Marathon weekend came and went and I’m happy to report that… we conquered!

The Baltimore Marathon was the fourth marathon I have participated in. It is my opinion that each marathon is its own unique experience and will be forever remembered as such. Besides being my pal Lori’s first marathon, the Baltimore Marathon will forever remain ingrained in my mind for its H I L L S. (11 miles of them, to be exact. Or so Lori figured out.)

Obviously, I’m still a little sore. (Not to mention walking down stairs backwards.)

Here’s the rundown:

Although we live close enough to drive, our little group decided it be best to rent a room near to the event to ensure maximum sleepage. (Sleepage is a word, right?) Of course, sleeping was second priority next to food. (Hey, what good is all that running if a girl can’t get a decent meal?) We had the most scrumptious marathon eve meal of burgers and wine at Pratt Street Ale House. Best. Burger. Ever.

Race day was fantastic. The weather was perfectly cool and crisp. Ideal running weather, to be sure.

We had agreed ahead of time that this marathon would be one that we (especially Lori) would enjoy. No time goals. No pressure. We stopped to take pictures along the way, we enjoyed the scenery (well, SOME of the scenery, Baltimore has some less than lovely places that the marathon happens to run through and those place require police protection) and really soaked up the experience.

My nemesis the IT band made a throbbing appearance around mile 16 but luckily there was a medical tent nearby so I got some assistance. Crisis averted. Because 10 miles of throbbing pain would have been less-than-pleasant. Can I say that again? Less. Than. Pleasant.

Do we look happy? Of course we do! By the way, Lori and I earned a second medal called the Maryland Double for completing the combination of Frederick Half-Marathon and Baltimore Full Marathon. It is large and heavy and difficult to wear. I heart it.

A huge shout out to the staff and volunteers of the Baltimore Running Festival who provided the best race support that I have ever experienced on a course. Always enough water. Always enough Gatorade. Plenty of Power Gels, food, bathrooms and medical attention available. It was a well-oiled machine in terms of attention to detail.

As I feared, Lori was instantly addicted and looking towards her second marathon. (Darn Katie totally rubbed off on her.) And as for Katie, she runs the New York Marathon and the JFK 50 in November. She is nuts. (But I love her.)

And now to figure out my next big goal. Hmm… any suggestions?

Training for the Baltimore Marathon Officially Begins!

Okay, friends, there is no turning back. This weekend marks the formal and official no-turning-back-now start of  training for the Baltimore Marathon. I’m really excited about this race because it is my pal Lori’s first marathon (whee!) and the first time I’ve ever run the full course in Baltimore. I’ve run the 1/2 four separate times so this is an exciting step for me. (Of course, Katie will also be joining us as well. She is a warrior, that one.)

Below is the plan that will be guiding our training team for the next four months. You can keep track of the actual mileage via my Daily Mile account. (Also located on the right sidebar of this blog)

Date / Mileage

July 2 / 9
July 9 / 10
July 16 / 7
July 23 / 12
July 30 / 13
August 6 / 10
August 13 / 15
August 20 / 16
August 27 / 12
September 3 / 18
September 10 / 14
September 17 / 20
September 24 / 12
October 1 / 20
October 8 / 4
October 15 / Race

(BTW – This training schedule is courtesy of Hal Higdon. And ever-so-slightly modified by me. Natch.)

Interested in running but don’t know where to start? CHECK OUT MY VIDEO on the subject.

On another note…

DC METRO FOLKS, DO NOT MISS THIS. Gotta give props to my friend Sunday of Extreme Parenthood who found this fabulous gem of a race -the Run For Your Lives Zombie Obstacle Course 5K.

Brilliant.

Will I be there? Are you kidding? I MUST be there. Running with zombies? Hellz yeah! (Even though technically is is the weekend AFTER Baltimore. So, the zombies might have the advantage on me that day.)

If you are in the area, you should really hope over to the website and check it out.

PROJECT: The Frederick 1/2 Marathon

STATUS: Conquered

ANALYSIS: Stunningly beautiful day. It was everything a race day should be – exciting, uplifting, challenging and inspiring all at once. Plus, it was Lori’s first race and well, that made all of the difference!

As with any race, it started to wear on me about two miles prior to the finish line. But since my official job for this race was cheerleader, coach and chatterbox, I pretended I was unaffected. Shhh… that is our little secret.

At this point I can officially calm down about training and focus on maintaining the mileage. Our next race is on October 15th – the Baltimore Marathon. A mere 159 days away. Makes me tired just thinking about it.

I think I need to nap first.

In nine days I’m running a half marathon with my dear friend Lori.

Just in case you are wondering, this post is not about ME.

After a ridiculously wet 11 mile long run last week.

You may recall that Lori journeyed with me last year when I went to the Big Apple to run the New York Marathon with Katie. Because of that, and many, many, many other things … I have become her biggest fan.  Lori has lost over 105 pounds and one of her major goals in life is to conquer a distance race.

So here we go. This is HER race. And we’re gonna do it… together.

Can’t you just FEEL the excitement?

Having and conquering a goal is a powerful thing. The feeling of empowerment that comes from proving something to yourself is almost indescribable.

I can’t wait to see her face when they place that medal around her neck.

Truth be told, to me she is already a winner. She has battled so many odds and still she shines. She is my hero.

Next week ‘s race is just a formality.

“Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character.” — T. Alan Armstrong

How about you? Do you have hero in your life?

Warning: If you do not want to hear someone whine or discuss weight loss, fitness or the like you had best jump off my blog right now… Still here? Then proceed at your own risk.

For the past two years I have relished cold weather season. R E L I S H E D.

Because I love snow? NOPE. Because I cherish the holiday season? NOT EVEN CLOSE.

It is because, for the past two years, I have had serious body issues.  I don’t even want to look at a pair of shorts LET ALONE a swimsuit. ((shudder))

I have had to jump through some crazy hoops to keep myself covered up. (Two boys who have a healthy obsession with pool water will do that to you.)

I’m going to be honest with you, when I hit 37 my body just changed.  The word “changed” doesn’t actually represent what I am trying to express. It is more accurate to say that my body BETRAYED ME. Suddenly I gained easier than I lost. Suddenly my clothes no longer fit. Suddenly I could run a marathon but couldn’t loose five silly little pounds. Suddenly I felt old and tired. Not to mention tired and old. I began to yo-yo diet…

I’ve had awhile to ponder the state I have been residing in and I’ve come to the conclusion that I am finally ready to move forward.

You would think that self-loathing would have given me motivation months ago… but you would be wrong.

The more I ponder it, the more I realize that if your mind isn’t into it… you will fail.  You can’t just go through the motions on this one. There is no auto-pilot. No “phoning it in.” You have to be ready. Your mind must be a steel trap.

I’ve been watching my girlfriend Lori transform for quite some time now. Lori has lost over 100 pounds THE GOOD OLE FASHIONED WAY.

She is amazing. She is tenacious. She is DETERMINED.

Her mind is focused.

And I plan to join her.

Because I believe that I have found my focus. FINALLY.