Decisions, Decisions

When the Competitor Group announced the Rock 'n' Roll Lexington to be held in 2013 the decision was easy - REGISTER!  I did not have KY and it was a RNR event (and would count towards my Rock Idol!).  Months later, when they announced they were pulling out of Lexington and the race would continue in the hands of the previous race director I was faced with several decisions - keep my registration and run the race anyway, request a refund for the registration, or transfer the registration to another RNR event.  I'd registered so early that I'd gotten an amazing deal, and I still needed KY, so I kept my registration. 

Given that the race was scheduled for Easter weekend, this was to be a quick trip.  Drive 8 1/2 hours Friday, packet pick up, fuel, sleep, wake up, run, shower, drive home.  The "expo" felt more like a local wares/craft show than an expo, but it was quaint and a change of pace from your typical expo.  It was also held at the start/finish area, so it gave us a chance to get a bit of a feel for the area.  A lingering cough (that had been going on since RNR NOLA) in the 8 year old left another decision...when we returned on Saturday night there would be nothing opened, he was leaving for my mother's house the next morning for a week for Spring Break as well, so unless we went to a doctor Friday evening he would not be seen for over a week.  This left us with an impromptu visit to the urgent care where he was diagnosed with bronchitis (which later proved to be a misdiagnosis - it was actually post nasal drip from his allergies).  We finally settled in for the night.

Access to the venue on race morning was backed up a bit, but not as bad as some events I've attended.  If you accessed the venue through the second gate the line was much shorter, however you were closer to the start line than the finish.  If walking a little longer after a race is less appealing than walking it before the race you should plan to wait in the longer line.  Personally I didn't find the walk very long either way so the second gate was fine.  I was dealing with some stuff personally so it did not make for an ideal race morning, but I showed up at the start line for the 50 states club picture and was greeted by many 'friends' I'd only met online.  It was nice to actually meet everyone in person.

After a few laughs and group shots we headed to our corrals to prepare for the start.  Once in the corrals I met a few Half Fanatics.  The Fanatics picture was scheduled for the exact same time as the 50 states picture but in a complete different location.  As I've been in many Fanatics pictures and this was my first 50 stater pic, I opted to skip it; so it was nice to actually meet some new Fanatics as well.  A few more pictures and we were ready to run.

But....the decision was made to postpone the start for 15 minutes due to heavy fog.  The law enforcement course support felt the fog was thick enough to pose a danger in portions of the course.

There was restless energy and chatting in the corrals as everyone tried to keep warm, but soon enough we were off.  Still dealing with a bit of emotional turmoil my race did not start so well.  I wasn't focused on my run and was just going through the motions, and hating it.  Around the 2 mile mark a group of horses suddenly came racing across the field (in their enclosure) but alongside the course.  It was beautiful.

Shortly thereafter, a lone horse stood at the fence literally waving us wildly on with its head.

I began to focus a little less on my thoughts and a little more on my surroundings.  This course was really beautiful, but the only energy was from the runners and the horses - of which there were plenty!

The course ran through back country roads, surrounded by farms and pastures; and I began to realize logistically this could not have been a Rock 'n' Roll race.  There was no where for bands or cheerleaders; and very few points that spectators could even access the course so no real place for the crowd support of a RNR event. 

The course stayed interesting and was quite challenging with constant rolling hills.

As the miles ticked off I slowly began to shake my funk and despite a really rough 7 1/2 miles, by mile 8 I was attacking the hills, enjoying the course, and amused at each new discovery. 

I'd never before run a race where I had to dodge horse poop.

And I can't say I'd ran so closely with horses - or chickens for that matter!

A lone cowboy stood at his fence as our 'crowd support'...that was a first.

And as we neared the final miles we were encouraged but a single humorous sign.

Somewhere in the later miles the crowd randomly started parting and folks were cutting left and right quickly trying not to step on/trip over something...when out of nowhere a little terrier came running up the center of the road directly into the mob of runners, completely unconcerned with whether or not we would avoid him.

I was completely enjoying this course and already considering running it again.

Though the finish line was a welcome site!  I crossed the line with a chip time of 2:21:15, slower than previous races but given my rough start and the hills I was fine with it. 

I met a few Fanatics and Maniacs at the finish and exchanged contact information.

Then I headed off to watch Garret's race.  His .9 mile race had 1 big hill in it.  I'd warned him about the hill, but he tackled it, and as he rounded the final turn he made a move on the inside to pass a half marathoner (the finish was shared).

Oblivious to the 13 miles she had just finished, he was determined to "beat" her.  After the race, we stopped for a quick picture against a trying race specific backdrop before heading back to the hotel for showers.

Despite the entire trip being less than 40 hours it was an awesome experience with quite a few great decisions!  I have to say that RNR made the right decision to pull out of the event; and the current race director made the right decision to put the event on as they had in the past!  This truly is a homegrown race, it had a great feel with nature and your fellow runners as your support while other courses are best left to crowds, bands, and cheerleaders for support. 

St. Patty's Double

St Patty's weekend 2013 was my first double of the year.  I head to DC Friday afternoon for the Rock 'n' Roll USA Half Marathon.  On the way I decided I REALLY wanted a white Lululemon skirt for the race.  I called my usual Lulu store and found they were out of my size.  I called one in DC and found they had it so I asked about parking - not much, but close to the DuPont Circle Metro stop.  After checking into the hotel I headed to the Metro.  Using my iPhone I found the store was .7 miles from the metro exit and began my walk...immediately wishing I'd changed out of my dress shoes.  As I approached the store I noticed the Whole Foods across the street and IMMEDIATELY decided I needed a watermelon and this could be a dangerous place for me to live - Lulu & Whole Foods!!  In a matter of minutes I'd bought 2 new skirts and a headband and was standing admiring the fruit in Whole Foods...

I soooo wish we had a Whole Foods nearby!  I purchased a whole watermelon and started heading back to the metro.  It didn't take too many odd looks on the .7 mile trip back to realize I had CLEARLY not thought this through!  But, I still had no regrets in purchasing the watermelon...though my arm did get tired by the time I finally reached my hotel! 

As I sat having a snack while waiting for Sherry and Raf to join me at the hotel (they were both on their way) I couldn't help but get irritated by the slamming, banging, yelling, and running from the children in the room next to me and across the hall from me.  By the time Raf arrived just 15 minutes of so later the look on my face said it all...he immediately went to the front desk to request our room be changed.  I was ready to give the parents a lesson in parenting as their children played tag up and down the hallway.  Settled into our room - separate from the children by several floors and on the opposite side of the hotel - we got ready to head to the expo.  Sherry arrived within mintues and we were off.

At the expo we took a few photos, did a little shopping, and visited with many friends.

Afterwards we headed to the hotel to drop our stuff and then off to Olive Garden for dinner.  In bed by a decent time, we woke up groggy and Raf decided to be a spectator for this one.  We headed to the start and visited with friends.

Then took to the course.  I'd liked the Rock N Roll USA in 2012, but had believed the course could have been a little better given the landmarks, etc.  Rock N Roll believed so as well and the improved 2013 course was amazing!  I really enjoyed the beautiful and variety on this course and am already looking forward to 2014!  I am, however, still not sure where all of those hills came from!!  They were challenging and though at times I felt like canning the race, they spurred the competitve sdie of me to accept the challenge and beat it!  Still not totally well and given the hills, I was thrilled with my 2:18:13 finish.

A quick bit of time visiting with friends after the race; and I headed back to the hotel to shower, pack, and take a nap!  I managed to get about 45 minutes before Sherry and Ethan were back, showered, and ready to go.  We checked out and hit the road to Massachusetts.  Along the way Sherry slept while Ethan and I chatted.  When we hit NJ we hit horrible weather with freezing rain and icing roads.  There were several BAD accidents and we had to slow considerably to be safe.  From NJ to MA we went through waves of bad weather/driving conditions mixed with not-so-bad rainy conditions.  The drive was not amazing and I was thrilled to arrive safely, check in, and get to bed. 

The New Bedford Half Marathon has a start time of 11AM - to allow it to warm up!  Sleeping in a little was nice, but also stressful because I knew after the race I face an hour drive to Boston to drop off Ethan and Sherry and then a 9+ hour drive home, not to mention time to eat.  I was already stressing about not getting home until after midnight and driving tired - I hadn't noticed the 11AM start time until Sherry mentioned it Saturday.  We arrived at the start line a little late, grabbed our numbers, and got separated for a bit; but fell back into step and got to the start line minutes before go time.

Sherry gave us a few words of warning as she'd run this many times...I heard - hills in first few miles, cold wind off water and we were gone.  The first few miles were miserable.  It was colder than I'd imagined and my coldest race to date.  The wind whipping off the water cut right through you.  The hills...yup, Sherry was right...there were hills.  My hamstrings were tight before I got started, I wasn't feeling a race, and the negative mental chatter was running rampant.  Around the third mile I made myself suck it up and quit with the walk breaks.  Around the fourth mile we turned into a residential area and the hills subsided and the wind was blocked.  I started to take a look around and enjoy the race.  I realized the crowd support was phenomenal.  There were people everywhere and for the first time I realized it had been like this the entire way.  That never changed.  It may have been a small town race, but it definitely did not lack in crowd support!

People lined every street we ran down and cheered us all the way.  There was also a large number of participants invovled with various charity organizations and teams.  I really began to take stock on how fortunate I was to run this race and enjoy it.  As we approached the last few miles we came back out on the water.  I was simultaneously happy to see the sites and dreading the cold wind.

The last few miles were indeed very chilly - ok nearly brutal - and also hilly, but the crowd support never waivered and the scenery was amazing.  As I approached the finish I realized this was my 50th half marathon in 3 years.  I finished strong in 2:18:05

and took a moment to celebrate number 50

Then I headed into the Y to grab my New England clam chowder and warm up!

After a quick shower we hit the road to Boston where we had dinner at the Hard Rock, then began a disasterous evening/night that resulted in enough negativity to ruin anyone's weekend - but I refuse to allow it to ruin mine as I had 2 great race experiences and will likely repeat both of these events in the future!  I recommend both to everyone - and assure you the chaos that was my Sunday night/Mondy morning had NOTHING to do with the races and everything to do with a combination of idiots and dumb luck.  If you are looking for a St. Patty's Day double, this one is a bit of a drive, but well worth it!

I Will Survive!

With the full marathon in Madrid fast approaching and my training/fueling not going so well I was beginning to doubt whether I could handle 26.2 so soon.  My longest run ever was 14 miles and that was in late 2009.  After Little Rock I took a good hard look at the calendar and realized I only had 2, maybe 3, opportunities to put in a long run between then and Madrid.  So I decided the first available opportunity, March 10th, I'd try to put in 17 miles.  That would leave a late March potential opportuntity for a 20 miler and an early April attempt for 24-26.  Coincidentally, March 10th is my son's birthday.  So, when I woke up that morning, doubting my ability to run 17 miles, I decided that in honor of his 18th birthday I was going to do 18 miles.  I knew the "mile per year for Judd" mentality would get me through if it got rough.  I loaded up my fuel belt and hydration belt, grabbed a plain mini bagel and ziploc baggie of grapes, and headed out the door.  I drove out to base to run as there would be little to no traffic, a decent amount of miles to not continually loop and get bored, and it is relatively flat compared to the surrounding area. 

As I was parking I mentally mapped out my challenge, a figure out course along the outer edges of the base and cutting through the center that I'd run many times before....only this time I would be doing it twice.  I picked my direction out to ensure the "long, boring" stretch was what I started with knowing that I'd need the several short term landmarks on the final stretch to make it.  As I started I briefly entertained the thought that the course was probably closer to 10 miles so a double loop would make a 20 miler, but I pushed it aside with the thought that I'd have a cool down walk to end it if needed.  I set out slow and methodically, planning out my fueling and hydration strategy based on rough mileage/time estimates.  Whereas I'd normally mentally check off points on the course I just let my mind wander and enjoyed the warm spring air (we'd been blessed with a nice day for a change!) and the critters here and there (mostly squirrels and bull frogs).  As I came back up the center of the figure 8 the second time (so nearing completion of the first full figure 8) I realized the loop may be closer to 11 miles, but pushed it aside.  I was feeling good so I decided I was running the entire thing...probably getting 20 miles in, and maybe a little more! 

As I approached my car I still felt strong and was surprised with how well I was doing.  I intentionally did not let myself check the Garmin as I was afraid knowing the exact mileage would somehow psych me out on my second loop.  During the second loop I starting checking points off mentally...the long boring stretch is DONE for today...only 1 more time up this 1.5 mile center stretch and I'll be done with it....this is the last time I pass through the office areas today....the fence line stretch is DONE for today...  I refused to check the Garmin, still knowing I'd do the math and figure out my total distance despite not wanting to know.  I know the rough mileage of each stretch of the loop and it wouldn't be hard to figure the total.  As I came up the center one final time I started struggling a little.  I'd been doing good with my fueling and hydration plan, but suddenly my knees were aching and within a tenth of a mile I had pain in my ankles (that was new).  Without even thinking I glanced at the Garmin...17.24 miles...I was NOT stopping now!  I used the Judd's bday mentality to keep pushing through the pain, but I worried with each stabbing in the knee if I was doing damage that I'd regret later.  The Garmin beeped...mile 18, but the pain was letting up...I was almost done with this section, I wasn't stopping.  As I turned the corner for the final stretch the pain was gone and I was fine again.  A quick glance at the Garmin had me just over 18 miles.  Even quicker math had me realizing I would be over 21 but not quite to 22 miles if I finished up the loop.  I committed to it.

Approaching the final stretch along the waterfront I found myself struggling again.  This time there was no pain, my body was just done.  I had nothing left in the tank.  I'd used my last GU miles before and was low on eneregy.   All in all I'd taken in 2 Stinger Waffles, 4 GUs, 16oz of Gatorade, and 16oz of water; but I'd been running for over four hours.  I knew I could finish, but I knew I was going to have to push through on empty.  I started concentrating on bragging rights....I already had my Facebook status mentally composed....I LOVE my body, sure I've got jiggles and bulges and blemishes that I'm not a fan of, but the realization that this tangle of muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc can pull me 2?? miles without stopping is amazing!  (I reworded it MANY times in my head and am not sure what the final post actually was...but that was the gist.)   The only thing left was to replace the ?? with a number.  I knew I'd be over 21 and 22 sounded SOOOO much better, but I didn't know if I'd have it in me to pass the car and go the extra distance to round it out.  Between miles 20 and 21, while all of this struggling and mental chatter were occuring, I decided that if I got to the car and the mileage was over 21.3 I would continue, anything under .3 and I'd call the run 21 1/4 and be done.  As I approached the car a quick Garmin glance read 21.36...to the corner and back should hit 22! 

I hit my mark, turned, and head back to the car.  A quick glance at the Garmin told me I was going to be just short.  I couldn't stomach the thought of passing the car again!  I start zig zagging back and forth across the road in wide sweeps.  After 4 such passes I'd added just enough that I could turn into the parking lot and go a few feet beyond the car and....BEEP!!!!  I was done.  22 miles complete, I stopped the Garmin and walked to the car.  First order of business a quick pic to mark my first 22 miler

Second order of business, refuel with the chocolate milk waiting in a cooler in the car while calling George to ask how he felt about a 5:15-5:30 marathon!  Having just pulled 22 miles in 4:25 I felt as though that was a doable target!  After a quick conversation with George I mentally made notes for improvement, pace was good, fueling needs to improve...

That night I made a bigger mental note...sunscreen is required!  I was fried and had some serious raccoon eyes from the sunglasses!

Biggest mental note of all...I will survive Madrid!

Still Running on Empty

The week after NOLA was not much better than the weeks prior to it.  I was able to hold fluids down and basically lived on chicken broth and gatorade...not nearly enough to fuel any activity levels, so no training.  I flew out Saturday morning, knowing I would be able to get through the Little Rock Half Marathon the next day, but knowing it wouldn't be pretty either.  I hadn't checked the weather before leaving but saw a friend's Facebook post about how cold it would be for him...he's from southern CA so I didn't think too much of it, but threw in some compression shorts, socks, and sleeves in case.  I checked the weather after I was on the plane...as if I could do anything about it then!  I slept on the first leg of my flight and met up with Sherry in Atlanta.  We boarded the second leg and each asked the gentlement beside us to potentially trade seats with one of us so we could sit together...they were jerks.  Seriously 1C vs. 3C...you're still in first class and still in an aisle...whatever.  Given that we weren't within chatting distance, I slept some and read some. 

Ethan picked us up at the airport and had Gatorade and snacks for us - a wonderfully sweet gesture, but my digestive track wasn't even considering it...food was not my friend that day.  We headed to the hotel and checked in, then walked over to the expo.  While at the expo I bumped into Louie - though I almost didn't recognize him without his signature glasses! 

While we were chatting other Maniacs and Fanatics began gathering and before we knew it we were in the midst of an impromptu get together!

After a short visit we decided to head out, but at the last minute opted to stop and say hi to Bart before leaving.

He told us he was going to be duck master at the Peabody that night, but we opted to head back to the hotel and grab some dinner.  There was a Japanese steakhouse attached to the hotel and despite how sick I'd been lately it sounded really good, so that's where we went.  I was able to eat, and ate quite a bit!  I was pretty impressed with myself/relieved that I'd been able to fuel for the race.  On the way back to the room, Ethan decided he wanted Oreos so we were going to slip out to the store...until it suddenly hit me what a bad idea that much food was after not eating for so long.  I opted to stay back and just lie down.  While they were gone, much (but not all) of dinner was revisited.  :(  So much for fuel...I'd still be running on empty for the next day's half.

Race morning dawned, VERY chilly!  It was colder than my MN race.

We put on our layers and headed to the maniac/fanatic photo meet ups. 

Then we set off looking for gear check.  We were told it was REALLY far away, so we were surprised when we turned a corner and there it was!  We dropped our stuff and headed to the start.  Race Alert...if you plan to run Little Rock be prepared for a chaotic start!  There were little herds of people and you couldn't move, let alone enter the corrals.  I've never seen such a packed/confusing start area.  We stood in line on the side of the street hoping to eventually make it into the corral (ours was C) until I realize the sign for C was a little in front of us.  I grabbed Sherry and plowed my way through people - quite literally...if you were waiting near corral C and some rude chic pushed by you, sorry about that!  Strangely enough, when we got to the Corral C sign, the corrals were nearly empty!  I still have NO idea what was going on or why the corrals/street were so backed up all the way up to that point and then completely empty.  I do know a lot of people waiting to get in that corral thought it was C.

We stood shivering, waiting for the start.  I was shaking so uncontrollably that some nice woman behind me took pitty on me and tried to warm me up by rubbing by back.  I know it was cold, but I think my recent illness had something to do with my reaction to it...I literally could not stop shaking.  Finally we were off.  I decided to keep an easy pace and not stress over time, but just to enjoy the run and complete the state.  Around mile 1 I saw a sign that read: "Pass the weak, hurdle the dead"...it was a new one to me (not easy after 47 1/2s!) and I found it funny...I wished I'd had my camera out when I saw it, but I wasn't stopping for it.  I kept going and started wondering where the hills came from.  Who knew Little Rock was hilly?   I really need to check the elevation profiles before showing up at races!  My hamstrings were tight within the first mile!  Grrrr...

I pressed on and we crossed the bridge into North Little Rock.

I was enjoying the scenery, when I saw another 'sign' that struck me funny; but again I didn't have the camera out.  This one I considered going back for, but didn't...so I was thrilled when I saw that Endorphin Dude had not only stopped but posted a pic on Facebook!  (I stole his pic.)

During the entire race I never warmed up (and I usually run HOT when running).  I occassionally took my gloves off, but ended up putting them back on nearly every time.  I slid my sleeves down to just below my elbows a couple of times, but ended up pulling them back up too.  I actually used my headband to keep my ears warm.

The course itself was nice.  It wound through a variety of areas and there was plenty to see, from the Governor's mansion to the State House.

There was an ample amount of crowd support in most areas, though some areas were unusually quiet for a race.  The first split from the full came around mile 11.  Right up to it I seriously considered attempting the full...just to see if I could do it, knowing I'd have to walk some.  But at the last minute I realized that I had to have a half in the state to finish my 50 states this year - and that I was also running on empty - and veered right with the remainder of the 1/2ers.  As we approached the turn to tie back into the full course I heard someone coming up behind me saying "Push It", "You got this", "Push" and thought he was encouraging someone...turns out, he was...himself.  We were closing in on the finish and he was closing in on his threshold mentally.  He kept going though.  As we split from the full a final time and came upon our last mile I came upon him walking and offered some encouragement.  I've definitely been in his shoes!  He picked it back up and we all pressed on together.  Shortly thereafter we passed a lipgloss station...that was a first...they were handing out lipgloss to help you primp for your finish photo - let me tell you, after 13.1 miles it was going to take A LOT more than lipgloss to get a good photo of this chic!  A lipgloss was shoved at me and I grabbed it and kept going.  I crossed the finish line in 2:23:54 with a high five from Bart Yasso.

A quick finisher's photo and I headed for the massage area!

The line wasn't too long, but I began wishing I'd grabbed my gear before heading over there.  It was just long enough that I was shivering beneath my mylar blanket by the time it was my turn.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that the folks at the massage tent took their time!  Other post race massages have rushed you in and out, but this guy took a solid 15-20 minutes and really worked out my legs, hip flexors, back, and shoulders.  I was impressed.  However, once he was finished and I tried to stand up I decided I didn't know if that had been such a good thing afterall.  My hip flexors were TICKED OFF.  I literally could barely walk.  I struggled in a lot of pain to get back to the gear check.  On the way to the gear check I realized the reason we'd been told gear check was so far away...apparently we'd checked out gear in the "perks" area - which was extra and folks had paid for this privilege.  We truly were not trying to 'get over' and no one had bothered to stop us that morning when we walked right in; but boy did they stop me trying to get back.  She checked for my wristband and then read the bottom of my bib to inform me I was not allowed in.  Shivering and barely able to walk I said, "I just want to grab my sweatshirt and go home."  I must have appeared as pitiful as I felt because she let me in.  As I was getting my sweatshirt I saw Ethan changing so I stopped and waited for him.  In the meantime, I made some observations...IF you decide to do Little Rock, I definitely recommend paying the extra for the "perks".  The band and dance floor likely won't be needed too much but they had an amazing spread of food and plenty to drink.   I will likely do the full in Little Rock sometime, just because the medal for the full is so obscenely huge...and will definitely spring for the perks.

We were waiting for Sherry but I again began to feel REALLY bad so I left Ethan there and I headed back to the hotel.  I had showered, changed, and packed but the time they got back.  After they showered it was time to head out.  Ethan dropped us back at the airport, my hip flexors had decided they liked me again after my shower, and Sherry & I headed through security while Ethan headed back to the car to drive home.  I was still trying to get a little fuel in my system so I got some breadsticks and a Sprite. It managed to stay down, but that was about it.  I flew home, drove back from the airport, and got in the house 44 hours after I had originally left - Another state completed but still running on empty.

A Little More Than Crazy...

I'd been looking forward to running NOLA with George for months, yet as it finally drew near I found myself wishing for a little more time.  After taking time off from training to heal I was struggling to get back into it.  Having put in just two 3 mile easy runs and 2 lifting sessions in January and only 2 miles on the treadmill in February, I was REALLY neeeding a little time to train.  Just a couple weeks before NOLA I also got word that George and I would be running the Rock N Roll Madrid FULL marathon together at the end of April!  This lit a fire under me to start training as my longest run to date is 14 miles and that was in late 2009.  Unfortunately, the day after getting the news I also got sick.  Plagued by nausea and vomiting for 9 days I dropped 9lbs and had zero energy.  I managed to hold down 1/2 of a GU in a week.  By the afternoon of day 9 I sat on my couch feeling a horrible tightness in my chest and across my back.  Being my hard headed self, I attributed this all to stress as I currently have A LOT going on.  However, that night when I woke up at 2AM with my head about to explode and a fever of 102.7, I could no longer deny something was amiss.  After literally lying in bed for the remaining hours of the night whimpering like a puppy I was so miserable, I drug myself to the urgent care in the morning.   I dismissed the nurses alarm over my "low blood pressure" because it was actually a little high for my normal...a perk of running.  A quick EKG looked normal.  Surprisingly I was able to give them a small urine sample (I was so dehydrated I literally hadn't had to pee in days).  A shot of anti-nausea meds in the bottom was probably the most painful part of the day; and they sent in the bloodwork folks.  I warned them how hard my veins are to find under normal circumstances and that I was really dehydrated so it would likely be worse.  As usual, my warning was dismissed.  It always amazes me when medical professionals think they know my body better than I do - I realize they are just confident in their skills, but I've lived in this body for nearly 4 decades...I've seen lots of folks with great skills not find my veins!  After folks tried in vain to get a line in, they were finally able to draw 3 small tubes of blood and began lecturing me about how thick my blood was and therefore how dehydrated I was - well duh!  They attempted to get an IV in the line and it had already clotted in the needle.  A few more attempts to find a new vein and they finally gave up.  After reporting to the doctor that an IV wasn't going to happen, she sent in 2 more folks.  I warned them as well and my warnings were again met with confidence bordering cockiness.  The doctor finally joined them in their attempts.  They all failed; and I was ordered to the ER for fluids, my arms and  hands butchered and it doubtful there was a vein left to attempt. 

At the ER, with all of my results in hand from the urgent care, the doctor tossed aside their findings and started from scratch.  Another EKG came back fine and another woman came in to find a vein.  I warned her as well, though for once in my life someone seemed to "get it".  She took her time analyzing all of the previous attempts, asked a few questions about what has worked for others in the past, and got a line in on the first try!  After drawing more blood for tests and also commenting on how thick it was, another nurse attached a few liters of IV fluids to me.  I was then escorted to a large room full of recliners with a sign on the desk that said "Your Nurse is Diana, call - X1735", handed a cup, and told they'd need a urine sample, and left alone.  I was VERY puzzled as to whether they expected me to pee in this cup in this large, public room or detach myself from the IVs and find the bathroom, so I just settled myself into a recliner and figured somebody would show up eventually.  About a liter of fluid later, someone indeed did show up, changed the name on the sign, and asked if I had a urine sample.  When I said they'd given me a cup she immediately busted out laughing and asked if they expected me to go in there.  She came over and unhooked me then pointed out the restroom.  I suppose the fluids were helping because I was able to produce another small sample, though at this point it was more aggravating than anything else as it just underscored how ridiculously dehydrated I was.  My IV reattached, I sat and waited until the doctor came in and lectured me about my unhealthy weight loss.  At this point I was more than a little irrate with these folks.  Looking this fellow in the eyes I said, "I'm a runner.  Because of that I'm a little more in tune with my body than most.  I can tell you my resting metabolism is 1440....not due to some generic calculation but because I've had it tested.  Knowing that and applying the fact that it takes a 3500 calorie deficit to lose one pound, simple math would tell you that with zero activity, just basic body functions, it would take me over 21 days to lose 9lbs...I've done it in 9 days.  Do you think I don't realize how unhealthy this is?  I also realize that most of this is likely water weight because I'm completely dehydrated.  My urine sample was somewhere between apple juice and ice tea!  In addition to all of this, I am suppose to run my first full marathon in less than 10 weeks.  I can't train if I can fuel and hydrate.  I wouldn't be here if I was TRYING to make this happen."  Apparently this eased his mind and he let me know they'd given me anti-nausea meds in my IV and he'd be writing me a script for more.  He hoped these and the IV fluids would help, but to see my PCP if I wasn't better by next week.  With that he headed out of the room.  I stopped him to ask if he had any reason for the nausea and fever to begin with and he commented that my white blood cell count was low so it was likely a virus and went on his way.  With that I was discharged.  Two days later I was on a plane to NOLA and still hadn't held any food down, I was really beginning to doubt I'd be able to pull 13.1 in a matter of days.

When I arrived in NOLA I grabbed a cab to the Hard Rock Cafe as George was working.  A quick hello/chat/key exchange and I set off to his flat.  It was just five blocks (one over and 4 down) so I walked it.  On the corner of the first block I saw a Walgrens and ducked in for water.  I grabbed a bottle of water, 2 bottles of Gatorade, bag of peppermints (to settle the stomach), can of chicken soup (it actually sounded good) and loaf of bread; and headed on my way.  Dragging my roll aboard suitcase, with my duffle bag on my shoulder, coat over my arm, and 2 grocery bags around my wrist I stared at the road and tried to remember which way I'd come.  I turned left and set out on my way to George's, staring at the map on my phone.  I kept watching the little blue dot get further away from the little read dot and not understanding what I was seeing - yes I was feeling that bad.  A block and a half later I finally realized I was walking in the wrong direction and turned around.  Finally back at the Walgren's I was beginning to feel horrid.  As I walked the last two blocks I seriously considered sitting on the side of the road to rest - 13.1 miles was not looking promising when a few blocks was kicking my butt. 

I finally arrived at George's and dug in my pocket for the key to the gate.  As I fumbled around a couple came up, opened the gate, let themselves in, and immediately pulled it shut behind themselves while giving me a glare.  I glared back, finally found the key, and let myself in.  The guy looked startled, but didn't say a word.  I looked at the stairs in front of me and considered crying.

After trudging up the three flights of stairs (that I would normally have considered a really cool staircase), I put my key in the door...at this point the guy I exchanged glares with looked at me and "Oh hey, you're staying here?"  I glared, gave a sarcastic "yeah", and let myself in - don't be nice to me now, jerk!  I immediately plopped in a chair, assessed my temperature and heart rate, and realized there was a good chance I would be in NOLA for a visit, not a race.  After a while I got myself up and heated up my soup.  I managed to hold down most of the broth and a couple slices of bread, I couldn't even stand the thought of the contents of the soup.  I then got myself ready for bed and settled in for the night. 

Friday morning we slept late then laid around the flat chatting until George had to go to work at 11AM.  I needed the lazy morning.  Food still wasn't sounding pleasant but I was holding down Gatorade.  After Geo left I showered and got right for the day.  Seeing there was a Lululemon just a few blocks away I decided to walk over there and see if they had anything new.  Of course I'd ordered a new skirt for Sunday's race and paid an extra $25 to have it FEDEXed to me to ensure I'd have it before flying to NOLA.  I'd even thought 'maybe they have a lulu and I could buy it there'...but then quickly scratched the thought without even checking as that didn't seem a 'NOLA' feature.  Of course they had it, and had several in my size...but they didn't have anything else I liked and I was starting to feel bad again.  So, I walked the couple of blocks to HRC to visit Geo at work.  I knew I had to attempt food if I was going to have a prayer of completing the race Sunday, so I ordered some potato skins (the one thing that the thought of didn't make me want to vomit) and a Sprite.  I managed to eat 4 of the skins and sipped 2 or 3 Sprites; and felt better, but exhausted.  On the walk back to Geo's I stopped at Walgren's and grabbed more soup and water.  I immediately changed back into my jammies and didn't leave the flat again the rest of the day, I was beat.

I did walk out on the balcony a few times and easily fell in love with the french quarter.  The view was amazing.

The street performers filled the air with incredible music day and night, and parades were a regular occurence.

This was a whole different NOLA than my previous visit where I'd stayed in a hotel further away and just came in for the expo/race then left.  I'll definitely be going back when I'm well and can actually enjoy Mother NOLA.

Sherry got in Friday night and while she and Geo chatted she commented on how quiet I was.  It was a recurring theme all weekend as all of my friends saw me.  Everyone knew I wasn't feeling well/wasn't myself.  I fell asleep rather early Friday night, after eating my soup and bread - this time I managed to eat a few noodles, still none of the rest of it though.  And when I woke up Ethan was there, he'd gotten in sometime during the night.

By Saturday morning I was feeling a little better and began to think that if I improved as much between Saturday and Sunday as I had between Friday and Saturday that I could possibly finish the race so long as I walked most of it.  Again we laid around until midmorning, then after we cycled through our showers, we all headed to the expo (about a mile away).  Still not up to par, the expo was not the usual social experience.  We literally picked up our packets and I went directly to 2 boothes that I had planned to make purchases at - a new race belt (mine is dead) and Newtons (my running store hasn't had my size for the last few visits).  We said hello to one or two folks that we ran into, but didn't hang around visiting as we usually would; and headed directly to the Hard Rock for Geo's pin event. 

The Hard Rock Cafe had created a pin in George's likeness and on Saturday he was scheduled to sign autographs while the pins were sold. 

Many runners and George's fans showed up for the event. 

Ethan, Sherry, and I decided to eat as I actually felt like I could possibly handle a real meal and was afraid I wouldn't be able to later if I waited.  To my surprise I was able to finish up a steak, salad, and mashed potatoes, while sipping Sprite.  Afterwards I was again exhausted so we headed back to the flat.  I actually took a nap, woke up to visit a little, and then went to bed for the night.  It was beginning to dawn on me that if I were so sick that I was spending my entire visit  in NOLA in the flat in my jammies that perhaps finishing a half marathon was just a little more than crazy - but I laid out my race gear before going to sleep anyway. 

Sunday morning I felt pretty good comparatively speaking.  We headed to the start line and caught up with a few folks in the VIP tent. 

I'd seen Joe at the pin event as well - I love Joe...he keeps it real.  Saturday while everyone was telling me how great I looked and I knew otherwise, Joe says, "Don't take this wrong...but I can tell you're not feeling well."  I busted out laughing - finally someone was going to call a spade a spade!  It wasn't quite a 'you look like sh*!, but it wasn't the sugarcoated stuff I'd been getting either. 

I wasn't the only one that got the new Lulu skirt for this race.

In addition to folks I knew, I saw 3 more on the course as well! 

Despite a few brief conversations and laughs, it was still obvious I wasn't up to par as I hardly talked to anyone before the race.  I headed to the startline and got a text from Krissy asking where I was.  I told her and in no time she appeared near my corral.  She jumped in and asked my plan for today - I told her, quite simply, "to survive".  She appeared relieved and joined me. 

Mike McCready from Pearl Jam rocked the National Anthem

and we were off.  We kept a slow but steady pace through the first four miles and walked a waterstop right around the four mile mark.  Around 4 1/2 we stopped for a picture...a bead tree...how NOLA can you get?

The guy that took the pic gave us each a strand and we continued on our way. 

I'd managed to choke down a plain bagel in the morning, but I knew I was going to have to rely heavily on my GU during this race given how little nutrition I'd had in the previous few weeks.  I'd already used 2 by mile 6, but we were still keeping our steady pace and only walking water stops, and I was feeling pretty good.  Around mile 8 some of the GU wanted back up...but I won the fight...though I tasted it for quite a while.  Also at mile 8 Krissy's boyfriend joined us for a few miles as he is training for RNR USA.  As we went through the French Quarter I pointed out Geo's flat and let them know what to expect with the course.  As we turned to leave the Quarter at mile 10 I began to contemplate doing a few miles after finishing.  I felt pretty good and I needed to build my mileage for the upcoming full so it seemed reasonable.  I focused on how despite the fact that the small muscles in my legs were starting to tire (mostly my hip flexors), and my cardio base was down a little, I was still feeling good.  My body knew what it was supposed to be doing and wanted to go out harder and further, it just didn't have the fuel.  By the time we walked the waterstop around mile 11 1/2, all thoughts had shifted to crossing the finish line and being done!  Forget the extra miles!  Apparently I wasn't the only one...as we started running again Krissy and her boyfriend stayed slightly behind me.  I could hear them talking just over my shoulder.  As we approached the final mile I turned to say somethind they were no where to be seen.  I pressed on and knocked out the final mile solo.  I had nothing left in the tank for a final surge and was just happy to cross the line, collect my medal, and head to the engraver.  I didn't feel bad though...just no gas left.  I'd finished in 2:21:23 - a long way off of my fall races while training, but not bad considering.  After saying a quick hi to Emily at the Rock N Roll Jewelry booth I headed to the VIP area and joined Beth and Jim who'd also finished the half.  I couldn't help but be in awe of Beth who had spinal surgery 4 weeks before yet still managed to pull a faster half than I had!  This woman is incredible!

Jim asked how I was feeling and I'd no sooner told him good, than that all changed.  I was hit with wave after wave of nausea.  I quickly found a Sprite and searched out a plain bagel.  I found one of the last few bagels remaining from the morning and didn't care that it was dried out and ick.  One of the waiters tried to interest me in the lavish spread of food instead but the mere thought made my stomach turn (though on a 'normal' day it would've been amazing!).  Krissy caught back up with me and visited for a few.

Then I spent the next couple of hours choking down small bites of the dry bagel and sipping Sprite while waiting for my friends to finish the full.  My hip flexors started telling me how much they hated me after about 15 minutes of standing around and I had to frequently do some high knees to quiet them down. 

One of the major perks of running is the people you meet.  In NOLA I was lucky enough to meet Mike McCready.

and Steve Gleason

Steve played for the New Orleans Saints from 2000-2008.  Two years ago he was diagnosed with ALS.  His physical condition has deteriorated but his mental condition is stronger than ever.  Mike and his wife, Ashley, ran the half with Team Gleason Endurance Challenge to raise awareness and funds for individuals with muscular diseases.

As we waited, the rest of the gang began to trickle in, finishing up their full.  Everyone had a good race and a great time, and I was happy to hear of my friends' successes (though my unusually quiet demeanor let them know I wasn't up to par).  George signed a few autographs.

Then tended to a media opportunity before we headed back to the flat.  After a quick shower I went across the street to the market and grabbed another can of chicken soup and some rolls.  I contemplated some plain couscous but thought even that would be too much to stomach at the moment.  I managed to eat my soup, then we all napped.  Geo and I woke up a couple of hours later and went across the street to the market again.  I felt up to the couscous then, but nothing more.  I ended up choking down the couscous and not much of it and sipping another Sprite, then packing, and going back to sleep.  I woke up in time to head to the airport.  Despite having a good weekend and apparently much needed rest with all of the lying around the flat in my jammies, I can't help but think the fact that I ran the race in that condition was more than a little crazy.

Old Habits Die Hard

YEARS ago, one of my uncles told me that exercise was the hardest habit to get into and the easiest habit to get out of - and I continue to prove that true time and again.  I have again fallen into the habit of skipping my workouts.  Despite my great run and dedication to my workouts through the fall, the time off for injury has really impacted my 'gotta wanna'.  Since being cleared to hit the gym again in early January I've only managed a couple of odd workouts and a couple of runs.  I've enjoyed them each and every time, but I've just not been consistent.  I've got a lot of lofty goals for 2013 and an intense race schedule so it's time to get back to work!  In three weeks I'll be in NOLA for my first race of 2013....so tonight, I'll be back in the gym!  Time is short, gotta prepare!  Here's to getting back into a good 'old' habit...training!