Flowing Black Water, Crepe Paper Sun

The title is just the first line of a song that has been stuck in my head for a week. The band is Three Merry Widows, if you can find them anywhere, listen to them. They were around in '92 and they were not exactly a big name, little name...or really much of anything. Just a band that I adore.

OK, where was I going to go with this post today?

First, I need to post a picture of my water fanny pack for Jenn. It's the Nathan Elite 1 Plus Water Bottle Carrier. I LOVE IT. I have my water, my sports drink, and a spot for a tasty treat. It's not as bulky as some of the water fanny packs I have seen. Here's what it looks like:

I realize I should probably post what it looks like while I am wearing it, but really, let's be real. It's hideous. Do I dare share? Please forgive me for what you are about to see:


Oh, Blogger was nice. It made the picture much smaller then I anticipated. What you can't really see here is that my pants are slipping down, my shirt has ridden up and my back fat is exposed. :) This is what happens to you as you are about to cross the finish line next to some bitch half your size not sporting a water fanny pack. It's also what happens after 26.1 miles. You just don't care anymore.

On that note, this picture is a reminder that I am not going to make the same mistakes I made last go around. This time I am going to eat normal. I am not going to look at my calories burned as a reason to eat the entire pie. Did I mention I am doing this again? This time I am only going for a 1/2 marathon, but I am still training for a freakin' 1/2 marathon! There's not a lot of people who can say they have done that. This season I am a mentor for Team In Training. It will be a new perspective for me. As a mentor the training isn't all about me. I am here to support my mentees. I am also excited to have Jenn and her friend Danelle joining me with Team and Training as well. We are going to be doing the Rock 'N Roll San Diego Marathon. As a member of Team In Training we will have the option of completing the half marathon. It's one of the perks. I believe Apryl will be joining us at the event as well, but for the full marathon. Over the next several months we will all be blogging about the progress of our training (and sometimes the lack of progress).

So, away we go. I will be back more often I hope. I just needed to reevaluate what I need and want from this blog. I think I know now.

My, that's a big blister you have there!

In honor of my girl Jenny I am dedicating this entry to her and her ginormous blister.

I am one of those who frequently gets blisters while pounding the pavement racking up miles. My blisters tend to from on the bottom of my feet. There are two main factors in the formation of a blister. MOISTURE and FRICTION! How can you avoid moisture and friction? Moisture wicking socks, lubricant (yup), and well fit shoes.

What the heck is moisture wicking socks? Basically, not cotton socks. Moisture wicking socks "wick" the moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry. They are made of wool or synthetic material, unlike your faithful cotton sock, which just absorbs the moisture and does not pull it away from your skin. (You can also buy other items of clothing which are moisture wicking, like pants so your legs don't chafe)
Here are my two favorite running socks.

The Ultimax Ironman




Balega Enduro Ladies

Next we will discuss lubricant. And while I find it to be useful in the bedroom as well as on tight door jams it's also very helpful as blister prevention. Basically it helps your foot glide across the surface of the shoe as opposed to rubbing it causing mass friction and eventually a blister. There are many products you can use. From Vasaline to BodyGlide, you have items to lube up your feet. My favorite happens to be BodyGlide. This runner doesn't leave home without it.

I know I have posted my latest shoe purchase in a previous entry, but I will take the time here to tell you that no two feet are the same. Meaning, what works for me probably won't work for you. My feet seem to perform best in Nike shoes. I had a pair of Aasics in the past that I thought worked, but boy was I wrong. Not only can the wrong shoes cause blisters but they can cause a whole slew of issues, like shin splints. Go to a place that specializes in running/walking shoes. They will be sure to get the shoe that fits your foot right. Look for stores that actually monitor how you walk in the shoe and how your foot pronates (or doesn't) and checks your arch and all that good stuff. Sure you shell out extra cash, but you will most likely avoid frequent blisters and you will be able to push your self harder when you are training.

That's all I have to share with you today. Come back tomorrow when I am biting my nails, anxiously awaiting the Election Day results!

I DID IT!!!!! Part Three (The final chapter)

Well, it's almost been a week since my marathon and I am still grinning about my success. I have a friend who is so inspired by my experience that she has signed up for Team in Training in southern California and has even inspired a friend of her own to join her for the ride! Also, my friend Maureen is planning on participating in the same event with me in southern California when I am down there! YAY.

But let's get down to it, how do I feel today? Not mentally, but physically? To be honest, my muscles were only sore on Monday and were a little tight on Tuesday. My foot with the mega monster blister healed but then formed a different blister on the heel of my foot from me walking on that part instead of the ball of my foot. By Wednesday my feet were fine too. Today, which is Friday, my shoulders are sore (not sure from what) and I am coming down with a cold. It's like my body has finally just given up and succumbed to whatever illnesses that were lingering in my house from my germ riddled children because it can now. So here I sit, typing and unable to breathe out my left nostril sucking on a Vick's sore throat lozenge.

Now that I have some time off before spring season training begins I am going to put some focus on diet and weight bearing exercise. And maybe some sort of yoga or stretching. I would like to lose at least 15 lbs by January (I am giving myself some leeway to enjoy holiday treats). Starting tomorrow I will try to give you all some sort of update on how I am doing. In the past it hasn't gone so well, but maybe, just maybe sharing with the world will help a little more.

A little side note here: I have an addiction to Facebook. I need to admit it, but admitting you have a problem is the first step. I am addicted to stalking people and playing the games, like scrabble and text twirl. AND I LOVE THE FLAIR. Seriously, I need help.

With that, I say goodnight. I need to check my Facebook before logging into my World of Warcraft account and then I will lay back and read some of my daughters book Twighlight. I am a freakin' nerdy teenager right about now.

I DID IT!!!!! Part Two

The story continues...

October 19th, 2008

After a long night of tossing and turning in hopes of getting some sleep and not miss my alarm clock the alarm finally went off at 3:45am and I was up and in the bathroom getting ready for the day ahead. There was a quick bite of Power Bar, banana, and yogurt to eat before slicking myself down with Bodyglide and BioFreeze. I suited up in my best spandex and donned my purple Team in Training singlet which had my name written on the front and a small message on my back shoulder to my grandma. Bleary eyed and excited I headed down to the lobby to meet Coach Kathleen and Coach Renie.

I grabbed a banana and small water from the lobby and off we went. We walked to the start line and my coaches pumped me up some more. They are great for words of encouragement. We got there early and walked around helping a fellow teammate get her race packet (she forgot the day before) and then found the porta potties (which I used several times because A. Nerves and B. who wants to break for a potty break early in the race?) and the bag check. We then headed to the start line for a photo op.

Coach Kathleen, me, and Coach Renie at the Start

Me, so excited to be there

Since I was the only early start from our chapter the coaches left me to head back to the hotel to rally the troops for their 5:30 am lobby meeting. There I stood waiting for my husband Paul to arrive. He showed up just as planned at 5am and shortly after, to my surprise, Jennifer Moodenbaugh arrived. As Jen ran up to me and Paul you could see she was already tearing up. I asked her if she was emotional because she thought she was going to miss it and she nodded yes and then cried a little telling me how proud of me she was. We all laughed a bit and then took the opportunity to take more pictures.

Me and Paul (yes, I might have red eyes from a couple tears)

Jennifer and me before my marathon!

So excited!!!

Just before our 5:30 am start (who were ALL Team in Training participants) the crowd did a few Go Team's and a group sang the National Anthem, and then we counted down to our go. "Five, four, three, two, one!!!!" Off I went, 26.2 miles lie ahead of me and to my left is my husband with the video camera documenting the start of my journey. Jen ran along side too, telling me how proud she was and then they were gone, and all I had ahead with me was my thoughts and thousands of people in the same boat.

Look, marathons are cake walk!

It was dark and the streets were vacant, minus a few people sleeping in doorways and the few onlookers cheering us on. In front of me was a lady with the name Marian written on her back. Marian, spelled with an 'A' just like my grandma. I made a mental note to keep track of Marian. As we walked up to The Embarcadero I could tell I was going to be at the back of the Full Walker pack. I was in awe over some walkers pace! There was some serious speed walking going on. But I reminded myself of what Coach Jessica told me about pacing myself and not burning out too early. "Your not going to win, Regina," she had told me, "you're here to have fun." So, that's what I did. I forgot about the people whizzing by me and I had fun. I talked to a man who frantically walked along side me asking "what is this? Did it start already? I am not where I told my wife I would be, she said 7 am start." I reassured him that we were the early start group and that his wife would be along later on. It was sweet to see how concerned he was.

In the darkness I didn't really look for familiar faces. I knew that Paul would be up near the marina Safeway and that at some point around mile 8 I should keep an eye out for family, but around mile 2 I was honored to see Mentor Nancy and Mentor Susan on the side cheering with their TNT signs. When I saw them and they saw me Mentor Nancy flipped her sign around and showed me a "Go C Jane" sign she had made! See Jane had been a nick name I earned from wearing my See Jane Run singlet to Saturday trainings. I rushed to them and hugged them and thanked them for being there for me. I am getting choked up thinking about it. Because really, I was the ONLY early start for our team. They had many other participants out there with a 7am start and they made an effort to come to a spot where they could cheer me on. Thank you ladies!!!! It meant the world to me.

As I came down out of Fort Mason I could see Paul there to cheer me on. And just up ahead was Jen. Now, don't get me wrong, I appreciated all of the spectators and the cheering sections, but to have these people who were there just for me made it so much more special. The morning was beautiful, and my very fast paced walk through San Francisco brought me to Chrissy Field at mile six. The sun was rising and suddenly I am joined by two very excited coaches. Coach Kathleen and Coach Renie came running up behind me saying "it took us a lot to get to you, you are further along the course then we expected." What exhilarating news that was! They had found me to help get me up the very steep hills ahead of me. Their timing couldn't have been any better, even though I was still riding on the high of embarking on this journey my mind was starting to play tricks on me. So with them there to remind me what I was there for and to tell me I was looking good, it helped push me further. They informed me that Coach Jessica would meet me at mile 8 to get me through the rest of the icky parts of the course and then turned back to help others up the hills.

Around mile 7, still feeling good

Towards the middle of mile 7 Paul and Jen were there for further encouragement and a sock change. I was already feeling a hot spot form on the bottom of my foot and needed to change out some damp socks (sweaty feet, very sweaty feet I have) to prevent further blisters. As Jen begins to dig for her pocket knife so I can cut some moleskin a coach from another Team in Training chapter stops and offers her scissors and tape. (I am telling you people, TEAM IN TRAINING ROCKS) All bandaged up and a sip of Jen's coffee I am off again, and just as I am distancing myself from Jen and Paul who do I see but Coach Jessica smiling and making her way to me with open arms. We chat our way through the upscale neighborhood of San Francisco chatting about anything and everything. Jessica has become a true friend. We have spent so much time together (especially at one of our last Saturday trainings when we might have gotten just a little lost in Rohnert Park because we might have been too busy talking and not paying attention to directional arrows) and gotten to know one another that I feel we have become friends for life. So it was totally acceptable for me to screech to her "look it's my people!!!" when I saw the gentlemen wearing Proud Republican t-shirts cheering us on from the sidelines. (I came out as a Republican in San Francisco!)

So this is where things start to get a little fuzzy for me. I know Jessica stopped to go back and get others over the hills, and at some point around mile 11 Paul and Jen were there and I didn't want my nuts anymore and I was wet from condensation on my water bottle so I passed that off to them too, but I wasn't happy. Suddenly, my smiles were fading and my focused look was taking over. Nearing mile 12 I saw the turn off for the 1/2 marathon participants, and I was pissed. And then even though there were tons of people cheering for us and other TNT participants were happily telling each other "You look good, Go Team" I just wanted to kick people in the shins.

Mile 15 Paul and Jen were there again. I wanted nothing to do with them and when they asked me "how is it going" or "how are you" (I honestly can't remember) I said something along the lines of "I am done". No sooner had the words left my mouth then another Team in Training Participant turned around and said "No you're not, come on. You're coming with me" and took me under his wing for the next mile. He talked to me and got me to run with him for almost the entire next mile. He was from San Francisco but was originally from some eastern european country. Seriously, this guy was heaven sent. He had no idea who I was, and was a participant. Not a coach, not a mentor, but a participant and he stopped to help pick me up when I was down. That's TEAM WORK!!! Thank you random Team in Training Guy from San Francisco!!!!!

After I told him I couldn't run any longer he was off and I was feeling much better. Then out of nowhere I see my friend Marian! (OK, we weren't friends, but remember I had made a mental note about her earlier). I sped up to catch up with her and saw she had the same look on my face from Mile 15. I offered her some Shot Blocks (or whatever they are called) and she eagerly took them. I mentioned I had seen her earlier and that we were keeping pace with each other. She smiled but was quiet, so I just moved along and refocused my energy. All along the Great Highway I kept a look out for someone. ANYONE!!! But alas, none of my cheering section appeared. I felt slightly discouraged, but didnt' let it get to me because I had a new found energy, and a new hot spot on the bottom of my foot. SHIT!!!! That's all I could think. Just get to the next first aid booth. Just get to the next first aid booth. Ow, ow, ow...

That's when I spotted Lake Merced. I felt overwhelmed, but 100% determined. You could tell just how far there was to get around the lake and I wasn't pleased, but I just wanted first aid so I pressed on. As I made my way to the red first aid tent Jen and Paul appeared. Jen was cheering "how do you feel, you are setting a personal best here". In response I begged for nuts and water as they walked along side me. (Side note: Jen has a tendency to cheer me on when I really just want her to stop. For example, she was there trying her best to encourage me while I was in labor with Zoe. I believe she is the only person I yelled at that day and it was something like "SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" She means well, I just get cranky when I am in pain and other people are peppy and not in pain).

My hands were swollen at the first aid tent

The first aid guy stuck a moleskin circle thing on my already forming blister and I switched out my socks again. The lady next to me had ice on her knees and was on the verge of losing it. She was upset about her time and when I tried to encourage her (she was in a Team in Training singlet afterall) she shot back at me that it wasn't OK! Waahhh. Just let me tie my shoe and move on! The miles are starting to bring out the worst in people. And just when I thought people were going to stop being nice we saw a sign. "The Chocolate Mile". People started to reawaken at the thought of chocolate. A lady behind me cheered with her friends and stopped for a photo op with the sign. I just forged ahead eager to reach the people with the snacks. The small, yet tasty chocolate with nuts was just the pick me up the people around me needed. Again there were chants of "Go Team" and "You look great" around me. Then we saw the Mile 23 marker and it was "just a 5K away!!!". Then I saw my mother-in-law Tina with Paul and Jen on the side of the road.

About to hug Tina with Jen looking on

She looked so proud of me and I ran up to hug her and the rest of my cheering section. She got a little teared up and so did I. I suddenly knew I could do it. I was going to finish. Paul patted me on the back and told me I could beat my goal and believing him, I moved on down the road with a little spring in my step. A very little spring in my step, let's be honest.

I just kept going. The last few miles seemed like forever away, and then there was Coach Jessica. A smile on her face and words of encouragment to keep me going. I kept telling her "I just want this to be over" and she kept telling me "Your going to do it, your going to finsih! There are still people behind you. You are doing great!!! You are beating our expectations of you." She asked about my family and I explained I hadn't seen my kids yet and I just hoped they would at least be at the finish line. Less then five minutes passed when Jessica shouts "Regina, look!!!" There on the side just after mile 24 was Riley, Maureen, Zoe, and Aidan. Coach Jessica motioned for Riley to come down and when I saw Riley running to me I started crying. I was so happy for her to see me doing something I had worked so hard to do. I was excited for Maureen to see me moving towards the finish line and not pissing and moaning about it (She's been my rock on my 1/2 marathons and has had to sometimes almost drag me to the finish line). I was doing this on my own, and I was doing great! Just a little further ahead was another happy face. Mentor Joel was there telling me "You look great! You're doing so good!". Again, tears welled up in my eyes. He had been there for me too. Many a training when I was out on my own and he had either ridden his bike along side with words of encouragement or there was the time he drove Mentor Megan (oh, I think that was her name!) out to walk the remainder of the walk with me, even though I said I didnt' want the company (really I did, I was just being bitchy).

On we pressed, Jessica and I, and the closer we got to the finish line, the further it looked. I know at some point here Jen appeared to my right on the other side of the fence, trying her best to keep up with us and cheering for me to keep going.

Just as we neared mile 26 Coach Renie and Coach Kathleen appeared. Seeing them caused even more tears to well in my eyes. They both looked like proud parents they beamed so much for me. As soon as I saw them I picked up my pace to a run. Sadly, I lost Coach Jessica and even looked back at one point for her but she motioned for me to keep going. My coaches told me how great I looked and how good I was doing. Then they as we got a certain distance from the finish mat they patted me on the back and said "This is your moment". (OK, TEARS ARE FORMING IN MY EYES AS I TYPED THAT) and they stopped and I kept going. Well, I stopped running because suddenly the blister on my left foot prevented me from running any further and I weeble - wobble walked the last few feet to the mat.

I FINISHED! I was done! I COMPLETED A F*&KING marathon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's me as I close in on the finish line!

After crossing the finish line there was a line of firemen in suits holding silver platters with Tiffany Boxes. Honestly, I could have cared less. I grabbed my box, grabbed my finishers shirt, and moved (very slowly) forward looking for my husband. When I saw him I instantly broke down into tears and hugged him. "You did it honey! You finished a marathon. You did it!" There was such pride in his voice and tears (YES PAUL TEARS!!!!) in his eyes. I sobbed some more. My mother-in-law Tina was there with flowers for me and a big hug. She had tears of joy for me too. Then the rest of my crew showed up and all I wanted was the med tent. I hurt. I hurt bad.

Jen figured out where the tent was and hooked me up with a wheel chair ride to the tent. There I was greeted with people who could only help a little. After looking at my blister they determined there was nothing they could do, and then when the Physical Therapist asked about my pain in my hip he gave a few exercises to work it out. A couple of tylenol and a signed waiver form and I was out of there. Sadly, I couldnt' move fast. I still had to make it to the Team In Traning tent to sign out. Upon arriving there I found they had their own med tent (and a PB&J sandwhich on sliced sourdough) who was far happier to help me.

The blister on my left foot was ridiculous. The first aid guy even laughed and said "That's the biggest blister I have seen today". Yay me. A couple quick stabs with a needle and a band aid and some ice for my knee and hip and I was off. Only, I wasn't moving all that quick. It was suddenly undeniable that I couldn't walk. If I was going to get a ride to my hotel I needed to make it to the car. I wasn't going to make it to the car if I couldn't walk. Jen sprung into action again and somehow managed to get me a wheelchair ride all the way to the restaurant Maureen, Tina, and the kids were eating at on the far corner of Lincoln and the Great Hwy. I was rolled right inside the restaurant! Thanks First Aid Tent Guy!!!!! That's service!

I rocked the wheel chair

So, that's my story. We did have a victory party later. I would write about it, but really, my victory party was at the Thai Diner on Lincoln and the Great Hwy.

Me and Coach Jessica at the Victory Party

Thank you. Thank you to everyone along the way. Everyone who was there to support me and to help me see that I could do it. I have never been so proud of myself in my life!

Freakin' Blister

(OK, there will be a brief Pt. 3 as a kind of follow up on my thoughts)

I DID IT!!!!!! (Part 1)

I FINISHED A MARATHON!!! I FREAKIN' DID IT!!!! 26.2 miles, and you know what, I would do it again. Granted it wasn't easy, and I might have been a little discouraged and cranky at times, but I did it. It is now two days later and I am feeling MUCH better then I did yesterday. I am still tired, but that is probably because I didn't really sleep much the two nights before the marathon because of my nerves. Last night I tossed and turned a bit because I couldn't figure out how to sleep comfortably with the stinkin' blisters on my feet. Today, I am just relaxing and trying to pull myself together again. Tomorrow I should be back to my regular form.

So how did I do? I DID GREAT!!! I had hoped to finish in 7:22 but finished in 7:29, that's not a big difference really. I did stop several times for blister prevention/care and stopped for bathroom breaks now and then. But really, I know you all just want to know the details and see the pictures. So, without further ado, here is my crazy marathon weekend.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18TH

Today is check in and Pasta Party time. I drove to the city and had my father-in-law take me to my hotel, which was the Omni on California St. in the Financial District.

My hotel room at the Omni in San Francisco

I opted to park my car with the in-laws as opposed to spending the $48+tax on the hotel parking (per night!). I check in, and then head straight over to the Nike Expotique for my Race Packet pick up. Because I am with the Team in Training group we have a shuttle that takes us from the hotel to the expo at Union Square. The expo is JAM PACKED with people when I arrive.

INSANE. I want to enjoy myself after picking up my bib and race packets, but I really can't. The lines for everything are out of this world. For example, they had a place to get your iPod etched (what the hell is that called???) but the wait was like 20 minutes. I opted to wait my 30 minutes in the line for the massage (which lasted 15 min). Then I head for the shortest line in the building. The Oxygen Bar. If you ever have a chance, try it. Strange but refreshing.

Oxygen in multiple flavors

I rocked the bar like no other

I didn't have patience with the crazy Nike Town store so I went straight to the Macy's building and headed to the food court where I was disappointed to find that Pete's Coffee had been replaced with a Tom's Cookie. WTF? Their coffee is SO NOT Pete's Coffee good. As I was heading out the escalator with coffee and cookie (you didn't think I was so put off by the replacement of Pete's that I would not take the chance to sample the cookies, did you?) in hand when I heard "Oh my God, is that Gina? Gina!!!" Lo and behold behind me in the escalator is my good friend and neighbor Colleen who was here on her own for the half marathon. I love when things like that happen. After words I headed back to the hotel for the Pasta Party.

As I stood down stairs with our group waiting for the shuttle I had no idea what was in store for me at the Pasta Party. I expected some good eats and some rah-rah go get 'em speeches, but not what we actually encountered. When we arrived there were hundreds of people filing into the Moscone Center. Once inside the building all you could hear was cheering. Cheering for us. The participants, the friends, and family. Words cannot describe what this was like. Lining the path for us to the escalators, down the sides of the escalators and at the bottom of the escalators to the doors of the dinner hall, the mentors, coaches, and captains cheered for us. It was overwhelming. I tried in vain to fight back the tears. I don't know what it was. Excitement, pride, joy? As I reached the bottom of the escalator I saw my coaches and mentors at the very bottom, and they were so excited to see me!!! So of course I let a few tears fall with a big smile! Hugs all around and then into the chow hall. These pictures do not do it justice!

Serious madness

As I came down the escalator

And looking up the escalator

Coach Jessica, Mentor Joel, and Mentor Martha

Mentor Nancy who I adored

Dinner was good. The entertainment was good and the honoree who spoke (I believe her name was Anne) was moving. Everyone rallied in excitement over the next days event.

With Mentor Nancy!


Our coaches and team pow-wow

The Redwood Empire team had a little pow-wow after and called one of our honorees Hank, who was supposed to be participating in the 1/2 marathon with us, but couldn't' because he was still in the hospital after 39 days of receiving many units of blood. But we knew he was with us anyway, and I was sure to think of Hank as I prepared for the marathon the next day, knowing how much it meant to him that we were there and knowing how much he truly had wanted to be there. After dinner I walked back to the hotel with my mentor Angela and her husband. We took a few detours looking for a Walgreen's however we were in the Financial District and apparently everything closes at 5pm there. :( But it was good to chat with Angela and she gave me even more "you can do it" boosts before sending me to bed.

As I lay down that night I had set my cell alarm and the radio alarm, and put out everything i needed for the morning. Coach Renie and Coach Kathleen had made it clear they would meet me in the lobby at 4:15am to walk me to the starting line. Hmmm, the night before I went to bed at 4:15am! I did toss and turn, and continually check the alarm in through the night. I was afraid I would oversleep. But I didn't. I was up at 3:45am and was about to set out on a life changing experience!

To be continued...

Is that my blood pressure?

Holy crap. My marathon is in 5 freakin' days. I am in panic mode, but I am so busy with other shit that I cannot appreciate the panic I am in.

I have been super busy with other events, like Pinktober at Hard Rock Cafe where Keep A Breast was the honored charity. Then there was Battle of the Bartenders where I was nice enough to be the head judge and coordinated the scoring and some judges (that's a story for another time) and then Friday is supposed to be Karaoke for the Cure. I can't be part of that???!!!?!?? Good god. I leave the next day for my marathon. I need to see who can fill my role for me while I am out. I never should have made myself avaialble. So see, this is why I am totally not focused on the fact that just 5 days from now, I will have completed my first full marathon.