Leaving my comfort zone… one mile at a time.
Leaving my comfort zone ... one mile at a time.
I am wicked excited to be heading to San Diego tomorrow for the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego 5k and Marathon weekend! Aaaaaaahhhh!!!
Read More5am wake-up call. Seemed late after the 2am-4am wake-ups for Dopey Challenge. Yes it may be three weeks post Disney, but I still put race starts in relation to Disney time. ;)
Flat Dani was ready to go!
Real Dani was slightly dragging, but ready to give it my all.
Thankfully Kenlie of All The Weigh lived just a 5-minute walk away from the Start area.
Sah-weet!
I headed to the VIP tent to meet my Team Chocolate Milk running mates for a group photo at 6am. It was drizzling. I just didn't want it to start downpouring. I hoped the real bad weather held off until at least 10am.
I love meeting the other folks from Team Chocolate Milk since we are spread out all over the world. There are a few folks that I have seen at multiple races including the inspiring Angela from We Beat Fat. She and her husband have combined to shed over 500 lbs!!
After grabbing half of a free bagel, chomping on my KIND bar and taking my ENERGYBits, it was time to hit up the special VIP port-o-potties and gear check before heading to the Start.
The race was set to start at 7am so I tried to hustle into Corral 2 with time to spare. Especially since Dacia from My Roots To Grow was going to meet me at the Start.
But as I walked to the Start Line, I tried turning my Garmin, it would spit out "low battery," and shut off.
No No No!
It had been charged. What was going on? I tried about 6 times. Nothing.
Well, it looked like I would be running the race "naked" as runners call it - IE sans watch. You dirty minds you! ;)
Of course I had to grab a selfie.
In case you didn't believe I was at the Start.
I made it to Corral 2 and Dacia was there waiting for me. :) We chatted about her game plan for spectating the race. We were hoping she would see me at least one time out on the course before heading to the Finish.
As we were chatting and taking in the scene, Michael of Point One Miles came over to say hi! He had been at the #RnRTweetup, but we didn't have a chance to chat there.
I was sort of freaking out about not having the Garmin, but talking to Michael and Dacia was distracting. Since Michael and I were in the same Corral, we were going to start the race together.
The National Anthem played and it was time to big farewell to Dacia.
As we approached the Start (both the marathoners and half marathoners were all starting together), I tried to get my Runkeeper app to load. I never keep my location services on so trying to figure out what I needed to change on the phone to get Runkeeper to start was just not working. So I said F-it. I would be running without any sort of tracking.
What was the worst that could happen?
Dacia hustled herself just past the Start to catch this gem!
My goal was to use the run as a training run for Boston since I had missed the 16-miler with Tedy's Team the previous day.
The humidity was thick. The rain was drizzling. The ground was sort of slippery. So I wasn't trying to PR out there.
Michael and I got in a great rhythm. I let him know he could easily leave me at any point if he wanted to try for a PR, but he also felt like taking it easy with the weather conditions.
It was great chatting with someone during the run.
There was what I could call a decent crowd size as we ran through the city.
The bands were great. We were able to enjoy some multiple times as we had a down and back situation at the beginning of the race.
After the band we spotted the two wheelchair racers and the elite runners. I cannot explain how far ahead the first half marathon and full marathon guys were from the rest of the pack. They were running together and neither looked like they were breaking a sweat.
We ran the first 4.5 or so (again no specifics since I didn't have my watch) before we turned around. The weather was overcast and foggy so I couldn't totally see the historic sites.
Thankfully a gentlemen rolled up next to be during Mile 4 to point out Loyola University and Tulane, etc. Thank you again Sir.
We also discussed the Rock 'n' Roll shirts for this race and our disappointment in the color choices. I love making friends on the course. The shirt was grey with dull green/purple coloring. I was just expecting something more vibrant.
Eh! We know I pay more attention to the medals anyway. ;)
While Michael and I chatted away we talked about his running dreams, his desire to want to complete a full marathon and our thoughts on some of the other races we have both done.
I love the down and back because after we took the turn before Mile 5 we could see our fellow runners coming toward us.
I heard someone randomly yell out "Go Irish Eyes!" which made me so freakin' excited. I am glad a photographer didn't catch what I looked like.
And I also got to see Sarah from Mom Running On Empty, Mindy from Road Runner Girl, which totally put a little pep in my step.
As we headed towards Mile 8, the crowds started to get more animated and that's where we spotted it ... a table of donuts!
So of course we stopped. I freaked the poor girl out as I took this little shot.
Then someone else at the table shouted "We have a keg," which is why this diddy was born.
We both passed on doing a mid-race kegstand, but we each took a donut ... or two!
Holy dry mouth. There unfortunately wasn't a water stop after the donuts, but we did see the Mile 8 marker.
I was glad Michael was in for taking ridiculous in-race photos like me. :)
Mile 8 was going to fly. Why? Because I had been texting with Dacia so I knew she and her boyfriend would be there waiting for us at Mile 9.
And they were!!! I came in for a HUGE hug from Dacia. It was a great pick-me-up.
As were these awesome bagpipers.
After seeing familiar faces, it was time to look out for Michael's Lululemon cheering squad. :P I think he thought they were out there just for him. Should I break his bubble? Nah.
They were totally there just for him.
While we headed to Mile 10, we ran DIRECTLY into the fog. We really noticed the blanket of fog as we passed the Crescent City Brewery (which I had visited the day before).
I wondered if we were just going to fall off the end of the world. It was a sight similar to Rock 'n' Roll Los Angeles Half back in October 2013.
But we went into the fog and thankfully came out alive. :) We even got a little clearer shot to see the RnR Dude.
I love seeing that guy at every race because it usually means you are inching closer to the Finish.
I tweeted out to the masses that we had hit the Mile 10 mark. It was at that time that I actually started feeling the humidity. You could cut it with a knife.
All race long I made sure to grab water and gatorade at each water stop to make sure I was keeping myself hydrated. It may have looked overcast, but the humidity was there.
We hit Mile 11 and the clock was off. Dammit. I was hoping to try and do a little math in my head to see how we were doing.
Michael had stuck with me, took goofy pictures and had a donut (or two), but I was still hoping we would finish sub-2.
Mile 11 actually flew by as we were busy talking to the folks around us. Oh and I was trying to ignore the humidity.
By Mile 12, I was ready to be done. Hey, there are just some races that you feel like that.
But when we hit Mile 12, the clock said 1:45 and change. Michael turns to me and says: "I don't know if we are going to make it." I reassured him that I am from Boston and no matter what I would walk a mile faster than 15 minutes so we would be golden.
At Mile 12.5, we saw the signs ... JELLO SHOTS!
Oh hell yeah we would be stopping for one of those and we did. It was a little difficult to eat while running, but this race was all about fun so we made it work. ;) Plus how often do you say I had a jello shot during a race.
At that point the Full Marathon runners headed to the left, while we continued straight ahead to the Finish. I felt like I was on a treadmill. I was moving, but didn't feel like I was moving forward. It made me feel like I was back in the last 0.2 miles of the Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Full in November 2012.
But Michael was being a great cheerleader and we were pushing each other along.
Apparently Dacia and Erick were just after the Mile 13 marker, but I was oblivious. I saw the Finish Line and was gunning for it.
Michael and I went Start to Finish together and rocked and rolled to a 1:55:43. It turned out to be Michael's second-fasted half marathon. Woo!
Don't we look great for having OWNED 13.1 miles.
I had a blast. It was a great flat course. The crowd wasn't as full as I would've expected. I was also surprised to see the Finish Line over a mile from the Start. I hadn't experienced this at a Rock 'n' Roll event before. I think some spectators had difficulty getting around the course in a timely manner.
My spectators Dacia and Erick were ON it. I need to thank them again for jetting around New Orleans to see me.
After snapping a couple of pics at the Finish Line,
I headed over to the Got Chocolate Milk tent to #FinishStrong. But, we needed to move from one tent (Half Marathon) to the other tent (Marathon) so I could see some of the other folks that manage the team.
Can you tell I am in a "Take me wherever you need to" mode? :P
And it was worth it. Oh delicious low-fat chocolate milk. The best way to refuel post-race (before the beer of course).
I met back up with Dacia and Erick and we headed to the second VIP tent so I could grab a quick snack and a much-needed mimosa.
Oh and a mini beignet of course. Deeellliisshhh!!!
I did pay the $20 to have my medal engraved. It is $20 at Rock 'n' Roll races, but I do it at every one. Mainly because if they mess up they have a whole stack of medals to replace it with. I don't have that luxury if I do it at home.
My amazing cheerleader and I snapped a couple photos before heading to breakfast.
I was REALLY into whatever Dacia was saying. :P
It was great walking back down the street, while others finished both the Half and the Full Marathon. Some of those Full Marathoners were finishing sub-3 hours and looking strong and fierce.
So running without my Garmin or Runkeeper was slightly unnerving, but it was also freeing to just run and truly live in the moment. How about not having any sort of splits in a race recap? :P
***
I want to thank Got Chocolate Milk for sponsoring me to run the RnR New Orleans Half Marathon.
Did you run? Did you have a blast?
Did you all know I was excited to head to New Orleans? You may remember this post about it - check it out if you don't.
I arrived to the airport early since I was heading solo and I am a worrier. Plus I like a pre-flight beer at Boston Beer Works.
If you don't recall, I was heading down to New Orleans on Jet Blue. Thanks frequent flyer miles. When I rolled up to the Gate, my name was being called over the loudspeaker. Oh man that is never a good sign - is that I said to all the people around me.
BUT IT WAS AWESOME!! It is the 10th anniversary of Jet Blue being in Boston and I was the 10th person to check into my flight so I won...
... 10,000 Jet Blue Miles and a $10 Dunkin' Donuts gift card.
Aaaaahhhh-may-zing way to kick off the weekend.
The flight itself was uneventful - little napping, little TV, little people watching. The usual.
I arrived in New Orleans and took a cab to my friend's place. I would be staying with Kenlie from All The Weigh for the weekend.
We checked out the amazing view from her rooftop and I had to dip my toes in her pool. I didn't care that it was chilly ... it was warmer than Boston so I had to do it. :P
We headed out to grab dinner at a cute little sushi place before checking out Bourbon Street. It was my first time to New Orleans so it seemed like a "must do." It was definitely a sight to be seen.
After a long day of work, traveling and adult beverages, it was a deep sleep. Plus Kenlie's couch was super comfy.
I sprang out of bed off the couch Saturday because it was finally #RnRTweetup time.
I was excited to finally meet these lovely bloggers in person.
Kenlie was nice enough to drop me off at the Expo. Little did I know the convention center was MASSIVE. I entered at Hall A and the RnR Expo was at Hall J. I was shockingly running late, which is rare for me.
I made a quick stop at Starbucks to grab a coffee. :( It was no Dunks.
But I hustled down the covention center and made it to the Expo with about 15 minutes to spare.
I headed over to the Stage area. Ahh I would be up there talking and hopefully people would be there enjoying it.
Oh and our names were even on the poster.
I was geekin' out!
There were the ladies! I have been chatting with these ladies online for years and it was finally time to meet them in person.
From left to right: Me (Duh!), Sarah from Mom Running On Empty, Mindy from Road Runner Girl & Abby from Back At Square Zero!!
We all hopped on stage and got the party started!
It was a BLAST! The time flew by and I was happy to see so many familiar faces in the crowd. :)
Here are some amazing shots captured by Ashley from Rock 'n' Roll.
Not the most flattering photo of me, but I am probably talking about my love of Race Bling! ;)
What do bloggers do when they get together at a tweet up? This picture sums it up perfectly! :P
I can't express how awesome it was to meet such amazing women at one time. I was overwhelmed with love and happiness. It was a magical morning.
A big thank you to Rock 'n' Roll for letting Abby, Sarah, Mindy and I have such a once in a lifetime experience. How about we make it more than once in a lifetime? Huh Huh? Tweet me Rock 'n' Roll. ;)
I want to thank some amazing folks for attending the tweet up.
My friend and Team Chocolate Milk teammate Angela from We Beat Fat
Tanee from From Fat To Fit Chick
Leah from Glitter On The Go
And others who I didn't nab a pic with.
Just as the #RnRTweetup ended, my girl Christine (aka Dubyawife) arrived. :) We have hung out at the past two Fitbloggin' conferences and she drove an hour from Baton Rouge, LA to hang out. I was PSYCHED to see her.
After giving tons of hugs to the girls, Christine and I headed to pick up by bib. 'Cuz ya know I was in New Orleans to run. I forgot. :P
As soon as I had the swag, we headed to the Got Chocolate Milk booth so I could grab my wristband for the VIP tent (sweet perk), snap a pic with the chocolate mustache and see some teammates.
Even Christine got in on the fun!
And then I ran into some of my amazing Team Chocolate Milk running mates.
Aren't they handsome fellas? :)
After chit chatting with the guys, it was time to head to my second must-see booth at the Expo: Sparkly Soul.
I was wicked excited to see Pamela. She and her sister run Sparkly Soul and are great great people.
Who here went to the booth and said "Weight Off My Shoulders sent me" and got a free headband. I would love to see you showing off the sparkle. I thank the ladies for giving me that opportunity and the 10% off everyone else received. :)
I love representing good and authentic companies.
Christine and I took a little spin around the Expo before heading out to grab lunch. We ate at Ernst Cafe, where we received a free beer thanks to checking in on Foursquare! Yay social media! :)
After a great time catching up, it was time for Christine to head home and me to head back to Kenlie's for a quick recharge.
I re-bonded with Kenlie's couch before heading out to meet up with my girl Dacia from My Roots To Grow.
Dacia, her boyfriend and I had a great time walking around the city, trying Crescent City brewery, dinner at Gordon Biersch and just catching up. It was a nice relaxing pre-race evening. The pizza at Gordon Biersch was delicious. The crust was just the way I liked it.
We parted ways and I headed back to Kenlie's to get some sleep.
It wasn't until this point that I realized I was in Central Time Zone not the Eastern. Yeah I am not swift on the uptake. :P
But with a 5am wakeup call, I was ready to crash before 9pm ... and I did.
Not before laying out Flat Dani of course.
And if you didn't realize before, Kenlie's couch was comfy so it was "Hey I should get more ...Zzzzzzzz"
Hello 5am!
Tune in next time to hear how the Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Half Marathon turns out...
I'm Rockin' I'm Rollin'
I'm Runnin'
... to New Orleans!!
WOO!
That's right folks your girl Dani is off to New Orleans for the first time! :)
I am ready to take part in the Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Half Marathon on Sunday (February 2nd).
This trip will be about fun, friends, social media, sparkles, chocolate milk, running and of course beer! ;)
Many folks how I travel so much for races. Here's a couple of things that help me out:
I am flying on the cheap ... $7 cheap to be exact. How you may ask?
I'm free fallin' of course!
Okay not really. I am using the last of our frequent flyer miles to head down South. Jet Blue down and United back. Including taxes the flights cost $7.
We have just two credit cards that we use for all purchases - 1 that racks up Jet Blue points/miles and 1 that logs United points/miles.
BOOM! :)
My lovely friend, Kenlie (author or All The Weigh), is graciously opening her couch to me!! <3 I will pay her in hugs, love, snuggles and a meal or beer or two. :)
Thank you Fitbloggin' for connecting us. Kenlie lives in downtown New Orleans so she is not only close to the action, but in the perfect location for me to walk to and from the RnR Expo and Race. :)
But, Kenlie won't be my only Fitbloggin' friend I will see ... Dacia of Run. Ride. Repeat. and Christine aka Dubyawife!!!
WAHOO!
I am happily heading to New Orleans to run the Half Marathon as a member of Got Chocolate Milk's Team Refuel! I will once again rock my orange singlet and chug on some sweet low-fat chocolate milk after I #FinishStrong.
As a member of the team, I have the gift of running the race for free. Thank you again Got Chocolate Milk ... and for all of you that helped vote me on to it! :)
Now besides running I am ready to explore the city with my amazing tour guide Kenlie and see what New Orleans has to offer - both food and beer wise! :P
But I will also be spending my Saturday morning at the Rock 'n' Roll Expo, which is being held at New Orleans Morial Convention Center • Hall J.
The Expo opens at 9am on Saturday and I plan to be there with bells on.
Why so early?
Because the amazing Abby from Back At Square Zero and I will be co-hosting the #RNRTWEETUP, which starts at 10am!!
Please join us!! You do not have to be running the race to attend the Expo. It is free and open to the general public.
Abby and I have known each other for a couple years, but strictly online. So what better way to meet for the first time in person than on a stage. Right? It will be AMAZING!!!
We will also be tweeting and meeting with such lovely bloggers as:
Cecilia from Mommies Run. Debi from Girls On The Run 901 Holly from Running & Baking Oh My Mindy from Road Runner Girl Sarah from Mom Running On Empty
* I am hoping to see local Tanee from From Fat To Fit Chick as well.
Sooo if you are in the New Orleans area please come check out the #RNRTWEETUP and the Expo as a whole. I always have a ton of fun at at RnR Expo.
You can take silly pictures in front of a green screen.
RnR Los Angeles 2013
RnR Philadelphia 2013
RnR Providence 2012
(Note: all of the folks in those two photos I met through Twitter!!)
You can also swing by the Got Chocolate Milk booth to make your own video to try and join the Team Refuel crew!!
Or take a picture with a chocolate milk mustache.
Also take in all the vendors. You know I will be stopping by the Sparkly Soul headbands booth. My collection could always use more sparkle. If you meet the ladies of Sparkly Soul, be sure to tell them Weight Off My Shoulders sent you! :)
And I will DEFINITELY be hitting up the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Jewelry (aka Terry Berry) booth to find my New Orleans bead to update the awesome RnR bracelet my wife got me a couple of years ago. :)
It is an amazing way to keep the RnR memories alive on a daily basis.
So if you are in the New Orleans area, come on down to the Expo Saturday morning, Hollah at me on race morning or grab a beer with me at night. Either way say Hi if you can.
Won't be in town, but have been to New Orleans - offer me some suggestions!
What do I need to see, eat or drink?
January 1 - 1st Run 5k - 23:07 (7:27 min/mile) - RECAP
January 12 - Walt Disney World Half Marathon - 1:48:09 (8:15 min/mile) - RECAP
***
February 3 - Super Sunday 5 - 38:34 (7:43 min/mile) - RECAP
February 24 - Half At The Hamptons - CANCELLED (we made our own virtual run)
February 24 - *VIRTUAL* Half At The Hamptons - 1:58:04 (9:01 min/mile) - RECAP
***
March 10 - Half Of Quincy - CANCELLED (rescheduled for May 5)
***
April 14 - B.A.A. (Boston Athletic Association) 5k - 27:35 (8:54 min/mile) - RECAP
April 15 - 117th Boston Marathon - 4:04:08 (9:19 min/mile) - RECAP
April 27 - 26.2 Challenge Team Relay - Team: 3:04:57 ... Me: 31:18 (7:11 min/mile) - RECAP
***
May 5 - Half of Quincy - 1:44:30 (7:59 min/mile) - RECAP
May 12 - MOM's Run 5k - 23:31 (7:35 min/mile) - RECAP
May 26 - Boston's Run To Remember (Half Marathon) - 1:53:00 (8:38 min/mile) - RECAP
May 26 - Freedom Run 5k - 24:57 (8:02 min/mile) - RECAP
***
June 15 - Ruckus Boston - 47:33 (11:53 min/mile) - RECAP
***
July 14 - VERT - Sasqautch Trail Race - 19:15 (8:12 min/mile) - RECAP
July 27 - Urban RAID Boston - 36:03 (11:35 min/mile) - RECAP
***
August 4 - Boston Triathlon - 1:24:58.6 - RECAP
August 18 - Race To The Row 5k - PR 21:59.2 (7:05 min/mile) - RECAP
***
September 8 - Women's Triathlon - 1:25:48 - RECAP
September 15 - Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon - PR 1:44:12 (7:58 min/mile) - RECAP
September 16 - The Dani Ryan Holmes-Kirk 2nd Annual 30th Birthday 5k Run-Walk Ramble - 26:40 (8:36 min/mile) - RECAP
September 21 - VERT - Big Bad Wolf Trail Race (5 miles) - 40:38 (8:08 min/mile) - RECAP
September 28 - ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon - 1:47:35 (8:13 min/mile) - RECAP
September 29 - Rock 'n' Roll Providence Half Marathon - 1:57:22 (8:44 min/mile) - RECAP
***
October 4 - Electric Run 5k - untimed - RECAP
October 6 - Oktoberfest 5k - 23:20 (7:31 min/mile) - RECAP
October 12 - Rock 'n' Roll Brooklyn 10k - 50:30 (8:08 min/mile) - RECAP
October 26 - Haunted Trails of the Night 10k - 1:20:54 (13:03 min/mile) - RECAP
October 27 - Rock 'n' Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon - 1:53:19 (8:39 min/mile) - RECAP
***
November 3 - FBC Autumn Trail Race (4+ Miles) - 1:00:26 - RECAP
November 28 - Gobble Gobble Gobble 4-Miler - 38:55 (9:44 min/mile) - RECAP
***
December 1 - Yulefest 5k - 24:47 (7:59 min/mile) - RECAP
December 7 - Jolly Jaunt 5k - 23:56 (7:42 min/mile) - RECAP
Now what the HECK did I do on Day Two in Savannah? There was some major life-changing event in the morning, but for the life of me it's slipping my mind. Oh wait!
It was that little Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon. Duh!
Here's the recap for that... ENJOY!
We left the Finish Line area by 1pm, which meant there was a WHOLE lotta day left to be had.
So what do you do once you finish the marathon?
Find beer ... and food!
Cuhlearly you know the priority for me :P
But, first we stopped at the hotel to change and somehow this was the outfit my peeps let me out of the room wearing:
I mean it's sexy, right?
And you are seeing it correctly - Lululemon cardigan and pants, compression arm and leg sleeves, a Sparkly Soul headband, flip flops and of course my race medal.
HOT. It will be all the rage next season.
We actually ended up going back to Molly Macpherson's for lunch. It was good food and it was one of the few places that didn't have a line out and around the corner.
After filling our bellies with food and beer, Michelle and Tori decided they needed to relax for a little while and wanted to head back to the hotel. I was feeling the opposite. I thought if I went back and laid down - my legs would tighten up or cramp.
So my dad and I dropped them off at the hotel and the two of us roamed the city. He didn't have a chance to check it out the day before since he got in so late so it was nice to show him River Street, Bay Street, etc. He also enjoyed that we were able to stop at a local watering hole, pick up a beer and keep on walking. :) We also hit up one of many candy shops so he could get a praline, what Georgia is known for. I opted for some delicious homemade fudge that was in a word - heavenly!
We made a big loop around the city before heading back to each of our hotels to rest up/shower/get ready for the night.
We had made a reservation for Tara Haunted Tours at 8pm that night. A walking ghost tour around historic Savannah entitled "Boos and Brews." You guessed it folks - you got to carry a beer while you walked around hearing about ghosts. So there were ghosts for the wife and beer for me/my dad.
And yes you read that right, we are the people that ran that morning and signed up for a walking tour for the same night. Funny enough, we weren't the only racers in the group that night. :)
We were running late so we were only able to grab some chips & salsa at McDonough's Bar where the tour started, which meant we would have to eat at the final bar.
I don't like ghosts, but it was interesting learning about some of the history of Savannah and the wife was happy.
These bricks had people's fingerprints in them from when they were made
We also got to stop in three local watering holes along the way
We finished the two-hour tour at Moon River Brewing Company, where we enjoyed a late dinner and a few more brews. :)
After that the fatigue from the race really started to set in for me so we headed back to finally get some rest. But of course, I made sure to get my situps and #plankaday in before I hit the sack.
Overall, it was one perfect day in Savannah. I highly recommend Tara Tours to anyone looking for a little history of Savannah with a possible ghost sighting thrown in!
I rocked. I rolled. I ran. I marathoned ... all over Savannah! And it was...
A-freakin-MAZING!!!!!!!! :) :) :)
I'm actually not sure there are enough exclamation points or emoticons that could capture the delight in this marathon.
Let's see where I left you all on Day One in Savannah. ;)
Ah yes - the alarm clock was set
---
I actually was able to sleep through the night and NOT wake up every 20-30 minutes checking the alarm to make sure it was set. Maybe because I made Tori and Michelle set their alarms as well JUST to be on the safe side. I would've had a wake up call as well, but for some reason our hotel room phone was defective. I almost walked down to the front desk to ask for a wake up call then realized I needed to get a grip. 3 alarms set was enough. :)
As soon as my eyes opened on that morning, the nerves started to set in.
I actually sat in bed thinking "I can't do this! There is NO way I will survive this today."
Michelle and Tori could see the concern on my face and reminded me that I would in fact survive. I had trained for this day. I would OWN it.
Thank goodness they were there.
Thank goodness for the countless text messages, tweets, Facebook messages and good vibes sent by all of you.
Thank goodness we were meeting my dad downstairs so I had to go to the Start Line.
Once the nerves started to subside, the excitement started to set in.
As we walked to the Start Line, which was thankfully just 1/2 a mile from our hotel, we were surrounded by thousands of other runners.
I LOVE that feeling. When everyone is stretching, checking their garmins, polars and phones to make sure everything is ready for the run.
The excitement of a race is contagious - it's as simple as that.
We approached the Start and we had to grab a pre-race photo. Thank goodness my dad was there to serve as OFFICIAL group photographer.
And then we passed it - the Start. Isn't it pretty? ;)
After we walked past the start, it was time to get in line at the port-o-potties. Well, first I tried to use the bathroom at the Hyatt, but that line was out and around the front desk area so we made an attempt at the port-o-potties.
BAD IDEA!
There were too few port-o-potties for all the runners coming from our side of the Start Line. PLUS, as people tried to get to their corrals, they cut into the bathroom line thus lengthening it or having people lose their spot or a new odd line being started. Also there was just a tiny sidewalk for a port-o-potty line, a path to the higher corrals and people spilling over from the first few corrals.
I know the port-o-potties always seem to be a cluster at the Start, but this was one of the worst.
(Note: as I was walking around the city after the run, I saw a TON of port-o-potties with plenty of room for lines much farther down past the first few corrals. I'm sure many people didn't know about them, but if better adertised some of the congestion may have lightened up.)
It was 7:55 - Race started at 8:00 - and we had made zero progress in the port-o-potty line so I decided to bite the bullet and just head to my corral.
(Note: I had moved from corral 15 to corral 6 at the Expo so my start time would be earlier than originally expected)
I figured that since I was running the full marathon I would be stopping to use the bathroom along the course anyway - might as well just make it earlier than expected.
This was the first Rock 'n' Roll race I've done that had a half marathon and a full marathon so it was cool seeing everyone mingling together in the corrals before the Start.
That 10 minutes before my corral headed to the Start Line passed in a blur.
I was READY once we walked up the Start Line and I heard the countdown begin ...
5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1! GO!!!!
And we were off.
Either way it was marathon time BABY!
The streets for the course were nice and wide. At no point in the run was there any sort of narrowing or bottlenecking - even when running through the neighborhoods/squares of the historic district of Savannah.
The race started at 8am, but the streets were lined with fans/cheerleaders/bands. Older women out in their bathrobes waving to the runners, old men not sure what was going on, but happily smiling to the races and people of all ages setting our chairs on their porches and lawns to settle in and watch the run.
The signs were creative. The bands were working it. The water stops were well stocked. The atmosphere amazing.
I was trying out my new Garmin GPS watch for the race and was wicked happy with it. I loved having the current pace right there without having to fumble with my phone in the armband.
I was shooting to finish in under 4 hours. My ultimate goal was to finish under 3:59:26, which would cut 2 full hours off my first full marathon time in 2006.
This goal meant I needed to keep around a 9:07 min/mile pace. Thank you pace calculator for being my new favorite website. ;)
So as I approached the Mile 3 and caught a glimpse of the 5k markers, I spotted the empty port-o-potty. I figured that was as good a time as any to finally use it. Plus, would I look back at the marathon and really be upset with my 5k split - okay maybe ;) - but at least I'd know why.
Since the full and half marathon runners were all running together until Mile 11, I had to stop myself from getting caught up in the moment and speed my pace up. I had to real myself in over and over again.
Thankfully I was getting awesome text and Twitter encouragement from everyone as I ran that was keeping me motivated and positive. It also helped keep me on pace since my running partner/coach/BFF Sarah kept telling me my pace was spot on!!
It wasn't til I saw this sign...
... that the fact that I was running the FULL marathon hit me again!
Decent pic considering I was trying to run while do this ... full disclosure: this was my 5th attempt at getting a shot while moving. :P
Around Mile 11, the full marathon headed to the left and the half marathon continued straight on to the Finish.
Boy did the crowd thin out at that point. I kinda missed the energy of the larger group, but I was focused on the run.
Here's what kind of stunk. After running through Savannah for most of the half, the full marathon headed to the highway for what felt like a lifetime until we were able to exit the highway and get back to the "neighborhood" run. In real life, it was probably about 3 miles. But the sun started to shine and the heat started to climb as we made the trek along the highway.
While on the highway we hit the half way mark - never thought I'd be so excited to see a 13.1 mile marker. ;) I crossed the line at 1:57:53 - YES! Under goal. At that point I reminded myself: well just need to do that one more time.
But on the other side of the stretch of asphalt was a GREAT run through Savannah State University. I owe one big 'ol THANK YOU to those students! Miles 16-18 were through the campus, including a stretch that went through the football stadium along the track.
Awesome!
The students brought their A-game to cheering. There were high fives, hand clapping, cheers, songs, marching bands, the football/softball/basketball teams and what I believe was the ROTC.
Their energy gave me the boost I needed. As I entered the campus, I thought to myself just 10 more miles remaining - as soon as I stepped past 16.1 - I said less than 10 miles to go/out of the double digits. :P When I stepped off the campus, I had just 8 miles to go. Doable.
Once we left the school, it was time to head back to the highway to get back to downtown for the Finish.
My dad may be the best spectator around. He was able to see me at 4 different spots along the marathon course, which was pretty laid out - so that means the man was hustling!
Once Mile 18 passed, I was really getting good at texting and tweeting while running. Maybe since my pace slowed a little it made it easier. Or I'm just that talented and gifted. See my above picture while moving shot. ;)
But, I needed the support and the encouragement from everyone everywhere to make it through those last 8 miles. I could feel it starting to set in.
The heat was picking up. The sun was shining bright. I was ready to be done.
The doubt once again started to set in at Mile 20. The mile that many say makes or breaks a marathon runner. I can understand why.
But, every time I wanted to stop. Every time I wanted to just give up. Every time those tears started welling up in my mind. I clasped my hand. Why you may ask? Because a wise friend of mine gave me some words of encouragement and I had them written on my hand. Clasping my hand shut made me feel secure. Every clasp made me feel his AWESOME hugs. Every clasp gave me the love I needed to go on.
Thank you Alan (aka Sweating_it_off)/Sweating Until Happy)! xoxo
So as I crossed that 20 Mile mark and I kept checking my pace with Sarah - texting convos are hard through sweat and tears :P - and she kept telling me I was on pace. I was going to do it. I would finish sub-4. So I had to believe...
20.3 on the watch and I realized - this is the farthest I had EVER run consecutively. Hell to the fuckin' YEAH! I was bad ass and ready to finish this thing.
Then I started playing the games with my own mind:
Mile 20 - just a 10k to go
Mile 21.2 - just 5 miles to go
Mile 23.1 - just a 5k to go
... and at Mile 22, I saw my dad - for what would end up being the last time before the Finish - and I got teary again. He was cheering and taking my video and I could tell how proud he was. I just lost it.
I started walking for a moment, settled my emotions and got back to running. I had a goal to beat.
So as we ended back up on the highway I saw the Mile 24 sign. Just 2.2 miles to go...
Once we met back up with the half marathoners that were still finishing, the crowds grew in numbers, the signs were amazing, and it was time to bring it home.
Then there came a hill. I remember turning to the guy running next to me and saying "Can you believe they put a hill this close to the Finish?" For some reason he didn't want to chat. :P
Mile 26 - in all its glory - there it was.
I looked down at my watch and realized I had less than 4 minutes to get to the Finish and accomplish what I set out to do.
Getting to the 0.2 mile shoot ... seeing the Finish Line ahead of me ... everything around me became a blur. I couldn't hear anyone (as noted by a fellow WW Leader who said she was cheering for me and I didn't respond - Sorry Tara!), but of course I noticed that the camera guy wasn't taking pictures as I came up to the "Smile" signs less than 0.1 from the Finish.
Then I mustered everything I could and moved my legs as fast as I could across the finish. I stopped my Garmin and realized - I DID IT!
SUB-4 HOURS!
I threw my arms up with such excitement I could've pulled a muscle.
It was over. Wow! All that led up to that moment.
But, I was too busy grabbing my medal, my chocolate milk, my water and my bars to focus on all of that at that moment. :0)
Thanks Got Chocolate Milk for the Refuel!
Somehow out of all the people, I spotted Michelle and Tori (who were proudly showing off their Half medals) in the crowd. After meeting up with them, I realized I could not catch my breath. I just couldn't get a full breath.
We found a patch of grass, I laid down, took some deep breaths and started to cry. Tori asked me "are those happy tears?" And I assured her they were in fact tears of joy that I couldn't stop from flowing.
But above all there were SMILES
I did it. I officially finished in 3:58:49 - beating my honest goal by 37 seconds. Yup, I took 2 hours and 37 seconds off my marathon time. :)
I keep looking at this picture on my phone and bursting with PRIDE!
I still look at the race info - the pace, the finish places - and I can't believe they are really all mine! I finished within the top 25% in all of the categories - wwhhaaa??? Amazing.
I signed up for this marathon the day I hit my goal weight with Weight Watchers in January 2012 as a way to celebrate. Little did I know how much the training and the experience would truly enrich my life...
I was so happy that Michelle and Tori were there by my side at the Finish...
... as well as my dad throughout the course and at the Finish. I am wicked lucky that he makes the trek to see so many of my important races.
And I also thank my mom who hangs back to watch the pups!
So once I caught my breath and we all located each other at the massive Finish area, we got my medal engraved - a must for me at any race that offers it.
Isn't it beautiful?!?!
So I'm sorry this post got lengthy and probably me rattling on at lots of different points. But for me, this race wasn't about my pace at each and every mile - even though I kept track of those numbers - it was about the experience and finishing what I set out to do. I accomplished yet another thing on my bucket list.
The race course and scenery wasn't everything I imagined. I thought we would be running through more of the 22 squares Savannah had and less time on a highway, but I understand logistics can be hard. The crowds made up for all of that and then some.
So I will leave you with this note in terms of the marathon:
We all rocked, rolled and marathoned through Savannah!
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Next post will cover the rest of the day or "post marathon" Saturday!
P.S. If you made it through the whole post, congrats!! Now get a beer - you deserve it. :)
My name is Dani and I am blogging out of the Boston Area. I started this blog in May of 2011 after suffering a back injury and subsequent back surgery in December 2011-January 2011. This space was to serve as a way for me to release the inner feelings I was carrying around and maybe help some other people going through similar situations: eating disorders, depression, weight loss and more.
