Heartbreak

I have been at a loss of words for a better part of the day.

Initially it was amazement of the elite runners. Women and Men alike. It takes training, not only physical but mental, to run 26.2 miles like those runners run. I was in awe watching them run like I feel is a sprint for me. And they did that for 2+ hours non-stop.

And then around 3pm, I was at a loss of words as to what I was hearing. Explosion. And it wasn't the kind of running explosion. It was a blast. Bomb. At the finish line. I saw the images. I saw the smoke. I felt fear. What was going on? What was happening? Why would this happen?

My thoughts turned to all those still running. Some were to finish around 5-6pm. Some were crossing, or nearing the finish line when those blasts hit. My thoughts turned to those that were right there. Are they injured? Is anyone hurt?

My heart breaks. These are my friends, if only by default and spirit. My friends were running that marathon today. Some who worked so hard to qualify. Some who were running for a great charity. Some who were running because they love running. These runners, my friends, are amazing. My heart breaks for each and every one of them.

I have a half in 18 days and counting. I got my post card confirmation in the mail for this race, today. Today of all days. I will remember that as I run those 13.1 miles.

My stepmom, Deb, would have been there today. She was injured last year and couldn't qualify. She would have been finishing about that time. My dad would have been there as well cheering her on right at the finish line. Today could have been so drastically different for me.

So tonight I ran. I walked. I cherished my running friends. I embraced what all those people in Boston did today and it ended so tragically for many of them. And I hope whoever did this realizes they better RUN FOR THEIR LIVES!

So hug your runner. Hug yourself. Hug your family. Here's my ((( hug ))) to you.

Run. Strong. Pray.
-t-

Scioto Miles Spring Training Series!

Columbus, Ohio. Shoes. 2 races. Pick your distances: 5k, 10k, 15k. 2 shirts. Throw in 2 medals AFTER I sign up...EVEN BETTER! Make these races align with my half training, I'm there!

Race 1: 10k (6.2 miles, 5k loop). March 24th. Should have been warmer. It was spring after all. But no. 35 degrees. Cold. Really cold. Biggest snow storm of the season on its way. Awesome.

Half way thru we take a picture and post to FB!

Kelly, Deanna, and I start out together. All doing the same distance. Deanna and I are "in-training". Kelly is along for the ride, and shoes! She is actually running in them. I don't. First loop (5k) great. Pace is okay considering the weather. Ick. Cold. Windy. Cold. Did I mention cold?! Second loop gets fun! About a mile in, the 1:25 15k pace team comes flying by...Kelly gets excited and starts, or tries, to run with them. HYSTERICAL! I shout out "oh good! About time you guys catch up!" They all (5 nice looking men) look back and laugh and cheer us on! Kelly, well, she had to stop and "cross her legs" to no avail. That was the highlight of that race. I really can't say much more about it. It was so darn funny! And when we cross the line, the guy passing out the medals tries to hand it to me! The nerve! You will put it on me. And he laughed and did. Love Fleet Feet volunteers! And snow storm it did! But only after we got back home!

 

Yep, made the dude put my medal on me!

  

Kelly, me (w/banana in mouth), Deanna!

 



Yep, another halfway pic!



Race 2: 15k (9.3 miles, 3 5k loops). April 7. B-E-A-UTIFUL weather! 56 degrees at race start. Now this is weather I can run in! A little windy as Kelly said. And it was. At times. But it was windy at the right time. When I needed a minute to walk...Or when a hill was in front of me... Or at a water break where I walk thru them anyway (thank you training planner cult lady)... Or when I got really hot and needed the wind to cool me off... Or push me. I didn't mind the wind. It was perfect. And I'm sure Kelly would say the same thing now too. First loop was good, kinda. It's getting all adjusted again and dodging people. Kelly and I decide to try and stay with the 2:05 pace group. But there's a chatty Cathy and she is driving me crazy. Even with headphones. We don't stick with them. We try and keep them comfortably behind us. After the first loop, yep, gotta stop at the port-a-friend. I thought I had done everything better. Bland food. No spicy. Simple, easily digestible breakfast. But no. Colon thought otherwise. Damn UC. Kelly proceeds onto the water stop just across the start/finish line. I do my business and proceed to meet her. And we go. Is this where she pushed me up the hill? Or was that the 3rd loop. Oh regardless. We keep going. Trying to get in the groove. Finishing up the 2nd loop, Deanna passes us. She cheers us on and we go forth. I'm really doubting myself. I think I may have even given the emcee a dirty look as I crossed the start/finish line into the third and final loop. I heard him laugh though so no feelings hurt! By this time Kelly is staying in front of me...pretty far in front too. I keep running. She turns around and slows down and even walks until I catch up and the moment I catch up she takes of again. She's so funny. So with about a mile and half left she looks at me and says "do you mind if I take off if Deanna meets us on the path?" I smile, shake my head and tell her "I have 2, 4 word sentences when we are done!" She thinks I'm mad. When I'm fact I am farthest thing from my. But I can't tell her yet. Because what I have to tell her is driving my run. It is pushing me to finish. And Katy Perry "Wide Awake".  

Not the most flattering pic! But we are SMILING!

But Kelly is staying with me. We get to the top of the hill... The finish line is in sight...we loop arms....start running a little faster....almost there, then I let go and take off. Leaving. Kelly. In. My. Dust. We cross the line and I turn to her and say "2 sentences. 1. I'm proud of you! 2. I told you so!" See, Kelly hasn't ran since the last race 2 weeks ago. The weather was bad and then she got sick. So she started this race with a lot of doubt. She knew she could do it but she was okay with walking it too. But she ran and she ran hard and fast and strong.



So much fun!



So that's the recap. A little long. The races were great. Very organized. Very supportive. Worth every dime. I would definitely participate in this series again. If only for the loot...

TECH SHIRTS! One for EACH RACE!

SHOES!!!! Retail at $119.00!  Brooks Pure Cadence 2

MEDALS! One for EACH RACE!!! And they are heavy!

They have a fall one, ya know.

Wanna do it Kelly??

Run. Strong.

-t-