What It Is Really Like to Run Twenty Miles Without Stopping - For the First Time Marathoner

Unlike McKayla, Rebecca IS impressed at NRC

Training Days Completed: 160

Miles Run: 310.5

Days to Chicago Half Marathon: 6

Days to Chicago Marathon: 34

Miles Left In Training Program: 157
Best Running Store: Naperville Running Company
Best Running Magazine: Runner's World
Best Beginner's Training Program: Higdon Novice 1
Best Female Marathoner: Kara Goucher

What It Is Really Like to Run Twenty Miles Without Stopping - For the First Time Marathoner

Saturday, September 1st was an important day for many in the Chicago area. Regardless of what training plan Chicago Marathoners are using (Nike, Hal Higdon, et al) most were scheduled to run 20 miles. It is the longest of the long runs in any marathon training plan. I am friends with several seasoned long distance runners, and NONE of them would scoff at running 20 miles in a single outing. This run was a big deal to me period. After the gastrointestinal disaster at the Chicago Rock N Roll half, I was scared of this workout as it loomed on the schedule I keep taped to the wall above my desk. The first full week of school I was exhausted every night and missed all but one run. The second week of school, I developed a knot in my calf that spasmed all day. I frankly wondered if signing up for the Chicago Marathon had been a serious error in judgement. My heart was in the right place as I am in this to honor the memory of a friend, Katy Sirovatka. I raised over $1400 so far. My entire school is behind me as well as my family and friends. Still, I was petrified that I would let them down, that although my intentions are good that my body would not be able to deliver.

I took care of my calf by massaging it with a foam roller, golf ball, tennis ball, Ben Gay, whatever. I have no idea which technique worked best because I desperately tried so many. My guess is the golf ball. I put my entire body weight on the golf ball on the knot in my calf until the pain went away. This took a couple days, by the way. The Wednesday before my 20 mile run, I was scheduled for 9 miles. It was the first long run I was able to complete on a school night. To my shock and pleasant surprise, I felt better and more energetic than before at work the next day. How this is possible I have no idea, but I am starting to become more optimistic in general. The prior pain I blogged about: my knees, my plantars fasciitis, and my calves are almost completely gone. I only continue to wear the patellar straps for my knees because I will change nothing about my gear before my big marathon day. NOTHING. I am even stuck with wearing the ugly Asics Gel 3030 because the Brooks GTS I experimented with were a disaster. I feel like the only runner with blah white shoes, but oh well. After hearing numerous stories about so-and-so not being able to actually run in the Chicago Marathon due to a last minute injury etc. etc. etc. I am going to stay the course from now until Columbus Day Weekend. Plus, despite their boringness, running in the Asics is almost as good as a pedicure. I said almost.

The Asics Gel 3030 - The Most Expensive, Ugly Running Shoe You Will Ever Love

Rebecca & Noon Running 20 on IPP

Saturday afternoon I geared up for 10 miles out and back on the Illinois Prairie Path. I strapped on my ipod and Garmin Forerunner GPS watch with a goal of running a 12 minute pace throughout. I already know that I only need to run a 15 minute mile to qualify as an official finisher in Chicago. I have also been trying a version of the Galloway Method. I run 1 mile and then walk 1 minute. I adopted this strategy after completing my last half and found that I beat my PR at the half on every single training run since. Although the idea of walking for any amount of time during a race was counter-intuitive to me at first, I decided that if it's good enough for Jeff Galloway, an expert, then it is good enough for me, a rookie. The first 3 miles of my run was solid. I stopped every mile to gently stretch my arches and calves. This seemed beneficial and well worth the time. At mile 5, I was loosened up and ready to settle into a steady rhythm. It was at this point that I met a fantastic marathoning father/daughter team. Mr. Zelnor and his daughter Mrs. Noon. I am terrible at first names, but I focused on remembering their surnames so I could include them in this blog. I also work with one of Noon's childhood friends. Hopefully she will see this post.   :)

Mr. Zelnor gives Rebecca a reassuring pat on the back

It was obvious from Zelnor and Noon's gear and technique that they were training for the Chicago Marathon too. I excused myself as I passed them and then apologized when they caught up to me as I started my one minute walk. Instead of passing me, they slowed down to join me. Zelnor and Noon saw that I was breaking in my Jack's Team singlet for next week and wanted to hear about my experiences as a first time marathoner and charity runner. This family was fun to talk with and an incredible positive influence. The father completed 35 marathons and his first was when he was about my age. They also wanted to hear about how I started running (to quit smoking) and about Katy's story. It was a cloudy day, and it rained the entire time I was out. (Thank you to Hurricane Isaac.) However, I kept thinking about what Mr. Zelnor said. He said that today would be a great day for me because it would be my first 20 mile run ever. A great accomplishment as well as reassurance that I WOULD finish Chicago and successfully honor the memory of my friend. Wow. He was right, and I thought about that for the remaining 12 miles of my run. Meanwhile, along the way, I received many smiles, waves, and thumbs up from strangers for my efforts for Jack's Team.

Ace Ventura - Alrighty Then!

At mile 11, my former GI troubles begin to rear their ugly head. UGH!!! It had been over a month since I experienced Runner's Trots and I honestly thought that mine were caused by heat and inexperience. WRONG. It was not hot today, and I was not running quickly. I later consulted with my mother about what trigger foods she avoids for IBS. Let's see, she said: alcohol, cheese, caffeine, and chocolate are the worst triggers. Well alrighty then. Good thing I went to Wine and Cheese in Plainfield for dinner the night before and had coffee and chocolate chip French Toast for breakfast. It was chocolate chips on 12 grain bread. That's healthy, right? Right! I will not make this same mistake again. There will be others but not this one. In the future my diet will consist of white rice and potatoes for three days before a race/long run.

McKayla is not impressed by Port-A-Potties

At mile 12, I stop to use the Port-A-Potty at mile marker 0 in Wheaton. Neither McKayla nor I were impressed... at all. Blech. I gagged a few times before giving up and leaving. I knew that the Warrenville Public Library would be open at mile 17 and was willing to take my chances and wait 5 miles to use the facilities. Up to this point, I maintained my 12 minute mile pace. However, due to the GI pain, I slowed down to 14:00 per mile. I reasoned that there was no point in making myself ridiculously ill on a training run. I felt okay through mile 17 and much better after stopping at  the library. Consequently, I was able to pick up my pace again and finish my 20 mile run in 4:24:48. This is an average pace of 13:15. Not bad, particularly considering my GI issues. A 13:15 pace for a marathon distance would result in an overall time of 5:47. This is well within the maximum of 6:30.

The next day my muscles and joints felt great, strong and pain-free. However, I was surprised by the four hour nap I needed. I laid down to rest my eyes at 11:00 AM and what do you know? All of a sudden it's 3:00 PM. Whoops. Still, I am not going to be too hard on myself. This will be my first marathon after all. I worked past my lowest moment in late July and am starting to feel better after every long run rather than like a truck ran over me. I feel an incredible sense of accomplishment to have made it this far and to have reached the point where running is a pleasure again rather than a means to an abstract goal.

Thank you to everyone that has been supporting me up to this point. You mean the world to me. An extra special thanks to my racing buddies Tania and Brittney. You are my inspiration to be better and go faster. Christine, Lisa, and Dan have also been amazing and willing to share encouragement and advice. They have completed Marathons, Half Marathons, Ironmans, Half Ironmans, etc. etc. etc. and therefore lead by example. <3

Raising Funds at the Chicago Half Marathon

This Sunday, I will be running the Chicago Half Marathon as a member of Jack's Team to honor the memory of Katy Sirovatka. Since starting my journey, two additional people in my life were touched by melanoma. One lost her battle but the other person is still bravely fighting. I hope that you will consider donating to Jack's Team via my fundraising page and help me reach my goal of $2000. I chose this goal because $2000 was the amount Katy raised when she finished the Wisconsin Ironman for Melanoma. Jack's Fund is a 501c3 charity that participates in corporate matching programs. It is run by the friends and family of Jack H. Marston II. He was an active member of his Glen Ellyn, Illinois community, a four-time Chicago Marthon Finisher, and a soccer coach. I am proud to support Jack's Team. As a donor, you can rest assured that that the vast majority of your dollars benefit those whose lives are directly affected by this disease. Jack's Team members pay their own marathon entrance fees, transportation, and hotel costs.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Thank you for your support whether it be encouragement, a donation, or both. My journey is almost complete. To be continued...

Related Links

1) Rebecca's Donation Page: http://www.active.com/donate/12JTCHI/rebecca23

2) Information on Jack's Fund: http://www.jacksfund.org/index.htm

3) Rebecca's Training Plan: http://halhigdon.com/training/51137/Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program

4) Runners World Article on Avoiding Race Day Disasters Including GI Distress: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-239-582--14522-0,00.html

5) Illinois Prairie Path: http://www.ipp.org/

6) Chicago Half Marathon: http://www.chicagohalfmarathon.com/

7) Naperville Running Company: http://www.runningcompany.com/ 

8) Kara Goucher Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/KaraGoucher

9) Wine and Cheese: http://wcbytcc.com/home.html

Teenagers Fight Melanoma Too! (Plus... How Many Staples Does It Take to Put Rebecca Back Together Again?)

May - Melanoma Awareness Month

Training Days: 41

Miles Run: 80

Pounds Lost: 0

$$$ Raised: To Be Announced

# of Donors: 214 & Counting

Teenagers Fight Melanoma Too!!!

It has been another incredible 2 weeks. April and I just finished up our 'No One Fights Alone' tee shirt sale at Plainfield East High School on Thursday. Including players' uniforms, we sold an astounding 197 shirts. This is just... INCREDIBLE. We ran our sale for about a week and as each day passed the interest built until finally, on the last day, I received so many orders during each passing period that I couldn't count them all until after school. During this week, I found the time to speak to my classes as well as other small groups about what melanoma is, how it is treated, how to increase your chances of not getting this disease, and how to help those afflicted. Everyone I spoke to was interested in learning and educating others. Many were motivated to make a difference. On that note, I have over 10 students signed-up to fundraise at our game next week. Two will be singing the National Anthem a cappella. Others will be in charge of selling the very few 'No One Fights Alone' tees we have left, 50/50 raffle tickets, lavender silicone awareness bracelets, and freezer pops. Sometimes as a teacher, I find that students are motivated by a carrot such as extra credit or freezer pops. However, most PEHS students are motivated by nothing more than the opportunity to help others. Not only this, but the class most interested in helping our cause was the Chemistry class that I worked the hardest to reach. Well, I finally earned their trust in May, and they came through for me in spades. The lesson is to NEVER give up on teenagers. Some of my students join the Ms. Scott Fan Club in September, and some want to keep me on the hook until May. That's okay. I bet that this Chemistry class, the one that gave me the hardest time, the one that gave me the most support, will be the kids that wave to me in the hall next year, and the ones that sign up to take Environmental Science Senior Year. You Never Know. Never Give Up! No One Fights Alone! Finally, as Katy would say, 'Just Keep Going!'

May is Melanoma Awareness Month - Celebrate by Attending the PEHS Boys Volleyball Match At Home Against Romeoville Thursday, May 10th Starting at 4:30 PM

Training Update

I wear pink tights with short shorts... bc I can.

I ran only 25 miles in the last two weeks, which is much less than I would like. However, I believe this was a much needed break for my body. Every night before I go to be I read 20 to 30 minutes in the magazine 'Runner's World' or in one of my running/training books. My takeaway lesson recently is that I need to slow down a bit to avoid an injury that could take me out of my training program completely for 6 weeks or more. I also purchased a Strassburg Sock to wear at night for what I fear may have been the return of Plantar Faciitis in my right arch. The sock is $40 & available off the shelf at Naperville Running Company. It worked great. Improvement in pain was substantial after just two nights. It is annoying though, so I only wear it every other night and this seems to be enough. I also try to stretch &/or use the PT Roller every night whether I work out or not. Again, due to my dedication to regular stretching, improvement in my knee pain, arch pain, calves, & IT band is remarkable. I graduated from using the ankle brace on my left ankle. This means I am down to wearing just the Patellar Tendon Straps when I run. Lastly, I ice my knees and sometimes my ankles after every run.

I just reread the above paragraph. If all of that does not turn you off of taking up running, I do not know what will. Sorry. I guess that running is one of those things that if you have a passion for it, micromanaging and caring for your aches and pains the way I do is worth it. The run itself, especially a long run, is pure joy and worth every bit of planning, stretching, icing, and ibuprofen. Running is also great for getting back to nature. Last weekend, there were so many caterpillars slowing crawling across my path that I lost tack of how many I squished. I eventually stopped looking down because dodging them just didn't seem worth it. Unfortunately, not looking down resulted in my kicking a fossilized pile of dog poo about 50 yards. (Eat your heart out Robbie Gould. <3) I am not sure why someone would let their dog poo right in the middle of a running path. Wait... yes I do. It is because they are jealous of my pink running tights & short shorts. Yes, that's it.

One Lucky Caterpillar at Springrook Prairie

Going forward, I am on week 4 of the Hal Higdon Novice 2 plan. My modifications are that I run no faster than an 11 minute mile pace. I also skip days if I am too tired after a 12 hour work day. No make-ups. I also plan to run no more than 10 miles at any one time until my marathon training program with Naperville Running Company begins June 14. (Only time will tell if I stick to that one.) This weekend I plan to hike Starved Rock and run 8 to 10 miles for my long run. Coming up I have the Soldier Field 10 mile over Memorial Day Weekend and the Rock and Roll Half in July. I am considering running these at a training pace rather than race pace since my big goal is the Chicago Marathon in October. My training pace of 11 to 12 minute miles will get me to the finish lines well before the maximum times. I have come so far since being slightly overweight last summer that I would be proud to finish middle of the pack and earn my medals.

In Memorium

My son Tommy is blessed to have the kindest, smartest, elementary school teacher I have ever worked with this year for third grade, Mrs. Donna Gudanick. Donna lost her sister Carol to Melanoma last week. Please pray or send positive energy to Carol's family and loved ones. Meanwhile, I and my friends, family, colleagues, students, etc. will continue Carol's fight.

In Case You Missed It...

Last Tuesday leaving my cabinet doors open, a bad habit I ignored since my first apartment in college, finally caught up to me. I open a cabinet to retrieve my coffee mug for work. This particular cabinet opens over the hallway (much past the countertop) where I keep my bookbag. I bend down to grab my bag when... *insert every expletive you can think of*. I am trying for a family-friendly blog so I will not repeat what I said. I put my hand to my head and see blood, but not as much as I would have expected for a major head wound. At the same time, I am not sure, but I THINK I may feel a skin flap. I'm pretty tough, so I decide that the best thing to do is to head to work and let the School Nurse take a look at it since I absolutely can't see the ouchie myself. Next, I am driving to work with one hand on the wheel and one holding a bag of ice to my head. Maybe it's wrong to drive one-handed, but really how is this different than driving one-handed with a stick shift. I drove stick for many years so in my book it's not different. Plus, I drive to work at the crack of dawn, 6:00 AM, and therefore I am practically the only vehicle on the road at that time. However, this does not stop a large man in a pick-up truck from honking and pointing at me. What is his problem??? I decide not to look in his direction, because I am capable of language that I am sure would make him blush. Plus, I do not want to provoke another high speed car chase. (My first high speed car chase is a story for another time.)

By the time I get to school, I am pretty sure I have a blood clot in my hair. Damn. So much for my good hair day. I am expecting to be told to lay down with a bag of ice for an hour. However, long-story-short, the nurse, Mary Beth (an awesome lady) takes a look and says that I need to leave immediately and get stitches. She goes on to say that its possible that medical glue will be good enough. This is where I finally break down and burst into tears, mainly because I am embarrassed that I showed up to work on standardized test day with a head wound serious enough to require stitches.

Fast forward to the Immediate Care Clinic. Due to recent changes in my insurance, I am very concerned that I may be charged for an emergency room visit, which is very expensive on my plan if you do not need to be admitted. Shades of gray, red tape, & a bunch of BS on the phone later, I have even the admittance staff cracking up with my dry sense of humor, or maybe you could call it sarcasm. I don't care at this point. The head wound occurred at about 6:00 AM & it is now 9:30 AM. I am a bit cranky with insurance hang-ups, rightfully so I think.

Finally, the wonderful staff at Naperville Convenient Care are given the green light by BCBS to get to work. The nurse and doctor that worked with me were kind, caring, and I can't thank them enough for their empathy during a time when I was clearly distraught. Dr. Neal took one look at the wound and announced that staples would be the best option. Staples. Wow. I thought I was cool last summer when I allowed my dentist to fill a cavity without using Novocaine, but this is going to take me to the next level in regards to toughness bragging rights. Unfortunately, by the time my wound is prepped the doctor has a hard time getting the edges of my wound to come together due to swelling. I know that if she is not able to close it, I will be stuck with an oozing mess on my scalp for several weeks. I would rather deal with any amount of short-term pain than that. So, I encourage her to put her back into it. She agrees, and for several seconds I am not sure of what is going to happen. This is like being at the top of Giant Drop at Great America. Let the suspense end! Finally, I hear & feel a click, and the doctor says, 'I got it!' She sounds  proud of herself, and so am I. Upon request, she even took a picture of my wound for Facebook, which was my most commented on post/picture of ALL TIME. Here it is in case you missed it:

My Scalp - Tuesday, April 22, 2012

This picture still makes me sick. My staples were removed, without Novocaine, the following Monday. In case anyone is curious how this is done, the doctor basically uses pliers to spread the prongs & pry them out. For those of you that don't know, I am still healing from nerve damage I got from taking the antibiotic CIPRO in February. At this point, I am sure that the nerve damage will PROBABLY be temporary. I hate living my life with maybes in it, but sometimes you do not have a choice. In any case, I decline things like Novocaine and antibiotics whenever possible because I am allergic to practically everything. Quite a bit of blood came out of the staple holes and it was touch and go on the drive home as to whether or not I would throw up from the pain. However, I am happy to report that my ouchie did not get infected, and I can now pretend this never happened... just as soon as I burn that cabinet door in the fireplace.

Thank You to the Following Donors Since My Last Blog Entry:

1) Donna Gudanick - the best Third Grade Teacher in the world

2) Thomas Nitsch - my son & the best Third Grader in the world

3) The Students & Staff of Plainfield East High School - It IS best to be a Bengal. Enough said.

Related Links:

1) Rebecca's Fundraising Page: http://www.active.com/donate/12JTCHI/rebecca23

2) The Strassburg Sock: http://www.thesock.com/

3) Hal Higdon's Novice 2 Marathon Training Plan: http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51138/Marathon-Novice-2-Training-Program

4) The American Cancer Society on how to stay safe in the sun this May: http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/BeSafeintheSun/index

5) Giant Drop at Six Flag's Great America: http://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/rides/Giant_Drop.aspx
6) Naperville Running Company: http://www.runningcompany.com/ 
7) Naperville Convenient Care: http://www.cdh.org/Visiting-CDH/Locations-Directions/Convenient-Care-Centers/Naperville-CCC.aspx