Las Vegas Marathon

As you may have previously read, I had dedicated my time and effort to train for my first FULL marathon. After months of speed workouts, learning to tolerate gels (my favorite being Power Gel's Double Latte) and giving up all Saturdays of sleeping in for long runs. Having moved out of town 45 minutes, I still wanted to to use the badass running group I had trained with (shout out We Run San Antonio!) and was still paying for, so I woke up every Saturday at 4:45 a.m. to be there at 6 a.m. for our group runs. Having accountability was definitely a motivator for me and really boosted my confidence to run among the great runners of We Run and tackle some crazy country hills.

In a blink of an eye the week of my marathon had arrived. I.was.terrified. I was having nightmares of forgetting my shoes or missing the starting line, which caused anxiety. Eventually I had to put down the running reads before bed and just relax. Relaxing was so hard to do, considering my long run of 18 miles was never reached due to the nasty blisters my poor feet gained due to seams on my socks. With a brand new pair of seamless, dry fit socks, I felt a little more confident.

My boyfriend and I flew out late morning the day before the race. I had read and was told to stay off my feet as much as possible. It was definitely a hard feat considering we were flying to Las Vegas, where even the walk from the lobby to your hotel room was several miles. And drinking. No drinking allowed since I didn't want to mess my stomach up the day before the race. Easier said than done in the city of sin and lots of alcohol. Oh boy did I have some awesome self control. Our flight over played many games on board and my row won TWO free drinks. I only proudly accepted one, and passed off the other. Once in Vegas I whipped in and out of the convention to try to keep off my feet. My boyfriend and I walked as little as possible (only several miles instead of double digits). And the drinks...oh my mouth was watering and the dollars in my pocket were screaming to be handed to a bartender, but I said no! I felt as proud as someone at an AA meeting getting their first "One Month Sober" token.

The morning of the big day, I was freaking out. I have always done races first thing in the monrning. This one started in the evening. How was I supposed to pre carb without going crazy? Day 2 of no alcohol or heavy walking was even more tough. We decided to head over to Margaritaville for brunch, which was rated as having a great gluten-free brunch. To my dismay they no longer served brunch. Instead, we stumbled upon Guy Fieri's Kitchen at the Linq Hotel. It was amazing food with craft beer (which I did not touch).

Around 3:30 I walked with my boyfriend, peanut butter jelly sandwich in hand, from our hotel the Paris, to the start line by the Mandalay Bay hotel. We met some friendly people along the way and overheard the end of the pre-concert - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. They sound just as great live! Anywho I show up to my corral with butterflies in my stomach, trying not to think about what was soon going to happen. In no time the sun sunk behind the towering casinos and hotels and the air got quite chilly. I seemed to be the ONLY one in a tank top and capris. Everyone was bundled up. I knew I would warm up, but I sort of doubted it with the wind. As the corals started to move up one by one as they were released, it came my turn. Flames burst out of the stop of the start line and Fallout Boy's "Light Em Up" song blasted through the jumbo speakers. My adrenaline was pumping as we all yelled "3...2...1!" I was excited and so scared! My first few hundred steps were way too fast, but I was able to notice and adjust. I could not speed through my first mile with 25.2 miles to go after. It seemed the first two miles were leading us to a mass dessert grave. We ran into the abyss with very few lights and sights, but we did pass by the "Welcome to Las Vegas!" sign. After a u-turn we start back down the strip. While there were a lot of bystanders as we ran up the closed Las Vegas Boulevard, there was an odd calmness to the air. It was very quiet for what I expected - not as much screaming and cheering, but they closed down the strip for ME!...and several thousand other runners.

We ran past the strip, down beside the towering Stratosphere and numerous chapels and sleazy motels which was pretty cool to take in. We trudged through a neighborhood then came upon Container Park right outside of Fremont Street. Once our pounding tennis shoes hit upon Fremont Street at mile 9, the moment of no turning back arrived. There were lines of cones with tape separating two sides: the half-marathon which turned back toward the strip, and the full...to continue on. To the right I went to conquer my dream. I had the ultimate Fremont Experience through the lane of blazing lights, zip liners soaring above me, live bands playing, people cheering and watching us race, and even an onlooker running along side me and others with his video camera. I was on cloud nine feeling like a celebrity. Once we zipped out of Fremont, we headed down a side street and then hit a major road...to nowhere. There were a few stores and fast food places, then nothing. The bands along the course became more scarce and the boredom set in. I started noticing the miles add on, my pace slow, the stiffness set in and started to doubt myself. My fear was getting caught by the cut-off time. There were several areas where they would cut your mileage short if you were not fast enough. I refused to be someone who would get a 26.2 medal without running every INCH of a full marathon. I did not train for a lie. At mile 16 I was doing a u-turn on the course and realized that everyone behind me was no more, as did the woman I was running next to. WE MISSED THE LAST CUT-OFF!!!! I was so excited! I did it! I was going to finish the last 10.2 miles all by myself with no shortcuts. I was still super bored out there in the middle of nowhere, and the temperatures hit freezing - not including the wind chill (burrr!) but at least I was numb. I can honestly say if it were not for the insanely supportive and outgoing volunteers on the course, I would have given up. They were amazing and got me through the toughest part of the race with their yells of kindness and high-fives.

Between miles 23 and 24 I was passing under the Stratosphere once again. I knew this was the "final leg". My legs were numb from pain (and cold) and my whole body was at its max. I could not allow myself to walk since I knew I would not be able to start back up, plus it was just moments before the streets opened back up to the public. As much as I desired to be done, I felt good knowing I was passing so many walkers. I was almost to the finish. I could finally see Caesar's Palace - the finish. Each step felt like an inch. There were a few straggling bystanders cheering me on, seemingly understanding the pain I was in. As the finish line was 50 feet in front of me the emotions started to flood me. I did what I never thought I could ever achieve and I ran the whole damn thing! I was crying, but without the tears. I was too tired (and probably too dehydrated) to produce any tears. I received my heavy, earned medal as they were disassembling the finish line. I got my snacks and chocolate milks - yes, plural - and stopped to take it all in. I could not move. My legs felt broken and well used. My picture I got taken, in my mind, was beautiful. I looked like a beast and beautiful with sparkling sweat on me. When I actually saw the picture it was horrendous. I thought I looked ugly and had a gross smile upon my face. I had read somewhere that you should love your ugly race photo. It shows how hard you worked and how tired you are as well as how happy you are that you are giving it your all to smile in the picture. Now I love my finish line picture. It is me at my proudest and rawest moment <3

Sadly I did not have enough energy to drink a celebration beer and was not hungry to eat (I did force down a slice of Sbarro pizza). I was told to take an ice bath to reset my muscles and that I would regret not doing it. I was in tears squatting in the ice water, still shivering from the outside freezing temperatures. That moment was probably harder than the marathon itself. Eventually I made my way into the iceberg-filled bath water and soaked for 20 minutes, followed by a hot shower. While I did not sleep well that night from adrenaline and excitement, I woke up with only my right foot being a tad sore. I felt like I had a brand new body. All day I gorged myself with beer and any foods I wanted because "I deserved this. I just ran a WHOLE marathon". That was probably the one moment in my life where I was not ashamed of being self-centered and okay with bragging. For now, it was the best moment of my life. It was a high I could never reproduce and a happiness and self connection I have never ever experienced. Chase your dreams and do not be afraid to do so- nothing is too big and I thank my significant other for dealing with those early alarms on his days off, and for being such a huge supporter.

The Diagnosis

As a runner you experience the normal aches and pains and occasional GI issues. That is exactly what I thought when I started having stomach issues. At first I thought it was the water sloshing in my stomach as I endured the long hills of my morning run. When it continued for a week, I suspected a stomach virus. By the third week, I was drained. My body ached, I had headaches, extreme stomach cramps and the like and even ran a fever. I swore I had the flu.

I went to the doctor to get some tests done since my gut was telling me something was wrong. The results came back as a major shock: I tested positive for 3 out of 5 types of Celiac Disease. WHAT?! Where did this come from? I eat bread, grains and drink beer all the time and never had issues. I was in denial, until when I ate foods with gluten in them, I noticed all those GI issues were present. From denial came anger. Why me? Why now? What did I do to deserve this? How will I carbo-load for races? I was now no longer allowed to eat the foods I so deeply enjoyed and was upset that everyone around me could. Then came sadness. Sad that I wouldn't be able to live a "normal" life of just eating whatever I wanted without having to think about the consequences and reading labels. All of these emotions hit me within the first 24 hours of my diagnosis.

The thing about Celiac Disease is there is no known cause. There also is no cure, except changing your diet to gluten-free. I used to think that Celiac Disease was just some overdrawn condition that was simple to live with. I apologize for ever thinking that. It is absolutely miserable. To learn more, please visit: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/celiac-disease/basics/definition/con-20030410

Feeling rather drab, I reached out to my running group on Facebook to see if anyone had any tips or knew anyone with this disease. My running coach suggested I talk with another runner. She had so much advice. From there I met other people who either had Celiac or knew someone who did. In just two days I learned more than I ever thought I could about my condition - they even make gluten-free beer! I learned the stages of emotions and the struggles I will experience. I learned first-hand what works for runners and what doesn't. My concerns about not being able to have energy from this new diet were put to rest. It is amazing how awesome people can be when you reach out for help. There has been so much support from strangers and my family that I could never have fathomed how much easier they would make it. My mom immediately tried to find information on foods for me, as well as made me a gluten-free meal when we had a family dinner. My boyfriend (who might I add is a carb addict and beer connoisseur like me) has turned this into a positive thing. He has helped me read labels and discover appropriate foods at the grocery store and even said he will try to do this diet with me, since it should help him become healthier. I could not ask for a better situation.

Even though I felt like my world came to an end, the outpouring of support and the options that are available today make it so much easier. Although I was upset by the diagnosis, it could have been a lot worse. I still have my health. While this is a chronic condition, I know I am not going to die from it. There are worse conditions out there where people are so much less fortunate with the outcome. I need to remain positive and with my learnings and experiences be able to help someone like me in the future.

What Is A Runner?

Everyone has an idea of what a runner means to them. If you are not a runner you may think we are crazy, fast, strange, annoying, or may even have special abilities. Those who do run can consider themselves professional, slow, winded, fast, seasoned, a marathoner, etc. While every single runner out there runs for many different purposes we are all the same in one sense. We run. While we may not all run in extreme elements, or even outside for that matter, we still run the same. A first-time runner runs very similar to an experienced runner like Kara Goucher: one foot in front of the other.

Running is different for each individual mainly depending on what is the desired outcome. People run for goals, exercise, joy, stress-relief, punishment, and so much more. Then there are people who just plain run. They do not need an excuse or an upcoming race to run. They just get out there and pound the pavement. This is one of many joys in running- no excuses needed! You just go. Somedays I struggle - I struggle so much I want to cry and give up (I experienced that just this week). Other times I cannot wait until I can get a run in. I am just excited to go. Runners may not always know where they are running to, but that is the point. You can just do it! No asking for permission or relying on another. I believe running is the best way to get to know ones self better. Call it a free therapy session or whatever you want - heck - don't call it anything, just get out there and run.

Running can cause wear and tear on the body and running shoes, but most activities can wear on some part of you after frequent repetitiveness. If you take care of yourself when you hurt (only you know when the hurt is good and when it is bad) and are comfortable with spending a pretty penny on some running shoes that will help you conquer the pavement, you, my friend, can take on anything (with the proper training of course).

As much as running is an individual sport, I consider it to be a team activity as well. While you may not have the same pace and distance as someone else in your group going for a run, know you aren't alone. They experience the same path you do. They feel the weather conditions, the aches and pains, the thirst and the accomplishment. It is amazing the experiences I have heard from fellow runners and the advice that comes in waves. Runners are supporters. They understand good days and bad. They understand the power of a simple "good job" or thumbs up. Everyone, including professionals and ultra-marathoners have all started where we have: at nothing. It is up to us to return the positivity to those who give it to us, and also pass it on to others. Remember- you have been in their shoes at one time or another.

I believe the most important thing we can do besides keep unity within the running community is pass it on to generations below us. We have the ability to teach them and show them the simple joy of it. Reading Kristin Armstrong's "Mile Markers" I stumbled upon why it is so important for our youth to understand running during her conversation with her daughter during a 5k:

"I was met with tears, heavy breathing, and a sniffled response.

"I am not a good runner. This is terrible. Everyone else is better than me."

Oh dear. Not this.

Mommy: You are too a good runner. There is a big difference between being a good runner and having a good or bad race. Rough races happen to everyone. A good runner is anyone who has fun and tries her best...You know you can't be a good runner without handling some bad races. I'm really proud of you."

So ask yourself- what is a runner? What are YOU? For one, I know I am a part of a unity that runners share and I would not trade that for the world.

The People You'll See

“You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.”  - Dr. Seuss "Oh, The Places You'll Go"

 

As a runner, you probably notice that you have seen and experienced a lot. I know I have. There are the unpleasant smells of overflowing garbage, morning exhaust from commuters and the occasional poor furry soul that did not make it across the road safely. There are the sounds of car horns and occasionally, yet unwanted cat calls fading the background noise of the trees swaying in the breeze and bird tweeting their songs. Then there are the people you experience.

 

Honestly, when I first began my trek as a runner, I would be intimidated by certain figures that I would share the roads and sidewalks with. I always had a worst case scenario in mind, but of course nothing happened. What I realized over time is very rarely will anyone do anything to mess up your run. People are actually quite friendly, as long as you share the sidewalk and give a friendly smile. I have seen other runners, stroller moms, kids hiking home from school, stray animals and even some disheveled but friendly passersby. For example, one evening I was three quarters of the way home on my run, when I was passing a man with a brown paper bag in his hand. I smiled an continued on. Throughout the week I realized that this same man used this route home with his brown paper bag in his right hand. While there is a stigma that can go with someone who constantly has a brown paper bag in-hand, I realized that was not this man. He was very friendly and always smiled when I passed. Who knows, maybe he just liked a cold drink on his way home, maybe the drink was for someone else. All I knew is he was smart for walking and was very friendly. Stigma gone.

 

Just because some people do what you are not used to, look different to or do something that you don't see yourself doing (like waiting for the city bus), does not mean that they are bad people. I know I did a lot of assuming, especially in the early or later hours of the day when the sun was still resting with the rest of the city. I had to realize that they want to feel safe no more than anyone else - including the homeless. They have no safe home to run to when something goes awry. Besides, how suspicious does someone running in the dark look? What am I running from and why am I running? Everyone has a stigma of people they do not know and we need to overcome that. The crime rate for people exercising is very very low and when it does happen, it is a rare occurrence. Most people do not want to be in your business as much as you don't want to be in theirs. Be friendly running and encourage others to drop their possible stigma of runners by sharing the sidewalk or a smile. A little bit goes a long way...although, I do still have a stigma of a guy trying to get my number just because I looked damn good in my stretchy workout pants =P

 

Just be nice- it is so easy to change someone's day with a smile or "hi".

 

Happy Running Y'all!

 

 



26 Point What?!

In 2008, when my first year away at college came to a crawling and 15+ pound end, I decided that something needed to change. Having grown up watching my dad run just about every day, I started showing an interest in what some call "running for fun". I never understood this concept and was always subject to running as punishment in high school when our volleyball team lost a game, or my grade suffered. I did not realize I was about to open a can of worms and create a lifestyle change.

In the fall, after running a mile here and there, my dad decided he would run a 5k and I would go with him and we would see how I did. Oh boy did I have race day nerves! But if I could run one mile, I could run three, especially since I considered myself quite fast. The start of the race began as I went almost at a sprint. About 200 yards later, I realized I needed to slow down a bit. After what seemed like 2.5 miles and as I was straining for air, I saw a mile marker sign of 1 mile. My heart sank as I thought "this can't be! I am too tired for two more of these". But I continued. I finished my first 5k at 32 minutes to discover I wasn't the fastest, but I also wasn't the slowest. I had an unexplainable euphoria crossing the finish line. I was hooked.

A 5k here and there turned into at least one a month, then 10ks. By the age of 20 I had signed up with a local running group and trained for my first half marathon, in which I beat my personal goal by two minutes with a time of 2:13. I felt euphoric when I stomped my goal with what would still -to this day- be my PR (personal record) for a half. I needed more. Running became therapy to me. A way to deal with my stress, my problems and a great way to have "me" time while creating and sharing a bond with running friends. I had completed a total of 2 half marathons in 2009 at the age of 20, but then experienced burnout. I began to only run 1-3 miles here and there and not take them very seriously, just a way to get some exercise. I no longer competed in 5ks since they lost the fun element and running seemed to turn back into a punishment, but this time for eating unhealthy. I was forcing myself to run just to burn calories and not to enjoy it.

In 2013, I missed running for enjoyment like it was an old friend I had not written to in a while. I started to increase my mileage, but kept hitting the wall since I had no reason to increase it. Then I realized the whole reason I got burntout in the first place. I cannot run if I do not have a goal to reach. So right then and there I set a goal to run the Texas Half in Irving, Texas on February 2, 2014, just 4 days before my 25th birthday. What a better way to celebrate a milestone than rewarding your body and showing it that you still have the drive and staminance?

The morning of the race it was in the high 20's, extremely windy and a chance of snow. I was probably the only one there that was excited about the "great" weather. I love nothing more than a cold run! I did not train as hard for this and did not use a watch while training or racing, but still came within my goal of 2:20...I actually got exactly on it! Mission accomplished, but it seemed too easy. It was very fun, which I enjoyed, but if I can run 13.1 miles with a smile on my face, it wasn't challenging enough. What race could be next that would push my limits? I already had the M-word in my head since early January, but I was afraid to commit and finding the perfect one was a challenge.

Around March 2014 I completely settled on my next goal - the mother of all races: my first Marathon. I would run the 2014 Las Vegas Rock n' Roll Marathon at night. Go big or go home! So here I was, 5 years later and signing up with the same, reliable running group - We Run San Antonio.

Everything started well and I found myself in familiar routines and meet ups, however as the time went on, the South Texas sun grew hotter. Our weekly speed training at a local high school track became torture. I couldn't breathe in the humidity, I was drenched in sweat and the elite five-minute milers inspired me but also made me feel that much slower. My coach, Edgar has always been great at pushing each individual to their limits, while understanding the conditions. The most important thing he has said to me this time around has been that "if you train in extreme elements such as the heat, it will only be easier when you compete in your big race" which made complete sense. I guess I will see come November.


It is July now, and not even the heat of the summer, but it sure feels like it. Some days I long to be in the Southern Hemisphere where they are enjoying their winters while we suffer our long, sidewalk-cracking summers. I still continue to push on. While I am now taking my runs indoors to a treadmill in the evenings, or tackling them before the morning light to save myself from heat stroke, I haven't given up. There are MANY days where I question why I ever thought 26.2 had an element of fun to it and that I could accomplish this. I want to throw in the towel and give up, but I remind myself that it is possible if I stick to my training. I had come this far with running, and I definitely want to cross one crazier thing off my bucket list while I am still young. Plus, the race, hotel and flight to Vegas are all paid for so what would the use be of only using the hotel and flight while watching others compete in what I really wanted to?


While the mental and physical challenges of a marathon aren't even fathomable to me yet, I know I will learn more from veteran runners around me and the books I have been reading. Those challenges are one thing, (not to mention finishing the marathon in five hours or less - the cut-off time is 1 hour sooner than most marathons), I will be faced with the concept of taking it easy for the initial 24 hours leading up to the race in Las Vegas. No heavy drinking, keeping off my feet and remaining relaxed, etc. All of those are a major challenges aside from the marathon itself. But I am strong. I will make it and I will finish in less than five hours. I can do this. I don't have to do it 10 times, I just have to complete this one goal so I can prove to myself that I am stronger than I ever thought imaginable. If I decide that marathons are in fact something fun that I want to continue, then so be it.


After this goal is completed, the next step is to pick another goal - big or small. Eventually I would like to run the Boston Marathon...maybe when I am more seasoned in life, but I do not know. Only time will tell.