This week I ran over 55 miles. That’s a high mileage week for me, especially so soon after a marathon. One persistent thought was with me as I ran: “How lucky am I?” I get to run with some wonderful friends. I get to stay in shape so I can keep up with my kids. And I get to enjoy all be benefits of physical activity. What a gift. And I thought about all the people who aren’t so lucky. All the kids who don’t get a chance to enjoy running.
I have become involved with an organization called Chances for Children. This group brings running and nutrition programs into schools that have had funding cuts and no longer are able to support PE and health programs. They also support camp programs for underpriviledged kids that emphasize lifelong fitness, running, and nutrition. They are on the front lines fighting childhood obesity. Please visit my fundraising page and help me get to my goal: http://www.active.com/donate/TEAMChances/cwyman
I finally made it to Twin Cities! The Elite Athlete van took me to the hotel and escorted me upstairs to the Elite Athlete Lounge. I felt like an interloper. I am not the Elite Athlete, just her guest. But they treated me like a rock star, nonetheless. I got to meet Tracy Lokken who is really funny and cool. He’s the type of guy I’d like to have in my running group. I could never keep up with him, but it would be fun to visit before and after a run. My sister’s buddies who were there were fun, too. I had never met Tony before and he was a kick. We trolled the expo together and I had a great time.
Race day was another matter. It was humid and I was feeling soft. The race was nice, but the humidity got me from the beginning. My stomach was bothering me. I was trying to run with a bandit who was too fast. Finally, I let her go, but I passed her up a few miles later. I’d heard the course was shaded, and parts of it were, but that also cut into cutting the tangents. The sun was brutal. I ran with “Kim” for a while who had her name on her shirt and everyone cheered for her. I ran with “Tammy” who regretted putting her name on her shirt because everyone cheered for her, but she wasn’t having the race she wanted and I suspect that she just wanted to run unrecognized. The proverbial running while hiding under the dining room table. I enjoyed her company for a while, but I was having a slightly better day that she was. I enjoyed seeing people I had seen in the beginning and trading places with them as we ran along with varying bursts of enthusiasm.
After mile 20, I really started to struggle. I gave myself permission to walk. I also gave myself permission to throw up on the side of the road, but with all the fans lining the race course, I didn’t really see where I could take care of it discretely. I worried that once I started tossing my cookies, I wouldn’t be able to stop. By mile 24, I realized that I had allowed my goal of sub four to slip through my fingers. I was mad at myself. I pounded one foot after another just focused on finishing. Suddenly, I thought I heard someone calling me. I must be confused. No one knows me here. Nevertheless, I turned around to see Dick and Ginny Stockwell! It gave me such a boost to see them and I really appreciated their coming out to see me.
My finish time was 4:01:43.
After the race, the volunteers were wonderful! I never had to stop too long for anything. I got my drop bag in about 5 seconds. They were all so helpful. I quickly found my sister. I learned that Tracy Lokken had won the Men’s Masters championship! We found my sister’s other buddies, who claim they cheered for me at the finish, but I hadn’t heard them. It was a fun weekend and I am glad I went. I think I’d like to do it again.
For those of you who know airports, you’ll recognize that this picture is NOT from the Minneapolis – St Paul airport. I just took it from my perch here in Phoenix Sky Harbor terminal 4. Due to “runway construction”, my morning flight was delayed several times. By the time they were finally ready to board, I was mad. Couldn’t they have anticipated runway construction? And the flight scheduled AFTER mine took off before mine. Grrr. I was already missing the expo and would most likely be late for the VIP reception. So, when they were begging for people to be bumped for a free ticket, I seized the opportunity to turn my misfortune into good. I am still missing the VIP reception, but this means my sis won’t have to worry about who gets a guest pass. Hopefully if there is any schwag, Tony will pick up something in my size. But if not, it doesn’t matter. I can use the ticket to fly my neice of nephew down for a visit. It will be fun.
I read today that blog titles should be meaningful and not “cute”. Does this mean I have to give up my song titles? I am holding out hope for the sound track.
My marathon is in four days. I wish I weighed less.
