"Pain is weakness leaving the body..."

I am pretty certain I saw this quote on about 15 signs throughout the marathon on Halloween...and as inspirational as it should have been - by mile 19 I just wanted it to be over.

The Marine Corp Marathon itself was a good experience, I am happy I can check it off my list of "must do marathons" but I do not think I'll be running it again.

I was telling Sean when I was done that I should be writing down how I was feeling, because I knew after a week on vacation those raw emotions would have left, and they did - I'll try to point out the high (and low) lights.

This was probably the largest marathon I have ever run, therefore, the porta potty lines were EXTRA long. I should have known better then to wait in line in the "runners village" area...because I literally used the bathroom and had to RUN to the start line, which was 1/2 a mile away, in order to get into my corral so I could hopefully run with the 3:40 pacer. I arrived at the start with 2 minutes to spare and got going.

Lucky me chose the left side of the barrier to start on, turns out we got to go up a large hill while the people on the right side of the barrier remained on flat land. Me, not really thinking, figured I'd be running with a pacer and wouldn't need a watch...boy was I wrong. Running with the 3:40 pacer was just plain annoying because everyone was trying to qualify for Boston (of course) and felt the need to run in a pack on top of one another. People were stepping on heals, I saw a girl fall...it just wasn't fun. Around mile 9 I decided to run a "little bit ahead" and get away from the people.

Bad idea.

I haven't run a race in awhile so I felt really good. Turns out I picked up my pace a little TOO much and was on pace to run a 3:33 marathon - Yes, that is around what my "ideal" goal was...but it ended up killing me. Around mile 15 I decided to slow it down...and caught back up to the 3:40 pacer...by mile 19 I hit my wall. Unfortunately, because GU is no longer my friend I really had nothing to "pick me up" at the wall. Shot blocks, definitely did not give me the energy I need to continue at the pace I was going...I could barely even stomach them. The race went on, I started walking through the water stops...I was miserable.

I finally reached mile 26 and could not wait to see the finish line...until I realized - the finish line was no where in sight - It was at the top of a curvy hill!! Who does that?? When I looked at the elevation map prior to the race, I noticed the BIG hills in the beginning...but not the incline at the end. I felt horrible, but ended up walking during that .2 - the most exciting part of the race...and I walked!

When all was said and done I finished in 3:47:41 - Just about 10 mins SLOWER then Hamptons and 4 minutes SLOWER then Disney (and I had run a 1/2 the day before) - I tried hard to remain upbeat about it, but I can't lie, it is a little disappointing to not hit your goal time when you are set on it.

With this said, it'll only motivate me to work harder for Boston...always room for improvement.

Here's a picture of the elevation...just so you have an idea of my mental state:

Marathon Weekend!!

After months of training - the Marine Corps Marathon weekend is FINALLY here. It's funny, I don't know why I haven't written about this earlier - but Marine Corps is actually one of the first marathons I had ever looked into when I "caught the bug" of running 6 years ago. I remember reading about how it was one of the "top marathons" and the overall experience is "incredible."

I am looking forward to hitting the road bright and early tomorrow morning and heading to DC.

I'm sad Sean can not run with me on Sunday, but I'm happy I'll have his support throughout my run. It's going to be a challenge, but I'm ready to take it on.

Wish me luck!! :)

Marathon Registration...not so easy afterall

October 18, 2010 - I had been waiting for this day since October 2009 when I went to register for the 2010 Boston Marathon and it was FULL. There was no way, after all the dedication I put into qualifying for Boston - that I was going to completely miss out on my chance because I did not register in time.

I woke up Monday morning anxious to get my day going - I'm in "taper" mode for Marine Corps so a 3 mile jaunt was all I needed. I was dressed, showered and out the door for work by 8:10am (lately, I haven't been leaving work until 8:40...so this was a pretty big deal). I grabbed a coffee...arrived at my office set up my computer awaiting for registration to open.

The excitement that I had built up reminded me a lot of the days I would sit at a computer waiting for N Sync tickets to go on sale (lame but true). On the phone...on ticketmaster.com... determined to get the best seats available. 9 am finally arrived - I logged onto baa.org - filled out all my information, I was so excited that I even filled out the "un required" fields like - what place I came in at my qualifying race (1165) and how many Bostons I have run (2 but only 1 with a number). I hit submit...and the screen cleared, telling me to re-enter.

Not a good sign - I immediately got nervous, figured I did something wrong and tried again. After 5 attempts I logged onto the Facebook page (thank God for social media) and found out that I'm wasn't the only one having these issues...I believe all 26,000 who were able to register eventually - hit this same roadblock. Instead of working, like I should have been doing, I spent the next 2 hours trying to register for this race. I began thinking that this just wasn't going to happen...Then FINALLY I took someones advice on Facebook, followed the link they provided and got through.

PHEW...

When I got home from work I decided to take some time to read what people were saying about the process - clearly people were upset throughout - and when it was announced that the entire field was full by 5pm...there was outrage. The number one complaint was that charity runners are taking all the numbers. These are people raising money for some incredible causes, and as a charity runner myself, running a marathon for a charity is probably one of the best experiences I have ever had. To all those people who did not get a number and still want to run - they should consider running for a charity.

Second complaint was that the qualifying times are way too easy (specifically for woman) - they are allowing "every day" runners to be accepted to the race because "anyone can run a 3:40 marathon." - Yes, I must admit, now that I've run a 3:40 I can say that it wasn't has hard as I had once thought...However, it took me 5 years to figure out that I could push myself to that point. I'm sure that the BAA will eventually changed the qualifying time but honestly - I think anyone who thinks that should just get over themselves.

All these people who are upset because they didn't get to register and are completely ripping apart the Boston Marathon need to realize that 1. You aren't going to win Boston...and if you were, you would have a number - so clearly you don't "deserve" it as much as you think you do 2. I read over and over again that Boston has lost it's "prestige" - if you really didn't care then you should go run a spring marathon somewhere else.

Some of the other complaints included that the BAA wasn't prepped for this kind of response, they should open the field limit to over 30,000 and so on.

Whatever people are saying...doesn't really matter to me. I'm beyond excited that I will be running the Boston Marathon because I earned my spot. I busted my ass and I qualified. I can not wait to get to Hopkinton and just run.

Before that...gotta get through Marine Corps 8 DAYS!!!!

Time for the taper...

It's hard to believe there are just under 3 weeks until the Marine Corps Marathon! Over the past few months of training I've learned a few things

1. Do not run too close to the trash barrels in front of the Met

2. Do not drink 4 glasses of wine the day before a 16 mile run

3. Gu is no longer my friend

4. I am a better runner when I have Sean with me

5. Running with a Garmin watch can be VERY discouraging

6. Next time I ask Sean's dad for a good hill work out - find out how big that hill REALLY is before attempting to sprint up it...

7. I do enjoy the occasional after work runs in the park

8. Although life has been busy, I still managed to keep up with my training...definitely not as difficult as I had anticipated...just needed to find the time

9. Running part of the Boston Marathon route for my final 20 mile run made me SO excited to run in 2011

19 Days to go!!

No Excuses

Once again - I've had almost 2 weeks pass since my latest blog post!! I guess my busy schedule is really getting the best of me...and my updates. No big deal though - I can do a quick recap.

My past two long runs have not been the best. 2 weeks ago, I ran a 18 mile loop around the tip of Manhattan - would have been an enjoyable run if I didn't feel like I was going to pass out for the last 8 miles. Not the best feeling, and probably should not have finished, but I'm too stubborn to give up on a run - even when I'm hurting.

Needless to say - my afternoon on that saturday consisted of me having excruciating pains in my stomach, unable to drink any type of fluid and I was severely dehydrated...at points I was curled up on our hardwood floor in so much pain, I just couldn't move. I really thought I was going to have to go to the hospital! Luckily, I had Sean by my side all day and eventually I was able to get some gatorade down, then some water, and finally I could eat.

Note to self - next time I have to do a long run...do not have 1/2 a bottle of wine the night before - whoops!

1 week later - I ventured out again! This time for 16 miles, I made it a point to slow down at any point I felt sick, and drink PLENTY of water - and yeah, not wine the night before. Even with that though, I still had points of feeling nauseous! It's getting frustrating because it's totally slowing down my progress - I'm hoping that it's just the fact that we switched brands of bread (and we will be switching back to what I had before!) and nothing more. I finished my 16 miles and could function, which is all I cared about after what happened the week prior!

This Saturday I will be running my first 20 of training - We are getting into the final stretch! I really hope that I feel better then I have the past couple of weeks, and can keep up a decent pace. We shall see.

My week day runs have been ok, I know I'm not pushing myself as hard as I could be, but I don't know what I can do to kick it into gear. My legs just don't seem to want to move as fast as they used to! Perhaps its all just in my head? I need to stop making excuses and just keep on running.

Quick Update...

These weeks are going by MUCH faster then I anticipated! The marathon is just over 2 months away - it's about time to start the 15-20 mile runs!

Last week my long run of 12 miles was quite successful - I ran my 12 in around the time I ran my 10 2 weeks prior (shows how much I was dragging that week). This week I will be pushing my long run of 14 miles to Friday morning (tomorrow) . This way I can enjoy a relaxing weekend down the Cape with the girls without having to worry about throwing a 14 mile run in there. The bonus to doing it Friday is that I will be able to run 11 of it with Dee! It's been awhile since we've ran together...and it is much needed! I can't wait.

On another note - poor Sean has a case of IT Band syndrome and has been out of commission for 2 weeks now :( I'm hoping we caught it soon enough so he can gradually get back into the swing of things. Keeping my fingers crossed that its nothing more serious!

My feeling is that any day I am too busy to run is a day that I am too busy -- John Bryant

Too busy to run? Not so much - but I'm definitely becoming quite exhausted.

I need to find a balance between work, life, weddings, friends and training for a marathon. The goal of this blog was to keep track of my thoughts and feelings throughout training - but I seem to only have time to update it during my 9-5! (That's fine right?)

Other then being completely drained, I have managed to keep up with the schedule! A few weeks ago, I ran the worst 10 miles of my life. No joke..It was absolutely miserable. Sean came up with a complicated route throughout Central Park - We left together, and I'm pretty sure he's just being nice when he tells me he finished just "15 minutes before me."

The minute I started running I knew it was going to be a bad one, not the best way to approach 10 miles on a hot summer morning. Sean was out of sight within 10 minutes of us reaching the park - and at that moment, I shut down. My legs hurt, my head hurt, my stomach hurt (I did not eat the proper food prior to this attempt). It was excruciating. Me being overly...confident, decided that because it was only 10 miles, there was no need for water. I had to stop and walk 5 times - I don't even stop 5 times during a full marathon!

Needless to say, almost an hour and a half later I was finally done - and in a tremendous amount of pain. I did not have an ounce of sweat on me because I was so dehydrated, completely covered in salt! You'd think I just went on a 20 mile run or something - It took me about 6 hours to recover from that one.

No good - I spent the next week trying to build my confidence back up, and did a decent 12 mile run in Easton the following weekend.

The thing is, we have all these great events going on in our lives for the next few months, we are constantly having to adjust the schedule. I think 3 of my longest runs will end up being at 5 am on a Friday morning because I won't have time to work it into a weekend. Not a major problem, I'm just hoping that the lack of doing long runs with Sean, and our hectic schedules don't completely hinder how we do on race day.

Guess only time will tell - Just gotta keep on running :)

1 Long run down - 15 to go!

Training officially started (for real this time) Saturday! I went for my first long run of 12.9 miles through the quiet streets of Easton. I must say, it was SUCH a nice change from running around the streets of NYC. I think I needed that couple of hours of peace and quiet to clear my head.

How did I feel? A bit...tired, and out of shape. I blame it on my worn out shoes and lack of sleep for the past two weeks. I'm hoping as time goes on and we continue to build up, it'll get easier. I still was able to finish 12.9 in around 1:40-1:45 - Not too bad! I just need to speed it up a bit and I can qualify for NYC!

This training schedule will be more difficult to manage between all the traveling Sean and I have to do in the next few months - weddings & showers are consuming my weekends especially - We will be doing quite a few of our longer runs on our own...which will be tough. Running with Sean is really the only reason I was able to increase my speed/endurance and qualify for Boston. I'm going to have to work hard on pushing myself with out him.

I'm really looking forward training again though! The marathon is going to be fantastic - and we are treating ourselves to a week in Disney following the race (literally we will be on a plane 4 hours after we finish) - A little extra motivation to get to the finish line :)

Not so fast...

I was all excited to start training this week for marathon #6 - and then Sean broke the news to me that we don't have to start training until the second week in July! So, I'm a little anxious to get going...I don't think I've ever registered for a marathon so far in advance, I'm not used to this whole waiting to train thing...

In the meantime, I'm doing smaller races. As I mentioned previously I ran the 5 Mile Achilles International Hope and Possibility race on Sunday...lets just say, the highlight was my 5 second glimpse of the very handsome Prince Harry as the race began.

It was hot, humid, sticky, muggy...gross. The minute I started moving I immediately was sweating profusely. I really don't mind running in the heat, but racing in the heat is another story. I pushed it for the first mile or so and then realized there was no way I was going to keep my 7 min mile pace for much longer...I slowed down to a comfortable 7:30 pace and stuck with it. I finished in just over 37 minutes, not horrible....not great, I know I can do better.

With this said, I think I need to set some goals for my upcoming training runs. For 1, I HAVE to do speed work. The hardest part for me when running races is pushing myself to the finish. I'm the one maintaining my speed, while at least 5-10 people sprint on by me...I just never can get my little legs to move faster! Active.com posted an article about "progression runs" which I will be sure to integrate into my training program in a few weeks...

http://www.active.com/running/Articles/3_Progression_Runs_to_Reach_Race-Day_Success.htm?cmp=11-4104&utm_source=sendible&utm_medium=feed

Hill workouts...also key. Since I ran Goofy in January, I have been avoiding doing any sort of hill work. I will still run the typical loop up cat hill in the Park, but I've probably only ran Harlem Hill (that daunting horrible hill on the UWS in the park) maybe 3 times? I have a feeling that hill is going to be the best (and worst) thing to ever happen to me during these training runs.

And finally....I need to realize that rest days are fine. I've gotten into this crazy mindset that I HAVE to work out 6 days a week...If I don't work out a day that I was planning on working out, I get kind of crazy, just ask Sean. The best thing I can do for myself is to let my legs recover after the hard workouts. Thats going to be a tough one.

Here we go...

The past few months there have many many ups and even more downs on the "personal life front" In turn, running has been somewhat put on the back-burner. Not in the sense that I stopped running...no way! More along the lines of, not pushing myself as hard as I know I can, cutting runs short and honestly...not quite enjoying myself as much as typically do.

With that said, it looks like everything is finally getting back to normal...what a relief! We are just 4 months away from the Marine Corp Marathon and its about time I get back into the swing of things. To kick of training Sean and I will be running a 5 mile race around Central Park for Achilles International. There is no doubt in my mind that any "lack of motivation" I feel will be wiped away after running this race.

I'm looking forward to getting back into the training mindset, the long runs on hot summer mornings and the opportunity to continue to push myself towards bigger (faster) racing goals.

If you aren't familiar with Achilles International - here's a quick overview from their website:

In 1976, Dick Traum, an above the knee amputee, found himself approaching middle age and out of shape. After joining a local YMCA, Dick began running – small distances at first and then, eventually several miles. Within a year, Dick became the first amputee to run the New York City Marathon. The experience was life changing, bringing a powerful sense of achievement and self-esteem. In 1983, seeking to provide that same opportunity to other people with disabilities, Dick created the Achilles Track Club, now called Achilles International.

Today, this non-profit organization has chapters and members in over 70 countries. Every day, in parks, gyms, and tracks all over the world, Achilles provides athletes with disabilities with a community of support. Able-bodied volunteers and disabled runners come together to train in an environment of support and community. Within this community, runners gain measurable physical strength and build confidence through their sense of accomplishment, which often transfers to other parts of their life.

Over the years, Achilles has also developed specialized programs for children and war veterans. Achilles Kids provides training, racing opportunities, and an in-school program for children with disabilities, while our Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans program brings running programs and marathon opportunities to disabled veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

While our programs focus on athletics, the truth is, sports are simply the tool for accomplishing our main objective: to bring hope, inspiration and the joys of achievement to people with disabilities. Nothing illustrates this more than our signature event, the Hope and Possibility Five-Miler. In this race, able-bodied and disabled athletes participate side-by-side and, with several disabled award categories, it puts a first place win within the grasp of all runners.

Watch out for that...bomb proof trash can!

It's been awhile since I've last written - mostly because there hasn't been much excitement on th running front out here in good ole NYC. I've been keeping it to mainly short distances lately, trying to get mentally prepared for the training that is just a few weeks from beginning...Crazy!

On a semi funny note (but not so funny at the time) - I went for a run the other day in the park. Just another 4 mile jaunt - nothing too fast, it was hot but I felt pretty good. Typically, on the way back to the apartment we run by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Outside the Museum there is a large area of cobble stone, and then a flat area of "side walk' by the road, which I always opt to run on.

So...I'm running feeling good, I'm almost done woo woo - then BAM...I slam into one of those bomb proof (literally...bomb proof) giant green NYC trash barrels. The barrels that I run around almost EVERY day.

At first I was in shock, then yelled some profanity and added "Massachusetts doesn't have giant trash barrels to run around..." started to cry...then immediately decided the only way to fix how I felt was to SPRINT back to the apartment. I ran the fastest I've run in months - all the way back to Apt 5A.

Hopefully that was the last time I'll ever run into a bomb proof trash barrel here in NYC. I am now left with a nasty bruise on my arm - kind of looks like I have a boyfriend who beats me or something...I've definitely gotten some looks over the past few days but its too hot to wear sleeves...so I'll keep it exposed for now - nice right?

I don't even know what a cramp is!

It's been a week since the Dancing Elk Condors ventured out on our 200 mile journey from Quincy to the Cape...and let me tell you - I'm still exhausted...but we had an AMAZING time!

Props to Drew and Erica for their coordination of the whole thing - I'm not sure I'd be able to wrangle up 11 of my friends to run 3 times - various lengths - in under 24 hours!

The weekend itself is now a blur - I wish I had updated this immediately after the race was over...I had so many more thoughts running through my mind!

The race went exactly how I had described it in my previous entry - 1 team of 12 split into 2 vans...taking various legs of the 200 mile race. We were exhausted by the end...and I'll admit, I was a little cranky (especially since Sean and I had to head back to NYC) but it was so worth it!

I was very impressed with Van 1 - we were all very supportive of one another....did our best to stop along each others routes to cheer one another on... It made the time go by fast, and the long hours of being awake and running not so hard.

I think we all did a great job running - I was impressed with Aims who talked her self up to be this "inexperienced" runner, if you want to call it that - and then coming out and kicking ass, especially on the hilliest leg of all the routes! Sean, with his knee problems and all, managed to amaze us with his sprinting skills by running his first 2 mile leg in just over 12 minutes...Alexis made the night runs look easy, always had a smile on. Jon - claims he didn't even train but like Alexis, made it all look easy...And Drew - just looked like a super human or something...he even managed to finish his final leg, which turned out to be just over 11 miles - with a smile on :)

I think I did pretty well myself - I've never run multiple times in a day so the first leg I felt the best out of the all...by my final leg of 7.5 I felt like I had just ran a marathon! I was VERY thankful to see Jon waiting for me just over that hill at the end...

Because of the lack of preparation on my end....and zero stretching between runs - My legs were pretty much shot this entire week. I tried to do an "easy" run on the Tuesday following the race and barely made it a block before deciding riding the bike at the gym would be my best bet. The 5th floor walk up certainly did not help with my burning quads...

It's been a week since the race and I'm finally feeling back to normal! I'm looking forward to the weeks ahead and I'm actually excited to start marathon training! Just over a month to go!

If you ever want to do an "ultra" relay race - I'd highly recommend it! As long as you are ok with being stuck in a messy van, with 5 sweaty and smelly teammates then you are good to go!

197.7 Miles - Here we come!

Nothing like kicking off the month of May with a 197.7 mile relay race from Quincy - Provincetown!

A team of 12 of us will embark on this 2 day overnight race through Massachusetts - we will pass over 80 Dunkin Donuts locations (amazing!) and get a tour of the small coastal towns leading from Quincy to the Sagamore bridge and all the throughout the Cape to Provincetown. 2 Vans of 6 will split up 36 legs of the race - (Van 1 will get the morning legs and the early evening legs while Van 2 gets the afternoon/over night legs)

I can't wait, it's going to be an amazing experience and hopefully kick me back into my training mindset! I will be running 3 legs - 8.9, 3.9 & 7.5 - totaling 20.3 miles for the weekend.

The weather is going to be hot and sunny - not necessarily the best running weather but perfect for tans and our "beach breaks" while the second van is off on their journey.

I'm looking forward to a weekend with Sean, my teammates, and friends Amy & Drew! :)

I'll be sure to write a detailed update when our journey is complete!

Go team dancing elk condors!!

Waking up is hard to do...

I'm not going to lie - running in New York is pretty cool. Every morning I get up, I am guaranteed to see at least 200 people out up at the park running, walking, biking...even in the rain! However, there are mornings (like today) where you just don't want to see anyone!

I'm exhausted - last weekend was the first of many weekends in the next few months that Sean and I will be home in MA - all for great reasons but just thinking about the number of times we have to make that drive wears me out. This past weekend was non stop - rehearsal dinner, the bonzey wedding (woo woo congrats colin & courtney!) sox game, Sean's b-day and a long ride home after the game. Needless to say we didn't get much sleep.

I didn't realize how tired I was until yesterday, it hit me like a brick wall! I had a semi decent workout at the gym, but it didn't rejuvenate me like it typically would. Today was even worse - I dragged myself out of bed at 6:30 (much later then usual) and headed up to the park with Sean for a run.

I must say, there is no need for people to be honking at 6:30am - Sorry NY, you'll get to where you need to be eventually...even if you don't move the second the light turns green! Sometimes all I want is a nice quiet run, and I'm not going to get that here.

When we finally got to the park I was pretty much "sleep running" I felt like I was barely moving - Sean wasn't even in my sights, which isn't typical. Now that it's nice out you spend a majority of your run focusing on not getting hit by a crazy NY biker (they are worse then drivers!) and accidentally bumping into another runner.

I was annoyed and wanted to stop, curl up on the grass and fall asleep. Days like these, when I have a bad run, and all the outside factors get to me really make me miss home. I miss being able to go for a run with Dee, my mom, my sister around Easton and chat the whole time, not worrying about what's going on around us and enjoying the peace and quiet when we want. I even miss the friendly waves from the people out for walks each morning - they'd always say hello! It's a nice feeling.

Yes, running in New York does have it's benefits...it's nice knowing that I am probably more safe going out alone early in the morning here then I would be any other place...but it's no secret - I am looking forward to the day when I'm just visiting NYC and going for a run...not having it be part of my daily routine.

Need some inspiration?

My sister Danielle is currently is training for a May marathon, I know she'll do amazing and I think she should know she's an inspiration for all. Her husband was deployed last July, its been tough for everyone, especially the immediate fam (Robby, Danielle and Madison) - but they are making the most of it (skype is a lifesaver), and Danielle has certainly been keeping busy!

This past fall she had been asking me what spring marathons she could do, I threw out a few ideas but nothing really sparked her interest. On a chilly day in February I headed up to run the Amherst, MA 10 miler with her and we bumped into someone promoting the Inaugural Memorial Day Marathon in the Berkshires. He informed us that a portion of the proceeds would benefit the intrepid fallen hero's fund...She knew right then this was the marathon she was going to do. Not only does it go towards a great cause, but having the added motivation of Robby being overseas would help her through the training and the race itself.

For the past few months she has been working hard as a mother, hair-stylist and runner. She's the only person I know who can push a 2 year old for 12+ miles in a jogging stroller - who does that?? She wakes up early in the mornings on the weekends to get her long run in before work...and will take Madison out at any chance she gets. She is not only getting twice the workout by doing so (and prepping herself for an amazing marathon time) - she is teaching her daughter healthy habits, that exercising is fun and molding her into a little runner (and maybe even a hockey player).

One of the most frustrating things I hear from people is that they "don't have time to exercise." Next time you think that, take a look at the people out there - like Danielle, who have a hundred things going on in their life, yet still have time to exercise. You just need to prioritize your time.

I'm looking forward to being with Danielle and Madison on Memorial Day weekend, cheering her on each mile - and watching her run the last 1/4 mile pushing Madison across that finish line. :)

Springtime in the City...

NYC in the springtime is beautiful -- It seems like overnight the tulips are blooming in the planters under the trees on the streets of the Upper East Side, flowers and leaves begin to fill the barren trees, Central Park becomes full of people jogging, walking, biking, tanning (you name it...)...and I suddenly have allergies??

I noticed it last year when we first moved into Manhattan - I went for a run in the park and felt like I was struggling to breathe! This is not a good feeling at all - and just when everything started to bloom again this year - the allergies were back in full swing.

Sean and I went for a a quick 4 mile run in the park this morning. We started off slow due to the fact that it is Monday - and Sean is still recovering from Colin's (his best friend from High School) bachelor party this past weekend. As soon as we got up to the park, the wheezing began. Sean likes to pick up his pace in the park - he says we aren't allowed to let anyone pass us while we run there (constant competition!) - The faster he got, the faster I tried to get...and my breathing became worse. Before I knew it he was a good 1/4 mile ahead of me and I was just pushing to get a little closer.

Not a terrible run but I am looking forward to the summer when its a little warmer, I can breathe again and don't end the run with a massive sinus headache! I think I can handle the heat more then Sean can...maybe roles will be reversed and he'll be struggling to keep up with me ;)

How It Began - Where I plan on going...

Wednesday April 7th, 2010 - I anxiously sat at in my little grey cube at the office waiting to find out of I was picked for the 2010 NY Marathon lottery. I had heard through an online discussion that they were already charging credit cards before the official "noon selection." I continuted clicking refresh on my Chase Online Banking page over...and over again all morning. My hopes of being able to run this November were quickly taken away: Marathon Registration Status: Not Accepted. You'd think I'd take that as I hint? Perhaps a fall Marathon is just not what I should do this year...Instead I jumped online and registered for the 35th Annual Marine Corp Marathon.

Before I found out about NY - I decided "If I get selected I will write a blog about my progress." - Now I figure, I am not doing NY but might as well still do it. It'll be interesting to take a look back at the progress I make over the next 200 days or so.

The whole running thing started 6 years ago - I was 20 years old, not sure what I wanted to do with my life, working at a candy store and having a very hard time getting through college. I'd start a semester, quit half way through - start over, not go to class. I needed something to focus on. I had gone to see a friend run The Boston Marathon for Boston College, and I caught the bug. At that moment I decided I would do whatever it took to run the marathon the following year.

I had no idea that you had to "qualify to run" Boston - That just didn't seem fair! This was my "hometown" Marathon. I did some research and quickly learned that I could run for a charity...The Boston Marathon has a variety of choices of charities you could raise money for, but the one that seemed the most legitmate, and the most rewarding, was the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge. I applied, I was chosen, I trained with them, met amazing people, and 5 months I completed my first marathon in 4 hours 29 mins.

2 year later I ran the Boston Marathon again, My sister, who had a number, found out she was pregnant and could no longer run it. Let me remind you, this is 2 weeks before the marathon, I had not been training, had only been running a few half marathons. I did it though, and ran my second marathon in 4 hours 20 mins. People thought I was crazy, I took 10 minutes off my time and hadn't even trained! This is when I realized I actually may be good at this.

After completing my second Boston Marathon I decided I would NOT run Boston again until I qualified. A big goal for someone who would need to cut over 40 minutes off her time.

Fast forward a few months - I met my now boyfriend Sean - we connected when we found out his father had been an active runner for Dana Farber - small world! We began dating soon after we met and 9 months later headed out to San Diego so I could run my 3rd Marathon, the Rock and Roll San Diego Marathon. I had never been out to California so I was looking forward to seeing what SD had to offer. The race was beautiful, but I know I went out too fast. The warm sunny weather got me and I was struggling towards the end. I started off pacing a 3:40 marathon and ended in 4:10 - Not terrible, still cut 10 minutes off my time...so I was happy.

Summer of 2008 I packed up my life in Massachusetts, and moved to NYC to be closer to Sean. At the time, I thought it was the best decision I could have made - but quickly realized it was going to be be more difficult then I had imagined. No job, no money, no idea where to run, can really take a toll on a small town girl. I moved a few times while being in the city and due to money, ended up having to move in with Sean and his buddies. Certainly not the best situation but, it was when Sean and I first started living together that he saw me pushing myself out there and running - and he quickly caught on to why I loved it so much. He started running with me and became my running partner.

Fast forward again to Spring 2009 - I get a confirmation e-mail in my gmail account "Congratulations for signing up for the 2009 Hamptons Marathon" - What?? Sean ims me soon after to inform me that he wanted to run a marathon, so he signed us both up for Hamptons and he WILL help me qualify for Boston. I laughed it off , but agreed, it could be fun to train together.

Running with Sean is probably one of the best things I could have started doing. I had been running with my friend Dee for a few years before I moved to NY - but we're both at the same level so it was hard to push ourselves to go any faster. Sean got right out there and had me start running faster. My "fast" 8:40 miles started to go down...8:15, 8:05, 7:50's - I ran my fastest 10K that summer in Sub 8's - I ran my fastest 20 miler in 3 hours 50 minutes. At this point, I knew had a shot.

Hamptons marathon was here - we started the race off with Sean loosing ALL his gu. This is the first marathon I had ever even considered eating these things, I had trained with them and realized "wow this is why people have them huh." - After a brief panic we figured out that it would be ok, they'll have more gus for us at mile 17. We started off strong, and very fast. We were running about 7:30's - 8:00's - I ran my fastest half marathon in 1 hour 43 minutes. We slowed it down at that point. Mile 18 I hit a wall - a tiny hill was in my site and I knew I just could NOT Run up it - I still had 8 miles to go....perhaps going out so fast was not a good idea?

I pushed it though, downed my last gu and tried very very hard not to vomit. I did not feel good at all....mile 19, 20, 21 - Saw the time but it didn't really register. I reached mile 22 - did a quick calculation and realized, I can run 10 minute miles for the remainder of the race and I WILL qualify for Boston - This is probably the most surreal thing....ever. I honestly never thought I would be fast enough, have the endurance, to push my body to do such a thing. 4 miles later I was done. 3 hours 37 minutes - 30 minutes faster then my previous marathon. I qualified...with 3 minutes to spare.

Qualifying was a great feeling but I didn't have the reaction I thought I would have. I was expecting tears and smiles and laughter...In reality, I just stared off into the distance and said wow...I did it. It was amazing but I don't think it will really register until I run Boston in 2011 (the 2010 entry was already full).

I wasn't done though...in January 2009 I had registered for the goofy challenge down in Disney. That's a 1/2 marathon on a Saturday and a full marathon the following day. I was pretty tired from Hamptons but still managed to train throughout the fall, got some long runs in - but nothing major. I felt pretty good, but not overly strong. I knew I wanted to finish the half in sub 2 and the full in sub 4...that's all.

Florida had a colder then usual January this year - the morning of the half marathon it snowed! It was 20 degrees and freezing. I was wearing what I would wear on a typical run in NY in the winter...not what I expected. The run went well though and I finished in a respectable 1:58. The following day was the full - I woke up that morning with the mentality that I would do a sub 4. It was another freezing day in Florida. Sean's brother in law Mark, was also running (after having hip surgery just a few months prior!) - we found trash bags to throw on before the start to keep warm...and then got going.

The Disney Marathon is a very popular marathon, especially for first timers. It was packed, you start running through epcot and you can barely maneuver your way around people. I lost Mark after about 5 miles. Running through the parks was amazing - the characters were all throughout cheering you on, there were more spectactors then I would have ever thought would want to be out at 7 am on a cold cold Sunday morning in Florida. I felt the strongest I've ever felt during a marathon. I never had the urge to walk through the water stops, didn't notice how fast I was going, just enjoyed being out there.

I finished the full marathon in 3 hours 43 minutes. Not bad for running a half marathon the day before.

Since then I've been taking it easy - I haven't run more then 10 miles or so since the race. I'm ready to start training again. Sean will be doing Marine Corp with me in October and now it's HIS turn to qualify. I plan to train hard, and fast. Eat healthy, lift weights - and see what happens. Ideally I'd like to run a 3:30 Marathon but who knows - Marine Corp will be the second hardest marathon I've ever run.

This blog will be our journey, I'll include some of Sean's progress in here as well. Entries will not be nearly as long as this one - its more for my own memory...a look bag at the beginning. How I got to where I am today and where I plan on going...

Stay tuned...