Keeping Pace

Keeping Pace

Archives for October 2007

I’m okay

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The race took it’s toll on me. Thankfully, less so than others. I bid farewell to the family and flew home last night. In spite of the poor racing conditions, I had a great trip.

I am recovering from a bummy ride home. My Dramamine did not do the trick. They only had one blue bag in all of our three seats. I had to steal one from the bathroom. At home, I discovered that my pizza never was digested. I was discarded into my toilet prior to my going to sleep.

Although I am not at all sore, my head was still aching this morning…so I slept until 2 pm.

Off to the races

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I’ve been trying to stay connected with the blogosphere via, my niece, Kelly’s computer. Mostly, I’ve been checking in on those of you who will join me at the starting line tomorrow.

After reading about a few who are throwing their goals out the window due to the weather forecast, I have decided that now is a good time to withdrawal from the blogosphere.

I’ve been out in the heat of day and will admit that it is HOT. I ran off a whole two miles worth of nervousness. It allowed me to figure out what I had wrong in my shoe set up; my metatarsal cushions needed a layer pulled off. I think that I am set now.

Running safe will certainly be my priority. On the same note, I still remember the disappointment that I had when I had to throw out my goal at Grandma’s Marathon last year. I don’t want to do that again, IF I don’t have to. I’ve invested so much more this time around.

I remain confident that my training in the heat of summer has prepared me to endure these race conditions. I have to hold onto my goal and go for it.

I recieved my final words of wisdom from Coach Jeff and I am ready to go. So, until my race report…
I’m off to the races.

Sunny in the “windy city”

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Aunt Sally, BoBo, YaYa, their cousins Sara & YaYa, and I took the train to the “windy city” today. As we stepped foot out to the streets of Chicago, I was hit in the face with the fumes from those smoking just outside the door. I immediately began coughing, the gagging to the point of near puking. It was so embarrassing. They can’t take me anywhere. I am sure that the kids were a bit humiliated.

It wasn’t all that windy. Instead it was sunny and lightly raining. The kids loved it. They stood out on the sidewalk with their faces to the sky and mouths open wide. Then we walked to take in a few sights (including Sears Tower, where the view was incredible.)

Eventually, after a long walk, varying directions, and a LONG bus ride, we made it to The Expo. This was the only objective that I had for the day. I felt a little guilty that we had to go so far off the beaten path to pick up my race goodies. But soon after we arrived at the expo I could tell that the kids were not at all put out.

BoBo made a b-line to the Powerbar booth, then the Whole Foods booth, and so on. The kids were in heaven with all of the freebies. I got my stuff and then the whole exhausted lot of us took a taxi back to the train station.

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Taking flight

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In January, Coach Jeff and I discussed my target marathon options for my next Boston qualification (BQ) attempt. We discussed having a prolonged training period to allow for a strong base to be created and to allow plenty of time for my foot to get used to running again post-injury. A fall marathon would do this, he said.

As Coach went through a list of fall marathons, one stood out from the rest. The LaSalle Banks Chicago Marathon was known for it’s spectacular spectators, a “big” race environment, and a “flat and fast” course. On top of all of this, Tom’s extended family lives in Illinois so it would be a great excuse to see the part of the family that we rarely see. I didn’t waste any time in securing my spot.

Ten months later, here I sit on the flight to Chicago. I am without my husband, Tom, yet I am not alone. As BoBo and YaYa dominate the arm rests on either side of me, and encroach on my leg room, I am comforted (although UNcomfortable). Every time I see them, I see the lovely blend of Tom and I. It is a beautiful combination. Although our marriage was often challenged, I am still able to embrace a part of what was indeed good – my three handsome sons.

I would love nothing more than to cross that finishline on time to qualify for Boston. I really want my boys to see my hard work and determination, against all odds, pay off. I want the boys to know that chasing dreams of importance, such as a college education and a career that brings fulfillment as well as money, is worth the hard work that it requires.

We, as a family and as individuals, have much more grieving ahead of us, but we have a lot of wonderful memories. We also have many opportunities to create many more happy moments in the future.

May the Chicago Marathon be the first of many happy memories.

Courage

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I was at my bereavement group where the topic was revolving around getting the kids to help out around the house. Rewards vs. punishments were being discussed. I was feeling disinterested in the topic. I wasn’t sure what I was there for, but I knew it wasn’t that. Just when I was feeling as if I was the odd man out, everything shifted.

It was an innocent question, “Tell me about your week.” I squirmed in my seat. It’s not been a good week for me. When I opened my mouth, out came the feelings. I didn’t think that anyone would identify with my issues; none of the women there have teenagers. But my outpouring started an avalanche amongst the group. Tender subjects were broached, and the Kleenex box was circling the room again.

I am amazed at how courageous these women are. It’s funny what you see in others that you have a hard time seeing in yourself.

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