Who Will Save Your Soul?

I ran almost two slow miles before meeting my running buddy this morning.  Neither of us were feeling very spry.  I was still full from over-eating at a party last night, which affected my ability to run.  My party behavior adversely affecting my running behavior.  My buddy confessed that some other buddies said that I put all other compulsives to shame.  I was stunned.  My buddies were calling ME compulsive?  I was still shocked when it came time to turn around and I refused to turn before I touched the end of the cement.  Is that obsessive or compulsive or simply disordered? I set a new goal this morning.  I won’t run another marathon before October 7. I won’t run another marathon before October 7. I won’t run another marathon before October 7. This afternoon, I amused myself by planning to run three marathons in three states in less than three weeks.  In November.  That’s after October 7.  So I could still reach my goal. 

Something About You

This is probably the last blog post for a while that uses a Boston song title.  But I have to write about today.

It was cold, windy and rainy this morning and the last thing in the world I wanted to do was run a marathon.  My sister suggested that we just not run it and for a fraction of a second I thought perhaps she was serious and I relished the idea.  But that idea was gone as fast as a slip of paper in this morning’s wind.  I bundled up and met everyone downstairs at Starbucks, including Jill, a good friend of my new Phoenix running buddy, who I had never met before.  Outside, the wind blew so strongly, a large street sign whipped through the air right in front of Jill and I.  It was scary.  At Boston Common, headed for the buses, I took a moment to look around the park and appreciate how beautiful it is.  We waited in line, in the cold windy rain, for almost half an hour.  The bus ride went past Fenway Park and on to the start in Hopkinton.  We were on the bus for over an hour, but I didn’t care.  I was grateful to be dry and warm.  At the athlete village, everything was wet.  There were tents, but under the tents was the same cold water several inches deep as outside the tents.  No hope of staying dry and it wasn’t long before my feet were frozen and I was shivering hard.  Jill was in the first wave and went to the start first.  I followed about 30 minutes later.  I changed into my dry socks and running shoes, but in a minute they were soaking wet, too.  My feet were completely numb.

My starting corral what adjacent to the Koren Presbyterian Church where the elite athletes warmed up an hour before.  I snuck out of the corral and up to the porch where I quizzed people on my sister.  Did they see her?  F163. No one remembered her, but it didn’t matter.  They would have if something was really wrong.

The rain was still coming down when we started and I kept telling myself to relax and go my own pace.  A runner wearing a bib that said “Visually Impaired” blew by me while holding the arm of a runner with a bib that said “Guide”.  I had been warned repeatedly by veterans not to go out to fast.  Newbie mistake, they told me.  At around mile 2, I saw a porta potty that I needed and there was a line.  I laughed at myself for being concerned about the line.  Given my training, finishing was all I was after, so I stopped my watch and took a leisurely potty stop – that ended up being about three minutes, line included.  When I started running again, I chatted with a woman from Team in Training who was running her fifth Boston Marathon.  As a charity runner, she didn’t need to meet the time qualifying standard and said she was shooting for 5 hours.  I said “So am I!” (because of being injured and unable to train) and we decided to stick together.  But it wasn’t very long until I noticed that we were going too fast.  “Run your own race” kept going through my head.  I told her I had to back off because this pace was unsustainable.  “I always go out to fast and die later.” she said happily.  I said “Well, right now you are on a four hour pace.”  She seemed surprised as she trotted off down the hill.

Very shortly thereafter, I met Robin from Phoenix, Maryland.  She just turned 50 and her goal was to run a marathon before she was 50 and after having qualified last fall in the Baltimore Marathon, here she was.  Our conversation was easy as we talked about family, goals, and friends.  The miles ticked by and we were very consistent  Every 5K was about half an hour and we were holding just over nine minute miles.  The weather was going from windy, very cold rain, to light drizzle, to just grey day and back again.  I had my gloves on, then took them off, then had them on…  Repeat.  We discussed water and gu stops.  After our stops, I often saw Robin turn her head and I would reply “I am right here, Robin.”  Robin was looking for her husband and son who were to meet her along the way, but she couldn’t find them.  She had a neice at Wellsley and wanted to be sure we would be on the right side of the road when we went by.  I heard the yelling from the Wellsley girls about 400 yards before we got there or could see them.  I had no idea that kissing a Wellsley girl was tradition, but I was not about to kiss some random girl (nor MIT guy there with signs) who had also kissed untold numbers of other random people.  It sounded disgusting!  But we were lucky to see Robin’s neice who joined us for a picture.  She said “Yell for Catherine!  She is pulling me through this!”  And she made sure I was in the picture.  Who was pulling who along was up for debate at this time, but I enjoyed it.

Coming through the Newton Hills, I warned Robin that I was going to take my shirt off at mile 17.  (I had already peeled off my jacket.  I had three shirts on and it was time for the outer layer to come off.)  We passed mile 17 and I said “Right at that corner, I am taking my shirt off.”  Who was standing at that corner?  Robin’s family!  She greeted them warmly and apologized that she had to keep going, but I reminded her it was a scheduled stop.  I stripped off my outer shirt and tied it around my waist as she got support and encouragement from her family.  Her son trotted along with us for a while and he seemed like a really nice kid.

The hills were taking their toll on my quads.  My “long” training run had only been 14 miles.  I was growing weary.  I wasn’t feeling as chatty.  At the bottom of Heartbreak Hill, I told Robin that my delightful chatter was over.  I encouraged her to go ahead and she said “No.  We’re in this together.”  I plodded up Heartbreak Hill staring at Robin’s shoes running in front of me.  She said “You’re passing people.”  That was amazing to me.  I was digging deep.  This was where mind ruled over training and I knew it.  Shortly after that, we passed the “Visually Impaired” runner.  I wondered if it was the guide or the runner who had made the newbie mistake.

I was stunned when we crossed 20 miles and realized that we had an hour in which to run a 10K and still make it in under 4:20.  I told Robin we could do this in our sleep, but I sure wasn’t feeling like it.  At 23 miles she said she would really like to finish in 4:15.  I said “You’re not going to make it if you hang with me.”  She said something like “If you want to be alone, I will go.  But I’d rather stay with you.”  And I said “After all this way, it would be nice to finish together.”  For the last two miles, it was all I could do to just put one foot in front of the other, focusing on her shoes when she got a little ahead.  Several times, she turned around to look for me.  As we turned down Boylston street and saw the finish and heard the roaring crowds, she said “Let’s go!”  She picked up her pace.  I wished I could pick up mine.  I said “You go.  I have nothing left.”  Just before the finish line, she turned once more to look for me and held out her hand.  I grabbed her hand and we crossed the famous finish line of the Boston Marathon together – 40 years after the first woman, Katherine Switzer.

It was amazing.  Finishing this up, Tuesday morning, I am sore, but nothing feels permanently injured.  I have finished 5 marathons since October 7.

In a cruel twist of irony, my sister, the Elite Runner, who has so graciously encouraged me and helped me all along this road.  Who values my efforts even if I am not as fast as she is.  My elite sister had to drop out at mile 21.7 with a severe knee injury.  I have a finisher’s medal.  She has her first DNF.  It makes me sad for her, but not to the point where I am not enjoying my own accomplishments.  And I know that it would be the same if the Brooks Adreneline were on the other foot.

Peace of Mind

I find myself on the verge of tears.  I am not one to burst into tears at the drop of a hat, but when I reflect on where I am now and where I was 20 years ago – it is overwhelming. 

We ran The Freedom Run this morning around Boston Common and while I couldn’t get a very good view of the parkitself, I did note the Ritz Carlton hotel where Louis stayed while he played for the swan boats in “The Trumpet of the Swan.”  My sister says that there is a duck statue there that is linked to the book “Make Way for Ducklings” that was written by a friend of Aunt Marion’s.  Tomorrow we will run within a block of her old house in Newton Centre.  We ran past the state house today with its gleaming gold dome and past the lovely row houses on Beacon Hill.  One of them had “window boxes” filled with flowers.  But instead of traditional boxes, they were running shoes.  We ran past the inspiration for Cheers Bar, which seemed to excite others more than me.

Then we went to the Elite Ahtlete Technical Meeting where we met other injured elite athletes…  and some healthy ones, too.  My sister is still nursing her knee injury, but she is optimistic about tomorrow.  I was very impressed by the race director, David McGillivray.  He told us about the salt trucks that they have standing by all along route in case of black ice.  The course has been changed and now goes underneath Massachusetts Avenue.  Dave told us about the pumps they would be using to get the water out of that area and assured us that if they couldn’t pump fast enough or had a problem, they would change the course back to the way it used to be.  He told us about the crews standing by with chain saws to chop up downed limbs and remove them promptly.  I couldn’t help but think of limbs coming down and landing on runners.  Like me. 

After the technical meeting, I was consumed with a compulsion to go to church. While my sister and her friends went to the expo, I walked in the rain to the Old South Church http://www.oldsouth.org/  It’s near the finish line.  Walking into the beautiful old church, I was greeted warmly over and over again.  Finally, I said  to one of them “Wow, you sure have a lot of greeters.”  Settling in my pew, I felt sure that someone was going to try to rope me into selling Amway at any minute.  I had to get out of there and find the Catholic Church Rick had told me about.  He said it was just 6 blocks away, but in the driving rain, he was hailing a cab.  I asked all the friendly greeters for help, but they were clueless about where this church could be.  I did find one to give me a phone book and I looked up the address.  Armed with very vague directions, I took off fast.  Partly because the weather was so awful, and partly because mass started at 11 and it was almost 11.  It was pure luck that I looked up to spot a little sign that said “Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church” with an arrow.  “Our Lady of Victories” – what a great name for a church, especially on the day before the marathon.  I made it in time.  The church was beautiful and no one greeted me at the door.  I loved it instantly.  The priest got up and welcomed us to the marathon mass, assuring us that was not meant to refer to the length of the service, but to the race the next day.  At the end of mass, he asked all the people running the marathon to come forward for a special blessing.  There were probably 50 of us gathered around him and he smiled as he said “This is about as close to a marathon as I will ever get.”

Having done the Expo on Saturday, I did not really need to go back, except to get a replacement drop bag.  My sister called that they weren’t giving out replacements without the first one to turn in, but I didn’t want to go back to the room to get my ripped one.  She said with a sigh “Well, you do have powerful negotiating skills.”  About 15 minutes later, I ran into my sister exiting the expo as I held my new drop bag in my hand.

Dinner was fantastic at Vinny T’s – organized by one of her friends.  Her running group has been planning this Boston for two years.  They are organized and ready.  I am so grateful to be riding along the wave.

Tonight, I pinned my number on my Marathon Maniacs singlet that I will wear over a runderwear long sleeve shirt borrowed from my sister.  My bib says “2007 Boston Marathon   13110″.  I was stunned.  I am going to run the Boston Marathon.  I qualified.  I earned my place here.  My sister pinned her number on her bib.  “2007 Boston Marathon F163″.  Her bib has an American flag on it as she has qualified for the US Women’s Marathon Championship that is part of the Boston Marathon tomorrow.  We placed them side by side on the bed and took a picture.

I really like being here with my sister.  She is funny.  I can be myself.  We joke around with each other and I am having a great time.

Cold

This just popped up in my in box from the nice folks at the Boston Athletic Association…

April 13, 2007 Weather Advisory – 2007 Boston Marathon The Boston Athletic Association’s medical team recommends the following precautions and advice for participants in Monday’s Boston Marathon: FORECAST: The most up-to-date weather forecast calls for a predicted Spring storm on Monday, including heavy rains (potentially 3 to 5 inches), with the start temperatures in the mid to upper 30’s. Wind will likely be East (in the face of the participants for most of the race) in the 20 to 25 mile per hour range, with gusts to as much as 50 miles per hour. This will produce a wind chill index of 25 to 30-degrees Fahrenheit. RISKS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RUNNERS PARTICIPATING IN COLD AND WET CONDITIONS: Combined with the rain, we are concerned that predicted weather conditions will increase the runners’ risks for a condition called hypothermia. As with any athletic competition, as a runner you are assuming the risks inherent with participation. It is your responsibility to be informed about the risks associated with running in the aforementioned conditions, and the risks of injury or illness will increase with these predicted conditions. While exercising in cold weather, our bodies attempt to maintain core temperature by shunting blood away from the periphery, thus minimizing heat loss. Hypothermia sets in when the body’s temperature drops below normal, starting when the body loses heat faster than heat can be generated. Heat is produced by muscle action and shivering. Very low body temperatures can be life threatening. WARNING SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA: Mild hypothermia is heralded by goose pimples and shivering as our bodies attempt to raise our metabolic rates to increase our core temperature. Moderate hypothermia will result in muscular fatigue, poor coordination, numbness and disorientation. Severe hypothermia can result ultimately in cardiovascular failure. Treatment of hypothermia requires prompt recognition and treatment as mild hypothermia can progress to a more severe situation if not addressed early. WHAT TO DO IF HYPOTHERMIA SETS IN: Runners should be removed from cold, wet, or windy conditions. Wet clothing should be removed, and rewarming commenced with warm blankets and ingestion of warm fluids. If the athlete’s condition does not improve, transportation to a medical facility should be arranged. Hypothermia can occur at temperatures at, or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, or even in higher temperatures when the weather is also wet and windy. Cold temperatures, dampness, and wind increase the risk of hypothermia for runners. Sweat cools the body quickly during cold weather running. Wind evaporates it faster. As with so many other conditions in sports medicine, our best offense (treatment) is a good defense (preparation). Following the guidelines below will help minimize risk for cold related illness and will maximize your enjoyment and performance during the race: PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR RACE DAY: Be prepared prior to the race. Have extra clothing which will enable you to stay dry even before the race begins. For the race itself, dress in layers of loose, lightweight clothing. The first layer of clothing (closest to the body) should be made of polyester or polypropylene which will “wick” sweat away from the body. Subsequent layers should be loose and breathable-fleece is a good choice. Cotton should be minimized as it can allow sweat buildup. The outer layer should be wind and water resistant, thus protecting from wind, rain, and snow. When in doubt, add the extra layer. You can always remove a layer if you warm up, but you will regret not having it if you start freezing with several miles to go. Protect your head and extremities. Wearing a hat is essential as up to 50% of body heat can be lost though the head. Gloves are important to prevent exposure to the hands. These, too, can be removed if you get warm, but you’ll regret not having them if needed. Mittens are better on colder days as they will keep the hands even warmer. Shield the face with a scarf or high collar. Wear socks that retain heat and wick moisture away. Runners with exercise-induced bronchospasm should attempt to warm air such as through a scarf or mask. A prolonged warm-up prior to hard running can help minimize symptoms. Carry your inhaler if you use one, and use it should it become necessary. Stay with your normal hydration regime, remembering not to over drink. Do not drink alcohol the night before the race. Alcohol will make the body lose heat faster. Run with a partner. It is sometimes difficult to recognize if you are becoming hypothermic. A running partner can help if you get into trouble. Shivering is a sign of hypothermia. The cessation of shivering may indicate more severe hypothermia and the runner should seek evaluation at a shelter. Consider canceling your run or seek shelter if the weather conditions are too severe or you are too tired. Running on ice or over snow-covered terrain can lead to tripping, falling, or injury. Medical stations and American Red Cross locations – located every mile along the route – along the course will have buses to handle your medical needs. Rewarming will be difficult given the weather and normal field size, so if you are not feeling well, do not wait to seek medical attention. Help each other. Be aware of yourself but also make medical team members aware if you see someone on the route who you believe may be starting to suffer from the onset of hypothermia. TREATMENT OF HYPOTHERMIA Keep the runner dry and cover with blankets. Shelter the runner from wind and water. Provide heat to the neck, underarms, and groin. Heat only the trunk initially to avoid core temperature after-drop. After-drop occurs in this manner: Extremities cool faster than the trunk. If you re-warm the extremities, their colder blood will re-enter the circulation and actually worsen hypothermia temporarily. Keep the runner lying down, but only in a warm dry location. Administer warm fluids by mouth if the runner is shivering. If the shivering reflex is lost, a bear hugger should be utilized (loss of the shivering reflex signifies significant hypothermia). Avoid moving/jarring the runner suddenly because this may trigger an abnormal heart rhythm. If CPR is necessary, resuscitation should not be stopped until the person’s body temperature is at least 95°F/35°C (never give up your efforts). All temperatures indicated are rectal measures, which give a closer indication of core temperature. If the victim is cooperative, you may take temperature by other methods.

Home Before Dark

I didn’t work tonight.  I went to the movies.  I wanted to see the movie Charlie and I watched being filmed last summer.  Perhaps it was just to get a glimpse of my beloved Tesuque Peak.  Twist it any way I can, I can’t figure out why I feel so connected to that mountain.  It was one brilliant summer day racing the afternoon rain.  One of the most difficult runs of my life.  And I would do it again – rain, snow, ice, scalding sun – I don’t care.  I just want to go back.

I

Underwater

Today I saw two dolphins leap out of the water and fall back in, just like they do at Sea World.  I saw them surfing in the waves.  I saw a baby swimming safely next to his mother.  Why didn’t I ever see dolphins in the ocean as a kid?  Was there something about Santa Monica Bay that they didn’t like?

I went for a run along the beach.  I am still training, not really tapering.  I don’t have any base.  I figure I need to keep building for next week.  I could have run all day.  But I promised I was only going out for five miles.  Check it out…  http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=840443  Tomorrow I go long.

Anticipation

Yesterday in the mail I got my packet from Boston.  It was so inspiring.  I want to get the shirts that say “My Mom Just Ran The Boston Marathon” for the kids.  Since my injury, I have really been on the fence about whether or not I will be a spectator or a participant.  There have been several benchmarks I have set for myself only to see them sailing by with yet another setback.  I have resigned myself to not running Boston several times consoling myself that my goal, after all, was to qualify.  Recently, I used Google Maps to compare the roads I ran 20 years ago in Newton Centre with the Patriot’s Day course.  I remember the clownish pink and grey Hind running tights I wore then.  The tights that are still folded in my drawer for a cold day when I can layer them under black tights.  I want to run Boston.  I already have my Qualifying Time in the bag for next year, but I have registered and bought the airline tickets for this year. Boston won’t be an annual run for me.  I am already taking heat for my expensive marathon habit.

I asked my sister how far I would have to run to prove that I could walk jog through Boston – injury and all. She said “You have to get into the low teens.”  Okay.  13 is low teens.  But when Craig suggested I join him today for 14 slow ones, I jumped at the chance.  It was delightful running with Craig again.  He doesn’t have a mean bone in his body and I have never heard him say anything unpleasant about someone else.  He can carry on a conversation that only requires an occasional “Uh huh.” from me.  Still, I worried I wouldn’t be able to make 14.  That’s longer than I have run in two months.  I didn’t want to make my injury worse and seal my Boston fate.  I told Craig that I had to finish Boston in 6 hours and 15 minutes to get a finisher’s medal.  He said “If you finish that slow, you can just change your name to Chris Wyman, get a sex change operation and stay in Boston.  Don’t even come back.”  He ran LA with a torn hip flexor in 5:08.  Today we ran 14 in 2:04.  I was stunned.  That’s better than 9 minute miles and it felt like we were cruising.  My cautious goal for Boston is 5 hours.

I am pumped.  I am as ready as I am going to be.  I will keep up my sfm training schedule and I will do what I need to do to cover the 26.2 miles under my own power without the aid of the MTA.  It’s not what I thought my Boston was going to be.  But a year ago, I never really thought I was going to be able to run 26.2 miles, let alone get to Boston.  I suspect that the whole reason nature gives us injury is so we can appreciate the times when we are healthy all the more.