Yesterday I completed my goal of running my 6th marathon! I want to say a BIG thank you to everyone that came out and supported me...you rock! I officially finished in 4:58.52...I was getting very close to that 5 hour mark, so my last mile was an all out "sprint" (relatively speaking of course...I mean, how fast do you really think I can go after I just ran 25 miles????)
Now 5 hours gives you a lot of time to think...and a lot of time to observe those around you. So I would like to present my "Marathon Superlatives" list for the 2012 Columbus Marathon. Drum roll, please....
Best Costume by a Runner: the guy wearing a fluffy, yellow feathered hat that had several kids identify him as Big Bird. His response, "I'M NOT BIG BIRD, OKAY?!?!?!"
Worst Costume by a Runner: the guy dressed up as Super Mario. Hey, the costume was cool. But maybe he should have put a little thought into how running 26 miles in denim overalls was going to feel.
Worst Costume by a Group of Spectators: the 6 or 7 ladies in their late 30s that were dressed up as 'sexy' super heroes. I think there was more spandex used for their costumes than was used for the entire wardrobe of the 15,000+ runners. Think about that.
Best Idea...in Therory: running through the Horseshoe. Yes, it was cool. But at 17.5 miles, my legs did not appreciate running down the steep ramp into the stadium, then promptly running back up the steep ramp out of the stadium. In the words of the lady next to me, "Maybe this should have been in the first couple of miles." Ya think???
Worst Idea...in Theory and in Practice: having no water available at the finish. Me asking for a cup of water should not a special request when I just finished a marathon. Enough said.
Best Spectator Sign: "If it were easy, they'd call it math." Not sure exactly what it means, but I like it :)
Worst Spectator Sign: Any of the signs that ended with "that's what she said." Ew.
Best Spectators: The Nationwide Children's Hospital Patient Champions. This year, Nationwide Children's Hospital dedicated each mile of the race to a child who is suffering from an illness. These children were each at 'their' mile marker, cheering and encouraging the runners with huge smiles on their faces. Even the kids at the later miles, who had been there for several hours by the time I passed them, were still going strong! If you want to read about these incredible children that were literally choking me up while I was running, please visit: http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/marathon-miracle-mile-patients
Worst Spectator: Governor Kasich, who once again did not show up. Come on man...Gov. Taft skipped golfing one Sunday a year to cheer, and even Gov. Strickland was always out there with his $3500 leather jacket and matching driving gloves on! I voted for you, and yet you let me down time and time again. Sigh.
Person I Most Wanted to Punch in the Face: the guy who, as the wheelchair racers were passing going the other way, commented: "That is such a huge advantage. Give me those wheels for a couple of miles!!" Um, sir? Please think about what you just said...and then I'm going to slap you.
Person I Most Wanted to Not Run With: my temporary friend at mile 6 (an older woman who initially seemed innocent enough) who struck up a conversation to tell me about how she has "relieved" her bathroom needs on so many trees across Ohio that if the FBI's bloodhounds had to track her they would get lost. It was at this point I decided that maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to pick up the pace a bit.
Person I Most Wanted to be Friends With: the girl who's running partner at mile 20 was going, "You can do this! You don't need to walk! Insert other inspirational quotes here!" Because it was a friend and not a significant other, I suspect that she kept her mouth shut. But I think I know what was going on inside her head...
Person I Most Wish I Knew Who They Were: the girl that was screaming, "Go Kelsey...go Kelsey Paulus!" at the point where the half marathoners are turning to finish and the full marathoners are going straight. I tried to look...but there were too many people! Whomever you are, thanks! Not only for the words of encouragement, but for distracting my brain for a mile or so while I wondered just exactly who would recognize me amongst throngs of people, and yet not know that I am married. Hmmm....
Biggest Disappointment: no Krispy Kremes at the finish. Somehow, double fisting the two organic granola bars they handed out in our "food bags" just wasn't the same.
And so, another marathon is in the books! So what should be my next running adventure? Pre-baby I wanted to run a 50 miler...I was even signed up for it. But the training takes up so much time; time that I would rather be spending with my little mister. So what now? Speed training to see how fast I can run a 5K? A half-marathon? Sitting on my couch eating a pint of ice cream? And for that matter, what should I do with this blog?? I like writing, and at the very least my mom is enjoying reading it. (At least that's what she says, but really, what is she going to say? She is my mom, after all.) So I will ponder all of that and let you know in the next entry. Suggestions would be welcome. :)
But to sum up this marathon, I am going to claim victory. No, I didn't cross the finish line first...and no, it wasn't even close to a PR. But I made time to run during this hectic thing we call life, and for me that is a success. There is a quote that states "If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon." I will take an experience over a win any day, which is probably why I'll be out there again in the future. Searching for just one more experience, 26.2 miles at a time...
Monday, October 22, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
American History K
As I prepare for Sunday's race, I also prepare to write the next chapter
in my personal book of running. This book began when I was very small
and I would cheer for my father at his races; like the one in the picture in my last post (which according to him is copyrighted and I will be hearing from his lawyer any day now.)
Now my father, unlike me, is a very good runner. He is very committed to running and doing it well. Growing up watching this, I'm sure there was a part of me that thought, "I want to be just like my dad...and win all these trophies and run in the Boston Marathon and be totally awesome!!!" And so, I started running.
There is some family discrepancy as to what my first race was...my parents claim that it was in Michigan and I ran it with my brother (probably true, but I don't remember it at all) and I claim it was a 5K in Worthington (that I do remember...well, at least I remember which pair of Umbro shorts I wore to it!) Either way, I was about 8 years old and I am sure I did not set a land-speed record. Regardless, I thought I was well on my way to fame and fortune...making the first few chapters of my book nothing but childish dreams of glory.
I grew up a bit and started running cross country and track, where I continued to not set land-speed records. I enjoyed myself, and I got a taste or two of success...but mostly because I was an average runner on an above average team. My running book was more style than substance at this point...a meandering story searching for a plot.
Then, my dad ran his first ultra-marathon. He didn't make the entire 100 miles...but he came pretty close. While my mom and I crewed for him during the race, I saw just how accomplished these runners were...and none of them were setting land-speed records! Watching this, I'm sure I thought, "I want to be just like my dad...and lose a toenail and be so sore that I can't sit down and be totally awesome!!!" And I realized something about my running story: so what if I will never set a land-speed record?? And maybe I never will qualify for Boston. But that doesn't mean I can't be the heroine of my own story, does it???
And so, this story line has dominated the last 12 or so years of my running book, and it will be the stratagem I will use to get me through the race on Sunday. So, what will be the plot of this chapter? Will it be the race to which I will hold up all other races? Will it be a colossal failure during which I will deeply regret skipping most of my mid-distance training runs? Only time will tell, but either way I fully intend on being the heroine crossing that finish line. It is MY story, after all...
Now my father, unlike me, is a very good runner. He is very committed to running and doing it well. Growing up watching this, I'm sure there was a part of me that thought, "I want to be just like my dad...and win all these trophies and run in the Boston Marathon and be totally awesome!!!" And so, I started running.
There is some family discrepancy as to what my first race was...my parents claim that it was in Michigan and I ran it with my brother (probably true, but I don't remember it at all) and I claim it was a 5K in Worthington (that I do remember...well, at least I remember which pair of Umbro shorts I wore to it!) Either way, I was about 8 years old and I am sure I did not set a land-speed record. Regardless, I thought I was well on my way to fame and fortune...making the first few chapters of my book nothing but childish dreams of glory.
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| See 'my' trophy?? That's right, I'm awesome!! ;) |
Then, my dad ran his first ultra-marathon. He didn't make the entire 100 miles...but he came pretty close. While my mom and I crewed for him during the race, I saw just how accomplished these runners were...and none of them were setting land-speed records! Watching this, I'm sure I thought, "I want to be just like my dad...and lose a toenail and be so sore that I can't sit down and be totally awesome!!!" And I realized something about my running story: so what if I will never set a land-speed record?? And maybe I never will qualify for Boston. But that doesn't mean I can't be the heroine of my own story, does it???
And so, this story line has dominated the last 12 or so years of my running book, and it will be the stratagem I will use to get me through the race on Sunday. So, what will be the plot of this chapter? Will it be the race to which I will hold up all other races? Will it be a colossal failure during which I will deeply regret skipping most of my mid-distance training runs? Only time will tell, but either way I fully intend on being the heroine crossing that finish line. It is MY story, after all...
Monday, October 8, 2012
Toga! Toga!
During a recent rambling conversation with my running buddy Lisa, she mentioned that she feels runners have a secret club that bonds them together. She also mentioned that she doesn't feel included in this club because she came late to the party (ie: started running as an adult). Of course, I insisted this isn't true at all...runners are awesome and open-minded and accepting of anyone. Right??
Hmmmm, maybe. But as I continued to chew on this tidbit long after our run together ended, I decided that she is more right than I would like to admit. Runners do have some sort of inner community that bonds them together. Similar to a fraternity; kinda like Kappa Kappa Runsalot. I can see it now...
To be considered for membership in KKR, you must have completed a 5K. Now, please be aware that finishing a 5K in no way means that you will be selected. See, here at KKR, we feel running a 5K is easy. Something you do before breakfast, in fact. And if you wore the race t-shirt to the race, you are most definitely OUT.
Once you have completed the 5K benchmark, we will evaluate your daily runs. Please don't feel any pressure, but if you are wearing winter clothes for a run in 40° weather, you can go ahead and head home. And make sure you get plenty of distance when blowing snot rockets, as each little bit will be noted and scored appropriately!
Now that recruitment is over and the pledges have been chosen, we need to explain our hierarchical ranking system. Of course, our senior members are a select few hard-core ultra runners. They include those that have lost toenails, peed in the woods, bled from the nipples, and otherwise given it all in pursuit of the finish. They have 1% or less body fat and their resting heart rate is 12 beats per minute. Please treat them with reverence: let them go first through the buffet line (although that inevitably means there will be nothing left for you) and don't say things like "why would you want to run that far?" Because if you have to ask, you'll never understand.
Next comes our junior members. They are social and probably won't mind if you join them for a run...but keep in mind that no matter how easy they make it look, you likely will not be able to finish. After all, they have been running for years and have become quite the experts. No, no, they don't need GPS, silly; just give them a Timex and they'll know exactly how far they've gone. They know how many ounces they need to drink during a run and the optimal stride to propel themselves up a long incline. They know what words like 'fartlek' mean and think running with music makes you weak. And please don't call their hydration belts fanny packs...it just makes them irritated.
KKR's sophomore class is our most competitive class to date. Yes, they have finished lots of races...and they don't mind telling you all about it. I mean, have YOU finished a 10K in Arizona in the middle of August with no water while wearing a black shirt and fighting off a rattlesnake???? They didn't think so. Oh, and they PRed, by the way. But since their shoes melted, they bought this really expensive pair that they would love to show you. They have matching clothes and every running accessory known to man (salt tablets? check. runner's lube? check. sweat wicking underwear? check.) Prefontaine is their hero and Oregon, their Mecca. They love to run intervals and to go really, really fast. But don't let them intimidate you, after all, the farthest they've ever run is 7 miles.
So that leaves us with you: the pledges. Only time will tell what kind of runners you will be, and trust us, we will be watching closely. What about me, you ask? Well, let's just say that I'm only here because I am a runner's legacy, and there's nothing we love more at KKR than a good bit of nepotism...
Hmmmm, maybe. But as I continued to chew on this tidbit long after our run together ended, I decided that she is more right than I would like to admit. Runners do have some sort of inner community that bonds them together. Similar to a fraternity; kinda like Kappa Kappa Runsalot. I can see it now...
To be considered for membership in KKR, you must have completed a 5K. Now, please be aware that finishing a 5K in no way means that you will be selected. See, here at KKR, we feel running a 5K is easy. Something you do before breakfast, in fact. And if you wore the race t-shirt to the race, you are most definitely OUT.
Once you have completed the 5K benchmark, we will evaluate your daily runs. Please don't feel any pressure, but if you are wearing winter clothes for a run in 40° weather, you can go ahead and head home. And make sure you get plenty of distance when blowing snot rockets, as each little bit will be noted and scored appropriately!
Now that recruitment is over and the pledges have been chosen, we need to explain our hierarchical ranking system. Of course, our senior members are a select few hard-core ultra runners. They include those that have lost toenails, peed in the woods, bled from the nipples, and otherwise given it all in pursuit of the finish. They have 1% or less body fat and their resting heart rate is 12 beats per minute. Please treat them with reverence: let them go first through the buffet line (although that inevitably means there will be nothing left for you) and don't say things like "why would you want to run that far?" Because if you have to ask, you'll never understand.
Next comes our junior members. They are social and probably won't mind if you join them for a run...but keep in mind that no matter how easy they make it look, you likely will not be able to finish. After all, they have been running for years and have become quite the experts. No, no, they don't need GPS, silly; just give them a Timex and they'll know exactly how far they've gone. They know how many ounces they need to drink during a run and the optimal stride to propel themselves up a long incline. They know what words like 'fartlek' mean and think running with music makes you weak. And please don't call their hydration belts fanny packs...it just makes them irritated.
KKR's sophomore class is our most competitive class to date. Yes, they have finished lots of races...and they don't mind telling you all about it. I mean, have YOU finished a 10K in Arizona in the middle of August with no water while wearing a black shirt and fighting off a rattlesnake???? They didn't think so. Oh, and they PRed, by the way. But since their shoes melted, they bought this really expensive pair that they would love to show you. They have matching clothes and every running accessory known to man (salt tablets? check. runner's lube? check. sweat wicking underwear? check.) Prefontaine is their hero and Oregon, their Mecca. They love to run intervals and to go really, really fast. But don't let them intimidate you, after all, the farthest they've ever run is 7 miles.
So that leaves us with you: the pledges. Only time will tell what kind of runners you will be, and trust us, we will be watching closely. What about me, you ask? Well, let's just say that I'm only here because I am a runner's legacy, and there's nothing we love more at KKR than a good bit of nepotism...
 |
| A founding member of KKR, who also happens to be my father. Pay no attention to the creepy park ranger in the background. |
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