2May2008
Posted by Julie Hurley under: Julie Hurley.
I was in Florida from April 27 through May 1, and I had written a blog that I could have SWORN I posted, but apparently I have not.
Anyway, quick update: I was having some foot pain and got in to see a sports medicine doc. She put me in a boot in case it was a stress fracture, and I had a bone scan done. I was stress fracture-free and was given the ok to run if I didn’t feel any pain. I managed to do 10 miles last Saturday in the amazingly strong wind, and I felt ok. The day after the race we left for Florida (Orlando) where I managed to run a few times. Wow! Was it ever nice to run in shorts and a t-shirt again! I felt about five pounds lighter. I’m sure the tan helped, but still…
My pretty little purple toenail didn’t want to fly back to Michigan, so I’m down to 9 and 1/2 toenails for the Big Race. I was worried that it was going to hurt while running, but I’m fine. I still can’t believe it’s a week away! I’m getting excited and nervous. My family and I are trying to figure out the logistics of getting everyone there (including my two kids) for the start and finish of the race. I don’t know if that will be possible; I’m just hoping everyone will be there when I cross the finish line. Thankfully, my sister and her husband live right on Lake Michigan Drive, so there house will be a meeting place for everyone.
My brother-in-law is running the 25k, my mom, sister, and dad (right, Dad?!?!) are running the 5k. I ran into a very nice couple in the Orlando Airport on our way back, Brian and Kristina (so didn’t spell that right!) and their two adorable little boys, and learned that Brian is going to run the 25k. Hey you two…if you read this, I’d love to arrange a play date with our kids if you’re willing. My email is juliehurley04@gmail. I was also wearing a Bryon Center Bank 5k t-shirt on our way home, and a gentleman saw it and said that he had run that race. He was planning on doing the 5k. I’ve learned that the running community is such a nice group of people. I think it’s because running makes people happy - literally and scientifically. Those endorphins are something else!
I’m sad that this journey is almost over, but I’m so glad and thankful to have been a part of it. I’ve made new friendships that I think will last a long time, and I’ve learned that I can do most anything I want to if I put my mind to it. So cliche, but it’s true. If you are doing a 5k this year and have ever thought about doing the 25k - just go for it. I don’t know what it feels like to cross the finish line yet, but I do know how I feel after a good 14-mile long run. So danged proud of myself and amazed that I actually did it. It’s a great feeling, and if this group of Road Warriors can do it, than anyone can do it.
Bye for now…
2May2008
Posted by Matt Stargardt under: Matt Stargardt.
Accuweather
May 10
Hi 56 Low 36
Cooler With Clouds
Wind 14 mph NW
Matt
2May2008
Posted by Shelly under: Shelly Batterbee.
The morning starts out in beauty—wearing a slight chill that will turn warm as we all start moving. The sun is out, but it is cloaked in a haze—enough to keep us all from squinting but still shedding a golden cast.
An eerie quiet descends among the thousands of runners and spectators. We’re all getting on our game-face. Silence, then POP! We are off. From the POP comes whump thump whump thump—our shoes pounding out a conversation with the pavement.
My pace stays steady, my breathing easy. My legs no longer ache, but instead glide along effortlessly. I smile and wave to the occasional passer-by who tells me I’m doing a great job. “Thanks!” I shout back.
Suddenly the first aid station is in sight. One-point-five done. I slow down a bit, grab a water cup, pinch it tight, drink, toss it. My pace picks back up. I look at my Garmin. Then I look again, thinking I must have turned it off. No, I’m going faster than I’d thought.
I slow down a little, but not too much, as the run seems so easy. I don’t want to get too tired up the hills later though.
Aid station #2 is in sight. Three miles done. I know the people at this station—they cheer me on and smile and wave. More water, then faster pace.
The miles are eaten up by my shoes. I pass the woods, pass the park, onto the next park. The Hill is in sight, but there is loud music pushing us along. I change my stride to match the beat so I am focusing on that instead of The Hill. I look up, smile, tell myself The Hill is merely a flat on an angle. I am ready for this. I have trained for this. I pump my arms a bit more, pull up my core, and I swallow The Hill alive. I am to the top. My smile grows. I’m more than halfway done.
Few people are at the top of The Hill to cheer us on, so I use the calm to reflect on these past few months. New friends have been made, new challenges accepted. I am a runner. I am strong. I will persevere.
More miles pass. I am by the zoo. I know I am almost there. My family comes into sight by the curb up ahead. Go Mama! They shout. They smile. They wave. A tear trickles down my cheek. We’re proud of you, Mama! I’m proud of them, too.
Back to the buildings, nearing the finish line. The wind calms, the crowd grows. I hear claps and cheers for the runners ahead of me. My momentum picks up. Last time I did this, I was so tired at this point. Today I am energized. I have done it. I am able to sprint to the finish, my fellow Road Warriors in view, cheering me to the line. I cross the mats with a smile pasted onto my face.
Then I wake up. A dream, maybe, but also a vision. May 10—I am ready for you.
2May2008
Posted by Kristin Linscott under: Kristin Linscott.
I was on a roll with the blogs, but then something called work started to take over my life for the past week. It’s been work, sleep, work, sleep…and of course, runs and working out continuing at odd/random hours of the day. I am so tired and my workouts have been a struggle for the past week. But, the 10th is drawing near…just gotta keep at it.
I’m so excited for next week, you have no idea. I’m feeling really confident right now. My runs have gotten shorter, as they should be at this point…nice to know that a 5 mile run feels like a 1 mile run did when I started training back in December. Craziness.
I’m looking forward to running on Saturday with everyone…one last training Hurrah! before the big day :) And then BW3’s on Sunday…who can beat that?
Okay, off to more work!
1May2008
Posted by Deborah Pieri under: Deborah Pieri.
I love the week before a race. . . . the taper week. Saturday we do only 10 miles! Tonight I headed to Reed’s Lake for what I thought was a tempo run. Coach Woj said go easy around the lake. After a very long day, his words were music to my ears! But I did not go easy. I ran hard with another Deb and managed to have a wonderful conversation as well. I had this intense satisfaction when we arrived back at the library. This feeling of almost relaxation enveloped me. . . . like the hard work is done, we are prepared, now we just have to do this thing! Thanks Deb for pushing me and sharing your thoughts. It was awesome! Now I just have to hope I don’t trip and fall at the fashion show! I’m not always very graceful. . . . Lord knows I’ve fallen enough times running!
Here’s to the taper!
Deb
1May2008
Posted by Steve Kelly under: Steve Kelly.
Not running! I blogged that I felt a little weird hip tightness after my long run on Sunday. It stuck with me. I felt great on a four mile tempo run on Tuesday, but there it was again when I was done. Today I feel it all the time. I shot a paranoid call to coach Mike and we agreed on a plan of action.
Motrin, rest and very careful application of Icy Hot. Not that Icy Hot is dangerous, but, well never mind. I’m going in to get stretched. I feel like Road Warrior Nick, it’s probably nothing big. It will be fine on race day. It’s not sharp pain, just a nagging feeling it’s not quite in line. I’m sure a load of it all is in my head as we’re so close to race day. It will be fine on race day.
On my run on Tuesday I lost myself thinking about race day. All of us crossing the line, the smiles and congratulations. I realized after a while I was actually smiling as I was running! I must have looked like an escapee from some sort of institution. Either way it got my mind off the run and it was over before I knew it. I can’t wait to have the actual race in my dome to replay for ever.
When this thing started May 10th seemed so far off and there was comfort in that for me. Now I can hardly wait. Don’t forget to check out the Road Warriors in the Gazelle fashion show Friday at the Expo before the race. Let’s do this thing!