February 25 - 5 miles

With talk of looming layoffs at work in my department, I couldn't help but be extremely stressed. While some co-workers headed to the bar for a round of drinks, I headed the opposite direction (to the gym) yesterday after work. My heart rate was through the roof - up to 180 - during a 5 mile in 49 minute run. Not one of my finer runs. It felt so good to sweat but I also felt like I was going to have a heart attack. Never a good sign, right?

February 23 - 5 mile run

After work I went for a run/jog with my friend Danae. She's a teacher so our schedules seem to align. Her goal was to do 7 miles, mine was 5. She cramped early on so we did 5 miles in 53 minutes, and stopped to walk about 4 times. The weather was great - breezy and crisp - 54 degrees and 45% humidity.

February 22 - 4 miles run

Ahhh, it's perfect running weather. Perfect. The wind gusts to 19 mph could stand to be gone but the 70 degree temperature with cloud cover is nice. I decided to try out my new kicks - a new pair of New Balances - and go for a run since the Ortega 5 Mile race is next weekend. I ran four miles in 37:30, stopping to walk about 5 times for a minute. I felt fairly good but my breathing was intense since I was trying to run faster (somewhere in between 8 and 9 min. pace) than I'm used to. I walked the final mile to total 5 miles.

February 21 - 5 Miles

A few members of the Fab 5 - Kelly, Rachael, and myself - met up with a new group comprised of ex-Galloway members called SeeYouSaturday this morning at 7 a.m. for a 5 mile run. I was hesitant about the 7 a.m. part since I've been waking up early for the last 30 Saturdays, but it was fun. We met at the beach and did our run and finished the 5 miles in an hour. We grabbed coffee after and chatted (mostly made each other laugh).

February 20 - 3 miles!

After work I saw my favorite treadmill open and it was my first time at the gym on a Friday in about 6 months, so I figured I'd try it. I ran/walked 3 miles in 34 minutes, then biked for 10 minutes and did the elliptical for 15. I felt fine, and just ran slow (about 5.8 mph) and my HR only got up to 158. I've missed running and wished I could have run more...3 miles seems so skimpy now!

February 18 - 10 miles (on bike!)

After taking two days off, which is so boring and seems worse than running the actual marathon, I decided to go to the gym after work and bike for 45 minutes. It was boring and I much rather would have been running but I understand the importance of recovery. I rode for 10 miles and felt fine then stretched afterwards. I'm now debating whether to run the ING Atlanta half marathon in March or the Disney Princess 1/2 in a few weeks. Decisions! Running fever!

I RAN A MARATHON!!!!!

Laura and me, mile 7 1/2 on the beach

The finish - Laura, me, Hannah - 5:05:31!!!!

No crazy churning feeling in my stomach today at all. I felt great, and was able to meet up with my runner friends before the race. Got up at 4:10, minutes before my alarm, drank a bottle of water and then had two pieces of Ezekial toast with cashew butter and a banana around 5:10 a.m. I lubed myself up with Body Glide galore (to prevent chaffing) and pinned Hammerfuel to my shorts, loaded up my baggie (gym, extra Hammerfuel, etc.) and we headed out around 5:40 and were luckily able to park close to the start, and walked to the runner's village. I met up with Laura, my running partner in crime, and Blythe, Kelly, Lisa, and others. Took pictures, used the port-o-potty twice to pee and headed to the start line. Laura and I decided to stick to the 3:30 to 1 minute run/walk ratio. We left Blythe and Kelly around mile 4, as they went off to do the half marathon. Up and over the intracoastal bridge was fine, and we entered onto the Jacksonville beach around mile 6 and ran until mile 8. We saw mom, Coler, and Katie under the pier and they snapped photos. Laura and I continued on, all through Atlantic and Neptune beach and the support was outstanding. The wind picked up but no sun, so we were happy, and the sand was very compacted. People all over the course decorated their clothes, houses, driveways, everything. They'd scream our names and offer us popsicles, oranges, beer (!?!), water, bananas, orange slices - you name it, it was offered. One woman had a lifesize (practically!) bottle of Aleve. I ran by an old college professor, and my eye doctor -- both were spectating. Laura stopped to use the bathroom twice along the way. I never went. We had fun and stuck to the 3:30/1 ratio. We ran by mom, Coler, Katie again - and co-workers Jin and Kostas were also there cheering us on. Around mile 10 I was well aware blisters were re-forming on my big toes but I didn't care. Laura and I kept smiling and yelling and watching the onlookers and their crazy signs and cheers. ("Free breast exam" said one and "Thanks for keeping our racks in tact!") Mile 14 to 15 seemed to drag on forever as it was a down and back turn and it was boring. The trees kept us shaded near the big houses in Selva Marina. Later we ran by Jen, Amanda, Justice, Clinton, and Anthony, which was cool - around mile 20. The sun came and went out of the clouds but for the most part it was breezy and overcast...absolutely wonderful running weather. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed the day. Around mile 21 I saw my co-worker Kim, who ran the half, and she jumped in an ran a few minutes with us. Then I saw another co-worker, Jennifer, and she did the same a little further down. It was great to see smiling, familiar faces. At mile 22 I saw my friend Jo and she came and gave me a huge hug and ran with us for a minute. At mile 23 we saw Justice by himself on the side of the road (such a much needed spot for a spectator...it was very quiet and boring before the onramp) and he wished us good luck as we headed up the dreaded ramp to the intracoastal. Laura informed me she was beginning to get disillusional at this point but I kept coaching her and was throwing out all the positive mantras I could. Between miles 23 and 24 I got a cramp in my right side. It hurt. We stopped to walk and I needed salt. Thankfully at mile 24 there was ActivWater, which I gulped two cups down, and said hi to Lisa and her mom who were at that water station. We knew there were only 2 more miles left (two!) and went over the larger incline of the intracoastal, and on the way down ran into Hannah, who finished the last 1/2 mile with us. Hannah, Laura, and I linked hands and finished the race together in 5:05:31! I was so excited. I felt great after. I don't think I hit a wall, and I didn't cry at all - like I'd thought I would. It wasn't overly emotional, but it was certainly exciting and a big accomplishment. Once we were picking off the miles...10...then 11...and 17..18..18..20 - I knew we could do it. I never thought "I can't do this." I knew I could and I knew we'd get there, even if we walked some up and on the bridge. It seemed just like another training run, but had a huge bridge at the end. I think if I hadn't had the cramp for those 2 miles I would have have a 100% stellar race. Afterwards I drank my recovery fruit punch Endurox (thank you Audra) and got my knees iced. I then had a 15 minute leg massage (best idea of the day! thank you Coler) and then shimmied over for a small cup of Alphabits soup (delicious) and half a banana. Took some more photos, continued smiling from ear to eat, said hi to other friends, and enjoyed the sense of being done. I felt fine, and ready for a shower. I took a nice Epson salt warm bath at home and examined my blisters - just two - one on each big toe, and I still have all my toenails. All I have to say to those people who say "I'm not a runner" is - you can seriously do ANYTHING you put your mind to. This shows it. It wasn't even blood, sweat, tears, it was more the two latter items, but mostly the middle one. And sweat doesn't hurt!

MARATHON MORNING!!!!!!

It's here! Marathon morning! I actually slept okay too. I feel good, I'm awake...about to eat breakfast and take on the day. This is huge and I am SO excited. So happy and excited for my health, the support, the friends I've made. This is going to be a truly amazing day. Nothing can stop us!

The big race...is TOMORROW!!!!!!!

As we drove the course people had already begin decorating with pink, and tons of "Proudly Supporting" banners hung from balconies, front yards and mailboxes.

Dinner was plain oatmeal made with water, a banana, leftover chicken, and a piece of toast with cashew butter. The orange hat is for mom to wear tomorrow so I can spot her from afar. I wrote little notes — "Keep Going!" "Run for chocolate" (Katie's idea) "Almost There!" on my Gatorades for tomorrow.

Coler, Katie, mom and I drove the course today and it took over an hour. It was long, rainy and grey. But I got to see everywhere I'll be running tomorrow and I am excited! And I mean that. (despite that crazy churning feeling in my stomach) I had oatmeal for breakfast and lots of watered-down Gatorade and Powerade (about 96 oz). Lunch was some cashew butter toast and a banana, and Larabar for a snack and dinner was plain oatmeal made w/ water, a banana, piece of toast w/ cashew butter and some leftoever rotisserie chicken. It's not really supposed to rain tomorrow, which is good news, and temperature should be decent. Tonight I put extra drifit shirts and socks in plastic bags, zipped those shut, and lined up two extra pairs of running shoes, along with Biofreeze packets, extra Hammergel packets, bandaids, etc. I am prepared! I can't believe tomorrow's the big day. I talked to Katie's parents, my own parents (dad called from LA and mom is here), and friends today. Everyone says how hard, and how long, I've worked for this. I just can't believe all those weeks have gone by. I'm so ready to get this show on the road. It's only five or so hours, afterall!

Oh, and I reached my "true" goal of raising $1,500! I'm stoked. Between my $100 entry fee and the $1,400 friends and family have contributed, I met my personal goal. That's what this is all about.

February 12 & 13 - Getting ready

My co-workers really surprised me Thursday!

At the expo - 26.2 With Donna - full marathon course

Audra and I with our race numbers, Blythe and me, the Galloway girls (Blythe, Jen, Caron, Audra, Rachael), us with Olympic gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson!

Audra, Olympian Jeff Galloway, me, Rachael

Katie, me, Kristie at Happy Hour (no drinks for me)
Me carbo loading at dinner Friday night - kid's spaghetti and lots of bread!

I had a great night of sleep Wednesday night (9 full hours). Thursday afternoon at work I heard noise in the hallway and came out of my cube to find nine of my teammates standing there staring at me. I quickly scurried into my cube like a cockroach who saw a light being flicked on. "Caron! Come out...come back!" they yelled. I peered around the cube but didn't understand what was going on. I've never really been completely surprised before. So, I came out and they presented me with a bag, and I opened it and found a running shirt with my name printed on it, "First Time Marathoner" emblazoned across the front and back and tidy little signatures and good luck notes from my team. A signed card accompanied the shirt. I was very overwhelmed and surprised! After work I had a massage, hoping to loosen my legs and IT bands, and get comfortable for the race. Thursday night I ate rotisserie chicken, vegetables and salad for dinner, and got about 9 hours of sleep again. Friday I went to work, then went to the 26.2 With Donna expo downtown with my co-worker and fellow Galloway partner, Audra. We met up with Blythe and Rachael, from my pace group. We got our race numbers, shirts (lots of pink), timing chips, and perused the aisles for free goodies (Biofreeze packets! emory boards! comfy socks! pink shoelaces? a spatula? a slap bracelet?) and interesting merchandise. We met Olympic gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson, and snapped a photo with Olympian Jeff Galloway (the founder of our Saturday morning running program!). I also bought a framed "Goals are dreams with deadlines" print that Kurtis Loftus did last year. He was a big inspiration to me when I began this journey in summer -- I read his entire blog from last year about his race preparation and training. Unfortunately he's not running this year due to an injury he sustained about 3/4 of the way through our Galloway training. After leaving a note - "Running a marathon...!!! Be back (hopefully) Tuesday! Wednesday if I can't move" - on my work computer, I headed to Katie Clark's happy hour. Katie is the real reason I am running a marathon. I am so happy she flew in from North Carolina for the big race weekend to cheer me on. After her event, it was time to carbo load. Mmm. I had tons of bread and then kid's spaghetti with marinara. I was absolutely stuffed when I went to bed. I slept okay, but woke up several times, including after a bad dream around 4 a.m. I got up around 8.

Also, I am in 25th place for most funds raised by an individual for the race! I am so excited about this. My current tally is $1,370! And, there's still time to donate:
http://www.active.com/donate/2009DonnaMarathon/CaronS

February 12 - One last (4 mile) hoo-rah!

I couldn't quite get to sleep last night but I woke up this morning to the sound of my alarm clock, and scurried off to the gym for one last treadmill jog. Luck was in my favor as I got my favorite treadmill! Currently it is 67 degrees and 97% humidity as I type this and I think it was similar inside the gym. My HR was high (up to 170) for running slowly and for doing run/walk ratios. I ran 10:20 pace to mimic the big day, and walked every 3 minutes and 30 seconds. I finished 4 miles in 44 minutes. Katrine joined me for the last mile and a half, as she was doing 5 miles for her own marathon preparation. She's hoping to qualify for Boston and I know she'll do great! I also chatted with Lisa, who will be running her first half marathon Sunday and will stick around to cheer me on. I can't believe it's Thursday already! I'm at 118% of my fundraising goal too, and hope that continues to climb climb climb!

Public Service Announcement: this is why (we're) fat.

http://thisiswhyyourefat.com/

Saw this on a friend's blog - you can even upload your own photo. Just looking through some of the stuff - a corn dog pizza (hello, heart attack!) and a deep fried peanut butter-covered brownie wrapped in cookie dough (hello, cardiac arrest x 2!)...I'm both disturbed, repulsed and yet strangely hungry now all at the same time! The candied bacon ice cream though...weird!

February 10 - 5 more days!

I'm getting excited! I not only met my fundraising goal ($1,000!) I set for myself last Wednesday, I surpassed it already. It's been just six days and I've raised $1,055 in addition to the $100 for my race entry. On a fitness note I ate zero (that's right - 0!) cookies today and I did 35 minutes on the elliptical tonight at the gym. Felt as though I could have gone for days but I know how important it is to preserve my energy and my legs for Sunday. I'm making mental checklists already for the big day and really getting excited. I've printed out the course map, looked at the marathon site a million times and exchanged many e-mails with my running girls, Rachael and Audra, both already completed a marathon.

February 9 - 5.5 miles

After too many cookies (WHY do people bring/have cookies in the workplace? And why must I always be tempted? It's in my DNA, I swear!), I knew I needed to run 3 or 4 easy miles after work. I wasn't too motivated either. But, coincidentally, as I was getting out of my car my friend Danae walked by in running gear. We chatted and I explained I was about to change clothes and go for a run myself. She suggested we join forces. Moments later we were off - to the tune of about a 10:15 pace - with the goal of running a 4.5 mile loop. We felt good and chatted the whole way, catching up on life, and decided to throw an extra loop in. We completed 5.5 miles without stopping in 59:30. It was great weather and great company. I miss good runs with a friend!

February 7 - Final Galloway group run (7 miles)!

Group 3 "Crazy Soles" - last time together after 6 months of 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. runs!

Blythe, Caron, Rachael, Sonya, Kristie...Sonya and Kristie at Metro Diner..the remnants of my 10-inch chocolate chip pancake.

As someone who has adhered to the rituals and traditions known as marathon training for the last six months, last night I went all out at Big T's restaurant for dinner - a Guinness, salad, buffalo shrimp (spicy!) and loaded baked potato. Typically this would be considered a risky night-before-a-run meal but I shrugged and figured it's only 7 miles, no biggie. And I was fine. Whew. This morning got up, ate toast w/ cashew butter, drank some water, checked the weather (41 degrees, 70% humidity) and dressed in shorts, long sleeves, and gloves. When I arrived most people donned pants and jackets but since I'll be wearing shorts for the marathon I wanted to squeeze another shorts run in. I spotted Rachael and Blythe, and made my way over. As I bent over to loop my car key onto my shoelace, a girl was walking over..."Kristen! Kristen!?!" and I stood up, puzzled. "Kristen!....oh!....you look just like my friend Kristen. She hasn't been here in awhile so I was so excited to see her." At first, she was so set that I was Kristen that Rachael and Blythe became concerned I had lied to them for months and that I wasn't "Caron" but indeed "Kristen." I quickly explained that I'm not Kristen and we all got a laugh. Group 3 took off, up and over the larger bridge, and did pretty much the same run we did last week. About 3/4 of the way through, Kristie, Sonya and I were huffing and puffing - which isn't typical. I glanced at the Garmin - 8:13 pace! - whoa, way too fast. The group slowed down a bit but was still faster than usual. A lady came up to us at the water stop and asked, "one of you has a blog, right?" and I said "well, Kristie does but hers is about food, and then I have a running blog." She'd come across my blog and loved it, which made me feel happy! We finished, and Rachael and I headed to meet a bunch of people at Metro Diner. The whole back room was runners. I went with the 10-inch pancake (only consumed 7 inches or so) and cheese grits again, and two cups of hazelnut coffee. Rach and I sat with Brian (?) and Ike, a 20-year veteran of the Jacksonville Sherriff's office. He patrols one of the worst, high-crime areas of Jacksonville — and loves it. Car chases, crazy people, 4-5 daily arrests. My inquisitive self asked him 101 questions and he answered them all, and peppered in his humor. I can't wait to do a ride along!

February 4 - 6 miles

My donation page! 46% of goal in two days!

Got up this morning and hit the gym (dinner last night was 12 skewered olive oil & garlic shrimp, mixed vegetables, rice, salad and white chocolate creme brulee), settling a treadmill over from morning running buddy Lisa since the one next to her was occupied. Started out slow, walked 1 minute every 10 min. or so, and completed 6 miles in 60 minutes and felt good. Got up to 6.9 mph. Chatted with other running buddy/running mentor Katrine, who is also getting ready for the big race next weekend. Excitement is in the air! My donation page is soaring - up to $460 in two days - almost 1/2 way to my big goal of raising $1,000 to end breast cancer.

(((PLEASE))) DONATE DONATE DONATE!

I finally set up my fundraising page this morning after several people asked how they could contribute to the breast cancer marathon in my name. So far today I've raised $370 today — well on my way to meeting a goal of $1,000 total. Very exciting! So far a variety of individuals have donated...everyone from my mom, mom's co-workers, friends from the gym, old vice president at work to an old middle school pen pal (that I've never met in person!)...

http://www.active.com/donate/2009DonnaMarathon/CaronS
Even $5 is great....

February 3 - 5 more miles

I woke up on my own this morning but opted for extra hour of sleep instead of the gym. I had two white chocolate covered Oreos after a lunch out (grouper wrap & plantain chips) with my team (I wish people wouldn't bring treats like that in - I cannot, apparently, avoid temptation!). After work I did not want to go to the gym, and I knew it'd be crowded since it was later. Just as I was explaining to a co-worker that I wanted to skip it, another co-worker came up and asked if I was going to the gym. I guess that's a sign I should go. So I went, intending to do the elliptical. Of course none were open, but a treadmill opened up, so I hopped on. I couldn't bring myself to walk so I jogged slowly (5.9 mph) for awhile and got up to 6.5 mph, finishing 5 miles in 51 minutes. I felt good and after 4 miles I feel like I can go forever. I sure hope I feel that way on February 15! I watched part of the news and the story about the peanut plant in GA that's responsible for the samonella was disheartening - cockroaches and a RAT - have been dry roasted in the not-up-to-par facilities. Ewww.

February 2 - 5 miles

I did it - I actually got up this morning and went to the gym (only snoozed once, okay?). I ran 5 miles on the treadmill in 51 minutes - stopping to walk about 6 times for a minute each. HR to 170, speed to 6.5. Last night had gnocchi for dinner with spaghetti sauce and cheese, salad, and heavenly hash ice cream (two servings, but does that really matter?). It was humid in the gym and just like most days the first mile or two drags on then once I'm past two miles it's smooth sailing and I feel like I could go for days. I got my favorite treadmill today...I think no one was there this morning since Super Bowl was on last night...so no complaints. I had a lady next to me who was running 6.5 mph to 8.5 mph, watching the news with headphones, and occasionally would bust out with a few words. Weird.