Coming off Boston (Post Marathon Depression)

Boston Marathon, the race I worked hard simply to quality. The race that I at one point, thought would never happen. The race I've made it to, but then my time wasn't "good enough" (2018). The race I finally lived out three weeks ago. (April 17, 2023). 

Post marathon depression is something I've dealt with before. It's a real thing that I've tried to shake off. The truth is, it can't just be shaken off. 

Some post-race depression feelings can include, feeling a little lost. Experiencing a lack of motivation to run or do much of anything. The yearning for something to look forward to. The feeling to set a new goal. Feeling down, anti-social, sad, or disappointed—even if you hit your goal. 

Why do runners often feel like crying after running? A runner's cry can be just as good as a runner's high. It gets confusing and frustrating, yet this is how it can go. Our brains are essentially letting go when we cry after racing. All the months of hard work is suddenly over. 

Athough, signing up for another race can help, it doesn't make the depression go away. Personally, I've taken time to look at other areas of my life. I have a child graduating in June. It's Spring and my house and yard could use some elbow grease. The department I work for is growing. It's a good time to give them some extra help. These all "help" keep my mind preoccupied as well. 

The truth is, although this all helps, but it doesn't make the depression go away. Today was the first day my body felt really good again as I went out to run. I can tell I'm recovered. I have even signed up for some races. Not anything that'll fix my blues, but everything helps in it's own little way. 

I am also spending time reminding myself that running a race or even running in general, doesn't define me as a person. My Bella (dog) doesn't even care that I ran Boston, she just wants me to come home and love one her every day. I've had unbelievable support from my friends, family and coworkers leading up to Boston. In the bigger picture, they would love me even if I didn't go to Boston. I still am overwhelmed when I think of the support that's been given. 

As I move forward I understand my body is used to movement and lots of it. I have to continue to move. At this point in my life, I still will run regardless of if I have a race on the calendar or not. I will continue to move forward. I get up and run nearly every day giving myself a break when needed. I give thanks for those asking to join me for a run, a new race, and even a cup of coffee. 

Although this has been my darkest post marathon depression I've experienced, I know it's not a weakness to live here for a while. It is a sign of working hard, grinding away in the early morning air and putting

my feet forward, left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot.  

I will not live here for long, I have people who are lifting me up and I am setting new goals. I am only human and what I'm feeling is normal. 

If the post-marathon blues hits you, know you’re not going crazy. You are not alone. Please realize it's okay to talk about. For you are not alone. 

Going Full Circle - Newport Marathon Meets Boston Marathon

Newport OR. A beautiful city that I've been drawn to for years. Interesting enough, after finding interest in the "marathon" years ago, I was drawn to give Newport Marathon a try. 

I've run Newport now six times. I've had many highs on the course and some lows. I've run it full power, conquering my goals for that year and run it injured, just do celebrate that I was able to run that day. Most years I've run Newport with friends and have had the honor to train with friends. Training is done during my favorite time of year, winter! As I come out of winter training, the weather clears up just enough to have a comfortable run at sea level.

I ran Newport in 2017 with a huge group of friends and walked away not sure that I would ever run the full marathon there again. I went on to run marathons in a few other cities and experience some other sites. As I grew as a runner and saw the capability of qualifying for Boston, Newport was suddenly drawn to my attention again.

Newport OR has a road that connects to Boston, Massachusetts, US Route 20. This was intriguing to me and I had to find the sign that said Boston on it. Over the years. I've taken several pictures by the sign in Newport leading to Boston. For years. Boston has only been a dream and I didn't know if I would ever get there. I've come close and I fallen into injury and thought it would never happen. 

2022 came and I was ready to take charge again. I hired a coach and started training for Newport 2022. In June of that year, the sign to Boston became a pivotal statement for me. Every time I would go to Newport I had to find the sign and it just somehow encouraged me that I would take that road someday. My training for Newport was the best training cycle I've ever gotten through. From feeling good the whole time without injury and really being in the correct mindset. I was fortunate enough to have my husband also training for Newport in an attempt for a BQ as well. Both of us trained through the last bit of covid and it was really something we needed at the time. Going out together every Saturday for a long run was really good for our relationship. Running was our friend and we were loving the excitement of training for a marathon again.

 

June 4th came and many of our friends joined us that day by running the half marathon or to support us by making signs and standing alongside and screaming for us to do it! It was surreal. We woke up that morning and it was raining. I was excited and my husband was stressing. He doesn't care for the rain. Go figure, we live in Oregon! Hahaha. We did a warm-up up to the starting line and I just tried to take it all in. I had some co-workers meet me along with my Mom at the start. I knew I had friends along course and at the finish line and I felt fresh and ready to go.

The race itself was wonderful. Newport does a wonderful job with aid stations every two miles. The starting line at Newport is something I absolutely love. It starts up at the Yaquina Bay State Park up above the Newport bridge. We're up high and you can see out over the bay and it's absolutely beautiful. There's always plenty of porta potties along with a public bathroom. I love the first four and a half miles of the course. We start by heading out towards Nye Beach . We turn right up into some neighborhoods and people are out cheering us on from their lawns. I love weaving through the neighborhoods. From there we circle around Nye Beach and get a glimpse of the ocean. Running by the chowder bowl always gets me because I  would love a bowl of chowder about then. I know better though. The chowder can wait till after the race and it'll be well worth it. We then run along the road back to where we started. The crowd is thickened through here. People are walking up to the starting point that are doing the half marathon. People are also standing along the road cheering us on from the hotels. It's such a fun few miles. As we make our way back up into the park and go pass the starting point, all the half marathoners are there cheering us on along with the race director and his crew. You can look out over the bay and see the water and there's just nothing like it.

From there we head down the hill and under the Newport bridge. Oftentimes the sun has been shining through about this time but it's not hot. Typical weather for Newport is perfect. Running weather 40s to 60° with sometimes a light mist. We make our way from the bridge down along the bay and run past Ripley's Believe It or Not. I always hold my breath briefly about this time as there is the smell of fish it's very potent. I also feel like this is part of the experience and I love it. We then run across the wooden sidewalk to the right. Looking out over the bay knowing we will soon make a right turn and there will be more people.

At mile four and a half we go by the Embarcadero to our right and to our left is what will be our big finish line. We go up a slight hill and make our way up Yaquina Bay Rd onto the "out and back." This is when everything settles in and things are definitely getting real. It's time to really focus in and ride these miles out. 

As we approach mile  8.7, we hit the turnaround for the half marathon. I always get a little upset here because I've never done the half marathon. I have to keep going. The marathoners keep going straight the half marathoners turn around and go back. As a marathoner, mile 15 and a half comes pretty fast. That's the turnaround for Newport. It seems so simple, less than 10 miles back to the finish line, but this is where things get pretty brutal. 

During training for Newport I often would do out and backs just for some mental fitness. The crowds aren't as thick now and we are definitely spread out as runners. The positive thing about the out and back is you see runners both going out and coming back. You see everybody. I often have friends running with me and this is the opportunity to see them no matter what our pace is. I love that about Newport. 

For 2022 I was running strong until about mile 20 or 21 when my stomach cenched up and I was forced to stop at a porta potty. Thankfully Newport does have porta potties out along the course. I had to stop but felt so much better after. I tried to get back in the mindset and finish this marathon. I did the best I could, although slowing down slightly. I made it into the finish line where my husband and friends were waiting for me.

I had done it. I had qualified for Boston with an 11 minute buffer. The bonus was, my husband had qualified as well. We had a long year ahead of us as we still had to register for Boston, get in, and plan a trip. This all just got real! 

Before going home that weekend. We made sure we stopped and got a picture of the sign leading to Boston. I took that photo as motivation for the next 10 months. Boston wasn't until the middle of April 2023. It seemed like a lifetime away.

 

To keep my mind busy, I did some little fundraising like selling cookies, collecting old sneakers and recycling them and collecting cans. It became this amazing thing on social media where people wanted to take part. The support from my community was overwhelming. It's something I'll never forget. The outpouring of love for my husband and I has been amazing.

April finally came and my husband and I ran Boston Marathon. I had a list of things I wanted to do while we were in Boston and one of them was finding the sign that said Newport Oregon. It became this game because it wasn't as easy to find. We searched online and zoomed in on pictures to find out exactly where the sign was. It was a glorious moment when we found the sign, took a whole bunch of pictures and then walked around a little bit. As we came back through we met a guy name Jeremy. Jeremy and his friend Robby had posted on social media a similar story to my husband's and mine. These guys lived in Newport, had qualified for Boston and made it a point to get pictures at both ends of the road as well.

 We had a wonderful conversation with Jeremy as he was waiting for Robby to get their photo. I am hoping to meet up with both of them for Newport 2023.

My husband Jerry and I can't help but go back to Newport 2023 to go full circle. We qualified there in 2022. We had a glorious experience and met on the other side of the US Route 20 for Boston 2023. To come back and do the half marathon as a celebration run is something we can't resist. 

Newport Marathon and half is highly recommended. It's not a huge marathon so don't come expecting huge crowds. Come, expecting a great experience at sea level on an out and back course with the coolest loop ever at the beginning of the race. Expect water and support every 2 miles and know that your family and friends can take a bus out on course. Newport does a great job getting people out on the course to cheer family and friends on. You can expect decent weather for Newport. Like I said earlier, I've run this six times. Five times it's been good weather. There was the year of the heat. That was very unexpected and it was only the one year. 

Newport also has the coolest finishers medals for both the half and the full. They are all handmade and hand stamped from glass. They are absolutely beautiful and each year I have a different color weaved into the glass. After you run Newport, grab a coffee on Nye beach and take a walk at low tide. You can go both ways on the beach over two miles each way. On your way back up, grap that bowl of chowder! You earned it! 

If you're going to be at Newport Marathon 2023 doing the half or the full in June, please reach out. I would love to meet you and celebrate with you as I celebrate coming full circle with my husband! 

Read more about US Route 20 here!

Register for Newport Marathon and Newport Half here!

"Let's get this Bread!"

When I run I often find things. It started with merely picking up coins. Nowadays I find anything from jewelry to bread 🤷‍♀️

When I get up to start my day, I don't typically think, Let's go get this Bread " as some folks say, also meaning "Rise and Grind." I mean, I like to get my hustle on, but I'm not all that street smart. I grew up in Drain and sometimes I need a good reminder. Still, I choose to run before the sun comes up on most days alone. I brave the quiet dark streets of Dallas OR. and I love it. 

Last Tuesday I headed out as usual. I never expect anything much, I just run. It's a rather boring morning routine to most, but every once in awhile something unexpected happens. As I stopped for a brief second to look for coins, I stopped in my tracks!

I was horrified to see that someone actually tossed out a whole loaf of bread 🍞. The other question was, what was in the Bath and Body bag? I desperately wanted to look and possibly eat the bread but I was all alone, in the dark. It kinda creeped me out. I didn't waste any time, I had to get going as the workplace was waiting. I've thought about that bread and wondered how anyone could afford to toss the loaf out? Groceries are expensive lately and I don't like the idea of just throwing it away! I mean, at least give it to someone else 😜

Today was a new day! I met up with a few friends to run in Salem.

We ran loops through three different parks. I rarely find much of anything in these areas. I depend on my running buddies to entertain me the whole time. As we took off and ran over the bridge we came to the second park. We dipped down and started down the sidewalk and there it was, bread! A whole new loaf.

This time it was wheat rather than white but why? Why was this lonely loaf laying out to die? Is "Getting your Bread" more than just getting your daily grind in? Is it really "Giving your Bread to the wild to lay there and die?"

Inquiring minds want to know!!! 

Marathon Training: That's a Rap, Newport Marathon 2022 PART ONE (pre marathon)

Newport Marathon: PART ONE, Pre Race

Some people tell me, why do you run marathons? It's a loaded question and honestly, it would take more than a simple conversation to answer it. Some days I don't know that I could even answer you! But I do know one thing, I know in it's simplest form, it's about a GOAL! 

This weekend I've spent a great deal of time talking with different people about goal setting! One person hit it on the nose! He said, the only way you could get me to even think about running something like a marathon is a goal to work for, like eventually qualifying for Boston! BINGO! That has become one of my "whys." Honestly, I have many more, but that has been exactly it for the last many of years! 

Newport 2022 wasn't my first rodeo! I've run 15 marathon's leading up to this moment and have had many set backs. If it wasn't for goals, I would of stopped running a long time ago. I haven't been able to run well since 2018 when I had an excellent training cycle leading up to Eugene 2018. Before that it was year after year of chasing little goals that slowly climbed into a desire to be the very best runner possible for me! I also hold a strong desire to help others be the very best they can be. It's interesting, those who take this to heart, who truly look at themselves and not compare with others, seem to excel the most. It's so important to remember this. My motto is to be inspired by others, not try to be like others. I have a hard enough time trying to be me, and I feel like being myself is what is the very best.

I went through a struggle of a year back in 2021. I was training for Pacific Northwest Marathon. Half way into my cycle I pulled my calf. I was able to stay consistent in easy running after a few weeks off with PT and taking it easy. I had to drop the thought of a full marathon that year. I waited until I was pain free, dropped some weight and started my climb back into heavy mileage and started back up with a coach. 

It's been interesting as I think back on this last year. A change of jobs has given me freedom to not have to stand all day, giving my feet a break. I also was used to getting up early from my former job position. I used this as a positive excuse to keep getting up very early and running before work. Running before work and having a good chunk of time off my feet while working was a good combo for my training. 

I was able to get through training with no major issues. I was sick once, setting me back a week. That's always expected in a marathon cycle, at least once! I was able to do three pratice races leading up to Newport Marathon. That wasn't just fun, it was three positive experiences. Coming out of no races anywhere due to shut down made for lots of sad runners. 

Most of my training was done with my husband or myself. My friend Tonya would join me when she could in the early mornings as well. I am used to bigger group runs in the weekends so this was a change up. I didn't think I would enjoy it but I felt like it took the pressure off me. I didn't realize how much I needed that for this period in my life. Jerry and I just got up and headed out the door. No planning, no messages being sent out. No big route plans. We just ran and I loved it! I do miss group running and know there will be more of that as we go into summer training (my least favorite time of year.) 🥵

I choose to blog every week during this training cycle in hopes that a few people would be interested in joining me on my little journey. I almost didn't do it. It makes me feel silly at times but deep down I felt I needed to this, even if nobody read it. What ended up happening, was an overwhelming display of encouragement and many really cool conversations. This made my journey so much fun and so much more fulfilling. 

If you need some encouragement getting started in a healthy version of yourself, please reach out! 

.....to be continued 😘

Marathon Training: The Race Newport Marathon 2022

Newport Marathon: (PART TWO) The Race!

975 miles went into leading up to Newport Marathon. The marathon topped off a four month training cycle at just over 1000 miles! 

I don't spend a whole lot of time writing or talking about my training as most people wouldn't be the slightest bit interested or even understand what I'm talking about. That's the grit that's made me a halfway decent runner along with years with years of consistency. I can't stress consistently enough friends, in all areas of life.

Saturday came. Jerry (my husband) and I had stayed the night in Newport as bib pickup was Friday. With the 7:00am race start, we new it was needed. We slept well and got up ready are we could be. I had a horrible headache that had followed me from last week. Horrible headaches galore hasn't been easy lately. Unfortunately it was a crummy week leading up to race day with (weather changes) pressure pain in my body. If you deal with this yourself, you know it's no joke! 

We parked near the finish line and did a slow warm up mile up to the starting line. I was starting to get excited at this point. The fresh ocean air and the mist in my face was just wonderful and refreshing.

At the starting line I ran into a few people I know from races and from Dallas. I got to visit briefly with family and check in with my coworkers who came to support me, Karin and Felix. I handed off my long sleeve top and phone and got into the race shoot. 

7:00am on the dot, runners were off! It was tight at the beginning, but I started in a good place so I never felt boxed in. We weave the neighborhood of Nye Beach, seeing a quick glimpse of the ocean and looped back around the Yaquina Bay State Park. These 3 miles where so fun. There were lots of people out cheering for us runners. The weather was wonderful, 50°s with a mist and people were actually along route that knew me, calling me by name. The first group of women was Molli and Jill's group from Dallas. They were walking up to start the half and Molli yelled, "JULIE!!!! We were just talking about you!" She must of been reading my blogs 🤷‍♀️🤣

I rounded the corner and there was Karin and Felix in all their splendor, signs in hands yelling like two crazy people "JULIE! Go Julie!" Just down the way was Steven and Kristy some running friends heading up to the half. It just keeps going! Next was Brandon and Stacy, waiting to head up for Stacy's big half start and then more friends yelling as I ran back through the park! It a shame the whole race couldn't be lined up like this....lol! I've heard this is how Boston is, the whole way! 

I ran down under the glorious Newport Bridge. In years past I remember a school band playing. This year it was simply lined with cars. Instead of running on the beautiful sidewalk deck that lines the bay, I ran on the cement sidewalk in fear of slipping as it was really wet. 

I made my turn, heading to what would be the finish line in about 3 hours and there was Bob and Tonya! Tonya told me where they would be and she didn't disappoint. She had her RED rain jacket on, ensuring I would see her! I then headed up the nasty hill that didn't seem nasty at all this time. I was at mile 4.5! 

I was heading out away from Newport

towards Toledo at this point. I knew these would be the lonely miles and was prepared mentally to just run!

I was in a good headspace and started just getting into my grove. I often try to make a "friend" so to talk to when racing. It often helps with the long miles. This time I wasn't looking for anyone. A girl I was calling orange shirt seemed to be running a similar pace for a bit. Finally she said, "I'm Lou, what's your goal time?". She seemed to want a little company and so we ran together for a little while. Soon a guy came into our group. His name was Danny. These two people were really awesome. We ran for a while but all had slightly different goal times. Lou beat the 3 of us in the end, 11 month post partum. Simply amazing!  

I made it to the turn a round (mile 15.2) with no issues or self drama, lol! I remember telling myself, it's just a ten mile tempo run back and then a mile into your finish line!!! I started imagining the finish line in my head and I could see my friends waiting for me. I had this! 

Mile 16 I started to feel a twinge of what might be having to use the bathroom really soon. This pissed me off because I don't usually need a bathroom when racing. I was able to keep up my pace for a good mile and begin to think this whole bathroom thing was in my past! 

In the meantime Tonya was making quite an appearance. I didn't think I would see anyone out on this part of the route and there she would be, mile after mile. It was so wonderful! By mile 18 I knew I had to stop to use a bathroom. I knew there was a port a potty at an upcoming aid station, thankfully I made it! I was just so mad. I don't normally swear but I yelled out a swear words as I went into the potty. The spectators and volunteers looked really worried. I lost a good two minutes but I felt a million times better.  As I ran by those worried spectators I yelled, "it a good thing for port a potties!" I felt pretty good for another couple miles, my pace slipping just a bit but not enough to be too worried. 

Mile 22 I started to feel off again. I was glad Tonya kept making an appearance because I knew I would continue to see her at this point. She definitely had come with a plan. Just before I hit mile 23 I had projectile vomit. I've never experienced that before. Usually if anything, I have a little dry heaving but this came out of nowhere! No wonder I was feeling off. I was glad no one was running right in front of me!

I knew I had about 5k left. I totally felt like I could do that but had slowed down. I didn't feel I needed to stop or walk. I didn't feel I wasn't going to make it, I just had slowed down and couldn't seem to get back into my planned pace. 

As I crested the top of the last bit of hill I started my desend to the finish line. The last .2 miles and downhill. I should of been hauling but as I started going down, something in my right side pinched from the inside. I was able to speed up, but not at all like I should have. It hurt! My husband had finished and joined me for a minute. He then started saying, "I can't do this, I have to quit!" A spectator got angry at Jerry, arguing with him, "how can you quit, the finish is right there!" Little did he know, Jerry was already done! 

I heard my name over the loud speaker and crossed the finish line! I had done it! I had

run a sub 3:40, my marathon goal for the last five years. There was all my friends waiting patiently for me. I thought I would cry more but I just cried when Tonya and Kristi hugged me. I think I was too exhausted to cry. After a bit I needed to sit. I was so wet and my head was starting to pound and I was unsure if puking would start up. The cool thing was my friends just seemed to be enjoying the moment with me. As horrible as it sounds, it was glorious. They let me sit and gathered with me in celebration! 

I mentioned my goal being a sub 3:40, it

was my C goal. In running I often make an A, B and a C goal. Typically the C goal would be the worst outcome besides having to walk off the course. I have never been so happy with meeting my C goal in my life. I made huge goals this cycle and shared them more openly then I usually do. I know to reach my A and B goals I have more work to do! Thus the vicious cycle of .... signing up for another marathon! 🤷‍♀️ 

Thank you all who have encouraged me for this training cycle. Every message and comment was read and noticed. My love goes out to you 💗

Marathon Training Week 18: It's go Time

We are only a few days away from 7:00 am, June 4th, Newport Marathon! 

This last week my biggest fear has been getting sick. It's cold season and I know several people who have been, or who are sick. Stay away!!!!! All I can do is take extra vitamins and keep moving forward! I try not to dwell on it. 

My biggest highlight of the week was Saturday's group run! I used to head up a large group run nearly every weekend. As we went into two years of "covid," people weren't meeting as much and races were far and few, if any at all. Training mostly alone has been a change that has actually been enjoyable, but I desperately miss the group. 

Saturday (yesterday) two friends racing Newport half, my husband who's doing the full, and another who's not racing at all met up in Salem. We ran, laughed and just enjoyed the great outdoors. It felt so good to run with others. We all talked about the upcoming Pacific Northwest Marathon and how we should all sign up. I think there will be more group runs in the near future! 

I am still undecided on what I will be wearing on race day. I am having a hard time finding the "perfect" race outfit. I typically have that figured out by now. 

This week is simple, one quality run and a few easy runs. I will then celebrate with the race! It's a celebration of the last four months. A celebration of grit, determination, will power, discipline, and just the desire to dream up a dream, and go for it! It's taken me a long time to get here. It's been worth every step!

Marathon Training: Week 17, "Why Run a Marathon?"

As I sit here, only 12 days from Newport Marathon, I can't help but to reflect on the "why's" of training/running a marathon. People have told me, "you know, you don't have to run a marathon! Why not run something shorter?" I get it! It's a huge time commitment! I've had to really be diligent about when to train and even what time of year to put in the bulk of the work as it is almost like a 2nd job. 

Several years ago my best friend and I joked about running as fast a Oprah Winfrey. In 1994 she crossed the finish line at 4:29:20 with professional help. At the time, that was my goal and it took me a few years to get there! It was hard, but I stayed consistent with what I knew at the time and did it. After that marathon, another friend told me I had the talent to run a sub-4:00 if I trained a little different. I figured I had nothing to lose and simply changed a few things in training. At the time, I didn't believe I was every going to run a sub-4:00 but this friend had way more experience that I did. I did the workouts as I was told and I ran a sub-4:00! I went on to run several sub-4:00 but what about running a Boston Qualifying time? This was not only a joke to me but not even in my realm of thought! At the time, I would need to run much faster, shaving my time down to a sub 3:45. I trained to run a 3:40 to ensure a 5 minute buffer and ran a 3:42. This was with the help of a Coach. This also made me realize I was capable of a lot more than I ever realized. This was four years ago. 

The last four years I have struggled. I know what it takes to train hard and have tired to get back both physically and mentally and have failed. I went through a couple injuries and two years of covid. Races disappeared for the most part and the thought of tossing my money out to run a virtual run seemed not only silly, but a waist of my hard earned money. 

During the last four years I've stayed very consistent and have always know I had that going for me. I changed jobs at the hospital, giving my feet a bit more rest during the day. I got my weight back in check and started running most every day before work as my hours changed too. It was a slow process but eventually I wanted to really train again. 

I signed up for Newport kinda on a whim. I've loved Newport in the past but to be honest was done with it. For some reason I just felt I needed to go back now! It sounded like good timing for 2022 and I had friends who decided it would be really great to do the Newport half, some for the very first time. 

As I focus on my why's, this is what has come out of this training cycle! I've increased my endurance and I know my heart health is well. If you looked at my resting heart rate you wouldn't believe what you saw. My heart doctor even took a second look. 

I have less overall stress. I feel like running is my medication. I have a great deal of stress in an area of my life I don't care to talk about and this helps me stay stable. It's needed. Running faster is even better! 

I am more upbeat at work. Call it a "runners high" call it what you want? I am the happiest person at 7:00 am when the early part of our work team all walks in at 6:59am! 

My Vo2 max had increased over the last four months. Vo2 max is your aerobic capacity. I stand in disbelieve at some of my achievements over the last few months because I've been willing to trust someone with more knowledge than me to get my body into shape. Trusting the process is very hard for me as I get worried for whatever reason, it won't work. As long as you have someone working with you that knows what their doing, just trust them! If you pull up a "free" training plan off the internet, that's fine, but if you really have a time goal, at least have someone with more knowledge look it over and explain they whys? I've seen too many folks not understand the workouts, thus cheating themselves from getting the most out of their training cycle. 

Keeping my blood presser and cholesterol at healthy levels. I do get my numbers checked as I work in healthcare and I'm not getting any younger, I know that keeping this under control is a huge deal. 

My last why is it just it makes me a better person. I feel better and it helps me want to help others. I am outside, in my own head for several hours a week. I am able to get focused on my day. I am able to dream a little. What do I really want for myself and those I will be in contact with for the day? I am able to reach for a goal(s) over time, that I never ever thought I could do! 

The other day, I friend posted this and it struck me hard core! "Just remember 5 years ago, you dreamed about where you are NOW." Don't give up on yourself...EVER! 

I'm ready to go for "my gold!" a Sub-3:30 on June 4th! 

Marathon Training: Week 16, Taper?

We are now less than three weeks out, meaning we've entered "the taper." I'm not a fan of the taper, but know the importance of it. If you are unfamiliar with what the taper  in marathon training, it's the last 2-3 weeks where you reduce the volume and intensity of training. If done correctly, you will line up on race day ready, rested and will be able to run your best race (depending on how your training cycle has gone). 

There are several factors to consider! It's time to get some "extra rest," but not "too much" rest! It's normal to start feeling tired more during these weeks, but if too much rest happens, you won't be in prime shape come race morning. You still have to run! I have been good all this cycle with taking extra time to rest on days I'm tired. Some days, it's just coming home from work and going to bed. On the weekends, it's sleeping in and or an afternoon nap. 

A little weight gain is normal during this time. It won't be much, but it's time to eat a little more carbs. I strongly believe in "health carb" options. It's not an excuse to eat cake every day! It is crucial to keep the "diet" in tack as it can affect performance on race day, big time. 

Coming up with a "race day" plan is something to consider. I actually started this last week for a couple friends who plan on watching the marathon. I planned out my pace/aide station times for my friends. This will ensure they know where and when to find me (want a copy? Just ask). I also started figuring out what I will be wearing on race day. I am waiting to be a little closer for a better forecast but I like to race in a tank and shorts/skirt! I have a few to pick from so I just need to narrow that down. 

The "taper crazies", sometimes known as "taper tantrum" is my biggest reason to hate the taper. I do not like to think about having to do less quality training runs. That has been what I've done for 3.5 months. I will still do some, but not as many. It'll feel off. Runners are creatures of habit, so this part sucks. I've had the best training cycle of my life and yet doubt and fear is beginning to set in. It also comes with the excitement of knowing I could really do want I want to do and what I trained for. See why it's crazy???

During the taper, many experience what I like to call "phantom pains." This is something I've not only experienced, but have seen many runner friends go through it. Pain during the taper are simply tissues repairing themselves on a microscope level. A person will often experience muscle cramps as the body adapts. This will make a runner think they are injured and will never be able to pull off the race! It's madness!

I will still be running a lot in the next couple weeks and this taper period is all part of the process. It's just going to be a different type of running. I do know if I play my cards correctly, It'll all pay off on June 4th. 

On June 4th I will line up at 6:50am for my 6th Newport Marathon. I've mostly trained alone this time around. I have had enormous support from not only other runners who have watched my journey, but non runners who have heard about my craziness and somehow can related it to a different area in their life. It's pretty cool. I have had my husband to run my long runs with on the weekends. I have to say that this has been very enjoyable! In the past I've loved having lots of people on the weekend long run. This "lack of folks" has given me freedom to sleep in more and go out at my pace and my pace only. I have pushed my pace on a couple weekends as my husband can run faster. We have had a lot of fun. This has only benefited my training. I've always listened to my body and backed off when needed. 

I don't know that I'll have anything to write about next week, but we'll see what comes up! 

🥂 Cheers to the taper crazies!!!!

Marathon Training: Week Fifteen

My biggest question this week is, "how in the world are we already at week 15?"

Seriously! A marathon training seems like it's long, yet it goes by so fast. As much work as I do, as well as it goes, I'll never feel 100% ready. It's part of the deal. The marathon is a hard race. I will do my very best in training all the way up until race day, June 4th. I will not be sure how the weather will be that day or how I will feel when I wake up that morning. I will continue to focus on what I can control and that's getting up every day and doing my workout. I will bank on my training to get me to the finish line because the marathon won't run itself.

The one thing I have learned from training for marathons is you cannot fake it to the finish line. You have to put the work in. You have to run the miles, and you need to have a good mindset. If the weather is bad, suck it up and trust your training. 

This last week I was pretty exhausted. Not just from training, but from other things in my life. I'm actually thankful for the training right now. Although training like I do could become a stressor in daily life, it's become a stress relief for me. The running early before work sets up my mind and body for a better day. I feel accomplished and strong. I get to clear my head and have time to myself. I have greatly benefitted from "simply showing up for myself." 

Are you having trouble getting started or showing up for yourself? I've found a few things that have helped me, so maybe they'll help you 😘

Write down your workout schedule monthly and go over it weekly. Schedule the workouts like a dentist appointment. I find if I think of it as an appointment, I just do it. 

Ask someone to meet up with you. If you're having problems getting out the door, meeting a friend may help. When I schedule to meet my friend, I am way more likely to show up.

Set out your workout clothes the day before. This makes getting going less stressful. Everything is out and ready for you to get moving. 

Make up a new playlist. When I workout alone I often listen to music. Some people prefer a good podcast. Whatever the case, this is really helpful in getting that workout in.

You are in charge of your own thoughts and actions. Please hit me up if you're wanting to be more active and need help getting started. You are worth it! 

Marathon Training: Week Fourteen (Eugene Half Marathon)

Week fourteen was a week I was anticipating. I couldn't wait to run Eugene Half Marathon for a number of reasons. 

I ran my best full marathon here back in

2018, the last time the finish was on Hayward field. This year it was in the new stadium. Eugene is Track town USA and holds so much running history. Just Google it, there's so much to see. 

This half was built into my training for two reasons. One, I just wanted to run Eugene as I love it so. Two, I wanted a race 4-5 weeks out from Newport to see how training was going as a test and to let my body and emotions go through the race process for a really good practice. 

I'm not going to make anything up here. Racing is hard. Although my mental game is way up and I feel stronger than ever, it's always a thought, "what if I can't do it?" At Shamrock ☘️ 15k (9.3 miles with hills) I ran a 7:22 pace. It's a bit difficult to compare that course with Eugene. Eugene does have some hills but nothing like Shamrock and I will be running about four more miles for the test of endurance. 

In July 2018 I ran my fastest half to date. I ran a 7:31 pace, finishing at 1:38:34. It was also a mostly downhill course, making for a really fast time. I was told by at least three people to not count that time into trying to PR again. Does a downhill even count? I realize what I was being told and set that time to the side but I haven't forgotten. I still remember what it felt like at points in that race and how it got really hard the last couple miles. Some races you never forget.

May 1st 2022. Going into Eugene I am a stronger, more advanced runner. I still make mistakes but there's no doubt in my mind, that I am ready to give a PR (personal record) a try again. I decided not to disregard my 1:38:34 time. If I take a look at training, I should be able to run a 7:33 pace, not quite enough to PR that 7:31 pace but oh so close. I decided 7:30 isn't too much to ask of my body for the condition I am currently in.

I started in corral B, the 2nd wave of runners. We started at 7:01am. I was quickly frustrated as I was boxed in. This is typical for large races. I made the best of it and just started weaving around other runners. It did give me something to focus on. This went on for a long time. For miles really. There was always people around me. I would catch up to the larger "pace groups" and there was a huge mass of folks to go around. One thing I've learned is just just own it and go around. Don't spend your energy getting irritated, It's all part of the race.

The course took me back to 2018, the emotions, each step and even the memories of the friends I made in the course last time. This time was different. I didn't want to talk to anyone. I would pretend a person I was my friend for a while but no talking this time. I just let my mental be focus and I was locked in! 

We started going up a small hill but I had

warmed up pre race, I was ready. My first mile was a slower one but it's the pace I thought I would run for the day for a slight PR, right about 7:30. I still was weaving people but started to settle into a pace and was feeling really good. The weather was ideal and the company was great. 

Mile two was definitely on the fast side but I realized I was speeding up each time we went by a crowd. The crowds cheers do push me through in a very positive way. Mile three - five were on point. I was running strong and was zoned into my race. I remember the feeling of "I could run like this forever, I feel so good." I didn't want to put out too much yet, as it was way too early and it can come back to haunt you later in the race. 

Miles six and seven. Definitely feeling good and there were crowds. I knew I possiblity could regret this but I am so used to running 8-10 miles at a time now in training, the half distance (13.1 miles) isn't imidating. At this point I was halfway and just had to run back to the stadium. Mental toughness, this is where it pays off. 

Mile eight I got back down to the pace I felt comfortable at, but then we started back up the hills again, only this time I wasn't fresh anymore. Miles nine through eleven were harder than I cared for but I still was feeling pretty in control of my race overall. 

Mile twelve I got back into my pace and was hoping to pass people. I played my passing games as we ran on Pre's Trail and although I was starting to feel the aches and pains of racing, I never once thought I couldn't do this. 

At one and a half miles out, I had my weakest moment. I had just passed two

female runners and got scared they would pass me back because I was feeling it. I soon hear a Man yell out from behind, "Let's go team. Only six laps on the track left. We got this " as the Man, or should I say Coach went by I thanked him for his words and he let out a, "relax those arms" or something of the sorts and I did exactly what he said. I realized I had started to tense up a bit. This got my head back where it needed to be as mile thirteen was my slowest. It was closer to marathon pace and this race was only half of that. 

As I got closer to Hayward field I started to feel emotional. We were running down a blocked road now that would lead us right onto the track. Even writing this today makes me emotional. I remember letting out a dry heave just before turning onto the track. I feared I would have to slow down to keep from barfing. I then thought, this is a new track, if I barf in the new track I will be mortified. I tucked that though away, turned the corner and I was in Hayward field! I ran the last .1 miles at. 6:55 pace and let the moment sink in! 

I crossed the finish line and doubled over as I do when I've run my best. Jerry was right there and I said "hi" and walked over to the side thinking I may lose it. Suddenly I was handed a barf bag like the ones we had at work and I realized I was being watched. I think the volunteers were thinking I may need medical. 

I never did throw up, I had my moment. I told the folks looking out I was totally fine and walked over with Jerry as we waited for more friends to come in. I felt like 1000 bucks.

The sun was now starting to break just a little, but boy was it cold. Perfect running temps are only perfect running temps. It was still in the 40's. 

I sit here, the next day full of emotions. I ran the half well, but not perfect by any means. I definitely ran the first half too fast and had to hold on. I did feel strong the whole time, even at my weakest point in the race. I was able to run this morning (Monday) with no signs of overdoing it for the race yesterday. My fear is injury. I continue to really listen to my body and continue to put the work in each week. 

Newport Marathon is four and a half weeks out. I'm feeling pretty alive lately! Tired, yet so alive! 

Oh, by the way. I PR'ed my half time and I counted the downhill race from four years ago! 1:36:59 (7:25 pace). 

Marathon Training: Week Thirteen - Consistency

 This last week I have done a good job keeping my miles going up. I've known for years, to get to the next level, I must put in a little more work. Guess what? It's working! 

 There's a difference between training to get to the finish line and

and training to hit a goal time-personal record time that will ensure getting into Boston 2023 and the struggle is real. 

 I trained hard in 2018 and did just that. It was the first year in history that the time I ran, qualified me for Boston "19 but wasn't good enough as more and more runners are trying to get in every year. I qualified in Eugene and then registered with a qualifying time, only to be told it wasn't good enough. Heartbreaking! I had worked so hard, ended up messing up my foot a bit and had a really difficult time getting back into a training mindset. 

I still stayed consistent, that's something I do well. I ended up going through some struggles, one being Norton's Neuroma in my left foot. The treatment injections got to be pretty brutal but was thankful for a no surgery option. 

I tried to get back into training and I struggled big time with mindset. Covid soon hit, so races started being a thing of the past for a couple years. I still stayed consistent.

As races started coming back, I tried to get back into training and again, injured myself. This time it was my left calf, as training was getting up in miles and intensity. I had to take a big look at what was going on and scale back. I stayed consistent in what I could do as I healed. 

As we came out of covid I was dealing with injury and needed something to focus on so I started working on my body. I knew my body needed a good check to be ready to start training again once my calf healed. I stayed consistent and dropped over 15 lbs. 

I was now feeling really good once again. I started healing and slowly, smartly getting my miles up, and was back into training the end of January 2022. 

For the first time since 2018 my mind has been on fire. I have been more focused than ever and my training is going better than I've ever experienced. At this point I need to keep moving forward while really listening to my body. One wrong move and I could face injury, taking me out for June 4th's marathon. 

I'm not going to let that happen! 

 This coming Sunday I run Eugene Half Marathon. My goal time is doable according to my training times, but will also be hard. It will be a PR (personal record) I once thought I would

never ever come close to again. Eugene will also be fun. I have friends coming to run the half too. I love meeting up with running friends at the races. Finishing on Hayward field will also be my reminder that come June 4th, my training will take over and I will run my race! Hayward field is where I stepped over the finish line as a Boston Qualifier in 2018. I dropped to the ground as soon as I finished. My husband and a volunteer grabbed me and pulled my body up and over to the side. I had given it my all and I will never forget that moment.