My Rocky triumph shadow photo with .2 miles to go. I still have gas in my tank. Surprise, surprise.

I am now in the 1% club. I completed a marathon. A grueling 26.2 miles on various road textures. Many will never try. Some may try and fail. Others may sign up and never show up. It’s a thing. I heard 1500 didn’t show today. Just crazy to think about.

Going to bed.

Exhausted.

Fulfilled.

Triumphant.

Proud.

I was meant to do this race. 

I was called to tell the world about it.

Wonder what’s next on my bucket list?

#TinkRuns2024, challenges

My First Marathon

2chicksandapen

So much anticipation has led up to this point. Specifically every day after my half marathon until now. 12 days of am I ready? Do I have everything? Should I start packing? How will I do away from home? Will my pit crew be annoyed with me? The course is ready, but am I?

Today is the day.

The big day.

My first and only marathon quest.

My bright idea for age 52!

A dooms day of sorts. Can I do this? Why did I sign up for this? Am I crazy? So many questions but the reality is I am here. I have several friends by my side. We are doing this. The months, days and hours leading up to this point have been full of so many memories. Just being here is an accomplishment for each of us. Nobody wants to think about a DNF (did not finish) but it’s entirely possible. At least it’s not a bunch of hills.

Now we get to take these steps today and prove to ourselves that we can finish what we started and trained for. Or in my case what we barely trained for. That our bodies are capable and we can do hard things. One by one we will cross our own barriers before we finish today. Our stories are different. Our training regimens were different. Our ages are different. However we all put on our racing shoes and number looking to achieve the same goal with thousands of others today. Completing the marathon. Becoming one of the 1% club.

Signing up alone is a big step.

Training is a huge commitment.

Mental toughness is required.

Patience and grace is much needed.

Nutrition and hydration is paramount.

Clothing must be well thought out and tested!

Shoes and socks need to be broken in.

So many little steps before the big day.

Then you may need to circle back to the mental toughness multiple times in this preparation process. It’s a given.

When it’s time to show up, that’s another hurdle.

When you need to find your pace and really sync into it for the duration, that’s commitment.

Pain will be involved for most of the process.

Staying consistent for 26.2 miles is straight out courage!

Will your electronics last?

Do I have all that it takes? Not sure yet. I know I can get half way for sure. I’m sure I can go a little more as well, but can I finish? That’s my goal. Only me.

Only me to rely on!

Only me can say it’s time to quit.

Only me can cross that finish line.

Only me can motivate myself ultimately….

Stay tuned for the next post in this series showcasing my epic day.

#TinkRuns2024

My 2nd Half Marathon

2chicksandapen

November is here. It’s been such a long journey to this point in 2024. A 5-year stint after my first half marathon. A few of the same friends participating. A few new friends added this go around. A few friends even turned into spectators but still are a part of the journey.

I took a few minutes to look back on photos from 5 years ago when I did my first 1/2 marathon. It was a wild weekend. I almost forgot we signed up for a 5k the next day to get an extra medal. To think about doing that now is just mind boggling. I guess I get a little more wiser with age!

I didn’t know what to expect my first half and really I don’t know what to expect this go around either: I’m packing more stuff this time. I’m wearing a vest. I feel like I have a plan, but no plan at the same time. Such a quandary in my mind. Hoping to avoid a long potty break. Hoping to avoid chafing of any kind. Time will tell.

So many ups and downs on this journey. 10 months of training was planned. Injuries took a toll on that timeline in a big way. 3 friends followed the training plan to T and their performance will reflect that effort. Another friend trained solo on a run-walk segment that worked for them keeping up with many races along the way. Although different training, the consistency will yield results.

Then there is me. The one person plagued with injuries. The one who took off almost three months from running. In that time my mobility has suffered. My stamina has diminished. My weight has gone up. The list could go on and on. The reality is still the same. I will put on my race bib and lace up my shoes no different than any other racer that day. My race may look different. It may feel different. My mental preparation will undoubtedly be different, but we all cross the same finish line. A finish line many will never attempt to cross, ever. For that reason I will feel successful no matter what time is recorded:

My effort.

My outcome.

My race.

My pace.

100 percent my effort to start and finish. Talk about a feeling of exhilaration. How powerful is my body, my mind and my spirit? I’m about to see. On race day so many conversations were had with myself. Some to pass the time. Some to reflect. Some just ramblings of being tired I guess. I enjoyed the solitude of my race day for the most part.

The day arrived. 4am wake up. A little travel time. A time change. A little morning drizzle. On the road as the sun rose. The portapotty adventure. The hills. Whomever designed this course was a bit demonic. It started with the hill and ended with a continuous hill that lurked around multiple corners. The finishing mile was a grueling mile to say the least. One of the fun parts of being slow was reading all the chalk messages written along the way. A pleasant surprise and fun way to have cheerleaders where there were no actual cheerleaders on the course.

Speaking of cheerleaders, there was a high school drum line playing on this course. Such a fun experience along the way. The drum beats definitely gave me a little pump up as I passed by. Great to see kids supporting the community as well.

Met some new faces at this race. Passed some folks. Got passed by some folks. Walked a little. Ran out of water for 2 miles when a watering station ran out. All in all I survived to tell about it. I was slower than 5 years ago but I am older and don’t move as well as I did back then, but I did it. I was one of 6 strong friends who adventured out for the half marathon. All of which completed the task. The same six will meet once again but for a full marathon. Double the distance. Double the challenge!

Two of the six have completed a marathon before. 4 are new to the challenge. All with different paces. All with different stories of their why. For me it’s why not. Why not give it a go. See if I can be one of the 1% to complete a marathon.

As 2025 approaches I will be setting out to balance my half marathon series. I will be completing my third half marathon in February 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. A travel race. A few days of the same friends embarking on the trek. This will most likely end my marathon series, but will allow me to have another time stamp to wrap up my trifecta experience. Looking forward to a few cold training days between now and then. Hopefully no injuries as well. Maybe I can clock a better time in a couple of months, too.

Officially old.

Officially slow.

Learning to embrace the back of the pack at these races. Each and every time I show up. Back of the pack isn’t so bad. Plenty of time to observe the surroundings, chat along the way and really enjoy the event.

I also vlogged this race which gave me a great memory reel to view in the years ahead!