Mentoring to the finish…Kiawah Island, SC Marathon Recap

Posted on January 25, 2014 by BoxerRunner100

I get so excited whenever anyone shares with me their desires start running. Running has given me so much over the past five years. Running gave me a fresh perspective on my life in a time when I needed it most. As a result, I am eager to share my love and experience of the sport with anyone willing to give it a try or listen.

Kayla, 21 years my junior, whom I once would kindly refer to as a co-worker, through running I now can confidently call my friend 🙂 would drop in my office occasionally and talk about her desires to run. When she was ready, I ensured she had the right gear and equipped her with a signed copy of Train Like a Mother! The wisdom between the pages of the orange covers benefits any female, no kids required. Kayla set her goals high and planned to run a half marathon. We had many conversations around her training ups and downs, and I encouraged her along the way. It was exciting to watch her interest in running move from something she was simply curious about to something she came to love.

Our first run together, June 2014! My Facebook post- Shout out to Kate for her longest run! Kayla for best dressed! Great run with running buddies OLD and NEW literally. With Rex (woof),

I was giddy with excitement when she crossed the finish line of her first half marathon. I was even more excited when she said she could not wait for the next one! We all know in running you either love it or hate it! So naturally when Kayla said she thought she was ready to conquer a marathon, but was scared to death. I told her I would happily run by her side and get her across the finish line. I never second guessed my offer to get her across the finish line but I also don’t think I fully thought out how challenging a task this might be. Failure was not an option she was to become a marathoner if I had to carry her! Which I had knew was possible, since I carried her the month before at Tough Mudder.

We decided on Kiawah Island Marathon in South Carolina. I needed the check off the state of South Carolina so this was perfect. My only goal was to get Kayla across the finish line…this was all about Kayla!

Race Day! We were ready. We walked .6 miles to the start from our adorable cottage. Fortunately the forecast of rain held off and temps were mild in the 50’s. A little warm for my liking but no rain. We were thrilled to be joined by running buddy KMac who registered last minute for the half. We were off!.

The course was fantastic! The course provided you with beautiful views of the South Carolina low county (water& marshlands), and some of the biggest houses I have ever seen. Huge! There was always something to look at. The aid stations were excellent and very organized. The volunteers handing out Gatorade wore yellow jerseys. So smart! There was musical entertainment in several places along the course which was nice touch but for the most part the course was quiet and serine. Absolutely my favorite!

KMac, back from injury, was having a great day and she took off. Despite the warmth and humidity I was feeling good. Kayla, was quietly struggling, not verbalizing how she felt. I knew she was not 100% and was careful not to pester her about how she was doing. I threw out my attempt at distractions, casual encouragement, and we keep moving forward. Unfortunately, Kayla started feeling worse having to utilize her inhaler several times. She was feeling like crap, so I need to move to plan B and fast!

one of the many motivational quotes at expo…this was our mantra

We moved to a run walk segment and that is when things starting to turn around. She finally started to talk a little, and honestly just looked better in general. It was a relief for me but we still had 13.1 more miles ahead of us.

The blessing in disguise was Kayla’s mental fortitude. Despite feeling like crap, she was determined to cross the finish line. She told me ” I will finish this marathon. It may take me longer than I intended but I will finish”. Music to my ears! Her strong mental state made her goal of finishing achievable. She was mentally strong and nothing was going to stop her.

Our gentleman friend whom we shared many of the latter marathon miles with

I looked hard but never say any Alligators

Kayla is smiling!

Around mile 17-18 feeling happy! My Favorite Picture

Bike path segment to the finish!

Getting closer…

At mile 25.5, I tripped on the bike path and hit the asphalt. Stunned, scrapped, and little bloody Kayla extended her hand and pulled me off the ground. I brushed off the asphalt and we kept going. It was a little slow and with a limp but we literally were almost there.

We were thrilled to see our friends Mary Anne and Kmac with their kids waiting for us before the finish chute. Always great seeing familiar faces. The kids joined us for the final run to the finish.

Fabulous Finish! Kayla is a Marathoner!

I am so incredibly proud of Kayla for overcoming her adversities and pushing through! I was honored to cross that finish line with you! Welcome to the Marathon Club Kayla!

Read Kayla’s marathon re-cap

Kiawah is an amazing regional Marathon! The after party provided local brews and a full buffet of AWESOME food. Not your standard bagel and bananna. Real yummy food! Amazing considering registration is only $70. Excellent destination marathon that won’t disappoint. In my quest to run a marathon in every state, I have vowed not to repeat any marathons but if I were to repeat Kiawah is on top of my list!

Low Country Boil Dinner to celebrate!

So excited to me college buddy Tracy at the expo and later on the course!

My Pine Mountain 40.. Beatdown!

Status

On December 2, 2012, I attempted the most physically and mentally challenging endurance run of my life… The Pine Mountain 40 put on by the Georgia Ultarunning & Trailrunning Society.

Jason, a 3 time Pine Mountain finisher, by far has the best description of the race I have ever read. So good I had to share……..

“Even for well-rested runners with fresh legs, the Pine Mountain 40 Mile Trail Run is a beatdown. To use a familiar ultrarunning comparison, running this particular race is like being pecked to death by baby ducks. The Pine Mountain course takes place on mild-elevation rolling hill terrain that does not feature any major notable obstacles, and runners do not face any steep mountain climbs, treacherous river crossings, or drastic temperatures. Instead, the 40 miles of this course are home to countless minor aggravations that gradually accumulate to the point where motivation and fortitude are reduced to a frazzled exhaustion. It is the little things that kill, and any small rock that catches the toe of a trail shoe, any tree root that is hidden underneath a pile of leaves, or any unstable slick stepping stone on a short creek crossing might be the final straw that causes a smiling runner to throw his or her hands up in exasperation and explode into profanity.”

Best Pace Scenario: Pine Mountain 40 Mile Trail Run 12/2/12 (Race Report).

Custom T party favor!

Jason’s detailed blog post were the extent of my research leading up to this race. I knew it was going to be a huge challenge but I must have mentally blocked that from my prefrontal cortex ( portion of brain responsible for logic and reasoning)- issue #1. The Pine Mountain 40 was a great way to end a very busy fall running season (3 fulls & 1 half marathon), and to celebrate Laura’s ( #BRF’s -best running friend & 50 States partner ) 40th birthday! 40 for 40! It was so cute and catchy I could not turn her down.

In 2012, Laura and I traveled together to completed the Walt Disney World Goofy Challenge, The Blue Ridge Relay, Wineglass Marathon, and Richmond, VA Marathon. We had checked off three states in 2012 so the opportunity to cross off a 4th (GA) was very enticing. With Laura’s famous quote, that seems to fuel all of our running registrations, “We will be trained” we committed to our first ultra marathon….without a lot of thought (prefrontal cortex issue #2)

Laura & Jenn

Ten days prior to the big event I came down with a horrible upper respiratory infection. I battled through it and in hind sight should have gone to the doctor. The lingering cough, that left and returned few days prior to the race, later caused me some major issues on race day. Being the hard headed (red head trait), determined individual that I am I was not going to let some pesky sickness stop my quest for 40 miles (prefrontal cortex issues #3).

We road tripped down to Pine Mountain, GA, a 8hr trek from Raleigh. Laura rented us an awesome cabin just a few miles from the start. We arrived in Pine Mountain, a very quaint and friendly place, just in time for the annual Christmas parade. We thought it was a great welcome! We stocked up on supplies at the local grocery and then headed to our cabin to relax by the fire and await our 7 am Sunday start.

One of the best decisions made (outside of inviting Dan and PJ:)), was inviting David! David an accomplished ultra runner cyclist, and world traveler signed up to be the official “ultra virgins” pacer!

At 7:00am, in 50 degree temps, we hit the trail for our 40 mile adventure. We started towards the back of the pack hoping the other 150 or so runners would clear a path through the ankle deep leaves. The first section of the trail was a great stretch of running with minimal obstacles. I did not feel particularly well and was winded early. I hoped this was nerves and would pass. Initially, I welcomed the frequent walk breaks up the inclines but soon found I was much more comfortable running.

We made it to the 1st aid station (Fox Den Cove- 5.9 miles). I was thrilled to see and briefly speak to fellow “tweep” Kristin , whom was one of the unfortunate runners to be stung by the un-expectant swarm of yellow jackets. Fortunately, we missed that early torture. We topped off our water and kept rolling.

The following 9 miles were sheer mental torture. I am typically a sickly optimistic person but the negative thoughts of DNF(did not finish) were running ramp-id in my head. I have NEVER battled this nor ever considered dropping from a race. My breathing was labored and the uphill hikes were proving to be my biggest challenge. They took everything I had. I would have paid big money for a pulley system to drag my ass up the hill sides. David, so kind, slowed his pace to stick with me and offer his ever helpful coaching and mental support.

My struggles, both mentally and physically continued, as I lagged behind and eventually caught up with concerned trail mates David and Laura at the 3rd aid station (Dowell Knob-14.3 miles). My words were few and Laura knew me well enough to know I was struggling. As Laura expressed her concerned that I was going to end up with Pneumonia, one of the jovial GUTS volunteers chimed in “Hell, it is way cooler to say you got pneumonia running an ultra than just laying on the couch” Oddly enough, I had to agree with this wise volunteer. It was at this moment, I knew I was among fellow “bad asses” and I was going to give it all I had. When ” all I had” was gone that would be the end of my race. I am a huge proponent of “run your own race” so I encouraged Laura and David to go on without me.

With my much improved mental attitude, I pushed on. I convinced myself to “live in the moment” and try to enjoy the sights and serenity the trail had to offer (despite the ever present pesky rocks, roots and inclines). The day was nearly perfect despite the climbing temps. The 70 degree temps were unwelcome but better than rain. As I made it toward the 4th aid station (Rocky Point – 17.8 miles) I noticed my fingers were beginning to swell like sausages. This was un nerving as this has never happened. I had been hydrating with nuun, taking electrolyte tablets, and fueling with my cliff bars, and pretzels but obviously with the heat it was not enough. At the aid station, another wonderful GUTS volunteer told me to load up with some salt and suggested the bake potato pieces dipped in salt. Yum, those were the best cold bake potato pieces I had ever eaten in my entire life. I swished them down with some Coke like “cola”…ahhh best Cola I have ever had and I was off.

I was feeling better, not optimal, but enough to keep going. I reached the first time cut off at aid station #5 (TV Tower- 22.82 miles) with time to spare (not much but it was time) . At this point, I knew I was close to 26.2 miles, a familiar mileage accomplished many times. I was determined at minimum to reach 26.2 and claim my Georgia marathon! My spirits lifted and I found energy from my new “line of sight marathon goal”. and the fellow runners. Just when I thought I was alone, and possibly the last person on the trail someone would appear. After long stretches of solitude, just seeing another person was a welcome sight. David, from Woodstock, GA, was so kind stopping with me when I found myself dizzy and just offering a smile, when times got tough. We did not exchange a lot of conversation but were a support system.

Double sprained ankle? Sure does not look like it. Go Amy! pic by Liza AuYeung

Amy M., Atlanta, seemed to appear out of nowhere. This was Amy’s 3rd Pine Mountain 40 and she was running on a double sprained ankle. Can you say “BAD ASS!”. I cannot even imagine. Amy and I shared the portion of the trail with the seemingly endless creek crossings. I am happy to report we both stayed dry! Amy’s determination to run through an injury inspired me to keep pushing. Thanks Amy!

At aid station #6 ( Rocky Point- 24.2 miles) David and I were told we made up some time. That was great news.! We had 60 minutes to cover 3.52 to reach aid station #7 (Dowell Knob 28.4 miles). This was doable and I was confident I could cover the additional 12 miles after the next aid station to finish. At this point I was not concerned with the 10.5 hour cut off. I just wanted to run across the finsh line…no matter the time..

As I approached aid station #7 (Dowell Knob 28.4 miles) I noticed a male runner who had been ahead of me sit down…I thought odd perhaps he is quitting As I approached the food table, the kind GUTS volunteer informed David and I we had missed the time cut off by 12 minutes. Uggggg how did this happen? I was shocked. I had just found my rhythm and clearly lost track of time. I had long given up on my Garmin that could not keep up with the terrain and lost at least 30 minutes of time. Ironically, the same volunteer who made the funny comment about me coming down with pneumonia Is the guy who told me I could not go on. I was stunned, I knew I could make the last 12 miles and now I couldn’t. My race was over BUT I had more to give.

My first comment was “Dang, this is my first ultra, I would have at least liked to have made it to 30 miles” they laughed at me and said ” Congratulations! You are an ultra runner!” I know anything over 26.2 is considered ultra distance but there was something psychological about hitting the 30 mile mark. I considered hiking up to the trail head to get in my final two miles but I risked my ride back to the finish and it was a little crazy. Finally, I embraced it…I didn’t have to run anymore…so I treated myself to some M&M’s! Ahhhh they were good!

The Finish! Congrats David and Laura 9:22:48

There was comfort in numbers, as I sat with my fellow “pulled” runners waiting for the remaining runners. I was happy to see Amy approach. I had not seen her for some time and was wondering if her ankle had gotten the best of her. Next was Paige, from Atlanta, and then Rhonda a fellow Raleigh-“ite” and the Co- Race director for the Umstead 100. Rhonda and I had passed each other several times throughout the day. She was struggling with an injury and bad cramping but kept pushing! It wasn’t until we were “pulled” that we made the Raleigh connection. Rhonda, with all her ultra wisdom, educated me that that I did not have a DNF, I did not quit, I was pulled due to time cut offs! This was comforting as I was trying to process what had just happened. Her next question to me was ” Why did you chose this race for your first ultra?” Prefrontal Cortex issue #1….enough said!

I am at peace with my Pine Mountain 40 attempt! I did

Perhaps the smartest thing I did related to this race….soak my feet and legs in the COLD mountain water!

not give into the negative mental tourture! I did not quit! I gave it what I had in my that day!

Pine Mountain 40 is the hardest most mentally and physically taxing thing I have done outside of two natural child births. They say that God erases the pain memory of child birth so women will have more than one child. God clearly must do the same for ultras! On the way home, I was planning my “ultra redemption” race with my sister, fellow ultra runner Amy! –(wait listed- Mangum Track Club Fat Ass 50k) I’ll be back!

Thanks GUTs for an awesome ultra experience!

See ya on the trail!

“Struggling and suffering are the essence of a life worth living. If you’re not pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone, if you’re not demanding more from yourself – expanding and learning as you go – you’re choosing a numb existence. You’re denying yourself an extraordinary trip.”

Dean Karnazes, Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner

Laura & David Packet Pick Up

Cabin!

Heart Shaped Tub in the Master Bed Room! Too Funny!

My running widower Dan! He is awesome! Thanks Dan!

Grocery closed on Sunday. Dan & PJ got dinner supplies from Family Dollar! It Rocked!

So tired…I could not even put my compression socks on right!

What Would Another Mother Runner Do? « another mother runner

Posted on June 1, 2012 by BoxerRunner100

What Would Another Mother Runner Do? « another mother runner.

I am super excited to be featured on AnotherMotherRunner.com! I felt like a “Super” star all day long! Thanks Sarah and Dimity!

Bad Ass and Barefoot…..Run Like a Mother weekend!

Posted on May 22, 2012 by BoxerRunner100

I cannot think of a better way to kick off an awesome weekend than attending a Another Mother Runner Mother House Party! In case you did not know I am a HUGE fan of the wonderfully talented, insightful, witty, and vertically blessed ladies behind the AnotherMotherRunner.com community -Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell. I potentially could be considered a “stalker” but I much prefer to refer to myself as a “Super Fan”.

I came to adore these ladies after picking up their first book Run Like a Mother How to Get Moving and Not lose Your Family, job, or Sanity. Naturally, that title spoke to this full time working mother of two. I loved the book so much, I read it very slowly in bits and pieces cause I did not want it to end. I would laugh myself silly on a nightly basis, while at the same time gain tremendous insight into my new found passion of running.

I was honored and star struck to meet Sarah and Dimity at the Country Music Marathon- Nashville, TN in May 2011. (Rebecca, Dimity is holding your signed book!). They were the highlight of my trip since the Nashville Marathon remains as my #1 personal worst finish ( so bad I thought my marathoning days were over) Back to the book….. I finally finished it, and was thrilled to continued my Run Like a Mother (RLAM) daily fix on the Run Like a Mother, facebook community, AnotherMotherRunner.com and twitter. Take it from a true “Super Fan” if you are not following you are missing out! No kids needed you just need to have ovulated at some point in your life. These ladies cover topics you are sure not to find in-between the covers of any running magazine. 🙂

How is it possible these BRF’s have un-revealed skeletons 🙂

So…..Friday night I loaded up the Honda Odyssey Mini Van, with some gal pals, and we headed to Chapel Hill for the House Party! My gosh we laughed all the way there and back. The perplexing thing about our evening is how on earth have I logged hundreds upon hundreds of miles with two of these ladies, yet only that night were some of their deepest , darkest secrets revealed. How can this happen? Running partners know EVERYTHING! Let me tell you……they are good ones too! We had a great time! I “Super Fan” was star struck by meeting Sarah and Dimity again. The picture is really bad, I swear it looks like I have hives.

Another Mother Runner House Party! May 2012

It was so awesome they were in my own backyard (20 miles away….but close enough). They read from their newest book Train Like a Mother…How to Get Across Any Finishing Line and – Not lose your Family, Job, and Sanity. They had some great give aways and the BEST swag bags ever! We all had a great time! We were like kids at Christmas when we got in the car investigating the contents of the swag bag! Sweeeeet!

AMR Party!

Jill (the newest addition to the Another Mother Runner club) , who jokes all my running will kill me one day, finally agreed to joined me on one of my endorphin journeys. She signed up for her first triathlon and major event. I was soooooooo excited. Finally, I got her talked into to doing something with me! Saturday night, I emailed Jill her detailed packing list and instructions to pack her bag, put her bike in the car, lay out her clothes, go to bed, and be at my house at 5:30am. She follows and takes instructions well (still working on my kids)

Sunday…arrived way too early with a 4:30am wake up! Jill and I headed up to North Raleigh for the Rambling Rose Women’s Triathlon. The day was finally here and we were both ready……………or so I thought. We arrived with plenty of time to spare. Bikes racked, bodies marked, we were ready! The outdoor swim was chilly. I was thrilled to shave some major time off my March swim. The 10 mile bike was hilly, but really very beautiful through a residential neighborhood. I was thrilled to complete the ride without any major bike malfunctions. (2010- I rode in on the swag wag when my headset came loose…. and as a newbie had no tools). I saw Jill in transition and gave her my hoot and hollering support while I quickly attempted to transition from my bike shoes to my running shoes……….

Woooooooops!

Failed attempt! Two rights and no left. Duh! Nice!

Well, there was only one thing to do since DNF in not in my vocabulary ………..Barefoot! Off I took, with my tender pedicured skin on the pavement. Thanks! Mr. red shirt volunteer who yelled “less heel, get on the balls of your feet.” Much appreciated, advice for this virgin Bare-footer. I heard a range of comments from “Where are your shoes?” “Look Mom that lady does not have on shoes.” “Go Barefoot Lady!” to “Barefoot…….NICE!”. I felt like some renegade showboating my barefoot skills at a beginner friendly event. SO NOT the case! Who cares what anyone thinks? Not me! I embraced my situation and PROUDLY funneled my inner Bad-Ass and enjoyed every minute and mile of my barefoot debut. I proved there is a little Kenyon in this white girl from eastern North Carolina. Interesting fact- I ran faster barefoot than I did in my tri in March.

As promised,I jumped back in the race and ran the last mile with Jill!

I am beyond proud of my buddy Jill for:

#1-signing up after my subliminal hints

#2- enduring my training and crazed enthusiasm

#3-finishing strong!

She lived….(despite her prior advice to me) to tell the world she is a Triathlete! Yea Jill! Oh and a shout out to Jennifer, Mary, and Sarah for their amazing finishes!

For me personally, I am proud,of overcoming a race day obstacle and making the best of it. Luckily, for me the barefoot thing worked and was not too uncomfortable. I only it knew that because I tried!

Race day obstacles seems to be a 2012 pattern .

I left more than my mini mouse dots on the pavement

In January, at Walt Disney World Goofy’s Race (half marathon & full marathon in the same weekend) I busted my a$% on a street reflector in mile 11 of the half marathon with 2.1 miles to go…not to mention the 26.2 I had in less than 24 hours. I knocked myself silly, but was swiftly picked up by some faceless knight and shining armor behind me. I can still hear the ” awwww’s” and “oh craps” of my fellow runners as they watched me drop, skid, and roll on the concrete.(BRF Laura applauded me on how quickly I put my mini mouse ears back on)

Luckily, it was just road rash and not whiplash or knocked out teeth. After a little clean up, I endured and finished both races with battle wounds! ( Laura will tell you…as gross and painful as they were.. I was sickly proud of them)

So what does this pattern of race day mishaps mean for the remainder of my 2012 events? I am not sure ….Just bring it! I will tackle it! One event at a time!

I have come to know, my drive and motivation comes from the accomplishment of pushing through mental and physical barriers. It’s these challenges and accomplishments that keep me logging the miles!