running: the dawn

So, I couldn’t be more excited….just over a week ago Mr. Dawn surprised me with…drumroll…a new Droid 3!!!!  Yes, I have finally graduated from a text/talk phone to a phone that can do ALL kinds of fun stuff.

Oh but wait!  Ok, so remember back when I quit Facebook?  I must admit I truly enjoyed my break from being so “plugged in”.  But now that I am living in a new area, meeting new people all the time, I’ve gotten tired of saying, “Oh no, I don’t have a Facebook, but here’s my phone number.”  Apparently Facebook is the easiest way for new acquaintances to get in touch.  But the final blow?  In church the other day after the service, I was talking to some new friends and the conversation turned to running and we all discovered that we are TOTAL running junkies.  We decided that we needed to start a casual running club.  Of course someone suggested that we start a group on Facebook and that way we can stay in touch and share about our races and/or training.  So, I’m back on.  Maybe I’m just caving in to peer pressure….but it does feel good to be back.

And now, of course, I’m playing a million Words with Friends games…

There’s just one last little piece of my new techno-savvy lifestyle.  I joined Twitter!  Ok, so I still have a million things to learn.  I’m still a little scared of hash tags and “re-tweeting” things…but I’m getting there.  Anyone have any advice for a new tweat-er?

 

I have several uncompleted drafts of our trip that will be finished and posted eventually, but I just wanted to give a quick update about the race…

Official time: 4:02.59

I cannot even begin to say how amazing the marathon was.  My favorite marathon by far!  Even when I knew that I wasn’t going to finish under 4, I was still so incredibly thrilled with everything about the race.  I’d always thought that finishing over 4 would crush my spirit, but by that point I was just so excited with the joy of the run I barely noticed the time.

I am overwhelmingly grateful that I was able to experience the Boston Marathon.

Best. Race. EVER!

KPH tagged me in a fun little question-answer-survey-ish-thing…niner…Basically, I answer the following and then can ask my own questions of whomever I wish…

1. What are you most excited about for the coming new year? What resolutions will you make and do you think you’ll stick to ‘em?

I am most excited to train for and run the Boston Marathon.  I started running 6 years ago and even though I had dreams of running Boston, my first marathon finishing times were just under 5 hours, so it seemed pretty laughable.  I’m so excited to stand on that starting line and drink it all in, remember the days, weeks, and months of preparation that lead me to that singular moment.  I plan on crying.  And dancing my way to the finish line!

I don’t really do resolutions…I just try to be awesome all the time

2. When you go into a coffee shop, what do you order? (not necessarily coffee)

I get a hot tea and put honey in it.  Mostly herbal (I don’t really drink much caffeine), but sometimes I’ll get a green tea.  I did just recently try the salted caramel hot chocolate at Starbucks, and it was yummy!

3. What was the first blog you followed? Do you still? And what is your favorite blog to read?

The first running blog that I found was chicrunner.com.   I was looking for recommendations on what arm warmers to buy and she’d done a review of some zensah ones.  I started exploring her site and realized that she’d run the San Diego RnR marathon the year before and I was training for that same race.  I started reading her race report and then did a search for others because I wanted to read as much about the race as possible.  I do still follow her.  I can’t imagine picking my favorite blog, there are so many great runners out there!

4. Do you speak/read any other languages?

Nope, I’m lame.

5. This spin off of FB: If you and your mom/dad ended up in jail together and you could only say 4 words, what would they be?

it was worth it!

6. What was your favorite show growing up? Can you sign the theme song? (I don’t think Fresh Prince should count on this one…. everyone can sing that theme song)

I loved Duck Tales.  And yes I can….d-d-d-danger!

7. What is your most memorable race moment?

Crossing my first marathon finish line.  My BFF Andi by my side, our hands raised together.  Tears.

8. What’s the coldest you’ve ever run in and what did you wear?

7, I think.  Lots of layers.  with everything covered except a slit for my eyes.

Here’s my list of questions to pass on to the ladies below:

1. If you could live in any home on a television series, which one would it be?
2. What’s the habit you’re proudest of breaking?
3. Where do you go for advice?
4. What’s your favorite Web site?
5. Name five songs to which you know all the lyrics.
6. What do you bring to running?  A lot of people ask why you love running, or what do you get from running, but I think it’s interesting to talk about what we each bring to the sport.
7. Since I’ve had trouble sleeping lately, what do you do if you can’t sleep?  Count sheep?  Toss and Turn? Get up and do something?

I’m gonna tag some blogs that I’m new to so I can get to know everyone!

Dawn @ Racing Dawn
Nellie @ Midlife Cruiser
Lindsey Ann @ Run, Lindsey Ann, Run!
Mallory @ Sit for your job. Run for your life!

Can’t wait to read your answers

I just sat down with the intention of highlighting and thanking all the people who are going to be cheering me on this weekend.  It’s way emotional.  To think about all the amazing people who have gone out of their way to believe in me makes me want to burst into grateful happy tears.  But I will pull it together to give them the credit they deserve.

Mr. Dawn.

He has kept my world together in every way imaginable over the last 6 months 2.5 years close to five years.  He encourages me to go running when I’m feeling unmotivated, he finds cheap treadmills when its too hot, he sacrifices part of his “band room” for my “home gym”.  In every possible way he supports me and believes in me.

Mom & Dad.

I’m so excited that my parents are flying into town tomorrow to watch me run on Sunday.  They were both there at my first marathon in 2007 and this will be the first time since then that they’ve both seen me run a marathon.  They don’t always understand why I do this to myself but they are so proud of me.  My dad works in a hospital and loves to run around talking about his “daughter the marathoner.”

The In-laws: Momma and Pappa C.

Not only am I blessed to have my parents in town, but Mr. Dawn’s folks are making the trip as well!  This is gonna be Pappa C’s first time spectating any race anywhere!  I’m pretty sure that he doesn’t know what he’s in for   This will be Momma C’s THIRD marathon experience with me.  I think she’s caught the bug.

Andi.

Andi is my running sister.  She and I started running around the same time and when we worked at summer camp together found a bond through early early morning runs.  By the end of our that summer running together we decided to train for our first full marathon.  We ran every step of that race together.  Since then we’ve grown up, moved to opposite ends of the contry, gotten big girl jobs, and both run other marathons.  This will be the first time in five years that she’s been with me during a marathon.  She may not be running it, but I can guarantee that she will be a huge part of my race on Sunday.  She’s bringing her bike and a backpack to carry any-and-everything that I might need.  I will owe whatever happens on Sunday to her.

KT.

My Rockford Marathon superstar!  She has been slowly rebuilding and recovering from some injuries that she got while running the marathon this past spring.  She and I still run together once or twice a week which has been so amazing.  OH–and she’s ENGAGED now!  It’s so very exciting.  Maybe after the race we’ll have to hit up some Grand Rapids bridal stores

K-Mo & J-Money.

I didn’t even know that these two wonderful people were planning on coming to the race til Mr. Dawn said something about it.  They are our favorite game night/movie night/wii night company.  From long conversations to backpacking adventures we LOVE these two! J-Money ran with me a little bit last fall training for his first 5k.  Now, he’s a full-on triathlete!  I was so sad that I was out of town for his tri-debut.  Even though I missed that they are still going to make the trek to Grand Rapids to support this crazy marathon girl.  Unbelievable!

E.

A former student of mine was actually training to run Grand Rapids this year.  Due to injuries, he had to stop his training and withdraw from the marathon.  He has been rehabilitating and is feeling better.  If all goes according to plan he will meet me at mile 23 and be the fresh-legged inspiration I need to cross the line and get that all-elusive BQ.  I’m super excited to run with him!  In high school he went to state for cross-country and was pretty much a superstar runner.

Then there are the many many other bloggers that will be out there running the race and/or cheering.  It’s definitely going to be EPIC!  If I missed anyone and you’re going to be there, let me know!!

I hadn’t realized how much of my time was consumed by running until the past few days.  I’m running (relatively speaking) very few miles these days which leaves me with oodles of time on my hands.  I’ve been getting laundry done, making dinner, and hanging out with Mr. Dawn.

Today we went on a mission.  Mission: Walmart.  We didn’t buy much, but it was super fun to hang out and chat.  Walk around and talk about what appliances we need and don’t need.  I think we decided to get the strainer attachment for our kitchenaid to help in the massive amounts of applesauce that we’ve been making and/or eating

Then, he surprised me by taking me to my favorite place: The Chocolate Cafe.  Yumm!

As I run, I learn.  I learn about my body and its needs.  I learn about myself and the strength that lies within.  I learn about how to push myself and succeed.  I learn about nature.  I learn about friendship.  I learn about life.

One of the lessons that I learned this week was how to forgive myself when I fail.

Maybe to classify this week as a failure seems somewhat melodramatic, but that’s what it was.  I wasn’t battling an injury, I wasn’t any more busy than I’ve been all along, there isn’t a scapegoat.  It was just me not doing what I set out to do.  Every week, I have goals I have a schedule posted on my refrigerator and it spells out for me what success and failure both look like.  I have workouts that I plan to do, paces that I plan to hit, and a weekly mileage mark that I plan to run.  If I meet or exceed these perimeters, I win.  If not….I come down on myself pretty hard.

Yesterday I had a choice.  I was done with work by 2:30 and I could have gone for a run.  I wanted to make a trip to the running store an hour away, but I could easily have done both.  I made preparations for running on a trail between home and the store.  I got my stuff together and packed it in the car.  True, I spent a little more time discussing my race-day shoes with the salesman than I anticipated, but there was still time to put in at least a few miles.  But I didn’t.  I choose not to.  I ended my week with 10 fewer miles than I had planned.

At first I started going through all the reasons why its ok to not run the miles: its almost taper time anyway, I need to rest for the 20-miler on Sunday, I don’t feel 100%…  But all those reasons just fall flat.  The truth is I didn’t do the miles.  Period.  I’m disappointed and don’t have a good excuse.

Today I woke up.  Stretched.  And forgave myself.  I choose to not be haunted by what I left undone.  I choose to not dwell on my shortcomings.  Instead I choose to look ahead.  I choose to feel confident about my training.

I have learned to forgive myself, without excuse.

This week’s mileage:
Sunday: 17
Monday: 5
Tuesday: 7
Wednesday: 0
Thursday: 10
Friday: 0

Total: 39

Yesterday, Mr. Dawn sent of the final payment for my student loans (from my masters’ degree)!!!!  It’s such a huge relief to be out from under that debt.  It took us two years of budgets and saving, and a couple tax returns to pay it off, but we got it done.  Hallelujah!  AND…we’re currently living on 1.25 salaries because he’s in graduate school right now.  It makes me so thankful and happy I can’t even find the right words…

This is why I am so happy to be married to the man I am.  I am not good at managing money and I know that I would not be debt free right now if it were not for Mr. Dawn.  He has done a great job discussing our finances with me, helping us to set financial goals, and learning with me how to be smart with our money.  It makes me feel like we’re a great team and gives me such confidence facing whatever the future holds.

It’s kinda like running those 20-milers.  They are the confidence boosters that help you know that you can trust your body, your training, and your endurance.

If I wasn’t a teacher, I would still be acutely aware that it is back to school time.  Most of my girlfriends have school aged children who are experiencing (for the first time) what its like to send the boys and girls off to school for part or all of the day.  My facebook news feed is full with pictures of little girls in skirts with their sparkly backpacks or boys giving a confident thumbs up to the camera.  It’s all very cute and sentimental.

I however, as a teacher, have a completely different reaction to the first day(s) of school.  There’s an eagerness and apprehension that the students all bring with them these first few weeks that doesn’t sit well with me.  I understand that they don’t know me and similarly I don’t know them, but I cannot wait until mid-September when everyone calms down and settles in for the duration.  There’s too much peacocking and jockeying for social position here at the beginning.  Without the anchor of routine and consistency, everyone just seems to float around bumping into each other and causing chaos.

Also, I do more talking on the first day of classes then on any other day.  I like to involve the students and get them invested in the learning process, so a lot of my class times are dedicated to group learning and open problem solving.  Basically, I don’t like to hear myself talk.  So the first day is especially annoying to me.

But, it’s over and done with.  In just another week or so the newness of it all will have rubbed off and we can all sink our teeth into the 2010-2011 school year with vigor!

Meanwhile, on the running front…I am so pleased that I was able to get in all 17 miles on Sunday thanks to my running BFF Andi.  She was willing to wake up early, load up her camelback and three other water bottles, and ride along with me for the humid sweaty miles.  I’m discovering that I really enjoy the bike-along running partners.  They are fabulous for conversation, especially when I’m feeling worn out and dragging.  They are able to carry so much water it’s amazing!  They seem to never tire out.

It was a good run for two specific reasons.  One: I was able to run without stopping at all.  Over the past few weeks with the heat and humidity so high I’ve started walking while taking gu and/or water.  I’ve noticed that this makes it even tougher mentally to keep going later in my run when I’m feeling tired.  Then I start walking even when I’m not consuming anything.  I’ve been scared that I was starting to develop a bad habit or dependency on walking.  So, to be able to run my longest distance (this training round) in the humidity and not stop was a huge success!  Two: I was able to keep my pace reasonably low.  I’ve been seeing my average pace numbers creep higher and higher and it has started to really freak me out.  Now, I never saw any marathon goal pace miles, but I did run the second half faster than the first and my fastest mile was my last one.

So, not huge amounts of progress, but enough to keep me going forward.  Hurray!

I went to my first blogger-meet up over the weekend and it was such a great time!  Erika and I have been trying to find a weekend to meet up and run all summer, but this was the first time we were both in town and free.  I was so excited when she said blogger Nicole from Runner Nic was coming too.  I’ve been following Nicole for awhile and have been totally inspired by her running journey.  We met at a trail that was half way between us.  It was hot.  It was muggy.  But I barely noticed at all.  I was having such a great time chit chatting with new friends.  A couple times I laughed so hard I almost fell down.  It was slightly dangerous.

We decided to downgrade from 16 miles to 12 and so before I knew it we were done.  We met up with another member of GYRO (Get Your Run On!) and her husband for breakfast at Cracker Barrel.  YUM!  The girls were planning on going to a running store and we all know that there is no WAY I was going to pass up that opportunity.  First we stopped and got those cupcakes from Cold Stone (remember, with the red velvet…and the pink icing…and sprinkles…so yum).  Before I knew it the running date was over and I was headed home.  All-in-all?  Best first running date EVER.

Since then, a few things have not worked out as I would have liked.  Instead of elaborating and bumming everyone out here’s a condensed version of my Monday and Tuesday:

• remembered last minute that I needed to work ALL day on Monday, which meant I couldn’t do my 16 miler in the morning
• worked all day Monday.  Freshmen testing.  Enough said, right?
• FOUND A DEAD BAT IN MY BASEMENT
• dreamt about bats attacking me in my sleep
• ran 2 miles with KT at 6am (the run was fun, the 6am not so much)
• instead of heading right back out to get in my 16 miles, I got back into bed
• ran the long miserable miles from 9am-11am
• worked all afternoon
• almost fell asleep on my desk

So, that pretty much gets us all caught up.  Erika tagged me to share 10 random things about myself.  Look forward to that tomorrow!