From Running to Volunteering

Running has brought me a lot in my life: fitness, friends, and fun. Another thing it has brought me is a love of volunteering in the running community. Being a part of something that has brought me so much joy and happiness is a really special feeling.

When I first began running, I remember how nervous I was at packet pick-up and how I really didn't know what to do. Then, there were the nerves about finding the shuttle and starting lines. During my first marathon, no one meant more to me than the water stop worker at mile 20, who seeing the pain on my face, told me to keep going because I had already come so far. Being told congratulations at the finish line when no one has ever cheered me on at a race is also very meaningful.

Because of all that, I jumped at the opportunity to take on a bigger leadership role at the inaugural Carmel Marathon. Rather than just working a four hour shift, I am in charge of all the packet pick-up volunteers. It has been so exciting watching the creators of the event pull everything together. I am honored to have just a tiny roll in the event.

Going to the expo is one of my favorite parts about racing. Working it is even better because I'll get to experience those emotions over and over again with the participants.  Even though I am currently training for my last marathon, I know that running will always be a part of my life in some way.

Hills to Hotels

On Sunday, I went back out to the hill that I sprained my ankle on. You have never seen someone so nervous. Seriously! This time I was able to finish four miles without falling down. Sorta. That depends on your definition of "finish". I did take a slightly different route and found many, many more hills. It was exactly what I wanted for my Sunday runs! As much as I know I don't like hills, this time I was CHOOSING hill work so I knew I could complete exactly what the schedule said. Wrong. Hills are even harder than I remember, especially nonstop rolling hills. Up, down, up, down. There was no stopping it! About two miles in, I quit running and walked the rest of the way back. I tried to start one other time, but in my defense, my legs were extremely sore from the previous day's 10 mile run. It just wasn't happening.

Today, I leave on vacation for a few days. No more hills, but that means hotels which also means treadmills and dedication. I'm not sure if treadmills or hills are worse! Rearranging my schedule to have fun, but also get in the miles wasn't easy. On paper, it was a breeze, but my long-run was supposed to be yesterday and my legs weren't recovered yet so my schedule didn't go quite as  planned. It will all work out, though. And, when I get back, guess what will be awaiting me? Hills. Lots of them!

Twitter Ruined My Dream!

That's right. You heard it here first. Twitter ruined my dream, my running dream that is. After the ankle sprain, I took about a week off running. I ran three miles last weekend and then prepared for the training program run on Tuesday. The program had seven miles scheduled. Even though I thought it was probably too many miles, I figured I would try it anyways since I had people to run with me. However, I wasn't thrilled about it. It was raining and I was looking for an excuse to go home and run fewer miles at a slower pace on any surface other than crushed limestone that wasn't stable in all areas.

Then, it happened. My spirits were up and I was ready to run! After checking my email, I saw that Bart Yasso had requested to follow me on Twitter. That's right. THE Bart Yasso wanted to follow me! I was elated! No more worries about the surface I was about to run on because I knew I could conquer anything. Seems silly I know but that follow request kept my spirits up and got me through that run even when my ankle was throbbing at 5 miles.

After the run, I couldn't wait to get home and accept the request. I had tried to accept it on my phone, but it didn't work. Once home, I quickly ran up my steps to my computer, logged on to Twitter, and then it happened. The request had disappeared. I knew I shouldn't have attempted to open the link on the email! I had lost requests in the past by opening them on my phone. I knew better, but I couldn't wait! My dream was over.

I know, I know. A running guru following me on Twitter SHOULDN'T make or break my running dream, but it did! It ranks right up there with Louisville losing in the first round of the NCAA tournament. (I refuse to call the play-in games the first round. Tradition rules.) And, if you know me, that's serious disappointment. 

It's been four days. I was able to run 10 miles today so I guess I'm going to be okay, but.....let's just say I'm still bummed!

Run Because You Can

"Run because you can." I had a mini-marathon training instructor that once said that. At the time, it seemed good in theory, but maybe a bit dramatic. However, after last Sunday, I truly understand it.

Last Sunday was my first official day of hills. I went to Eagle Creek Park for my run. It's not close to my house, but I have been determined to get faster so I chose a training program this year that required hills. Driving through the park, it was such a beautiful view-a much needed change from my normal flat, straight runs. Deer grazed everywhere not afraid of cars or runners. It was simply amazing!

Then, it happened. A little under three miles into the run, I suddenly fell to the ground and couldn't get up. My ankle rolled one way and then the next. I had sprained my ankle. My knee and hands were scraped up and my finger wouldn't bend! Just when I thought running was starting to come back to me. I had run a 10K the weekend before in a fairly good time, I was getting up in mileage, and everything just seemed to be coming together. Then, CRASH. That all changed.

The next day my ankle popped twice throughout the day. The first time I stopped limping and the second time it stopped hurting. Who cares if it was still swollen?! I certainly knew how to overlook that. I was given a heavy warning that I should take a week off, but I was determined that one day off would be just fine. Then, I went to the chiropractor and she said I had to rest a few more days. Good thing I like her because otherwise I wouldn't have listened!

Throughout the week, waiting to run was the worst. I looked back at my facebook page where I had complained the previous week about having to run in the rain. What I would do to run in the rain now! Feeling like I was losing all my fitness, I unhappily followed instructions and stayed off my foot until today.

Today's run was different than most. I was so appreciative to be running!  Sure, there was pain half way in, but I was running! Wearing ankle braces, I had to stop three times to adjust the braces, but it didn't bother me because I was out there on the road.

The relationship I have with running is an amazing and interesting one. Many days I don't want to get out there and put the miles in, but the minute it is gone, I miss it more than anything. Just maybe my ankle was trying to remind me to run because I can run and not because I have to run.

Who is That Fool Running After the Race is Over?

"Hey! The race is already over!" I heard after finishing my 10K race today. Yes, that's me, the idiot who is still running long after the race has finished. On one hand, there is nothing worse than running after a race and on the other hand, there's nothing better. I'll explain.

Training for multiple races at once means I have both short term and long term goals. Races are going to overlap. The Mini-Marathon offers three prep races: a 5K, 10K, and 15K leading up the the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. These races are extremely helpful in getting my speed up, but my mileage for the full marathon is much higher than the race distances. Besides the official prep races, I've signed up for a couple other "shorter" races along the road to Duluth to keep me racing. And, of course, I have three half marathons. (I only had two, but I was already running 13 the week of the recently added race. I figured if I was already going 13, then I should get a medal for it. Oh, and the $40 entry fee suckered me. I couldn't pass up a deal like that!)

Today was the first race where I had to go extra mileage after I crossed the finish line. Race mileage was 6.2, but I needed to get in 9 today. That meant I had to run 2.8 after the race was over. Running further doesn't seem like it should be difficult when I think about it. After all, I would be doing that same 9 miles if I hadn't had a race this morning. However, after running hard at race pace, no matter how long or short the race, any mileage afterward seems taxing. But, there I was running extra. With sore, exhausted legs, running extra was the last thing I wanted to do.

Then, I heard the screams from the runners leaving the race. Thinking they were funny, they told me the race was over. It never fails that someone has something to say every time I've ever had to run over. Then, as much as I didn't want to run, I was suddenly inspired. I have no idea why someone noticing me makes me feel good, but it does. I was struggling through those last few miles, but suddenly, I felt on top of the world. "That's right, look at me go! I'm a real runner!" went through my mind. Running long is never easy, but maybe the audience helps!

How many more times will I put myself through the controversy of whether or not I like or dislike running after a race? Five more times before June! I have another 10K next weekend and will do 9 miles total again. At least I know how that one feels. Then in April, I will run a 15K where I will need to go almost 6 miles after. Ouch! Not looking forward to that one. From there, I have a 10 miler mid-April where I will need to add 4 miles to the end. That seems like a breeze! After that comes the two really fun post-race runs. After the Derby half on April 30, I will have to get in a total of 18 miles. I will conclude my fun of not knowing where the finish line is in May with the local mini where I will have to run a total 20 miles which means 7 after the race! (Excuse me, 6.9 miles...and don't think I'll run a step over that!)

So, I repeat my question. Who is that fool running after the race is over?