Sunday, January 15, 2006

It Seems Like a Dream - I Finished with a Time of 7 hours and 8 minutes and forty-four seconds!

I can hardly believe it's over. Kathy and I started out at 4:00am this morning with a group of other Fort Bend Fit walkers. The streets were not blocked off yet, so we had to maneuver down a very narrow pathway (single file) on the Elysian overpass. We also had to deal with the traffic lights and walk on dark sidewalks. Unfortunately, one of the ladies in the group tripped over an uneven sidewalk and got really banged up. Hopefully her fingers aren't broken. We stayed with her until she got up and insisted on resuming her walk. That also ate into our time, so for the first 4 miles, we were walking at an 18 minute mile pace, way over our projection. As we progressed into West University, the sun rose. The wheelchair entrants started passing us by as the spectators lined the streets cheering them on.

When we got to Weslayan and Westpark, Stan, Saul and Shelley were waiting to greet us to cheer us on. Kathy had some friends come to that location, too. It was very exciting. When we turned off Newcastle to the US59/610 feeder, the motorcycle police and the pace car passed by us and told us to move to the side because the lead, elite runners were approaching. Channel 13 was filming from their helicopter and we were actually on TV right next to the Kenyans.


 Me on Weslayan at the 14 Mile Marker

When we got to 610 and Richmond we were once again greeted by our Crew. As we traveled down Post Oak boulevard, the crowds started growing and more and more runners started "catching up" with us. As we headed down towards San Felipe, Kathy's friends appeared again, and when we were close to Tanglewood, I was greeted by Stacey and Joe.

Stan, Saul and Shelley were on Chimney Rock and Woodway as we came around, shortly after Kathy had seen some of her tennis buddies.
                                Me Throwing a Kiss to my Crew (not the muscle man)

I can't tell you how uplifting and empowering it is to have the people you care about cheering you on. It is also amazing how the energy of the spectator crowd can bolster you through to the finish line. As we walked down Woodway. Memorial and Allen Parkway, our speed increased along with our determination. It was like being carried across the crowd through a mosh pit. I was determined that I would never "hit the wall" and although my body started aching, I never doubted that I would make it in. Signs I spotted along the way, especially the one that said "Pain is Temporary- Pride is Forever", really helped to keep me motivated as did multiple applications of BioFreeze gel.

When we passed under the I-45 at Allen Parkway, the George Brown Convention Center was a straight shot ahead. As I was remarking to Kathy and Wayne about it, a runner yelled over that we still had to make a left turn and go several blocks further before we would be on the home stretch. Once we made that left and then right onto Rusk, the red, white and blue Finish Line was visible, although it was still about a half mile away. I started to cry when I saw it. Kathy cautioned me that I had to look decent for our finish line photo, so I held back the tears. And as we approached the Finish Line, there was Stan, Shelley and Saul. I continued in, crossing the line with my hands up in the air, but once I crossed I started crying and could not stop, and neither could Kathy. George came to greet us and hug us and finally we sucked in our guts and got it together.
                                           Me and Kathy approaching the Finish Line
                                               Me and Kathy Crossing the Finish Line
What a sense of accomplishment and what a high! After posing for a photo, we received our beautiful finisher's medal, finisher's shirt and crystal finisher's mug. The walk was worth the goodies alone!

We got in just after 11:00am and hung around to wait for Jacque, who left at 7:00am.With a goal of a finish of 6 hours or under, she was scheduled to arrive just before 1:00pm. We proudly cheered as she made it in with a chip time of 05:56:56.
                                                        Jacque Just About to Finish

What more can I say. Not only did I accomplish my goal of completing the Houston Marathon, but I exceeded my original fundraising goal of $1000 for the Houston Food Bank by raising $1540.

Scholar Hugh Nibley once said, "Only if you reach the boundary will the boundary recede before you. And if you don't, if you confine your efforts, the boundary will shrink to accommodate itself to your efforts. And you can only expand your capacities by working to the very limit."

I have achieved something that at one time I would have thought impossible. Thanks to each and every one of you for your unwavering support.

And remember - it's still not too late to donate to The Houston Food Bank.
Please consider contributing to this worthy cause:
 DONATE HERE

Saturday, January 14, 2006

Only 19 Hours to GO!

I cannot believe that the Marathon is actually tomorrow morning. Since we walkers are leaving at 4:00am that means it's only 19 hours away. Kathy, Jacque and I are staying downtown tonight. Although it eliminates the commute time to downtown in the morning, it also meant packing. I have tried to cover every contingency possible, so my suitcase is packed with enough stuff for a week's vacation (without the clothes).

Yesterday we went to the EXPO at the George Brown Convention center and picked up our Race packets and Race numbers. The EXPO was a lot of fun with tons of vendors and goodies and lots of great energy. When we left, we traced the first 6 miles of the route. Since Kathy and I and the other walkers are leaving in the dark, we wanted to make sure we would be familiar with where we are going.

Here's the map. Spectators and cheering squads are welcome anywhere along the way. We anticipate being at mile 16 sometime around 8:00am (give or take 30 minutes). Add 16 minutes to each subsequent mile or subtract 16 minutes from prior miles and those should be our ETA's provided we maintain our pace.

MARATHON MAP (no longer available)

And remember - it's still not too late to donate to The Houston Food Bank:

Thanks again to everyone who has sent me well wishes and encouragement. You have no idea how motivating your kind words have been. I will be thinking about each and every one of you as I complete my journey.

Friday, January 13, 2006

Last Training of the Season with 2 days to Go

Well, this was it. The last training of the season, a 20 minute walk. It was windy and cool. Sunday's forecast shows stronger winds and much warmer weather - a low of 58 degrees and a high of 72 degrees. It's a lot warmer than everyone would like, but my wish of no cold rain seems to be coming true.

Last night was our Fort Bend Fit Pasta Dinner. It was a wonderful evening of inspiration, fun and friendship. Our group cleans up very nicely and every one looked great in street and dress clothes and make-up. Several people showed off the fabulous medals they won last weekend at the Disney Marathon. Gray Bob won the much deserved "Rookie of the Year" award, and thanks to Stan's contribution to my volunteer efforts, I won the "Volunteer of the Year" award.

Kathy, Me and Jacque at the Pasta Dinner


My fundraising efforts for the Houston Food Bank are still in full swing. There's still time to donate!!!!

 DONATE HERE

Thursday, January 12, 2006

30 Minutes With Only THREE Days to Go

I can't believe the Marathon is just 3 days away. Yesterday I started getting new and unusual aches and pains. I knew it was all in my head, and then when I read in the Houston Chronicle about "Marathoner's Flu", I knew I had nothing to worry about. Apparently, because of the jitters and being a first timer, we newbies to the Marathon game develop all sorts of phantom twinges. I'm glad to know that my behavior is normal.

This morning I walked for 30 minutes. The weather was pretty warm, a lot like what the forecast for Sunday shows. The only difference is that it is supposed to be very windy.

My fundraising for the Food Bank is going great. I've increased my goal several times and hope that I will continue do so. Thank you to those who have already contributed to The Houston Food Bank and their worthy cause. You can donate right here:

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

30 Minutes - With only 5 Days to Go

Since I had an early meeting this morning, I went outside at 5:00am while it was still dark and raining. I wore my Wal-Mart rain jacket and stayed warm and dry. Luckily the rain stopped shortly after I started my 30 minute walk. I got to try out the new clip-on flashlight that had I just bought. It worked great and would have come in handy on some of those early morning long walks on uneven sidewalks!

Only 5 days to go! I have exceeded my original goal of $1000 for the Food Bank, so I've raised it to $1250. There's still time to donate!

Monday, January 09, 2006

Week 26 Only 6 Days to Go

I am almost to my fundraising goal of $1000 for the Houston Food Bank. I would be extremely happy if I exceed it. You can still donate on line by clicking on this link:

DONATE HERE
This morning's workout was a leisurely 45 minute walk. It was in the 60's and once I got going, I felt really warm. When I saw that the weather forecast showed Sunday's weather slated to be the same as today's, I decided that I was going to wear shorts for the Marathon. I ran up to Finish Line Sports and bought a new pair of racing shorts and will break them in this week.

Kathy and I have decided that we are going to start the Marathon at 4:00am. The Marathon organization is really great about letting the walkers leave early since there is no way most of us could finish in the official 6 hour course time. Originally we were planning on leaving at 5:00am, but decided it would be best to have an extra hour of cushion. We are estimating that it will take us about 7 hours. A 5:00am departure would put us in around Noon, so barring any unforeseen issues, we should now make in it by 11:00am, just about the time the Boston qualifiers will be finishing.

Saturday, January 07, 2006

The Excitement is Mounting With Only 8 days to Go

Yesterday I attended an appreciation luncheon at the Houston Food Bank. It was held in honor of us Marathoners who have chosen the Food Bank as part of the "Run for a Reason" campaign. The tour that we were given prior to lunch was quite impressive. I had no idea how neat, clean and efficient an operation The Food Bank ran. The amount of food that is turned over by an amazing volunteer effort is incredible. And the most impressive part is that approximately 97.5% of all monies collected goes right back to the clients. It made me proud to have selected such a worthy cause.

Astronaut Mike McCulley, the Honorary Team Captain, gave a few words of inspiration, as did Team Captain Dr. Charles Katz. We were all presented with great hats that are embroidered with the Food Bank Logo and the statement, "Will Run for Food." Here are some pictures:

                                                           Inside the Warehouse

                                                     The Houston Food Bank Team
                                                       Me and Mike McCulley
This morning's walk was down to 6 miles. Kathy and I left at 6:00am. It was quite cold, but we warmed up in no time. After the walk, Coach Terrie went over her list of do's and don't's for this week before marathon. After the talk a lot of people went over to Jerry and Mary's house for what has become the annual Pre-Marathon Breakfast get-together.

Kathy and I are trying to decide if we are going to start out at 4:00am or 5:00am on Marathon Day. We still have 7 days to make up our minds.

Thursday, January 05, 2006

10-30-10 Only 10 days to go

This morning's walk was really unique. As I traveled around my neighborhood, I passed a bunch of Houston Chronicle papers that had not yet been retrieved, with a photo of me and Susie staring up at me. Kim Hughes, the Chronicle reporter, wrote a great article about my journey and it's already helped my fundraising efforts for the Food Bank. (You can donate at the link to the left).

Houston Chronicle Article

The weather was beautiful, and after a 10 minute warm-up I walked fast and furiously for 30 minutes straight. My 10 minute cool down was around the lake where I spotted a majestic grey heron and once again bumped into the gaggle of unfriendly geese.

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

45 5x2:00 with only 12 days left

The weather was terrific once again. I started out earlier this morning, so it was a lot cooler. After a 10 minute warm-up, I walked intensely for 2 minutes, 5 times, allowing a one minute break in between. For the balance of time I walked briskly and enjoyed the tranquility of the lake. The ducks and geese were thankfully calm this morning.

I'm trying to beef up my fundraising efforts for the Houston Food Bank. I am almost halfway to my goal of $1000, and hope to reach it before Marathon Day. In addition to the donation link on the left (hint, hint), I have sent out a number of emails. I still have 12 days to go.

Monday, January 02, 2006

Week 25 - Only 13 days to go

This morning's training was a 45 minute walk. I didn't get out until after 10am, but the weather was absolutely beautiful - clear skies, low 70's. After this past weekend's indulgences, a longer and more intense walk was probably in order, but I'm following the schedule to a "T" and 45 minutes is what was on the menu.

It's hard to believe that Marathon Day is less than 2 weeks away!

Saturday, December 31, 2005

8 miles

It was another informal long run/walk of 8 miles. As we get closer to the Marathon, our distance tapers down. The weather was great and the crowd was bigger than I had expected. Kathy and I left at 6:00am, a little later than most of the walkers. I had wanted to sleep in, but as luck would have it, I woke up early anyway. We finished in 2 hours and were pleased with our time.

The excitement, as well as the tension, is mounting. We are all like racehorses chomping at the bit, ready to be let out of the gate with only 15 days to go until Marathon.

Thursday, December 29, 2005

10-30-10 Only 17 Days to Marathon

I had an early appointment this morning so I went out at 5:30am. It was chilly but I decided to brave the weather and wore only a jacket made of dri-fit material plus gloves in addition to leggings and a tank top. After a 10 minute warm up, I walked very fast for 30 minutes straight and then did a 10 minute cool down. This was the first time that I had not run during the middle part of this workout. As I mentioned in previous posts, since I am not going to be running any of the marathon, I thought it best to restrict the balance of training to walking only.

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

18 Days to Go

Today is a rest day, but since folks have been asking me about the Marathon route, I thought it would be fun to post the link to the course map. Spectators and cheering squads are welcome along the way. The race starts at 7:00am and the course is secure until 1:00pm. Many of the walkers, including myself, will be leaving at 5:00am. Kathy, my walking buddy and I are anticipating making it in within 7 hours, or by noon. The farthest we have walked is 18.6 miles. On the map, that puts us just west of 610 Loop at Woodway. The finish is "just" 7.6 miles east - a walk in the park - Memorial Park that is!


The Marathon Route