This morning was the first Ann Arbor Marathon. I had originally wanted to volunteer/check it out in some capacity, but with this past week being so crazy, it just wasn't feasible. I had forgotten about it until last night, and when I set out on my run this morning, I wondered if I would cross paths with the course at any point. A favorite run of mine is through the Arboretum, which is just .5 miles from my apartment, and I learned quickly after I set out that it served as the first leg of the second half of the marathon. WOOF.
Now, this totals THREE races that I have crashed, but the other two were more intentional. Two years ago, I happened to run the course of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, which was amazing (and not obvious - there were thousands of runners jammed into those streets!). Several months later, I had the honor of running one of the last miles of the NYC Marathon with Sindy. It was so many things, but one of them was guilt ridden. Knowing what I look like after 13 miles, I can't even imagine what mile 24 would look like (think uncanny side-by-side between me and the crypt keeper?), so I felt terrible when sideliners were telling me to "keep it up!" and that I "look great!" (because yes, I take those things very personally when I am running a race and people say them to me!). It was such a cool experience to run with my running guru, especially on such a milestone run for her, but I felt deceitful that these people thought I had run 24 miles!
Anyway, today was quite a challenge (I use that word verrryyyy generously). I just couldn't win! When I gave encouragement to another runner actually running in the marathon, I felt like a jerk for breezing past them. When I ran past the water stations because it wasn't for me, I looked cocky for not needing water on a hot and humid day (I was saved a teeny bit on this one because I had my own water bottle - phew!). At the top of a hill, three volunteers were cheering me on and I finally had to come clean to someone, because I felt like a fake! Yes I did look good...I had been running for 10 minutes. Yes I could keep it up, because 1.5 miles = halfway.
If nothing else, it reminded me of how fun and exciting races are and that I don't need to just wait for 13.1 miles to run them.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Detroit Half!
Ryan and I have signed up for the Detroit's International Half for October 21 - AH!
Yes, it was just weeks ago that I was eager to not have a half hanging out my head, but after spending well over an hour at the bottom of the Ambassador Bridge on Sunday at customs, I got to thinking about what a cool run it would be....and even more awesome now that Ryan will be joining in for his FIRST HALF! WOOOOO!!
Yes, it was just weeks ago that I was eager to not have a half hanging out my head, but after spending well over an hour at the bottom of the Ambassador Bridge on Sunday at customs, I got to thinking about what a cool run it would be....and even more awesome now that Ryan will be joining in for his FIRST HALF! WOOOOO!!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
What is Running?
"Games require skill. Running requires endurance, character, pride, physical strength, and mental toughness. Running is a test, not a game. A test of faith, belief, will, and trust in one's self. So hardcore that it needs a category all to itself to define the pain. When game players criticize, it's because they aren't willing to understand, not because they're stronger. Running is more than a sport; it's a lifestyle. If you have to ask us why we run, you'll never understand, so just accept." - Jessica Propst
Thursday, May 24, 2012
New (free!) Shoes!
Back in the Fall, I purchased a pair of Sauconys that I really liked and enjoyed and we had a good ride together, but after just a few runs, the mesh above both big toes wore completely through. The running store where I bought them suggested I send them back if I was unhappy, but I didn't want to give them up, since it was a much overdue purchase.
After recently buying a new pair a few weeks ago, I FINALLY sent the other ones back to Saucony, not really expecting much since I had waited so long...but alas! A brand new pair of beautiful kicks were waiting for me at my door yesterday..AND they are super cool colors, which is important to me when choosing a running shoe.
This should be the extra kick in the butt that I need to get back into a good routine.
After recently buying a new pair a few weeks ago, I FINALLY sent the other ones back to Saucony, not really expecting much since I had waited so long...but alas! A brand new pair of beautiful kicks were waiting for me at my door yesterday..AND they are super cool colors, which is important to me when choosing a running shoe.
This should be the extra kick in the butt that I need to get back into a good routine.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Indian Runner Prepares to Mark 101st Birthday with London Marathon
Sindy shared this article with me a few weeks back and I had been meaning to post it for safe keepers.
Indian Runner Prepares to Mark 101st Birthday with London Marathon
Centenarian Fauja Singh, center, takes part in a running event in Amritsar, India, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012.
The world's oldest marathoner plans to celebrate his 101st birthday in an unusual way. He wants to break his own record.
Indian-born runner Fauja Singh, who became the oldest person to complete a marathon when he crossed the finish line at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon last year, plans to compete in the London Marathon on April 22. If he finishes, it will be his 11th, 42-kilometer race.
Singh, who was a bit of a late bloomer, started running when he was 81 as a way to fight depression after his son and daughter-in-law were killed in a car crash.
”His mental attitude was what inspires me to this day,” said Harmander Singh, who coaches the runner. ”He was so mentally focused. If I said, ‘We’re going to do 10 kilometers today,’ he would say, ‘Why not 20?’”
Despite the determination, the turbaned athlete still needed a little guidance.
”He turned up the very first day not knowing what running was all about. He was a savvy dresser. He came in a three-piece suit and a pair of trainers,” said Harmander Singh, who is not related to the centenarian. ”I suggested he needed to invest in a pair of running kicks. And I provided him with a first set but he soon brought his own.”
Fauja Singh was inspired after seeing the New York City Marathon on television and decided he wanted to be a part of it. He finished his first marathon at the age of 89. Since then, he has broken eight world records for his age group.
In India, Singh was a farmer for most of his life. He is illiterate and speaks only Punjabi. But that hasn’t limited his international exposure, or prevented him from being an inspiration to others.
On a recent trip back to India, Singh told the Times of India he wants to inspire young people and motivate them to ”leap big in life.” But he said time is running out. ”I am ready to go to any length to help youths before I die,” he told the newspaper.
Singh’s coach said as long as his trainee, a vegetarian, is moving, he’ll stay healthy.
”You can’t stop the guy running. Because the day he stops running will be the day his body will start deteriorating,” said Harmander Singh. ”He said he would like to die running.”
Fauja Singh, with his long white beard, has become, in a sense, a man of steel. His trainer said recent blood tests showed the runner is as fit as a 40-year-old. And when London University tested his bone density, they found his left leg had the density of a 35-year-old, while his right leg had the bone density of a 25-year-old.
Singh’s trainer said youth and health are a state of mind.
”All people who reach a certain age, you will find what they have in common is they have a positive attitude in life,” he said. ”They do not believe they are old. We do, but they don’t.”
(Additional reporting by Kate Woodsome)
Indian-born runner Fauja Singh, who became the oldest person to complete a marathon when he crossed the finish line at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon last year, plans to compete in the London Marathon on April 22. If he finishes, it will be his 11th, 42-kilometer race.
Singh, who was a bit of a late bloomer, started running when he was 81 as a way to fight depression after his son and daughter-in-law were killed in a car crash.
”His mental attitude was what inspires me to this day,” said Harmander Singh, who coaches the runner. ”He was so mentally focused. If I said, ‘We’re going to do 10 kilometers today,’ he would say, ‘Why not 20?’”
Despite the determination, the turbaned athlete still needed a little guidance.
”He turned up the very first day not knowing what running was all about. He was a savvy dresser. He came in a three-piece suit and a pair of trainers,” said Harmander Singh, who is not related to the centenarian. ”I suggested he needed to invest in a pair of running kicks. And I provided him with a first set but he soon brought his own.”
Fauja Singh was inspired after seeing the New York City Marathon on television and decided he wanted to be a part of it. He finished his first marathon at the age of 89. Since then, he has broken eight world records for his age group.
In India, Singh was a farmer for most of his life. He is illiterate and speaks only Punjabi. But that hasn’t limited his international exposure, or prevented him from being an inspiration to others.
On a recent trip back to India, Singh told the Times of India he wants to inspire young people and motivate them to ”leap big in life.” But he said time is running out. ”I am ready to go to any length to help youths before I die,” he told the newspaper.
Singh’s coach said as long as his trainee, a vegetarian, is moving, he’ll stay healthy.
”You can’t stop the guy running. Because the day he stops running will be the day his body will start deteriorating,” said Harmander Singh. ”He said he would like to die running.”
Fauja Singh, with his long white beard, has become, in a sense, a man of steel. His trainer said recent blood tests showed the runner is as fit as a 40-year-old. And when London University tested his bone density, they found his left leg had the density of a 35-year-old, while his right leg had the bone density of a 25-year-old.
Singh’s trainer said youth and health are a state of mind.
”All people who reach a certain age, you will find what they have in common is they have a positive attitude in life,” he said. ”They do not believe they are old. We do, but they don’t.”
(Additional reporting by Kate Woodsome)
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Self-Given Gifts
I've noticed a clear link between my feelings towards running/my overall "success" when I'm running for a cause greater versus when I'm just running for me. Because I started running with the mission of the Hole in the Wall Camps (recently renamed the Serious Fun Network - woo!), and soon after ran as part of Hope Express, I've grown used to running for a greater reason, a bigger picture. I've thought A LOT about that in the past few days and how much I love that connection, how it makes me feel so purposeful not just in my running, but in my life.
When I ran Hope Express in 2011, our team met Emily, a 5-year old at the time, who had been diagnosed with a form of leukemia. Emily was back to Hershey Medical this year when we visited before Hope Express, after a then recent relapse. It's not a place I enjoy seeing familiar faces. In recent weeks, after an experimental treatment, Emily has been fighting like no 7-year old should have to for her life. Today, results came back that the t-cells they gave her have been working! I cannot express my feelings of happiness for her family as I began to think about all the things Emily will get to do in her life because of this treatment, this miracle. It leaves me with no words.
Running during these past few weeks has allowed me to feel even a teeny bit more in control over all of this. It's completely unfair that children like Emily need to suffer and fight, when they should be playing and just being kids. Nevertheless, if they must fight, let it be so they can live a long, healthy life filled with love.
When I ran Hope Express in 2011, our team met Emily, a 5-year old at the time, who had been diagnosed with a form of leukemia. Emily was back to Hershey Medical this year when we visited before Hope Express, after a then recent relapse. It's not a place I enjoy seeing familiar faces. In recent weeks, after an experimental treatment, Emily has been fighting like no 7-year old should have to for her life. Today, results came back that the t-cells they gave her have been working! I cannot express my feelings of happiness for her family as I began to think about all the things Emily will get to do in her life because of this treatment, this miracle. It leaves me with no words.
Running during these past few weeks has allowed me to feel even a teeny bit more in control over all of this. It's completely unfair that children like Emily need to suffer and fight, when they should be playing and just being kids. Nevertheless, if they must fight, let it be so they can live a long, healthy life filled with love.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Lansing Half Recap (finally!)
It has been a long time - too long. I started a new job just before the Lansing Half, so things have been busy/I have been on a mission to spend most unoccupied hours in my bed, sleeping. Nevertheless, I have been thinking a lot about this recap and have been wanting to finally get it together. Luckily, I had my own personal photographer on route, so we got a bunch of great pictures/well worth sharing, which is good. They give a pretty good recap of the day!
Just after crossing the start line!
Just after mile 8
Just waiting for me...
The last two miles were a struggle, but I'm proud that I still gave it my all at the end (which came at a price- ugly (professional) finish line photos)
Toodles Orange
And done!
A few seconds after finishing!
Enough strength to hold all my freebies
Sitting and stretching in front of the Capitol Building/what I would look like as a superhero
Finish line done right - Rege finishing his second marathon!
Wooooo!
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