Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon RECAP

Yesterday was my first Half Marathon. If you recall, I decided one day to train for my first 5K before my 40th birthday. Running was NOT something I ever did. EVER. At the time, I had a 3 and 6 year old. I worked full time. I was just getting into the swing of things juggling those boys and my life. I never, ever thought that one day I would be running a 1/2 marathon.

Well, this year, I started running with Black Girls Run, my running group. These women were so much fun. They were encouraging. They pushed me to keep going further. I went from 1 mile to 3 miles. From 3 miles to 5 miles. One day, I ran 7. Then, they signed me up for my first ten mile race. I conquered the Broad Street Run. I started training with a crew of ladies who were training for their first half marathons. Team 13.1 is what we started calling ourselves after the number of miles in the race.

Every morning at 5am, we trained hard. Some mornings, we ran hills. Some mornings we did boot camp. Some mornings, we did speed intervals. Once a week, we ran a long run. We did this for about 12 weeks. Finally, two weeks ago, one of the ladies asked me if I was running the 1/2 marathon with them. To tell the truth, I was scared that I couldn’t do it. It just sounded so crazy. In my head….I DON’T RUN HALF MARATHONS.

Finally, I realized the deadline had passed for me to register without paying a gazillion dollars. One of the teammates, pulled out of the event due to injury and I ended up with her race bib. Suddenly, I felt like the universe was conspiring to propel me to run this race. I drank the Kool Aid and got ready.

Saturday night, my stomach was killing me. I was so anxious. I think I got four hours of sleep.

I woke up on Sunday morning and started getting ready. When I got there, I found my training crew. We were all anxious but we had run the distance once before. We hugged each other and encouraged each other.

PRE-RACE laughs with my training crew….

During the race, we talked and felt good. We passed miles and enjoyed the race waving to friends and family all the way. We saw an elderly gentleman running in a POW-MIA shirt while holding an American flag on a long flagpole. It brought tears to my eyes. Around mile 7, one of my co-workers who had been reclaiming his health ran up and hugged me. He was running his first race too. We high fived and joked that we would see each other on the finish line.

Our running team had cheerleaders at every mile marker. They were awesome. They had signs and cheered for us by name. They were so uplifting. I cruised into mile ten feeling good.

THE BEST PEP SQUAD EVER!

Right around mile 10-all smiles

At mile 11 1/2, my body started to hit the wall. My breathing was not labored thanks to all of my swimming and endurance training. For an asthmatic, I used to worry about gasping for air but I have great breath control now. However, my legs were starting to feel it. My body started talking to me.

My knees said “Look here. Didn’t we have a talk not too long ago? Didn’t I tell you to sit your old azz down and rest? Why do you have me out here doing this?”

All of a sudden, I looked over and saw one of our coaches. This woman. WHEW. She was not running today but she knew that on training runs, we had all started to struggle at the end. She positioned herself right at that mile 11.5 marker and what did she yell out to us? “There you guys are. I have been waiting specifically for you.” Then she ran into the street and started yelling (with love) MOVE IT LADIES, THIS IS THE HOMESTRETCH. YOU ARE 2 MILES AWAY. LET”S GO! She then started to run next to us and push us. I told her I had to go slow at this point cause my legs were shot. She told me to “stop making excuses and keep moving.” LOL…gotta love it.

She ran the remaining two miles in with us before turning back to go run in with more of our team. BGR had almost 60 runners in the race. Amazing. She helped run in most of us. What an angel.

CROSSING THE FINISH LINE WITH OUR COACH NEXT TO US (she is on the right with no race bib on)

What was great was that we stayed next to each other for the entire race. We all finished within seconds of each other. Here we are right after we all received our post race medals. Minutes after finishing.

POST RACE PHOTO

I really did it. It is now starting to sink in.

It was a great experience. On a personal note, I also got to compete and train for all these weeks with my sorority sisters. We love each other and pushed, coached and held each other up. We all purchased special shirts to commemorate our 13.1 miles. To find them in pink and green was perfect. We showed up to our post race brunch rocking our AKA pearls and our shirts.

TEAM AKA/TEAM 13.1

Yup, Thirteen point freaking one…your girl is a RUNNER.

Thirteen Point Freaking One Plus!

I have been running with Black Girls Run for a full year now. When I started, I could comfortably run 3 miles. I never had a desire to push myself to do more. Hell, I was training for a triathlon and my distance in the race portion was 3 miles. Why run any further than that? Who actually LIKES running?

Well, since running with BGR, something has happened to me. I have allowed myself to make friends with actual runners. Cool right? Well, not really. See what happens is they start to push you. They encourage you to go further. You start to drink the Kool-Aid and lo and behold…I found myself going from running 3 miles to completing ten miles this past May in the Broad Street Run here in Philadelphia.

Today, one of our team members decided to host a 1/2 marathon in honor of her daughter who is leaving to attend college. Yes, both mother and daughter run. How fab is that? Well, I have had it in my mind that I want to run in the Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon coming up in Philly. I have been following a training schedule but have kept it quiet. See, I hate failure and I am uber competitive. I have been so scared of the distance. 13.1 miles. *sigh*

Well, I had a 10 mile run scheduled for today but got dragged into doing  decided to join in on the 1/2 marathon. Last night, I couldn’t sleep. I was up at 4am just laying there. I was sweaty and anxious. Even though it wasn’t a real race, I was concerned because my pace partners are REAL RUNNERS. I kept hoping I could keep up without falling behind. I laced up my sneakers, ate a peanut butter on wheat and headed out the door.

When I got there, everyone was so excited. The ladies warmed up with some stretches and calisthenics. As we broke off into groups, my stomach was doing flip flops. Everyone was geeked. Me? Not so much. I laced up. Took a few deep breaths and said a silent prayer. “I Can Do ALL THINGS through Christ, Who Strengthens Me.” It was time to go.

Not only did I manage to keep up, at certain points, I was the rabbit and helped set the pace for the group. At one point, they told me to slow down. LOL

Today, I did something I NEVER thought I could do. I completed my first half marathon distance. Not only did I run 13.1 miles…I finished at 13.47 miles.

I called one of my fellow tridivas and she made me smile. She reminded me that I couldn’t swim and I conquered that. I was not a runner and now, I can do a half marathon.

When I look back on how far I have come in such a short time, I am amazed at myself. However, I know I have succeeded because I worked hard, I stayed focused, I believed in myself and I had the support of my family and my fellow athletes. Who knows what new challenges lie in wait for me? I am excited to tackle them all.

I don’t do these things for any other reason than the fact that I wanted to reclaim my health and set an example for my children. There is no quick fix, it starts with baby steps. From drowning to swimming. From walking to running. Believe that you can because it’s true.

13.47 miles later and look at me…..I am ready for that next race because I too, am a REAL RUNNER.

DEJA BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Two Superbowl rings in Four Years. Two MVP’s for Eli Manning. As a fan, I couldn’t ask for more. Congrats to Coach Tom Coughlin and all of the New York Football Giants. What a season, what a run. TRUE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

It’s Cold Outside….

BUT THE SUPE IS ON!!!!!!!!!!

My New York Football GIANTS are headed to Indy to battle the Patriots! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!

Invasion of the Goal Snatchers

With all this working out, I have made lots of new friends. Especially the ladies of Black Girls Run. I love meeting up with these ladies because they range in age, shapes and sizes. Some RUN, some jog, some wog (walk/jog) and some walk. No matter what, everyone is out of the house and off the couch.

While working out with them one brisk Saturday morning, one of the ladies shared that she recently asked her husband for new workout clothes. He told her she should wait for a few months to see if she was really going to stick with it and then he would get her some new stuff. I took a deep breath. Why? Because I don’t know that woman from Adam. I also don’t know anything about their financial situation. I also don’t know her husband. If she were one of my “girls” I would have driven her to the store and bought her an entire shopping bag full of workout gear. Instead, the ladies that were jogging offered up loads of positive advice about how once he saw how good she started looking after working out, he would rush to the store and buy her stuff. Blah, blah, blah.

In my 42 years on earth, I have learned how to spot a Goal Snatcher when I see one. Maybe the thought of his wife working out made him feel insecure about his lazy behind? Goal Snatchers throw salt on your dreams because people changing their lives make their own lives seem stagnant or insignificant.  To quote the sage philosopher, Kanye “I know you rather see me die than to see me fly.”

When I encounter someone like this, I usually do my best to accept that they are insecure about something and keep it moving. I can’t change everyone, I can only do me. However, If you have someone in your life that always has something negative to say when you throw out a goal…I hope you don’t allow them to stop you from moving your dream forward. Change comes from you. It’s nice to have support from your friends and family but sometimes, they aren’t in that place and you can’t force them to be there.

When you are passionate about something, that fire builds in your heart. Protect it and encourage it. From working out to starting your own business… Success will not come to you if you are always waiting for approval or acceptance. Don’t let the naysayers stop you from moving your dreams forward. Instead, find joy in proving them wrong.

For the Love of The Game

I have loved sports my entire life. Perhaps it started with being the only granddaughter growing up amidst 12 grandsons? I climbed trees, played soccer, football and baseball with my cousins ever since I can remember.

As a kid, I did “girly” activities like jump double dutch, take ballet, etc. I enjoyed those things too but I loved rough and tumble sports. I always found myself to have this competitive gene when it came to the boys in my neighborhood. Despite being stick skinny and not very tough looking, all those years competing with my male cousins taught me to want to challenge any boy that ever told me they could beat me at something.

As I got older, I continued to enjoy sports. I admired athletes. Not for being flashy but for their work ethic when it came to developing their skills. I love hearing about an athlete who works hard on their mind and body. I love to see them keep going despite the odds, despite their critics or despite an injury. Sports represents life and the human spirit. It’s so easy to quit when you are down but a champion never lets adversity stop them.

So many people tell me they can’t believe a “girl” could enjoy sports as much as I do. But I do. I love the teams I follow and I love the will of the players. When they are bad, I yell for them to never quit and to do better. When they fail, I commiserate with them and resolve that we will need to regroup for next year. The best part however, is when we win. Especially when we come from behind despite the odds to rise up like real champions for that one moment.

So yes, last night when my team was down by 12 points with only 5 minutes left to play with first place and the playoffs on the line…..I was jumping up and down and yelling at my tv.  Many people can’t understand that passion for something that doesn’t directly affect me. But I love this game. I love this team. I have been there through good years, bad years and the years that will live forever in the record books.

I am a girl. I love sports. I especially love football and yes, I love my New York Football Giants. If you don’t get that, I got nothing else for you.

The Triathalon Chronicles

I realized after my terrible performance in the Schuylkill River last year that I needed two things to be competitive in my next tri…a road bike and major correction to my swimming technique. Well, I recently acquired the road bike (thanks Mr. 1969!) but I needed to find the right swim method. You may remember that a few months ago, I took the total immersion swim class. It was a great day and I left there feeling like I picked up some great new techniques that would help me move forward and be a better swimmer.

Well, I have still been working out and hitting the gym but I have to admit that I slowed down majorly on the swimming. Well a few weeks ago, I hit the pool and lo and behold….I couldn’t remember half the stuff I learned in the class. I felt like I had forgotten everything and I left the pool feeling extremely frustrated.

This morning, I was determined to get back in the pool and try it again. That alarm clock going off at 4:30am was not fun and I did curse the Universe but I got dressed and left the house. This time, I studied the swim drills online right before I left. When I got to the pool, I did so much better and it all started coming back to me. This was a much improved swim practice. I was gliding and skating through the water instead of beating the water up. I am going to stay focused and try to swim every other day or at least three days a week up until we really start the training schedule in March.

I think I am getting some water confidence. I WILL BE THE DOLPHIN!

Tri update

How is training going? Glad you asked! With about 6 weeks to go, it’s going as well as can be expected.

SWIMMING

I have been swimming twice a week. No more trainer, I learned all of my stroking techniques and now I am working on building up my endurance for the 1/2 mile. I think *gasp* I will be in decent shape for the race. The key is to learn different strokes so when you are swimming and you get tired of freestyle, you can switch to another stroke with ease and keep moving. The key is to never stop swimming. I was extremely anxious and I still am. I think it will be the toughest part of the race but I will feel so good when I complete it. Last week, I swam with my friend The Good Dr, who is training with me. We hadn’t done any swimming together since the very beginning when we first started. Back then, I would swim 1/2 the length of the pool and stop. We swam 20 laps last weekend and she was amazed at my progress. Now, I am still no Michael Phelps but I am sure I won’t be the worst swimmer out there.

BIKING

I was doing spin class and biking on a stationary bike for much of the winter. I have started the outside riding now. 15 miles should take me about 45 minutes or less. Trust me, when I first got on a bike, it was not a pretty sight. I haven’t been on a bike since I was about 12. When the bike would pick up speed, I would get panicked like I was going to crash. Riding in traffic gives me heart palpitations. However, on open road, I am straight. I actually enjoy the bike. Now, running after biking? *cough* That’s another story.

RUNNING

While I have never run more than 5 miles. Last week, I ran two 5Ks. I ran one on Friday morning up Kelly Drive. I ran on Sunday in the Susan Komen Race for the Cure. I am not worried about the run portion. I am confident I can run a 5K and if I get super exhausted, I can walk. My goal is to not have to walk at the end. I seriously want to complete it but as long as I cross that finish line, that’s all that matters.

On a positive note, I have lost 12 pounds (which is exactly what I needed to lose) and I am down a complete dress size. I feel strong. I feel like I can do or try anything. I know that I am open to new challenges and that’s so important to me as I get older. At the 5K on Sunday, my boys were at the finish line with a sign that said “Go Mommy Go”. That’s exactly what I intend to keep doing.

Making Waves

So, I am swimming but need to do a better job of doing it more days a week. My stroke mechanics are ten times better. Now all I need to do is work on increasing the number of laps I can do. Unlike some heffas *cough* who can swim 800 meters in 28 minutes…I am still trying to build up my distance without needing to stop and catch my breath. Two months to go. *sigh*

Today I want to share a few items that have helped me with swimming.

Speedo Kick Board

If you are looking for a great cardio workout (even if you can’t swim a lick), get yourself one of these! Hold on to the top of it and kick the length of the pool. Do as many laps as you can stand. Trust me, your abs will be on fire and your whole body will feel it. I got mine at Target on clearance for $4.99 (and it’s pink!)

Vaseline Cocoa Butter Gel Oil

I am not one for greasy stuff on my skin. That being said, after swimming, my skin feels like beef jerky. The answer? I take a nice hot shower, come out and putthis stuff on. Can you say HEAVEN? The trick is to not put too much and to do it while your skin is damp. My skin has never looked better and it feels like silk. It’s got Brazilian Nut Oil, Almond Oil….and it smells divine!

Moroccan Hair Oil

I have waxed poetic about my obsession with Moroccan Hair Oil before. If I loved it when I wasn’t swimming, it’s lust now that I am. It fights the chlorine damage like nothing else and it’s chemical free. Non-greasy, moisturized hair. What could be better?

A REAL Swimsuit

Ladies and Gentlemen….please do not show up to swim laps at any pool in your thong or string bikini. Get yourself a good, sport swimsuit. When you swim….you move around alot. ALl of your limbs are in motion. You don’t want anything springing loose turning your breast stroke into a BREAST stroke, feel me? And I don’t need to see it either. LOL There’s a reason they make these suits. They hold everything into place.

Lastly, don’t be afraid of the pool. I haven’t been swimming in years and doing laps? Almost never. If I can learn, so can you. Embrace your fears. It’s a great workout and it works EVERYTHING with no pounding or stress on your joints. Try it!

When doubts creep in, drop kick them.

Triathalon update:

I was able to secure a great swim coach however, I can only meet her in a 7pm timeslot Monday through Friday.  I am one of those people that works out early in the am. If I am not done working out before 4pm, it usually won’t get done.  I like to be settled in my house once my boys are home and enjoy family time. I like to help with homework, make dinner and relax. I love my couch and I love useless tv at night. I can’t lie.

Now with this new coach, she is practically free (most coaches cost over $200 for lessons) and I get to work with her one on one for a straight hour (most lessons are 45 minutes). Again, the main drawback is that my time slot is at 7pm at night. I don’t get back home until around 8:30pm.  It’s still cold and dark. I’m leaving there wet and tired. Can you see how I may not always be motivated?

All day yesterday, I b*tched about having to go. I worked from home in the afternoon and whined to Mr. 1969 every fifteen minutes. I think I was hoping he would say “don’t go” so I would feel better and stay home.

Instead, my awesome husband told me he would go with me and swim with the boys while I practiced.  Instantly, I felt better. Despite having a friend doing the tri with me here in Philly, we live in different neighborhoods. She belongs to her gym and I belong to mine. She takes swim lessons at her gym and I go to my person. We try to take a spin class together every Saturday morning so we have at least one day of training together but training for this race is pretty much a solitary effort. I have to motivate myself. I would definitely recommend that anyone interested in doing one of these, signs up with a team. It is easier to get up and go when you have a team holding you accountable.

Most days, I stay motivated but I do have my moments when I am just tired. Thank God for Mr. 1969, my boys and all of my Facebook friends that sent me words of encouragement yesterday. As soon as I got in the water, I felt great. She also corrected so many mechanical issues I was having with my stroke and my breathing. By the end of the lesson, I had mastered breathing on every stroke and the breaststroke. All in an hour. Imagine what I will be able to do if I go on a regular basis, come race time.

(me, swimming in the lane…Coach D watching over me)

Training for this race is one of the most physically demanding things I have ever done. My body is always sore but I keep pushing myself. I know that this race is mental. I refuse to fall for the doubts in my mind. I can do this and I am so thankful for the support and inspiration that comes from the most unexpected sources.

I know that God is pushing me to do this race and I believe that I will finish. I can do this!