There are as many different reasons to run as there are people running - and just as many excuses not to. And admittedly, I am sometimes on either end of the spectrum, either running to the extreme or not running at all. I can offer up many of the same excuses as anyone else when I'm not running - mostly lack of time, but in all actuality, we make the time for the things that are important to us. But when it comes to having many things that are important to us and not enough hours to possibly squeeze it all in, how do we decide what falls by the wayside? I often times have people tell me they don't know how I do it when they catch just a glimpse of my typical day. I realize I am busier than most, but honestly, I don't know how to slow down! Even when I try, it seems there's always too much to do and too little time to do it all; yet I somehow manage to check the boxes. Mostly this is due to my organization skills. I firmly believe if everything could be put into a tabbed out 3 ring binder or a spreadsheet the world would be a much better place. My running friends frequently chuckle over my travel folders for race trips. But bottom line between binders, spreadsheets, folders, and planners I'm able to fit more into my day and ultimately keep running without things falling between the cracks.
One may wonder if I'm so crazy busy at all times why I would take the extra time to run. The races themselves eat up valuable weekends that I could be "catching up" around the house, relaxing, etc; and the training eats up a good chunk of my afternoons/evening during the week. Plus race travel even takes time away from work at times putting me further behind. I sometimes wonder the same thing. Days when I roll into the office at 4:30 or 5AM just to get caught up (or ahead) because I know I'll be out Friday for race travel...evenings when I'm exhausted and scrambling to get dinner together, feeling guilty that I took 45 mins in the gym vs. catching up on laundry or spending time with the kids...weekends when I'm on a plane and realizing I haven't had a weekend to just sit home in seemingly forever...yep, it can get a little overwhelming. Adding 5 races in 3 weeks to my 2012 schedule has definitely upped the ante on all of those feelings and consumed quite a bit of my time as well, but when I made the decision to do so it was to achieve specific goals. As the first of those three weekends approached I couldn't help but wonder if perhaps I'd pushed too far and gotten caught up in the possibilities/achievements without really thinking it through.
Hurricane Sandy hadn't helped. Being stuck out of town for airport closures had cost me a day at work. Knowing I'd be out Friday and a few hours Thursday for a doctor's appointment, and having a lot to get done, I came in EARLY Wednesday and Thursday. This, of course, helped me keep my head above water at work but left me exhausted and barely able to get things done at home. I'd finally admitted the ankle was bad enough to need some rest, so I cancelled all workouts this week - which bought me a little time to unpack, do laundry, and repack before the weekend. But with everything going on and only 2 days to squeeze a week into I found myself wondering if it was worth it. Friday morning I was up and on the road to Savannah EARLY, tired but excited for my weekend with George. Somewhere around South Carolina I started struggling...anyone that knows me knows that when I have sugar you could peel me off of the ceiling...needing the energy...I wanted cherryheads. Problem is, they are tough to find...searched the area for a Five Below via my phone (they always have them), no luck. Finally, needing gas anyway, I spotted a small Exxon station...they are about the only other place I can find them, and not always. This time...pay dirt! Now, when I say I wanted cherryheads...most people buy a box or two...I buy them by the case!
Gas tank full & mission accomplished, I was on my way. I only had 4 boxes...but I was awake! :) I met George at the airport and we headed to the expo for the Rock N Roll Savannah Marathon and Half Marathon. As soon as I walked into the expo the energy levels were back up and any questions of whether I should have stayed home were quickly vanishing. It was great to see my running friends and reconnect as well as to meet new people with shared interests/goals. Leaving the expo we encountered a fellow in a wheelchair who had just picked up his packet. With his bright blue hair, George couldn't resist the opportunity to compare do's. We soon were discussing his athletic goals for the race. I couldn't help but noticing his upperbody did not have the appearance of a typical trained wheelchair athlete. This was quickly explained when he told us the chair was a new addition, he had broken his leg only weeks earlier and had been training to run, not roll, the marathon. George quickly offered up his contact information and volunteered to push him if needed - just another example of the kindness within the running community; we all have our own goals but are always willing to set them aside to help others reach their goals. Through the brief encounter/conversation we learned he was completing the marathon in honor of his daughter who he had recently lost to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). He had a friend running with to help if needed, but was determined to complete the race for her - another example of the determination of runners to meet their specific goals. I had never heard of PKD but encourage everyone to look into it and see how they can help, I have already begun my research!
After the expo, we checked into our hotel, and headed out to find dinner. We found an amazing little restaurant (Skyler's Restaurant) - and I say found because you literally have to search it out! This place is tucked away in the basement of a little Inn, but it was just fabulous; great folks, great service; and a wonderful atmosphere. By now the appreciation of the opportunity to explore new places and experience new things coupled with the selflessness and camaraderie of my running friends as well as the determination and drive of others had all but wiped away any concerns of my to do list waiting back home. After dinner, David joined us and we enjoyed an evening on the Savannah waterfront and many laughs, before getting a few hours of sleep and heading to the startline.
Race morning felt a little odd to me...we were a bit rushed and didn't have our usual time to prep/hang out, so it may have been that...I couldn't really put a finger on it. The energy was there, the startline was well organized, I just was feeling weird. The orthopedist had confirmed my ankle injury from St Louis was a severe sprain and advised against running, but as usual, I didn't listen. I didn't know how the day would pan out, but I'd run 3 events on it so far so I saw no need to baby it just because I had an official diagnosis. As we entered the corrals David and I had unspokenly fallen into running together.
Just before our corral was to start he said Allison wanted to run with us as well. As we started he was slowing up, looking for her...I didn't mean to leave him, but I wanted to start with my time in mind and see how the ankle let me go so I didn't wait either. I kept waiting for him to catch up, but by 1/4 of a mile into it I began hoping he wouldn't. Not that I didn't want to run with him, but I was in such pain from the ankle that I couldn't stop the tears from rolling down my cheeks and I really didn't want to explain/defend my decision to run. I was lost in my thoughts for a good portion of this race. Savannah the previous year had been a really good race for me and a breakthrough in my running. As posted on here, I'd run it with Rafael; and it had converted me to someone who liked to run with friends. The course had changed this year but Rafael was still with me for many miles on this day. After about two miles the tears stopped and the pain subsided. I knew I was running strong and I had a shot at another sub 2, but I was fighting myself mentally the entire time. I also knew another turn on the bad ankle could spell disaster so I was intently focused on the ground just ahead of me, cautiously chosing my foot placement as I went. Before I knew it I'd pushed past not only the ankle pain, but also the mental demons/doubts, and made my way to the glorious middle miles where you are in the zone, feeling good, and enjoying the run.
As much as I'd enjoyed the Rock N Roll Savannah the previous year, the Competitor Group had really improved it this year. The people of Savannah are amazing and were out in mass supporting the event and the energy on the course was amazing. The course changes made for a much better run, removing much of the "dead zone" from the early miles of the previous race and replacing them with the beauty of Savannah. Regardless of the fact that I've completed the state, this is a race I will return to and a class act event.
Somewhere around mile 11 I started struggling with heat/hydration a bit. I was close enough that if I gave into it I would lose my sub 2; yet far enough away that if I didn't let off the gas I may find myself being loaded into an ambulance. So began my mental blogging for the weekend - you see, 13.1 miles is a long time to think...you solve the world's problems on some runs, on others you just enjoy the experience, and sometimes you share your infinite wisdom (which nearly always dissipates as the endorphins wear off)...I was sharing that wisdom today, mentally of course, but in the form of a blog post - explaining to you folks how while you may find me insane for all of my running I'm actually really in tune with my body and won't push past a safe point...maybe someday I'll share the full extent of this mental blog in an actual post, but I doubt it will ever be as eloquent or understandable as it was during that endorphin fueled mental post. ;) Just before mile 12 I came upon Sean Sweeney, who confirmed my mental blog post when he let me know he was turning his intended full into the half today due to an injury and a really off day - see, we know our limits! And despite having let off the gas a little during mile 12 because of my growing concern over the fact that I was beginning to have chills and was no longer sweating, I pushed my limits for the last 1/4 - 1/2 mile when I realized I was going to be able to sub 2. As I crossed the line I was a little disappointed in myself for not having pushed just a bit harder...I was 6 seconds shy of a PR, finishing in 1:58:37. However, given that I'd come that close with an injury and in weather about 10 - 15 degrees warmer than my PR day...I was good with it! I headed to the finish line festivities to wait for friends.
I caught up with old friends, again met new friends, and when George finished his full we headed back to the hotel to shower and check out. Once there, as the endorphins faded, my ankle was so painful I couldn't put any weight on it...made me a little worried about tomorrow's run, but it had 18 or so hours to recover. David had considered joining us after ING got cancelled, but had a rough day in Savannah and decided to give his body a rest, so we hit the road - destination: Raleigh.
My co-pilot was a little worn out from his effort that day...
Which led to a boring few hours initially. The quiet in the car and my own exhaustion had me reaching for cherryheads again. Soon enough we were approaching North Carolina and George was awake. Knowing he'd never driven the I95 corridor, I decided to stop at South of the Border...just so he could say he had...and to break up the drive. A little goofing off, a snack, and a potty break and we were back on the road.
We arrived in Raleigh, checked into the hotel, and decided tonight would be a good time to catch up on sleep. Another good thing about race weekends...if I were home I would never consider going to bed so early as my to do list is so long, but here on the road, where I can't check boxes anyway...perfect time to catch up on sleep! And that we did! I slept like a rock and when it was time to wake up, I still could've slept longer - but having specific goals tied to ALL of the races, I was up and ready. Walking to the start line my ankle hurt worse than it had running the day before...that started the mental doubts. Once at the start line there was a bit of confusion/hassle which led to me feeling rushed vs. relaxed and ready to run. As I typically try to give feedback on the races I run so others can make the decision as to whether they would like to run it, I feel I need to elaborate on this, but I'm also torn because of the circumstances surrounding it, so full disclose here and trying really hard to be fair -
The Raleigh City of Oaks Half Marathon/Marathon does NOT offer race day packet pick up. Knowing this and the fact that we were running Savannah the day before, we were concerned that we would not make the 6PM cut off for packet pickup on Saturday (and we indeed would not have made it). Therefore I had emailed the race director and explained the situation. I'd asked if we could possibly arrange for race day pick up, or at the very least if perhaps I could pick up early on Friday (pick up didn't start until 4PM and if I waited long enough to hit that pick up, I'd miss pick up in Savannah). He agreed to a Friday 11AM pick up as he was strict about no race day pick up. This added a little over an hour to my drive to Savannah as I had to head off of the highway to the west about 45 minutes to get to the pick up location, but it was better than not getting our packets, so I did. Given my required departure time and the distance to the pickup, I'd given myself a little cushion of time for potential traffic, etc. I ended up arriving at 10AM vs. the agreed upon 11AM. When I arrived I found the did not have the bibs available yet. I was understanding as I was early, however, the race director told me that they didn't know when they'd be there, as long as she did her job (the individual bringing them) he didn't get into her business and she had until 2 to get them there. Rather than make me wait, he was gracious enough to tell me I could pick them up on race morning from his wife after explaining this was a courtesy because they couldn't have 500 runners picking up race morning. Needless to say I was more than a little miffed, but tried hard to not show it. Refer to my earlier comment about organization...my thoughts were given that we had PRE ARRANGED my pick up, the bibs should have been available by the agreed upon time AND if race morning was an option now, why had it not been a few days ago before making me waste the driving time this morning??? Again, I realize he was going out of his way for me, so I'm trying to keep that in mind, but I still struggle with those two points. Fast forward to race morning....George and I showed up to the tent we were told to go to. There were plenty of people picking up packets, so obviously we were not the only exception. There were different lists of names for the full, half, and 10K. The runner was to find their name on the list, then the volunteer checked the number assigned and gave them their packet. I was not on any list. I asked what I should do and showed them my confirmation email. The volunteer was absolutley clueless and literally told me "I don't know what to tell you. I'm a volunteer. The woman left." I asked what woman, where she went, who I should go ask...I got a blank stare. I asked again and was told she might have gone to the start line. I went to the start line and I found the race director who told me to go back to the tent and tell his wife to assign me a bib. I informed him there were only volunteers there and asked his wife's name. He told me and said he'd call her. As I got back to the tent and asked for the woman by name a volunteer pointed her out...just as her phone was ringing. Once she completed her call (her husband advising her of my situation), I introduced myself and was completely stunned by what happened next. I had expected them to have extra bibs and assign one to me...nope...she randomly pulled someone's packet, handed it to me, and said, "Let's hope they don't show up!" She then instructed me which tent to go to and who to see to get the bib assigned to me. Arriving at the designated area, that individual looked me up and sent me back to the original tent, armed with my bib number to see if it was there. I'd asked if I should take the "stolen" bib with me so if it was that person would have theirs available. She told me no because she was going to go ahead and assign it to me just in case! Back at the original tent, with the number I'd been provided, my bib was easily found. So, if 34 year old Andrea actually showed up and had to deal with confusion...I'M SORRY!!! I'm again torn on this entire situation because in their defense, they were trying to be accomodating to me given that I could not make the assigned pickup times, but I thought the entire situation was poorly handled and added confusion. Either way, I headed to my corral...this process had eaten up the time we'd allowed for last potty stops, etc...it was time to go...
The race itself was a mental battle. The ankle hurt some to begin with but not as much as the previous day. A bigger challenge were the lead weights I was dragging with me in the form of legs. I just had nothing in me. I hadn't really fueled properly for yesterday's run, let alone refueling between the two, and had no breakfast before this one...so I was forcing muscles to fire without giving them any gas. By about a mile and a half in I decided to walk. By mile 3 I'd taken 3 or 4 walk breaks and was seriously mentally battling myself but was still keeping just under a 10 minute mile pace...I felt like it was much worse. I downed a GU, hoping the legs would appreciate the calories. Settling back into a run and just entertaining the thought of another walk, a gentleman tapped my shower and commented on the Maui Oceanfront shirt I was wearing. He explained he and his wife were 50 staters and were looking for a HI race for 2014 to finish up their states. I fell into step with him and we chatted about that race, our 50 state quests, and other races. I handed him my running card and told him to keep in touch. As we approached a waterstop he offered up a fist & and we pounded it, then he set off. I kept the pace as I realized it was right around a 9 minute mile and I was actually feeling good with it now that the conversation had distracted me from all of my mental doubts and grumblings. I stayed pretty consistent with that pace for the remainder of the race with the exception of one walk break around mile 7 or 8...which reminded me that I was running on empty today and prompted another GU. I definitely used more GU than normal during the race, but I knew it was just lack of gas in the tank. I ended up sucking down 4 total over 13 miles. I mentally blogged again somewhere between miles 5 and 10...about running friends...you'll likely see that post sometime as I was amusing myself - but without the endorphins I may not capture it's full humor. ;) I also mentally noted that when the race director says a course is "now FLATTER and FASTER"...that doesn't mean it is flat or fast! This course was full of rolling hills - I'd hate to see the previous course! Would definitely not be what I'd expect of North Carolina! As for the course itself...it was ok. There were a few pockets of people and some of them occassionally cheered, towards the last 2 1/2 miles that picked up quite a bit, but over the first 9-11 miles there was VERY little energy. If you need that push to get your through, don't count on it from this event! The water stops were ample, but each was crammed together so people were nearly tripping on each other to grab a cup before passing the entire stop and the trash cans were so close to the end of the stop that you had to gulp if you wanted any chance of throwing away your cup. Sometimes water was up front and sports drink in the back and other times it was reversed. But the people were nice. The course started by a round about and there were road features that posed trip hazards. The announcer mentioned them just prior to the start, but I'd be remiss to not mention them as well. Also, the course started downhill and it had rained that morning...the road surface was very slick for the first few miles. Overall the course was not enjoyable enough that I'd come back to this race. The medal was nice though. The post-race party had pizza and smoothies - which were pretty spot on, but overall was nothing amazing. I believe you could definitely find a better race for NC (and I have run better in NC), but if you are looking to check off the state and this works in your schedule there's no reason not to do it - just don't expect it to be your best race experience ever. I finished in 2:06:03 - not bad given the early walking breaks - but the results weren't posted or available until nearly 10PM that night, despite having been chip timed.
After finishing the race I headed to the hotel to shower and pack, intent on heading back to watch George finish the full. I'd just put my stuff in the car and crossed the street when I got a text from George saying he was at mile 22 to go take a nap. That sounds perfect, so I did! I headed back to the room and passed out. I woke up 45 minutes later, surprised I'd slept so deeply; and as I laid there debating going to watch George finish or going back to sleep he knocked on the door. We chatted a bit, then he showered while I napped...that 15 minutes felt like an hour...I was obviously tired and obviously needed it. Once he'd finished up, we headed towards the airport.
I stopped at a Whole Foods we passed on the way and grabbed some fruit, shrimp, barley veggie salad, and wheat baquette...I don't care for drive thru so I was happy to have good food to snack on the car to refuel! After dropping George off at the airport, I headed the four hours towards home. On the return drive, I shifted gears to home life again and as the mental checklist started piling up in my brain for the week I wasn't nearly as overwhelmed as I'd been by it just a few short days ago. My time with such compassionate, fun friends solving the world's problems 13 miles at a time, and experiencing other places had recharged my batteriest and left me ready for another week of chaos. The weekend had confirmed that while my running eats up a portion of time I could be spending on others it's ok to be selfish sometimes and take the time for yourself and the things you enjoy. It leaves you more focused and better able to handle the daily challenges.
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