Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Saturday, May 19, 2012
#2 OM - Epic
THANK YOU to all my family and friends who have supported me during this training cycle and race. I can't tell you enough how amazing it is to have someone rooting for YOU! Thank YOU! Thank YOU!
This past week I've been tapering and I about went crazy. My body felt like it was going through detox and my mind was spinning out of control. By Thursday, I couldn't handle it any more. I decided to sew myself a dress as a distraction. Tim came into my sewing room and asked what I was doing and I told him. He lovingly responded, "You ARE crazy!"
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect out of the Ogden Marathon. My training has been good, but I still have a loooooong ways to go. I hit the wall so hard during my first marathon that I didn't know how I was going to handle the ending miles. So my *main* goal was to have FUN. You can't go wrong with FUN, right?
I headed up to Ogden around 3:00pm on Friday. Tim stayed home with the kids as they had various activities going on Saturday. I went straight to the expo. After I picked up my packet, I noticed that the authors from the book "Running the Edge" had a booth. One of the authors is Adam Goucher (husband to the elite marathoner Kara Goucher). Kara is one of my favorite athletes to watch. I immediately headed over to the booth and asked if he was "Mr Kara Goucher". "Yep. But my name is Adam." We chatted for a few minutes and they signed my book. Of course, I had to have my picture taken with them. Awesomeness!
I met Rachel and we headed out for yummy pizza. It was wonderful to laugh and fill our bellies. Then, she so kindly drove the last half of the course with me. It was so helpful to actually see the hills and various landmarks. We ended the evening and I headed to my uncle and aunt's house in Layton.
After a restless night's sleep, I jumped out of bed at 3:30am. I quickly got ready and headed up to the Ogden Marriott's lobby to meet Smooth, Karen, Rachel and others. We headed to the bus and laughed on the way to the start.
When we arrived at the start and got off the bus, I realized I didn't have enough warm clothes. So I scooted right up by the fire and stayed warm. The start staging area is located is a large field full of wet cow pies. I'm grateful someone told me to bring grocery sacks to put over my shoes.
I saw lots of familiar faces in the start staging area.
Soon enough it was time to shed all the warm clothing and head to the start line. My hip has been hurting for the past few days just like during the St George Marathon. Weird....because this same ache hasn't happened during any training runs (just during the taper). I need to figure this issue out. I wasn't sure how it was going to respond during the race.
I brought my Sharpie marker to make sure I had something on my arm to look at when times got tough. Thanks Saucony for a great slogan.
Here is a mile by mile recap:
Mile 1, 2, 3 (9:20, 9:09, 9:05): Weaving through a lot of people and lots of excitement. I ran with Karen. Tried to warm up....brrrrrr. Walked thru the water stop at mile 3.
Mile 4, 5, 6 (8:38, 8:49, 8:55): I felt so stiff and creaky. My hip was really hurting and I had a hard time finding my rhythm. The scenery was absolutely majestic. There was a small valley and a large herd of horses came galloping through. Everyone around me slowed down to watch. Walked thru the water stop at mile 5. GU at mile 6.
Mile 7, 8, 9 (8:51, 8:55, 9:07): I didn't look at my watch at all during the first half of the race. I really wanted to run by feel. Looking back, these splits were too fast. No wonder I was feeling bad. Water stops at mile 7 and 9. I was really thinking I was going to have a SGM repeat. It was going to be a long, slow, painful finish and no Tim to help me through.
Mile 10, 11, 12 (9:05, 9:17, 9:13): I kept thinking in my mind that I was almost halfway...I at least had to make it halfway then bail if my hip got worse. Walked thru the water stop at 11 and GU at 12 (this GU had 2xcaffiene.). Hang on.
Mile 13, 14, 15 (9:18, 9:09, 9:35): Potty stop at mile 13 and I thought I lost Karen (she had been running SO strong). But I was able to catch up to her. Water stops at 13, 14 and 15. Mile 14 was a large hill. We had driven it yesterday, so I knew what to expect. There was some guy right beside me saying it wasn't smart to run hills hard. I ran right past him and didn't want to listen to his stupid comments any more. I lost Karen somewhere on the hill. There was a water stop at the top of the hill and a lady was handing out Advil (she was an answer to my mid-race prayers). I grabbed one and hoped it wouldn't upset my stomach and help my hip. I felt SO strong at the top of that hill and it was the turn-around point in my race. Maybe it was the caffienated GU and Advil kicking in, but I was ready to turn it up a notch.
Mile 16, 17, 18 (9:15, 9:03, 8:42): I walked through all the water stops at 16,17,18 and took a 2xcaffiene GU at 17. It was at mile 16 that I realized I only had 10 miles to go. "Just like my mid-week long run" I told myself. My favorite song came on my iPod and I realized I could do this. I could run this marathon. Maybe it just took me 16 miles to get warmed up? I could pick up the speed and finish (maybe with my SGM time - 4:11). I have never had a feeling of empowerment like that before. I got tears on my eyes and that feeling of euphoria sunk in. I found my STRONG!
Mile 19, 20, 21 (9:04, 8:55, 8:27): I didn't care if I blew up, I wanted to go for it. I felt fantastic. Walked thru water stations at 20 and 21. I looked at my watch at mile 20. Then I realized that if I could just hang on, I thought I could break 4 hours. WHAT? I thought I might drop out 6 miles ago. My hip was starting to redeem itself (compliments of some Advil).
Mile 22, 23, 24 (8:39, 8:27, 8:47): I took another GU at mile 22 and was hoping I wouldn't vomit. My stomach was starting to get funny. There were more spectators and it was welcoming to see them. My legs were starting to get heavy at mile 24. I knew I just had to hang on for 2 more miles (versus the 7 mile "hang on" at SGM).
Mile 25, 26 (8:58, 9:16, 3:15). I was so close and knew I could do it. I could conquer this BEAST! My stomach was still funny from that last GU (probably too much caffeine) and my legs were getting tired. The course was .2 long....WHO MAKES A MARATHON .2 LONG?
Smooth was cheering me on as I was approaching the finish chute. It was SO wonderful to hear someone cheering MY name. 3:58:35 was my final time. A 12 minute PR and negative splits. I NEVER thought this morning when I toed the line that I would EVER break 4:00 hours. It NEVER crossed my mind. I didn't know I had it in me.
I crossed the finish line and got really dizzy. Those finish line volunteers are angels. I couldn't figure out how the lady knew my name (duh....it was on my number). She walked with me for awhile, got me some water, and asked if I wanted to go to the medical tent. I quickly declined and convinced her I felt fine.
Then I saw a big cooler full of Cokes. Ohhhhh....it was the most divine Coke I've ever had. I leaned up against one of the barriers for a few minutes to make sure I didn't puke or fall over. As I went to grab a chocolate milk, I heard a loud "TOBY!!!!!" Rachel had sought me out and fussed over my 12 minute PR. I was SO proud of her amazing race and BQ!
I couldn't stay long after the race as I had to get home for the girls' dance recital. I gave Rachel one last congratulations hug and as I walked away, she yelled "TOBY, YOU FOUND YOUR STRONG TODAY". I did. It was hiding in Ogden.
As I drove home and reflected on the race, I couldn't believe I did it. I broke 4 hours on my second marathon and I PR'd by 12 minutes. The St George Marathon was a complete opposite experience than this morning. My fastest today miles were 20-25. I couldn't believe I felt so wonderful after having such a rough start.
I need to figure out my hip issues. Maybe not taper as much so my hips don't go into "shock"?
My miles and miles and miles paid off. My 4:30 morning runs, track and hill workouts, iTunes downloads, emotional breakdowns and etc were worth it! The weather was perfect and the course was ideal (WAAAAAAAY better than SGM).
Most of my runs/races are 75% "fair to partly cloudy". The far and few "great" runs go a long way in the mind of a runner. It was nice to have a good one today.
I will never forget May 19, 2012.
It was EPIC.
This past week I've been tapering and I about went crazy. My body felt like it was going through detox and my mind was spinning out of control. By Thursday, I couldn't handle it any more. I decided to sew myself a dress as a distraction. Tim came into my sewing room and asked what I was doing and I told him. He lovingly responded, "You ARE crazy!"
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect out of the Ogden Marathon. My training has been good, but I still have a loooooong ways to go. I hit the wall so hard during my first marathon that I didn't know how I was going to handle the ending miles. So my *main* goal was to have FUN. You can't go wrong with FUN, right?
I headed up to Ogden around 3:00pm on Friday. Tim stayed home with the kids as they had various activities going on Saturday. I went straight to the expo. After I picked up my packet, I noticed that the authors from the book "Running the Edge" had a booth. One of the authors is Adam Goucher (husband to the elite marathoner Kara Goucher). Kara is one of my favorite athletes to watch. I immediately headed over to the booth and asked if he was "Mr Kara Goucher". "Yep. But my name is Adam." We chatted for a few minutes and they signed my book. Of course, I had to have my picture taken with them. Awesomeness!
 |
| Waiting outside the expo ready to get the marathon-madness OVER! |
 |
| Rachel and I eating dinner |
After a restless night's sleep, I jumped out of bed at 3:30am. I quickly got ready and headed up to the Ogden Marriott's lobby to meet Smooth, Karen, Rachel and others. We headed to the bus and laughed on the way to the start.
 |
| Hanging out at the Marriott Lobby |
 | ||
| Still smiling....haven't started running yet |
When we arrived at the start and got off the bus, I realized I didn't have enough warm clothes. So I scooted right up by the fire and stayed warm. The start staging area is located is a large field full of wet cow pies. I'm grateful someone told me to bring grocery sacks to put over my shoes.
 |
| Ragnar Teammates |
 |
| Cousin Callie |
I brought my Sharpie marker to make sure I had something on my arm to look at when times got tough. Thanks Saucony for a great slogan.
Here is a mile by mile recap:
Mile 1, 2, 3 (9:20, 9:09, 9:05): Weaving through a lot of people and lots of excitement. I ran with Karen. Tried to warm up....brrrrrr. Walked thru the water stop at mile 3.
Mile 4, 5, 6 (8:38, 8:49, 8:55): I felt so stiff and creaky. My hip was really hurting and I had a hard time finding my rhythm. The scenery was absolutely majestic. There was a small valley and a large herd of horses came galloping through. Everyone around me slowed down to watch. Walked thru the water stop at mile 5. GU at mile 6.
Mile 7, 8, 9 (8:51, 8:55, 9:07): I didn't look at my watch at all during the first half of the race. I really wanted to run by feel. Looking back, these splits were too fast. No wonder I was feeling bad. Water stops at mile 7 and 9. I was really thinking I was going to have a SGM repeat. It was going to be a long, slow, painful finish and no Tim to help me through.
Mile 10, 11, 12 (9:05, 9:17, 9:13): I kept thinking in my mind that I was almost halfway...I at least had to make it halfway then bail if my hip got worse. Walked thru the water stop at 11 and GU at 12 (this GU had 2xcaffiene.). Hang on.
Mile 13, 14, 15 (9:18, 9:09, 9:35): Potty stop at mile 13 and I thought I lost Karen (she had been running SO strong). But I was able to catch up to her. Water stops at 13, 14 and 15. Mile 14 was a large hill. We had driven it yesterday, so I knew what to expect. There was some guy right beside me saying it wasn't smart to run hills hard. I ran right past him and didn't want to listen to his stupid comments any more. I lost Karen somewhere on the hill. There was a water stop at the top of the hill and a lady was handing out Advil (she was an answer to my mid-race prayers). I grabbed one and hoped it wouldn't upset my stomach and help my hip. I felt SO strong at the top of that hill and it was the turn-around point in my race. Maybe it was the caffienated GU and Advil kicking in, but I was ready to turn it up a notch.
Mile 16, 17, 18 (9:15, 9:03, 8:42): I walked through all the water stops at 16,17,18 and took a 2xcaffiene GU at 17. It was at mile 16 that I realized I only had 10 miles to go. "Just like my mid-week long run" I told myself. My favorite song came on my iPod and I realized I could do this. I could run this marathon. Maybe it just took me 16 miles to get warmed up? I could pick up the speed and finish (maybe with my SGM time - 4:11). I have never had a feeling of empowerment like that before. I got tears on my eyes and that feeling of euphoria sunk in. I found my STRONG!
Mile 19, 20, 21 (9:04, 8:55, 8:27): I didn't care if I blew up, I wanted to go for it. I felt fantastic. Walked thru water stations at 20 and 21. I looked at my watch at mile 20. Then I realized that if I could just hang on, I thought I could break 4 hours. WHAT? I thought I might drop out 6 miles ago. My hip was starting to redeem itself (compliments of some Advil).
Mile 22, 23, 24 (8:39, 8:27, 8:47): I took another GU at mile 22 and was hoping I wouldn't vomit. My stomach was starting to get funny. There were more spectators and it was welcoming to see them. My legs were starting to get heavy at mile 24. I knew I just had to hang on for 2 more miles (versus the 7 mile "hang on" at SGM).
Mile 25, 26 (8:58, 9:16, 3:15). I was so close and knew I could do it. I could conquer this BEAST! My stomach was still funny from that last GU (probably too much caffeine) and my legs were getting tired. The course was .2 long....WHO MAKES A MARATHON .2 LONG?
Smooth was cheering me on as I was approaching the finish chute. It was SO wonderful to hear someone cheering MY name. 3:58:35 was my final time. A 12 minute PR and negative splits. I NEVER thought this morning when I toed the line that I would EVER break 4:00 hours. It NEVER crossed my mind. I didn't know I had it in me.
I crossed the finish line and got really dizzy. Those finish line volunteers are angels. I couldn't figure out how the lady knew my name (duh....it was on my number). She walked with me for awhile, got me some water, and asked if I wanted to go to the medical tent. I quickly declined and convinced her I felt fine.
Then I saw a big cooler full of Cokes. Ohhhhh....it was the most divine Coke I've ever had. I leaned up against one of the barriers for a few minutes to make sure I didn't puke or fall over. As I went to grab a chocolate milk, I heard a loud "TOBY!!!!!" Rachel had sought me out and fussed over my 12 minute PR. I was SO proud of her amazing race and BQ!
 |
| SUCCESS!!!! |
I couldn't stay long after the race as I had to get home for the girls' dance recital. I gave Rachel one last congratulations hug and as I walked away, she yelled "TOBY, YOU FOUND YOUR STRONG TODAY". I did. It was hiding in Ogden.
As I drove home and reflected on the race, I couldn't believe I did it. I broke 4 hours on my second marathon and I PR'd by 12 minutes. The St George Marathon was a complete opposite experience than this morning. My fastest today miles were 20-25. I couldn't believe I felt so wonderful after having such a rough start.
I need to figure out my hip issues. Maybe not taper as much so my hips don't go into "shock"?
My miles and miles and miles paid off. My 4:30 morning runs, track and hill workouts, iTunes downloads, emotional breakdowns and etc were worth it! The weather was perfect and the course was ideal (WAAAAAAAY better than SGM).
Most of my runs/races are 75% "fair to partly cloudy". The far and few "great" runs go a long way in the mind of a runner. It was nice to have a good one today.
I will never forget May 19, 2012.
It was EPIC.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Getting Ready
Believe it or not, MARATHON #2 is 48 hours away. Just like the last marathon, the Barlow household is encompassing the"mom-is-going-crazy-marathon-madness". I wish I didn't care about this nonsense. But I do. I've spent 20 weeks preparing and in 2 short days it will ALL be over (until the next cycle starts....which is the beginning of June).
I still can't believe I'm doing another one. It didn't seem like that long ago that I was crawling through the last 7 miles of the St George Marathon. Miserable. Overheating. Lead-legs. Wishing someone would just shoot me and put me in an early grave. I remember "hitting the wall" and trying to explain to Tim at mile 21 that I just couldn't go another step. NOT ONE MORE.
But there is something about the spirit of the marathon. Something that makes you crave more. Yearn for it. Think about it constantly. Smell it (maybe that is just my shoes). Taste it. Envision the glory. But you can only get it after 26.2 miles.
So here I am again. #1 is a memory and #2 is a vision. I'm hoping I've learned a few more things this time around.
At the risk of sounding like a dork (hey....I did get an accounting degree), I've compiled a few statistics. (too all my "elite running friends"...don't laugh at my puny miles)
#1 (SGM) #2(OM)
Total miles run: 533.01 649.83
(20 wk cycle)
Slow miles: 533.01 546.09
Fast Miles: 0.00 103.74
Average M/Week: 26.65 32.49
Average Daily (5d): 5.33 6.50
Tune Up Races: 3 4
10K: 1 1
HM: 2 3
Calculating: TOO MANY TO KEEP TRACK OF
Numerous pairs of running shoes
Immodium AD taken before runs/races
Runs starting before 4:30am
GU's taken
Snot rockets shot
Emotional breakdowns
Hours wearing compression socks
iTunes songs downloaded
#2 picture review
There you have it. The numbers can't lie. I'm not sure how the miles will play out on Saturday morning. But I can promise they will take me on a journey.
I CAN DO HARD THINGS
I still can't believe I'm doing another one. It didn't seem like that long ago that I was crawling through the last 7 miles of the St George Marathon. Miserable. Overheating. Lead-legs. Wishing someone would just shoot me and put me in an early grave. I remember "hitting the wall" and trying to explain to Tim at mile 21 that I just couldn't go another step. NOT ONE MORE.
But there is something about the spirit of the marathon. Something that makes you crave more. Yearn for it. Think about it constantly. Smell it (maybe that is just my shoes). Taste it. Envision the glory. But you can only get it after 26.2 miles.
So here I am again. #1 is a memory and #2 is a vision. I'm hoping I've learned a few more things this time around.
At the risk of sounding like a dork (hey....I did get an accounting degree), I've compiled a few statistics. (too all my "elite running friends"...don't laugh at my puny miles)
#1 (SGM) #2(OM)
Total miles run: 533.01 649.83
(20 wk cycle)
Slow miles: 533.01 546.09
Fast Miles: 0.00 103.74
Average M/Week: 26.65 32.49
Average Daily (5d): 5.33 6.50
Tune Up Races: 3 4
10K: 1 1
HM: 2 3
Calculating: TOO MANY TO KEEP TRACK OF
Numerous pairs of running shoes
Immodium AD taken before runs/races
Runs starting before 4:30am
GU's taken
Snot rockets shot
Emotional breakdowns
Hours wearing compression socks
iTunes songs downloaded
#2 picture review
 |
| Finishing a 15 miler. |
 |
| Starting line of the Salt Lake Half Marathon |
 |
| Track workouts |
 |
| *MY* hill...I will someday conquer it |
 |
| Carnage from having ART done. |
 |
| $300 sitting by my front door |
There you have it. The numbers can't lie. I'm not sure how the miles will play out on Saturday morning. But I can promise they will take me on a journey.
I CAN DO HARD THINGS
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Spelling Bee
I had a really hard parenting moment a few weeks ago.
There was a class spelling bee and my son was eliminated during the first round. Spelling is by far the hardest subject for him. He is an excellent reader and super at math, but just doesn't like to practice spelling words. So we did practice his spelling bee words, but probably not as much as we could have.
I happened to be in his classroom working on a project for the teacher. He was eliminated during the first round. I could tell he was heart-broken. I saw the lip quiver and the pinching his eyes to hold back tears. As much as I wanted to scoop him up, I knew it wasn't appropriate timing.
It was time for me to head to my daughter's classroom. The teacher excused him to use the restroom and to get a drink so he could compose himself. I met him in the hallway. We talked about how I have never won a race. But I still practice every day. AND I still love running even though I don't win. We talked about all the good things he does.
I was heartbroken to see him fail. But we can't win or be the shining star every time. And I felt guilty that I didn't work more with him on the words - I need to be more of a "Tiger Mother". I guess it was a learning experience for both of us.
There was a class spelling bee and my son was eliminated during the first round. Spelling is by far the hardest subject for him. He is an excellent reader and super at math, but just doesn't like to practice spelling words. So we did practice his spelling bee words, but probably not as much as we could have.
I happened to be in his classroom working on a project for the teacher. He was eliminated during the first round. I could tell he was heart-broken. I saw the lip quiver and the pinching his eyes to hold back tears. As much as I wanted to scoop him up, I knew it wasn't appropriate timing.
It was time for me to head to my daughter's classroom. The teacher excused him to use the restroom and to get a drink so he could compose himself. I met him in the hallway. We talked about how I have never won a race. But I still practice every day. AND I still love running even though I don't win. We talked about all the good things he does.
I was heartbroken to see him fail. But we can't win or be the shining star every time. And I felt guilty that I didn't work more with him on the words - I need to be more of a "Tiger Mother". I guess it was a learning experience for both of us.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
They grow up too fast
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Love/Hate with the "day"
I have this love/hate relationship with Mother's Day. I LOVE to celebrate all those amazing women out there who have Mother Hearts. They are among the elite of this life!
But when I think of myself as a mother....well, I think of last week. All the kids were getting ready for bed. I had ONE daughter who was supposed to be taking a shower and putting on her CLEAN pajamas. Instead, she was putting on her DIRTY underwear and socks. I asked her once politely to please go retrieve CLEAN clothing. This proceeded to a whine fest. I totally won the "mother of the year" award and I hollered at her to PLEASE get clean clothing. This all went down, while Tim was talking with a neighbor at the front door. Sweet....they all heard me.
Then, I've missed several soccer games, gymnastics meets, etc because I've been running across Utah County on Saturday mornings. Again, Mother of the YEAR!
I don't make a big breakfast every day. We don't practice spelling words nearly enough. I was told last week that I have a big belly (mom...you look pregnant...I'm not, but have remnants of bearing children and too many cokes). My son told me I don't play games with him. And apparently, Dad does all the laundry and makes better smoothies. My dance parties are okay and I can clean a toilet. I have crazy hair too.
So I guess, Mother's Day makes me remember all the things I need to work on as a Mother. I've got a long list!
But when I think of myself as a mother....well, I think of last week. All the kids were getting ready for bed. I had ONE daughter who was supposed to be taking a shower and putting on her CLEAN pajamas. Instead, she was putting on her DIRTY underwear and socks. I asked her once politely to please go retrieve CLEAN clothing. This proceeded to a whine fest. I totally won the "mother of the year" award and I hollered at her to PLEASE get clean clothing. This all went down, while Tim was talking with a neighbor at the front door. Sweet....they all heard me.
Then, I've missed several soccer games, gymnastics meets, etc because I've been running across Utah County on Saturday mornings. Again, Mother of the YEAR!
I don't make a big breakfast every day. We don't practice spelling words nearly enough. I was told last week that I have a big belly (mom...you look pregnant...I'm not, but have remnants of bearing children and too many cokes). My son told me I don't play games with him. And apparently, Dad does all the laundry and makes better smoothies. My dance parties are okay and I can clean a toilet. I have crazy hair too.
So I guess, Mother's Day makes me remember all the things I need to work on as a Mother. I've got a long list!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Purple Petunias
Every Mother's Day I buy two hanging baskets of purple petunias for my front porch. They hang above my rocking chairs. They remind me of a TV commercial where two grandpas are sitting on a front porch drinking Cokes.
On Mother's Day for the last few years, we have taken a family photo on my porch. Here are a few of the most recent.
I went to the nursery yesterday and discovered they only had white petunias. Highland Nursery totally wrecked my Mother's Day! I'll post this year's picture tomorrow!
On Mother's Day for the last few years, we have taken a family photo on my porch. Here are a few of the most recent.
 |
| This one was taken on my deck (but it was on Mother's Day). |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)