Getting My Rear in Gear

A couple of weeks ago I, along with my Dear Hubby, kicked off my full marathon training season by running a 5K--Get Your Rear in Gear.  My goal was to finish in less than 40 minutes, and my official finishing time was 34 minutes 39 seconds (keeping in mind my first 5K finish was more than 43 minutes).  


The Colon Cancer Coalition organizes these races throughout the country to raise awareness of and to raise funds toward research to find a cure for colon cancer.  In addition to the fact that I work in the Division of Colon & Rectal Surgery at Mayo Clinic, I also have two friends who are battling other serious colon diseases and were in life threatening situations the week before the race, so, even though they weren't fighting cancer, I still ran with their names on my racing bib, and I held them in my heart and prayer as I ran (both are doing much better, by the way!).  


It was good for me to run this race after experiencing the Med City half Marathon.  The Med City race was more focused on the runners' accomplishments (I trained, I ran, I finished, I got a cool shirt and medal, etc.); however, running a 5K for a cause is so inspiring, and the 5K distance isn't very intimidating so it brings many less experienced runners to the starting line who feel that they are doing something to support a loved one by running.  

Then, the following week was my first long run.  Summer is here in Minnesota; no doubt.  I'm experiencing a new season in running--learning to run in heat and humidity is completely different from running in the winter. Both are equally as challenging and require different strategies.  Winter running is all about clothing; summer running is all about hydration.  So, even though I have some experience under my belt I feel like I'm having to start over from square one and re-learn how to cover the distance.

It was already close to 80-degrees at 7:00 a.m. and even the most experienced runners in our group were apprehensive.  I was armed with my Nuun-laced water and sporting my orange Mankato Marathon in-training shirt.  The group was running 10 miles, though my training plan only called for 8.  I thought I'd give the 10 miler a try.  However, with the intense heat I cut it back and did 7.75 miles (close to the 8 miles my training plan called for).

For my mid-week runs I decided to go to the gym and use the "dread"mill since we are under some excessive heat warnings with heat indexes in the triple-digits.  Running outside is much more enjoyable, but dangerous in this kind of heat.  Nevertheless, I got the miles in, and I'm ready for this Saturday's long run--as ready as I can be at this stage.  The good news is that the weather is supposed to cool down a bit with temperatures in the 70's during the morning.

Getting my rear in gear for this season, and looking forward to all God wants to teach me.

First Half Marathon--With Help from Our Friends

"Running is not a private activity.  People are watching... ."

--Marc Parent

In the week prior to my half marathon, I was watching the weather closely hoping for temperatures in the 50-60's but seeing the forecast nearing the 90's.  I had heard about three other marathons that had to cancel or were in danger of canceling due to severe thunderstorms and heat.  I even starting looking at other half marathons coming up in case my race was canceled.  Early in the week the race director sent a message encouraging those registered for the full marathon to switch to the half.  When I went to pick up my race packet I was assured that no matter what, the half marathon would go on.

Training for a race like this is a long and arduous process.  It is also oftentimes a lonely process.  No one truly understands what you're doing, except other runners.  There were many times during the training process I longed to hear words of encouragement and support.  A few days before the race I received a card in the mail from a dear friend expressing her support and faith in me.  These were words I needed badly like a cool drink of water on a hot day.

The morning of the race I got up at 4:30 a.m. to get ready and eat an energy bar.  Our babysitter arrived at 5:30 a.m. and Dear Hubby and I headed out to catch the shuttle bus.  Amazingly, I was calm about what I was about to do.  We arrived at the start line and as I waited for the time to head out I looked at my feet with the timing chip attached to my right shoe--"don't fail me now!"  I got up to head out to the start line, and my cell phone rang.  It was a friend calling to wish me the best, "May the LORD give you wings on your feet!"

We headed out to the starting line.  The National Anthem was sung, and then they gave a head start to the wheelchair and hand-cyclists, then BANG we were off.  I decided to continue with the strategy I used during training--3/4 mile run and then 1/4 mile walk.  First two miles were easy.  The only glitch was when we came to the first water stop they had run out of cups.  Oops!  One of the volunteers offered to let me take a drink of Gatorade from the pitcher, which I'm not ashamed to say that I did!  I needed the electrolytes as the heat was rising.  Miles 2-8 were pleasant rolling hills, which I handled well I thought. 

The most memorable part of the race was ascending the first hill at mile 3.  The song on my iPod was "Jerusalem of Gold," and I was envisioning the beautiful hills of Jerusalem.  Just as we reached the top of the hill, off to my right, I saw a man whip out a shofar and start blowing it!  There are many meanings and purposes behind the shofar sounds--warning of danger, calling people to gather for worship, etc.  Ultimately, the sound of the shofar awakens the soul to seek the LORD.  What a beautiful moment for me.  To hear the song, envision the city that I know is the very heart of God, and then to hear the sound of the shofar.  Then my eyes came into focus, and I recognized the man blowing the shofar and his wife (the same person who called me as I was heading out to the starting line)--dear friends of ours who came to cheer us on!

We continued running along the hills.  At the mile six aid station there was a startling reminder of the danger of the heat.  A young girl, no older than 19 or 20, was sitting in a chair covered in ice packs to help her cool down.  This was not a race to push the limits.  This was a race to slow down the pace, drink more than you think you need, and cover the distance without worrying about the time.  Oh yeah!  My friends were there again to give another blast on the shofar.

Another memorable moment for me was approaching the mile 8 marker.  I heard from some veteran marathoners some advice about putting your name on your shirt so that people will cheer you on.  So I did.  At mile 8, two women started cheering for me,  "You go girl!  Way to go, Rebecca!  We're here for you, Rebecca!  We waited for you, Rebecca!"  These women were perfect strangers to me, but hearing them call out my name and encouraging words was such a boost, and I am forever grateful to them.

I don't know what happened between miles 8 and 9, but it seemed to go really quickly.  Then came the next mile, which I thought would never end.  The heat was getting to me, and fatigue was setting in.  We passed mile 10 and my emotions were getting the best of me.  Don't you know it?  Looking over to the right, our friends were there again, so Dear Hubby dragged me over and asked them to pray for me.  We continued on.

Mile 11 was absolutely the most emotional moment of the race for me.  I saw the number on the mile marker and I knew I was going to make it to the finish.  It was really happening!  But I was really getting tired, so I walked.  We passed mile 12, and our friends were there again with wet wipes to cool us down and to cheer us on as we had less than a mile to go.  

There was a bridge with a slight incline and a large American flag draped over it.  Upon reaching the flag, this is what I saw:

I wanted to run, and run fast, but it was so hot and I was spent.  It was like running through hot muddy air.  Then I saw myself and Dear Hubby on the jumbo-tron, so I forced a smile on my face (at least some sort of grimace), and crossed the line, and guess who was there?  Our friends!

These friends were there for us the entire race.  They called me as we were heading out to the start line.  They were there at miles 3, 6, 10, 12 and were there to welcome us at the finish line and take pictures and celebrate with us.  Amazing.

In some ways this was my accomplishment.  I did the training.  I ran the race.  I crossed the finish line.  However, there is no way I could have done this alone.  I am thankful for my Dear Hubby's support in running with me.  I am thankful to those who watched our children so we could run together.  I'm thankful for my personal trainer who pushed me beyond what I thought I could do.  I'm thankful to my friends who had faith in me and prayed for me even when I didn't know it.  I'm thankful for the notes and "likes" on Facebook.  I'm thankful for a fellow runner in Colorado, whom I have yet to meet face-to-face, who I can email with questions and who is generous with her advice.

You know?  The reason I post my running times on Facebook, and the reason I'm writing this blog, is not to brag about myself.  It keeps me focused and accountable.  I know there are people watching me, and I don't want to let them down.  My sincere prayer is that this journey of mine will inspire people to say "YES" to God, no matter what He asks them to do.  I want you to know that, even if He calls you to a hard place, the journey is worth it, because you are not alone, and He has much to teach you along the way.

So, after taking a week off for a much needed family vacation, I am now at the beginning of another journey...the journey I began a year ago.  Last night I began training for my first full marathon, and I am eagerly anticipating all that God wants to teach me in these next 20 weeks.

Thoughts Before My First Half-Marathon

Three months ago, I joined a marathon training class, and here I am a few days away from participating in my first half-marathon.  The leader of the class sent a very encouraging email to the participants.  Here are some excerpts:

"For every participant, the Marathon and Half Marathon can turn doubt into hope, and discipline into dreams come true."

OK folks it is almost show time!!! ! feel like a mom who is sending her children off to summer camp for the first time. Isn't the 1-2 weeks prior to a merrython great!!! Eat lots, sleep lots, cut back on your exercise regime, be cranky and irritable with good reason, and spend endless moments writhing in anxiety!!!!! I have heard from some of your colleagues here and there about how excited you are. That is great. Remember it is perfectly acceptable to have butterflies in your stomachs...you just have to get them to fly in proper formation!!! (and to not vomit) That comes automatically as soon as you take your first step across the start line (not the vomiting).

You are about to embark on a wonderful journey that will provide you with an extension of your limitations, the strength and will to do what you previously may have only dreamed about. What a great gift you have earned for yourselves. I only wish I could be a small insect (and one which produces only good thoughts) on your race numbers the day of your event. But I do know that although I won't be running alongside you, that you will be in my thoughts and prayers for a safe and meaningful journey.

Remember, there is only one time that you will run your first half or full marathon. Experience the moment and do not wish the miles away. Regardless of how you feel (and you may likely ebb and flow), it is all about the journey. The finish is only a “line” that you cross. Your journey will stay with you forever and one that you are likely to recall again and again. Smiles will cross your faces when you are in the midst of conversations, immersed in thought, and struggling through those endless agendas. You will be changed when you cross that finish line. The preparation is done, the exam is about to commence, and finally the celebration will be yours to own forever. Savor the moment, you have earned it, and you will never be the same again!!!!

Go forth in victory (where did I find that one???). Remember, if you are at the start line for your respective event, the odds are extremely good that you will make it to the finish line. Your journey will be revealing, physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. I wish you only the very best. You have all worked hard and are most deserving to embark on this incredible journey. As I always told my students in Outward Bound, you have been in the safety of the harbor long enough and you have learned all that is necessary to go out to sea and handle any crisis you may encounter, as well as to enjoy the peacefulness and confidence of knowing you are prepared. You are now Outward Bound.

May you find great joy and meaning in your effort, I wish you only the very best…………….remember it is all about the journey!!

For my Rochester friends, come cheer on the runners.  The race organizers will even provide cow bells!!

15K Race Recap

In preparation for running my first half-marathon, I ran a 15K race as a dress rehearsal to see how the past three months of training is paying off, and to see if I'll really be ready to tackle 13.1-miles in a couple of weeks.  The evening before the race I bowed my heart before the LORD in prayer and asked Him what He wanted to teach me this time out.

As I quieted myself before Him, I heard Him say, "What is the date tomorrow?"

"May 5," I answered.

Then He asked, "How far is the race?"

"15K."

Then it clicked...May 5 = 5-5; and I'm running three 5K's = 5-5-5.  There is great significance to the number 5.

The number 5 is the Biblical number for GRACE, and with the date and the three 5K's, it comes to five-fives.  Then I heard Him say, "I am leading you into a season of grace, and you will experience grace multiplied."

WOW!!

I actually got a decent night's sleep.  The weather was perfect for running, and the route was beautiful.  I was feeling good at the start line.  I headed to the back of the pack not wanting to get run over by more aggressive racers.  My goal was to just cover the distance; it didn't really matter how long it took or if I came in last.

BANG!  We started.  My strategy was to continue my 3/4-mile run and 1/4-mile walk intervals throughout the race.  I'm using the RunKeeper app on my iPhone to keep pace, and I also have a prompt set to tell me where I am every 30 minutes.  The first 30 minute prompt told me that I was 3/4-mile ahead of my regular pace.  I felt great!  I kept going.  The next 30 minute prompt I was even a bit farther ahead of my pace, and at the third prompt I was almost a full mile ahead.  I was indeed experiencing grace in this race!  I did start feeling fatigued during the last two miles and walked further than I should have.  I'm still learning how to conquer the self-doubt and negative thoughts that creep in when my body is tired...something all runners struggle with.

I rounded the last corner and saw the finish line, and I was shocked when I saw the time...I finished 22 minutes faster than I thought I would (even though I was the last one across the finish line).  I was a bit tired, but I felt great, and the finish line cookies were awesome.  It really doesn't matter that I came in last.  A "dead last finish" is better than "did not finish" which trumps "did not start."

13.1-miles--BRING IT ON!

Pain: Hurt vs. Harm

Pain is inevitable.  It's a part of growth.  I don't necessarily believe that pain is bad.  There's a difference between pain that hurts and pain that harms.  Years ago I met with a counselor while working through depression.  Those of you who have ever worked with a counselor know how emotionally painful it can be to talk about all the things you've buried over the years.  It's hard to dig those things up, look at them, recognize them for what they truly are (whatever that is for you) and then to finally let go and move on.  The counselor often used stories to help me face my pain.  He told me about a time he worked at a rehabilitation hospital.  One of his duties was to help patients into and out of the therapy pool, and depending on what was going on with their bodies, this could be very painful for them.  He told them, "This pain may hurt but it won't harm you."

Pain that hurts is temporary and is often a part of the healing process.  Recognizing that pain is a part of the healing process helps me to face it more readily.  As part of my training towards running a marathon I also incorporate strength and core training with a personal trainer each week.  The exercise can cause pain, but once the pain subsides I realize I'm stronger.  It's so much fun to come back to the exercise that caused so much pain a few weeks later and now find I can blast though it.

A few weeks ago the long run was 11.5 miles.  My strategy was to run 3/4 mile and walk 1/4 mile and focus on one mile at a time.  It was a gorgeous day and we ran through some of the most beautiful scenery in our city.  The first 7 miles went really well.  I was feeling good and ready to tackle the remaining 4+ miles.  Then something unexpected happened.

When I hit mile 9 my body began to freeze in pain.  Not due to cold.  Everything from my neck to my ankles froze in pain, and my feet hurt excruciatingly.  Then the battle in my mind began to rage.  Can I push through?  Should I stop?  I thought about a woman in our running group who was suffering with a stress fracture.  I wasn't sure if I was injured or merely fatigued.  I tried to run and then got really dizzy.  So, I decided that I would walk the rest of the way back.

Let me tell you, even walking was painful.  Everything hurt with every step.  At the point it became most painful, guess what song came on my iPod?

There may be pain in the night, but

Joy comes in the morning

Perfect!  I still hurt everywhere, but I was grateful to God for using this song to show me that this was not the harmful pain of injury...just the temporary hurt of fatigue.  

A few days later I read an article in Runner's World magazine: Survival Training (link below).  It was about a newbie runner who completed a training run with a Navy SEAL.  He experienced much the same pain as I described above.  Then the SEAL whispered in his ear:

 "You ran long and hard to feel this pain—embrace it, let it go through you. This pain is your reward!"

This is something I'm going to remember as my mileage progresses.  It's a good lesson to learn, and it's one you can only learn from experience.  Is the pain I'm experiencing harmful or is the hurt temporary?  Pain is my reward and will make me stronger in the end.

It feels so good to be moving for a good distance at least once a week!  Covering roughly ten miles is just not big of a deal.  The most I had done before this was a 10K race back in the 80's.  I was moving faster then, but ten miles is still ten miles!
Some of the best memories are the views of the city that I would not normally see.  Running on foot provides the time to look around and soak it in.  Driving in a car is often too fast for that.
Exercise is a good thing.  Doing it with a spouse makes it that much more "do-able" (when you have kids).
It's worth it, and I enjoy it.
Enough said....

Bruce (Rebecca's Husband)

Life is Lived on the Hills

My apologies to whomever I'm stealing this thought from as I can't remember where it is that I heard it.

Life is lived on the hills.  When you flat line it means you're dead.

Hills are usually a metaphor for challenges, and we see the most challenge in climbing uphill.  However, I'm learning that running going downhill is just as challenging.  Running uphill requires strength in your hamstrings and glutes.  Running downhill causes increased impact on joints and requires strength in your quadriceps.  It is much different from cycling.  There's no coasting downhill in running.  Both require strength.  That's why many races advertise a "flat and fast course," and runners like those because they can run fast and strive for setting a personal record.  However, runners also know how important it is to incorporate hills into their training in case there are rolling hills in the race.  It's best to be prepared.

One of my favorite TV shows is Globe Trekker.  It is a travel show, and trekkers go to remote and interesting places around the world.  Each episode usually concludes with a trek up a famous mountain.  One episode I remember best is one that showcased Switzerland.  The climb was up the Matterhorn.  As arduous as the climb to the summit was I couldn't help but thinking about how precarious the climb down would be.  In fact, they pointed out how many climbers were injured or killed on the descent.  Yikes!

The long run this past weekend was 9.5 miles through some of the hilliest neighborhoods in my city.  We made it to the first water stop and then started what I thought was a pretty steep climb.  I almost made it all the way to the top when I needed to stop and walk.  Another runner warned me that there was another hill coming up.  I thought, "Okay, I'll just recover a bit and then be ready for the next hill." We rounded the corner and even with craning my neck I couldn't see the top of this hill.  It was too steep for me to run and took most of what I had in me to walk up.  I didn't feel too bad because I could see other runners in the group walking ahead of me.  We made it to the top and still had about 4-5 more miles to go.

I think it was about mile 7 or 8 when the fatigue really set in.  I am doing a run/walk method of running 3/4 mile and walking 1/4 mile.  I was on a 1/4 mile walk break looking ahead and seeing yet another hill ahead of me.  About that time the driver of a dark red van started honking and waving at us.  I knew it had to be someone I knew, but I couldn't see who it was.  Even though I didn't know who it was it was such a boost to know that someone was cheering me on, and I really needed it at that point.  I did find out who it was later, by the way. 

The walk break was over and it was time for another 3/4 mile run and the next hill was approaching.  My husband said to me, "I bet you're hoping the next walk break will hit just at the base of that hill."  You know what?  The 3/4 mile interval ended just there--at the base of the hill, and it was a 1/4 mile walk up and then the route flattened out a bit.  Whew! 

We made it to the end, and I'm noticing that something is starting to happen to me.  I'm actually beginning to enjoy running!!