To run or not to run...

Some of you didn't think I could do it...some of you being my friend Jen.

After every marathon, I usually take the first week off and do absolutely nothing. Now, this takes no convincing. I am fully happy to do ZERO physical activity for a week. Usually, by week two, I'm ready to go for a few short runs and maybe a step class at the gym. Before you know it, I'm back into my routine.

THIS time, I made an off hand remark to Jen that I'd be taking two FULL weeks off after the marathon. She replied, "Yah right, that'll never happen. I'll bet you $20." The nerve!!! To be honest, she had reason to feel she'd get that $20, based on my history.

Week 1: I did nothing in the way of exercise and it was glorious! I came home after a hard day of work and sat down on the couch. It was quite incredible, actually! I had this thing that I wasn't sure what to do with, what was it? Oh yah, TIME!

I didn't pack a gym bag and lug it (along with my laptop and lunch) to my car. I didn't drive somewhere to change before running on the trail. Let's face it...I just didn't DO anything.

Week 2: By now, of course I'm not at all sore and could easily go on a run or do something! And, the weather was pretty much PERFECT for running. I'd catch myself saying, "Today would be a good day for a run." Ten minutes later, I'm in my house, sitting on the couch enjoying Oreos.

So, week 2 came and went with NO WORKOUT. Did you catch that, Jen? NO WORKOUT! I'll collect my $20 when I come to visit you in November.

As I was driving home last night, I was really hoping to go for a run today. I called my friend Carrie and we made a running date for this morning. My hope was that we could just go for a short one, maybe 4-5 miles, and catch up.

Well, we tend to be Chatty Cathys on our runs, so before I knew it, we'd almost gone out 3 miles. We ended up running a great 6 miler. My legs felt great and it was SO nice to run with Carrie!

While I'm not planning on a Spring marathon, I am glad to be back in the swing!

I've always had fears about taking more than a week off from running/exercise (regardless if it's after a marathon or anything). Here is what I learned:

1) I will not blow up and gain 35 pounds in the 2 weeks I'm not working out.
(this is my biggest fear!)

2) I actually DO eat less when I'm not running 35-40 miles per week. I've always thought of myself as a really good eater (meaning I can eat a lot), but the appetite isn't as insane when the activity level is NIL.

3) It is OK to take a break and let yourself ENJOY relaxing a little. You've earned it! I don't feel the least bit guilty for taking a longer break. And...I dare say I'll be better off for it in the future.

I am absolutely positive that I will have some great runs this week, as they will all be in Central Park in NYC! I'm headed there for vacation on Wednesday and can't wait to enjoy that beautiful park and city!

Twin Cities Marathon

Marathon #6 is complete! While I didn't break 4 hours, I can honestly say I felt great about the race and the whole weekend.

My friend Jen was kind enough to host me for the weekend. I hadn't seen her for a while, so it was great to see her house and hang out. We ventured to the Mall of America (my request) and it was insane. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I was there, but it is ridiculous. The crowds are unreal, there is a wait for a dressing room or cash register at every dang store!

After a little shopping, it was time to pick up my race packet. We spent a little time at the expo before heading to Macaroni Grill for a tasty pre-race meal.

I was up at 4:39am on race day. This was not by choice...apparently my bladder was super pumped! I laid in bed until 5am and then I got moving. I got dressed, ate some cereal, got my GUs poured into my flask, and packed up my bag. Jen snapped this super flattering pic of me before we left the house.

Jen dropped me at the hotel, where I met Carrie, Denton, Nyna, and Jess. We quickly loaded onto the bus, headed for Minneapolis.

The weather was PERFECT! I'd say it was in the upper 40's to lower 50's all morning. While that was chilly to stand in, it was the best to run in. I love it!

The five of us hung out for a while and then did a warm-up jog. After that, it was time to get into the chute. Now, in 2007, I made the mistake of waiting too long to get in the chute. I ended up starting with the 5:30 marathoners. This race has over 11,000 runners, so it's really not fun to start that far back and fight your way forward. THIS time, I immediately lined up with the 3:50 pace group. My goal was to start with them and try to stay in between them and the 4:00 pace group.

The race started - it was GO time! I felt ready to go and had a great mental attitude. The first few miles were spent getting through the crowds and trying to stay near the 3:50 group. For me, this race is so packed that I don't feel like I'm NOT crowded until around mile 10. I had no trouble running with the 3:50 group and I was feeling good.

Many of you may remember that I had some back issues at mile 6 of my last marathon (Illinois). So, when I reached mile 10, still feeling good, I was excited! Around mile 11, I lost the 3:50 group at a water stop. I usually walk through the water stops so I make sure to actually drink the water/Powerade they are providing. I looked up and the balloons for 3:50 were long gone. Where'd they go?

While I was still feeling good, I didn't feel a sprint to catch up to them would be wise. I decided to keep going on my own. We had been running 8:35s and I was now running 8:45s. I knew I was well ahead of the 4:00 group, so I just focused on moving forward.

Jen told me she'd be at mile 15, so that kept me motivated past the halfway point. To be honest, I was tempted to walk around mile 15, but the thought of Jen seeing me walk...I couldn't take it! I didn't see her and was feeling a little disappointed, when, I just happened to turn back and see her. I yelled, "Jen!" and she yelled, "Mariah!" That was that. She biked up another mile and spotted me again, which gave me another boost.

I continued on, still feeling pretty good. At this point, my back pain was creeping in. Many of you know that I tend to have conversations with my body. Here's how this one went.

My back: "Seriously, this hurts, can we stop now?"
Me: "Um, no. You really ticked me off at the last marathon. Payback sucks!"
My back: "But at least the pain didn't kick in at mile 6 this time?"
Me: "Yah, really, that's not helping your case. Our goal is to have a good race today and for me to enjoy it. So get on board!"

After that, while my back was a little achy, it was nothing I couldn't handle (unlike Illinois).

Around mile 19, the mental toughness was fading. I had slowed to 9:10s or slower at that point, but was still feeling alright. My left hip was aching and my right quad was throbbing. Given that combination, I'm sure my stride looked fabulous. So, yes, I walked a few minutes. But, usually, when I walk, I'll walk more than a few minutes, then run again. This time, I told myself I could walk 2 minutes and then I'd have to pick it back up.

I still hadn't seen the 4:00 group, so I was optimistic. I hit the 20 mile mark at 3:02:34, so, in theory, I may have still been able to break 4:00. But, it would have been tight. Honestly, I was enjoying the race and the day so much, that nothing could have disappointed me. I knew at that point that even if I didn't break 4:00, I wasn't going to have the crap races I'd had in Des Moines and Illinois.

I continued onward, letting myself walk a bit every few miles. Yes, I know, had I not walked, maybe my time would have been a few minutes faster or I might have broken 4:00. But, if you've run a marathon, you know how hard those last 6.2 miles can be.

As I came into the final stretch, I knew I was just about to complete my 6th marathon in a little over 3 years. I saw/heard Jen on my right and smiled into the finish! My time: 4:08:39, just a few minutes slower than my previous PR of 4:05:47.

I had a horrible experience at the Twin Cities Marathon in 2007 (a bit hot), so I'm thrilled that I came back and ran it again and had a wonderful experience in 2009. The course was beautiful and the spectators were UNBELIEVABLE! Honestly, you could barely take a step without seeing throngs of people cheering you on. Their support was HUGE!

One of the other positives? My friends Denton & Carrie (hubby & wife) and I started marathoning in October of 2006, running our first one together in Ashland, WI (Whistlestop). This is the 2nd one I've run with Denton and the 3rd with Carrie. Our training has been a blessing to our friendship - I'm so grateful! (They both ran fantastic races, too!)

Here are some more pics from the day:

Here I am in the final stretch, almost there!

One final wave!

Carrie & I after the race - lifetime running buddies!

Carrie, Denton, & Me

My hostess (and photographer), Jen!

I'm looking forward to some well earned time off. I don't have any plans for a Spring marathon, but hope to run some half marathons. My next marathon is the 35th Marine Corps Marathon next Halloween - I can't wait!!!