My quest for my #ULTRAredemption got REAL last week when I officially registered for the CedarIsland40. Which might I add is actually 42 miles!
It is official!
I was excited and felt like I would vomit at the same time. I immediately sent out an email to my running peeps letting them know of my quest. I need their support and to hold me accountable for what I have sought out to do. My first Ultra attempt was a FAIL! A novice mistake I learned from. Don’t get me wrong…I was very proud of the fact I accomplished 28 miles on a very technical trail with limited lung function before being pulled. It just did not end the way I intended.
Despite not being able to finish I was all smiles cheering on runners at the finish! Congrats David and Laura 9:22:48- Pine Mountain 40, Pine Mountain, GA
So I am calling a “DO OVER” My sister (Amy),one of my biggest supporters, is the race director for the Cedar Island 40. Its pretty exciting! From day one she said you are either volunteering or running. Running it is! Ironically, the race starts in the same city where I ran my first half marathon in 2009. I will take this as a good sign. Amy says I got this…I appreciate her vote of confidence.
Cedar Island 40 route along coast of NC
Almost two months out I am already way more prepared than last time. You have to love fellow bloggers who offer so much insight and information. Many thanks to ActiveHarmony for an awesome book referral Relentless Forward Progress A Guide to running Ultramarathons. I love it! Its been an awesome resource for general information and training plans. Thanks to a fellow tweep @JieWie I picked up a Nathan Endurance Vest, 2-liter. It arrived tonight and is super light and comfortable. I cannot wait to test it out this weekend.
Coach Chennelle….Do you want to tell this Badass…you skipped out on your training! I don’t!
Since my last ultra attempt I have added Crossfit into my weekly training. I started last April and LOVE IT! My strength training in the past was hit or miss. Actually more of a miss. Crossfit has been an awesome addition to my weekly routine. I have found a great Box and coaches at Raleigh Crossfit. Coach Chennelle, Coach & Owner, of Raleigh Crossfit, was kind enough to review and provide input to my training plan. She has adapted my weekly Crossfit training and had me add in additional mobility and core work. In addition, she has asked me to give her an weekly update of my training. I am thrilled to do that and have the additional accountability for accomplishing my weekly training. Chennelle was kind enough to provide input into my training so I don’t want to let her down. I got to put in the work to get this thing DONE!
So I am ready! Now it is time to commit to the training and make it happen! Advice welcome!
Wow, is all I can say. Everything about the Big Sur Marathon weekend exceeded my expectations. Big Sur, is sitting pretty in my number #1 best overall marathon in every category. I have often pondered keeping a running ranking of my marathon adventures and this just might inspire me to do that.
For anyone who asked about my experience I explained that Big Sur is the only marathon I have ever run that I enjoyed almost every single mile. If it weren’t for the uphill on mile 25, I would say I enjoyed EVERY mile. The pain of mile 25 was brief, just generally not appreciated so late in the race.
2, 765 miles!
So what made the Big Sur miles so much more enjoyable than the previous 316.4? (12 x 26.2 + extra two miles on my ultra attempt) . I am not exactly sure, but I will attribute it to having just one single goal – Finish & Enjoy!
MY BIG SUR MARATHON PLAN!
( taken directly from pre-race communication)
“This is a difficult course and you should plan on adding extra minutes to your usual marathon time. Walk if necessary, Enjoy the spectacular music and scenery along the course and don’t worry about your time!
I took the pre-race communications to heart and put them to action. The last thing I wanted to do was travel 2,765 miles and beat myself up over a missed PR. A mere 13 days after the attacks on Boston, just being able to run, in honor of those who cannot was a gift in itself.
Despite Big Sur being my all time favorite marathon, I have struggled to feel inspired to put it into words. (Hence,the delay of the race recap). So I thought I would let my pictures tell the story
View from terrace
Lodging– Hotel Pacific, located right next to the expo, and block away from marathon transportation was fabulous. Our room was huge and full of amenities. It included a sitting area with gas fireplace, small dinning area with fridge, bathroom perfect for sharing with two showers etc We loved it and felt like we were in a honeymoon suite.
courtyard view from room
Pre Marathon Relaxation, while listening to Big Sur “Grand Piano Man” Michael Martinez
Our Bibs! Way to go Laura on Boston 2 Big Sur!
Race Expo-Monterey Conference Center. Was easy to navigate, staffed with super friendly volunteers, and hosted lots of great vendors. We typically breeze through the expos(you’ve seen one you have seen them all) but this one we took our time to enjoy! My highlight was officially meeting Runners World, Chief Running Officer, Bart Yasso! I was giddy with excitement and was able to contain myself! The previous November, Bart gave me a “fist bump” during the Richmond, VA Marathon when I spotted him on the sidelines. I am a huge fan! His book My Life On The Run, is a great running read.
Me and Bart Man!
Expo continued…the support for Boston was everywhere!
Runners signed banners in support of Boston and were able to contribute to The One Fund
No pictures of the expo massages but they were awesome and well worth $1 a minute!
Our weekend wheels! Fiat
Saturdays Highway 1 adventures – We drove through Monterrey Cannery Row. Although fabulous, and the best aquarium I have ever seen, we skipped visiting the Monterrey Bay Aquarium in an effort to stay off our feet. Instead, we drove the 17-mile drive, lunched in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and then headed down Highway 1 to Big Sur.
The Lone Cypress, one of the sights on the 17 mile drive
Total tourist shot after lunch at Hogs Breath Inn. Thanks Uncle Zeke for recommendation…your hat is on its way!
Laura at Big Sur Bakery…too full to partake
ahhh…the view. Gotta love Big Sur
Bixby Bridge mile 13.1
amazing coastal views….
starting line coffee
Marathon Day- Early start as we loaded the buses to Big Sur at 4:15am. Luckily, we only had to walk a block from our hotel. Its an early start, but its a major effort on the event organizers to transport runners 26.2 miles down two laned Highway 1. In addition to the marathon Big Sur offers a Relay, 21, 10.6, 9, and 5k mile option.
1st race I have even participated in that offered water, coffee and food at the start! Super bonus points for that!
Huddled to stay warm with fellow runners!
Starting line
Two Thumbs up from Bart Yasso prior to the start!
Pre-start Bart Sighting
6:45am and we were off and running! As part of my Finish & Enjoy Marathon Plan, I brought my phone to take pictures along the way. The official description describes Big Sur Marathon as a Point to point, moderately difficult, with live entertainment on the course. Featuring rolling hills, Big Sur is the largest rural marathon in the world, winding through redwoods, paralleling ranches, and offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
I often stopped to catch a glace of where I had come from. The view looking back is just as good as the views ahead. It is 360 degrees of sheer beauty.
Mile 5 (best guess), looking back
Just when I thought we might escape the famous headwinds, the course opened up and so did the wind. It was wicked but manageable. Even the cows ran for cover….I was not as fortunate
Cows retreating from the winds
If the winds were not enough , we soon caught the first glimpses of Hurricane Point (550 foot climb over 2 miles) starting at mile 10. I am proud to say I slayed Hurricane Point by running the entire way. I was determined not to stop!
1st views of Hurricane Point
Way before you could see the Bixby Bridge, which famously signifies the halfway point on the marathon course, you could hear the the tones from the Grand Piano. It was absolutely surreal and uplifting. One of my favorite memories. As I approached the Bixby Bridge, I found myself overcome with emotion and fought back unexpected tears. My best guess is they were tears of shear joy as i was having an awesome run! I attempted a short video that really does it no justice at all
The mile markers, each 7 foot tall, where the BEST, I have ever seen. They ranged from completely stupid, funny, to inspiring. They had a unique way of telling a story and really personalizing the marathon to the region, local runners, and area. Take a look for yourself- Big Sur Mile Marker Project.
13.1 Mile Marker
attempt at picture with Michael Martinez…this makes me laugh
Windy shot taken by a fellow runner. My skirt looks like I was about to take flight.
The end was in view, first glimpses of Carmel
Fresh strawberries at mile 24! Yummy!
Mile 24 treat!
The description for mile marker 25 says it all, about my only UNenjoyable mile of the entire course. This “Doomsayer” needs to lighten up! You may be feeling a bit down at this point, but with the finish just over a mile away, the end to your race is just over the next hill.
Doom uphill Mile!
Finally, 26.2! The race Directors and organizers, donned in their BSIM Blue blazers, shook the hands of participants as they cross the finish! Total class act! This years finish line included the Boston Marathon Executive Director who personally shook the hands of EVERY Boston 2 Big Sur participant. It was amazing to watch as . Emotions were still very raw and many were moved to tears.
My bonus was a congratulations hug from Bart Yasso! Promise I am a fan and not a stalker!
With Laura, being a Boston 2 Big Sur participant, we enjoyed the awesome finishers tent that overlooked the finish line. I only joined her after I partook in the free 10 minute massage.
We did it!
Laura’s Medals
Boston 2 Big Sur Bling
It was amazing! Pleased with my 4:54:47 finish, which included 2 pit stops, and numerous video and photo ops. It was not my fastest, nor my slowest but was my STRONGESTphysical and mental FINISH. My Finish & Enjoy Marathon Plan carried me through. My only expectation was to enjoy and take it all in. I accomplished that an much more!
I do have to credit Raleigh CrossFit, which I included in the last month of my training plan. I feel a new addiction brewing! #RaleighStrong!
Traditional post marathon margarita, overlooking Monterey Bay!
One and done in California! Big Sur International Marathon was an excellent choice! This race should be on every Marathon bucket list!
Mark you calendars registration for 2014 opens July 15th. It typically sells out in a matter of days so don’t delay. Register, train, and Finish & Enjoy!
Apparently the bowl of noodles was not enough! In a matter of an minutes, one of my three lovely boxers “counter surfed” pulled down a bowl of noodles and my GARMIN. I can understand the noodles but WHY my Garmin? The last I checked it did not smell like a hunk of meat ( I actually rinsed it after my run this am).
Fortunately, the body of the watch and screen were spared. I cannot say the same thing for the band which was chewed off. I have no idea where the missing piece is….I can only imagine.
Thanks to Amazon.com a replacement band is one the way. T-6 days until the City of Oaks Marathon!…I sure hope it arrives 🙂
#1 Garmin Chewer Suspect- Lucy ( she may have even worn this chef disguise)
#2 Noodle Suspect Rex (anyone who can stand as tall as this can pull items off the counter)
#3 Suspect- Potter ( I think his huge tongue would not allow him to chew my watch)
Last weekend I participated in my first running relay! What an adventure living in a van for 37hours with 5 fellow runners. The Blue Ridge Relay relay starts in Grayson Highlands State Park,VA (near the base of Mount Rogers- VA hightest peak) and ends 212 miles later in Asheville, NC! (the mileage varies year to year due to course adjustments)
I joined the 12 persons Designated Drinkers Team, an established relay team who have run the BRR year after year. Last year, The Legend of the Space Goat was formed. The history of the Space Goat is cloudy at best…the only thing we know for sure is the name morphed out of the description of two of the hardest running legs that are famously deemed “Mountain Goat Hard“. In 2012 we kept the legend alive with our “alter ego” The Space Goats. Like Superman, the Space Goats appear out of nowhere perform good deeds, BAAAA, and usually leave without a trace. Most never knew they encountered The Space Goats….while others only knew by the “Space Goat Tag” on their van.
Meet the Space Goats of Van 2
Here is my pictorial recap of an awesome running adventure
Sara (van 1) kicked off the relay for us at 10am Friday at Grayson Highlands State Park in VA. Sara also earned accolades for assisting fellow space goats with various aliments. Melinda’s GI stress and Dave’s two dog bite attack. Thanks Sara for keeping Melinda and Dave in the mix. (update…the wonderful BRR Directors were able to locate the dogs and confirm they were current on their rabies shots. No Rabies shots for Dave!)
Sara kick’in off the 1st leg for Designated Drinkers!
As Van 1 ran the first 6 legs of our relay we (Van 2) headed to exchange area 6 Bald Mountain Baptist Church, West Jefferson , NC. On the way TheSpace Goats were called to action when fellow runners of TEAM 621 Ninga were in need. The Ninga’s van was stuck in the culvert along a winding mountain dirt road. While our goat strength was not enough to free the van, luckily they were assisted by a very kind local resident ( ” people of the woods encounter 1″) who attempted to pull them out. Unfortunately, they had to go to plan C and call a tow truck. The Space Goats, transported Team 621 Ninga’s next two runners to the next exchange. Apparently, this was most helpful since Team 621 Ninga came in 9th out of 141 teams! Way to go Ninga’s.
SAVED! 2 runners from TEAM 621 Ninga- Columbia, SC being transported Space Goat style. I am sure they will never forget….
11:00am with one save under our belt and time to kill we took the opportunity to find some food. Our Male van mates ensured we never missed an eating opportunity, THANKS. We enjoyed some really yummy pizza in Jefferson, NC at Pizza Plus the home of .30 cent Pizza! Not only was the pizza good but we were thoroughly entertained by “People of the woods encounter 2” Tommy and Chelsea. They were the nicest, simplest people who were very excited to share the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains with a bunch of running city slickers! Tommy talked our ears off. We found a fast friend in Tommy and a “moonshine” hook-up. While we passed on the moonshine, we were sure glad to have Tommy on our side.
John Loaf”in with Tommy & Chelsea
Pizza Plus, in true Space Goat fashion, offered a much needed electrical outlet, for our very own lactating BAD ASS MOTHER RUNNER Melissa “MAAA MAAA Goat”. Deamed Bad Ass for just signing up to live in a van, run while lactating, a sheer 7 months after giving birth to her second child. Simply Amazing! Did I mention she forgot her battery pack for her breast-pump and remained completely calm (hence the need for the electrical outlet). Luckily, a fellow space goat from the Ultra Team- Where the Hell is Van 2, continuing the Space Goat saves theme, just happened to have an extra ac/dc adapter so now she could pump while we rolled down the road. No pumping and dumping here! She was able to store the ‘liquid gold” in our cooler. Had Lance Armstrong been with us I am sure he might have partook (cheap shot…but I hear he ate breast milk ice cream as part of his performance enhancing rituals) Melissa was my 1st recruit to the Another Mother Run club!
Maaa Maaaa Goat happily models her breast pump!
When we finally arrived at exchange area 6, with hours to kill, we tagged a few vans,
got tagged, “doubled it down”, and played a mind expanding time killer game we learned from Laura “Most Talkative Goat” called F*#k, Save, Kill. (did I mention we were in a parking lot of a Baptist Church)
In deep thought…Laura introduces us to our “mind expanding” game
Laura claims its a well know bar game, but none of us had heard of it. It was very entertaining and we certainly entertained the teams around us.
Finally it was time for Van 2 to Run! Mark Cox, our amazing Team Captain, ran it in
Mark Cox..passing the band to Van 2
and passed along the BRR arm band to Van 2 runner # 7 Melissa “Maaaa Maaaa Goat”.
The early afternoon brought temperatures in the 80’s along with the famous humidity of NC. While temps in the 80’s were not ideal we were fortunate it was not as hot as it had been the week prior with temps in the 90’s. The Space Goats were prepared with lots of cold water, gatoraide, Nuun tablets, Rusty’s stash, and ice cold disposable towels. In true Space Goat fashion we shared our water and towels with fellow runners struggling along the course. All were appreciative and we are confident we got one struggling girl, in tears, safely to the next exchange.
“MAAA MAA Goat” rocked her run!
I am pretty sure I looked like MAAA MAAAA goat 7 months after I gave birth (My Space Goat Dream)
Melissa despite the heat had a great run and passed off the BRR band to runner #8 Laura “Most Talkative Goat”. Laura in an Olympic frame of mind smoked her run and blamed her faster than planned pace on “getting caught up in the Gold or Silver moment”
Laura our Talking and Caring Space Goat!
Humble “Quiet Killer Goat” kicked major ass on the road!
Next up was runner #9! Melinda “Quiet Killer Goat” survived 37 hours with her VERY obnoxious and loud van mates, fought off stomach issues, and quietly slayed all of her runs. One of which was Mountain Goat Hard! She was our secret weapon…quiet yet deadly. She even claimed a kill (no animals were harmed) on her last leg and adorned a feather as her prize! Melinda, Bad Ass Mother Runner, and my second recruit to the Another Mother Runner Club!
“Quiet Killer Goats” prize from her run
Testosterone time, as runner #10 John “Life Saving Goat” finally hit the street. We are so proud of our fellow Space Goat John who assisted a fellow runner who collapsed from heat related issues a mile from the next exchange. John quickly came to his aid, flagged down passerby for help ( who happened to have ice in their car), iced his wrist, neck and elevated his feet. John stayed with the unresponsive runner until medical assistance arrived. John you are amazing! We are so proud of you! “Space Goats Save Lives”
Eagle Scout and “Life Saving Space Goat”
Patiently waiting at exchange 11, we got word from a fellow runner that John was delayed due to assisting a runner. Next up was Runner #11 (me) Jenn “2nd Most Talkative Goat”.
6.2 miles, Hard, but Beautiful!
I was setting off for the first official leg on the beautiful, historic Blue Ridge Parkway. Fortunately for me, temperatures dropped rapidly and cooled off nicely….I was set up for an awesome run!
Holy Hills& Mountains, I did it! with Laura and Melinda upon my finish
Runner #11, Rusty “Beer Goat” , whose favorite carbs come from a can, was fired up and donned in his run kilt ready for action! Not only do Space Goats save lives but we ” never sacrifice fashion”
“Beer Goat” always planning his liquid carb loading “I don’t run for another 7-8 hours”
Rusty finished strong and transitioned us into and extended break where we gassed up the van and grabbed some FOOD. Next on the agenda was SLEEP! I am unsure if anyone slept but we did get 2 hours of REST at Newland, NC Post Office exchange. 1:00 am arrived faster than we desired but the Space Goats were ready for our night runs!
Jenn and Melissa!
John and Laura with her famous $6 headlamp. We are unsure if we could really call it a headlamp.
2:00am ish illuminated Space Goats Rusty and Melinda
Our night runs were peaceful and quiet. Continuing the supportive nature of being a Space Goat we voluntarily accompanied our night runners so nobody had to run alone. “MAA MAA goat” ran 3 accompanying night legs displaying true Space Goat Spirt and badassness (ok it is not a word but you get it). Our goat calls “BAAAAAAAAA” were most helpful at night to identify our runners approaching exchange zones. Near dawn John “Life Saving Goat” had a not so pleasant “people of the woods encounter 3”. This poor resident was not very happy with the noise the relay participants that had kept her up during the night. John, a gracious southern gentleman, apologized on behalf of the participants of the Blue Ridge Relay. Courteous Space Goats!
7:00am ish- Night legs done we headed to the final team exhange zone at a Baptist
FOOD
Church in Barnardsville, NC. These church members rolled out the red carpet and welcomed runners with a hot pancake breakfast, real bathrooms, tent for sleeping, or better yet a padded church pew for sleeping. These people were simply amazing and hospitable! THANK YOU! We fueled up, and got some rest. Some got sleep, I got 2 hrs of REST. Most Space Goats chose the padded church pew, one lone goat, skipped the food and went straight to the tent for sleep. She had the tent all to herself. Clearly, the quietest she had been in 24 hrs.
Laura “Most Talkative Goat” in her private sleeping quarters
Space Goats, Rested, fueled, ready to run it home to Asheville!
Saturday morning brought drizzle, sporadic down pours, and cooler temps. Awesome running weather. Van 1, had endured much excitement during the night assisting the Ultra Team- Where the Hell is Van 2? with locked keys in their van, and Dave’s dog attack. Two dogs attacked and bite Dave. Fueled with Space Goat awesomeness…..he outran them. Way to go Dave! Feeling giddy, our van mates pranked incoming runner and Team Captain, Mark Cox, by lifting the hood of the van faking a breakdown. If only I had captured, Marks expression as he ran by. 🙂
Van 2 was off, as Melissa ran the hardest leg of all a Mountain Goat hard 6.5 mile climb! Delirious The Space Goats cheered and entertained all runners on the mountain goat leg. We were thrilled to have fellow Ultra Team runner Hazel to cheer! Things got a little crazy as we entertained! We are sure that we made a difference for all the runners out there. We certainly had fun doing it. Scenes from Mountain Goat leg….
Beautiful running man!
hmmmm…strip tease?
Sleep deprivation causes odd behavior or was this a modeling post for Athleta Sportswear
The finish of Mountain Goat
Melissa “MAA MAA Goat” slayed her run and passed 4 runners! Amazing! Way to go to MAA MAAA! Next we sent Laura “Most Talkative Goat” off on her dream run…9 miles down hill where she maintained a 7:30 pace! Melinda “Quite Killer Goat” ran strong on the 2nd Mountain Goat leg and finished strong with a super huge smile of accomplishment and a prize!
Thrilled to be DONE!
John was off and endured torrential rain and cold temps. Luckily it was his shortest run of the relay and he was able to burn it out!
Holy Hill……
I was off for my last leg once again on the Blue Ridge Parkway, only 4.2 miles but the first 2 were all uphill! I endured, with the finsh line on my mind and burned it out and passed the BRR band to Rusty for the 6.6 mile Glory leg!
We quickly made out way to the finish line to greet Rusty! Rusty brought us in strong in the pouring rain and cold! Designated Drinkers a.k.a Space Goats finished Saturday 5:56pm with the official time of 31hours and 56 minutes! Average pace per mile 9:05, 95th of 141 teams!
Running in the Glory Leg with Rusty! Where are our fellow Designated Drinkers Team mates…..Mellow Mushroom bar?
While we did not capture an official title, we are ALL WINNERS for SURVIVING!
Space Goats (minus Melinda) at the finish. Poor Melinda was seeking sanity was searching for her family!
Our Men and family welcomed us at the Finish!
My 1st Relay experience was over the top! As my 9 year old would say “Epic”. I had a blast! My team was awesome and most importantly my van mates made the experience memorable and highly entertaining! I gained 4 new nutty running friends! ( I knew Laura and Rusty prior to our adventure)
While the hours were long, the miles hard, the comradery shared among fellow runners was priceless! Thanks to all for an amazing relay!
The Asheville night life was not spared from the Legend of the Space Goat. Great job MAA MAA!
Now as Tommy would say……time for some much deserved “loaf’in” BAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
My runs were dedicated to a dear friend Graham Edward Beacham, whom was called home after a tragic car accident Wednesday prior to the relay. An avid outdoors man, I know Graham would appreciate the beautiful scenery and quiet of the mountains just as I did. I cannot think of a better way to reflect and pay respects. I know I made him proud! Love and miss you dear friend!
Say what you want about runners, despite our individual quirkiness, we are dedicated to our sport and all those who partake in it. We are a deeply caring and compassionate community. We connect to runners we have never personally met simply because we share the same drive, passion, and love for running. We all run for different reasons and have many different goals but in the end we are all runners. That is our simple connection and that is all that matters.
Last month I posted a 26.2 Mile Salute a tribute to Billy, written by my sister. Billy, an advid and accomplished marathoner, was training for his second Boston Marathon when he un-expectantly pass away. His fellow running community ran in his honor, April 16th, 2012.
Forrest Gump running shoe fashion
One of Billy’s running partners, who honored Billy at his funeral by wearing his running shoes, contacted BAA to let them know that Billy passed away prior to hearing the starting gun of his 2nd Boston Marathon. The kind and compassionate, fellow runners, at the Boston Athletic Association, took the time and effort to gather Billy’s race items and sent them along with a letter of condolence to Billy’s wife.
As you can imagine, the arrival of this un- expected package to Mrs. Blevins home address sparked a variety of emotions. The best I can glean from the email forwarded to me is that she was honored and overjoyed. The personal letter so eloquently ended by saying
“he has fought the good fight and finished the race”
Contents of the package from BAA
Way to go BAA! What a wonderful and thoughtful way to honor a dedicated runner and his loyal cheerleader. Mrs. Blevins, whom was his biggest fan, was on the sidelines of all of Billy’s races,
I never had the honor of meeting Billy, nor have I had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Blevins. However, their story pulls at my heart strings and I feel an indescribable connection to them both. There is no other explanation…it has to be the “runners connection”
(My Sisters tribute to a friends father….I just had to share)
Today Bonnie’s dad, would have been running in the Boston Marathon, but he died unexpectedly about a month ago. This morning Bonnie put out the challenge to all her family and friends to run the 26.2 miles together for her Dad. When all was said and done, 52.75 miles were logged for Billy in 3 different cities– Kinston, Richmond, and Chicago.
Everything started at Subway Restaurant in the little town of Pink Hill. Lunchtime conversation with fellow pharmacist turned from prescriptions to the Boston Marathon. My heart immediately sunk. Oh my, this was Billy’s day to run. I knew I would definitely be reaching out to my freind, Bonnie, before the day was done. However, in a quick email check after lunch, I soon found that Bonnie had already reached out to us. She put the challenge out to cooperatively run 26.2 miles for Billy today. My immediate response, “I’m in!”.
For 3 months I was unable to run as I nursed an IT band injury I incurred from training for my first marathon. Then for the past 6 weeks and finally physically able to run again pain free, I had a new struggle. My motivation to hit the pavement was lack luster- at best. All I had mustered up recently were sporadic runs from week to week or sometimes even two weeks to two weeks. Tonight was different. I came home motivated to run. I knew this one was for Billy and for his family that we love. After working all day, I popped a spoonful of peanut butter down the hatch, and laced up my running shoes. I pet the dog and headed out the door. No, I was not waiting for my husband who said he would run with me at 9:30pm. This was it. I knew I had to go.
Now I wish I could tell you that this run was like a Disney movie and that I found great physical strength that I never knew I had and that I completed my run into a beautiful warm and glowing orange sunset and, of course, in record time and with a new personal record. No. Instead, my body struggled like a runner who was out of condition. I ran into the dusk and springtime darkness fighting all the newly hatching bugs as they crashed into my ears, nostrils, and yes, my mouth. My legs cried out, “please just stop”, but as I purposefully ran past the places that I knew meant so much to Billy–the Sullivan house on Sedgefield and the first Sullivan home on Dorcas Terrace, I knew I could do it. Each step I ran I thought of all the beautiful steps–and probably not always so easy steps–that Billy took over the years in helping impact the lives of his special family that we are so lucky to know. I kept going.
Rounding back home after 4 miles, my body was happy to see Margaret Lane, because that meant it was time to hit that magic button on the Garmin watch and let those tired legs rest. I’ve run many runs over the last couple years, and I’ve felt the satisfaction of finishing a good race, but this run was different. The satisfaction was deeper and more special. With my legs slowing to walk, I threw my arms up in the air and spoke to heaven, “That one was for you, Billy.” Billy ran the Boston Marathon today, but not alone. Instead, he was in the company of all those who loved him who took on their part of today’s race for him. I am so glad that I was able to do this very special Boston Marathon for Billy and all the people who love him so much.
Laury S,4 miles 10min 30 sec pace, April 16, 2012
Barbara- Billy’s wife of 47 1/2 years…. shared with me a little about Billy’s accomplishments. It is in the comments but I wanted to make sure is was visible.
I was married to that Marathon Man, Billy Blevins, for 47 1/2 years!!! It was so sweet of Laury to write & you to post for the world to read. Billy first started running with an 8k in Richmond when he was 60 followed by many Marathons & also qualified for Boston x2 here. He completed 17 marathons including Boston-2006, London-April 2007,Berlin-Oct 2007, NY-2009, Chicago-2010, DC Marine Corp -2011, & VA Beach several times. Your site makes me happy……..Barbara M. Blevins (He died 3-12-12 exactly 5 weeks before Boston of a Heart Attack while sleeping).
Dedicate your next run to Billy! I know I will!- BoxerRunner
So I am ready! Now it is time to commit to the training and make it happen! Advice welcome!
BoxerRunner 