I did what?! A marathon recap

I am the WORST!  I am!  I'm not going to bore you with excuses (I am full of them)  instead I'm gonna do this... I am going to share a condensed version of my last 8 months, one of the hardest things I have ever done and the reason I did it.

In 2012 if you had told me I would finish a marathon I would have laughed.  I had just moved back to Newfoundland, my family was getting settled into a new community and I was building my Massage Therapy practice. 

In June 2012 something changed.  A relative of mine - smart, popular, beautiful, good job and a new husband and an avid runner was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident.  Fighting for her life, her running club decided to run Newfoundland’s biggest road race the Tely1o in her honor – they had t-shirts made in her favorite colour and the words “Kelda This Run is For You” written on the front,  they encouraged family and friends to  participate. 

In June 2012, I was in no shape to run 10 miles.  I was too busy making excuses why every diet I tried didn’t work.  Here I was with the ability to run hidden under my excess weight and I was squandering it while my cousin was going from surgery to surgery struggling to be alive.  It broke my heart.  No more watching from the sidelines, no more lying to myself.  No more excuses.

 Over the next year I began to change my life.  I dropped nearly 90 pounds – I was going to do that run for my cousin.  I bought some sneakers and I taught myself how to run.

July 2014 I ran the Tely10.  As I came around the corner on Gower Street I saw people wearing my cousin’s pink shirts and I crossed the finish line holding back tears.  

Less than one week after the Tely10 I registered for my first ½ marathon, the Huffin Puffin in September 2014.  1 month after that I was in Niagara Falls to run my second ½ marathon.    Feburary 2015 I ran the Hypothermic Half, my 3^rd ½ marathon.   Then I got a coach. 
In July 2015, I did my second Tely10.  In September during my 4^th ½ marathon I had some trouble.  My heels rubbed pretty badly I finished with blood running down the back of my shoes. 

The following weekend was my longest run, I taped my feet, tossed some powder in my smart wool socks and took off.   By the time I got back from that 32K my feet had some of the worst blisters I had ever experienced.    Knowing I had a full day on my feet the next am, I listened to the internet and popped my blisters, BIG MISTAKE!  By Wednesday the blisters had become infected and I was taking antibiotics.   10 days until Toronto.

(gulp - I am going to do this?)

The morning of STWM I taped my feet, applied moleskin and put powder in my double walled running socks, laced up my sneakers and ‘locked’ them using the top hole, and headed to the starting line.  I knew I was going to hurt.  

 

(this is the message husband wrote for me on the "wall")

10K in, I could feel the heat in my shoes.  By 17K it was getting bad, my blisters had new blisters of their own.  18K I looked up and saw my family; my husband, daughter and sister- they could see I was hurting.  My daughter traveled a couple feet with me, when my  moody 16 year beauty told me she was proud of me and all the pain I was feeling got pushed out of my head, I took a deep breath and resolved to keep going.

(Kiddo and sister E at the 18K mark - and looks they found more Newfoundlanders)

In my efforts to keep moving, I turned off my brain and began thinking only of those people who would give just about anything to have the opportunity to do a marathon and who may never have the chance.  I was not going to quit no matter what.

The crowds started to dwindle and there were periods I was on my own.  Just when the pain was starting to bubble back up I heard yelling I was passing the part of the route that begins the last 10KM of the marathon, but I was now going against the bulk of the crowd who were heading to the finished.  I remember a man, slightly older, holding a sign with ‘touch here for power’ seeing me come around the turn and cross the street so I could touch his sign, he called me by name and a few more “Angels” followed suit.  I needed that man at just that moment.  His smile once again made me forget about myself and instead focus on what was driving me.

About here a race marshal handed me a map and mumbled something about Boston Pizza and having to make a certain landmark in five minutes or I would not be back before the roads opened up again.  My brain was turned off and I didn’t really pay attention to what he was saying, it was taking too much out of me to ignore my feet.  This is where I look up and see a red shirt with wings riding a bike.  He has water and he is going to stay with me for a while.  I have an Angel named Mig.  Unfortunately I did not make it to the landmark in time and Mig got word that the roads are opening back up and he needs to get off the road. 

I can count on one hand how many times I have been in downtown Toronto, and the map I had in my pocket was very vague.  After what seemed like a million minutes since I saw Mig I could not find the road I was travelling on the map and I hurt a lot.  So I texted my husband and told him I was lost, he may have slightly panicked and put me on the phone with someone from the race who helped me get back on route.  I texted husband again and told him to find the Dream Team and tell them I was still out here and needed them.

On the opposite side of the street I saw a red shirt coming in my direction, I called out to him and he informed me there was a group waiting for me just around the corner.  I was 3K away from the finish line, and two lovely ladies, Ashley and Kayla walked me in.  I was exhausted and in some of the worst pain I have ever felt, I’m sure I was speaking jibberish at this point, but those girls stayed positive, their excitement kept me going until I heard and saw my husband and I ran over the finish line.

(do you see that- I'm still smiling)

Words cannot begin to express my gratitude to Bonnie's Dream Team.  Thank you Mig.  Thank you Kayla.  Thank you Ashley.  Thank you gentleman with the ’push for power’ sign.  Thank you Bonnie!  Your encouragement came when I needed it the most and I’m not sure I could have pushed through the pain without you.

(My ANGELS - members of Bonnie's Dream Team with me at the finish line)

In eight months of training I had missed a total of 1 training run.  I was prepared for a 5:15 marathon, my feet betrayed me.  I finished with a broken toe and no skin on either of my heels, I finished in some of the worst pain I have ever encountered.  The important part is that I finished – I finished for my cousin Kelda Farrell - breaking out of locked in syndrome

(Back at the hotel room - I'm still smiling - I finished a marathon)

Now as much as I would like to insert a picture of my mangled heels, and the crystalized blood that came out of my socks that day or even the blood I can't get out of my sneakers,  I realize that not everyone has a strong stomach.... so instead I will share a picture of how I finished off my week in Toronto...  with very little complaining I might add!!

DUCK TAPE!  (sorry you can see the broken baby toe - but its still cute)

Later this month I start training for the Hypothermic 1/2 Marathon again (my soon to be fifth 1/2)

** & I'm going to start sucking less at blogging...

K is for

 

Kinesio Tape

Kinesio Tape was invented by Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase in the 1970s.  Its a thin, elastic cotton tape that can stretch up to 140% of its original length. As a result, if the tape is applied to a patient on a stretch greater than its normal length, it will "recoil" after being applied and therefore create a pulling force on the skin that its being applied to.
Kinesio Tape helps correct alignment of weak muscles and facilitate joint motion, it also helps to lift the skin, increasing the space below it, and increasing blood flow and circulation of lymphatic fluids (swelling). 

F is for Fartlek

A Fartlek (swedish for “speed play”) workouts involves sprinting and jogging off and on during a run. So instead of keeping the same pace through the whole workout you sprint, then jog, then sprint again.  They are a lot harder than they sound!

E is for Endorphins

Endorphins are brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters (transmit electrical signals within the nervous system) that are found in the pituitary gland and other parts of the brain and nervous system.  Endorphins interact with our opiate receptors to reduce our perception of pain and act similarly to drugs like morphine and codeine (without the addiction or dependence)

Along with decreased feelings of pain, endorphins lead to feelings of euphoria, modulations of appetite, release of sex hormones and enhanced immune response.

Take away point - endorphins make you happy :)

D is for DOMS

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness is felt by most athletes and is often described as muscle pain, muscle soreness or muscle stiffness, DOMS can actually be quite painful. . Generally its at its worst 48 hours post workout. (or whatever activity you were doing)

This muscle soreness is frequently felt when you begin a new exercise program, change your current routine, or dramatically increase the intensity of your regular routine.

C is for Chafing

Rubbed skin plus a little sweat equals the perfect recipe for chafing—nothing below your neck is safe! 

In order to sit down comfortably post-run, you need to stop the chafing before it starts.  Lube all areas pre-workout, avoid cotton AT ALL COSTS, and invest in seamless moisture wicking clothes (including underwear). 

Don't be shy!  Apply lubricating products to any skin that could rub, I have a friend who carries unscented chapstick in case she needs to reapply (but you might want to mark it so you don't use the same chapstick on your butt cheeks and your lips)

* If the damage has already been done, try using some diaper rash cream, it helps cool that angry red skin.

Boobs, Blisters, Black Toenails

The glorious female form is not particularly well designed for, to use the technical term, jiggling. Running involves a great deal of jiggling. As of yet, no one has found a way to detach their boobs and leave them at home during a run, BUT there have been advances in boob cages; another technical term here; sports bras.  Ladies if you have anything bigger than a B - invest in a good boob cage!  I could bore you with my "Bloody Boobage" story of Niagara Falls International 1/2 marathon 2014, but the girls scarred for life and still a little bitter. 

I'm also going to spare you the pictures of broken toe, black toes nails and bloody sneakers but I can assure you a career as a foot model is not in my future :(

(If you need a boob cage check out the Enel Bra I love it)

A is for -

A is for Anal, as in Anal- Retentive.  Most runners fall victim to mile obsessing, some get over it and others get worse as time goes on.  I myself am guilty of running in circles in my backyard so my Garmin can stop at am even number.

Three halfs!

I trained, I ran, I finished. When I registered for the Hypothermic 1/2 Marathon, I wanted to challenge myself, I wanted to run in the snow, to stay outside my comfort zone, to do something hard, to scratch another new thing off my list.  

My December injury put me behind a few weeks in my training, the cold was horrible on my joints, my iphone would die from the cold temps I was running in, some days the ice snow on the road was too dangerous to be out in, it was hard to keep motivated, the day we were scheduled to drive to St. John's there was a snow storm, my knee was not 100%, it was hard, it was cold, it hurt....  the old me would have given up long ago, but the new me put her her head down and kept going. 

13.1 Miles, 21.09 Kilometers, 69,168 Feet, 23,065 Yards.  

Through the snow, through the pain.

I FINISHED! 

I might not look the part, my finish times might not be pretty, but I will not be stopped.  I AM a RUNNER.

Thank you to husband and kiddo for their continuing support, for volunteering at another of my races, and handing me my water.  Thanks also to my brother in law Steve, who also injured ran with me.

This makes 1/2 marathon #3

Run Ruiner!

With the HypoThermic 1/2 Marathon weeks away my kms are climbing.  Sunday morning shortly after 9, I donned some of my favorite gear and set out for my planned 16K long slow run.  -3 degrees.  I could see my breath, I could hear the crunch from last night's dusting of snow under my feet.   I passed Tim Horton's and started the slow incline of the Junction Road.  

Since I started running clients, family and friends have remarked most about me running alone on the Junction, aprox 11K of highway with frequent wildlife sightings and speeding cars.  What if you see a moose?  Do you carry your cell phone?  What if something happens?  Aren't you afraid of cars?  I usually grin and assure them when I'm on the highway I'm highly visible in my brightly colored reflective gear, I have my Road Id on my ankle, I carry my cell phone, my music is not too loud, my husband knows my route and always does a drive by at the hour mark and being afraid is not the way to enjoy life, and  there are about 6 inches of pavement between the white line and shoulder of the road I consider mine. (that also generally ends the conversation)

So Sunday morning business as usual.... until the 7K mark.....  I hadn't seen a car in while, I was singing along to my music when some yahoo decides to pass another car on a solid line while travelling at well over the speed limit, forcing me to jump off my 6 inches of pavement to the uneven icy shoulder and tork my left knee!

The text to husband went something like "slightly hurt, not stopping, walking it off, bring water"  I kept going to my 8K turn around, alternating run, walk, run, walk.  Husband appeared at KM 9 with my water and proceeded to the forestry station another 1.5K away.  By the time I got back to him I was done - it was too much.

Stupid jerky yahoo a solid line means NO PASSING!  Not sure where you were going so early on a Sunday morning - but next week try leaving home 5 mins earlier so you're not in such a mad tear!  I had to cut my run short and I'm hobbling around with SpiderTape encompassing my left knee because of you, ya run ruiner!

Tomorrow we head to St. L for Christmas break - my plan has changed a little and my next long slow run will be on the highway out there....if you see someone running along in bright purple reflective try giving them that little bit of road :)

- I think I may have finally found a running gel that doesn't taste how I imagine ectoplasm tastes :) more to come on that & how I was hit by a truck

I ran away from home

A little over a week ago, I ran away from home.  I boarded a plane and headed for Toronto.

Landing in Toronto brought back memories of flying home with husband and kiddo except this time I was alone - and about to take on something that wasn't even on my radar 2 years ago - the Niagara Falls International 1/2 Marathon!!!

Saturday morning after breakfast with an old friend, we were in the parking lot saying our good-byes before I headed into the Run Expo.  In the corner of my eye I spotted something familiar - black and yellow running jackets 4 of them.  Well, I know the black and yellow!  Without hesitating I called out "Hey, PRC!" and darted across the lot - Paradise Running Club - they were in Niagara to run the marathon too!  A quick goodbye was shouted back to my old friend and off I went with my new yellow friends.

After picking up our race kits and touring the expo together I decided come Jan I am joining the super supportive PRC (even though its over 4 hour drive from where I live).

After lunch it was time for the Massage Conference and an early night.

Sunday morning - race time!  Full on panic mode!  I had been too busy spending time with friends and making now ones that I forgot husband and kiddo were not with me - I was about to run a 1/2 marathon without my cheering section - could have vomited I was so scared.  The call went out to husband and he talked me down, but the time we drove as close to the start line as the road closures would allow, I was ready!

(Pre-Race Terrified & rocking my #sweatpink laces)

I walked up to the runner's tent and cuddled into some strangers for warmth then thought it best to visit the port-a-potties before the run went off.  When I am calm I even makes friends in line for the loo!

I hit a little bit of an emotional wall about 19K in - I just wanted to stop, I was done emotionally, but didn't go all that way to quit!  I put my head down and kept plugging along.

after two hours and forty minutes I crossed the finish line with tears in my eyes, and heard my name being called - I looked up saw old friends and a beautiful bunch of flowers from husband and kiddo - I did it!

(cool and calm post-race)

I never would have thought it a possibility not that long ago, I have come a long way and I am so proud of myself, but I realize that I could NOT have done it without the support of some amazing friends, my beautiful daughter and the love of my life.  THANK YOU!

Thank you D for picking me up at the airport and giving me a place to stay and putting up with my crap, for dropping me at the start line and calling my name when I was done!
Thank you S for coming out to breakfast and for understanding when I ran off to hang with the yellow jackets!
Thank you K for cheering for me at the finish, and a great day out shopping!
Thanks Mudder for coming to stay with the kid and driving me to the airport!
Thank you to PRC for being so welcoming and encouraging at the expo - see you at the Santa Shuffle!
Thank you all!

Mostly thank you Vincent and Bria for encouraging me, for going to all my races and cheering me on, for understanding, for the flowers, and for being the 2 most important people in my life. (yes I am crying as I type this)

I think a full is in my future!

I conquered it!

Well I did it!  After years of saying I was going to, I finally did it!  I was one of nearly 4200 participants to battle the 27 degree temperatures with 80% humidity at 8:00am on  Sunday morning to battle the 10 mile race.

Walking up to the start corral I was shaking with nerves, the sea of brightly colored runners daunting.  I climbed over the rope and said greeted the runners around me (I babble when I'm nervous).  The gun sounded and we shuffled forward as a group waiting for the crowd to scatter a little before picking up pace.

Did I mention how hot it was?  By the time I hit the 2.5 mile water station I was parched!  But, I kept going, listening to the pounding of feet all around me. The experience was unreal - people on the side lines were cheering, spraying runners with personal hoses, handing out water soaked sponges and ice chips, candy and raisins.  I saw several signs along the route cheering people on, there was one lady about mile 5 who had a sign declaring "free hugs" and I needed one, so I stopped to hug her and cried a little.  I shed tears a couple times when complete strangers called out my name and shouted encouragement.

Coming around the final corner I could hear names of runners being called as they crossed the finish line and it seemed so far away, I could see anxious faces awaiting their family and friends, and I wanted my family.  I kept going.

Hearing my name comping over the speaker announcing that I had indeed do it, made me spill a few more tears.  Having a finisher's medal placed around my neck and hearing "good job" stopped the tear and elicited the biggest smile possible.  I did it!

it took me 2.14 hours but I DID IT! and will do it again :)

*up next - Commander Gander! and possibly the Huffin Puffin

I got the runs

OK, so that is perhaps not the best title - but well I do.  I have managed to pull my big butt over the finish lines of three (3) races in 30 days!

the first I already mentioned - where I took 5 mins of my last year's time!

my 2nd race was my very first 10K on Canada Day

thirdly I took another 1/2 minute off my 5K time this weekend past! (do you see the icebergs in the back)

Less than 2 weeks until my next, and biggest race (the Tely10) I am still trying to kick my sugar habit!

I CAN do this!

something I learned the hard way - too much sugar free candy will give you the other kind of runs :(

I'm such a flake

Time is just not my friend!!  I can't believe since I blogged again.  I have so many projects - er idea things on the go right now I can't seem to keep the days straight.  We'll go with the short update....

Me and Husband went with M and her boyfriend to Mexico (during the A to Z challenge) where I got a wicked bad sunburn on the 1st day, but didn't let it get me down.  We chilled on the beach, ate strange things, swam in Cenotes, participated in Myan blessings, climbed ruins, learned a few new phrases, and got chased by a giant iguana trying to steal my hamburger!

We came back from Mexico all burned up to find that the harbour was packed with ice.  Kiddo went on trip with her school band, then she had her school concert.  Then she sang Bobbie McGee and played Elphaba in her Voice conert.

Then my friend Debbie came down from Ontario to visit.  She loved the scenery, the row houses and George Street, but didn't like the cold.

We went on an ice berg tour, and I may or may not have got up close and personal with a berg.  Ok, I did I got sooo close my hands were all over it!  (which is a big deal - and you really should not get that close)

 

Then on Father's Day I ran the same 5K race I ran last year (here) by myself and managed to take 5 minutes off my time!  This year M was out of town.  I finally did something I have been talking about for a long time - I registered for the Tely10 a 10 mile road race!!! {{I shiver with nerves every time I think about it}}

And now some of the bergies are melting and the harbours are filling up with growlers and bergy bits.  Kiddo is studying for final exams.  And I still have too many project/idea things :)  BUT I'm gonna try not to be such a flake!

Good luck? I think NOT

Its a beautiful, crisp, cool morning during a  very busy work week.  Layered in running gear, music blaring, birds chirping, hand freezing, I head off for a quick jog before work.  Panting, humming along with the music and wishing everyone I see a good morning, I failed to notice a little something....crap!

Literally dog crap!  Right in the middle of the boardwalk.

Completely absorbed in my breathing, I failed to notice the land mine and was maybe 5 feet from the "drop spot" when I began to notice the stench that seemed to be following me.  My bright white sneaker tainted brown, and the wooden boardwalk lined with my mud colored foot prints.  What a great start to the day.

The people who say stepping in dog poop is good luck, have obviously never stepped in it! 

The big day is over!

Yesterday was Father's Day, but it was also my first 5K! 

Losing 60 pounds and running my first 5K was a big deal for me.  I am very happy to report that both me and my friend ran the entire thing without a walk break.  We were not the fasted, nor were we the slowest.  We may have been the proudest- so proud in fact, we're looking for another race to do!  45.16 is not that bad for a first timer right :) 

* I wanna say thank you to husband and kiddo who cheered for us enroute and at the finish line, and of course to my running partner M, who not only ran with me but kept my speed in check.  

This run is for you

My cousin was in a serious car accident in June, and remains in the hospital. An avid runner, her running club in St. John's sported t-shirts in her honor, and many other runners donned her name on their arms or legs for the biggest road race in the province this past weekend, the Tely10.

I would like to thank everyone who ran, cheered at the finish line or donned her name during their activities outside the city, prayed for, or sent well wishes.

I was not in the race this year, but I will be participating next year for sure.


You can read more about her running club here.
article here