Marathon Records

I watched a little clip about famous people who have run a marathon.

The record holder is Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie.  In 2008 he ran it in 2:03:59!  That's an average of about 4:44 minute miles!!!  That is amazing!

The female record holder is Paula Radcliffe from England.  In 2003 she ran it in 2:15:25!  I can't imagine running that fast for that long!  She was 30 years old at the time of the race.

Katie Holmes - 5:30 (2007)

Oprah - 4:29:15 (1994)

Debbie Downer - 4:15 (2010)

P. Diddy - 4:14:54 (2003)

Sarah Palin - 3:59:36 (2005)

Ruthann - 3:57:10 (2010)

George W Bush - 3:44:52 (1993)

Lance Armstrong - 2:59:36 (2006) & 2:46:43 (2007) 

He said finishing a marathon was the hardest thing he has ever done.

I think I'd like to run another marathon.  I really want to be able to say that I qualified for Boston.  I need to get a better time by about 16 minutes.  I think it's doable.  But, then I remember how I felt like death for the last 6 miles when I ran it and kept telling myself I'd never do it again.  My training schedule only went up to 18 miles though.  I think next time I'll go up to about 24 so 26 won't seem like so much more than anything I've previously done in training.  So, obviously I won't be running in January 2011 PF Chang, but maybe the 2012.  Anyone interested in joining me?

Oh how I can't wait to be thin again!

They're Back

The 4 toenails I lost from the marathon are finally all grown back and looking normal again!  (It only took like 6 months.)  I like them painted, so I'm glad I can finally do it again.  Time for a pedicure!

Too Soon

A few days ago I tried running to our mailbox and my hips felt like they felt at about mile 24 of the marathon!  It was too soon for me to start running again.  It was a little bummed, but knew I needed to let my muscles/joints/tendons/bones/organs recover and not push myself before my body was ready.

But... yesterday when I tested again, I felt great!  I ran to the mailbox and was thrilled that my aches and pains were healed!  Now I can't wait to actually "go for a run!"

Mike,
My mailbox is across the street and down like 5 houses--not very far at all.  Does that make it better or worse?

Marathon Day

I bet anyone who reads my blog is thinking something like, "Geez, all Ruthann has posted about lately is her marathon/running/training/the gym and now that the race actually happened, she hasn't even posted about it!"  (Like anyone really cares, but I like to believe people do.)

So if anyone is still interested, here is how race day went down...

Here we are right before the race started.  It was SO cold!  In my marathon training book, it suggested wearing a big plastic trash bag to stay warm before the race.  That way, it's easy to toss and not be sad about lost clothing.  I told Devin I wanted to do it and he laughed at me and acted like it was a dumb idea that no one would do...so I didn't do it.  There were lots of people using the trash bag!  Next time, I'm totally doing it.  Oh, except there will NOT be a next time! I don't ever want to run another marathon in my life.  I'll definitely do some more halves, but running 26.2 miles at once is just madness!

Here I am at mile 12.

And here I am rounding the corner to head to the finish line...

Al...most...there...........

Yea!!!  I'm done!

Two of the three of my favorite boys in the whole world.

Here we are after the race in our complimentary plastic blankets.  They were so warm!  When your body stops running after it has been going for so long, it gets cold really quickly so these blankets were very helpful.

My mom, dad, Devin, and me

Here are my boys in the shirts I decorated for them to wear (and Jaxon in his Spiderman mask).

They say "My Mom Runs 26.2" and my number 6745.

Here's Devin in the shirt he made.  It says "I think my wife's secret identity is Wonder Woman.  Here's the proof:  she's hot, sexy, nice legs, oh yeah, and 26.2 miles."  He's very creative, huh?  :)

My sister-in-law, Elisha's sign said, "You go girl!" with a pair of cute Nike shoes she drew.

My sister-in-law, Reina's sign said, "6945 Ruthann is gonna stay alive!"

My mother-in-law's sign said, "Ruthann's got the jive 6945"

So there are the pictures from the day.  Now, the story...

About the last 2 weeks of training I started getting really nervous.  I was mostly nervous about not performing as well as I wanted to (not getting a fast enough time).  Then, a few days before the race I realized that it didn't matter what my time was and that by making a big deal about my time I was sucking the fun out of it.  So, I told myself the race was just another run and I really started to look forward to it.  By the day before the race I wasn't nervous at all.  I was pretty calm when I thought about it.  My heart didn't start pounding when I would think about the race anymore.  That was a good sign.

Race day eve we spent the night at Devin's parents so we wouldn't have to wake up so early to drive to get there in time.  That was a great idea and I'm very glad we did it.  We went to the expo that night to pick up our numbers.  There were some bumper stickers and shirts that said, "If found on the ground, please drag across the finish line" and "My sport is your sport's punishment."  I liked those.  Oh, and "Toenails are overrated" and "I know I run like a girl.  Try to keep up."  I like the toenail one because during this training I lost a total of 4 toenails, one of them twice.  (All little toes.  My big toes are fine.)

On race day, my mom and I got to the start line with some time to spare.  We stretched, but mostly just huddled by the light generator to keep warm.  We got excited as the time got closer and we filed into our corrals.

As we started, we ran behind a girl whose heels never touched the ground.  Can you imagine running like that?  On your toes the whole time?  Try it.  I did and almost fell.  I don't know how she does it and I wonder if she made it the whole way...

We also ran behind a girl with a shirt that said, "In memory of my mother."  I almost started bawling because I felt to lucky to be running the race with my mom.  My mom is amazing!

At about mile 2 we stopped for a potty break.  We stopped at some porta potties that didn't have a line to make it as quick as possible.  About mile 3 we shed our pants (we had shorts underneath).  The volunteers were gathering the dropped clothing and donating it to the homeless.  I'm glad our "lost" clothes weren't lost after all.

At about mile 4 I started running on my own.  I enjoy running with my mom, but my pace is a little faster so I went ahead.

I started looking for Devin with the kids at about mile 10.  He said he's be somewhere around the half way point.  I finally saw him, along with Jaxon, Henry, my dad, and my mother-in-law at mile 12.  I gave them my gloves and coat.  Seeing them really gave me a boost!

About a mile later, my hands got really cold and were cold for a while.  I wished I hadn't given up my gloves so soon.

I thought about a lot of things while running.  Mostly, my husband and kids.  They are so great and I just love them so much.  (Running endorphins make me a little over-the-top-thankful sometimes.  If you ever feel down, start an exercise program.  It'll do great things for your overall happiness!)  I liked seeing all the spectators.  They were all so nice and smiling and cheering for everyone.  I pretended their that said, "Go Mom" were for me.  And I loved the sign that said, "Go everyone!"  How nice is that?  They are cheering everyone on!

Miles 15-18 were rough.  I stopped again for a potty break at about mile 18 and felt a little better.  I felt good for a while until about mile 22.  Then, I wanted to die!  From that point on until the end, I literally kept telling myself over and over, "Just keep going. Just keep going.  Just keep going."  One thing that kept me going was the fact that I hadn't walked yet so I didn't want to break that streak now.

There were times during the race when I knew I had slowed my pace down, but I just couldn't speed up at that moment.  I feel like I really did the best I could and gave it my all.  I have never been so exhausted at the end of a run.

I started by the 4:30 pacer, but caught up and passed the 4:00 pacer.  Before I started the race I thought a realistic goal was about 4:30.  I thought 4:00 would be great, but probably impossible.  Then, when I caught the 4:00 pacer, I decided that was my goal and I needed to make sure I was ahead of him at all times.  A few times he got close, but I was not going to let him pass, so I sped up.  I'm glad I pushed myself to do something I didn't think I could do.  Because you know what?  I DID IT!

Overall, I loved this experience and don't regret it for a second.  The training and race were a lot of fun.  All of it required sacrifice--from me and from Devin and my boys.  I am thankful for their support.  And my fabulous Oma who watched my boys for most of my long Saturday runs.

Though it was an incredible experience, I do not want to do it again!  Once was enough for me.  I will do more half marathons, but I am happy with my performance and do not feel like I need to do it again...though I was only 17 minutes past the time to qualify for Boston...

AND...Special thanks for all the thoughtful texts, calls, e-mails, and treats from all my sweet friends!  It all meant a lot! :)

Oh, and I saw Debbie Downer before the race started and wished her good luck.  Devin saw her at the Y and she said she ran a 4:15.

hehe

Bib 6745

Chip Time 3:57:10

Overall 1777

Women 524

Division 58

Age Grade 57.1%

"Age Graded" results are calculated using tables developed by the World Association of Veteran Athletes.  

100% - Approximate World-Record Level

Over 90% - World Class

Over 80% - National Class

Over 70% - Regional Class

Over 60% - Local Class

3:57

I finished!  My time was 3 hours, 57 minutes.

And I'm glad it's over.

Pictures and details to come later today.

Devin and I both have today off and are going to enjoy some family time together.  It's rare these days.

Next Week

This time next week I'll be running my little heart out!!!

And hopefully not freezing my little buns off!

Tennis Shoes & Toenails

A few things I am thankful for:

Closed toed shoes so I can hide my overrun, overworked feet.  They don't hide it well.

Arizona winter weather.  It's not too cold to go running outside, even after dark.  I don't know how people do it other places.  I'd be a popsicle!

Neighbors who decorate their houses for the holidays.  It's so fun to go running after dark through the neighborhood looking at all the lights.  It really puts me in the Christmas mood!

Devin, who wants to spend the few moments of free time we have together, but understands that I have to go for my run.

Jaxon, who comes with me to the Y even when he is tired enough to fall asleep on the floor in the middle of a room of screaming kids.

Henry, who just started giving kisses and hasn't denied me once.

Gym Thoughts

My mind tends to wander while I'm on the treadmill.  These are some of the thoughts that occupied my mind during my past few runs...

Sweat on chapped hands
Since winter has come in AZ my hands have been so dry and recently they got so bad they cracked in a few spots.  When I run and my hands start sweating it burns my poor little knuckles.

Sweat drops making me itch
As my body gets warmed up and my head starts sweating I can feel the little droplets running down my scalp and it so itchy!  Until my whole head is damp with sweat, I am constantly scratching!

Sweat on my earphones
Another sweat issue...One thing I love is when I drop my earphones for a bit and when I put them back in they are all wet from the sweat dripping down them (sarcasm, in case you didn't catch it).

Heart rate reader on Treadmill
There is one treadmill at the Y that's a little shady.  When it's not being used it flashes an estimated heart rate.  The rest of the machines sit with a blank screen.  I just wonder what's up with that...

Guess What They Look Like game
A little game I like to play is to try to guess what the people look like on the machines in front of me.  At our Y, the elliptical machines are behind the bikes and the treadmills are behind the elliptical machines.  So, if I get there and people are working out on the machines in front of me, I try to guess what they look like.  It's kinda entertaining.

Shower curtain
I discovered that showering at the Y is the greatest idea.  If I shower at home I have to worry about the boys...are they going to get hurt, fight, raid the candy bowl, etc.  I could shower when Henry naps and Jaxon watches a movie, but then I'm using precious "my time" to shower.  So, I leave the boys in the kids center for a few extra minutes and enjoy a worry-free shower all to myself.  But...the shower curtains are in desperate need of replacements.  The holes at the top that the rings go through are breaking and the metal rings are rusting.  They don't stay closed very well because of the broken holes unless you stuff it between your stall and the next.  It works, but I figure with what people pay per month for a membership, they can afford to get new curtains.

Toenails
I was told that marathoners often lose toenails.  Well, I was doing good until this past week with the 2nd 16 miler.  The toes next to my big toes on both feet feel like they are going to lose their nails.  It's kinda freaking me out.  It hurts to wear socks and really hurts when little Henry steps on them.  I'm not sure what to do about it.  I don't think my shoes are too small.  They have been fine all this time.  I thought it was just from running so many miles.  Does anyone know of a solution?  Do tell.  Please!

GU
Gu is my new best friend.  Chocolate is so yummy:)

Oma
My Oma (means Grandma in German) is the best.  She watches the kids pretty much every Saturday so I can do my long run.  (Devin has wrestling practice.)  I love her and she is fabulous!

6 more weeks of training and then it's the RACE!!!

Marathon 2nd Thoughts...

So...training has been really though lately.  Mentally tough.

I love running, but when it takes literally ALL of my free time, and time with my boys and husband, I don't love it so much.

Since I watch kids now from 7 am to almost 6 pm, I have to do my runs at night.  That means they are during my time with the boys (without the daycare kids) and time with Devin.

Then, my long runs are on Saturdays, which take up most of the morning.

It has just been really wearing on me.  I am not a quitter so I won't stop now.  I have come so far!  Only one more milage increase...18...and I'll be at the longest of the training runs.  After doing 16 last week, it's hard to imagine adding 10 to that to equal the race distance.

In the book I'm reading, The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer, page 72 says,

"When the moment comes in the marathon when you feel you can't go on...you will go on anyway because you have done it so many times in the past and because of that, you will believe that you can do it again."

This is SO true!  When I am running and running and running and want to stop, I tell myself something like, "You have felt this way before and didn't stop so you CAN'T stop now!" and it keeps me going!

I do love running, I just gotta get out of this funk.  I ordered new shoes because by now mine have almost 200 miles just from the past 9 weeks of training and within the next week they will have over 230, so that might help mix things up a bit.  Though, they are the same shoes I have, so I guess that's not much for mixing things up.  But, I did order this blister powder that might help my blisters go away.  They seem to be permanent.  At least they aren't painful anymore, but they do make my usually cute toes look ugly.

It's Tomorrow!

7:00 am tomorrow I'll be running my guts out in the half marathon!

Well, hopefully I don't actually lose my guts, but I'll be running hard!

11 Miles & Half Marathon

I ran 11 miles on Saturday. It was kinda tough. It was a little warmer than I would have liked and my hip started to get tired when I still had like 2 miles to go.

When I got home my arms felt like they were covered with sand. I figured it was dust from running through the cotton fields while the wind was blowing. A few minutes later I bit my nail and tasted salt. Then I realized that my body was covered in sweat salt. I licked my arm to see (gross, I know) and it was so salty. Next, I downed a Gatorade.

Also, I wanted to mention I will be racing in the Run from the Sun Half Marathon next week! Louisa found it and saw it fit right along with our training schedule so we signed up! If you are my family reading this, it would mean so much to me if you were there cheering me on. I'll be e-mailing you the details:)

Poor Little Piggies

2 blisters on this foot

And 3 on this foot

But I still love running!

Update: I guess my left little pinky toe heard you weren't cool unless you had a blister, so it decided to grow one too! That makes 6!

10 Miles!

Yep, this week the long run was 10 miles. I ran it yesterday and I absolutely loved every second of it. Call me crazy, I know, right? But I felt so good through the whole run. My hips got a little tired at about the 8th mile, but my muscles and lungs stayed strong. I ran it with my mom (she's doing the marathon too). We averaged less than 10 minute miles. It was pretty cold outside, but I felt so good. I was able to really speed up the last half mile and finish strong. I think running on the treadmill for part of my training makes me really appreciate the chances I have to run outside. Today, I still feel good, but I can tell my knees are a little tired.

After I got home and took my shoes off this is what I found...Future star runner!

I guess he likes to point at the camera now.

When he gets tired he stands like this...I have no idea why he does it, but it's so funny!

This is totally random, but the other day I was making dinner--yep, I'm not kidding--and I was looking for something in the spice cupboard and just couldn't find it. Then I realized I was sifting through about 50 cans of spray oil, so I pulled them all out. This was what we had in there...

I snapped a pic and left them there for Devin to pick out what he wanted to keep. He did and put them away. But...I haven't cooked since, so I'm not sure how many are in there now!

8 Miles, Baby!

I'm proud to say Louisa and I ran 8 miles today! Farthest yet! Go us!

Music

I need recommendations for running music. Right now my favorite to listen to while I run is David Cook, but I need some new stuff. Any ideas?

26.2 Anyone?

I have an announcement...

drum roll please...

I'm running a marathon! Yes, that's 26.2 miles in a row, in one day, and no, I'm not crazy:)

Anyone wanna join me???

P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon

January 17, 2010

My friend Louisa decided to do it and she wants me to join her. It's the first time for the both of us. (Hopefully my friend Kiera will run it too!) I really like running and it's always been something I've wanted to do. I feel like now is a good time because we aren't planning on getting pregnant for a while and the more kids I have, the harder it will be for me to train. With two, they can both ride in the stroller while I run. Also, I don't have to travel to compete, it's here in Arizona. Plus, I still have a while before I have to start the formal training so I have enough time to get in shape for that.

Louisa let me barrow her book called The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer and it's awesome. It's written to train first time marathoners. The guys and gal who put it together have trained over 200 participants, most who didn't even like running, and everyone except one person finished the race. (There is some story about what happened to that one, but I haven't read that part yet.) The book has blurbs from some of the runners where they tell what an amazing experience it was for them. I'm so excited!

Having a baby without pain meds was a huge goal for me and pretty much seemed impossible, but I did it! It is also one of the things I am most proud of accomplishing. If I can do that, I can run a marathon!

I don't know many people who have actually ran a marathon, so anyone who has, please give me any advise you think would help me!

Okay, I have made it known and can't back out. If I get an injury I would have to, but that's about the only thing that will keep me from accomplishing this goal!