Marathon of Memories

Here we go… the countdown to the race.  Four days and counting… I can’t believe it’s almost here!  This will likely be my last blog post before the race.  But come back again next week - I will most definitely post something after the race as well! 

First, an update on how training is going.  It’s going!   As I’ve tapered this past week, I have experienced what I have come to realize are common feelings of nervousness, self-doubt, and worry that I haven’t quite done enough.  Am I really ready for this?  Yes, as ready as I’m going to be.  I’ve been reading books, articles in magazines and have talked to experienced runners who have told me it’s common to feel this way, especially for a first time marathon.  As I’ve considered my mixed bag of feelings in light of what I’m reading and getting from people, I’ve realized I need to trust the process.  Trust that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be right now.  And this will all work out.  (For any former or current students, this “trust the process” is a familiar phrase that you’ve heard me say til I’m blue in the face.  I imagine you are undoubtedly experiencing a bit of pleasure, knowing that I have to heed my own advice on this one!) 

Last week was a bit rocky as I had a cough of some sort starting.  I tried to ignore it for a day or so, then decided to head to the doctor.  I normally would ride this stuff out (I’m not much of a medicine gal), but my friend Suzanne had her marathon training derailed by a bout of bronchitis that was diagnosed a week before the Fargo marathon.  UGH!  She had to delay her marathon plans, which was a huge disappointment for her, but she’s been a trooper.  Her experience was fresh enough for me that I high-tailed it to the doctor for my own raspy cough.  The doctor gave me an antibiotic, which I’ve been taking faithfully.  It seems to have helped and is clearing up nicely.  Whew!

In addition to these thoughts on the training, I am also overwhelmed at times with emotion about this journey.  I think back to 10 years ago this month, and the mixed emotions of the time, caring for mom in her final weeks while preparing for Jim and Erica’s wedding.  I think about my own development as a runner, which was not even on the radar 10 years ago.  Add to this mix of emotions the overwhelming support and love I’ve experienced from dear family and friends, and those who I don’t know well but who have a runner’s heart and “get it.”  I am definitely ready for this race.  And if nothing else, the positive energy and prayers of all of you will carry me through the experience.  Thank you!

  

As I think about Saturday’s race, I’ve been collecting words of advice and strategies –

1)           Start the race slow.  This seems like a no-brainer, but I understand it’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of the atmosphere, start out too fast, and hit the wall like a ton of bricks.  So I’m going to try to line up between the 4:30 and 5:00 pacers and stick there as much as I can.  I may end up slower than that.  Remember, my goal is to finish and not ride the sweeper bus.  As long as I finish in less than 7 hours and there are people behind me (at least a couple), I’m good.

2)           Drink water or liquids at every station.  Hydration is the key.

3)           Be present.  But not too present – especially when my legs start to feel heavy!  I really want to enjoy this journey.  People tell me that the training for a marathon is the hardest part.  I believe them – I definitely want to be finished with all this.  I’m tired!  But I also want to enjoy the atmosphere, the camaraderie and the scenery.

4)           Be mindful of the amazing people who are supporting me.  I am truly blessed and in awe of the support I have had during this journey.  The kind words of encouragement and sentiments have been so wonderful.  I have printed several and will read those again on Friday night.

5)           Remember the wonderful people many of my friends and family members have asked me to remember on this run.  All of them are dear and sorely missed.  I have created a list below.   (Most have passed away;  the note “in honor of” recognizes people currently working hard in hospice programs.)  If any of you donated and forgot to mention someone, send me their name and I’ll add them to my list.  Any others mentioned in donations through Thursday afternoon will be added here too.  (I’ll double up people on some miles – I don’t intend to run any additional miles than the ones listed below!)  I will carry this list with me on Saturday, and refer to it at each mile marker, remembering the person(s) listed for that mile. 

It is with a humble, grateful heart that I will carry these people with me on Saturday…

Mile –

1)                  Mom and Dad, Joanne and Louie

2)                  Grandmas and Grandpas Gregerson and Gajewski

3)                  All beloved family members

4)                  Roger Mickelson

5)                  Gene Averill

6)                  Lee Perish

7)                  Jackie Gravrok’s mom and dad

8)                  Mary Catherine’s dad

9)                  Cindy Norton’s dad, Ed Gundaker

10)               Jan Radatz’s beloved family members

11)               Freida Bauch (Julie)

12)               Marie Wigern (Laurie Meyer’s mom)

13)               Richard’s dad, Clement

14)               Arlene Hillmer, Lisa and Sue’s mom

15)               Lana Phan, Steve’s mom

16)               Alyce Roberts, Lauri’s mom

17)               Ella Mae Zylstra, Sara’s grandma

18)               Russ Connors

19)               David Boris

20)               Kathy Hanson’s mom

21)               Stacey’s grandma, Richard and mom

22)               Michael Finken

23)               Ceil Mickelson

24)               Honor of all Hospice Volunteers, including my sister, Sue

25)               Honor of the Deaf Hospice Program, especially Anita Buel

26)               Mom and dad, Joanne and Louie

.2 – YOU!

If you’d like to make a donation and add someone to the list, please go to:  http://www.active.com/donate/runtoremember2012/runpaularun

Thank you!